What We Tell Our Own Friends & Family About Traveling in Japan
If you were one of our friends and you told us you were thinking about a trip to Japan, we’d be excited!
We’d also have a lot to say. Not because Japan is difficult or dangerous or confusing. But because most first-time visitors miss a lot of what makes travel here so rewarding.
Japan is beautiful, safe and endlessly fascinating. It also takes some intentional choices to connect on a deeper level. So this is what we tell our own friends when they ask for advice… personal, practical and always 100% on the level.
If we were sitting down over coffee or texting late at night or sending you a voice note while walking to the train, here’s what we’d say.
TL;DR — Candid Advice on Japan Travel
You won’t see everything, so focus on seeing things well
Plan less, experience more… you do not need to rush
Avoid trying to “cover” Japan like it’s a checklist; choose places based on how you want to feel, not just what you want to see
Expect moments of awe and moments of confusion
Have a plan, but make space for spontaneity … you’ll never regret slowing down
Japan is not just temples and sushi
Skip the street karts and other tourist traps!
Why do you want to go to Japan in the first place?
We always start with this question: What attracts you to Japan?
Most people never really ask it out loud. But the answer shapes everything.
Do you want to eat amazing food? Are you into nature? Culture? History? Quiet? Energy? Manga/Anime? Photography?
All of those are great reasons to come to Japan. But your trip should be built around the one or two that matter most to you. Not a social media or LLM version of what a Japan trip should look like.
If you’re going all that way and investing your time and money, make it personal. The more specific you are about what excites you, the more meaningful your trip becomes.
How many places in Japan should you visit?
This is the part where we usually sigh a little. Not because we’re annoyed. But because we know the pattern.
You open Google Maps or a blog post or TikTok and it all looks so close together. You start with Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Then maybe add Hiroshima. Or the Nakasendo trail. Maybe Hakone. Maybe Sapporo. Maybe Okinawa.
And suddenly your trip starts to feel like a spreadsheet. We’ve seen people with nine cities in 11 days.
Don’t do that. Please.
Even two cities in a week is enough. Even one city with some day trips is enough. Japan is one of the most connected, efficient countries in the world. But that doesn’t mean it moves at the same pace you do.
Trains are fast. Life is not.
Slow down and let places unfold. The smaller the area you cover, the deeper your Japan travel experience can go.
Should you buy the Japan Rail Pass?
Almost never.
The Japan Rail Pass used to be a no-brainer, but price changes have made point-to-point tickets the better choice in 99% of the Japan itineraries out there..
Sometimes a regional rail pass comes into play. It can provide decent value if you’re doing a lot of train travel (bullet train & other regional express trains) in a short period of time, yeah maybe.
But the JR Pass itself? Gone are the days… hasta la vista.
Is Tokyo a must?
Not necessarily. We live in Japan (not Tokyo) and we like Tokyo fine enough, but we also know it’s not for everyone.
It’s huge and impressive and full of energy, but it’s not always where folks fall in love with Japan.
If you love cities and can handle a little sensory overload, Tokyo can be amazing. But if you are more interested in connection, culture and peace, you might be better off spending less time there.
We usually recommend flying into Tokyo, spending a couple nights to recover from jet lag and see a few highlights, then moving on to a place where you can breathe. Kyoto, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Kinosaki, Takayama and even parts of Shikoku or Kyushu are great options.
Tokyo doesn’t need to be the main event. Use it as a gateway and diving in point.
Where should you stay?
There are so many hotel options in Japan that it’s easy to get stuck comparing prices and amenities. But what matters most is where your accommodation is located and how it makes you feel.
We usually tell friends to prioritize these four things:
Walkability
Calm atmosphere
Authentic experience
Personal comfort
You don’t need to stay in a ryokan every night, but try it at least once. You don’t need to splurge, but avoid the cheapest places unless you know what you’re getting. Business hotels are efficient and clean, rarely charming, but good value and usually well situated.
Also, Japan is safe. So don’t worry too much about neighborhoods being “sketchy.” That’s rarely a factor here. * (unless you stay in an airbnb, especially in Osaka, then for sure we’ll have some opinions about that)
What should you eat in Japan?
Everything.
But more specifically, try to avoid only eating what’s already familiar.
Japan has a depth and range of cuisine that most people never explore. Of course sushi is great. But so is soba. So is oden. So is okonomiyaki. So is tonkatsu. So is yakiniku.
Don’t chase only the famous places. The best meal of your trip might be at a random mom-and-pop place with no reviews and a handwritten menu.
If you have dietary restrictions, do your homework and learn a few key phrases. You don’t need to speak Japanese fluently, but preparation will help a lot.
How much Japanese do you need to know?
Very little. But even a little goes a long way.
You don’t need to be conversational. But if you learn how to say hello, thank you and excuse me, you’ll open doors.
People in Japan are kind. They’ll meet you more than halfway if you show even a tiny bit of effort.
Our advice to friends is always this: don’t worry about being perfect. Just be respectful and curious.
What’s one thing most people overlook?
Neighborhoods.
Most travelers hop from city to city and spend all their time hitting the big attractions. That’s fine, but the real Japan is in the neighborhoods. It’s in the quiet side streets, the local cafés, the little shops and the conversations you overhear at lunch.
Our friends who love their trips the most are the ones who leave space for this.
They pick a small part of town. They wander. They follow their nose. They look up. They get lost and then found.
That’s where the good stuff lives.
What’s one mistake to avoid in Japan?
Trying to do too much.
It’s the same mistake over and over. And it’s always well-intentioned. You want to make the most of it. You want to get your money’s worth. You want to not miss anything.
But doing more is not the same as experiencing more.
If you have three hours, don’t try to fit in five sights. Pick one and go deep. Sit longer. Pay attention. Let the atmosphere work on you.
That’s how you’ll remember Japan, with the slow travel approach.
That’s what will stay with you when you go home.
What if you want help planning your Japan trip?
That’s when we stop being your friend and start being your service provider.
We don’t believe in doing everything for you. But we do believe in working with you to build a trip that fits your personality, your pace and your purpose.
We plan. We customize. We adapt.
We don’t take commissions. We don’t sell package tours. We work for you.
Let us know if you’re planning a trip and want to talk through ideas. Schedule your free consultation with Japan Travel Pros using the calendar tool below.
FAQ
How long should a first trip to Japan be?
Ten to fourteen days is ideal if you’re coming from overseas. It gives you enough time to adjust, explore two or three regions and travel at a comfortable pace.
Is it okay to visit in the summer or winter?
Yes. Just know what to expect. Summers are hot and humid. Winters are cold but quiet. If you can handle either, they offer their own unique beauty and experiences.
Should I use Airbnb or stay in hotels?
Both can work well. Airbnb-style stays can offer more space and a sense of home. Hotels and ryokans provide more support and structure. We usually recommend a mix.
Do I need a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi?
Yes. Having data access helps a lot for maps, translation and communication. We recommend either an eSIM or a reliable pocket Wi-Fi device.
What should I pack?
Comfortable shoes, layers, a reusable bag and a small umbrella. Japan’s weather varies and you’ll be walking more than you expect.