🇯🇵 Let’s Visit Japan!
Planning your first trip to Japan? You’re in the right place. Japan can feel like a world apart — rich in history, full of surprises, and wonderfully unique in its blend of the ultra-modern and the deeply traditional.
Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, sushi in Tokyo, or soaking in an onsen after a day of exploring, this page is your starting point.
We’ve gathered all our Japan travel tips, articles, podcasts and videos here to make planning easier and less overwhelming. And with more resources on the way (including itinerary planning services), we’re here to help you turn that dream trip into reality.
Japan Travel Cheatsheet
🇯🇵 Japan Travel Essentials
| 🚗 Driving Side | Left-hand side |
|---|---|
| 🔌 Socket & Voltage | Type A & B plugs, 100V / 50–60Hz (lower voltage) |
| 📱 Country Code | +81 |
| 🚨 Emergency Number | 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Safe to drink everywhere |
| 🕐 Time Zone | JST – Japan Standard Time (UTC +9) |
| 💱 Currency | Japanese Yen (¥ / JPY) |
| 🗣️ Languages | Japanese (official); English spoken in tourist areas |
| 🛂 Visa | 90-day visa-free for many countries (UK, US, AUS, NZ, etc.) |
| 💰 Tipping | Not customary — tipping can be considered rude |
| 🚌 Transport | Trains (JR & metro), buses, taxis — excellent nationwide network |
| 📲 Travel Apps | Google Maps, Navitime, Japan Travel App, Suica Mobile, Hyperdia |
| 🔌 Adaptor Needed | Yes — Type A/B plugs; voltage converters may be needed for some appliances |
| 🤝 Etiquette Tips | Remove shoes indoors, bow when greeting, be quiet on public transport, no eating while walking |
🌤️ Seasonal Weather Guide for Japan
| Season | Months | Avg Temps (°C / °F) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | Mar – May | 8–22°C / 46–72°F | Cherry blossom season; mild and sunny — a very popular time to visit |
| ☀️ Summer | Jun – Aug | 25–35°C / 77–95°F | Hot and humid; June is rainy season, July/August have festivals and fireworks |
| 🍂 Autumn | Sep – Nov | 10–25°C / 50–77°F | Colourful foliage, comfortable temps, fewer crowds than spring |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec – Feb | 0–10°C / 32–50°F | Cold and dry; ideal for hot springs, skiing in Hokkaido or Nagano |
🗣️ Useful Japanese Words & Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|
| 👋 こんにちは (Konnichiwa) | Hello / Good afternoon |
| 🙏 ありがとう (Arigatou) | Thank you (informal) — add “gozaimasu” for politeness |
| 🙋 お願いします (Onegaishimasu) | Please / I’d like to request something |
| 😅 すみません (Sumimasen) | Excuse me / I’m sorry — also used to get attention |
| 🤔 いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) | How much is it? |
| 🚻 トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) | Where is the toilet? |
| 🧾 お会計をお願いします (O-kaikei onegaishimasu) | The bill, please |
| 💬 日本語が話せません (Nihongo ga hanasemasen) | I don’t speak Japanese |
| 🇬🇧 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) | Can you speak English? |
| 👋 さようなら (Sayounara) | Goodbye (formal) |
Global Travel Planning Podcast
🎧Episode #38 – Tips for first-time visitors to Tokyo
🎧Episode #14 – Tips for first-time visitors to Japan
