Book the JR Pass early
The 7/14/21-day nationwide pass is now sold online — order before you fly, exchange the voucher at the airport.
Cherry blossoms, bullet trains & Michelin ramen
Japan travel guide
Japan rewards planning: JR passes, timed shrine entries and cherry-blossom windows all need to be locked in weeks ahead. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are the classic first trip — add Hakone or Nikko for a slower rhythm.
Best time to visit
Late March – early April (sakura) and mid-October – November (koyo autumn colours).
Suggested trip length
10–14 days
Daily budget
JPY · mid-range ~$180–260/day incl. accommodation
Things nobody tells you about Japan
Pocket WiFi or eSIM is non-negotiable
Free WiFi is patchy outside Tokyo. Airalo Japan eSIM turns on the moment you land at HND or NRT.
Reserve headline attractions
Ghibli Museum, teamLab Planets, and the Imperial Palace tour sell out weeks ahead. KKday and Klook both stock timed-entry tickets.
Cash still matters
Many shrines, ryokan and family restaurants are cash-only. Withdraw JPY at 7-Eleven ATMs — they accept foreign cards.
Cities to explore
We have detailed skip-the-line & platform guides for these cities.
Before you fly to Japan
Three pre-bookings that pay for themselves on day one.
Which booking platform for Japan?
Other country guides
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