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Travel guide to Japan

HIROSAKI CASTLE, JAPAN

Japan’s colorful shrines, fascinating geisha districts and age-old Buddhist temples stand witness to the country’s rich cultural heritage and ancient history. From the famous monuments in the stunning imperial city of Kyoto to the bustling capital of Tokyo with its dizzying dimensions and flashing neon lights, there is no shortage of major attractions to visit and explore in the land of the rising sun. But remarkably, Japan is not very popular with tourists, because of language troubles (most Japanese people don’t speak English very well) and the expensive lifestyle (transport, food, and accommodations). And that’s a shame, because Japan is a fascinating country that should be on your bucket list, since it represents a unique and inspiring blend of traditional and ultramodern cultures.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Japan with my travel guide. Find out more about:

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Japan is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Spring is marked by mild temperatures and dry days, and this is also the season when a lot of the country is ablaze with magnificent white and pink cherry blossom. The blossoms themselves last only a few days, symbolizing to Japanese the fragile nature of beauty and of life itself, and are celebrated throughout the country with numerous festivals. Autumn enjoys similar, delightful temperatures as in spring, with the Japanese landscape changing into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies.

Summer (June to August) isn’t the best time to visit Japan, since it coincides with the rainy season and the weather feels hot, uncomfortable, and muggy. The rains, which peak in July, aren’t seen every day like in some monsoonal Asian countries, although it does rain a lot, sometimes quite heavily, making umbrellas imperative. The period from the end of August to September is typhoon season, although the majority of storms stays out on the Pacific Ocean and rarely makes landfall.

Winter (December to March) sees generally dry weather, with mostly blue skies on the coastal areas. It’s a wonderful time to visit Japan, if you don’t mind the often crispy cold temperatures, which drives flocks of locals to the traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs). Northern Japan – which includes Hokkaido island – is often covered by a snow carpet (and very popular for skiing) although weather is milder towards the south, with major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka only receiving minimal snowfall during the winter months.

The worst time to visit Japan is probably Gold Week, which is a collection of four national holidays within a time frame of seven days (April 29 to May 5), since it’s Japan’s busiest holiday season, with high rates and low availability for hotels and public transport.

For a month to month weather report in Japan, check this website.

HOW TO GET THERE

Japan receives numerous international daily flights via its four main international airports: Narita and Haneda Airports (near Tokyo); Kansai International Airport (near Osaka and Kyoto); and New Chitose Airport (near Sapporo). There are also many regional airports with short-haul international flights to countries in Asia, such as China, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into Japan differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Japan.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

GETTING AROUND

Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities. Japanese public transportation is characterized by its punctuality, its superb service, and the large crowds of people using it. The different means of transport within Japan are well explained on this very helpful website, which I highly recommend when you plan a holiday to Japan.

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put Japan on your bucket list:

The following, in-depth articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to Japan:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for Japan, but I hereby share with you a two-week schedule based on my own travel experiences in Japan. Three weeks are recommended though if you have more time and want to travel at a more leisurely pace).

For the planning of your own travel itinerary in Japan, I highly recommend the website Japan Guide, which boasts plenty of helpful information. In addition, for more ideas, I suggest the excellent Japan itineraries as provided by The Rough Guides and Frommers.

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Consider visiting my top 10 lists if you are eager to know how I rank Japan’s top hotels, based on my own experience:

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in Japan (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per hotel).

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