Quick Info Japan
Location: East Asia
Language: Japanese (using the Chinese characters – kanji)
Get Here: via Plane with Momondo or on an Organised Tour via Tour Radar (5% off through this link) – G Adventures (up to 25% off with this link!) or Intrepid
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY) – check the latest exchange rate here
Electrical Plug Fixture: Type A & B (Grab yourself a universal adapter and you’ll never have to worry about having the right plug again!)
Time Zone: UTC + 9
Capital City: Tokyo, Japan
Other Major Cities: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima
Famous For: Samurai Swords, Mt Fuji, Ninjas, Miyajima Shrine, The Bullet Train, The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima, Kyoto bamboo forest, Japanese alps, Osaka Castle, Deer @ Nara
When To Visit: Late spring (March to May) and late autumn (September to November) are generally the best times to visit Japan, when there is little rainfall, skies are clear, and temperatures are mild. Visitors in Spring will also see the beautiful blooms of cherry blossom season, but be warned that this also also peak season where tourist numbers will be at their largest. Ski lovers will also benefit from visiting during winter (Dec – Feb) when Japan boasts some of the best powder in the Northern hemisphere.
Visa Requirements: Most visitors are granted a free visa on arrival which allows you to enter and stay in the country for 90 days. Check if your country is on the visa free list.
Travel Within Japan: Japan has fantastic transport links, with the high speed bullet train allowing visitors to get around the entire country quickly and easily. Local and regional trains are also available at a reduced fee, as are subways and buses.
Travel Vaccinations: As always, check your own government recommendations prior to traveling, however you should generally ensure your basic immunizations (such as Tetnus and Diptheria) are up to date and discuss with your travel doctor Hep A and Typhoid Inoculations alongside anything else they recommend at consultation. We also recommend traveling with a stock of tablets such as Imodium in case you are susceptible to an upset stomach when eating new foods/cuisines.
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Read More About Destinations in Japan
Tokyo
Tokyo
Kyoto
Osaka
- Spanning 6 prefectures (Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata) in the north Honshu, Tohoku is one of the least visited regions of Japan – with some of the most stunning scenery. Don’t believe me? Here’s 25+ Photos to inspire to visit Tohoku in Winter.
Kyushu
- Welcome to the Onsen capital of Japan. But before you go getting naked with strangers, read our complete guide to Onsen Culture – including what onsen is, how to onsen and even the best places to ones 0 to help you understand this time old Japanese tradition.
