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Planning a trip to Japan

Japan combines huge, efficient cities with quiet temples, mountain towns and distinctive regional food. Its rail network makes it easy to cover a lot of ground, but the best trips still pick a focused route and leave room to slow down.

Japan at a glance

Many first trips follow a route from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, often adding a stop such as Hakone for views of Mount Fuji, Nara for its temples and deer park, or Hiroshima and nearby Miyajima. These places are linked by the shinkansen (bullet train), so you can travel between them in a few hours.

Each stop has a different feel. Tokyo is a collection of neighbourhoods, from historic Asakusa to the energy of Shinjuku and Shibuya. Kyoto is known for temples, shrines and traditional streets. Osaka is famous for street food and nightlife. Further afield, Hokkaido offers nature and winter snow, while Okinawa has a subtropical climate and beaches.

Seasons shape a trip to Japan more than most destinations: cherry blossom in spring and autumn colours draw large crowds, while early summer brings a rainy season and late summer can be hot and humid.

City guides for Japan

Best time to visit Japan

Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons for comfortable weather and seasonal scenery, so they are also the busiest. Winter is cold but clear in many regions, and summer is hot and humid.

Spring · March to May

Cherry blossom season usually peaks in Tokyo and Kyoto around late March to early April, varying by year. Japan's Golden Week holidays (late April to early May) are very busy.

Early summer · June to July

The rainy season affects much of the country, bringing frequent showers and humidity, though gardens are lush.

Late summer · August to September

Hot and humid with summer festivals and fireworks; typhoons can disrupt travel in this period.

Autumn · October to November

Comfortable temperatures and autumn leaves, often at their best around November in Kyoto and Tokyo.

Winter · December to February

Cold, often dry and clear in Tokyo and Kyoto, with heavy snow and skiing in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps.

How many days in Japan?

Ten days to two weeks suits a first trip on the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route. With a week, focus on two bases.

5–7 days
Tokyo and Kyoto, or Tokyo with day trips to places like Hakone, Kamakura or Nikko.
10 days
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with day trips to Nara and possibly Hakone.
14 days
The classic route plus Hiroshima and Miyajima, or a slower stop such as Kanazawa or the Japanese Alps.

Top things to see in Japan

  • Tokyo

    A vast, safe and easy-to-navigate city of distinct neighbourhoods, food and culture.

  • Kyoto

    Temples, shrines, gardens and traditional districts; staying a few nights helps you see it beyond the peak crowds.

  • Osaka

    A food-focused city with lively nightlife and easy day trips to Nara.

  • Nara

    Ancient temples, including a giant Buddha, and a park known for its free-roaming deer.

  • Hakone

    Hot springs, lakes and, on clear days, views of Mount Fuji, within reach of Tokyo.

  • Hiroshima and Miyajima

    The Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the island shrine with its famous gate in the water.

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Getting around Japan

  • The shinkansen links major cities quickly and reliably. Whether a Japan Rail Pass is worth it depends on your route, so compare the current pass price on the official site with the cost of individual tickets for your planned journeys.
  • In cities, rechargeable IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo or ICOCA can be used on most trains, subways and buses, and in many shops.
  • Local trains and buses reach most towns, but in rural areas services can be less frequent, so check timetables before day trips.

Planning considerations

Entry requirements
Visa rules depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and your government's travel advice before you book.
Money
Japan uses the yen. Card acceptance has grown, but cash is still useful at smaller restaurants, shrines and rural businesses; many convenience stores have ATMs that accept foreign cards.
Etiquette
Tipping isn't customary in Japan. Quiet behaviour on public transport and following local guidance at temples and shrines are appreciated.
Peak seasons
Cherry blossom season, Golden Week and autumn-leaf season are very busy. Book accommodation early if you plan to travel then.

Tips for visiting Japan

  • Use luggage-forwarding services between hotels on travel days so you can ride trains with just a day bag.
  • Plan temples and popular viewpoints for early morning to avoid crowds.
  • Carry a small amount of cash and a coin purse, as some places are cash only.
  • Download offline maps and a translation app; signs in major stations are usually in English, but smaller places may not be.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Japan?

For a first trip, ten days to two weeks works well for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with a few day trips. With a week, choose two bases, such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Japan's trains make it easy to move around, but frequent hotel changes eat into your time.

When is the best time to visit Japan?

Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons, with mild weather, cherry blossom in spring and colourful leaves in autumn. They are also the busiest times. Winter is cold but often clear, while early summer is rainy and late summer is hot and humid.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?

It depends on how much long-distance train travel you plan. Add up the cost of individual tickets for your route and compare it with the current pass price on the official Japan Rail Pass website. For a simple Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka trip, individual tickets can sometimes be cheaper.

Do I need cash in Japan?

Cards are increasingly accepted, especially in cities and larger businesses, but cash is still needed at some small restaurants, temples and rural shops. Keeping some yen on hand and using convenience-store ATMs is a practical approach.

Ready-made itineraries

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Travel planning guides

Official sources and further reading

Practical details such as entry requirements, prices, timetables and opening days change. Always confirm them with the official sources below before you travel. Last reviewed by the AIFlyTrip editorial team on .