How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Japan in 2025: a Complete Guide is Here

Japan is a must-visit destination for many travelers. There are so many places to visit and interesting things to do. However, the country is so popular that you would find that everything needs to be booked in advance or they might be sold out. Therefore, planning a Japan trip is not particularly easy.

In this article, we will share helpful tips, tricks, and information on how to plan a trip to Japan, especially for a first visit. Read on and start planning your trip now!

When is the Best Time to Visit Japan?

The best times to visit Japan are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This is when Japan is at its most beautiful with cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. The weather is also most pleasant with sunny and dry days.

However, this is also the busiest travel season in Japan. If you travel during these times, expect large crowds, traffic jams, higher prices, and difficulty in booking hotels and activities.

The Osaka Expo 2025 will be held in Japan from April 13th to October 13th, so April is very ideal to enjoy both the Expo and cherry blossoms.

It is advisable to avoid the Japanese Golden Week from the last week of April to the first week of May (April 26 to May 6 in 2025). This is when most Japanese people travel around.

Japan's hot and humid summer rainy season is definitely worth considering if you are from a country that isn't as hot and humid.

Where to Go in Japan for a First Visit?

Although Japan is small, there are so many places you could visit, ranging from those that showcase culture, history, food, and natural beauty. For a first visit, if your time is about 1 week, we recommend Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji. If your travel time is about 10 to 14 days, you could add Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and Takayama. These are the most popular tourist cities in Japan covering its history, culture, and rural charm.

Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are the most popular tourist cities in Japan. Tokyo and Osaka are the major entry gateway cities to Japan. Almost all travelers would include these cities in their first visit. They offer a great introduction to Japan, showcasing its history, culture, and modern life.

Kanazawa and Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps, are excellent places to explore Japan's ancient traditions, rural beauty, and village life. These areas provide a relatively off-the-beaten-path experience in Japan.

What Are Some of the Best Experiences You Should Not Miss in Japan?

Japan stands out among other Asian countries because of its unique experiences, such as onsen visits, sumo wrestling, and geisha performances. These activities showcase various aspects of Japanese culture and your trip to Japan wouldn't be complete without them.

1. Relax in an Authentic Onsen

You couldn't explore Japan without experiencing its onsens. Natural onsens are so common in Japan, you would find a good one even in or close to each destination, such as in Hakone and at the foot of Mount Fuji, close to Tokyo.

There are onsens at traditional Japanese ryokans. While most onsens are public, some rooms offer private onsens. However, these private options are limited and could be quite expensive. It's important to note that Japanese onsens are typically enjoyed nude.

Hakone and Kyoto are two good places to experience Japanese onsens.

2. Watch a Sumo Wrestling Performance

You could watch a sumo wrestling match both in Tokyo and Osaka. There are several sumo matches each year but the tickets are hard to book. Usually, most travelers would watch a sumo performance instead.

The experience includes a Chankonabe meal (sumo hot pot) and you could even take part in a friendly sumo contest with retired wrestlers.

3. Enjoy a Ninja Experience

You could dress in an authentic ninja outfit to learn skills under the guidance of a ninja master. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka all have ninja pavilions, but we often arrange this experience in Osaka for our clients as it's cheaper while offering a similar experience.

4. Engage in a Geisha Tea Ceremony

You could rarely see geishas on the streets in Japan nowadays. However, you could still experience their artistry through performances.

Kyoto is the top destination for a geisha tea ceremony experience, providing a more traditional atmosphere than in other cities.

These activities are very popular and are in huge demand. We recommend making a reservation at least 3 months in advance.

5. Explore Japanese Shrines

Most shrines in Japan share similar architecture so visiting 1–2 shrines is sufficient for your journey in Japan. Here are the most iconic shrines in the top three cities:

• Tokyo: Meiji Shrine
• Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Osaka: Namba Yasaka Shrine

How Many Days to Spend in Japan

To cover the major highlights in Japan, 7-14 days are ideal. Seven days would allow you to cover the three major cities of Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. These three cities give you a brief introduction to Japan. You could explore Japan's religions, history, and various modern activities in Tokyo, such as anime, interactive exhibits, and fashion, visit Kyoto's ancient castles and shrines, and try amazing Japanese street food in Osaka.

With 10 days, you could explore more of the country, adding more interesting places, such as Hakone for its onsen experiences and Hiroshima for its World War II history.

A 14-day itinerary allows you to venture into Japan's off-the-beaten-path rural areas, such as Kanazawa, and Takayama in the Japanese Alps, to discover rural life and the ancient traditions of the country.

Here, we have listed itineraries for 7, 10, and 14 days, for inspiration.

1-week itinerary:

Spending a week in Japan allows you to explore the most classic must-visit cities below:

• Tokyo (2–3 days): Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, Shibuya, and an anime experience
• Kyoto (2–3 days): Fushimi Inari Shrine and a geisha experience
• Osaka (1–2 days): delicious culinary experiences
• Hakone or Mount Fuji (1–2 days): views of Mount Fuji and an onsen experience

For a 10–14-Day Itinerary

For a 10–14-day tour, except for the most-visited cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you could add the following places to your itinerary:

• Nikko (1–2 days): offers insights into Japan's Edo period
• Hiroshima (1 day): World War II history
• Kanazawa (1–2 days): known for its samurai culture and surrounding Alps rural beauty

Below is a sample 10-day Japan itinerary. You could use it as your tour or our Japan travel advisors could adjust it based on your interests and duration.

• Day 1: Tokyo arrival
• Day 2: Tokyo city highlights (Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, and Senso-ji)
• Day 3: Day trip to Lake Kawaguchi to view Mount Fuji
• Day 4: Tokyo city highlights (sushi-making, Shibuya crossing, and explore on your own)
• Day 5: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto
• Day 6: Kyoto city tour (Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, and Gion district)
• Day 7: Kyoto city tour (Fushimi Inari Shrine, a tea ceremony, and bamboo groves in Arashiyama)
• Day 8: Transfer to Osaka
• Day 9: Osaka city highlights (ukiyo-e printmaking and Dotonbori)
• Day 10: Departure

What Are the Hotels Like in Japan?

There are two types of hotels in Japan: star-rated hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns). Star-rated hotels offer small rooms (15–40 m² / 161–431 ft²), while ryokans offer larger rooms (for 3–5 people) with tatami mat beds. Many ryokans have onsens (hot springs) and serve traditional Japanese meals. Ryokans are usually more expensive than regular hotels.

If you want to have a unique experience, consider staying for 1 night at a ryokan. It's not a good idea to stay for longer, however, as you may find sleeping on tatami mats uncomfortable.

Kyoto is a good place to experience a Japanese ryokan.

In Tokyo, it is really important to decide where to stay as the city is busy and large.

How to Get Around Japan?

The best way to travel between cities is by Shinkansen (bullet train). They are fast and comfortable, connecting major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel extensively.

To travel from a city to the nearby areas, the best way is to take a local private train. There is a huge network of private railways and each big city usually has at least one that connects it to places nearby, like a train from Tokyo to Mount Fuji or Hakone.

There are English signs at major stations and stops on long train journeys are announced in English. The most challenging part of taking trains in Japan is finding your way around the big stations with lots of routes. Make sure you load Google Maps for help and give yourself enough time to get to the right platform.

How to Pay in Japan?

In Japan, cash is still the most common way to pay. However, in major cities, most places accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and IC cards (PASMO/Suica/ICOCA). In smaller cities, rural areas, street restaurants, and for some entry tickets, you may need to pay in cash.

For transportation, the best way to pay is with an IC card (PASMO/Suica/ICOCA). These three cards are almost the same in use so you don't need to worry about which one to choose. However, Suica is more popular and it works better with Visa credit card charging. You could load these cards into your Apple or Google Wallet and pay directly from your phone. If you don't have an Apple phone, you need to buy a physical IC card.

IC cards could also be used at most convenience stores, vending machines, pharmacies, restaurants, and shopping malls.

For emergencies, it's advisable to carry 300–500 USD (approximately 50,000–80,000 yen) in cash.

Tokyo or Osaka? Which City is Best to Enter Japan?

Tokyo and Osaka are the two major gateway cities to Japan. You could choose either city based on flight availability and pricing.

Tokyo has two airports: Narita and Haneda. If you have a choice, use Haneda Airport as it is closer to the city.

Many travelers prefer to fly into Tokyo and out of Osaka for their first trip to Japan. This allows them to explore Japan's vibrant capital when they are most energetic, as Tokyo has more things to do than Osaka.

For the best prices, we advise buying tickets at least 6 weeks in advance. You can contact us for the most suitable travel route recommendation.

Should I Visit Japan Independently, in a Group, or via a Private Tour?

Traveling in Japan independently is not hard due to its developed transportation network and English signs. But one thing you need to know is that if traveling independently, you need to spend a lot of time mapping, finding your hotels, and navigating your location.

Traveling with a group tour may have the disadvantage of no flexibility to adjust your visiting times based on your preferences. It could also be hard to hear your guide's explanations because of the large group size.

On the other hand, private tours provide a tailored experience with your own itinerary and a dedicated guide to accompany you throughout your journey.

How Long in Advance Should I Plan My Japan Tour?

Plan and Book at Least 3-6 Months in Advance. Japan is very popular. Experiences, activities, restaurants, and hotels could be sold out quickly, especially in the peak travel seasons from March to May, July to August, and September to December. Major attractions, restaurants, and hotels could all be booked up 3-6 months in advance.

Flight tickets: Buy flight tickets at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance for a good price. ZIPAIR tends to sell out of full-flat seats 2-3 months ahead of time.

Hotels: Hotels close to the transportation hub or attractions are usually booked up quickly. If you book at the last minute, you would find your options are very limited and prices are 2-3 times higher.

Restaurants: Most restaurants allow reservations up to 1 month in advance. Many require bookings through third-party sites as direct booking options are often unavailable. You could make reservations through this site: https://tabelog.com/cn/tokyo/rstLst/4/

What Are the Prices Like in Japan?

Costs in Japan are relatively lower compared to most Western countries. For example, a bottle of water in Japan costs US$1, a bowl of ramen costs US$5–8, and a meal at a sushi restaurant costs US$15–50.

For more information about travel costs in Japan, check out our How Much Is a Trip to Japan.

 

What are Some Most-Have Apps for Visiting Japan?

• Google Maps: To navigate your way around.
• Suica card on your mobile: Make online payments for transportation, shopping, eating, etc.
• Klook: Book Shinkansen tickets, tours, and entry tickets for attractions.
• NAVITIME: Provides information on Shinkansen, JR, subways, buses, and ferries, and could find transfer points and the fastest or least expensive routes.
• GO: Book taxi rides, similar to Uber.
• Tabelog: Book restaurants.
• tenki.jp: A weather app that provides alerts for typhoons, earthquakes, and other emergencies.
• Google Translate

What Are Some Must-Try Foods in Japan?

• Sushi: rice with fresh fish — try different kinds, such as nigiri and maki
• Ramen: noodles in soup with toppings like pork and eggs
• Tempura: fried vegetables or seafood, served with sauce
• Okonomiyaki: savory pancakes with cabbage and various fillings
• Takoyaki: fried balls with octopus, topped with sauce
• Udon: thick noodles in broth or with dipping sauce
• Soba: buckwheat noodles, served hot or cold
• Matcha: green tea powder used in drinks and desserts
• Yakiniku: grilled meat cooked at the table

Continue to read more on the best food to eat in Japan

What are Some Basic Dos and Don'ts for Japan?

Understanding a few basic manners could help you avoid embarrassing situations in Japan.

1. Don't Eat While Walking

Walking while eating is believed to be rude and unacceptable in Japan.

2. Don't Make Any Noise When Eating, Except for Noodles

It is customary to avoid making noise while chewing food. However, when eating noodles, slurping is encouraged as it is considered a compliment to the flavor of the noodles and a praise for the cook.

3. Be Cautious About Restaurant Reservation Cancellations

In Japan, reservations at restaurants are essential and should be made in advance. If you have a reservation, not showing up is considered unacceptable.

If your plans change, be sure to cancel or modify your reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Some restaurants may charge a fee of approximately 10% of your meal cost for cancellations or changes made within 1–7 days of your reservation.

4. Don't Talk on the Phone or Speak Loudly on Public Transport

Public transportation in Japan is a place for quiet, so talking on the phone or playing games loudly is considered impolite.

5. Follow Onsen Rituals for a Proper Experience

When visiting onsens, observe important rituals, such as bathing before entering, remaining nude, and not taking towels into the onsen.

6. Don't Leave Your Garbage Behind

There are no garbage cans on the streets in Japan. Therefore, you may need to take a plastic bag to collect your trash. Once back at your hotel, you could separate it and dispose of it.

Read a full list of dos and dont's in Japan

How to Pack for Your Japan Trip

When traveling in Japan, you would mainly use the Shinkansen to move between cities, which has limited luggage space. You're allowed to take only two pieces of luggage on the Shinkansen; any additional items would need to be shipped. Fortunately, Japan has an excellent shipping system (your hotel could help you with the shipping service, and the most used shipping service is Takuhaibin).

To pack effectively, consider two pieces of luggage: a light shoulder bag for your essentials and a wheeled suitcase for everything else.

Luckily, necessities and clothing are quite affordable in Japan, so you wouldn't need to pack extensively. It's a great idea to purchase what you need while you're there.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Japan Trip

Wondering how to plan a memorable trip to Japan that includes all of your favorite highlights? Our Japan travel advisors are here to help you personalize your itinerary for a hassle-free journey. Contact us now!