Thinking about your next vacation spot? You’ve got to consider Japan!

It’s a place where every corner has something unique to offer. Imagine wandering through busy Tokyo streets, lit up with neon lights, or finding peace in Kyoto’s calm temples. Japan’s food? It’s out of this world! From sushi to ramen, each bite is a whole new experience. Nature lovers, get ready for some stunning sights, like Mount Fuji or the magical cherry blossoms in spring. And let’s not forget about the rich history and culture, from ancient samurai tales to the quirky world of manga and anime.

Japan is the perfect place for anyone looking for an adventure, cultural exploration, or just some really good food. Give it a go and let us know how much you love it! Plus, don’t miss these 6 things to see and experience in Japan on your trip of a lifetime.

• Visa: Many countries benefit from Japan’s visa exemption program allowing for short-term stays, but check the visa requirements based on your nationality.

• Vaccinations: There are no specific vaccination requirements for most travelers visiting Japan. Consider getting vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or in rural areas, especially during mosquito season.

• Flight Booking: Check out our flight booking tips to make sure you get the best value for your money.

• Currency: The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥). It’s advisable to have some cash on hand upon arrival, as not all places in Japan accept credit cards, especially in rural areas or small establishments.

• Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival): Celebrated in spring, this festival involves picnicking under cherry blossom trees. The cherry blossoms, or sakura, are deeply symbolic in Japanese culture, and viewing them is a popular activity.

• Gion Matsuri: Held in Kyoto in July, this is one of Japan’s most famous festivals. It features elaborate floats and parades.

• Sapporo Snow Festival: Taking place in Hokkaido in February, this festival showcases massive ice sculptures and snow statues.

• Tanabata Matsuri: Also known as the Star Festival, it’s celebrated in July. People write wishes on tanzaku papers and hang them on bamboo trees, hoping their wishes come true.

• Nebuta Matsuri: A summer festival in Aomori, featuring large, colorful floats and lots of dancing.

• Mount Fuji: Japan’s highest mountain, a popular spot for hiking and photography.

• Himeji Castle: Also known as “White Heron Castle,” this is one of Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved castles.

• Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa: One of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens”, known for its beautiful landscaping and beauty.

• The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu): A massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which is one of the most famous icons of Japan.

• The Sand Dunes of Tottori (Tottori Sakyu): The largest sand dunes in Japan offering unique desert-like landscapes, activities like camel rides, and beautiful views of the Sea of Japan.

• Gyudon: A popular and comforting bowl dish consisting of thinly sliced beef and onions in a mildly sweet sauce served on top of steamed rice. It’s a fast-food favorite in Japan.

• Udon: Thick wheat flour noodles served in a savory broth, often with toppings like tempura (battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables), tofu, or scallions.

• Chawanmushi: A savory egg custard appetizer that’s steamed in a cup and often includes shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, or ginkgo nuts.

• Tonkatsu: Breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet, typically served with shredded cabbage and a sweet and sour sauce.

• Dorayaki: A popular dessert, dorayaki is made of two small pancake-like patties made from castella wrapped around a filling of sweet red bean paste.

• Tea Ceremony: Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which is a choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea, known as matcha, together with traditional Japanese sweets to balance with the bitter taste of the tea.

• Stay in a Ryokan: Experience traditional Japanese hospitality by staying in a ryokan, a type of traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata (kimono) and enjoy the ryokan experience.

• Attend a Sumo Wrestling Match: Experience the unique sport of sumo wrestling, Japan’s national sport. Watching a sumo match or visiting a sumo stable to see a morning practice session is an unforgettable experience.

• Onsen Experience: Relax in an onsen (hot spring), which is a quintessential Japanese experience. Many onsens are located in scenic areas, offering a relaxing dip with a view of nature.

• Watch a Kabuki Performance: Experience Kabuki, a traditional Japanese form of theatre with elaborate costumes and makeup, known for its dramatic storytelling and the beauty of its staging.

• Bowing: Bowing is a traditional way to greet, thank, or apologize to someone. The depth and duration of the bow depend on the situation and the level of respect you want to show.

• Handling Money: When paying for goods or services, use the small tray provided at the cash register to handle money, rather than handing it directly to the cashier.

• No Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes be considered rude. The price you pay includes the service.

• Shoes Off: In many places like homes, temples, traditional inns (ryokan), and even some restaurants, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes. You may be provided with slippers to wear indoors.

• Chopstick Etiquette: Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice and avoid passing food directly from your chopsticks to someone else’s, as this resembles a funeral ritual.

Before international travel, you should always make a plan for how you’ll use your phone.

Japan roaming charges can add up quickly, and you don’t want to get stuck with a huge phone bill after an amazing vacation.

Carrier travel data packages are often expensive, with limited data and a lot of restrictions.

A budget-friendly way to avoid Japan roaming charges is to download a Japan eSIM that comes with a prepaid Japan data package.