Japan Travel Guides
Everything for planning a trip to Japan — realistic itineraries, honest city comparisons, and the actual cost of getting around. No padded listicles, just what you need to book the trip.
Planning Your Trip
How Many Days in Tokyo Is Enough?
Three days or ten? After years living in Tokyo and hosting visiting friends, here's exactly how many days you actually need — and how to spend them.
Best Time to Visit Japan: Month by Month Guide
A month-by-month breakdown of Japan travel — temperature, crowds, cost, and what's actually happening. Plus the crowd-avoiding tricks most guides don't mention.
Japan 7-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
The Japan 7-day itinerary that actually works, written by someone who lives here — realistic pacing, what to skip, and a day-by-day plan that won't exhaust you.
Getting Around
Narita to Tokyo: Cheapest & Fastest Ways in 2025
Every option for getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo — with real prices, journey times, and the honest verdict on which to choose depending on your situation.
Shinkansen Tokyo to Osaka Price 2026: Fares, Times and Which Train
Shinkansen Tokyo to Osaka price in 2026: ¥14,720 reserved on the Nozomi, ¥13,870 unreserved. Compare fares, journey times, peak rules and JR Pass.
Osaka vs Kyoto: Which Should You Stay In?
Osaka or Kyoto — where should you base yourself? A direct comparison from someone who's lived in both: food, transport, atmosphere, cost, and when each wins.
More Guides
Awa Odori: How to Actually Join Japan's Most Participable Festival
A practical guide to Tokushima's Awa Odori festival — the dance styles, the niwaka-ren beginner groups, and exactly how to join in without a costume or booking.
Bon Odori: How to Join Japan's Festival of the Ancestors
What Bon Odori actually means, why the dance is structured the way it is, and how to join a circle dance happening in a park near you this August.
Gion Matsuri: Japan's Most Famous Festival — A Complete Guide
A complete guide to Kyoto's Gion Matsuri — the floats, the yoiyama evenings, the sacred moments to respect, and how to actually watch the procession.
Haneda to Tokyo: Trains, Buses and Taxi Fares by District
Haneda to Tokyo transport by district: compare Keikyu, Monorail, airport buses and 2026 taxi fares, with a plan for late-night arrivals.
Japan Autumn Leaves 2026: Forecast by Region
Japan autumn leaves 2026 forecast by region, from Hokkaido mountains to Kyoto and Kyushu. Compare city dates, quieter alternatives and 2026 night bookings.
Japan Festivals Guide: When to Go, How to Join
A month-by-month guide to Japan's major festivals — what's actually happening, where you can join in, and the etiquette that matters before you show up.
Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: What Changes on 1 November
Japan tax-free shopping 2026 changes on 1 November. See which purchases need a departure refund, the 90-day rule and when customs checks your bags.
Nebuta Matsuri: How to Become a Haneto Dancer in Aomori
A practical guide to Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri — the costume you need, where to rent it, and exactly how to join the haneto dancers in the procession.
New Year Shrine Visit in Japan: Hatsumode 2027 Guide and Etiquette
How to do Japan's New Year shrine visit (hatsumode) in 2027: dates, the bow-and-clap sequence, the coin offering, and where to go in Tokyo.
Sapporo Snow Festival 2027: Official Dates, Three Sites and Otaru
Sapporo Snow Festival 2027 runs 4–11 February at Odori, Tsudome and Susukino. Plan the three sites, lodging and an Otaru Snow Light Path visit.
Setsubun: Japan's Bean-Throwing Festival Explained
Why Japan throws beans at demons every February — the mamemaki ritual, ehomaki sushi rolls, and how to join a public bean-throwing event.
Tanabata: Japan's Star Festival — Wishes, Decorations & Where to Go
The myth behind Tanabata, how to write a wish on a tanzaku, and why Sendai, Hiratsuka, and Anjo celebrate Japan's star festival so differently.
Tokyo Accommodation Tax 2027: 3% Even on Existing Bookings
Tokyo accommodation tax 2027 is 3% from 1 April above a ¥13,000 nightly threshold. See old bookings, minpaku coverage and worked examples.
What Is Open in Japan During New Year 2026–27? A Practical Calendar
What is open in Japan during New Year 2026–27? Plan banks, ATMs, offices, shops, museums and trains from 29 December to 3 January.
What to Pack for Japan in Winter: City, Snow and Onsen Checklist
What to pack for Japan in winter depends on your stops. Compare Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo, ski and onsen needs, with layers and footwear that work.
Where to Avoid Crowds in Japan: Interactive Map by Month
An interactive map showing how Japan's crowds move across the country month by month — and how to catch the famous spots in their quiet moment.