Destination Guide: Japan
This comprehensive Japan travel guide takes you beyond the tourist trail, offering not just highlights and hidden gems, but the cultural knowledge and language skills to connect authentically with Japanese communities. Japan, a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation, invites travellers to discover a country where every detail reflects beauty, respect, and balance. From Tokyo’s futuristic skyline to Kyoto’s tranquil temples, Japan offers an extraordinary journey through culture, history, and nature. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group, the Land of the Rising Sun captivates with its contrasts — serene yet vibrant, timeless yet ever-changing.
See: Our Sample itinerary as a source of inspiration
Highlights & Must-See Attractions
Tokyo’s Metropolitan Splendour: Feel the pulse of Japan in its capital—from the dazzling Shibuya Crossing to peaceful moments at Meiji Shrine.
Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines: Wander through the spiritual heart of Japan, home to thousands of sacred sites, including the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and Fushimi Inari Taisha with its famous vermilion torii gates.
Mount Fuji: Japan’s most iconic symbol—majestic, mystical, and magnificent. Visit the Fuji Five Lakes region for hiking, photography, and breathtaking views.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A poignant space of remembrance dedicated to peace and reflection.
Nara’s Todai-ji Temple: Marvel at the world’s largest bronze Buddha and meet the friendly deer roaming freely through Nara Park.
Our Lesser-Known Favourites
Naoshima Art Island: A visionary island of creativity, where world-class art blends seamlessly with sea and landscape.
The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani: Watch wild Japanese macaques soak in natural hot springs amidst the snowy mountains of Nagano.
Okinawa’s Beaches: Turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a laid-back island culture make Okinawa Japan’s tropical secret.
Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden: One of Japan’s three great gardens, a living artwork that changes with each season.
Takayama’s Old Town: Step back in time in this beautifully preserved Edo-era town filled with sake breweries and wooden merchant houses.
Did You Know?
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Japan is made up of over 6,800 islands.
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The country celebrates four distinct seasons, each marked by festivals, flavours, and traditions.
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Japan boasts more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spanning both cultural and natural wonders.
Food and Cuisine
Sushi and Sashimi: From elegant omakase counters to cheerful conveyor belts, taste Japan’s most famous culinary art form.
Ramen: A comforting bowl of noodles with endless regional variations — spicy miso from Hokkaido, soy from Tokyo, or tonkotsu from Kyushu.
Kaiseki: Japan’s haute cuisine — a poetic multi-course meal celebrating the season’s finest ingredients.
Matcha: The bright, earthy flavour of green tea — served ceremonially or found in ice creams, cakes, and lattes.
To fully embrace Japan’s culinary traditions and connect authentically with local culture, understanding a few key customs will enrich every interaction.
Cultural Etiquette & Local Customs
Greetings & Social Interactions
Bowing is central to Japanese culture — it expresses respect and sincerity. A slight bow is casual, while deeper bows show gratitude or apology. Handshakes are increasingly common in business settings but are best paired with a gentle bow.
When exchanging business cards (meishi), present and receive them with both hands, taking a moment to read before placing them carefully away. Avoid writing on them or putting them in your pocket.
Physical contact is limited — hugs, back pats, or touching are uncommon among acquaintances.
Dining Etiquette
Chopsticks are never placed upright in rice or passed from one pair to another — both are linked to funeral rituals. Rest them on the holder when not in use.
Slurping noodles is considered polite and shows appreciation. Say itadakimasu before eating (“I humbly receive”) and gochisousama deshita after the meal (“thank you for the feast”).
Tipping is not customary — exceptional service is the norm and already included in the price.
Dress Code Considerations
You’ll often remove your shoes in homes, temples, ryokans, and some restaurants. Clean socks are a must!
Dress modestly when visiting shrines or temples — cover shoulders and knees.
When visiting an onsen (hot spring), bathe nude — swimsuits are not worn. Wash thoroughly before entering, and note that tattoos may be restricted in some places.
Note on tattoos: Tattoos are historically associated with organised crime in Japan. While attitudes are slowly changing, many onsen, gyms, and pools still prohibit visible tattoos. Some facilities offer private baths or allow covering small tattoos with waterproof patches. Research ahead or ask your accommodation for tattoo-friendly options.
Religious & Sacred Space Protocol
At a shrine, bow slightly before entering through the torii gate. Purify your hands and mouth at the water pavilion, then approach the main hall to make an offering — toss a coin, bow twice, clap twice, bow once more.
Photography is generally permitted outside, but respect “no photo” signs inside sacred buildings.
Gift-Giving Customs
Gift-giving (omiyage) is an important custom in Japanese culture. When visiting someone’s home, bring a small gift from your home country or region, wrapped nicely. Present it with both hands and a slight bow. The recipient may not open it immediately — this is normal and polite.
Communication Style
Japanese communication is indirect and highly contextual. Phrases like “That might be difficult” often mean “no.” Silence is valued — don’t rush to fill pauses.
Use an open hand to point or gesture, not a finger.
Public Transport Etiquette
On trains and subways, avoid talking on your phone, eating, or playing music without headphones. Priority seats are reserved for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers — vacate them if needed. Stand on the left side of escalators (right side in Osaka) to allow people to pass.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
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Speak softly in public
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Carry cash — smaller shops may not accept cards
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Learn a few Japanese words — it’s always appreciated
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Be punctual
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Take your rubbish with you — bins are rare
DON’T:
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Eat or drink while walking (except at festivals)
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Talk on the phone in public transport
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Blow your nose loudly in public
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Leave a mess behind
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Assume everyone speaks English — translation apps are useful
Essential Japanese Phrases
Basic Greetings
Hello / Good afternoon: こんにちは (Konnichiwa) — kohn-nee-chee-wah
Good morning: おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) — oh-hah-yoh goh-zai-mahss
Good evening: こんばんは (Konbanwa) — kohn-bahn-wah
Goodbye: さようなら (Sayounara) — sah-yoh-nah-rah
(In casual settings, people often say “Mata ne” – see you!)
Polite Expressions
Thank you: ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) — ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs
Please: お願いします (Onegaishimasu) — oh-neh-guy-shee-mahs
Excuse me / Sorry: すみません (Sumimasen) — soo-mee-mah-sen
You’re welcome: どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) — doh-ee-tah-shee-mah-shee-teh
Useful Questions
Do you speak English? 英語を話せますか? (Eigo wo hanasemasuka?) — ay-goh woh hah-nah-seh-mahs-kah
Where is…? …はどこですか? (…wa doko desu ka?) — …wah doh-koh dess kah
How much is this? これはいくらですか? (Kore wa ikura desu ka?) — koh-reh wah ee-koo-rah dess kah
Can you help me? 手伝ってもらえますか? (Tetsudatte moraemasu ka?) — teh-tsoo-daht-teh moh-rah-eh-mahs kah
Dining Phrases
Before eating: いただきます (Itadakimasu) — ee-tah-dah-kee-mahs
After eating: ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) — goh-chee-soh-sah-mah deh-shee-tah
Delicious: おいしい (Oishii) — oy-shee
Water, please: お水をください (Omizu wo kudasai) — oh-mee-zoo woh koo-dah-sai
The bill, please: お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) — oh-kai-kay oh-neh-guy-shee-mahs
Menu, please: メニューをお願いします (Menyuu wo onegaishimasu) — meh-nyoo woh oh-neh-guy-shee-mahs
Emergency Phrases
Help! 助けて! (Tasukete!) — tah-soo-keh-teh
I need a doctor: 医者が必要です (Isha ga hitsuyou desu) — ee-shah gah hee-tsoo-yoh dess
Police: 警察 (Keisatsu) — kay-sah-tsoo
I’m lost: 道に迷いました (Michi ni mayoimashita) — mee-chee nee mah-yoy-mah-shee-tah
Cultural Phrases
Nice to meet you: はじめまして (Hajimemashite) — hah-jee-meh-mah-shee-teh
I’m looking forward to it: 楽しみにしています (Tanoshimi ni shiteimasu) — tah-noh-shee-mee nee shee-teh-ee-mahs
Sorry for the inconvenience: ご迷惑をおかけします (Gomeiwaku wo okakeshimasu) — goh-may-wah-koo woh oh-kah-keh-shee-mahs
Practical Information
Best Season to Visit:
Spring (March–May) bursts with cherry blossoms, while autumn (September–November) glows with fiery foliage. Winter brings snow adventures in Hokkaido, and summer is ideal for festivals and beaches — Japan truly shines all year round.
Temperature:
From Hokkaido’s snowy winters to Okinawa’s tropical warmth, climates vary widely.
Visa Requirements:
Citizens of many countries can enter Japan visa-free for short stays. Always verify current regulations with the Japan National Tourism Organisation before travelling.
Access from Major Cities:
Tokyo (Narita & Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), and Nagoya (Chubu Centrair) are Japan’s main international gateways, with world-class transport links.
Getting Ready for Departure
Local Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). Cash remains king in many areas.
Language: Japanese is the national language; English is spoken in most tourist hubs.
Dress Code: Modest attire is appreciated, especially in temples and homes where shoes are removed.
Electronics: Voltage is 100V (Type A/B plugs). Bring an adapter for your devices.
Final Word
Embark on a journey where modern design meets timeless grace. From sushi bars to samurai castles, neon lights to zen gardens, Japan offers a travel experience unlike any other—one that stays with you long after you return home.
And don’t forget to check our Ultimate packing list.