Japan Travel Guide
Japan is one of those countries that once you visit, it instantly becomes your favorite country. There are so many good reasons why: the people are considerate and helpful, the food is out of this world, the cities are unforgettable, the natural scenery is beautiful, the culture is fascinating, and everything is so organized and efficient.
You’ll find loads of information in this Japan travel guide to help you plan your own trip to this amazing country. All of the advice and tips are based on my several visits to Japan.
Preparing for a Trip to Japan
How to plan an unforgettable trip to Japan
Are you clueless on how to prepare for your 3 weeks in Japan? Read this article to find out EVERYTHING you need to do to have a fabulous 3 weeks in Japan. You’ll learn when to buy the cheapest tickets, how to get a Japan Rail Pass, how to rent
25 Great Novels to Read Before Visiting Japan
Prepare for your trip to Japan by escaping to another time and place. Here's a growing list of 25+ novels focusing on Japanese culture and characters. Some are set in contemporary Tokyo, while others take place before World War II. There are also books set in the Japanese internment camps during WWII and in China during the Nanking Massacre.
Japan Destination Guides
Where to Go in Japan
Japan
Itinerary Articles
Japan Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Weeks in Japan
Japan ♦ Itineraries
Step-by-step itinerary for 3 weeks in Japan
The Best Ever Guide to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Japan ♦ Itineraries
Everything you need to know about doing the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Hakone Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Hakone
Japan ♦ Itineraries
A detailed guide on visiting Hakone, including info on transport, accommodations, and activities
Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary
Japan ♦ Itineraries
A comprehensive itinerary guide to visiting Hiroshima as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
Kanazawa Itinerary: 2 Days in the City of Samurais
Japan ♦ Itineraries
A detailed itinerary guide to exploring the historical, cultural, and culinary sights of Kanazawa
Kamikochi Hiking: The Perfect Day Trip from Takayama
Japan ♦ Itineraries
An essential guide to visiting Kamikochi in the Japan Alps.
Kyoto Itinerary: A City of a Million Temples
Japan ♦ Itineraries
A comprehensive itinerary guide to spending 4 days in Kyoto
Matsumoto Itinerary: Exploring Japan’s Coolest Castle
Japan ♦ Itineraries
A practical, historical, and cultural guide to touring the city of Matsumoto
Miyajima Day Trip Itinerary
Japan ♦ Itineraries
A comprehensive itinerary guide to seeing Miyajima (along with Hiroshima) as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
A Nara Day Trip Itinerary
Japan ♦ Itineraries
A detailed itinerary for a day trip to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka
Shirakawago Itinerary: A Trip to a Japanese Fairy Tale Village
Japan ♦ Itineraries
A comprehensive itinerary guide to Shirakawa-go as a trip from Takayama to Kanazawa
Takayama Itinerary: Travel Back in Time to Old Japan
Japan ♦ Itineraries
The ultimate itinerary guide for 2 days seeing the sights of Takayama
Tokyo Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Tokyo
Japan ♦ Itineraries
A practical, culinary, cultural, and historical itinerary guide to Tokyo
Planning Tips Articles
Essential Planning Hacks for Your Next Trip to Japan
Japan
These tips will help ensure that you have an unforgettable and affordable trip to Japan
Novels on Japan: Read Before You Go!
Japan ♦ Books
A reading list of 25 + novels set in Japan or about Japanese people
Best Places to Stay in Tokyo (even on a budget)
Japan
Essential info on finding the perfect place to stay in Tokyo even for those on a tight budget
4 Best Day Trips from Tokyo
Japan
Find out the 4 best day trips to take from Tokyo: Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, and Nikko
What to do if you get sick in Japan
Japan ♦ Health
What happened when I got sick when I was Japan–was it expensive? did anyone speak English? where to go–clinic, hospital or emergency room?
Solo Travel Tips to Japan
Japan
Find out what it’s like traveling solo in Japan–info on staying safe, having fun, and saving money
Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
Japan
Find out the difference in price between a Japan Rail Pass and individual train journeys along with how to purchase, activate, and use a Japan Rail Pass
Articles on Famous landmarks
The Bamboo Forest: The Best of Kyoto
Japan
Lots of practical, historical, and cultural information on visiting the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto
Fushimi-inari Shrine: The Best of Kyoto
Japan
Lots of practical, historical, and cultural information on the Fushimi-inari Shrine in Kyoto
Golden Pavilion: The Best of Kyoto
Japan
Lots of practical, historical, and cultural information on the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) in Kyoto
Meiji Shrine: The Best of Tokyo
Japan
Lots of practical, historical, and cultural information on the Meiji Shrine
