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

Read this article to find out EVERYTHING you need for your trip to Japan You’ll learn where to buy inexpensive tickets, how to rent a pocket wifi or SIM card, what apps to upload and much, much more.

a woman sitting on a bed, writing in a notebook, and packing for a trip

What to Pack for Your Trip to japan

Are you wondering what to pack for your trip to Japan this summer? Read this post to find out EXACTLY what to include in your Japan packing list. I’ll tell you what kind of luggage to bring, what clothes to pack, and much more.

Destination Articles

Kyoto Bamboo Forest

Japan Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Weeks in Japan

Japan Itineraries

Step-by-step itinerary for 3 weeks in Japan
mountain range covered in green

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 torii gate in Lake Aishi

Hakone Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Hakone

Japan Itineraries

A detailed guide on visiting Hakone, including info on transport, accommodations, and activities
river with Atomic Bomb Dome, bridge, and Hiroshima skyline in background

Hiroshima Day Trip Itinerary

Japan Itineraries

A comprehensive itinerary guide to visiting Hiroshima as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
a street with traditional wooden buildings in the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa

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
river and mountains in Kamikochi

Kamikochi Hiking: The Perfect Day Trip from Takayama 

Japan Itineraries

An essential guide to visiting Kamikochi in the Japan Alps.
Kiyomizu Temple of Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Itinerary: A City of a Million Temples

Japan Itineraries

A comprehensive itinerary guide to spending 4 days in Kyoto
red bridge leading to Matsumoto Castle at Sunrise on Matsumoto itinerary

Matsumoto Itinerary: Exploring Japan’s Coolest Castle

Japan Itineraries

A practical, historical, and cultural guide to touring the city of Matsumoto
torii gate of Miyajima on beach at low tide

Miyajima Day Trip Itinerary

Japan Itineraries

A comprehensive itinerary guide to seeing Miyajima (along with Hiroshima) as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
Daibutsu Den and green lawn in Nara

A Nara Day Trip Itinerary

Japan Itineraries

A detailed itinerary for a day trip to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka
view of gassho zukuri houses in Shirakawago

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
a street with traditional wooden buildings in Takayama Japan

Takayama Itinerary: Travel Back in Time to Old Japan

Japan Itineraries

The ultimate itinerary guide for 2 days seeing the sights of Takayama
Omoide Yokocho Shinjuku Tokyo

Tokyo Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Tokyo

Japan Itineraries

A practical, culinary, cultural, and historical itinerary guide to Tokyo
Beautiful view of mountain Fuji and Chureito pagoda at sunset, japan in the spring with cherry blossoms

4 Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Japan

Find out the 4 best day trips to take from Tokyo: Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, and Nikko

Planning Tips Articles

seafood donburi

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
best novels on Japan

Novels on Japan: Read Before You Go!

Japan Books

A reading list of 25 + novels set in Japan or about Japanese people 
godzilla head - Hotel Gracery in Tokyo

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
a woman sitting on a bed, writing in a notebook, and packing for a trip

Japan Summer Packing List 

Japan

Find out what to pack for your trip to Japan this summer.
best novels on Japan

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?
street in Asakusa at night

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
a person holding a Japan Rail Pass

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

Bamboo Forest

The Bamboo Forest: The Best of Kyoto

Japan

Lots of practical, historical, and cultural information on visiting the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto
Solo Travel in Japan Fushimi Inari torii gates

Fushimi-inari Shrine: The Best of Kyoto

Japan

Lots of practical, historical, and cultural information on the Fushimi-inari Shrine in Kyoto
The Golden Pavilion

Golden Pavilion: The Best of Kyoto

Japan

Lots of practical, historical, and cultural information on the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) in Kyoto
Meiji Shrine Sake Barrels

Meiji Shrine: The Best of Tokyo

Japan

Lots of practical, historical, and cultural information on the Meiji Shrine
lotus pond of Tenryu-ji Temple Kyoto

Tenryu-ji Temple: The Best of Kyoto

Japan

Everything you need to know to help you make your visit to the Tenryu-ji Temple worth your while

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