Explore Japan

2026.03.31
Aerial view of Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan

Japan Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip

Destination guides, itineraries, hotels, tours, eSIM, and transport tips for international visitors.

Start planning

Choose your destination

Choose a destination to start planning. These guides cover neighborhoods, food, activities, and practical tips for international visitors.

Book tours and tickets in advance Skip-the-line entry and popular day trips across Japan, reserved before you go. Browse tours
Tokyo skyline and city travel in Japan TokyoNeighborhoods, food, tickets, and first-time routes Kyoto temple and traditional Japan travel scenery KyotoTemples, shrines, seasonal walks, and culture Osaka city lights and food district in Japan OsakaFood, nightlife, Osaka Castle, and easy day trips Hokkaido nature and northern Japan landscape HokkaidoSnow, nature, road trips, seafood, and Sapporo Okinawa beach and island travel in Japan OkinawaIslands, beaches, aquarium, and rental car routes Fukuoka city and Kyushu travel in Japan FukuokaKyushu food, city breaks, and gateway travel

First Time in Japan

Start with practical guides for your route, pre-trip checklist, accommodation, and transport.

Torii gate path representing a seven-day Japan itinerary 7 Days in Japan Itinerary

Follow a first-time route through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

 Travelers outside Tokyo Station for a Japan first trip checklist Japan First Trip Checklist

Prepare entry steps, money, mobile data, insurance, and arrival day.

 Traditional Japanese room for first-time accommodation planning Where to Stay in Japan

Compare practical bases in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and ryokan towns.

 Shinkansen platform representing Japan transport planning Japan Transport Guide

Use trains, IC cards, Shinkansen reservations, and luggage services confidently.

Plan Your Japan Trip

Explore itineraries, seasonal advice, transport, places to stay, activities, and food guides.

Kinkaku-ji temple representing Japan itinerary ideas Itinerary IdeasBuild a route for seven days, two weeks, or longer. Cherry blossoms representing when to visit Japan When to VisitCompare cherry blossoms, autumn colors, winter snow, and summer festivals. Bullet train representing getting around Japan Getting Around JapanPlan trains, IC cards, airport transfers, driving, and mobile data. Traditional Japanese room representing hotels and ryokan Where to StayChoose convenient city bases, station areas, hotels, and ryokan. Shibuya Crossing representing things to do in Japan Things to DoFind attractions, cultural experiences, day trips, and guided tours. Ramen bowl representing food and dining in Japan Food & DiningExplore regional dishes, markets, restaurants, and practical dining tips.

Plan Your Trip by Season

Japan looks and feels different depending on when you go. Pick a season to see what to expect and where seasonal guides currently point.

Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms at Lake Kawaguchiko in spring Spring

Cherry blossoms and mild weather, with the earliest hotel bookings of the year.

 Fireworks over Tokyo Skytree during a summer festival Summer

Fireworks festivals, hot humid cities, and cooler escapes in the mountains and north.

 Autumn leaves around Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto Autumn

Cooler days and koyo foliage from late September through early December.

 Snow-covered village street in Shirakawa-go in winter Winter

Snow country, hot springs, illuminations, and clear skies for city sightseeing.

Explore Japan by Region

Start with one of Japan’s eight regions, then choose a prefecture for local highlights, places to stay, transport tips, and itinerary ideas.

Hokkaido Snow, seafood, nature and road trips

Tohoku Festivals, mountain scenery and quieter routes

Kanto Tokyo, day trips and major arrival hubs

Chubu Mt. Fuji, the Alps, Kanazawa and Nagoya

Kansai Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and cultural highlights

Chugoku Hiroshima, islands and the Sea of Japan coast

Shikoku Pilgrimage routes, art islands and nature

Kyushu & Okinawa Onsen, volcanoes, food and subtropical islands

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