Every traveler enthusiast’s dream is visiting a faraway country with a completely different history and culture. After all, who wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in new and exotic traditions, and breathtaking landscapes? Japan ticks all these boxes and more, as it has something that will entice nearly all types of travelers, whether you’re looking to indulge in the delicious and diverse Japanese cuisine or go on a ride on the lightning-fast Shinkansen train. In short, if you’ve chosen Japan as your next travel destination, you’ve made the right choice, and you likely want to scream it from the rooftops with excitement – and honestly, we cannot blame you!

Before planning your trip to Japan, check out these tips

But planning your trip to Japan isn’t easy – in fact, it can be quite a daunting task because there are many things to consider. For instance, it may not cross your mind to look for the best eSIM for tourists in Japan, but this is an important aspect that you shouldn’t overlook, as it will make it easier to access the Internet ( there will be multiple instances when you’ll have to rely on it, such as using Google Maps for navigation) without worrying about data roaming charges.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place because we will share our top travel tips to Japan to help you make the most of your vacation at this outstanding destination.

Decide when you’ll go

The million-dollar question that goes through every traveler’s mind is, “Which season is best for visiting Japan”? Each season has its pros and cons, so we recommend taking the time to decide what it is that you want to get from your trip. For instance, if you want to see the cherry blossoms, then without a doubt, you should plan your visit to Japan during the Spring months. On the contrary, if you prefer to visit when it’s not busy, you may want to visit Japan during winter.

Check Airbnb rules before booking accommodation

Airbnb was an unregulated homestay service in Japan. Unfortunately, the rentals caused many issues from inconsiderate and noisy tourists who returned to the Airbnb during the wee hours, upsetting locals. While Airbnb rentals may be suitable for rural areas due to a limited number of accommodation options, that’s not the case when it comes to larger cities, and we suggest booking accommodation at reputable hostels, hotels, and regulated traditional accommodations instead, such as minshuku (guest house) or ryokan ( Japanese inn).

Pack smart

Japan’s climate is very different depending on the season you visit, so we recommend learning the temperatures for each before you head to the destination and packing accordingly. Suppose you want to climb Mount Fuji or go hiking; you should pack the right equipment and footwear for such activities. Some essentials you may initially disregard include charging equipment for devices, memory cards, spare camera batteries, and an inflatable neck pillow since the flight to Japan takes more than 10 hours, and the last thing you want is to arrive with a crooked neck.

Look into the cultural norms before visiting Japan

Japan has unique cultural differences, and visitors are often shocked to discover them when they arrive in the country. Before your trip there, it’s a good idea to check the Japanese etiquette to blend in like a local and avoid doing something inappropriate. For instance, eating while walking is considered rude in the country, and it would be better if you don’t do it – after all, you never know when you could accidentally drop a piece of sushi on the ground and ruin the day of someone who treads in it!

Learn a few basic words and phrases

One thing that tourists struggle with the most when traveling to Japan is the language barrier. This is why you should do your best to memorize some essential words and phrases – trust us, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Knowing how to say “Hello,” “Nice to meet you,” and “How do you do” can go a long way in facilitating your conversations with natives, and if you spend at least 15 minutes every day studying the language, the results will be great.

Choose to wander off the beaten track

While tourists often choose the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route during their trip to Japan, there’s so much more to explore in this beautiful country if you have the time to get outside the touristy bubble. For instance, one of Japan’s best hidden gems is Kurashiki, known as the Venice of Japan. Another stunning destination that’s less explored by tourists is Onomichi, where you will see many cats ( statues, painted and real ones) – you’ll even enjoy a cat-themed pudding dessert! We could go on with this list of hidden gems in Japan that are a must-visit, so be sure to do your research and plan your itinerary wisely!