{"id":1004,"date":"2024-01-17T16:00:41","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T16:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flytographer.com\/blog\/japan-travel-tips\/"},"modified":"2024-01-17T16:00:41","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T16:00:41","slug":"japan-travel-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flyphotoprod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/japan-travel-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Japan Travel Tips to Know Before You Go"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Japan Travel Tips<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dubbed \u201c<\/span>the best country in the world<\/span><\/a>,\u201d Japan should be at the top of your Asia bucket list for countless reasons \u2014 captivating Japanese culture, retro-futuristic big cities, and unmatched outdoor escapes are just a few. With so many great sightseeing spots to hit, it can be puzzling to know where (and how) to take your first steps. Worry not; here we are with a travel guide for first-time visitors. With our 10 Japan travel tips below, your first trip to J-land will be as easy as using chopsticks. \ud83d\ude09 <\/span><\/p>\n

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to share their top 10 tips when travelling to Japan. \ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5<\/span><\/p>\n

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TLDR<\/b><\/h2>\n
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  1. Best time of year to go<\/strong><\/a>: Cherry blossoms, Maple foliage, Sandy beaches. <\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Japan itinerary tips<\/strong><\/a>: Kiso Valley mountains, Osaka street food, Hiroshima reinvention. <\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Food and drink tips<\/strong><\/a>: Hole-in-the-wall restaurants, Retro cafes, food tours.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Accommodations to book<\/strong><\/a>: Ryokans, Capsule rooms, five-star resorts.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Budgeting tips<\/strong><\/a>: Convenience stores, cash, discounted experiences.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Public transportation tips<\/strong><\/a>: Metro IC cards, Rail pass, Bus.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Internet access tips<\/strong><\/a>: Pocket wifi, SIM cards, Internet cafes.<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Language tips<\/strong><\/a>: Konnichiwa, Arigatou gozaimasu, Sayonara.<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Packing tips<\/strong><\/a>: Pack light, comfortable, and leave space for souvenirs. <\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Photo tips<\/strong><\/a>: Ask for permission, capture the beauty, hire a professional. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Daniel in Tokyo for Flytographer. <\/span><\/a><\/strong>Kristina and partner capture memories in Tokyo with an anniversary photoshoot at Asakusa.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    1. Best Time of Year to Go<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Visiting Japan is a delight all year round. Still, some seasons are more popular than others.<\/span><\/p>\n


    <\/span>March to May, for Sakura Blossoms<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Spring in Japan is synonymous with the cherry blossoms. Brace yourself for a true natural extravaganza in different shades of pink that transform the scenery. Typically, the peak season in major tourist spots like Tokyo and Kyoto is from the end of March to early May. \ud83c\udf38<\/span><\/p>\n

    Mid-September to November, for Fall Colours<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    During autumn, the country\u2019s pristine landscapes and parks become a breathtaking spectacle \u2014 imagine Shinto shrines and Zen gardens framed by vibrant Japanese maple and ginkgo foliage. The optimal leaf-peeping season varies slightly throughout the country; it starts in mid-September in Hokkaido, while in Tokyo and Kyoto, the best viewing time is usually from mid-October to late November. \ud83c\udf41<\/span><\/p>\n

    Other Seasons<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Summers in Japan are hot and humid, but they also have highlights, like exploring the beaches of Okinawa or the flower fields in Hokkaido. Winters are perfect for visiting Hokkaido, which becomes a winter wonderland, or many superb ski destinations spread across the country. \u26f7\ufe0f<\/span>
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    <\/span>Heads-up: May through October is also typhoon season, so keep that in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer.<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>Christa and partner capture memories in Kyoto with a vacation photoshoot at Philosopher\u2019s Path.<\/em>
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    2. Japan Itinerary Ideas<\/b><\/h2>\n

    \ud83d\uddfcTokyo<\/a><\/strong>:<\/strong> Tokyo is a planet all its own, where futuristic neighbourhoods like Shibuya sit next to Zen gardens and vintage districts that seem frozen in time. An abundance of museums and art galleries will delight history and art lovers, and night owls will find their crowd, whether in themed cafes, tumbledown alleyways, or trendy cocktail bars. One can spend years exploring the Japanese capital and still discover new hidden gems. Tokyo\u2019s dynamic character will steal your heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \ud83c\udf8e Kyoto<\/a><\/strong>:<\/strong> Kyoto invites you to immerse yourself in its ancient splendour. With countless well-preserved temples, wooden townhouses, and immaculately designed Zen rock gardens, Kyoto is a living canvas of Japanese culture \u2014 and don\u2019t be surprised if you chance upon an elegant geisha gracefully crossing the street; in Kyoto, geisha culture still thrives, serving as a reminder that beauty and grace are integral parts of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \ud83c\udfef Osaka<\/strong>:<\/strong> Known as \u201cJapan\u2019s Kitchen,\u201d Osaka is replete with izakayas serving a medley of mouthwatering Japanese food. That\u2019s not all \u2014 the city\u2019s streets are a wonderland where vintage neon signs hang right above shrines adorned with glowing paper lamps. Osaka\u2019s castle stands tall on the horizon, and if you\u2019re in the mood for some theme park fun, you can head to Universal Studios Japan. Moreover, Osaka serves as an excellent base to explore the rest of Kansai, including Kyoto and Nara.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u26f0 Kiso Valley<\/strong>:<\/strong> Running along the central Alps, the Kiso Valley is a bit of an<\/span> off-the-beaten-track<\/span><\/a> choice. It feels like a world frozen in time, replete with towering mountains, lush forests, winding rivers, and well-preserved ancient towns. Throughout the region, there are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, river rafting, and even skiing.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \ud83c\udf0b Mt. Fuji<\/strong>:<\/strong> Mt. Fuji, Japan\u2019s highest mountain, is a perfectly shaped active volcano that has been worshiped for thousands of years. Nothing compares to seeing it right in front of you. For this, you can head to Fujigoko, on the northern foot of the mountain, or Hakone, a famed hot spring resort town. Not close enough for you? You can also climb Japan\u2019s ultimate icon in July and August.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u26e9\ufe0f Hiroshima<\/strong>:<\/strong> Hiroshima is known for its tragic past but also its story of perseverance and reinvention. Forever marked as the place where the first atomic bomb was dropped, the city is a space of remembrance, especially around the memorial park that commemorates the victims of the bomb. Over time, a bustling city sprawled around it with wonderful shops, restaurants, and museums. Moreover, Miyajima Island, where an iconic torii gate stands in the middle of the water, is an easy day trip from the city centre. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Eriko and Said in Tokyo for Flytographer.<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>Michael and partner capture memories in Tokyo with a proposal photoshoot in Oishi Park with a view of Mt. Fuji.<\/em>
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    3. Food and Drink Tips<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Japanese food is one of the top reasons you should go to Japan, and it\u2019s not all about sushi and ramen (although they are big hits). Here are some Japan travel tips for you to make the most of your culinary experience:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    It\u2019s always fun checking the small hole-in-the-wall ramen and soba joints for an authentic Japanese meal. That\u2019s where people often have their lunch breaks from work. In many of these places, you get to sit at a counter facing the kitchen, seeing all the magic happening in front of you. \ud83c\udf5c<\/span>
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    Food Tours<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Why not book a food tour?<\/span> Shinjuku Life After 5<\/span><\/a>, for instance, will take you to izakayas and other local bars for delicious sake. \ud83c\udf76 You can also find bar-hopping tours online, which include visits to Shinjuku\u2019s famed Golden Gai. For food tours all over Japan, head to<\/span> Arigato Travel<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n


    <\/span>Sushi Galore<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Sushi is very important in Japanese culture. Visitors to Japan love taking sushi-making classes, and they are often surprised at the complexity involved in cutting fish and placing it on top of rice. If you want to get straight to business, try a conveyor belt sushi place, where you can pick sushi from a revolving belt right in front of you. \ud83c\udf63<\/span><\/p>\n


    <\/span>Retro Cafes<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Retro cafes are a common sight in big cities. It\u2019s easy to recognize these charming old-fashioned establishments for their distinctive appearance and the fake food art they display in their windows instead of a menu. Order a cream soda or a black coffee, and don\u2019t forget the custard pudding to fully enjoy the time travel experience! \ud83c\udf6e<\/span><\/p>\n


    <\/span>Hidden in Plain Sight<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    In Japan, many restaurants, bars, and cafes \u201chide\u201d inside tall buildings. If you see a list of establishments displayed in front of a certain building, don\u2019t be afraid to take the elevator up and take a peek inside. From intimate wine and sake bars to live music venues, chances are you\u2019ll find a local gem. \ud83d\udc4d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Eriko and Said in Tokyo for Flytographer.<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>Hilary and partner capture memories in Tokyo with a honeymoon photoshoot in Shinbashi.<\/em>
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    4. Accommodations to Book<\/b><\/h2>\n

    From capsule rooms to five-star resorts, Japan offers accommodations for travellers on any budget. One of the top Japan travel tips for first-timers is to stay like a local.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Stay in a Ryokan and Experience Onsen Culture<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns or guesthouses that focus on relaxation and feature tatami mat rooms. They offer all-inclusive services with traditional kimonos, slippers, and even a Kaiseki meal, a multi-course Japanese dinner.  \ud83c\udf71<\/span><\/p>\n

    Many ryokans feature onsens in their facilities or have some nearby. Essentially, onsens are hot-spring baths traditional to Japan and a unique experience for anyone visiting the country. If you visit (and you should) Kawaguchiko, a Japanese resort town full of onsens,<\/span> Konansou Ryokan<\/span><\/a> features breathtaking views of Japan\u2019s iconic Mount Fuji.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Whatever place you book, chances are you\u2019ll have a pleasant surprise: the toilets are wonderful! No joke, they are high-tech gadgets with heated seats and built-in bidet functions \u2014 some even play music for ultimate privacy. \ud83d\udebd<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. <\/span><\/a><\/strong>Melanie and partner capture memories in Kyoto with a proposal photoshoot at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.<\/em>
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    5. Budgeting Tips<\/b><\/h2>\n

    A trip to Japan doesn\u2019t need to drain your wallet. There are many ways you can enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun on a budget. Just be clever and follow these Japan travel tips about budgeting below:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Get a Meal from a Convenience Store<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    You\u2019ll find convenience stores everywhere in Japan, the most famous of which are Family Mart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven. Known as konbinis, they are actually attractions stocked with a mind-blowing variety of bento meals and snacks (both Western and Japanese) that are budget-friendly and delicious. \ud83d\ude0b<\/span><\/p>\n

    Always Carry Cash with You<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    In Japan, cash is king. Many places don\u2019t accept credit cards, so always make sure you have cash with you. \ud83d\udcb4 You\u2019ll find ATMs at almost every konbini. With some coins in hand, you can try something from the amazing vending machines that are everywhere \u2014 in Japan, you can even buy a pizza or a ramen bowl from a vending machine on the street! \ud83d\ude2f<\/span><\/p>\n


    <\/span>Book Transportation and Sightseeing Experiences on Klook<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    This easy-to-use platform will be your best friend when you travel to Japan.<\/span> Klook<\/span><\/a> is a great way to discover and book tours at discounted rates as well as read reviews of people\u2019s experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Nathalie in Tokyo for Flytographer. <\/span><\/a><\/strong>Kelvin and partner capture memories in Tokyo with a proposal photoshoot in Kawazu.<\/em>
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    6. Public Transportation Tips<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Japan is well-connected, with several transportation options for in-city, regional, and long-distance travel. Here are some tips for you:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Metro IC Cards<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Especially in Tokyo, getting an IC card is a great idea. These prepaid cards will make your life easier while exploring the massive Japanese capital, saving you time and money. The two main prepaid cards available are Pasmo and Suica.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Japan Rail Pass<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    The Japan Rail (JR) Pass allows you to ride JR trains all over Japan as much as you want, including the Shinkansen, the iconic Japanese bullet train. \ud83d\ude84 Passes are available for 7, 14, and 21 days, allowing unlimited travel within the chosen duration. The JR pass is ideal for both long-distance and day trips, and if you have limited time in Japan, this is a great travel option, though it\u2019s not the most budget-friendly choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Bus<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    If you\u2019re on a budget and have a little extra time, buses are another excellent travel option. Service is comfortable, clean, efficient, and remarkably punctual.<\/span> Willer Express<\/span><\/a> is one of the most comfortable bus companies, but if you wish to explore other options, go to<\/span> Kosoku Bus<\/span><\/a>. \ud83d\ude8c<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. <\/span><\/a><\/strong>Brenda and family capture memories in Tokyo with a family photoshoot in Shibuya.<\/em>
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    7. Internet Access Tips<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Travelling without the internet nowadays is a daring quest, especially in a country where Google Maps and Google Translate are lifesavers! Here are two of the best options to stay connected:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pocket Wi-Fi <\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Pocket Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi routers are convenient options. You can find them for rental upon arrival at the Narita and Haneda airports as well as most major airports across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

    SIM Cards and eSIM Cards<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Many SIM card options are available, and you can choose from various plans based on duration and the amount of data you\u2019ll need. eSIMs, such as from<\/span> Airalo<\/span><\/a>, are also an option and often a more affordable one, allowing you to handle everything online and top up easily when needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Cho in Tokyo for Flytographer.<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>Amanda and partner capture memories in Tokyo with a couples photoshoot near Tokyo Tower.<\/em>
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    8. Language Tips<\/b><\/h2>\n

    If your Japanese hasn\u2019t quite taken flight yet, you\u2019ll encounter a language barrier. That\u2019s when Google Translate comes in to save the day, and you can even use the built-in camera mode to translate signs and menus that have no English at all. \ud83d\udcf1<\/span><\/p>\n

    Still, Japanese people appreciate when visitors learn some basic Japanese words and phrases:<\/span><\/p>\n