Updated for 2025
From the moment you decide to go, to the day you wish you never had to leave. Visa, budget, transport, food, etiquette — all of it, in one place.
Section 01
Citizens of 68 countries — including the USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and most of Southeast Asia — can enter Japan visa-free for 90 days for tourism. No application, no fee, no hassle. Show up with a valid passport.
For stays longer than 90 days, or if you want to work, study or eventually buy property, Japan offers a range of visa categories. The Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2024 and the Highly Skilled Professional Visa offer paths to longer-term residency.
Full Visa Guide →Section 02
Sakura season. The most beautiful Japan — and the most crowded. Book everything 6+ months ahead. Late April / early May (Golden Week) is peak domestic travel; prices double.
Best for: First-timers, photographers, cherry blossom lovers
Hot, humid and festival-packed. June = rainy season (can be beautiful). July–August = fireworks festivals (hanabi), Obon dancing, mountain hiking season. Avoid cities mid-August — it's oppressively hot.
Best for: Festival lovers, hikers, budget travellers
Our favourite season. Foliage turns red and gold from October. Cooler temperatures, harvest food, fewer tourists than spring. November in Kyoto is extraordinary — temples ringed with crimson maples.
Best for: Photography, hiking, couples, return visitors
The hidden gem season. Lower prices, zero queues, incredible onsen weather and world-class powder skiing in Hokkaido/Nagano. Tokyo stays dry and crisp. Christmas illuminations are spectacular.
Best for: Skiers, onsen lovers, budget travellers, crowds-avoiders
Section 03
| Category | Budget (¥/day) | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥2,500 (capsule/hostel) | ¥8,000–15,000 (business hotel) | ¥30,000+ (ryokan) |
| Food | ¥1,500 (konbini + ramen) | ¥3,000–6,000 | ¥20,000+ (omakase) |
| Transport | ¥500–800 (local IC card) | ¥1,500–3,000 | ¥5,000+ (Shinkansen) |
| Daily Total | ~¥5,000 (~$33) | ¥15,000–25,000 | ¥60,000+ |
Don't Know Where to Start?
Pre-built itineraries for first-timers, repeat visitors and off-the-beaten-path explorers. Copy, paste, go.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest countries on earth for solo travel, including for women. Crime rates are extremely low, public transport is safe at all hours, and harassment is rare. That said, standard urban awareness applies. Many women who travel Japan solo describe it as transformative — and come back alone again and again.
A: It depends entirely on your itinerary. If you're doing Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Osaka (the classic route), the 7-day JR Pass pays for itself. If you're staying in one city, it's a waste. Use the JR cost calculator before buying. Prices increased significantly in 2023 — always calculate first.
A: Major cities and tourist areas: yes, increasingly so. Rural areas, smaller restaurants, temples, local markets: often cash-only. Always carry at least ¥10,000 in cash. Japan Post ATMs and 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign cards. Wise or Revolut cards are popular choices for minimal foreign transaction fees.
A: Zero Japanese is required for a great trip. English signage is widespread on transit and in tourist areas. Google Translate camera mode handles menus instantly. That said, learning 10–15 phrases ("sumimasen", "arigatou gozaimasu", numbers 1–10) earns enormous goodwill and occasionally unlocks doors that stay closed to tourists who don't try.