What is the best time to visit Japan?

The best months to visit Japan are Mar, Apr, Oct. During these months you can expect the most favourable weather and fewer weather-related disruptions.

How much does a trip to Japan cost per day?

Daily budget in Japan ranges from $60 (budget/backpacker) to $150 (mid-range) and $450+ (luxury). Costs cover accommodation, food, local transport, and activities.

Is Japan safe for tourists?

Japan is very safe and highly recommended for solo travellers and families. Safety rating: 5/5. Always check your government's current travel advisory before visiting.

What are the top things to do in Japan?

The top experiences in Japan include: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Shinkansen Bullet Train, Tsukiji Outer Market. Japan in Japan offers a mix of culture, nature, food, and adventure for every type of traveller.

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Explore Japan

Japan · Asia

Japan

Ancient traditions meet cutting-edge modernity

from $60/day Extremely safeculturefood

Quick Facts

Capital

Tokyo

Population

125 million

Best airport

Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)

Religion

Shinto & Buddhist

Avg temp (cherry blossom)

14°C / 57°F

Safety

Extremely safe

Vibes

culturefoodtechnatureuniqueromance

Best Time to Visit

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Best months This month

Daily Budget

Backpacker

$60

per day

Mid-range

$150

per day

Luxury

$450

per day

Top Experiences

⛩️

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates on Kyoto's sacred mountain

Free

🚄

Shinkansen Bullet Train

Ride the world's most punctual train at 320km/h between cities

$50–120

🍣

Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh sushi, tamagoyaki, and street food at the lively outer market (the inner wholesale market relocated to Toyosu in 2018)

$15–30

Must-Try Food

Ramen

Regional variations - rich tonkotsu in Fukuoka, soy-based in Tokyo, miso in Sapporo

$10

Omakase Sushi

Chef's selection sushi at its finest - an art form in Japan

$50–300

Takoyaki

Crispy octopus balls with bonito flakes and savory sauce from Osaka street stalls

Getting Around

🚄

JR Pass$445 for 14 days

Unlimited Shinkansen travel - buy before arriving in Japan (prices rose in 2023 - compare vs point-to-point tickets)

💳

IC Card (Suica)Pay-per-ride

Tap-and-go card for all city metro and buses

🚲

Bicycle$5–15/day rental

Most Japanese cities are extremely cycle-friendly

🚕

Taxi$15+ in city

Expensive but immaculate - use for late nights only

Cultural Tips

Queue strictly - pushing or cutting in line is considered extremely rude

Never tip - it's considered insulting in most contexts

Bow as a greeting - the deeper the bow, the more formal the respect

Keep noise very low on trains - talking on the phone is taboo

Remove shoes when entering homes, ryokans, and many restaurants

Tattoos may bar you from onsen - check the rules before visiting

Hidden Gems

Kanazawa - Edo-era castle city with Japan's most pristine historic geisha district, without Tokyo's crowds

Yakushima Island - ancient cedar forests so old they inspired Princess Mononoke

Shirakawa-go - UNESCO-listed mountain village with traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses

Going beyond the trip?

Explore the Japan country profile

Cost of living, visas, healthcare, taxes, expat life and everything you'd need to actually move and stay long-term.

Open country profile More guides