There are many reasons to visit Japan, a country located in East Asia that is known for its unique culture and traditions, delicious cuisine, beautiful natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and fascinating history. Visitors can experience Japanese culture firsthand by attending a tea ceremony, trying on a kimono, or attending a traditional festival. They can also sample the country’s delicious and varied cuisine, including dishes such as sushi, ramen, and tempura.
Japan is also home to many beautiful natural areas, such as the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, as well as historic sites such as the Himeji Castle and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The country’s cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, offer a modern and vibrant atmosphere with bustling streets, shopping, and nightlife. Overall, Japan is a diverse and exciting destination that offers something for everyone.
Check out the itineraries below to inspire your exploration.
The best time to visit Japan depends on your personal preferences and the specific region you are planning to visit. Here is a general guide to the best times to visit different regions in Japan:
- Tokyo: The weather in Tokyo is relatively mild year-round, with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit, when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is beautiful.
- Kyoto: Like Tokyo, the weather in Kyoto is relatively mild year-round, with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit, when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is beautiful.
- Hokkaido: The weather in Hokkaido, a northern region of Japan, is much cooler than in other parts of the country. Winter is a good time to visit if you want to experience snow sports and see the region’s beautiful snowy landscapes. Summer is also a good time to visit, when the weather is cooler and there are many outdoor activities and festivals to enjoy.
- Okinawa: The weather in Okinawa, a tropical region of Japan, is hot and humid year-round. Summer is the peak tourist season, when the weather is hottest and there are many festivals and outdoor activities to enjoy. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are also good times to visit, when the weather is cooler and there are fewer crowds.
Overall, the best time to visit Japan depends on your personal interests and what you hope to experience during your trip. It’s a good idea to research the weather and tourist crowds in the specific region you are planning to visit to help you decide on the best time to go.
Our Recommended Hotels
Enjoy a quality experience at our recommended hotels in Japan. From hospitality and comfort to Japanese culture, these hotels offer unique services that will set travelers up for an extraordinary stay.
Japan is known for its high-quality and delicious food, and this is reflected in the dining options offered by many hotels in the country. Many hotels in Japan offer a range of dining options, including Japanese and international cuisine, as well as room service.
Japanese hotels often have a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of traditional Japanese dishes such as rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, and tofu. Some hotels may also offer lunch and dinner buffets with a variety of dishes, including tempura, sushi, sashimi, and other seafood specialties.
In addition to traditional Japanese cuisine, many hotels in Japan also offer international dining options, such as Western-style breakfast buffets with eggs, bacon, and other familiar dishes. Some hotels may also have à la carte restaurants serving a range of international cuisine, including Italian, French, Chinese, and more.
Overall, the food at hotels in Japan is likely to be of high quality and varied, offering something for everyone’s taste.
Park Hotel Tokyo, Shiodome Media Tower 1-7-1 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku 1057227 Tokyo
Park Hotel Tokyo is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. It is situated in the Shiodome area, just steps away from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the bustling Ginza shopping district. The hotel offers a range of accommodations, including standard rooms, executive rooms, and suites, all of which are equipped with modern amenities such as high-speed internet access and flat-screen TVs.
The hotel also features a variety of dining options, including a buffet restaurant, a café, and a bar, as well as a fitness center and spa. Guests can enjoy views of the city from the hotel’s rooftop garden, which features a swimming pool and lounge area. In addition, the hotel offers a range of services, such as concierge, laundry, and dry cleaning, to make guests’ stays as comfortable as possible.
Visa requirements to enter Japan
American citizens do not need a visa for a period of stay up to 90 days in Japan. You must have a valid US or Canadian passport, and be able to show a return/through ticket at the port of entry in order to show that you plan to leave within 90 days. Your passports must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
For full details and exemptions, see Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Updated on October 11, 2022
Covid-19 Restrictions – As of December 22, 2022
Proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test results is required for vaccinated travelers without boosters and unvaccinated travelers.
Travelers must take the test a maximum of 72 hours before departure. The test must be conducted by either a nasopharyngeal swab, a saliva sample, or a combination of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. Nasal swab tests (limited to nucleic acid amplification test) are also accepted as valid specimens for the pre-departure test.
For full details and exemptions, see Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Updated on December 22, 2022
Common Questions and Answers about Japan
What are the typical costs of your Japan private tours?
If booking a private tour with us, costs can range from $600/day/person for staying in nice 3-star quality hotels to over $1000/day/person in high-end luxury hotels. These cost estimates include not just accommodation, but also internal flights, airport transfers, tours and activities, entrance fees, private guides, and private vehicles with drivers.
What are the benefits of a private tour?
There are so many that it’s hard to quantify, but here are a few major benefits: 1) the tour is customized for your interests, which means you get to see and do the things you’re most interested in. 2) you’re not running on a fixed daily schedule, which means you have the flexibility to stay as long as you want, move on early from something, or even skip it altogether if that’s what you decide on the spot. 3) We’re able to design the activities at popular sights to avoid crowds!
Is the water safe to drink?
In general, the tap water in Japan is safe to drink. The water supply in Japan is strictly regulated by the government, and the water is treated to ensure that it meets safety standards. The quality of tap water in Japan is generally very high, and it is safe to drink directly from the tap. Some people may prefer to drink bottled water or use a water filter for personal preferences or taste, but it is not necessary for health reasons. If you have any concerns about the safety of the water in a specific area, you can ask local authorities or check with your hotel or accommodation for more information.
Is it possible to use my mobile phone from North America in Japan?
Yes, you’ll be able to use your mobile phone throughout most of Japan, though remote and isolated areas may have inferior mobile coverage. Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card for the duration of your journey if you wish to stay connected for the majority of your trip.
Alternatively, you could also activate global roaming when you’re in Japan; just be sure to find out how much this may cost with your service provider, as it can be expensive.
What electrical adapters are needed?
The voltage in Japan is 100 Volts, which is different from North America (120V), Central Europe (230V), and most other regions of the world. Japanese electrical plugs have two, non-polarized pins, which are flat and fit into North American outlets. Most North American equipment will work fine in Japan without an adapter and vice versa, however, certain equipment, especially equipment involving heating (e.g. hair dryers), may not work properly or even get damaged. If you intend to purchase electronic appliances in Japan for use outside of Japan, you are advised to look for equipment specifically made for oversea tourists.
What’s the best way to get the local currency?
The currency in Japan is the Yen. Recently, the exchange rate has been about 136 Yen per US dollar. Japan is still largely a cash society. US dollars are not accepted in shops and restaurants, so you need to pay in local currency. The simplest method to obtain local currency is using a debit card through ATMs, which are available in post offices and 7-Elevens in most cities and towns. The daily withdrawal limit for international cards at 7-Elevens is JPY100,000. The daily withdrawal limit at post offices is JPY50,000.
ATMs in post offices provide cash against the following credit/debit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club International, PLUS, Maestro, Cirrus, Union Pay, and, JCB. Post offices are ubiquitous in Japan and found in the smallest village. 7-Eleven stores also offer the same service except for MasterCard cards (this includes Cirrus and Maestro cards). The ATMs at Seven-Eleven convenience stores are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you carry US dollars and would like to change into local currency, try your hotel reception or money changers or banks. Changing foreign currency at a bank can be a time-consuming exercise, so it could be useful to obtain some Japanese currency from your home bank before arrival.
Do I need to tip?
Tipping is not practiced in Japan, not even by guides, drivers, waitresses, taxi drivers, or bellboys. Attempts at leaving a tip will cause confusion and perhaps embarrassment.
A 10 to 15 percent service charge may be added to bills at higher-priced hotels and restaurants. Additional tipping is unnecessary.
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