Japan Travel Planning

🇯🇵 Let’s Visit Japan!

Planning your first trip to Japan? You’re in the right place. Japan can feel like a world apart — rich in history, full of surprises, and wonderfully unique in its blend of the ultra-modern and the deeply traditional.

Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, sushi in Tokyo, or soaking in an onsen after a day of exploring, this page is your starting point.

We’ve gathered all our Japan travel tips, articles, podcasts and videos here to make planning easier and less overwhelming. And with more resources on the way (including itinerary planning services), we’re here to help you turn that dream trip into reality.

Japan Travel Cheatsheet

Japan Travel Planning Articles

📖 Read – Japan 21-day itinerary

This 21-day itinerary is based on our own travels and is perfect for first-time visitors. It covers the best of Japan from Tokyo to Osaka, including stops in Kyoto, Nara, Hakone, Hiroshima, Kanazawa and Takayama.

Along the way, we experienced a mix of vibrant cities, peaceful gardens, historic temples and cultural highlights. We’ve included practical tips, hotel recommendations and advice on getting around efficiently by train.

With iconic sights, hidden gems and time to slow down and explore, this 3-week itinerary is a tried-and-tested introduction to Japan.

📖 Read – Tips for first-time visitors to Japan

Planning your first trip to Japan? In this guide, we share 18 essential travel tips based on our own experiences exploring the country.

From cultural etiquette and navigating the train system to what to pack, when to go, and how to stay connected, these practical tips are designed to help you feel prepared and confident.

We also cover staying in a ryokan, managing cash and cards, and what to expect in terms of food, language, and safety. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo, Kyoto or beyond, these are the things we wish we’d known before our first visit.

🎧 Global Travel Planning Podcast

🎧 Episode #38 – Tips for first-time visitors to Tokyo

In Episode 38 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with Helen Foster about essential tips for first-time visitors to Tokyo.

Based on Helen’s own experiences, they cover everything from navigating Tokyo’s vast transport system and planning a flexible itinerary to cultural etiquette, where to stay, and what to eat.

Helen shares clever tools like Navitime and Google Translate, plus fun finds like robot guides, unique ramen spots and model villages.

With practical advice, personal stories and a few surprises, this episode is packed with insights to help you get the most out of your Tokyo adventure.

🎧 Episode #14 – Tips for first-time visitors to Japan

In Episode 14 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug share their top tips for first-time visitors to Japan, based on their own three-week itinerary.

From airport arrivals and train travel to using a SUICA card and navigating cultural etiquette, this episode is packed with practical advice. They discuss staying in a ryokan, utilising luggage transfer services, shopping at convenience stores, and learning a few key Japanese phrases.

With personal insights and lessons learned along the way, this is a helpful listen for anyone planning their first trip to Japan.

🎧 Episode #13 – 21 Day Japan Itinerary