Travelling to Japan: Essential Tips and Must-Do Experiences

If you’ve been dreaming about sushi trains, neon-lit streets, ancient temples, and cherry blossoms floating in the breeze, you’re not alone. Japan is one of those places that somehow manages to feel both like another world and oddly familiar at the same time.

But here’s the thing  Japan isn’t just one “experience.” It’s dozens of different worlds packed into one country. You can sip matcha in a Kyoto tea house in the morning, eat ramen in a Tokyo back alley by lunch, and soak in a hot spring under the stars that same evening.

If you’re heading there soon, here’s my unfiltered, friendly guide to making the most of your trip.

First Things First: When to Go

Japan changes its mood with the seasons.

• Spring: Cherry blossom season is the cliché, yes, but it’s popular for a reason. Think picnic blankets, pink petals everywhere, and mild weather.
• Summer: Festivals, fireworks, and enough humidity to make you crave cold noodles and shaved ice.
• Autumn: My personal favourite — gold and red leaves in Kyoto temples and perfect walking weather.
• Winter: Snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, ski resorts, and steaming bowls of miso ramen.

Pro tip: If you want fewer crowds but still great scenery, aim for late November or early April.

Where to Go (Beyond the Obvious)

• Tokyo: Bustling, electric, and packed with surprises. Sure, hit Shibuya Crossing, but also wander into tiny side streets for hidden bars and ramen shops.
• Kyoto: The place to slow down. Torii gates at Fushimi Inari, golden temples, and geisha glimpses in Gion.
• Osaka: The street food capital. If you don’t try takoyaki (octopus balls) from a sizzling iron plate, did you even go?
• Hokkaido: Snowy mountains, wildflowers, and seafood so fresh it almost jumps onto your plate.
• Okinawa: If tropical beaches and slow island vibes are your thing, this is paradise.

Eat Like You Mean It

The food is half the reason to go, let’s be honest.

• Ramen — every city does it differently. Try a few styles.
• Sushi — go big with omakase or grab a plate from a conveyor belt.
• Street snacks — taiyaki, yakitori, okonomiyaki… they’re all worth it.
• Convenience store (konbini) food — trust me, you’ll never look at a 7-Eleven the same way again.
• Pro tip: If you see a shop with a line, join it. Japanese locals know what’s good.

Cultural “Do’s” You’ll Want to Know

• Bow instead of shaking hands.
• Keep your voice down on public transport.
• Shoes off indoors — always check if slippers are provided.
• In an onsen (hot spring), you must wash before getting in, and swimsuits aren’t usually allowed.

Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind

Japan’s transport system is a dream — once you figure it out.

• Get a Japan Rail Pass if you’re hopping between cities.
• Grab an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) for trains, buses, and even vending machines.
• Google Maps is your friend, but Hyperdia is great for train timetables.
• Travelling with luggage? Use a luggage delivery service (takkyubin) so you can explore bag-free.

A Few “Don’t Miss” Experiences

• Feeding deer in Nara Park.
• Watching the sunrise from Mount Fuji.
• Staying in a ryokan and waking up to a traditional Japanese breakfast.
• Wandering through a covered market like Nishiki Market in Kyoto.
• Seeing a summer fireworks festival (hanabi taikai).

Final Thoughts

Japan is one of those places you’ll leave already planning your next trip. It’s not just the big sights — it’s the little moments, like vending machines that serve hot coffee in a can, or the sound of cicadas in a quiet Kyoto alley.

So pack comfy shoes, keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost. In Japan, getting lost is half the fun.

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