Japan
Your Japan Travel Companion: Planning Adventures, Big and Small
Konnichiwa (hello), fellow Japan enthusiasts! If you’re dreaming of a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun – whether it’s your first time or your fifth – get ready to fall even more in love. From the iconic sights to those charming off-the-beaten-track finds, there’s always something new to discover.
Think of this blog by The Travel Tinker as your pocket-sized travel buddy. We’ll share everything you need for a smooth and unforgettable experience: how to get around those bustling cities, where to find the tastiest ramen (even the locals rave about), and those breathtaking spots – cherry blossom trails, serene gardens, vibrant festivals – that capture Japan’s unique spirit.
Best Time To Visit
Japan is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick seasonal guide:
Spring (Mar-May): Cherry blossoms sweep the country, with pleasant weather but peak crowds and prices.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Festival season shines, but expect heat and humidity. Cooler escapes can be found in the mountains.
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Mild weather and stunning fall foliage make it perfect for exploring, with fewer crowds than spring.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Ideal for skiing in Hokkaido and relaxing in hot springs. Prices drop, except around New Year.
Check out the Best time to visit Japan for a detailed look.
What To Expect
Capital: Tokyo
Population: 122.8 million (2021)
Language: The official language in Japan is Japanese.
Currency: The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). $1 is around 150 Yen. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you can pay for pretty much everything with your card. However, you’ll need cash for entrance fees and if you’re planning to explore Japan’s more remote destinations. A lot of places will now also accept contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google pay. Cash can be withdrawn from most shops like 7-Eleven.
Plugs: The plugs in Japan are type A and B. The standard voltage is 100 V, and the standard frequency is 50 / 60 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Japan is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world. It boasts a very low crime rate, especially for violent crime, and solo travelers (including women) generally feel safe exploring both cities and rural areas.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Japan and reasons to visit Japan.
Search for your Perfect Hotel
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book Tours and Purchase Tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Japan
1. Witness the Magic of Cherry Blossom Season
If you can time your trip, try to visit during the breathtaking “sakura” (cherry blossom) season, typically late March to early May. Stroll through parks and gardens enveloped in soft pink petals – a truly unforgettable sight.
This megacity is a whirlwind of energy. Explore quirky neighborhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku, sample world-class food from Michelin-starred restaurants to street stalls, visit ancient temples hidden within the modern cityscape, and sing your heart out at a karaoke bar.
The historical heart of Japan, Kyoto is home to countless temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. Wander the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, witness a Geisha performance in the Gion district, and savor a traditional tea ceremony for a glimpse into ancient Japanese traditions.
4. Find Tranquility in a Japanese Garden
Japanese gardens are a testament to harmony and meticulous design. Stroll through peaceful moss gardens, admire vibrant koi ponds, and find your Zen moment amidst artfully placed stones and raked sand.
5. Soak in a Traditional Onsen
A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a hot spring bath. These natural, mineral-rich pools offer relaxation and a window into Japanese bathing rituals. Choose from scenic outdoor onsen or historic bathhouses for a truly rejuvenating experience.
Japan Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 2,500–5,000 JPY / £13–27 GBP / $17–34 / €15–31
- Hostel Private Rooms – 5,500–10,000 JPY / £30–54 GBP / $38–68 / €35–62
- Budget Hotels – 6,500–12,000 JPY / £35–65 GBP / $45–82 / €42–74
- Airbnb Private Rooms – 5,000–12,000 JPY / £27–65 GBP / $34–82 / €31–74
- Airbnb Apartments – 10,000+ JPY / £54+ GBP / $68+ / €62+
- Capsule Hotels – 3,000–7,000 JPY / £16–38 GBP / $20–48 / €19–43
Transportation
- Local Subway or Bus Ride – 200–400 JPY / £1.10–2.20 GBP / $1.40–2.70 / €1.20–2.50
- Japan Rail Pass (7 Days, Unlimited Travel) – 50,000 JPY / £270 GBP / $340 / €310
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train, Tokyo to Kyoto, One-Way) – 14,500 JPY / £78 GBP / $98 / €90
- Intercity Bus (Tokyo to Osaka) – 4,500–8,500 JPY / £24–46 GBP / $30–58 / €27–53
- Taxi (Per km, Metered in Cities) – 450–750 JPY / £2.40–4 GBP / $3.10–5.10 / €2.80–4.70
- Car Rental (Per Day) – 7,000–12,000 JPY / £38–65 GBP / $48–82 / €43–74
Food
- Budget Meal (Convenience Store, Ramen, Conveyor Sushi) – 500–1,200 JPY / £2.70–6.50 GBP / $3.50–8.20 / €3.10–7.40
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – 1,500–3,500 JPY / £8–19 GBP / $10–24 / €9–22
- Coffee (Café or Convenience Store) – 250–600 JPY / £1.30–3.20 GBP / $1.70–4.10 / €1.50–3.70
- Beer (Bar or Izakaya, Local Draft or Bottle) – 500–1,000 JPY / £2.70–5.40 GBP / $3.50–6.80 / €3.10–6.20
Activities
- Temple & Shrine Entry (e.g., Senso-ji, Kiyomizu-dera) – 300–800 JPY / £1.60–4.30 GBP / $2.10–5.50 / €1.90–5.00
- Theme Park Entry (Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan) – 8,500–10,500 JPY / £46–57 GBP / $58–72 / €53–67
- Guided City Tours (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) – 5,000–12,000 JPY / £27–65 GBP / $34–82 / €31–74
- Onsen (Hot Spring Bath Experience) – 600–2,500 JPY / £3.20–14 GBP / $4.10–17 / €3.70–15
- Cultural Activities (Tea Ceremony, Kimono Rental, Samurai Experience) – 3,000–10,000 JPY / £16–54 GBP / $20–68 / €19–62
Japan Suggested Budgets
🎒 Backpacker – 8,000 JPY Per Day
💲 ~$54 | ~€50 | ~£43
A backpacking budget in Japan allows you to:
- Stay in hostel dorms or capsule hotels (starting at 2,500 JPY ($17) per night).
- Eat at convenience stores, ramen shops, or conveyor belt sushi spots, where meals cost 500–1,200 JPY ($3.50–$8.20).
- Use local trains, buses, and walk as much as possible to save on transport.
- Enjoy free attractions like temples, shrines, parks, and city viewpoints.
Extra Costs:
- If you plan to visit multiple cities, consider adding a Japan Rail Pass (7-day) for 50,000 JPY ($340).
- Alcohol can be expensive—budget 600–1,500 JPY ($4–$10) extra if you plan to drink.
🍜 Midrange – 18,000 JPY Per Day
💲 ~$122 | ~€112 | ~£97
A midrange budget allows for more comfort and variety:
- Stay in private hostel rooms, business hotels, or budget Airbnbs.
- Dine at mid-range restaurants, izakayas, and specialty food spots like tempura or tonkatsu restaurants.
- Take a mix of local trains, subways, and occasional Shinkansen (bullet trains) for intercity travel.
- Visit museums, cultural attractions, and participate in local experiences like a tea ceremony.
- Enjoy occasional nightlife or drinks at an izakaya.
Extra Costs:
- Expect to spend 1,500–3,500 JPY ($10–$24) per meal at mid-range restaurants.
- Consider a 1-day metro pass in Tokyo (800–1,500 JPY / $5.50–$10) for unlimited travel.
🏨 Upscale – 35,000+ JPY Per Day
💲 ~$235+ | ~€216+ | ~£187+
A luxury budget ensures a premium experience in Japan:
- Stay in high-end hotels, traditional ryokan inns, or luxury Airbnbs.
- Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, premium sushi bars, or fine dining spots.
- Use Shinkansen (bullet trains) and taxis for ease and comfort.
- Participate in private tours, exclusive experiences, or luxury cultural activities.
- Enjoy Japan’s famous onsens, spas, and high-end entertainment options.
Extra Costs:
- Luxury ryokans with onsen experiences start at 30,000 JPY ($200) per night.
- Private guides and premium cultural experiences cost around 10,000–25,000 JPY ($68–$170) per day.
- High-end sushi (Omakase-style) starts at 15,000 JPY ($100) per meal.
Japan Money-Saving Tips
Japan is often seen as an expensive travel destination, but with the right strategies, you can explore the country on a budget. Here are some of the best ways to save money while enjoying Japan’s unique experiences.
1 – Bring a Suica or Pasmo Card – Japan’s IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) allow you to use trains, buses, and even convenience stores without paying extra for single tickets. They also offer small fare discounts on metro rides.
2 – Use Convenience Stores for Cheap Eats – 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson offer cheap, high-quality meals like onigiri (rice balls), bento boxes, and sandwiches for 300–600 JPY ($2–$4), saving you money on restaurant meals.
3 – Stay in Capsule Hotels or Hostels – Capsule hotels and hostels from Hostelworld provide affordable accommodation starting at 2,500 JPY ($17) per night, making them a great alternative to business hotels. Use Booking.com for hotels and guesthouses.
4 – Take Advantage of Free Attractions – Many of Japan’s best attractions, like temples, shrines, gardens, and city viewpoints, are completely free or have entry fees under 500 JPY ($3.50).
5 – Get a Japan Rail Pass (If Traveling Between Cities) – If you’re visiting multiple cities, the Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited Shinkansen (bullet train) rides and saves thousands of yen compared to buying single tickets.
6 – Use Budget Airlines or Overnight Buses – Low-cost carriers like Peach, Jetstar, and Skymark offer flights between Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo for under 5,000 JPY ($34) when booked in advance. Overnight buses are even cheaper.
7 – Buy Discounted Food at Supermarkets – Many supermarkets discount sushi, bento boxes, and bakery items by 30-50% in the evening, making it a great way to enjoy fresh food for less.
8 – Visit 100 Yen Shops for Essentials – Daiso, Seria, and Can Do offer snacks, toiletries, souvenirs, and even travel accessories for just 100–300 JPY ($0.70–$2).
9 – Walk or Rent a Bicycle – Japan’s cities are very walkable, and renting a bicycle (400–1,500 JPY per day / $3–$10) is a cheap way to explore places like Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka.
10 – Travel Off-Peak for Cheaper Hotels – Avoid Golden Week (late April–early May), cherry blossom season (March–April), and New Year’s to find better hotel prices and fewer crowds.
How to Get Around in Japan
Japan has one of the most efficient, clean, and reliable transport systems in the world. Whether you’re navigating Tokyo’s high-speed trains, Kyoto’s historic streets, or Japan’s rural countryside, here’s a guide to getting around affordably and efficiently.
🚶 Walking
Many Japanese cities are highly walkable, especially places like Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, where major attractions are within close proximity. In Tokyo and Osaka, certain districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Dotonbori are best explored on foot.
🚆 Public Transportation (City Travel)
- Trains & Subways – The fastest and most convenient way to get around major cities. Fares start at 200–400 JPY ($1.40–$2.70) per ride.
- IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) – Prepaid travel cards allow you to tap in and out of trains, buses, and even pay at convenience stores and vending machines.
- Day Passes – If using public transport frequently, a Tokyo Metro 24-hour pass (800 JPY / $5.50) or an Osaka Amazing Pass (2,800 JPY / $19, including attractions) can save money.
✈️ Airport Transfers
- Tokyo (Narita to City Center) – The Narita Express (N’EX) costs 3,070 JPY ($21) and takes 50–60 minutes to Tokyo Station. Alternatively, the Keisei Skyliner is faster (41 min) and cheaper (2,570 JPY / $18).
- Osaka (Kansai to City Center) – The Haruka Express to Osaka costs 2,400 JPY ($16) and takes about 50 minutes.
- Budget Option: Airport Limousine Buses (1,000–1,500 JPY / $7–$10) serve most major hotels.
- Recommended Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups
🚖 Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps
- Metered taxis are expensive, with fares starting at 450–750 JPY ($3–$5) per km. Best for late-night travel when trains stop running.
- Uber and Didi operate in Japan, but prices are similar to taxis.
- Budget Tip: Instead of taxis, take the last train or use 24-hour manga cafés for cheap overnight stays.
🚆 Shinkansen (Bullet Trains & Intercity Travel)
- Shinkansen (High-Speed Bullet Trains) – The fastest way to travel between cities, reaching speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph).
- Tokyo to Kyoto – 14,500 JPY ($98) one-way, taking just 2.5 hours.
- Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) – If traveling between multiple cities, a 7-day JR Pass (50,000 JPY / $340) is cheaper than two one-way Shinkansen tickets.
🚌 Intercity Buses (Budget Travel Option)
- Tokyo to Osaka (Night Bus) – From 4,500–8,500 JPY ($30–$58), taking 8–10 hours.
- Cheaper than trains, night buses save on accommodation costs.
- Willer Express and JR Bus offer comfortable overnight buses with reclining seats.
🚗 Car Rental
- Best for exploring rural Japan (Hokkaido, Okinawa, or the Japanese Alps).
- Costs 7,000–12,000 JPY ($48–$82) per day, plus ETC toll fees.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
- Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars Japan
🛳️ Ferries & Boats
- Miyajima Ferry (Hiroshima to Itsukushima Shrine) – 500 JPY ($3.50), 10 minutes.
- Tokyo to Hokkaido Ferry (22 hours) – 15,000 JPY ($100), an alternative to flights.
- Okinawa Island Hopping – Ferries connect Ishigaki, Taketomi, and Yonaguni islands.
🚲 Cycling
- Kyoto, Nara, and Takayama are ideal for renting bikes (400–1,500 JPY / $3–$10 per day).
- Tokyo has limited bike lanes, but cities like Osaka and Kanazawa are bike-friendly.
🚀 Final Travel Tips
- Buy an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) for city travel.
- Reserve Shinkansen tickets in advance for peak seasons (spring cherry blossoms, autumn leaves).
- Avoid taxis unless necessary—public transport is far cheaper and just as convenient.
- Budget travelers should use overnight buses instead of Shinkansen.
Travel Resources
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