Tokyo
Neon districts, quiet shrines and the world's deepest food scene.
日本旅行ガイド · Start here for your first trip
Your first trip to Japan starts here
In-depth city guides, honest practical advice, sample itineraries and free planning tools, written with first-time visitors in mind (and still handy on your second or third trip). Everything links back to official sources so you can double-check the details that matter.
2026/2027 Japan Travel Quick-Reference Table (Costs, Rail Passes & Seasons)
Current fares, daily yen budgets, IC cards, and peak travel windows at a glance.
| Planning Category | 2026/2027 Benchmark / Official Rate | Best Tool or Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Trip Budget (Per Person) | Budget ¥12,000–¥16,000 · Mid-Range ¥22,000–¥32,000 · Comfort ¥50,000+ | Japan Trip Budget Calculator |
| Shinkansen Flagship Fares | Tokyo → Kyoto ¥14,170 (2h 15m) · Tokyo → Shin-Osaka ¥14,720 · Tokyo → Hiroshima ¥19,440 | Shinkansen Fare Calculator |
| Nationwide JR Pass (7 / 14 / 21 Days) | ¥50,000 / ¥80,000 / ¥100,000 (Ordinary) — Regional passes from ¥17,000 often beat it | JR Pass Break-Even Calculator |
| Urban Transit & IC Cards | Suica / PASMO / ICOCA (Apple Wallet or station cards); local rides ¥180–¥330 | IC Card & Subway Pass Calculator |
| Best Months to Visit | Late Mar–May (Cherry Blossoms & mild spring) · Oct–Nov (Autumn Koyo foliage) | Month-by-Month Calendar |
| Cash, ATMs & Tax-Free Rules | 75–85% cashless in major cities; carry ¥15,000–¥30,000 cash via 7-Eleven ATMs | Live Yen (JPY) Converter |
Where to go in Japan
All 25 destinations →Kyoto
Temples, gardens, geisha districts and centuries of tradition.
Osaka
Japan's kitchen: street food, nightlife and big-city energy.
Sapporo & Hokkaido
Powder snow, flower fields, seafood and wide-open nature.
Hiroshima & Miyajima
A city of peace, okonomiyaki, and the floating torii of Miyajima.
Nara
Japan's first permanent capital — giant Buddha and bowing deer.
Okinawa
Subtropical islands, coral reefs and a distinct Ryukyu culture.
Fukuoka
Yatai street stalls, tonkotsu ramen and a gateway to Kyushu.
Before you fly: essential guides
All guides →First Trip to Japan: Planning Checklist
Complete step-by-step planning checklist for your first trip to Japan: when to book flights, Tokyo and Kyoto hotels, Shinkansen tickets, Ghibli & teamLab reservations, Visit Japan Web QR codes, eSIM, and yen cash.
Japan Visa & Entry Requirements Explained
Do you need a visa for Japan? Complete guide to Japan's 90-day visa-free countries (US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia), eVISA rules, passport validity, Visit Japan Web QR codes, and customs allowances.
JR Pass & Rail Travel in Japan: Complete Guide
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth buying? Compare current 7, 14 & 21-day JR Pass prices against point-to-point Shinkansen tickets, Nozomi supplement rules, regional JR passes, and oversized baggage reservations.
IC Cards in Japan: Suica, PASMO, ICOCA & Mobile
How to use Suica, Welcome Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA transit cards in Japan: instant Apple Wallet setup on iPhone, where to buy physical cards at Haneda/Narita, cash top-ups, and subway/bus coverage.
Airport Transfers in Japan: Narita, Haneda, Kansai & More
How to get from Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), and Kansai (KIX) airports to your hotel: Narita Express vs. Keisei Skyliner, Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu Line, JR Haruka to Kyoto, Limousine Bus fares, and travel times.
Money in Japan: Cash, Cards, ATMs & Tipping
How to pay in Japan: where credit cards and Apple Pay work, why you still need ¥5,000–¥10,000 daily cash, using 7-Eleven Seven Bank and Japan Post ATMs with foreign debit cards, and why you never tip.
Staying Connected in Japan: eSIM, SIM Cards & Pocket Wifi
Compare travel eSIMs (Ubigi, Airalo, Holafly), prepaid airport SIM cards, and Pocket WiFi rentals for Japan: NTT Docomo vs. SoftBank coverage, daily costs, hotspot sharing, and setup tips.
Japanese Etiquette for Visitors: Do's and Don'ts
Practical guide to Japanese manners and etiquette for visitors: when to remove shoes, quiet train rules, chopstick taboos, temple and shrine bowing, onsen bathing, trash disposal, and Gion photography rules.
How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost? Budget Breakdown
Realistic Japan trip cost breakdown per day for budget (¥8,000–¥14,000), mid-range (¥18,000–¥35,000), and luxury travelers—covering hotels, ryokan, Shinkansen tickets, ramen to omakase dining, and admission fees.
Things to do by interest
All interests →Anime & pop culture
Ultimate guide to anime, manga, gaming, and theme parks in Japan: Akihabara & Nakano Broadway shopping, Ghibli Museum & Ghibli Park ticket dates, Pokémon Centers, Super Nintendo World at USJ Osaka, and Tokyo DisneySea.
Nature & hiking
Best outdoor adventures and hikes in Japan: climbing Mount Fuji (July–September), walking the Nakasendo post towns (Magome to Tsumago) and Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, Kamikochi alpine valley, and Hokkaido national parks.
History & temples
Explore Japan's UNESCO temples, Shinto shrines, and 12 surviving original castles: Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji & Fushimi Inari, Nara's Todai-ji Great Buddha, Himeji & Matsumoto castles, samurai districts, and goshuin stamp books.
Food & drink
Where and what to eat in Japan: regional ramen styles, Tokyo Edomae sushi & Toyosu Market, Osaka street food, Kyoto kaiseki, izakaya dining etiquette, sake breweries, and Japanese whisky distilleries.
Nightlife
Experience Japan after dark: tiny bars in Shinjuku Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho, Ebisu and Yurakucho yakitori alleys, Osaka Dotonbori and Ura-Namba, Fukuoka yatai stalls, karaoke rooms, and last-train (shuden) rules.
Shopping
Where and what to shop for in Japan: 10% tax-free shopping rules, Kappabashi kitchen knives, Japanese drugstores and skincare, Ginza depachika food halls, Shimokitazawa vintage clothing, and Don Quijote mega-stores.
Ready-made itineraries
All itineraries →10 Days in Japan: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
The classic Golden Route with an onsen night in Hakone, plenty of Kyoto, a day in Nara and street food in Osaka.
7 Days in Japan: First-Timer's Tokyo & Kyoto
A focused one-week first trip: four days in Tokyo with a Hakone or Kamakura option, then three days in Kyoto with a half-day in Nara.
14 Days in Japan: The Classic Two-Week Route
Two weeks taking in Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima and Miyajima — the route where a JR Pass may pay off.
21 Days in Japan: The Grand Tour from Hokkaido to Kyushu
A 21-day Nationwide route for long-stay explorers covering Tokyo, Sendai, Hakodate, Sapporo, Kanazawa and more. Budget about ¥22,000 per person per day.
10 Days in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Miyajima
A 10-day Golden Route route for first-timers covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka. Budget about ¥21,000 per person per day.
Japan with Kids: 10-Day Family Itinerary
A family-friendly pace with theme parks, aquariums, hands-on museums, deer in Nara and plenty of downtime — Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
5 Days in Japan: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Hakone
A 5-day Kanto route for short trips covering Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Hakone. Budget about ¥23,000 per person per day.
7 Days in Central Japan: Nagoya, Takayama & Kanazawa
A week through Japan's mountainous heartland — Nagoya, the Kiso Valley post towns, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa.
Japan on a Budget: 12-Day Itinerary
See Tokyo, Fuji Five Lakes, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima on a shoestring using highway buses, hostels, free sights and cheap eats.
14 Days in Japan: Golden Route plus Hokkaido
A 14-day Nationwide route for second-timers covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Otaru. Budget about ¥23,000 per person per day.
7 Days in Kansai: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe & Himeji
A 7-day Kansai route for first-timers covering Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Kobe. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
10-Day Japan Honeymoon: Ryokan, Kyoto & Naoshima
A 10-day Golden Route route for couples covering Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Naoshima, Osaka. Budget about ¥38,000 per person per day.
7-Day Hokkaido Summer Road Trip: Sapporo, Furano, Biei & Otaru
A 7-day Hokkaido route for road-trippers covering Sapporo, Furano, Biei, Otaru. Budget about ¥20,000 per person per day.
7 Days in Kyushu: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Beppu
A 7-day Kyushu route for second-timers covering Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Beppu. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
10 Days in Tohoku: Sendai, Hiraizumi, Kakunodate, Aomori
A 10-day Tohoku route for off-the-beaten-path covering Sendai, Matsushima, Hiraizumi, Morioka, Kakunodate (Semboku) and more. Budget about ¥16,000 per person per day.
5 Days in Kyoto: Temples, Gardens, Uji & Nara
A 5-day Kansai route for culture lovers covering Kyoto, Uji, Nara. Budget about ¥20,000 per person per day.
6 Days in Shikoku & Setouchi: Naoshima, Takamatsu & Matsuyama
A 6-day Shikoku route for art lovers covering Okayama, Naoshima, Takamatsu, Matsuyama. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
7 Days in Okinawa: Naha, Churaumi & Ishigaki Islands
A 7-day Okinawa route for beach lovers covering Naha (Okinawa), Ishigaki. Budget about ¥20,000 per person per day.
10-Day Winter Japan: Snow Monkeys, Shirakawa-go & Onsen
A 10-day Japanese Alps route for winter travelers covering Tokyo, Yamanouchi, Nagano, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and more. Budget about ¥21,000 per person per day.
7-Day Ski Trip: Niseko Powder & Sapporo
A 7-day Hokkaido route for skiers covering Niseko (Kutchan), Sapporo. Budget about ¥32,000 per person per day.
4 Days in Tokyo: First-Timer Highlights
A 4-day Kanto route for short trips covering Tokyo. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
3 Days in Kyoto: Essential Temples & Gion
A 3-day Kansai route for short trips covering Kyoto. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
12-Day Japan Food Lover's Route: Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka & Hokkaido Seafood
A 12-day Nationwide route for foodies covering Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo. Budget about ¥24,000 per person per day.
8 Days: Nakasendo Trail, Matsumoto & Takayama
A 8-day Japanese Alps route for hikers covering Tokyo, Matsumoto, Tsumago (Nagiso), Takayama, Kanazawa. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage & Koyasan Temple Stay
A 6-day Kansai route for hikers covering Osaka, Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto. Budget about ¥20,000 per person per day.
9 Days in Japan with Teens: Anime, Theme Parks & Ninja Towns
A 9-day Golden Route route for families covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. Budget about ¥22,000 per person per day.
7-Day Luxury Japan: Ryokan, Kaiseki & Private Guides
A 7-day Golden Route route for luxury covering Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto. Budget about ¥75,000 per person per day.
5 Days in Osaka with Day Trips to Kyoto, Nara & Kobe
A 5-day Kansai route for budget covering Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe. Budget about ¥13,000 per person per day.
10-Day Cherry Blossom Route: Tokyo, Kyoto & Hirosaki
A 10-day Nationwide route for spring travelers covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Sendai, Hirosaki. Budget about ¥26,000 per person per day.
10-Day Autumn Foliage Route: Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto
A 10-day Golden Route route for autumn travelers covering Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and more. Budget about ¥24,000 per person per day.
7 Days in Western Honshu: Hiroshima, Izumo, Matsue & Tottori
A 7-day Chugoku route for off-the-beaten-path covering Hiroshima, Izumo, Matsue, Tottori. Budget about ¥15,000 per person per day.
5-Day Hokkaido Winter: Sapporo Snow Festival & Otaru
A 5-day Hokkaido route for winter travelers covering Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu. Budget about ¥22,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Mt. Fuji, Izu Peninsula & Shizuoka
A 6-day Chubu route for nature lovers covering Fujikawaguchiko, Shizuoka, Atami, Ito (Izu). Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
7-Day Onsen Hopping: Kusatsu, Hakone, Kinosaki & Arima
A 7-day Nationwide route for relaxation covering Tokyo, Kusatsu Onsen, Hakone, Kyoto, Kinosaki Onsen. Budget about ¥25,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Hiroshima, Miyajima & Onomichi
A 4-day Chugoku route for short trips covering Hiroshima, Miyajima (Hatsukaichi), Onomichi. Budget about ¥16,000 per person per day.
10 Days in Kyushu: Volcanoes, Onsen & Yakushima
A 10-day Kyushu route for nature lovers covering Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Aso, Kurokawa Onsen area (Oguni), Kagoshima and more. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
14 Days Off the Beaten Path: Alps, Hokuriku, San'in & Shikoku
A 14-day Nationwide route for second-timers covering Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Amanohashidate (Miyazu), Matsue and more. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
3-Day Tokyo Stopover: Shibuya, Asakusa & Kamakura
A 3-day Kanto route for short trips covering Tokyo, Kamakura. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
7 Days in Tokyo & Day Trips: Nikko, Kamakura, Yokohama, Kawagoe
A 7-day Kanto route for single-base covering Tokyo, Nikko, Kamakura, Yokohama, Kawagoe. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
10 Days in Japan Solo: Hostels, Capsules & Easy Trains
A 10-day Golden Route route for solo covering Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka. Budget about ¥11,000 per person per day.
12-Day JR Pass Loop: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Sendai
A 12-day Nationwide route for rail fans covering Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Sendai. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route & Kanazawa
A 5-day Japanese Alps route for nature lovers covering Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu & Hakodate by Rail
A 6-day Hokkaido route for rail fans covering Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu, Hakodate. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
7 Days in Eastern Hokkaido: Shiretoko, Kushiro & Asahikawa
A 7-day Hokkaido route for wildlife lovers covering Asahikawa, Shiretoko (Shari), Kushiro, Sapporo. Budget about ¥21,000 per person per day.
5 Days in Hokuriku: Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go & Toyama
A 5-day Hokuriku route for culture lovers covering Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Toyama. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
8 Days in Japan with Toddlers: Easy Bases & Parks
A 8-day Golden Route route for families covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. Budget about ¥20,000 per person per day.
7 Days in Japan Under ¥10,000 a Day
A 7-day Golden Route route for budget covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. Budget about ¥9,500 per person per day.
6 Days: Shimanami Kaido Cycling & Setouchi Islands
A 6-day Chugoku route for cyclists covering Onomichi, Matsuyama, Hiroshima. Budget about ¥16,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Nagoya & Ise Grand Shrine
A 4-day Chubu route for culture lovers covering Nagoya, Ise. Budget about ¥16,000 per person per day.
10 Days: Okinawa, Miyakojima & Ishigaki
A 10-day Okinawa route for beach lovers covering Naha (Okinawa), Miyakojima, Ishigaki. Budget about ¥21,000 per person per day.
7-Day Slow Route Tokyo to Osaka via Hakone, Nagoya & Ise
A 7-day Golden Route route for second-timers covering Tokyo, Hakone, Nagoya, Ise, Osaka. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Tohoku Hot Springs — Ginzan, Yamadera & Matsushima
A 5-day Tohoku route for relaxation covering Sendai, Matsushima, Yamagata, Ginzan Onsen (Obanazawa). Budget about ¥20,000 per person per day.
9 Days: Kansai & Shikoku Loop
A 9-day Kansai route for second-timers covering Osaka, Kyoto, Tokushima, Kochi, Takamatsu. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Hakuba, Kamikochi & Matsumoto Summer Hiking
A 6-day Japanese Alps route for hikers covering Matsumoto, Hakuba, Nagano. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
7-Day Anime & Pop Culture Japan: Akihabara, Ghibli & Osaka
A 7-day Golden Route route for pop culture fans covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
5 Days in July: Furano Lavender & Biei
A 5-day Hokkaido route for summer travelers covering Sapporo, Furano, Biei. Budget about ¥20,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Fukuoka & Nagasaki
A 4-day Kyushu route for short trips covering Fukuoka, Nagasaki. Budget about ¥15,000 per person per day.
8-Day Japanese Castles Tour: Himeji, Matsumoto, Hikone & Kumamoto
A 8-day Nationwide route for history buffs covering Matsumoto, Nagoya, Hikone, Himeji, Okayama and more. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
5 Days in June: Hydrangeas, Museums & Hokkaido Escape
A 5-day Nationwide route for shoulder season covering Tokyo, Kamakura, Sapporo. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Osaka to Okayama via Kobe & Himeji
A 6-day Kansai route for first-timers covering Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki. Budget about ¥16,000 per person per day.
10 Days Western Japan: Osaka to Fukuoka by Shinkansen
A 10-day Chugoku route for second-timers covering Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima, Shimonoseki and more. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
3 Days: Hakone Onsen Escape from Tokyo
A 3-day Kanto route for couples covering Hakone. Budget about ¥32,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Sendai, Matsushima & Yamadera
A 4-day Tohoku route for short trips covering Sendai, Matsushima, Yamagata. Budget about ¥15,000 per person per day.
7 Days: Karuizawa, Kusatsu & Snow Monkeys
A 7-day Japanese Alps route for relaxation covering Karuizawa, Kusatsu Onsen, Yamanouchi, Nagano. Budget about ¥20,000 per person per day.
14 Days in Japan at a Gentle Pace
A 14-day Golden Route route for seniors covering Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka. Budget about ¥26,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Kagoshima, Sakurajima & Ibusuki
A 5-day Kyushu route for nature lovers covering Kagoshima, Ibusuki. Budget about ¥16,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Yakushima Ancient Forest Hiking
A 6-day Kyushu route for hikers covering Kagoshima, Yakushima. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
7 Days: Beppu, Yufuin, Aso & Takachiho
A 7-day Kyushu route for relaxation covering Beppu, Yufuin, Aso, Takachiho, Kumamoto. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
4 Days in Kanazawa & Noto
A 4-day Hokuriku route for short trips covering Kanazawa. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
10-Day Japan Photography Route: Fuji, Kyoto, Shirakawa-go
A 10-day Nationwide route for photographers covering Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kyoto. Budget about ¥22,000 per person per day.
5 Days in Tokyo with Kids: Disney, Ghibli & teamLab
A 5-day Kanto route for families covering Tokyo. Budget about ¥24,000 per person per day.
7 Days on the Hokuriku Arch Pass: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto
A 7-day Hokuriku route for rail fans covering Tokyo, Karuizawa, Kanazawa, Kyoto. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Kyoto by the Sea — Amanohashidate & Kinosaki
A 6-day Kansai route for second-timers covering Kyoto, Amanohashidate (Miyazu), Kinosaki Onsen. Budget about ¥22,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Gero Onsen, Takayama & Shirakawa-go
A 5-day Japanese Alps route for relaxation covering Nagoya, Gero, Takayama, Shirakawa-go. Budget about ¥20,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Nikko Shrines & Lake Chuzenji
A 4-day Kanto route for nature lovers covering Nikko, Tokyo. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
7-Day Hokkaido Winter: Sapporo, Otaru & Niseko
A 7-day Hokkaido route for winter travelers covering Sapporo, Otaru, Niseko (Kutchan). Budget about ¥26,000 per person per day.
8 Days by Rail: Tokyo to Sapporo via Tohoku
A 8-day Tohoku route for rail fans covering Tokyo, Sendai, Morioka, Aomori, Hakodate and more. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen & Uchiko
A 5-day Shikoku route for relaxation covering Matsuyama. Budget about ¥15,000 per person per day.
3 Days in Osaka: Street Food Weekend
A 3-day Kansai route for foodies covering Osaka. Budget about ¥14,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Tokyo & Minakami Outdoor Adventure
A 6-day Kanto route for adventure covering Tokyo, Minakami. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
7 Days: Kyoto Countryside, Lake Biwa & Hikone
A 7-day Kansai route for second-timers covering Kyoto, Otsu, Hikone. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Kochi & the Pacific Coast
A 4-day Shikoku route for off-the-beaten-path covering Kochi. Budget about ¥14,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Izumo & Matsue Shinto Mythology Route
A 5-day Chugoku route for culture lovers covering Izumo, Matsue. Budget about ¥15,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Hagi, Shimonoseki & Western Yamaguchi
A 6-day Chugoku route for off-the-beaten-path covering Hiroshima, Hagi, Shimonoseki, Fukuoka. Budget about ¥15,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Yokohama, Kamakura & Enoshima
A 4-day Kanto route for short trips covering Yokohama, Kamakura. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Hakodate & Southern Hokkaido
A 5-day Hokkaido route for foodies covering Hakodate, Noboribetsu. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
3 Days: Nara & Koyasan Temple Lodging
A 3-day Kansai route for culture lovers covering Nara, Koyasan, Osaka. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
7 Days: Work-Friendly Fukuoka Base with Kyushu Weekends
A 7-day Kyushu route for remote workers covering Fukuoka, Nagasaki. Budget about ¥13,000 per person per day.
10 Days: Accessible Japan for Wheelchair Users
A 10-day Golden Route route for accessibility covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. Budget about ¥22,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Ishigaki & Taketomi Islands
A 4-day Okinawa route for beach lovers covering Ishigaki. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Shizuoka Green Tea & Fuji Views
A 5-day Chubu route for off-the-beaten-path covering Shizuoka, Fujikawaguchiko. Budget about ¥16,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Aomori, Hirosaki & Oirase Gorge
A 6-day Tohoku route for nature lovers covering Aomori, Hirosaki. Budget about ¥16,000 per person per day.
3 Days in Local Tokyo: Setagaya, Shimokitazawa & Yanaka
A 3-day Kanto route for repeat visitors covering Setagaya (Tokyo), Tokyo. Budget about ¥15,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Nagano, Snow Monkeys & Nozawa Onsen
A 5-day Japanese Alps route for winter travelers covering Nagano, Yamanouchi, Nozawa Onsen. Budget about ¥19,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Okayama, Kurashiki & Naoshima
A 4-day Chugoku route for art lovers covering Okayama, Kurashiki, Naoshima. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
6 Days: Miyakojima Beach Break
A 6-day Okinawa route for beach lovers covering Miyakojima. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
7 Days: North Kanto Loop — Nikko, Kusatsu & Karuizawa
A 7-day Kanto route for second-timers covering Nikko, Kusatsu Onsen, Karuizawa, Tokyo. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.
5 Days: Tokushima, Naruto & Iya Valley
A 5-day Shikoku route for off-the-beaten-path covering Tokushima, Kochi. Budget about ¥14,000 per person per day.
4 Days: Asahikawa & Biei in Winter
A 4-day Hokkaido route for winter travelers covering Asahikawa, Biei. Budget about ¥17,000 per person per day.
3 Days: Toyama Bay & Kurobe Gorge
A 3-day Hokuriku route for off-the-beaten-path covering Toyama. Budget about ¥15,000 per person per day.
214 free trip-planning tools
Interactive calculators and planners—see all 214 tools or browse our 1,745 Japan City Directory.
Trip budget calculator
Estimate a daily and total budget in yen and your home currency by travel style.
JR Pass value helper
Add up the long-distance rides on your route and compare against the pass price.
Seasonal calendar
Month-by-month weather, blossoms, foliage, festivals and crowd periods.
Packing list generator
A printable checklist tailored to your season, trip length and activities.
Yen converter
Convert yen to your currency at a rate you set, with typical Japanese prices.
Which region suits me?
Six quick questions to find the part of Japan that matches your style.
Latest from the blog
All articles →Best Onsen Towns in Japan Under ¥10,000/Night: 12 Affordable Hot Spring Towns Compared
Twelve hot spring towns where a private room, guesthouse, or budget ryokan costs under ¥10,000 per person per night, compared by access, day-bath prices and best season.
Kyoto vs. Osaka for First-Timers: Where to Stay, Nightlife, Food, Day Trips & Cost Comparison
Kyoto or Osaka as your Kansai base? A side-by-side on hotel prices, food, nightlife, temples, and day-trip access — just 15–30 minutes apart by train.
Tokyo vs. Kyoto: How Many Days in Each & Side-by-Side Comparison for First-Time Visitors
How to split days between Tokyo and Kyoto, with costs, sights, food, and the ¥14,170 Nozomi connection between them.
Hakone vs. Fujikawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchiko): Which Is Better for Mt. Fuji Views & Ryokan?
Hakone or Lake Kawaguchiko for Mt. Fuji? Views, onsen ryokan prices, access from Tokyo, and passes compared.
JR Pass vs. Individual Shinkansen Tickets & Regional Passes: Complete Break-Even Comparison
Break-even math for the 7, 14 and 21-day JR Pass versus single Shinkansen tickets and regional passes, with real 2026 yen fares.
Shinkansen vs. Domestic Flights in Japan: Time, Cost & City-Center Cutoff Comparison
Door-to-door time and yen cost for the Shinkansen versus Peach, Jetstar, ANA and JAL flights on Japan's main routes.
How we write our guides
Practical first
We focus on the questions visitors actually face: which ticket to buy, how to get from the airport, what to do when a restaurant has a ticket machine.
Sources you can check
Entry rules, rail passes and prices change. Each guide links to the official source (JNTO, Japan Railways, immigration and local tourism boards).
No invented reviews
We don't publish fake testimonials or made-up statistics. Prices are rough ranges meant to help you plan, not quotes.
Explore all 47 Prefectures of Japan
Every prefecture hub includes regional rail gateways, capital cities, local cuisine, and links to all 1,745 municipalities.
Hokkaido (北海道)Aomori (青森県)Iwate (岩手県)Miyagi (宮城県)Akita (秋田県)Yamagata (山形県)Fukushima (福島県)Ibaraki (茨城県)Tochigi (栃木県)Gunma (群馬県)Saitama (埼玉県)Chiba (千葉県)Tokyo (東京都)Kanagawa (神奈川県)Niigata (新潟県)Toyama (富山県)Ishikawa (石川県)Fukui (福井県)Yamanashi (山梨県)Nagano (長野県)Gifu (岐阜県)Shizuoka (静岡県)Aichi (愛知県)Mie (三重県)Shiga (滋賀県)Kyoto (京都府)Osaka (大阪府)Hyōgo (兵庫県)Nara (奈良県)Wakayama (和歌山県)Tottori (鳥取県)Shimane (島根県)Okayama (岡山県)Hiroshima (広島県)Yamaguchi (山口県)Tokushima (徳島県)Kagawa (香川県)Ehime (愛媛県)Kōchi (高知県)Fukuoka (福岡県)Saga (佐賀県)Nagasaki (長崎県)Kumamoto (熊本県)Ōita (大分県)Miyazaki (宮崎県)Kagoshima (鹿児島県)Okinawa (沖縄県)
Explore Top Japanese Cities (1,745 Total)
Direct city guides with nearest JR/Shinkansen stations, elevation, local landmarks, and regional food specialties.
Nagoya · AichiToyohashi · AichiOkazaki · AichiIchinomiya · AichiSeto · AichiHanda · AichiKasugai · AichiToyokawa · AichiTsushima · AichiHekinan · AichiKariya · AichiToyota · AichiAnjō · AichiNishio · AichiGamagōri · AichiInuyama · AichiTokoname · AichiKōnan · AichiKomaki · AichiInazawa · AichiTōkai · AichiŌbu · AichiChita · AichiChiryū · AichiOwariasahi · AichiTakahama · AichiIwakura · AichiToyoake · AichiNisshin · AichiTahara · AichiAisai · AichiKiyosu · AichiShinshiro · AichiKitanagoya · AichiYatomi · AichiMiyoshi · Aichi+ 1709 more cities →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 2-week trip to Japan cost in 2026/2027?
Excluding international airfare, a 14-day Japan itinerary costs approximately ¥160,000–¥220,000 ($1,050–$1,450 USD) for budget travelers, ¥310,000–¥450,000 ($2,050–$3,000 USD) for mid-range travelers staying in business hotels and riding the Shinkansen, and ¥750,000+ ($5,000+ USD) for luxury hotels and kaiseki ryokan stays.
Is the nationwide Japan Rail Pass worth buying in 2026/2027?
After the 65–70% price increase (¥50,000 for 7 days), the nationwide JR Pass does not pay off on a classic Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka round trip (~¥29,440 in single tickets). Instead, book single Shinkansen tickets or use high-value regional passes such as the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (¥17,000 for 5 days).
What is the best time of year to visit Japan?
Late March to May (spring cherry blossoms and mild 16–23°C weather) and October to early December (autumn maple foliage and crisp dry skies) are the best overall windows. Avoid Golden Week (April 29–May 5), mid-August Obon, and December 29–January 3 unless booking hotels and trains months ahead.