Best Travel Guide To Japan
Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming, but with our best travel guide to Japan, you’ll have all the essentials to make your journey seamless, enjoyable, and stress-free. We promise!
Covering all the top sights, must-try food spots, and transportation tips, we even throw in some handy checklists for seamless planning.
Why You Should Visit Japan
Japan might just be one of the most fast-paced trips you’ll take.
We spent 14 days exploring and it honestly was nowhere near enough time to fit everything in.
With more than 80,000 shrines and 77,000 temples to choose from, not to mention 9 regions and 47 prefectures, there is so much to explore.
Depending on the time of year you choose to visit Japan, this will ultimately determine exactly where you go and what you see.
Whether you’re here for cherry blossoms, cultural sites, skiing, or shopping, Japan is a great choice.
Best Time to Visit Japan
There’s no right or wrong time to visit Japan, but there are a few key seasons to consider, and don’t forget to factor in how busy it might get!
- Cherry Blossom Season (April to May): Expect crowds but enjoy the iconic sakura bloom across Japan.
- Ski Season (December to March): Japan’s snow resorts offer pristine slopes. The season peaks in January and February.
- Autumn (November to Early December): Cooler weather and vivid foliage make it a perfect travel time.
- Summer (June to August): Hot, but ideal for coastal visits and festivals.
Best Travel Guide In Japan: Where To Stay In Tokyo
With so many attractions, shrines and sites you’ll no doubt want to visit, not to mention the nightlife, there’s a couple of key areas to stay when visiting Tokyo, especially as a first timer.
Ginza
Known for its luxury hotels, top-tier shopping, and incredible dining, Ginza is a fantastic place to stay for first-timers in Tokyo.
It’s an upscale district that really does bring the perfect balance of modern elegance and traditional charm to the table.
And pretty much anything you need is just steps away. Whether you’re looking for designer boutiques, indulging in gourmet meals, or simply wandering the streets, Ginza gives you a great little taste of Tokyo.
If you’re planning a few day trips on the Shinkansen, Ginza is the perfect place to stay—just a short hop from Tokyo Station for easy access!
Nearby Attractions: Tsukiji Fish Market, Chanel, Cartier and Louis Vuitton
Where to Eat: Yurakucho Alleyways
Shibuya
If nightlife is a priority, this is the best place to stay.
It has some great little hidden bars, some of the top clubs, as well as plenty of entertainment. Put it this way, you’ll never be short of things to do after dark.
Plus, it’s conveniently close to some of Tokyo’s top must-see attractions, which is another reason why it is the perfect base.
Nearby Attractions: Shibuya Sky, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Takeshita Street
Where to Eat: Nonbei Yokocho
Shinjuku
This is the highly recommended spot for first-timers in Tokyo.
Shinjuku has everything you could want. It has the iconic neon lights that light up the streets, heaving clubs, amazing restaurants, and all the entertainment you could possibly ask for.
Whether you’re looking to dive into Tokyo’s nightlife, indulge in delicious food, or just soak up everything Tokyo has to offer, Shinjuku honestly has it all.
Nearby Attractions: 3D cat Billboard, Kabukicho, Godzilla at Shinjuku Gracery Hotel, Tokyo Street Go Carting
Where to Eat: Omoide Yokocho
Roppongi
Roppongi is well known for its international vibe! This is where you’ll find everything from upscale restaurants to trendy bars and clubs.
It’s a real hotspot for Tokyo’s nightlife scene, with something happening every night.
Plus, with attractions like Roppongi Hills and the Tokyo Tower nearby, you’ll have plenty to explore when you’re not out enjoying the nightlife.
Nearby Attractions: Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, teamLab, Hie Shrine
Where to Eat: The closest alley is Shinjuku Nonbei Yokocho (12 min train ride)
Top Tip: Stay near the Yamanote Line (Tokyo’s loop line) or a subway station for easy access to attractions.
Best Travel Guide In Japan: Where To Stay In Kyoto
Kyoto was honestly one of our favourite places to stay in Japan. Most people only stay 2 nights.
We opted for 4 nights and we’re so happy we did.
There are a couple of really great day trips you can also take from Kyoto.
We’ll outline those later in the guide!
But first things first, let’s get stuck into where to stay.
Downtown Kyoto
Downtown Kyoto is one of the city’s most central areas, making it an ideal spot for first timers.
Basing yourself here puts you within walking distance of popular shopping spots like the Shijo district and the Nishiki Market.
You’ll also be close to Ninenzaka and Saanenzaka, which in our opinion, with its cute little cobbled streets, is an absolute must visit location if you’re coming to Kyoto.
Nearby Attractions: Nishiki Market, Nijō-jō, Teramachi, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
Food: Pontocho Alley.
Gion
Gion is smack bang in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, making it another perfect base for exploring the city’s top attractions.
From here, you can easily see many of Kyoto’s must-see sites, like Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine.
It’s also more up market and where you’ll find high end stores like Dior, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Mont Blanc.
Nearby Attractions: Geisha District
Shimogyo Ward
Shimogyo Ward is a top choice for staying in Kyoto if you want easy access to the rest of the city.
You’ve got Kyoto’s super-efficient metro system nearby, and that means you’ll have no problem getting around the city.
This area combines convenience with a local vibe, making it perfect for those who want to explore both the city’s historical sights and modern attractions.
Nearby Attractions: Fushimi Inari Shrine, The Golden Pavillion, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Niko Castle.
Best Travel Guide In Japan: Where To Stay In Osaka
Osaka is quite large, and to save time and energy, it’s advisable to choose a central and convenient location for your stay.
We’ve outlined the most recommended areas, in order of preference, below.
A top tip for staying in Osaka, try to find accommodation near the Midosuji subway line.
Kita
Kita stands out as the premier choice for accommodations in Osaka.
It’s where the four major train lines intersect, including the JR Line, Hankyu, Keihan, and Hanshin.
This connects you not only to other areas of Osaka, but also further afield to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and beyond.
Nearby attractions: the museums of Nakanoshima, the Umeda Sky Building, and Kids Plaza Osaka.
Minami
Minami is another key spot for easy transport in Osaka.
With easy access to the JR Line, the Nankai Line, and the Kintetsu Line, you can easily travel to Nara and Wakayama, as well as the southern parts of Osaka.
Moreover, the Midosuji subway line passes directly through Minami, with stops at Shinsaibashi and Namba stations.
Nearby attractions: Crucially, Minami is a lively epicentre for shopping and dining, and If your visit focuses on enjoying great food and vibrant nightlife, Minami may just be a more suitable option than Kita.
Honmachi
If you’re torn between staying in Kita or Minami, consider settling in the middle by choosing Honmachi (Central Osaka).
Honmachi is a quieter, more relaxed spot compared to the bustling vibes of Kita and Minami.
And it still has plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Seeing as Honmachi is less trendy than Kita or Minami, you may even find that accommodations here are more budget-friendly.
Shin-Osaka
If you want quick access to the Shinkansen (bullet train) and want to stay close to downtown Osaka, the Shin-Osaka Area is a great option.
If you’ve purchased a Japan Rail Pass for your trip, then this is where you can make full use of the Shinkansen to visit places like Hiroshima, Kyoto, Himeji, and Tokyo.
Other good options to stay in Osaka include the Tennoji Area and the Osaka Castle Area.
Best Travel Guide In Japan: Where To Stay In Mount Fuji
Lots of people choose Mt Fuji as a day trip on their Japan holiday.
From our experience, we found one day was nowhere near enough time to explore.
And we highly recommend staying at least one to two nights.
The top 5 most popular areas to stay in are Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Fujiyoshida, and Oshino Village.
Lake Kawaguchiko Area
This district is home to Lake Kawaguchi, the most renowned of the Fuji Five Lakes.
You can reach it easily by direct highway bus from Tokyo and Osaka, or via the Fuji Excursion limited express train from Tokyo, which gets you there in about two hours.
This is where you can take a scenic cruise to enjoy the lake and its surroundings.
You may also like to take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for a stunning aerial view of the area, which transforms significantly, depending on the time of year.
Lake Yamanakako Area
Lake Yamanaka (Yamanakako), is the largest and highest of the Fuji Five Lakes and the closest to Mount Fuji.
This is where you’ll get those breathtaking views and famous iconic scenic sights like Mount Fuji Lake sunsets and Mount Fuji reflections.
Not to mention easy access to Swan Lake.
Fujiyoshida Area
Close to both Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, this is where you can see Mount Fuji in its entirety.
You can visit the famous Honcho Street. Arakurayama Sengen Park also has photo spots of sakura trees, and make sure you climb the 400 stairs to the top of Chureito Pagoda.
It’s well worth the effort. It’s within walking distance of the town.
Oshino Village Area
This area is home to the famous Oshino Hakkai, a designated Natural Monument of Japan formed by the gushing springs of the two lakes the village sits in between.
The crystal clear waters of the eight springs here give off a different feel each season that enhances the surrounding scenery with its splendour.
Best Day Trips In Japan
This is where we tell you all the fun stuff!
Japan has one of the best transport networks in the world.
It’s so interconnected that you can rely on the Shinkansen as opposed to planes when transversing the entire country.
Best Day Trips From Tokyo
Tokyo is hands down one of the best places to base yourself for a few days, giving you easy access to some of the best day trips Japan has to offer.
Mt Fuji
This a one of the best day trips you can take!
Especially if you’re visiting in cherry blossom season or winter when you’ll see the area dusted with snow.
There are daily roundtrip services from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Mt. Fuji 5th station, with stops at Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station.
Travel time is about 2 hours and 25 minutes
Hakone
Hakone is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
This is where you go when you’re after scenic mountain views and a taste of Japan’s famous onsen hot springs.
It’s also one of the best places to enjoy autumn foliage in Japan.
The customary way to get to Hakone from Tokyo is to ride the Romance car.
This train is a limited express and takes a little over 90 minutes.
Nagano
There is the only place in the world where you can watch monkeys bathing in hot springs!
You can catch them here all year round. They’re located in the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
There is a small entry fee (800 Yen per adult) and the trip from Tokyo to Nagano takes around an hour and a half by Shinkansen.
Best Day Trips From Kyoto
Kyoto is another incredible base with some fantastic day trips nearby. Staying here for 3 to 4 nights will give you plenty of time to soak it all in.
Nara
Nara is where you will find the beautiful Insta famous park filled with wild deer.
They’re very cute and super friendly. You can buy deer biscuits for 200 Yen.
If you give a little bow, they politely bow back.
The trip takes just over an hour by Shinkansen.
Hiroshima
Steeped in history, this is where you can explore the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and learn more about the horrific impacts of the Atomic Bomb during WWII.
Hiroshima is only 1 hour and 42 minutes from Kyoto by Shinkansen.
Osaka
Osaka is another amazing day trip from Kyoto.
Known around the world for its awesome food and nightlife scene, you’ll also want to check out Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple while you’re there.
It takes around an hour and 15 minutes to get there by Shinkansen.
Other places you may like to explore as a day trip from Kyoto include:
Himeji
If you love Japanese castles, Himeji is a must-visit.
Home to the famous Himeji Castle, this is by far one of Japan’s most stunning and well-preserved landmarks.
The castle’s striking white exterior and intricate design make it an unforgettable must see landmark.
It’s only a 45-minute bullet train ride from Kyoto Station, making it a perfect day trip for castle enthusiasts.
Best Day Trips From Osaka
Osaka is packed with incredible day trips worth exploring. Staying here for up to 4 nights gives you the perfect chance to take it all in.
Kyoto
If you don’t have time to stay in Kyoto, then we highly recommend you at least try to take a day trip here instead.
A 50-minute train ride from Osaka, or 15 minutes by bullet train, this is where you can visit Yasaka Pagoda, Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Golden Pavillion, Arashiyama Bamboo Forrest, and so much more.
Nara
Nara is roughly a 40-minute train ride from Osaka.
As we’ve explained in day trips from Kyoto above, this is a great spot to visit the bowing deer.
Himeji
50 minutes by Shinkansen or 1.5 hours by local train, it’s mainly known for its UNESCO World Heritage-recognized castle (one of just twelve remaining original castles in Japan!).
If you can take this day trip from Kyoto, we highly recommend putting it on your list for Osaka.
Best Day Trips From Kanazawa
Kanazawa is an absolute must-visit on any trip to Japan, in our opinion. It’s also where we took one of our all-time favorite day trips to Shirakawa-go!
Shirakawago
Shirakawago is by far one of the most picturesque places you can visit in Japan.
It’s home to a beautiful village nestled in the mountainous terrain of Gifu Prefecture where you’ll find some of Japan’s most exquisite gasso-zukuri houses.
A regular bus runs from Kanazawa East Gate Bus Terminal straight to Shirakawa-go’s bus terminal and takes about an hour and 15 minutes each way.
Top Tip: If you’re heading here in winter, (the most magical time) you can keep an eye on the live cam for first signs of snow!
And if you’re still in the planning process, check out our Perfect Japan Winter Itinerary For An Epic 10 Days.
Gokayama
Situated within Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, this cluster of villages shares the same architectural style and prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status as Shirakawa-go.
Although this is an area that is far less crowded than Shirakawago.
Ichirino
There are a few transport options from Kanazawa, taking anywhere from one to two hours.
This is another picturesque little-known winter escape not far from Kanazawa.
It’s also home to Hakusa Ichirino Ski Resort.
Ichirino is the closest ski area to an airport in all of Japan!
You can spend a day on the slopes while also hiring all your gear from the ski shop.
The slopes are perfect for intermediate and beginners. It’s around a 2-hour bus ride.
Other day trips you may like to consider while staying in Kanazawa include Yuwaku, Katayamazu, and Awazu.
Use our 10% discount code to book your train tickets on Klook: KLOOKGABTK
Best Travel Guide In Japan: Top Tips
Currency: The official currency of Japan is Yen.
Most places in Japan take cards but there are still so many, especially restaurants and cafes, where they accept cash-only.
Book in Advance: Japan is extremely busy which in turn means you may need to think about which experiences you want to book in advance.
Some we think you might like to look into include food tours, walking tours and Shibuya Sky on sunset.
Does Australia Need A Visa For Japan?
No, Australians don’t need a visa to visit Japan for short-term stays of up to 90 days, making it super convenient for holidays or quick trips.
All you need is a valid passport, and you’re good to go. Just make sure your passport will be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
It’s also worth checking for any updated travel requirements before you leave, as things can sometimes change.
What Is The Best Way To Get Around Japan?
Japan has one of the most efficient and sophisticated public transport systems in the world, making it an absolute dream for travellers.
From local trains to the iconic Shinkansen (bullet trains) and buses, getting around is easy once you know how to navigate it.
You’ll likely spend a good chunk of your time navigating these networks, zipping between cities at lightning speed or hopping on local trains to reach hidden gems. The system is incredibly punctual, clean, and easy to use, even for first-timers.
For travelers planning to explore multiple cities, the Japan Rail Pass offers an excellent way to save on train travel. But is it the right choice for your trip? Find out in our detailed guide: Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
Do I Need A JR Pass For Japan?
The Japan Rail Pass used to be a popular option, but with a 77% price increase recently, it’s no longer the best value for most travellers.
Instead, you might find it better to purchase your train tickets individually as you go.
We booked directly through Klook. It was easy, no fuss and the app kept all our bookings in one place.
It was our favourite way to navigate Japan without breaking the bank, and the flexibility is great if you prefer to plan your travel day by day!
If you’re looking to save (because let’s be honest, who’s not?) you can use our code KLOOKGABTK for a 10% discount on all your bookings, including your JR Pass, as well as experiences like Tokyo Disney, Nara Day Trip, Sagano Romatic Train tickets and stacks more.
How To Get From Tokyo Narita Airport To The City
Airport Limousine Bus: The most convenient way to get from Narita Airport to Downtown Tokyo is by Airport Limousine Bus.
Operating from all terminals, it takes around 90 mins and makes direct stops at a lot of hotels in Tokyo, including some in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza.
The ticket office is located directly at the exit doors of the international terminal. The bus stop is right outside.
Use our 10% discount code on Klook to book your train tickets: KLOOKGABTK
Train: Another way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo city is by train.
Japan Rail East (60 mins)
Keisei Electric Railway (40 mins)
Both leave every 30 minutes from Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2.
Private Transfer: Private Airport Transfers (90 mins) offer door-to-door private trips. This often works out cheaper for large groups of 5 or more.
Local Trains: Local trains are more affordable. But they are slower, more crowded and may require one or more transfers. Best to avoid at peak hours if you have a lot of luggage.
Taxis: Taxis are available at Narita Airport 24/7. Narita Airport to Tokyo may cost around ¥30,000. Beware of the additional surcharge after 10 pm.
Car Rental: Car Rental from Narita Airport is quite affordable, starting at ¥5,000 a day. You’ll need an international driving permit.
Japan Travel Tips
- Currency: Japan primarily uses Yen. Although many places accept credit cards, smaller cafes and traditional restaurants often prefer cash.
- Reservations: Book popular restaurants, bars, and experiences ahead of time, especially during peak seasons.
- Use Klook for Discounted Tickets: Booking experiences online can save you time and money (use code GABTKLOOK for 10% off).
Japan Experiences You Can Book On Klook With Our Discount Code
Wrapping Up Our Best Travel Guide To Japan
We hope you’ve found our best travel guide to Japan helpful in planning your trip around Japan. It honestly is one of our all time favorite holidays and we want you to enjoy it just as much as us.
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