ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55419739', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tokyo Narita (NRT) on a non-stop flight. Its really helpful. Welcome to the land where everything just works. Would this destination be a wise choice for us? I've always wanted to visit (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? you should be aware that not all train stations have lifts or escalators. Hi Hemmy. This is due to my work and my partners need for beach and sun. Or its over the Japanese have a way of life with nature that we miss here in the UK.. Oh I love Japan so much and I havent even been there yet! Emergencies in Japan. I always wanted to visit Japan for my 18 birthday. | FundMyTravel Nara is also quite special and not too far from Kyoto. Sun. Nagoya . Tokyo is one of my favorite cities. But the cherry blossoms are fleeting, and most cities . Great post and very informative. No problem is insurmountable! I do think non-Japanese food has improved a lot in recent years. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Kyoto Generally, Japan post office bank (JP Bank) ATMs and Citibank Japan ATMs will accept American ATM cards and have an option for English instructions. Bert. Glad you found it helpful. It really depends what you are interested in but Id definitely recommend Kyoto as well as Tokyo. Id miss my train and got stuck in Nagoya for six half hours trying to get back to Asakusa. Im doing a project on Japan for school, your posts on Japan were all SUPER helpful- thank you so much! You can also use credit cards at hotels and department stores. Thanks had a look and theyre into history so definitely Kyoto . Of course eat all the Japanese food too, because its amazing too. But then I do prefer small towns to big cities so it depends on your preferences. And there are an increasing number of signs in English. Awesome post! Thank you for sharing. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I start in Tokio and end in Canada in december. Nomadic Matts Travel Site. Its available worldwide. A cab is never needed. Festivals/matsuri 10. Example of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A really lovely walk out in the countryside and the train trip is so much fun. How do you suggest to travel the alps from Kanazawa that one can reach by train to takayama and around ? Ill be visiting Japan for 10 days in March! Hi Vee, [For new registration]-From 1st November 2022, you cannot use MySOS. Great list! Erin x. I love that story! Its made me even more excited to get to Japan now! ), consider a pocket wifi (MyFi) rental. I'm very ignorant and apparently slow, so I'm not sure how the currency would workdo I just exchange dollars for Yen? (Never again? I'd like to visit Japan (Please help) =) - Tokyo Forum But it helps to learn the basics (hello, thank you, excuse me, yes, no, etc). If you come as a spectator you will be a tourist. Hopefully well have lots more posts about Japan when we get there next month. 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, Im walking here!. Thanks again! They . You should be fine without a tour. Japanese and the foreigners who live here love to travel because they usually don't have this much time off again until Obon. Compare the prices on that site with the rail pass. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work. Should You Visit Japan in Summer + How to Survive if You Do! The JR passes are usually good value but are not much use in Tokyo. I enjoyed reading that and your trip report :) are these forums the best place to search for other trip reports? GREAT post youve got a little bit of everything here =) Let me know if you need any ideas on Tokyo I spent about 10 days in and around that area last year =). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55411550', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Japan last April as fairly novice travellers with only a few words of Japanese and had no trouble.The following is a link to our trip report.The places we visited too in the main tourist places and a few that were slightly off the main tourist route. Nagano and Matsumoto I always wanted to visit Japan but never thought it was - Reddit When will you be in Japan Ashley? 29 Convincing Reasons To Visit Japan - The World Pursuit How To Say I Want To Visit Japan - Visit Nagasaki http://www.vegietokyo.com/info4vegie/articles/article2.html NIGHT OF OPEN HEAVEN DAY 34 (100 DAYS FASTING & PRAYER 22ND - Facebook Mt. Me & my nephew are planning to visit japan for the 1st time this September can you pls recommend any place to stay or eat and should we do tour or should we go on our own ? Use trains for major intercity travel. See our Japan 2 Week Itinerary for a detailed guide to visiting many of these places including things to do, transport, and where to stay and eat. The Japan Rail pass is a must if you plan to to a lot of traveling and the 100 yen shops are great for souvenirs. The size of the nan though? https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/best-places-to-visit-in-japan/. I think Japan is fairly easy to manage without a tour company. Do you have any experience travelling at this time? Weve been in September and enjoyed it. Hi Diane, yes, trains are definitely the best way to visit Japans cities. For me, a third-generation (Sansei) Japanese-American, Japan is o. My husband & I are travelling to Japan in August as he is competing in the world masters swimming competition. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-55504375', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Shibuya Crossing: http://goo.gl/maps/d0y1O. It's probably not the cheapest rate though, so perhaps you might be able to find a lower rate. Next week, I'll be heading on a two-week tour around Japan, and then I'll be spending some extra time in the country to visit all the places not included in the tour. I keep hearing about Kyoto is it worth seeing, it seems far from Tokyo (8hrs) and expensive to get to? I am planning a 10 day trip with my two teenage girls. I cant wait to try the bullet trains and enjoy everything being super-efficient and on time. Bookmarking right now! Japan is a cash based society so you'll always want some on you, it's better to pull a lot of cash each time so you don't get charged a service charge several times - Japan is very safe so no worries about carrying a lot of cash. I just want your information (and the info for anyone else who reads this) to be up to date. We stayed in Kyoto in 2008 for a week and went back there last year for a quick day during a week long trip to Osaka. Also, if you will be there for the fall foliage (Kouyou in Japanese) you will indeed be fortunate as it is incredible in Kyoto. Should I wait until September to experience Japan? Thank you very much! Why Hanami Season is the Best Time to Visit Japan - Mapping Megan Most ATMs in Japan will not accept American ATM cards. ENC1101 10/5/2015 Since I could first remember, I have always dreamed of visiting Japan. Youre doing a tremendous job! I have heard that Japan is a safe country, as you have the real-life experience, Id love to hear what you think! About how much is it usually or should I expect to pay for 2 round trip tickets from the US to Japan? A compromise might be to hire a guide for a day (or join a tour) in Kyoto and/or Tokyo. Im planning a trip to Japan in January with mum (I know its cold over there, but thats the only break weve got!). I would probably just focus on Kyoto and Tokyo in that time, perhaps with some day trips. Chiba This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. My husband has difficulty (pain) after walking a short distance (100 yards). Also, an upvote for your suggestion to visit Takayama a wonderful place that has a charming historical district thats like stepping back in time. So whether you stay in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, areas for cherry blossom viewing are definitely within an easy reach. Would you have a recommendation for a tour company. Could you advise which cities we should visit using the shinkansen. I wish I could go soon!!! I think its best to book everything yourself, but it really depends on how much experience you have travelling and how much time you have to plan it all. (good luck). I dont think you need to worry Japan is a very safe country. So Im trying to plan a trip to Japan with my family next year July (4kids) but I keep hearing super expensive, anyways nanny suggestions on where or how to plan n book.? I definitely think its possible to travel by yourself. Just make sure you use a card that doesnt charge international transaction fees (this will depend which country you are from). Remaining restrictions were dropped on 29 April 2023 so visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. How true is needing the visa to enter Japan? Border enforcement . Hiroshima As we dont have any experience of travelling Japan with mobility issues, I would look for advice from those who have. Planning a Trip to Japan: DOs & DON'Ts (2023) - Never Ending Voyage Hello . 5 Awesome Cities to Visit in Japan - Two Monkeys Travel Group We wanted to do the North part of the country as well. I know about this website: Excellent post Erin. Im planning a 2-3 week trip to Japan around September. You should definitely stay in one, they are a little pricey but worth it. Yes. Within cities, subways and local trains are useful. If you got any great idea, we can discuss. Its especially wonderful to know there are some great vegan/vegetarian options. 11 Things You Shouldn't Do In Japan As A Tourist - Grunge In Tokyo (and in fact Japan in general) the train is the way to travel. I would chose Kyoto as a base as we much preferred it to Osaka and theres more to see there. Is Mid June a good time weather wise? 9. I am visiting my daughter in Singapore and on the way back to the US my wife and I are visiting Japan (3Jun-8Jun). As great as that all sounds, its also more then we intend to spend for our trip. And avoid the major Japanese holidays when many Japanese are travelling. Enjoy! I always wanted to visit Japan for my 18 birthday. To adjust, we have considered skipping Takayama and just doing Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, but this makes me think twice. I DO :) would love some recommendations if still relevant. Why I Want To Go To Japan? - Shea Winter Roggio We use Booking.com for hotels, Airbnb for apartments (in the big cities like Tokyo), and Voyagin for tours. Rooms were fairly small (as in most of Japan) but free breakfasts were provided and a free shuttle to the train station (Kanazawa) and airport (Osaka). Thanks for your comment and of course youre not being a jerk, :o)! Ive written a bit about Takayama in our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/. 9. Two times of year I would avoid for a vacation to Japan are: Golden Week in early May In 2024, Golden Week is from 27 April 6 May. I've always wanted to go back, and luckily, now I am. 3. I just want to go so bad, and have wanted to for as long as I can remember. I love Kyoto though it has been years since I was in Japan and longer since I was specifically in Kyoto. Youll need to work out your route first to see whether a rail pass is worth it. See below the link with the current situation. We have 14 days to spend with the first 3 days in Tokyo, so itll leave us with 11 days in other cities. I wouldnt let it stop you visiting. You can absolutely travel Japan without knowing Japanese. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors. 2. 5 Awesome Cities to Visit in Japan By Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor June 26th, 2022 Posted in Asia Travel Blog, Travel Blog, Travel Guides 46 Comments Home Travel Blog 5 Awesome Cities to Visit in Japan If you have 10 days to explore Japan for the first time, what will your itinerary look like? 20 things nobody told you about visiting Japan | You Could Travel Thanks so much for the advice Jeff! Most credit cards settle for the same rate but your bank may add a small fee which T/Cs are not subject to. Check now One of our experts will correct your English. Woke up at 4.30am to catch our bus to Tokyo (4 hours away) to find snow knee deep. Lastly too, in our 3 weeks there were indeed occasional english transport signage to be found, but we also had many experiences standing at a bus/ subway terminals not having any clue as to where to go or what to pay. Get some tabbi socks too. (warning: a lot of pictures in here) If you are going to split up, consider signing up for international SMS text roaming, depending on your carrier. Do you want to stay in hostels or fancy ryokan or a mix of both? If I think of anything else Ill add it later. Cultural Exchange Educational/Research Trip Vacation/Personal Trip . Previous laws did not protect those coerced into having sex and deterred reporting of such attacks, critics say. I hope to use this on my up come trip. Nadya, I going to Japan next year and through out my researches I always came across those dos an donts and I have to say this is really nice and short one but has a lot of information in it, which is something I really like! How much Japanese as far as language/writing should I know? A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. :). I definitely want to stay somewhere nice, not 300$ a night nice, but not 49.99$ and rats nice :) Traditional ryokan are lovely, but costly. Hi Erin great post, thanks for your comprehensive insight! For first time visitors, I recommend visiting Japan for two weeks. It really depends. I also bring travellers checks as an emergency backup. If you want to visit Japan at this time, book well in advance. Hi Sarah, Im sure too that many people do speak english, in our encounters this was rare even in Tokyo, but again Japanese is such a beautiful language why not go ahead and dive in and try to speak it! Just doing beginning research for our yearly trip this year, and we are considering Japan. If anyone has ever traveled two weeks on somewhat of a budget, any advice for the amount of money to carry along? To make up for that though, the people are probably more willing to be helpful than anywhere else I have ever traveled. Part French sex comedy, part "American Pie"-like . Japan has some of the most beautiful places Japan offers a lot of beautiful places. The level of English proficiency isn't very high in Japan, but you're able to get around just fine in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Mount Fuji is the landmark associated with Japan and is considered one of the best places to visit in Japan. Can you recommend anywhere that would be a must. We didnt spend that much time there so cant really advise. Youre really helpful, This site is really helpful about Japan and shows a route map: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html. Really great posts, I have been to Japan several times and you are spot on! I wrote up an itinerary I followed with a one-week JR Pass that might be of some help. The easiest and best rate comes from simply pulling cash from an ATM once you are in Japan. If that is allowed. Thanks, I am planning a trip to Kyoto to see where Reiki was started, your insights are great. Signs in English are abundant and although it is tricky to find English speaking staff, sign language and pointing go a long way. Where to see cherry blossoms around the worldTokyo, Washington D.C., Paris, and more. I was always curious about different countries and cultures, and hope to travel the world someday. I am confused with the the shinkansen map and which one we should take and which cities we can visit that is on the way. How to Spend Your Time in Tokyo: A Suggested Itinerary. Hello, with one of your Dos its not mushy mushy its moshi moshi aka (). Weve written lots more about Japan: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-round-up/. I think there are two, so which is it? I'm very ignorant and apparently slow, so I'm not sure how the currency would workdo I just exchange dollars for Yen? Chalsie x. I still want to see Fuji up close, Kyoto, old family member used to live in Nagoya so would like to stop by there and perhaps Hakone. We are looking to travel to Tokyo with out 2 year old in October. I understand that Japan can be very quiet during the first week of January. Friday's debut of "No Hard Feelings," a sex work romcom that doesn't want to admit to its own subgenre, is very much of our era. We are targetting to return to Tokyo on the last 3 days to do some shopping. We often visited the huge food courts/ supermarkets located in the basements of many department stores, to pick up food for lunch or sometimes to take back to our hotel at night.The convenience stores also had salads etc which were much fresher than what we get from similar stores here. Remaining restrictions were dropped on 29 April 2023 so visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. Thank you for any advice you can give us. Hi guys, great blogs-thank you for sharing it. On the topic of car hire, I probably wouldnt bother myself but I know someone who travels widely across Japan with a couple of kids and she swears by it, not least because they can easily reach locations that would otherwise be a hassle to get to. Its a place that both lives up to, and out does, any expectation you have upon arrival. Its more crowded and expensive, but the weather can be ideal and it is just stunning. It's festival time, much like in the U.S. Is that a good way to tour? Originally I wanted to climb Fuji but the guided trip company I emailed claimed they only had a 1 day guided trips and crampons were required. This is for you to research and find out on your own based on your interests, preferences, and travel style. My partner and I are heading to Tokyo for NYE and planning on heading from there to Kyoto around the 2nd for a couple of nights. Ive been leaning japanese for about 9 years now i was wondering id you could correct it please. And from April 29th 2023, vaccination proof and pre-departure testing are no longer required either . The train will take you everywhere. I am going back in February. Can you suggest us an 8 days itinerary for Japan. Im planning about 10 or 14 days away but not too much travelling maybe a few days in 3 places and ending up in Tokyo for 4 days to finish . Thank you! Really good post, Amy you sure squeezed a lot into your 3 weeks! Find it at: http://www.lengthytravel.com/saving-on-travel-in-japan-with-a-jr-rail-pass-my-itinerary-tips-and-cost-savings/, Hi Jeff, thank you for your prompt reply. I would suggest going to any matsuri (festival) that are going on during your stay. Yes, for us travel is always more than just about the big sites. If we had had time for a nights stay there it would have been better I think. Whatever you choose youll have an amazing time though! 38 Reasons Why I am Excited to Visit Japan - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site These are the details of where we visited: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-round-up/. 20 Reasons Why You Should Visit Japan - Japan Wonder Travel Blog Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Sue. Is that the case for anywhere I'd really like to go? I hear the JR or subway train thingy is the best way to travel around. How long do you need in Japan? The first time I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and the Island of Shdoshima. Can you give me the scoop of MUST SEE sites that you really liked? Here is a weather guide: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2273.html. There is also an overnight luggage delivery service where you can send your bags between hotels to make train travel easier. Alternatively, you may use. I always wanted to visit Japan. Is the upcoming olympic a good - Quora Interesting article but I cant keep my mouth shut on a few things. Heres one post that might be useful: https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+132386. There are a lot of veggie and vegan places as well as a special kind of buddhist vegan meal that you have to pre-book, but is very nice. 'have always wanted' or 'always wanted' - WordReference Forums forgot to say ;-) we plan to travel with a campervan: is that a good way to tour? The Jennifer Lawrence vehicle from Sony Pictures revolves . T/A has one , trivago.com is very good, http://booking.com/agoda.com are good. Any highlights of your trip in Japan that you can share would be much appreciated! B) try a small local or family restaurant instead of business restaurant. You can look up train times and prices on this website: http://www.hyperdia.com/. One question I have is in regards to Takayama. It can also be used in Osaka and Kyoto.There are a number of transport deals available to travel from Narita airport to central Tokyo. Use booking sites to scout hotels (this is just to scout for ideas and I'm not endorsing any booking or reservations, just for your exploratory use). Bamboo grove, old temples, aaaah. Its hard to say but you can see our budget post for an idea of what we spent: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-japan/. Nice list, and pretty accurate- thanks for sharing all the info! The first images that come to my mind when I think of Japan are those beautiful temples hidden in the hills. We didnt visit Shirakawa-go in the end. I think Japan is going to be my next trip abroad, and this list is extremely helpful. We only speak a few words of Japanese are always manage fine. And, a popular chain of restaurants called Mister Donut is good and ubiquitous. It sounds like Kyoto is a lot more cosmopolitan than other parts of Japan. Improve your English! Friendly people 7. Its incredibly informative :). But I have heard that since Covid more places accept credit cards and contactless payment methods, so Im really hoping theres less of a need for cash now. Although we love to hike this may be too much for such a short trip. I think Kyoto will be lovely at a quieter time of year especially as it does get so busy. Enjoy! Like book 2-3 week stay and go whichever places we want to visit ourselves or get a package that offer planned trips? They are both a favorite day trip destination from Tokyo and have their own charm.