Japan has something for all types of travelers. On our first visit, we spent a little over a week in this majestic country adventuring through the back streets of Kyoto, making multiple attempts to see Mt. Fuji in Hakone, and enjoying crazy nights out in Toyko.
We loved it so much we knew we needed to plan a return trip and give ourselves the time to really explore some of the lesser-known gems of this country. And that’s just what we did!
Lucky for you, we are sharing all of our tips and insider knowledge from our multiple trips to Japan.
Not sure where to start?
Read this article to find out the best time to visit Japan, and when you should avoid visiting
Read our essential Japan travel tips and fun facts before your trip
Figure out how much it costs to travel for one week with our Japan budget breakdown
Find out what’s on our Japan bucket list and figure out how to see the highlights with our 1-week Japan itinerary
If you’re looking for the best way to get around, you’ll want to consider getting a Japan Rail Pass
Finally, if this is your first trip to this country and you are flying blind, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide to traveling in Japan
Don’t see what you’re looking for on this list? Jump down to our Japan travel articles.
Japan Travel Articles
Japan Rail Pass: Where to Buy a JR Pass & Is it Worthwhile? [2024]
If you’re traveling to Japan, the Japan Rail Pass can be a huge money saver. We’ll explain exactly when you should purchase the JR Pass and if it is worthwhile for your route. This is everything you need to know including where to buy the rail pass....
Oct
Perfect Osaka to Hiroshima Day Trip (+ Fun Things to Do!)
Plan the ultimate day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima to check out some of the city’s super important historic sites. Plus we’ll go over other more unique things to do in Hiroshima, and where to stay should you choose to stay the night. We’re even including how to get to...
Sep
Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid!
Choosing the best time of year to visit Japan can be downright overwhelming. Each of Japan’s 4 distinct seasons has its draws and drawbacks (some more than others!). We’re going to break down exactly what to expect during winter, spring, summer, and fall so you can choose the best time...
Jul
60 Interesting Facts About Japan + Essential Travel Tips
Japan is an exciting country packed with things to do and places to see. In this article, we’re sharing all sorts of interesting facts about Japan. Plus helpful advice and tips for traveling to Japan that’ll help you appreciate your time there even more!...
Apr
One Week in Japan: Best Itinerary for Your First Visit
Plan the Japan trip of a lifetime through Kyoto, Hakone (and Mount Fuji!), Osaka, and of course, Tokyo. Follow this 1 week Japan itinerary, and you’ll get a taste of the country’s culture, food, cities and landscapes, and you’ll leave craving more!...
Mar
45 Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
If you’re heading to Japan, you won’t want to miss this epic list of things to do in Tokyo. Packed with adventure, food, history and culture, Tokyo is a place that is easy to love. Since Japan’s capital city is on most travelers’ itinerary, we’re sharing our top tips and...
Mar
Japan Travel Guide: How to Book Your First Japan Trip
This information-packed Japan travel guide has the answers to all your questions. Find out the best places to visit, which Japanese foods to try, and how to ride the bullet trains. All the research is done for you to help you plan a trip to Japan....
Mar
50 Absolute BEST Things to do in Kyoto
Considered the “cultural capital of Japan”, Kyoto is full of can’t-miss sights, hidden gems, and world-renowned dining. We’re sharing the very best things to do in Kyoto, including the most popular attractions and the secrets you won’t find in most guidebooks. ...
Jan
27 Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Need to See for Yourself
With storybook villages, forested mountain ranges and white sand beaches that rival the tropics, there are some incredibly diverse and beautiful places in Japan. This bucket list is full of places you’ve never heard of, and after reading it, we bet you’ll be ready to book a flight to Japan!...
Jan
Cherry Blossoms in Japan: When & Where to See them in 2023
Witnessing the cherry blossoms in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. In this guide, we breakdown when and where the best places celebrate the cherry blossom festival in Japan. ...
Jan
Winter in Japan: Things to Do + Why It’s a Great Time to Visit
There is something truly special about winter in Japan! We think you’ll be surprised by all the exciting things to do in Japan in winter. Plus, we’ll let you in on average winter temperatures around the country, as well as what to pack for the winter months....
Dec
35 Exciting Things to Do in Osaka, Japan
Osaka is known for lively nightlife and endless street food, but there’s more hiding beneath this city’s neon-lit facade. We’re going to walk you through the best things to do in Osaka — from can’t-miss attractions to some lesser-known secrets that you won’t find in guidebooks!...
Dec
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Itinerary & Travel Guide
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a single day mountain traverse where you take 8 different modes of transportation. Walk next to a 7-meter snow wall in the springtime, visit Japan’s highest dam, and travel through mountains on an electric bus....
Dec
Kumano Kodo Trail: How to Hike Japan’s Pilgrimage Route On Your Own
One of the best places to go hiking in Japan is on the Kumano Kodo Trail. Quite literally, off the beaten path, this destination is a historic pilgrimage trail that has been trekked for thousands of years. Hiking the Kumano Kodo was a highlight of our time in Japan, and...
Nov
Diving in Japan: Ultimate Guide to Okinawa Diving and Beyond
From the tropical coral reefs of Okinawa, to the temperate, rocky coastline along the mainland and all the way up to the icy waters of Hokkaido, there are countless opportunities for fantastic diving in Japan. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan an epic...
Jan
42 Crazy Fun Things to Do in Japan
If you’re looking for things to do on your trip to Japan, you’ve come to the right place. From super quirky, only-in-Japan experiences to must-see sights and the best food to try, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Japan on your first visit!...
Jan
31 Unique Japanese Souvenirs: Ultimate Guide on What to Buy in Japan
When traveling to Japan, you’ll have no shortage of shopping opportunities. We are going over the best Japanese Souvenirs to buy so you don’t end up filling your suitcase with unnecessary purchases....
Jan
teamLab Borderless: Ultimate Guide to Tokyo’s Digital Art Museum
Arguably one of the most “Instagrammable spots” in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum is an experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen. A combination of lights and audio creates interactive art that anyone can enjoy. If you’re traveling to Japan, teamLab Borderless Tokyo should definitely be on your itinerary....
Nov
Trip to Japan Cost: Tips for Budget Travel in Japan
Japan is a notoriously expensive destination. However, there are ways to travel to Japan cheaply if you know a few tips! In this article, we break down exactly how much travel in Japan costs -- from food, hotels to trains to entertainment. Plus, we’re sharing some of our best money-saving...
Oct
15 Best Japan Travel Apps
Traveling in Japan is made so much easier (and less confusing!) with a few handy apps. Before packing your bags, be sure you have these helpful Japan travel apps downloaded to your phone to make transportation a cinch and the language barrier practically non-existant....
Oct
45 Foods to Eat in Japan: Guide to Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is more than just sushi and ramen! We’ve put together a list of foods and drinks to try in Japan — from the famous dishes to those you’ve never heard of. Plus, we’re going over important information for gluten-free and vegetarian travelers in Japan as well as essential...
Oct
Japan Pocket WiFi vs. Japanese SIM Card: Review & Comparison
Staying connected in Japan is super important for navigating trains and translating menus. But how do you access the Internet in Japan? In this guide, we share our experience using a Japanese SIM card and a Pocket Wifi and tell you which is best for your travels in Japan....
Sep
Action-Packed Japan Video
Japan is peaceful and crazy at the same time. Come along as we play with monkeys, visit temples, and eat more noodles and sushi than we can handle. Oh, and there's a pretty ridiculous robot show in there too!...
Jun