How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Japan
Until a decade ago, Japan was considered too expensive for a vacation. Now, with the yen weaker, it seems like everybody is there. Numbers from the Japan National Tourism Organization show that the country had a record-breaking 36.9 million international visitors in 2024, a 47 percent increase from the previous year.
This is the perfect time for you to plan a trip. Japan is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation, making it one of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Here are key tips to help you make the most of your journey to the Land of the Rising Sun.
1. Research Japan
Plan Your Itinerary Around Japan’s Unique Regions. Japan is not a one-size-fits-all destination. Traveling beyond the typical tourist hotspots will allow you to experience the true spirit of the marvelous country – its landscapes, culture, and unique traditions.
From Tokyo’s neon-lit skyline and beautifully groomed gardens (that are a marvel and a balm) to Kyoto’s historic temples, Hokkaido’s alpine charm, and the serene monasteries of Koyasan, each region offers something unique.
Be sure to map your itinerary around your interests with lots of urban adventure, cultural immersion, nature, or food. With a well-balanced plan, you can get to experience Japan’s full spectrum of wonders.
2. Embrace Culture: Respect the Traditions
Practice bowing when greeting, remove shoes when entering homes or temples, and follow etiquette in restaurants—like not tipping. Participating in a tea ceremony or attending a local festival will enrich your experience and foster genuine cultural appreciation.
3. Explore Nature: From Mount Fuji to Hot Springs
Beyond the bustling cities, Japan has surprising oases of natural beauty. Hike around Mount Fuji, stroll through peaceful gardens, or relax in a steaming onsen in Hakone. Nature lovers can also explore the scenic trails on Japan-guided tours, which offer expert insight into the country’s rich landscapes.
4. Take Advantage of Public Transport
Efficient, punctual, and clean, Japan’s train system is second to none. The Shinkansen (bullet train) whisks you across the country with ease. Consider investing in a JR Pass to access unlimited travel on most rail lines—it’s a cost-effective way to explore multiple cities in one trip.
5. Indulge in Local Japanese Culinary Delights
The variety of culinary delights in Japan is sure to excite your palate. Sate your appetite with inventive types of tempura like the salmon roe nested on roasted seaweed, or savor the charcoal-grilled eel coated in a sweet soy-based sauce set with pickles and soup, and finish with a pot of tea to pour over the eel.
Don’t forget to explore local specialties, as each region has its own flavors and dishes – totally worth discovering.
6. Stay in Unique Accommodations
Make your trip memorable by staying in a ryokan, a traditional inn with tatami floors, futon beds, and often a private onsen. Or, for a futuristic twist, try a capsule hotel for a truly Japanese experience.
7. Shopping: Discover the Best of Local Fashion and Technology
Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise—from sleek tech gadgets in Akihabara to high fashion in Shibuya. Even small towns offer charming shops with handcrafted souvenirs, making it easy to bring a piece of Japan home with you.
For those of you with more expensive taste, head into the urban fray of Ginza, Tokyo’s original luxury retail district, where you can gawk at the Issey Miyake showroom or peruse designer brands like Commes des Garcons, A Bathing Ape, Supreme and Kolor at the Dover Street Market.
8. Make Time for Spiritual and Historical Experiences
Visit iconic sites like Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji, Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, or Nara’s ancient temples. Exploring castles, shrines, and museums adds depth and meaning to your trip.
Try forest bathing — shinrin-yoku in Japanese — which does not involve a soak in a hot spring in the woods but is rather a meditative practice of walking among trees to de-stress.
If you’re unsure where to start or would like to enrich your experience further, joining a tour can help you explore the country with a knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re interested in discovering hidden gems or learning about Japanese history and culture, expert-led tours are an excellent way to maximize your trip.
