Everything You Need to Know Before Planning Your Next Vacation to Japan

Japan is the land of contrasts, seamlessly blending history with innovation. We appreciate both sides of Japan, the street racing culture of Tokyo Drift or learning the ways of the noble samurai warrior. Both cultures are what you can expect to explore as you plan your next Japanese adventure. To help you get started, here are some essential tips and tricks to ensure your trip is well-planned and unforgettable.    

The Best Season to Visit Japan

Japan has very distinct four seasons, making Japan a popular year-round vacation destination. When planning your upcoming vacation, knowing what each season offers can help you align your trip to your interests.  Here is how Japan transforms with each season.

Springtime Cherry Blossoms

Spring is the busiest time of the year to visit Japan!  It's cherry blossom (sakura) season, Japan’s most celebrated season. The landscape transforms to different hues of  pink. The pink and white blooms blanket parks and streets. Japan's most iconic flower symbolizes impermanence, hope, and new beginnings and is admired throughout Japan. 

Cherry blossom season typically starts in late March and peaks in early April. However, the exact dates vary by region and weather.  Southern regions will typically see blossoms earlier than the northern regions like Hokkaido. Major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka usually have their peak in early April.  Japan has an official sakura forecast, which is updated annually to predict the best dates for viewing. 

While the beauty of cherry blossoms is enough to plan a trip to Japan, it is also a time for popular festivals.  Enjoy Hanami (flower-viewing) Festivals or visit Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, and Osaka Castle Park. There is always an abundance of street food and performances. Many parks and neighborhoods illuminate the cherry trees, called yozakura, that allow nighttime viewing and appreciation.   

Summertime Festivals

While the extreme heat and humidity during the summer months may be a deterrent to planning your trip, it is the season of energetic festivals. The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori have daily parades of enormous lantern floats, and lively dancing to celebrate the shrine’s deity.  Some festivals extend over several days.  

Fireworks are a staple during Japanese summers.  The Sumida River Fireworks in Tokyo and the Nagaoka Fireworks in Niigata are popular, attracting almost a million people. 

For the outdoor enthusiast, summer is the perfect time to hike Mount Fuji.  The official Mount Fuji climbing season is from July to early September.  Watching the sunrise from the summit, known as Goraiko, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Beautiful Autumn Leaves

The changing of the leaves transforms the landscape into a postcard-worthy sight! Autumn (koyo) changes around late September to mid-October. The vibrant red, orange, and golden leaves make a perfect backdrop for relaxing in an outdoor onsen or cruising Lake Ashi in a pirate boat. 

Autumn days in Japan are cool and crisp, making it the perfect time for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities.  Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido is one of the first places to see the changing of the leaves.

Compared to the cherry blossom season, autumn is less busier, making it easier to enjoy the popular attractions without crowds.  Additionally, plane tickets and hotels are priced more affordable, making autumn an ideal time of the year to visit.   

Winter Wonderland

Winters in Japan are cold. Depending on where you are visiting, Japan transforms into a winter wonderland.  The town of Hokkaido, also known as the Japanese Alps, has snow-covered villages, such as Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is  famous for its thatched-roof farmhouses. This region of Japan has snowy winters and offers world-class skiing and snowboarding. 

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Japan’s traditional hot springs (onsen). Relaxing in an outdoor onsen is the perfect harmony of warmth and cold.  Popular onsen towns like Kusatsu, Hakone, and Nagano provide outdoor bathing while being connected with nature.  A visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, famous for their snow monkeys.  During the winter months, the snow monkeys bathe in the hot springs to keep warm.

Christmastime in Japan is a season of lights and Christmas villages.  From November through December, millions of sparkling lights line the streets and parks.  Christmas Eve is a romantic holiday.  Couples in Japan treat Christmas Eve like Valentine’s Day, enjoying a romantic dinner in a fancy restaurant.  However, Christmas day is familytime. Christmas dinner would not be complete without a bucket of fried chicken from KFC and a Christmas Cake for dessert. 

Tiki Travel Eats

My favorite part of traveling is experiencing new and exciting food choices. Japan offers an incredible variety of food choices and has mastered the art of fusion cuisine. Additionally, Japan is well-known for its themed cafes. 

• Everything in Japan is about aesthetics, including the food!  The Japanese focus on visual appeal. From character-themed food to over-the-top desserts, Japan is all about innovation.  My favorite desserts in Japan are the fluffy pancakes and matcha-sesame ice cream. 

• Japanese food is made with high-quality ingredients, especially with its fresh sushi or high-grade wagyu. Eating sushi and wagyu while in Japan allows you to enjoy the finest versions of both of these dishes. 

• Themed cafes are highly popular and a fun way to enjoy your meal.  These cafes are inspired by anime, popular movies, and animals. The menu is created with the particular theme.  Themed cafes are more than the meal, they provide the complete experience with a touch of theatrics.

Traveling like a Local

Japan’s train network is famously efficient, therefore, making it one of the busiest and most heavily used in the world.  Tokyo Metro and Toei Subways move over 8 million people daily.  Navigating these train systems can feel overwhelming and intimidating for first-time travelers. But you will become a pro in no time!  

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) 

Commuter rail lines like JR East, JR Central, and JR West are most used, particularly in metropolitan areas.  If you are planning to visit multiple cities during your trip, the JR Pass is an economic choice.  The pass allows unlimited rides on most JR operated trains, including the shinkansen (bullet train), local trains, and some buses and ferries. 

• Why Buy The Pass: Long-distance travel in Japan can become expensive. A single trip on the bullet train traveling between Tokyo and Osaka can cost nearly as much as a 7-day JR Pass, making this pass an economic choice for multi-city travelers.

• Types of JR Passes: Choose either the ordinary and green cars (first class), and select how many days (7, 14, or 21 days) you need. 

• How to Get It: Purchase the pass online before arriving in Japan or at select stations upon arrival (though it’s often cheaper to buy in advance).

Purchase an IC Card for Convenient Travel

The IC Cards (Suica or Pasmo) work across different cities and can be purchased at major train stations or at the airport.  These cards are reloadable and work on local trains, subways, buses, and even convenience stores. IC Cards can be added to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay, allowing you to simply use your phone when paying. 

To use the IC Card, simply tap the card at the ticket gate upon entering and exiting the train. The system automatically deducts the fare, saving you the hassle of buying individual tickets or carrying money.

Download Navigation Apps for Seamless Travel

Japan’s transportation system is simply amazing.  Google Maps offers real-time directions, train schedules, and platform information and is widely used throughout Japan.Google Mays will be your best friend in Japan.  Make sure the app is downloaded and you become familiar with using it before your vacation. 

Understanding Train Etiquette: Travel Like a Local 

Respect for others is paramount in Japanese culture. This is especially true on the trains. Knowing train etiquette provides a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and helps you become a savvy tourist.  

Silence Is Golden

• Japanese trains are quiet spaces, and passengers value this tranquility.

• Switch your phone to silent mode; talking on the phone while on the train is considered rude. 

• If you're traveling with friends or family, keep your voice low to avoid disturbing others.

 Eating and Drinking

• Because the local trains and subways are often crowded, eating and drinking is generally frowned upon.

• For longer distances, like traveling on shinkansen or limited express trains, eating and drinking are perfectly acceptable. Enjoying an ekiben (bento box) is part of the experience. 

Traveling With A Backpack

During crowded commute times (rush hour), the etiquette with backpacks is to hold them in front of your body to save room. Wearing your backpack in front helps prevent accidentally bumping into others. 

Pack Light and Bring Comfortable Shoes

Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka rely heavily on public transportation, especially the trains. Therefore, you may be walking more than expected to the train stations. Great news is - the streets are designed for lots and lots of walking. Everyone in Japan walks!  You will find yourself walking much more than you expected.

Some train stations lack elevators, and large suitcases can be difficult to lug around. Hotel rooms in Japan are quite small, and large suitcases may not fit. 

Also, take advantage of Japan’s luggage forwarding services (takkyubin). They are super affordable and convenient for transporting your luggage between cities. You send your suitcase with the forwarding service, and it will be waiting for you at your next hotel.  Most of the time your suitcase arrives before you do!

Be Cash Ready

Despite being a tech-savvy country, Japan is still cash dependent, especially in rural areas.

• Carry yen for small purchases like food stalls, small restaurants, or temples.

• ATMs are readily available at 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart. The ATMs are multilingual and accept international cards. These convenience stores are located on almost every street corner.  

Be Familiar With Cultural Etiquette

Japan has a unique set of customs and practices that might seem unusual to first-time visitors.

• Always, always, always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, temples, or traditional inns (ryokan).

• Avoid eating or drinking while walking on the streets. Japanese typically eat where the food was purchased. 

• Tipping is not customary in Japan. Most Japanese will refuse your tip. Enjoy the extra savings!

Your time in Japan will definitely be memorable. Japan offers beautiful scenery with every season,  unique cuisine, and a  blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. From cherry blossoms in spring to the snow-covered mountains in winter, every season reveals a different side of Japan. By understanding the essentials—such as mastering the transportation system, respecting local customs, and timing your trip to align with your interests, you will be ready to explore this remarkable country with ease and confidence.

Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to do it alone. At Tiki Travel Agency, we specialize in creating personalized itineraries that will be tailored to what you want to see and do in Japan. 

Let us help you explore the best of Japan! With our expertise, you can focus on enjoying the journey while we handle the details.Your dream trip to Japan is closer than you think!  Ready to get started? Contact us today!