Japan

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Why Japan?

Japan offers a perfect blend of futuristic cities like Tokyo and historic sites like the temples of Kyoto. Discover its unique culture, world-famous cuisine, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the warmth of its people. A must-visit destination for every traveler!

Essential Tips Before Booking Your Trip

Duration

The ideal trip length depends on your interests and available time. Here are three options to help you plan your Japan itinerary:

Short Trip (7-10 days): Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara
Medium Trip (10-14 days): Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Takayama, Miyajima, Kamakura
Long Trip (15+ days): Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kyushu, Hokkaido

Accomodation

Tokyo

Budget-Friendly:
- Asakusa: Traditional stay near Senso-ji Temple for a cultural experience.
- Ueno: Affordable hostels and guesthouses with good transport links.
Mid-Range:
- Shinjuku: Vibrant area with nightlife and excellent transportation.
- Shibuya: Trendy district with shops, restaurants, and youthful energy.
Luxury:
- Ginza: Ideal for luxury shopping and upscale hotels.

Kyoto

Budget-Friendly:
- Kyoto Station Area: Some budget options near the station, close to transportation.
- Higashiyama: Affordable hostels and guesthouses near traditional attractions.
Mid-Range:
- Gion: Historic area with tea houses and geishas.
- Arashiyama: Stay near the famous bamboo forest for scenic beauty.
Luxury:
- Kyoto Station: Modern hotels with convenient transport links.

Osaka

Budget-Friendly:
- Shin-Imamiya: Known for the cheapest hostels and capsule hotels.
- Tennoji: Budget options in this lively area.
Mid-Range:
- Namba: Central area near Dotonbori, famous for street food.
- Umeda: Major shopping district with skyscrapers and transport links.
Luxury:
- Umeda: High-end shopping and luxury hotels.

Hiroshima

Budget-Friendly:
- Hiroshima Station Area: Cheaper hotels and hostels with convenient access to transportation.
Mid-Range:
- City Center: Close to Peace Memorial Park and major attractions.
Luxury:
- Miyajima: A picturesque island with temples, deer, and traditional ryokan.

Takayama

Budget-Friendly:
- Sanmachi Suji District: Traditional area with affordable guesthouses and local dining options.
Mid-Range:
- Hida Takayama Onsen Area: Hot spring ryokan and comfortable hotels offering good value.
Luxury:
- Takayama City Center / Gassho-zukuri Villages: High-end ryokan and boutique hotels with scenic views and top-tier service.

Transportation

Japan has a well-connected and efficient public transport system, making it easy to explore the country without a car.

Trains

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass): Ideal for traveling between cities, covering Shinkansen and local trains. It can be cost-effective for long-distance travel, but check if it's worth it based on the number of trips you'll take.
Shinkansen: High-speed trains, fast and punctual. Booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons.
Local Trains & Subways: Clean, efficient, and easy to navigate.

Taxis

Reliable but expensive.
Recommended apps: JapanTaxi and Uber.

Useful Apps

Google Maps: Essential for public transport schedules and directions.
IC Cards: Suica / Pasmo cards are rechargeable and work for trains, subways, buses, and even convenience store purchases.

Getting to Airports

Trains are the fastest and most convenient.

Choose the perfect time and make your trip unforgettable!

Winter (December - February)

Climate and Atmosphere: Cold with abundant snow in many regions, ideal for winter sports and relaxing in onsen (hot springs) after skiing.
Main Events:
1. New Year (Shogatsu) (January 1): Celebrations at temples with traditional rituals and dishes, offering a deep insight into Japanese culture.

Spring (March - May)

Climate and Atmosphere: Mild and pleasant, perfect for outdoor walks. Cherry blossoms (sakura) create beautiful, fairy-tale-like scenes in parks and streets.
Main Events:
1. Hanami (March-April): The iconic cherry blossom viewing season in parks in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
2. Hinamatsuri (March 3): The Doll Festival, featuring traditional dolls and special dishes.
3. Golden Week (Late April - Early May): A major holiday period with cultural events and festive atmosphere—book in advance due to high tourist numbers.

Summer (June - August)

Climate and Atmosphere: Hot and humid, perfect for those who enjoy summer weather. Explore the Japanese Alps for cooler temperatures and outdoor activities.
Main Events:
1. Tsuyu (梅雨) (June - Mid-July): Rainy season, creating lush, green landscapes. Wear waterproof clothing and keep plans flexible.
2. Sumida Fireworks (July, Tokyo): A spectacular fireworks display along the Sumida River.
3. Gion Matsuri (July, Kyoto): A famous festival with impressive floats and ancient traditions.
4. Tanabata (July 7): A celebration of the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, with wishes written on paper strips tied to bamboo.
5. Obon (Mid-August): A festival to honor ancestors, featuring traditional dances and floating lights in rivers.

Autumn (September - November)

Climate and Atmosphere: Mild and pleasant, avoiding summer heat. Autumn foliage provides breathtaking views with vibrant warm tones, perfect for photography and scenic walks.
Main Events:
1. Shichi-Go-San (November 15): A celebration of children aged 3, 5, and 7, with ceremonies and traditional attire.
2. Autumn festivals and cultural events enrich the experience, though it's less crowded than spring.

Food

What to Expect in Cuisine

Breakfast (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): €6-12 (¥800-1600)
Typical dishes: White rice, miso soup, grilled fish, Japanese scrambled eggs, and pickled vegetables.
Lunch (11:30 AM - 2:00 PM): €8-15 (¥1100-2000)
Common options: Bento (a lunchbox with rice, meat or fish, vegetables, and pickles), ramen, udon, or donburi (rice with meat/fish), delicious onigiri from a konbini for quick, tasty, and affordable lunch, and more.
Dinner (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): €12-40 (¥1600-5500)
Popular dishes: Sushi, shabu-shabu, yakitori, tempura, or kaiseki (traditional multi-course meals), tonkatsu and more.
Late-Night Dining (10:00 PM - 2:00 AM): €8-25 (¥1100-3500)
Must-try: Ramen, gyoza (Japanese dumplings), onigiri (rice balls), or takoyaki (octopus balls).

Must-Try Restaurants & Foods

Japan is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, offering a diverse array of flavors and dining experiences that cater to all tastes.
Here are some of the best restaurants we have tried across Japan:

Tokyo:
- Ramen:
  Soushi Menya Musashi
  Ichiran Ramen
- Japanese BBQ:
  Cossott’e SP
- Sushi:
  Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka Store

Kyoto:
- Sushi:
  Sushi no Musashi - Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance
- Gyukatsu:
  Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu - Gion Yasaka
- Gyoza:
  Gyoza-dokoro Sukemasa - Takatsuji
- Nishiki Market:
  Nishiki Market
- Fluffy Pancake:
  A Happy Pancake Kyoto

Nara:
- Mochi:
  Nakatanidou
- Tonkatsu:
  Tonkatsu Ganko Nara

Hiroshima:
- Okonomimura

Osaka:
- Fluffy Cheesecake:
  Rikuro’s Namba Main Branch
- Takoyaki:
  Takoyaki Juhachiban Dotonbori

Insider section - Local Tips by Sai

Hidden gems or unique experiences

Tokyo

Yanaka Ginza – A charming retro neighborhood untouched by time, perfect for slow-paced walks and vintage shops.
Mag’s Park (Shibuya) – A rooftop deck atop Magnet by Shibuya 109 offering amazing sunset views over Tokyo’s skyline.
Tama River (Futako Tamagawa) – A peaceful riverside area loved by locals, ideal for walks, cycling, and weekend picnics.
Okutama – Tokyo’s wild side. It is a beautiful nature getaway on the western edge of Tokyo, perfect for hiking, hot springs, and outdoor activities. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests, it offers scenic trails, stunning waterfalls, and the peaceful Lake Okutama. Despite being part of Tokyo, Okutama feels like a completely different world, making it a great escape from the busy city life.

Osaka

Nakazakicho – A creative district full of indie cafés, vintage shops, and art studios – perfect for discovering Osaka’s artsy side.
Tsuruhashi – A hidden gem known for its Korean-Japanese fusion culture and delicious BBQ.

Kyoto

Ohara – A tranquil rural area with hidden temples like Sanzen-in, surrounded by forests and mountain trails.
Fushimi – Known for sake breweries and local tasting tours, not just the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Zen Meditation Experiences: Looking for inner peace while in Japan? Try a Zen meditation (zazen) session at a traditional temple. Popular in Kyoto and Kamakura, these experiences offer insight into Japanese spirituality and mindfulness – guided by real monks.

Best street food in town

Tokyo

Asakusa – Try fresh melonpan (sweet bun), especially the version with soft serve ice cream — a local favorite.

Osaka

Kuromon Ichiba Market – A top spot for authentic Osaka snacks like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and fresh seafood on the go.

Kyoto

Nishiki Market – Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” it’s the best place to try yatsuhashi, soy-based snacks, and seasonal sweets.

Local authentic neighborhoods

Tokyo

Shimokitazawa – Tokyo’s vintage, boho district filled with record shops, cozy cafés, and live music venues.
Tama River Area (Futako Tamagawa) – A slower-paced area where Tokyoites relax by the river and explore nature paths.

Osaka

Namba – While popular, this neighborhood still offers hidden alleys and izakaya frequented by locals.
Tsuruhashi – A cultural blend of Japan and Korea with deep community roots.

Kyoto

Fushimi – Beyond its shrine, it’s a residential area with authentic vibes and centuries-old sake makers.

Unique local shopping experiences or souvenirs

Tokyo

Kappabashi Street (Kitchen Town) – Find professional-grade knives and traditional kitchenware — great souvenirs for food lovers.

Osaka

Abeno Harukas – Japan’s tallest skyscraper with upscale shopping and sweeping city views.

Kyoto

Nishijin District – Famous for traditional textile production. Shop authentic kimono fabrics and woven goods crafted by artisans.

Local nightlife

Tokyo

Golden Gai (Shinjuku) – Iconic nightlife spot with over 200 tiny themed bars. A unique experience full of character.
Nakano – A favorite among locals for its cozy backstreet izakayas and relaxed drinking culture.
Kichijoji – Trendy yet laid-back, Kichijoji offers jazz bars, standing pubs, and a local crowd in a creative vibe.

Osaka

Ura-Namba – A hidden nightlife hub behind Namba Station, filled with lively izakayas and alley bars that locals love.
Shinsekai – Retro charm and cheap eats make this area a nostalgic favorite for Osaka nights.

Kyoto

Pontocho Alley – A historic riverside alley with traditional bars and lantern-lit restaurants – quiet, atmospheric, and very Kyoto.
Kiyamachi Street – Popular with students and locals, this canal-side area is full of casual bars and late-night spots.

Any additional tips for travelers?

Get a Suica: For easy train and bus travel.
Visit Early or Late: Major attractions are best enjoyed before 9 AM or after 5 PM.
Stay quiet on public transportation — avoid phone calls and keep voices low.
Convenience stores are lifesavers: clean bathrooms, good food, and helpful ATMs 24/7.
Try Zen meditation at temples in Kyoto or Kamakura — guided by monks, it’s a spiritual, calming local experience.
Learn basic greetings in Japanese: even a simple “Arigatou” (thank you) is deeply appreciated.
Considering Hiring a Private Tour Guide: A local guide can make your trip smoother and more memorable by offering flexible itineraries that adapt to your interests and pace. Unlike rigid group tours, private guides can adjust to last-minute changes and special requests, ensuring a stress-free experience that allows you to fully enjoy Japan without feeling rushed or exhausted.

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