Vacation On Japan
In this post, we will share an amazing tour package of Japan that you can take with your friends and family. We are talking about a tour package that will give you an opportunity to visit popular tourist destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto in a budgeted holiday trip. This is the most suitable for backpackers who have limited budget but don’t want to compromise with their travel experience.
I remember walking along the picturesque shores of Lake Ashi, overlooking the iconic Mt. Fuji. I could smell the distinct fragrance of chrysanthemums in the air; there was a slight breeze and as I peered over, I noticed many people practicing Aikido in their kimonos at the dojo behind me. The tea house was very traditional, its roof covered with moss and bamboo. my server deftly carried a tray that had all sorts of unusual looking teapots with it. They were modern but also had an ancient Samurai feel to them – considering they originated from China. It felt like everything in Japan was steeped in tradition yet somehow still modern and chic. I felt like I was a part of something very special every time I visited this country and that is why it is ranked as having one of the happiest populations in the world. And it’s not just about celebrities – when famous people visit Japan, they are greeted by locals who seem genuinely excited to have them here, unlike anywhere else where they are virtually ignored by everyone else. If you’re interested in learning more about why so many foreigners fall in love with Japan and stay there permanently, you should get my
Are you planning a vacation to Japan? Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities on this planet with plenty of things to see and do.
Japan has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy. The first time I was introduced to anime, it was Japanese and planted the seed. Then as I got older, I found martial arts and thought, ‘this is where Japanese people excel’. After submitting my information to a travel agency, I found Japan’s beautiful history to be just as inspiring as its future potential.
Vacation On Japan
This post is based on an amazing guide our friend Amy Cham compiled us full of her Japan tips to help us plan a trip to Japan years ago. We have since visited Japan four times and update this post regularly with what we’ve learnt.
Ah Japan, irasshaimase! Welcome to the land where everything just works. The land of convenience, the land of delicious food, paradox, naked strangers, and where respect permeates through every part of society and culture.
In Japan the food can be described as clean and minimalist, but never simple, which probably sums up Japan as a whole. It’s a place that both lives up to, and out does, any expectation you have upon arrival.
Uh-huh, they have the fastest, sleekest, most efficient trains (ever!), but they still have paper posters pegged up on their Tokyo subway. Yeah, they have amazing futuristic architecture, but they also have countless traditional wooden buildings in amongst it all.
Yes, they have the busiest people crossing in the world (Shibuya), but at no point is it ever chaotic, no need for anyone to bang on a cab screaming, “Hey, I’m walking here!”.
Yes, they have scores of scarily trendy, funkily clad young people who like to cosplay on weekends, but they also have evening family outings to sentos (public bathhouses).
In this post, we’ll help you make sense of it all and share our best tips for planning a trip to Japan.
Contents
- When Will Japan Open for Visitors?
- When to Visit Japan
- Video: Best Japan Destinations
- Before Your Japan Trip
- General Dos and Don’ts in Japan
- Top Japan Destinations
- More Japan Tips
When Will Japan Open for Visitors?
As of August 2022, Japan’s borders are still closed to independent international tourists with no reopening date announced.
Since 10 June 2022, package tour groups have been allowed to enter the country—this is currently the only way to visit Japan as a tourist. You’ll need to book through an operator, apply for a visa, and you won’t be able to explore without a guide.
Late summer 2022 travel to Japan now looks unlikely for independent visitors, but autumn is still possible.
If you are booking a trip to Japan now (which may be a good idea to lock in lower prices), I’d make sure you have free cancellation.
When to Visit Japan
We’ve visited Japan in all four seasons and don’t think there’s a bad time to go.
In winter, it’s chilly but crowds are lower, you’ll find great deals on accommodation, and you’ll really appreciate those onsens (hot springs). You can also go skiing or snowboarding and have the best chance of seeing snow-capped Mount Fuji.
In summer, it can be steaming hot and humid, but there are fewer foreign tourists around and lots of local festivals to enjoy. It’s also the best time to visit the many beaches and the only time you can climb Mount Fuji.
The most popular and best overall times to visit Japan are spring (March-April) and autumn (October – early December). This is when you can enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms (sakura) or autumn leaves (koyo). It’s more crowded and expensive, but the weather can be ideal and it is just stunning.
Shoulder seasons May and late-September/early October are also good times to visit with warm weather and lower crowds.
See our guide to visiting the Kyoto cherry blossoms for more information on the popular sakura season.