Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most recognisable sights, but planning a day trip from Tokyo is slightly more complicated than simply travelling to “Mount Fuji”. The mountain itself rises to 3,776 metres on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. For most visitors, a Mount Fuji day trip does not mean climbing the mountain. … Read more
Shibuya Crossing is one of those Tokyo sights you have probably seen long before you arrive in Japan. The intersection appears constantly in films, advertising and photographs of Tokyo: enormous video screens glow above the streets while pedestrians pour into the intersection from several directions at once. Then, almost as quickly as it begins, the … Read more
Japan has a reputation for being expensive, but with careful planning it can be surprisingly affordable. This 10 day Japan budget itinerary focuses on efficient routing, affordable accommodation, smart transport decisions, and low-cost attractions while still delivering an unforgettable first-time experience. Overview of This Budget Route Route: Tokyo → Hakone (optional) → Kyoto → Osaka … Read more
Planning a Japan family trip can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. This 10-day Japan family itinerary balances culture, theme parks, easy transport, and downtime so both kids and parents enjoy the journey. Is Japan Good for Families? Japan is one of the safest and most family-friendly countries in the world. Public … Read more
Travelling around Japan alone can feel intimidating before you arrive. Tokyo is enormous. The railway maps look complicated. English isn’t spoken everywhere. And if you’ve never travelled alone before, even something as simple as walking into a restaurant by yourself can feel unfamiliar. The reality on the ground is usually much easier. Japan works particularly … Read more
Japan is unusually well suited to a honeymoon because the trip doesn’t have to feel the same from beginning to end. You can spend one evening looking across the Tokyo skyline, the next few days sleeping in a ryokan with a private onsen, then walk through Kyoto’s old streets before finishing beside the sea on … Read more
Three weeks is one of the best amounts of time you can have for a first trip to Japan. You have enough time to see Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka without treating them as a checklist, but you can also go beyond the standard Golden Route and experience places that many shorter itineraries have to leave … Read more
Five days in Japan is short. It is still enough time for an excellent first trip, but only if you resist the temptation to keep adding destinations. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara and Mt Fuji might look manageable when you see them connected by fast trains. In reality, every additional city means checking out, moving … Read more
Choosing where to stay in Japan is one of the most important decisions when planning your trip. The best hotel is not necessarily the cheapest hotel or the one closest to a famous attraction. In Japan, staying near the right train or subway station can save significant time across a multi-day trip. For most first-time … Read more
A Japan Rail Pass calculator is the easiest way to determine whether the nationwide JR Pass will actually save you money. The calculation is more important than ever. The Japan Rail Pass used to be an almost automatic recommendation for travellers taking the classic Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route. After major price increases, that is no longer the … Read more