How to Plan Your First Japan Trip

Japan is a popular destination for holiday around the world, but how should the first-time visitors plan a prefect trip to Japan? Here are the things you should know for planning first Japan trip step by step.

1. Decide the Date and Length of Your Trip

When the idea of travelling to Japan comes into your mind, you should confirm the time to travel, including the departing date and how many days you will stay in Japan. You can enjoy the wonderful landscapes in Japan in four distinct seasons, but spring and autumn are the best time to visit in the pleasant climate.

Cherry blossom season in spring, late March to mid-April in most regions of Japan, can’t be missed. While rainy season from June to July and typhoon season raging in September should be avoided.

More about Best Time to Visit Japan & Japan Weather

Osaka Castle in Autumn

2. Book Airline Tickets to Japan Early & Apply for a Visa If Necessary

You can book the air ticket early as some budget flights can be found at a cheaper price.

If you can’t enjoy the visa free policy to Japan, please apply for your visa in advance.

3. Determine Whether You Want an Independent Travel or Guided Tour

If you would like go on an independent tour in Japan, you have to plan your first Japan trip on your own, as well as all bookings.

If you select a guided tour or package tour, you can consult a reliable travel agency for advises and get their customized service. Then, you could enjoy a carefree journey in Japan.

4. Find Out Where You Want to Visit in Japan

To plan your first Japan trip, you must choose your destinations and attractions to visit. The world-famous Mt. Fuji and the capital city Tokyo are must-visit places, one or more attractions in Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Takayama, or farther Hiroshima can be added into your itinerary according to the length of your vacation. Local food tasting and special performances like that of geishas or kabuki can be taken into consideration.

Recommended attractions/destinations in four seasons:

In spring, Ueno Park in Tokyo, Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Osaka Castle, Nara Park, etc. are all beautiful with full-blown cherry blossoms.

In summer, Okinawa islands offer top beaches for fun while Hokkaido is the great summer retreat at a cool temperature.

In autumn, Lake Ashi in Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi down Mt. Fuji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama in Kyoto, etc. are the most popular to appreciate autumn leaves.

In winter, snow-covered Hokkaido and world heritage site Shirakawa-go village are the first choice.

Tokyo Attractions

Kyoto Attractions

A 4-Star Hotel in Tokyo

5. Organize Your Itinerary & Book Hotels on Budget

After determining the attractions to visit on your first Japan trip, you need to line these places and organize a reasonable itinerary day by day with the help of local maps. You can learn more information about the attractions like the opening hours, admission tickets and transportation to reach during the planning.

Meanwhile, you could find the reputable hotel you like, near the attractions, and easy to reach the city you will visit, and then make a booking of suitable room on budget ahead of your travelling.

6. Pack Your Luggage & Go to Japan for Your Holiday!

As the travelling date approaches, you can pack your luggage for this tour. Here are some necessities for your first Japan trip:

Travel documents: passport, visa, ID card, vaccination certificates, tickets, etc.

Clothes: take proper clothes by checking local weather forecast a few days before, waterproof clothing, outdoor jacket, swimwear, night clothes, etc.

Money: international credit card, some Japanese cash, possible mobile payment

Electronics: smart phone, laptop, camera, earphone, charger, power bank, plug adaptor, etc.

Essentials for daily use: toiletries, makeup bag, beard shaver, handkerchief paper, personal sanitary articles, umbrella, raincoat, etc.

More articles: common tablets, motion sickness pills, adhesive bandages, sunscreen cream, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, cap, outdoor gear, etc.

As you are ready to go for your first Japan tour, go to Japan on time! Enjoy yourselves in Japan, the old oriental country with fascinating charm.

7. More Tips for Travelling to Japan

Public transportation is well-connected and very convenient in Japan. You can get to the place you want to go by bullet train, express train, subway, urban rail vehicle, city bus, taxi, and even ferry.

Learn about Japan Transportion

On your arrival in Japan, you can buy or hire a portable Wi-Fi device or local SIM card at the airport to make your surfing on the Internet smooth.

It’s very convenient to exchange Japanese cash in banks, convenient stores, and supermarkets with ATM machines. Usually, each airport is equipped with such places for visitors’ convenience.

Learn some taboos and cultural customs in Japan, and follow these traditions on your Japan tour. For example, no tipping in Japan.