Japan Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Japan? Colomboh is an AI travel assistant that helps you explore Japan — from must-see destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido (Sapporo) to getting around, money tips, food, and staying safe. Ask anything in plain language and get clear, local-style answers, plus links to official Japan sources so you can verify the details yourself.

Top places to visit in Japan

Best time to visit Japan

Late March to early May is peak season for cherry blossom, which opens in Kyushu in mid-to-late March and reaches Tokyo and Kyoto around the start of April. October and November bring clear skies and autumn colour, and are arguably the better value. June is the tsuyu rainy season, July and August are hot and humid with typhoon risk into September, and December to March is ski season in Hokkaido and Nagano. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon (mid-August) unless you book far ahead.

Getting around Japan

The Shinkansen and the wider JR network make trains the default — Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. A 7-day nationwide Japan Rail Pass costs around JPY 50,000 and only pays off on long multi-city routes, so price your actual itinerary first. Get a Suica, Pasmo or ICOCA card for local trains, subways and buses. ANA and JAL cover Hokkaido and Okinawa faster than rail. Ride-hailing is limited; taxis are plentiful but expensive.

Money & currency

The local currency is the JPY (¥). Cash + IC cards is the norm. ATMs widely available in cities. Foreign-card fees vary by bank. Carry ¥10,000-20,000 cash; Suica/Pasmo IC cards for transit & shops.

Safety basics

Japan received about 36.9 million international visitors in 2024 — a record — and crime against travellers is very low. The genuine considerations are natural: earthquakes, typhoons between roughly July and October, and summer heatstroke. Install the Japan Meteorological Agency alerts or the official Safety Tips app, and note that many smaller businesses are still cash-only.

Visa & entry

Passport holders from around 70 countries and territories, including the UK, US, EU states and Australia, may enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. Other nationalities apply through a Japanese embassy or the Japan eVisa system. Check current rules at mofa.go.jp before booking.

What a trip to Japan costs

Japan is more affordable than its reputation suggests but not cheap: about USD 70–100 a day with hostels or business hotels, konbini and set-lunch meals. Mid-range with a good hotel and rail travel is roughly USD 150–250 a day, and ryokan or high-end city hotels start around USD 400. A bowl of ramen is JPY 900–1,300.

Japan travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Japan?

Late March to early May is peak season for cherry blossom, which opens in Kyushu in mid-to-late March and reaches Tokyo and Kyoto around the start of April. October and November bring clear skies and autumn colour, and are arguably the better value. June is the tsuyu rainy season, July and August are hot and humid with typhoon risk into September, and December to March is ski season in Hokkaido and Nagano. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon (mid-August) unless you book far ahead.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

Passport holders from around 70 countries and territories, including the UK, US, EU states and Australia, may enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. Other nationalities apply through a Japanese embassy or the Japan eVisa system. Check current rules at mofa.go.jp before booking.

What are the top places to visit in Japan?

Popular destinations in Japan include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido (Sapporo), Hiroshima. Tell Colomboh how long you have and what you enjoy, and it can suggest a route that fits your time and interests.

How much does a trip to Japan cost?

Japan is more affordable than its reputation suggests but not cheap: about USD 70–100 a day with hostels or business hotels, konbini and set-lunch meals. Mid-range with a good hotel and rail travel is roughly USD 150–250 a day, and ryokan or high-end city hotels start around USD 400. A bowl of ramen is JPY 900–1,300.

Is Japan safe for tourists?

Japan received about 36.9 million international visitors in 2024 — a record — and crime against travellers is very low. The genuine considerations are natural: earthquakes, typhoons between roughly July and October, and summer heatstroke. Install the Japan Meteorological Agency alerts or the official Safety Tips app, and note that many smaller businesses are still cash-only.

How do I get around Japan?

The Shinkansen and the wider JR network make trains the default — Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. A 7-day nationwide Japan Rail Pass costs around JPY 50,000 and only pays off on long multi-city routes, so price your actual itinerary first. Get a Suica, Pasmo or ICOCA card for local trains, subways and buses. ANA and JAL cover Hokkaido and Okinawa faster than rail. Ride-hailing is limited; taxis are plentiful but expensive.