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Japan
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✈️ Travel Guide

Japan

Tradition and Innovation in Harmony

Capital
Tokyo
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Language
Japanese
Best Time
Mar–May and Oct–Nov
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Flag of Japan
👋 Overview

Welcome to Japan

Welcome to Japan, a country where ancient temples and cherry blossoms coexist beautifully with futuristic cities and cutting-edge technology. Kyoto's thousands of temples and shrines, including the golden Kinkaku-ji, offer a serene glimpse into centuries of tradition. Tokyo dazzles with neon-lit streets, world-class cuisine, and a fascinating blend of ultramodern and deeply traditional culture. Mount Fuji's snow-capped silhouette remains one of the most iconic and photographed sights in the world.

Japan's cherry blossom season transforms parks and streets into breathtaking pink canopies each spring. Traditional onsen hot springs, tucked into mountain towns, offer a relaxing escape steeped in centuries-old ritual. Japanese cuisine, from delicate sushi to comforting ramen, reflects extraordinary precision and regional pride. Japan invites travelers to experience a country where respect for tradition and embrace of innovation exist in perfect harmony.

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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

Tokyo

Tokyo moves between neon-lit modernity and quiet tradition within a single subway ride, from the fashion crowds of Shibuya Crossing to the torii gates of Meiji Shrine. The Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa remains the city’s oldest and most visited Buddhist temple.

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Tsukiji Outer Market still draws crowds for fresh sushi breakfasts, while the nearby Ginza district offers upscale shopping and department store food halls worth a browse on their own. Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower give sweeping views over the endless cityscape. In Akihabara, arcades and anime shops define the city’s pop culture side, while Shinjuku’s Golden Gai offers a warren of tiny bars for an evening out. Tokyo’s scale can be overwhelming, but its neighborhoods each reward a slower, focused visit.

02

Kyoto

Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital for over a thousand years and remains its cultural heart, with more than a thousand temples and shrines scattered across the city. Fushimi Inari Shrine’s thousands of vermilion torii gates wind up the mountainside behind it.

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The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers a quiet walk through towering green stalks near the historic Tenryu-ji temple and its landscaped gardens. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, reflects perfectly in its surrounding pond and is one of the most photographed sights in Japan. In the Gion district, traditional wooden machiya houses line the streets where geisha and maiko can still occasionally be spotted heading to appointments. Kyoto rewards unhurried travel, with each neighborhood revealing another layer of preserved Japanese tradition.

03

Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s food capital, and the Dotonbori district’s glowing signs and canal-side food stalls are the best place to sample takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Osaka Castle, rebuilt after wartime destruction, anchors the city with its moat and surrounding park.

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The Kuromon Ichiba Market offers fresh seafood and street snacks in a covered arcade that has served the city for centuries. Universal Studios Japan draws families and thrill-seekers with attractions themed around global film franchises. Shinsekai, an old-town district built to evoke early twentieth-century Osaka, is known for kushikatsu skewers and the retro Tsutenkaku Tower at its center. Osaka’s straightforward, food-focused character makes it a favorite among travelers looking to eat their way through Japan.

🍴 On the menu

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Japan's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Sushi

Sushi is a signature Japan specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Ramen

This popular Japan dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Tempura

A well-loved part of Japan cuisine, Tempura reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Japan.

Tonkatsu

Visitors often seek out Tonkatsu for an authentic taste of Japan's everyday cooking and food culture.

Yakitori

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Japan.

Udon

Udon is widely recognized in Japan and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Takoyaki

A memorable choice for travelers, Takoyaki offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Japan.

Mochi

This classic food is an important part of Japan's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

Japan is an island nation made up of more than 14,000 islands, though the vast majority of its population lives on the four main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. The country is renowned for seamlessly blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology, where centuries-old temples and tranquil gardens stand alongside futuristic cities and high-speed bullet trains. Mountain ranges cover nearly three-quarters of Japan, creating breathtaking scenery throughout the seasons.

2

Japan is home to the iconic Mount Fuji, an active volcano and the nation's highest peak. Revered for centuries as a sacred mountain, its nearly symmetrical cone has inspired countless artists, poets, and photographers. Every spring, millions of cherry blossom trees burst into bloom during sakura season, transforming parks, temples, and streets into spectacular displays of pink and white blossoms. Japan also experiences thousands of earthquakes annually due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, leading to remarkable advances in earthquake-resistant engineering.

3

Japanese culture has profoundly influenced the world through cuisine, martial arts, anime, literature, technology, and design. The country is famous for sushi, tea ceremonies, traditional festivals, and exceptional craftsmanship, while also leading innovations in robotics and transportation. From ancient castles and bamboo forests to neon-lit cityscapes and peaceful shrines, Japan offers one of the world's most fascinating combinations of history, culture, and innovation.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

Tap a topic to open it.

Before You Go
  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Money & Payments
  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.
Stay Connected
  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.
Transportation
  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.
Electricity
  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.
Weather & Clothing
  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.
Food & Water
  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.
Safety
  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.
Language & Etiquette
  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.
Emergency Planning
  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.
Smart Packing
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.
Local Research
  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.

Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

📰 Travel News

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