Japan Travel Guide

Yes and no. Flights and accommodation can be pricey, but day-to-day costs are surprisingly reasonable — convenience store meals from £3, ramen from £5, world-class metro travel from £1.50. Budget travellers spend £50–80/day; mid-range £100–180; luxury £250+.

10–14 days is the sweet spot for a first trip. 7 days only covers Tokyo and Kyoto; 21 days lets you add Hokkaido, the Japanese Alps or southern islands at a comfortable pace.

Extremely. Japan is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. Solo travel — including for women — is very common and public transport is safe even late at night.

Yes. While cards are increasingly accepted in cities, many small restaurants, shrines, and rural businesses are still cash-only. Use 7-Eleven ATMs — they accept foreign cards and are everywhere.

Yes. Signs in major cities and on transport are bilingual, and Google Translate's camera mode reads menus instantly. Learning a few basic phrases (sumimasen, arigato gozaimasu) is appreciated.

Late March to early May for cherry blossoms, and late October to November for autumn foliage. Both are stunning — and both are peak season, so book early.

Only if you're covering long distances. Price your specific route first. A Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima return often justifies the 7-day pass; a slow trip mainly in one region usually doesn't.

No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can even cause confusion. Excellent service is the standard, not something to reward separately.

Most Western nationalities (UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia) get 90 days visa-free on arrival. Always check current rules before flying.

The Golden Route: Tokyo (4–5 nights) → Hakone (1 night) → Kyoto (3–4 nights) → Nara (day trip) → Osaka (2 nights). Add Hiroshima & Miyajima if you have 14 days.

Yes — it's one of the most family-friendly destinations in Asia. Safe, clean, easy transport, fantastic food and tons of activities from theme parks to deer parks.

Late March to early April in Tokyo and Kyoto. Sakura moves north, reaching Hokkaido in early May. Forecasts are published from January — book accommodation early.

Yes — small earthquakes are common. Japan has world-leading building codes and emergency systems. Download the NHK World or Yurekuru Call app for alerts.

Type A (the same flat two-pin as North America), 100V. UK and EU travellers will need an adapter; most modern electronics handle the voltage.

Yes — buy an Airalo eSIM or rent a pocket WiFi at the airport. Roaming is usually expensive.

Excellent in cities. Hotels, cafés and trains often have free WiFi. For constant coverage, an eSIM or pocket WiFi is the easiest option.

Sushi, ramen, tempura, tonkatsu, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakitori, soba, udon, kaiseki and wagyu beef. Convenience store onigiri is a daily highlight.

Yes — Japan's tap water is clean and safe to drink everywhere.

Yes, though it's pricier than Southeast Asia. Capsule hotels, hostels, convenience store meals and the JR pass keep daily costs around £50–80.

Yes. Healthcare is excellent but expensive without insurance. Make sure your policy covers skiing if you plan to hit Hokkaido or Nagano slopes.

Narita Express, Skyliner or Limousine Bus from Narita; Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line from Haneda. All are cheap, fast and easy to use.

Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk a lot), layers for variable weather, modest clothing for temples, a portable charger and a small day bag.

Tokyo and Osaka have vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes (especially Shinjuku Ni-chome). Same-sex marriage isn't recognised nationally, but travel is comfortable and discrimination is rare.

Both — they're completely different. Tokyo is modern, neon and endless; Kyoto is traditional, calm and beautiful. A first trip should include each.

Remove shoes when entering homes and many restaurants. Don't tip. Keep quiet on trains. Don't eat while walking. Bow as a greeting. Carry your rubbish until you find a bin.