A Beginner Guide to Plan Your Trip to Japan 2025: 8 Steps

Planning your Japan vacation is not easy. From cost, transportation, accommodation, and time to fun activities and must-visit cities, there are tons of considerations that can drive you crazy. Don't panic.

In this post, we will share you with helpful tips, tricks, and information on how to plan a trip to Japan. Whether you are a first-timer or have been to Japan before, this information will help you how to plan a trip to Japan. Read and start planning your trip now!

A Simple Look at Japan Trip Planning Guide

• 1. When to Visit: Pleasant Weather & Low Season
• 2. How Long to Spend: 1 or 2 Weeks for Different Tourists
• 3. Where to Go: 8 Top Japan Destinations
• 4. How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Japan
• 5. How to Get Around Japan: Prepaid Transportation Passes
• 6. Book in Advance: Hotels, Flights, and Attractions
• 7. Must-have Apps & Planning Tools for Japan Trip
• 8. Things to Know for Japan Trip: Do's and Don'ts Tips

Customize An Amazing Japan Trip with Expert Advice

1. When to Visit: Pleasant Weather & Low Season

Japan can be visited year-round when planning a trip to Japan, though there are benefits and drawbacks to every season.

1) Best Scenic Seasons: March to May & September to November

In spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom, while the autumn offers a beautiful autumn with maple leaves turning red across the mountains.

Additionally, both seasons in Japan feature pleasant temperatures and ample sunny and comfortable weather for sightseeing.

2) Lowest Prices and Fewer Crowds: June to August

It is the summer season in Japan, hot and rainy with few tourists, making it the low season for tourism. This is in contrast to the more expensive spring and autumn, which have more pleasant weather and more tourists.

If you are on a budget, visiting Japan in the summer can be an affordable choice.

3) Cool and Dry Weather and Fewer Tourists: September to November

Visit Japan during this period to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, turning brilliant orange and red, in the countryside near Kyoto and Tokyo.

Autumn is also the best time to visit some of Japan's best national parks, such as Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes.

4) Snow Scenery and Skiing: December to February

Winter in Japan is the best time to stay in a Japanese-style inn with a natural hot spring. Nothing beats bathing in the hot pools surrounded by snow and quiet forests.

Christmas/New Year holiday is one of the busiest times. Hotels and flights are easily booked up. Be sure to plan and make reservations.

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2. How Long to Spend: 1 or 2 Weeks for Different Tourists

Japan not only has many places to travel to, but each of its places has countless attractions and unique cultures to explore. If you travel to Japan from other countries, it's recommended to spend at least a week or more.

Here are two popular travel duration options recommended by many.

7-10 Days:

Most first-timers may spend a week in Japan. While is unrealistic to visit all the places in a week, it is enough for the first trip.

We'd recommend you to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In the 3 cities, you can explore Tokyo's top attractions, like Tokyo Tower and Disneyland, visit Kyoto's ancient castles and shrines, and try amazing Japanese street food in Osaka.

Around 2 Weeks:

For family or group travel, a two-week travel time is plenty to discover most of Japan. You can visit more cities, say 5 nights in Tokyo, 1 in Hakone, 3 in Kyoto, 3 in Osaka, and 2 more in Yokohama.

Besides, you can try iconic Japanese dishes and street food, do fun things, experience its fascinating culture, and view stunning landscapes.

>> Start A Dream Vacation More Than Japan:

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3. Where to Go: 8 Top Japan Destinations

Of all the best cities to visit in Japan, here are the 8 most recommended places to visit and things to do in Japan if you don't know how to plan a trip to Japan on your own.

3 Must-visit Destinations:

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are must-visits, thanks to their richest array of tourist attractions. Here is the breakdown.

• Tokoyo (3-4 days): As the largest city in the world, Tokyo has a lot to offer by way of food, shopping malls, temples, museums, and the iconic Mount Fuji. Meanwhile, Akihabara and Disneyland are also havens for teenagers and children.
• Kyoto (3 days): Kyoto has a lot of prominent ancient and historical sites to explore. Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion are great places to experience Japanese culture. If you're lucky, you might even spot a geisha in Gion District. In Kyoto, natural beauty is also by your side when you are in Arashiyama, which is also a great spot for viewing autumn leaves.
• Osaka (1-2 days): Osaka's night markets are famous. Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are all landmarks for drinking and shopping. You'll also find a variety of traditional foods in Osaka. As Japan's second-largest city, Osaka is equally rich in cherry blossoms and culture, with Osaka Castle being a prime example. If you're interested in the city, head to our post: What to Do and Eat in Osaka.

5 Other Recommended Destinations:

If you're tired of the crowded cities, Hakone, Nara, Hiroshima, Takayama, and Kanazawa are great places to plan a trip to Japan and escape the hustle to relax.

• Hakone (2 days): Known for its picturesque beauty, Hakone has more than a dozen springs that provide natural hot water. Its ryokans are also a major highlight.
• Nara (1 day): Nara is home to Nara Park, where wild deer roam freely. Nearby, you can also visit cultural sites like Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• Hiroshima (1-2 days): Hiroshima blends history and nature. From the Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima Island, the city is filled with profound significance and beautiful scenery.
• Takayama (1 day): Well-preserved townhouses, Hida beef, and sake brewery all can be enjoyed in Takayama.
• Shirakawago (1 day): Shirakawago is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

4. How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Japan

The cost of travel in Japan can vary depending on transportation, accommodation, food, and so on. Of all the factors, transportation costs, particularly round-trip airfare, account for a large portion of the overall expenses. For example, a one-way ticket from America to Japan can cost between $500 and $2,000.

On top of it, accommodation, attraction tickets, and dining costs follow in descending order. If you travel during Japan's peak seasons in spring and autumn, the trip cost may increase by 20-50% or even more. For more details, do check out: How Much Should You Spend on a Japan Trip.

Here's a sample breakdown of the estimated costs for a one-week trip and a two-week private family trip, which you can take as a reference when planning a trip to Japan.

It is about $400 to $650 per person per day (excluding airfare, and cheaper for children)

• A 8-day trip to Japan for 2 people: from US$ 3,899 each (2 people) and US$ 2,499 each (4 people).
• A 2-week trip for a family of four: from US$ 8,499 each (2 people) and US$ 5,199 each (4 people).

5. How to Get Around Japan: Prepaid Transportation Passes

There are numerous interconnected transportation options between Japanese cities. To avoid delays and travel efficiently, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the various transportation cards in advance.

JR Pass

JR Pass is a travel pass offered by Japan Railways. Once purchased, you can use it for a certain period (7, 14, or 21 days) to ride all JR transportation within a specified range.

Apart from the JR Whole Rail option, JR Pass is also available in regional versions, such as JR East, JR West, and JR Hokkaido, making it suitable for traveling across regions or to remote areas in Japan.

Suica Card or Pasmo

Issued by East Japan Railway Company, Suica is a very convenient transportation card that can be used for trains, subways, buses, and purchases at some stores.

There are two types: the regular one and the Welcome Suica card specifically for travelers. The latter is more recommended, but note that the Welcome Suica is valid for only 28 days, and any balance left on the card after this period cannot be refunded.

PASMO is another common transportation IC card in Japan, introduced by the PASMO Association. It comes in more types, but the PASMO PASSPORT is targeted at tourists. While there are slight differences between Suica and PASMO, their coverage areas are largely the same, allowing you to choose either one.

ICOCA

ICOCA, rolled out by JR West, is a transportation card that can be used throughout a wide range of regions, including Kanto, Tokai, and Kansai. It is accepted on any subway and bus displaying the ICOCA logo.

Meanwhile, as one of Japan's three major transportation cards, ICOCA can be linked to Apple Wallet and used for everyday small payments at parking lots, convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines.

Must-have Apps

After securing your transportation passes or cards, it's also important to install some must-have transportation apps and add them to your Japan trip plan. They can help you quickly find your way and get around.

Here are some commonly recommended ones.

• Google Maps: Accurate navigation, street view preview, and store reviews.
• NAVITIME: Provides information on Shinkansen, JR, subways, buses, and ferries, and can find transfer points and the fastest or least expensive routes.
• Japan Travel: An all-in-one travel assistant for transportation, dining, and sightseeing information.
• Suica: Allows online payment for fares and purchases, eliminating the need for a physical card.
• GO: An app for booking taxi rides, similar to Uber.

>> You May Also Need: Best Ways to Travel Around Japan As A Tourist

6. Book in Advance: Hotels, Flights, and Attractions

During the peak travel seasons, travelers from home and abroad can lead to high demand for hotel rooms and attractions. It is recommended to book flight, hotel, and attraction reservations before arriving.

Buy Plane Tickets at least 6 to 8 Weeks in Advance

Many airlines, including major carriers like Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, as well as budget airlines like ZIPAIR Tokyo and Peach Aviation, offer direct flight booking services on their websites.

Therefore, it is wise to search for flight information online and book in advance, at least 2 months ahead. This is usually cheaper than last-minute bookings. Also, travel agencies and some travel apps can make reservations.

Reserve Hotels at least 2 to 3 Months in Advance

Japan is small but a popular travel destination, so hotel booking can be more challenging than flights. And hotel reservations are influenced by the travel season. 2 to 3 months in advance is a middle-ground choice. For peak seasons, it's advisable to do that 1 to 2 months earlier than this.

Notably, the number of travelers and accommodation policies can limit your options. If you have trouble finding suitable rooms on international sites like Booking or Expedia, consider using Japanese sites like Jalan or Rakuten Travel for traditional inns or ryokans, which offer a more authentic cultural experience.

Book Attractions 1 to 2 Months in Advance

Shrines, parks, and bustling shopping districts in Japan are generally open to the public for free.

However, popular attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Osaka, Shibuya SKY, the Ghibli Museum, and Tokyo Skytree require reservations to manage crowd control. Relevant information can be found on their official websites.

For off-seasons, booking one to two months in advance is usually sufficient, but it's suggested to book as early as possible if you plan a trip to Japan from June to August.

7. Must-have Apps & Planning Tools for Japan Trip

As noted, transportation apps make catching rides easier. Additionally, it's also a good idea to install some apps to help you organize your trip.

• Tabelog: A restaurant app with over 800,000 listings where you can make reservations and read reviews. Gurunavi can be used as an alternative.
• tenki.jp: A useful weather app that provides alerts for typhoons, earthquakes, and other emergencies.
• Payke: A shopping assistant allows you to scan barcodes in stores to get information on prices, brands, and manufacturers.
• Google Translate: A well-known translation tool that helps reduce communication barriers while traveling.
• JNTO: An official Japan Travel app, offering a comprehensive range of services including travel planning, transportation, and hotel bookings.

8. Things to Know for Japan Trip: Do's and Don'ts Tips

When planning a trip to Japan, it's important to follow local customs and rules to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Here are some suggestions.

Prepare A Tourist Visa

Since Japan is a tourist destination, the corresponding travel visa must be properly processed and returned on the specified date. No overstay or non-travel-related activities are allowed.

For countries such as the United States, Australia, and Argentina, although there is a visa exemption, you still need to follow the relevant regulations and carry your passport for identification.

Cash and Credit Cards

It is advisable to exchange yen before traveling. Many banks offer foreign currency exchange services with transparent fees and exchange rates.

Another reason is that while many Japanese supermarkets and restaurants accept credit cards, cash is still more convenient for small shops, remote areas, or quick payments.

A good starting point might be 10,000-20,000 yen per day. It is important to note that tipping is not customary in Japan. If you prefer to use a credit card, ensure it has sufficient credit and is enabled for international transactions.

Get a SIM, eSIM, or Pocket Wifi

You can purchase a SIM card at the airport's sales counters after you land. If you miss this option, telecommunications companies, convenience stores, and electronics stores are also alternatives.

Additionally, some online platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide allow you to book a SIM card before your trip, with options to pick it up at the airport or deliver it to your home.

If your phone supports eSIM, activating the service directly is also a good option.

Pocket WiFi is another choice, beneficial for traveling in rural areas of Japan.

Packing List

Here are some essential items to consider packing for your trip to Japan:

• Comfortable Clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the season you'll be traveling in.
• Universal Adapter: Charge your devices in case the Japanese plugs differ from those in your country.
• Phone and Charger: Ensure your phone battery is enough for payments and communication.
• Walking Shoes: Travel requires walking, so supportive shoes are important.
• Toiletries: Pack your usual toiletries if you don't get used to those provided by the hotel.
• Medications: Bring any necessary medications, along with a doctor's prescription if needed.
• Umbrella or Rain Jacket: Avoid getting caught in the rain to ensure your trip proceeds smoothly.

Learn Japanese Phrases & Respect Local Culture

Dressing appropriately and avoiding loud behavior should be a priority, especially in public places or when visiting shrines. It is also important to queue up in an orderly manner when there are many people, as this is not only polite but also for safety reasons.

Additionally, you can learn some basic Japanese greetings and thank-yous to make it easier to get help from locals. If possible, bow to others after asking them something, as this is a way of showing respect.

Finally, do respect local customs, such as removing your shoes before entering traditional Japanese homes and accepting items with both hands.

Customize An Amazing Japan Trip with Expert Advice

Overall, planning a trip to Japan is a comprehensive process. Destination, length of stay, time to go, budget, local transportation, accommodation, and more all need to be taken into account.

However, even if you are the most meticulous planner, you may make mistakes due to unfamiliarity with Japan. So why not reach out to Asia Highlights for assistance? Professional customization and services are at your disposal.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.