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Japan Travel Guide
By Susan Doktor MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Travel to Japan: the best Japan travel guide
Traveling to a new part of the world is exhilarating. But many travelers feel some apprehension before embarking on an international adventure. Will I be able to communicate with locals? Have I packed appropriately for the weather? How can I be sure I see the best sites and have the most rewarding experiences my destination has to offer? That’s where a comprehensive travel guide comes in.
Our travel experts have come up with just such a guide for travelers who are destined for Japan. It’s a must-read if you’re considering a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun — even more so if you’ve already booked your tickets! Let’s get started reviewing the most important things to know about Japan.
Get a Free QuoteJapanese culture
Japan’s culture is shaped by its history, geography, spiritual beliefs and economy. The core principles that underlie its culture are the search for harmony, a fundamental respect for nature and an emphasis on attention to detail.
Here’s a word you may want to remember as you experience Japanese culture: wa. Translated into English, wa means harmony. Peace is another apt translation for it. Japanese behave in ways that promote social harmony and cooperation. The ideal is reflected in many settings and activities, from family celebrations to business management.
The Japanese have a deep appreciation for the natural world, and this is reflected in their art, literature and religion. The Japanese also have a strong sense of environmentalism, and they are committed to protecting their natural resources. Two Japanese phrases are worth remembering as you explore Japan’s natural beauty. The first is Shinrin-yoku. Literally translated, the phrase means forest bathing, but has come to represent practicing mindfulness around nature, whether in a park, at the beach, or in the mountains. The second term is mottainai, which can be translated into an imperative: don’t be wasteful. The concept of mottainai represents the idea that nature has intrinsic value and should be treated with respect.
A third underlying concept in Japanese culture is strict attention to detail. This particular cultural bent is evident in countless aspects of Japanese life, from craftsmanship to cuisine and construction and corporate management. The Japanese have a name for this principle: kodawari. Kaizen is a related term and means the pursuit of perfection. You may be familiar with this word, as it was adopted as a guiding principle of business management in Western countries when first introduced in a book by Masaaki Imai.
Weather and seasons
Japan’s climate, while it may vary from region to region, is generally temperate. The country has four distinct seasons. Summers may be very hot and humid, but winters are cold and dry. The average temperature in summer in Tokyo is about 85 degrees. Winters are relatively mild, with an average temperature of 47 degrees.
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Japan. Spring visitors enjoy mild temperatures, The highlight of the season is cherry blossom time, but other plants also come into stunning season. In Tokyo, the average temperature in spring is 65 degrees.
As in the US, autumn is a time of changing colors in Japan. The average temperature in Tokyo is 70°F.
Traditional Japanese food to try
If you’re accustomed to Western cuisine, the food in Japan is likely to surprise you, simply because it looks quite different. Every plate is prepared artfully — there’s that concept of kodawari at work again.
Japanese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients simply prepared. Japanese cooks try to represent five flavors in their meals: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. You may not be familiar with that last flavor. Directly translated, umami means “essence of deliciousness,” but in practice, it describes a savory flavor that could be described as “meaty” or brothy. Umami is directly linked to the presence of glutamate in foods. Glutamate is an amino acid frequently found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish and cheese. Soy and other Japanese sauces are also typically high in glutamate. Some vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, bean sprouts, garlic and mushrooms, also deliver the umami flavor.
While traveling in Japan, be sure to enjoy such staples as:
Sushi: A dish that features glutinous (sticky) rice garnished with some type of fish, which is usually raw, but may sometimes be cooked, as in the case of shrimp or crab. Maki sushi, a type of sushi many Westerners are familiar with, comes in rolls. They consist of seaweed filled with rice, fish and vegetables such as cucumber and avocado.
Ramen: Ramen is a dish consisting of a clear broth, thin egg noodles and sometimes bits of meat or fish. Don’t confuse homemade ramen with the instant packaged stuff you see on American supermarket shelves. Authentic ramen is a whole different experience.
Other popular noodles in Japan include udon (thick noodles made from wheat) and soba (medium-thick noodles made from buckwheat) and glass noodles (made from potato starch).
Yakitori: Yakitori is a grilled chicken dish cooked on skewers and a special sauce that is sweet, savory and smoky.
Shabu-shabu: Shabu-shabu is a hot pot dish that usually contains thinly sliced beef, vegetables and tofu.
Tempura: Tempura is a technique that involves battering and deep frying fish and vegetables. Tempura has a very light, crispy texture. In the US, tempura is often made with panko bread crumbs, but in Japan, tempura batter typically contains ice water, flour and egg yolks.
Matcha: Matcha is a fine powder made by grinding a special kind of green tea leaves. Matcha is a popular ingredient in Japanese beverages and is also used in desserts.
Mochi: And speaking of desserts, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in mochi, a frozen dessert that’s made by wrapping balls of ice cream in a sweet chewy dough made from rice flour, sugar and water.
Public transportation in Japan
Japan boasts an excellent, efficient and reliable public transportation system. It consists of high-speed rail, subways, buses, taxis and ferries that can transport you to the many islands that make up Japan. You can easily tour Japan using public transit alone. Save money and travel more conveniently by buying a Japan Rail (JR) pass, which can be used on trains, subways and buses.
Japan’s natural landscape
Japan’s natural landscape is stunning. The country is located in the western Pacific Ocean. It has an 18,000-mile coastline and is surrounded by many small islands.
About 70% of the nation is mountainous. The highest mountain in Japan is Mt. Fuji, which stands over 12,000 feet high. The Japanese have preserved their forests and about 67% of the country is forested.
There are more than 100 active volcanoes in Japan, situated in national parklands for tourists to enjoy. The nation is also home to more than 300 rivers, the longest of which is the Shinano, which flows for 228 miles.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find much to see, do and love in Japan. For more than two decades, the country has promoted ecotourism, so if you’re interested in sustainable travel, it’s a terrific destination for living your values.
Japan travel restrictions and entry requirements
It’s easy to enter Japan. No tourist visa is required unless you plan on staying more than 90 days. COVID-19 vaccinations are not required. The US government does warn that driving in Japan can be difficult for visitors. The Japanese drive on the left side of the road. If you can’t read Japanese, it will be difficult to follow traffic signs. If you do decide to drive in Japan, be aware that Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all drivers in Japan. Turning on red lights is not permitted in Japan. If you are convicted of driving under the influence you may be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, even if no one is injured. For these reasons and more, most short-term visitors choose not to drive in Japan. But Japan’s superior public transportation system makes it easy to get around without a car.
The best things to do in Japan
Whether you’re into urban exploring or connecting with nature, Japan offers up plenty of fun, interesting activities and learning experiences.
The country is known for its many religious shrines, which give you insight into its history, spiritual life, art and architecture.
Shopping in Japan’s large cities is a blast — it’s considered one of the fashion capitals of the world — and if you’re looking for the latest trends, be sure to visit the Harajuku and Shibuya districts of Tokyo.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Japan offers miles and miles of beautiful hiking trails. Mount Fuji, the Yoshinoyama Trail, and the Kurokami Mountain Trail are among the most beautiful and popular hiking regions. The country is a great camping destination, as well, offering an abundance of well-tended, hospitable places to lay down for the night. Travel experts recommend that you book your campsites well in advance, because they fill up quickly, especially in high seasons.
Japan’s cuisine is a national treasure in and of itself. However unfamiliar Japanese food may look, don’t be afraid to try something new when you travel the country or you’ll be missing one of the most novel experiences of your visit.
The best time to visit Japan
Japan has a temperate climate overall, with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit, but you can’t really go wrong no matter what time of year you arrive.
In summer, be prepared for high temperatures and humidity, especially in the southern and southwestern parts of the country. Winter makes its most potent appearance on Japan’s northernmost islands. The town of Aomor, located on the island of Honshu, receives an average of 26 feet of snowfall per year, but it’s an incredible destination for winter sports enthusiasts. If you enjoy cold weather and visit Japan during the winter, make sure you put Sapporo on your itinerary and try to visit during the Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the largest winter festivals in the world. The festival is known for its incredible snow and ice sculptures and features crazy-fun ice slides for “kids” of all ages.
The best places to visit in Japan
In a country so full of exciting places to visit, it’s tough to narrow the best sites down to a handful. To get the most out of Japan, plan to visit both its urban and remote areas. A trip that includes visits to Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa Island and the Nagiso historic district will show you some of the nation’s greatest attractions.
- Tokyo highlights include the Meiji Jingu and Meiji Shrines. The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a perfect example of the Japanese quest for perfection: manicured to the nth degree and featuring meandering streams and large ponds, a traditional tea house and cherry blossoms in full bloom in the spring. And did we mention fashion? Trend-setters can fulfill their wildest dreams in Tokyo.
- Kyoto, once the nation’s capital, is home to the Buddist Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple is known for its beautiful golden exterior and stands three stories high. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, also Buddhist, is another exemplary spiritual site.
- The island of Okinawa is a beach lover’s dream. If you travel to the island, don’t miss one of its scenic highlights: Yanbaru National Park. The park will reward you with beautiful natural features, including forests, mountains and a miles-long, pristine shoreline. The park offers terrific snorkeling, diving, hiking and camping. Off the coast, whale watching is a popular activity. If you’re interested in history, put Shuri Castle on your itinerary. It was built in the 1300s and served as the administrative hub of the kingdom of Ryukyu and the royal residence to several kings.
- If you’d like to experience an authentic taste of traditional Japanese life and architecture, a visit to the Nagiso historic district should be at the top of your list. Located in Nagano Prefecture, the area is beautifully preserved and invites tourists to meander the Nakasendo highway and visit the Nara-Kisogawa Bridge, an iconic wooden structure built in the 1600s that crosses the Kiso River in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
Japan travel tips and tricks
Travel experts recommend the following tips for having a great visit to Japan:
- The Japanese place a premium on social harmony. They will treat you with respect and you should be polite in return.
- Learn to bow. It’s very traditional for the Japanese to bow when saying hello or goodbye and expressing gratitude.
- Show respect for the Japanese by learning a few key phrases such as:
- Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu: Please
- Arigatou gozaimasu: Thank you
- Sumimasen: Excuse me
- Konnichiwa: Hello
- Sayonara: Goodbye
- Take advantage of Japan’s exceptional public transportation system. Invest in a Japan Rail pass to save money. Japan rail trains travel at top speeds of about 200 miles per hour and can make travel between cities very affordable — not to mention fast and convenient. A week-long JR pass costs about $25.
- Wear nice socks! You’ll be expected to take your shoes off before entering a home or temple. Tracking dirt or mud into indoor spaces is considered rude in Japan.
- Be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions and pack accordingly, particularly if you plan on visiting several parts of the country.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan. No matter how high quality the services you receive, refrain from offering a tip because it will create an uncomfortable situation for the server.
Summary of Sacramento Bee’s Japan travel guide
Here’s a summary of key facts to know before traveling to Japan. Enjoy your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun!
- The core tenets of Japanese culture are social harmony, respect for nature and the quest for the ideal. Be sure to keep these concepts in mind if you want to be in tune with the environment.
- A classic visit to Japan includes experiencing cherry blossom season, which runs from March to April. But you can save money if you travel to the country in summer or winter.
- Japan has an ancient history, but its modern marvels are well-worth experiencing, too.
- Though you could probably get by eating Western food while visiting Japan, be sure to sample traditional Japanese cuisine. It’s not only tasty, but also visually fascinating.
- Japan’s natural environment is stunning. You can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities and landscapes all seasons of the year.
- Take advantage of Japan’s exceptional public transit system. Buy a JR pass and you can experience Japan’s many cultural and natural highlights conveniently and inexpensively.
- The primary religions in Japan are Shintoism and Buddhism. Visit Japan’s many historic temples to connect with the country’s spiritual life and history.
