A trip to Japan meant a lot of research and planning for us, simply because there were so many things we didn’t know and that initially felt overly complicated. Transportation, sightseeing, accommodation, food, how long to stay — everything seemed like too much information to put together. All these mysteries were quickly cleared up once we arrived and realized how surprisingly simple Japan actually is. The Japanese place great emphasis on simplifying everyday life, and almost everything we encountered was extremely user-friendly. Basically, anything designed to make life easier. That’s why people often say that when you travel to Japan, you’re actually traveling into the future.
Through this article, my goal is to make everything simple and easy to understand when it comes to planning an independent trip to one of the most fascinating countries in the world: Japan.
How to get to Japan
Japan is well connected to major cities around the world, but due to the long distance, direct flights are not always available depending on where you’re traveling from. Most routes include one layover, usually in a major international hub. To find the best flight options, I recommend using Google Flights, which makes it easy to compare prices, airlines, and layover times.
Because Japan is a long-haul destination, flight prices can increase quickly, especially during popular travel seasons. Booking your tickets as early as possible can make a significant difference in price. We booked several months in advance and found much better deals than those available closer to departure.
Tip: If you have access to multiple nearby airports, check departure options from all of them. Flying from a larger international hub can sometimes be significantly cheaper and offer more convenient connections.
2. Do You Need a Visa to Visit Japan?
For many nationalities, Japan offers visa-free entry for tourism for stays of up to 90 days. This applies to citizens of numerous countries in Europe, North America, Australia, and several other regions.
However, visa requirements depend on your nationality, so it’s always best to check the official information provided by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your local Japanese embassy before traveling.
In most cases, the entry process is straightforward, making Japan an easy destination to visit from an administrative point of view.
3. How Many Days Do You Need in Japan?
This question gave us a hard time as well. The honest answer? As many as possible. There are so many things to see and do that no matter how long you stay, it will never feel like enough. Considering the long and expensive journey, I wouldn’t recommend less than 10 days. Ideally, plan for 14–20 days.
We had 14 days available and optimized our itinerary to cover the most important places on our list, balancing cities, day trips, and sightseeing.
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4. Do You Need Cash in Japan?
Yes, but mostly for small purchases and souvenirs. While most shops accept cards, there are still places that only take cash. There’s no need to exchange money before arriving — ATMs in 7-Eleven convenience stores allow you to withdraw Japanese yen directly using Revolut cards, without commission.
5.Best Time to Visit Japan
Japan has two extremely popular seasons: sakura (cherry blossom season, late March–early April) and momiji (autumn foliage, October–November).
Personally, I don’t recommend traveling during cherry blossom season. Tourist numbers are overwhelming, accommodations are significantly more expensive, and rain can easily disrupt your plans.
We visited in October, when the weather was still warm but not oppressive. The leaves were just beginning to change color, so we didn’t catch peak autumn foliage everywhere, but that didn’t matter — especially since we enjoyed spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so if you’re sensitive to heat, it’s best to avoid that period.
6.Where to Stay
We spent 7 nights in Tokyo, 3 nights in Kyoto, and 4 nights in Osaka. As long as your accommodation is close to a metro station, location shouldn’t be a major concern — especially in Tokyo, which is massive and well connected.
When choosing accommodation, we focused on area, price, and conditions. Keep in mind that hotel rooms in Japan are generally quite small, so if space is important to you, pay close attention to room size when booking.
Accommodation in Tokyo
Accommodation in Kyoto
Accommodation in Osaka
7. Internet in Japan
There are several internet options when traveling in Japan:
- eSIM
- Physical SIM card (available at the airport)
- Portable Wi-Fi router (pocket Wi-Fi) — rented at the airport and returned upon departure; ideal for connecting multiple devices
We used an eSIM from Roamic and found it to offer the best value. We had no issues with speed or coverage.
8. Getting around
Japan has one of the most efficient and punctual transportation systems in the world. While it may seem complicated at first, it’s surprisingly easy to use. Google Maps even tells you which train car to board to be closest to your exit.
Trains are the main mode of transportation:
- Shinkansen – high-speed trains used mainly for long-distance travel between major cities
- Local and regional trains – ideal for shorter distances
In Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, the metro is the most commonly used means of transport. In Kyoto, buses are also extremely useful, as they stop near most tourist attractions.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Tokyo has two main airports: Narita and Haneda. Narita is about 60 km from the city, while Haneda is much closer, around 20 km.
From Narita Airport:
- Narita Express (N’EX) – connects to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama (60–90 minutes)
- Keisei Skyliner – runs to Ueno/Nippori (40–45 minutes)
From Haneda Airport:
- Tokyo Monorail – to Hamamatsucho, with connections to JR Yamanote Line
- Keikyu Line – to Shinagawa, Asakusa, and Yokohama (20–40 minutes)
Osaka is served by Kansai International Airport (KIX), located on an artificial island about 50 km from the city center.
From KIX:
- JR Haruka Express – connects to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, and Kyoto (~50 minutes to Shin-Osaka)
- Nankai Airport Express – to Namba (~45 minutes)
- Rapi:t – faster service to Namba (35–40 minutes)
9. What to eat in Japan
I know many people (myself included) are a bit hesitant about Asian cuisine. I had some concerns too, but Japanese food turned out to be incredibly diverse and delicious. You’ll find something for every taste, and prices are very reasonable, especially in neighborhood restaurants.
We ate both in traditional izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and in more upscale restaurants, and the prices were consistently fair. The Japanese pay close attention to detail and quality, regardless of how fancy a place looks.
One absolute must-try is wagyu beef — incredibly flavorful and truly unforgettable.
Popular dishes not to miss:
- Ramen
- Sushi & sashimi
- Tempura
- Okonomiyaki
- Takoyaki
- Gyoza
- Tonkatsu
- Donburi
- Mochi & dorayaki
10.What to Visit in Japan
Japan offers an incredible mix of traditional temples, modern neighborhoods, vibrant streets, and cultural landmarks. Whether you’re exploring Kyoto’s historic sites or Tokyo’s eclectic districts, there’s something fascinating around every corner.
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11. Useful Tips
- Don’t travel with an overpacked suitcase — you’ll want space for shopping.
- Hotels usually provide toiletries, often including pajamas, slippers, and skincare items.
- Bring a rain poncho if you’re visiting in spring or autumn.
- Keep quiet in public spaces, especially on trains and in the metro.
- Smoking on the street is prohibited in most cities; use designated smoking areas.
- Trash bins are rare — it’s normal to carry your garbage with you.
- Always have some cash, especially in smaller towns.
- Respect queues and order — it’s taken seriously.
- Avoid rush hours on public transport if possible.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to give it a Like or share it with friends!
Happy travels! 🥰
