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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original
Key points
- 134 entries: 65 sights, 38 foods, 31 experiences, each with a photo, the official site and Google Maps.
- Mount Fuji, Fushimi Inari, Shibuya Crossing, the shinkansen, Himeji Castle, Nara's deer, snow monkeys in hot springs, ramen, conveyor sushi, capsule hotels, the tea ceremony and more.
- On the interactive map, click any point for the photo and story; the model itineraries link to these entries.
Mount Fuji富士山
Japan's highest peak at 3,776 m. Open to climbers only in July–September; over 200,000 people a year hike up to watch the sunrise from the summit.
Fushimi Inari Shrine伏見稲荷大社
Some 10,000 vermilion torii gates wind up the mountain. Head shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide, open 24 hours and free.
Shibuya Crossing渋谷スクランブル交差点
Up to 3,000 people cross at once on a single green light, making it the world's most famous intersection.
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)新幹線
Up to 320 km/h. The Tokaido line runs about 370 trains a day with an average delay of around one minute, and no passenger fatalities since 1964.
Himeji Castle姫路城
The 'White Heron Castle'. Its 400-year-old keep survived wars and fires intact; a National Treasure and World Heritage Site.
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Itsukushima Shrine厳島神社
A great torii standing in the sea. At high tide the whole shrine seems to float; at low tide you can walk out to the gate.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)金閣寺（鹿苑寺）
A three-storey pavilion covered in about 20 kg of gold leaf, mirrored in the pond. Magical on a snowy day.
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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove嵐山 竹林の小径
A 400 m path walled by 20 m bamboo. The rustling has been named one of Japan's '100 Soundscapes'.
Nara Park Deer奈良公園の鹿
About 1,300 wild deer roam the park and the streets, bowing to ask for deer crackers.
Todai-ji Great Buddha東大寺 大仏
A 15 m bronze Buddha inside one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, consecrated in 752.
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Shirakawa-go Gassho Villages白川郷 合掌造り
Over 100 steep thatched farmhouses built for heavy snow. The winter light-up is otherworldly.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine日光東照宮
Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleum, decorated with over 5,000 carvings including the 'three wise monkeys' and the sleeping cat.
Matsumoto Castle松本城
A black National Treasure keep, the 'Crow Castle', against the Northern Alps. One of Japan's oldest surviving five-tier keeps.
Yakushima Island屋久島
Ancient cedars thousands of years old in a moss-covered forest. A natural World Heritage island said to get 'rain 35 days a month'.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium沖縄美ら海水族館
Whale sharks over 8 m long glide through one of the world's largest aquarium tanks.
Shiretoko Peninsula知床
One of the densest brown-bear populations on Earth; in winter drift ice reaches the shore. Natural World Heritage.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park地獄谷野猿公苑
Wild Japanese macaques soaking in a hot spring in the snow — the only monkeys in the world known to bathe in onsen.
Mount Koya高野山
A 1,200-year-old monastic town on a mountaintop. Stay overnight in a temple (shukubo) with vegetarian cuisine and morning prayers.
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails熊野古道
Pilgrimage routes walked for over 1,000 years. One of only two pilgrimage 'roads' on the World Heritage list, with Spain's Camino de Santiago.
Tateyama Kurobe Snow Corridor立山黒部 雪の大谷
In spring buses drive between snow walls up to 20 m high. Reach the 2,450 m Murodo plateau entirely by cable car, bus and ropeway.
Aomori Nebuta Festival青森ねぶた祭
Giant illuminated floats 5 m tall and 9 m wide parade through the night. Anyone in costume can join as a 'haneto' dancer.
Dotonbori道頓堀
The Glico running man sign, giant mechanical crabs and takoyaki queues — the nightlife heart of Japan's 'eat till you drop' city.
Osaka Castle大阪城
Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Its walls include a 130-ton stone, and 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring.
Atomic Bomb Dome原爆ドーム
The building left standing after the atomic bomb of 6 August 1945, preserved as a World Heritage symbol of peace. Two million people visit the park each year.
Owakudani Volcanic Valley箱根 大涌谷
Eggs boiled in sulphurous hot springs turn black; legend says each one adds seven years to your life.
Ginzan Onsen銀山温泉
Wooden inns from the 1910s–20s line a river; the snowy, gaslit evenings look straight out of an anime.
Mount Aso阿蘇山
Fifty thousand people and a railway line live inside one of the world's largest calderas (18 × 25 km). The Nakadake crater still smokes.
Beppu Onsen別府温泉
Japan's largest hot-spring city by sources and flow. Steam rises all over town; the 'Hells' tour shows seven differently coloured pools.
Sakurajima Volcano桜島
An active volcano that erupts hundreds of times a year, just 15 minutes by ferry from a city of 600,000. Soak your feet while watching the plume.
Takeda Castle Ruins竹田城跡
On autumn mornings the stone walls float above a sea of clouds — Japan's 'Machu Picchu'.
Tottori Sand Dunes鳥取砂丘
Dunes 2 km deep and 16 km long. Ride a camel, then see giant sand sculptures at the Sand Museum.
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Senso-ji Temple & Kaminarimon浅草寺と雷門
Tokyo's oldest temple (founded 628). Pass under the 700 kg lantern into the 250 m Nakamise shopping street. 30 million visitors a year.
Tokyo Skytree東京スカイツリー
At 634 m, the world's tallest free-standing broadcast tower. On clear days you can see Mount Fuji from the deck.
Kenroku-en Garden兼六園
One of Japan's three great gardens. In winter, cone-shaped 'yukitsuri' ropes protect the pines from snow.
Motonosumi Inari Shrine元乃隅神社
123 red torii cascade toward the Sea of Japan. Toss a coin into the offering box perched 6 m up on the gate to have your wish granted.
Chureito Pagoda & Mt. Fuji新倉山浅間公園 忠霊塔
A five-storey pagoda, cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji in one frame — one of the most photographed views in Japan.
Ouchi-juku Post Town大内宿
A perfectly preserved Edo-period post town of thatched houses. Try soba eaten with a whole leek as chopsticks.
Naoshima Art Island直島
A small Seto Inland Sea island turned into a contemporary-art mecca: Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin and Tadao Ando's underground Chichu Art Museum.
Hitachi Seaside Park国営ひたち海浜公園
In spring 5.3 million nemophila turn the hill blue; in autumn kochia bushes blaze red.
Ashikaga Flower Park Great Wisteriaあしかがフラワーパーク 大藤
A 160-year-old wisteria spreads over a 1,000 m² trellis. Named one of CNN's '10 dream destinations in the world'.
Nachi Falls那智の滝
A 133 m single drop, the tallest in Japan. The waterfall itself is the deity of the shrine.
Akihabara Electric Town秋葉原
From electronics district to the holy land of anime, games and maid cafés. Pedestrian paradise on Sundays.
Gion Geisha District祇園 花見小路
Teahouses line stone-paved lanes where maiko appear at dusk. Photography is banned on private alleys — be respectful.
Hashima 'Battleship Island'軍艦島（端島）
A coal-mining island that in 1960 had the world's highest population density (nine times Tokyo's), abandoned in 1974. World Heritage.
Great Buddha of Kamakura鎌倉大仏（高徳院）
An 11 m, 121-ton bronze Buddha sitting outdoors since 1252. You can step inside it.
Miyakojima Yonaha Maehama Beach宮古島 与那覇前浜
Seven kilometres of white sand and 'Miyako blue' sea. The 3.5 km Irabu Bridge is Japan's longest toll-free bridge.
Ishigaki Kabira Bay石垣島 川平湾
A three-star Michelin Green Guide bay. Glass-bottom boats glide over coral and tropical fish.
Biei Blue Pond美瑛 青い池
Dissolved aluminium scatters light and turns the pond a glowing blue. Once an Apple wallpaper.
Sapporo Snow Festivalさっぽろ雪まつり
Every February, giant snow sculptures up to 15 m tall draw two million visitors. Some are built by the Self-Defense Forces.
Farm Tomita Lavender Fields富良野 ファーム富田
In July, hillsides of purple lavender — and admission is free.
Tsukiji Outer Market築地場外市場
The wholesale market moved to Toyosu, but 400 outer-market shops remain. Graze on tamagoyaki, tuna bowls and seafood skewers from early morning.
Toyosu Market Tuna Auction豊洲市場 マグロの競り
The world's largest fish market. Watch the 5:30 am tuna auction from the gallery (or the special deck by lottery). Famous for New Year tuna sold for over ¥300 million.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum新横浜ラーメン博物館
Compare famous ramen from all over Japan inside a recreated 1958 townscape — the world's first food theme park.
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Kuromon Market黒門市場
Osaka's kitchen: 170 shops where you can eat fugu, wagyu skewers and fruit on the spot.
Okonomimura (Okonomiyaki Village)お好み村
Over 20 Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki stalls in one building — the layered, noodle-filled original.
Nishiki Market錦市場
Kyoto's 400-year-old kitchen: a 390 m arcade of pickles, yuba, rolled omelette and soy-milk doughnuts.
Nakasu Yatai Food Stalls中洲 屋台
About 100 street-food stalls appear along the river at night. Tonkotsu ramen, yakitori and oden shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers.
Sanuki Udon (Kagawa)讃岐うどん（香川）
Over 600 udon shops in 'Udon Prefecture'. Self-service bowls from around ¥200, some open from 6 am.
Kobe Beef神戸ビーフ
The world's most famous wagyu brand — only Tajima cattle meeting strict criteria qualify. Best on a teppanyaki grill.
Uji Matcha宇治 抹茶
Home of matcha for 800 years. Grind your own with a stone mill, try matcha parfaits, and see Byodo-in — the temple on the ¥10 coin.
Nada Sake Breweries灘五郷 酒蔵めぐり
Japan's largest sake-producing district. Free tastings at the museums of Hakutsuru, Kiku-Masamune, Sawanotsuru and more.
Yamazaki Distillery山崎蒸溜所
Japan's oldest whisky distillery, founded 1923. Tours are by lottery, with tastings of the world-acclaimed Japanese whisky.
Omicho Market近江町市場
Kanazawa's 300-year-old market: blackthroat seaperch, sweet shrimp, snow crab, and seafood-bowl queues from morning.
Hakodate Morning Market函館朝市
250 stalls by the station. Fish a live squid from the tank and eat it as sashimi on the spot, from 5 am.
Sendai Gyutan仙台 牛タン
Thick-cut charcoal-grilled beef tongue with barley rice and oxtail soup — a post-war Sendai invention.
Nagoya Hitsumabushi名古屋 ひつまぶし
Grilled eel eaten three ways: plain, with condiments, then as ochazuke with tea. A pillar of 'Nagoya food' alongside miso katsu and chicken wings.
Okinawa Soba沖縄そば
No buckwheat — 100% wheat noodles in pork-and-bonito broth, topped with pork belly or soki ribs. From about ¥600.
Conveyor-belt Sushi回転寿司
Invented in Osaka in 1958. From about ¥100 a plate; in some chains your order arrives on a miniature bullet train.
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)新宿 思い出横丁
Some 60 tiny yakitori bars in alleys that began as a post-war black market. Smoky lantern-lit counters that seat a handful.
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Kappabashi Kitchen Townかっぱ橋道具街
170 shops of professional cookware along 800 m: knives, takoyaki pans, and the plastic food samples visitors take home.
Daio Wasabi Farm大王わさび農場
Japan's largest wasabi farm, fed by Northern Alps spring water. Wasabi soft-serve ice cream and water mills.
Hamanako Eel浜名湖 うなぎ
Birthplace of eel farming. Hamamatsu sits on the border where you can try both the steamed Kanto style and the directly grilled Kansai style.
Sakaiminato Snow Crab境港 松葉がに
Japan's top crab port. From November to March, Matsuba (snow) crab — some branded crabs sell for tens of thousands of yen each.
Sapporo Ramen Alley元祖さっぽろラーメン横丁
Seventeen miso-ramen shops in a Susukino alley. Miso ramen with butter and corn was born in Sapporo.
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Wagashi & Matcha (Kyoto)和菓子と抹茶（京都）
Make seasonal confections with an artisan. Cherry blossoms and maple leaves rendered in sugar, bean paste and agar alone.
Depachika Food Hallsデパ地下
Basement food halls of department stores: hundreds of counters of deli dishes, bento and sweets, with discounts before closing.
Kaiseki Cuisine懐石料理
A multi-course meal born from the tea ceremony: a dozen seasonal dishes served on chosen tableware. 'Washoku' is UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
Karato Market Fugu (Shimonoseki)下関 唐戸市場 ふぐ
Japan's fugu capital. At the weekend market, buy sushi by the piece and fugu soup to eat on the pier.
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Sumo at Ryogoku Kokugikan大相撲（両国国技館）
Fifteen-day tournaments in January, May and September. Doors open at 8 am; the top-division ring-entering ceremony is after 3 pm. Try chanko stew.
Kabuki-za Theatre歌舞伎座
See a single act of 400-year-old kabuki from the single-act seats for ¥1,000–2,000, with English audio guide.
Zazen at Eihei-ji永平寺 座禅
Practise zazen, eat vegetarian monk's food and join morning prayers at Soto Zen's head temple. Overnight stays available.
Tea Ceremony茶道体験
Learn to whisk matcha in a tea room and the spirit of 'ichigo ichie' (one meeting, one chance). English classes in Kyoto, Kanazawa and Tokyo.
Kimono Rental Stroll着物レンタルで街歩き
From about ¥3,000 in Asakusa or Kyoto, dressing included. Spend a day walking temples and lanes in kimono.
Iga Ninja Museum伊賀流忍者博物館
In the ninja homeland: a house of trick doors and hidden passages, shuriken throwing, and a live ninja show.
Shimanami Kaido Cyclingしまなみ海道 サイクリング
A 70 km cycling route over seven bridges linking six islands — riding above the sea on one of the world's great bike routes.
Niseko Powder Snowニセコ パウダースノー
Fifteen metres of snow a year and the lightest powder on Earth — 'Japow'. A world-class ski resort from December to April.
Rafting at Oboke Gorge吉野川 大歩危 ラフティング
Japan's wildest whitewater, host to world rafting championships, plus the vine bridges of the Iya Valley nearby.
Sand Bath at Ibusuki指宿 砂むし温泉
Be buried up to the neck in naturally heated volcanic sand while wearing a yukata — a rare sand bath found almost nowhere else. Ten minutes to glow.
Sunrise Izumo / Seto Sleeper Train寝台特急 サンライズ出雲・瀬戸
Japan's only remaining regular sleeper train: leave Tokyo at 10 pm, wake up near Izumo Shrine or Takamatsu. The carpet-floor seats cost only the express fare.
Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River長良川 鵜飼
A 1,300-year-old fishing method. From May to October, watch masters guide cormorants by firelight from a wooden boat.
Yakatabune Dinner Cruise屋形船
Floating banquets since the Edo period: tempura and drinks while cruising past Rainbow Bridge and Skytree at night.
Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage四国八十八ヶ所 お遍路
A 1,200 km, 1,200-year-old pilgrimage walked in white robes and sedge hats. About 40 days on foot, met by the local culture of 'osettai' hospitality.
Koshien Stadium Baseball甲子園 高校野球と阪神戦
Japan's baseball shrine since 1924. The summer high-school tournament crowns the best of 4,000 schools; Hanshin Tigers fans are the loudest in the country.
Okinawa Karate Kaikan沖縄空手会館
Birthplace of karate: dojo sessions and exhibits at the 'holy land' for the world's 100 million practitioners.
Shinjuku Golden Gai新宿ゴールデン街
280 tiny bars in six alleys, each seating 5–8 with a cover charge. A night culture once frequented by filmmakers and writers.
Stay at a Ryokan旅館に泊まる
Tatami rooms, yukata, hot springs and kaiseki served in your room. The world's oldest hotel is a ryokan in Yamanashi, founded in 705.
Hanami Cherry Blossom Partyお花見（上野公園）
The national spring rite: picnic and drink under the blossoms. Ueno Park has 800 trees and lanterns at night.
Summer Fireworks Festivals花火大会
Fireworks every summer weekend nationwide. Shells that open to 800 m wide, yukata, food stalls; paid seats from a few thousand yen.
Kyoto International Manga Museum京都国際マンガミュージアム
300,000 manga in a former primary school. Pull any volume from the 'Wall of Manga' and read on the lawn.
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Ghibli Museum, Mitaka三鷹の森ジブリ美術館
'Let's lose our way, together.' A museum designed by Hayao Miyazaki. Timed tickets only, and no photos inside.
Capsule Hotelカプセルホテル
Born in Osaka in 1979. From about ¥3,000 a night with a communal bath; today's capsules range from sleek pods to tents.
Calligraphy (Shodo)書道体験
Write a single kanji with brush and ink, or have your name rendered in characters — a popular short class.
Ise Jingu (Grand Shrine of Ise)伊勢神宮
The most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Its buildings have been rebuilt every 20 years for 1,300 years. Afterwards, Ise udon and Akafuku sweets in Okage Yokocho.
Izumo Taisha Shrine出雲大社
Home of Okuninushi, god of marriage and good relationships, with a 13 m, 5-tonne sacred straw rope. In the old 10th month, all of Japan's gods are said to gather here.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple清水寺
The 13 m 'stage' is built from interlocking timber without a single nail. Kyoto's most-visited temple, famous for cherry-blossom and autumn illuminations.
Meiji Jingu Shrine明治神宮
A 70-hectare forest next to Harajuku Station: 100,000 donated trees grew into a real forest in a century. Japan's busiest New Year shrine with about 3 million visitors.
Oirase Gorge奥入瀬渓流
A 14 km stream flowing from Lake Towada, with a walking trail along mossy rocks and a chain of waterfalls. Autumn colours peak in late October.
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Kamikochi上高地
An alpine resort at 1,500 m: the Hotaka peaks seen from Kappa Bridge over the Azusa River. Private cars are banned; open late April to early November only.
Hiraizumi: Konjikido at Chuson-ji平泉 中尊寺 金色堂
A hall built in 1124 and covered inside and out with gold leaf, the legacy of the Oshu Fujiwara clan's 'Pure Land' and a World Heritage site.
Amanohashidate天橋立
One of Japan's three most scenic views: a 3.6 km sandbar with 5,000 pines. Bend over and look between your legs from the viewpoint and it becomes a 'bridge to heaven'.
Matsushima Bay松島
One of Japan's three most scenic views: a bay of 260 pine-covered islands seen by cruise boat. Zuigan-ji temple of the Date clan and grilled oysters.
Dogo Onsen Honkan道後温泉本館
Japan's oldest hot spring, with 3,000 years of history. The 1894 wooden bathhouse is said to be one of the models for the bathhouse in 'Spirited Away'.
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Takachiho Gorge高千穂峡
Row a boat through a gorge of columnar basalt carved by Aso's lava, beneath the 17 m Manai Falls. At night, traditional kagura dances are performed.
Taketomi Island竹富島
Ten minutes by boat from Ishigaki: a village of red-tiled roofs and white-sand lanes where water-buffalo carts amble. Shallow turquoise water at Kondoi Beach.
Otaru Canal小樽運河
Stone warehouses line a canal completed in 1923. Gas lamps at dusk, glass crafts and a street of sushi restaurants; in February the Snow Light Path festival.
Tsunoshima Bridge角島大橋
A 1,780 m bridge runs straight across emerald water: a toll-free drive that is one of Japan's most photographed roads, and a frequent film location.
Goryokaku Fort五稜郭
A star-shaped fort built in 1866. From Goryokaku Tower the star turns pink with about 1,500 cherry trees in spring. Scene of the 1869 Battle of Hakodate.
Sapporo Miso Ramen札幌 味噌ラーメン
Miso ramen was born in Sapporo around 1955: a broth of stir-fried bean sprouts and minced pork, topped Hokkaido-style with butter and corn. Ramen Alley in Susukino is where it started.
Hakata Motsunabe & Mizutaki博多 もつ鍋・水炊き
Motsunabe is beef offal simmered with chives and cabbage in soy or miso; mizutaki is a whole-chicken broth. Fukuoka's two great hot pots, finished with noodles or rice porridge.
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Osaka Kushikatsu大阪 串カツ
Anything from meat and vegetables to cheese, skewered and deep-fried, in the Shinsekai district. The sauce is shared, so 'no double dipping' is the iron rule. From about ¥100 a skewer.
Ekiben (Station Bento)駅弁
Station bento boxes are a tradition since the 19th century, with about 2,000 kinds nationwide. 'Ekibenya Matsuri' in Tokyo Station stocks around 200. Best enjoyed with a shinkansen window seat.
Yakitori焼き鳥
Every part of the chicken, skewered and grilled over charcoal. Under the railway arches of Yurakucho and in Shimbashi's back streets. Asked 'salt or sauce?', start with salt.
Tempura in Asakusa天ぷら（浅草）
Frying arrived from Portugal in the 16th century and evolved at Edo's street stalls. Asakusa has tempura restaurants over a century old, famed for conger eel and prawns.
Convenience-store Foodコンビニグルメ
Rice balls, sandwiches, fried chicken and seasonal sweets around the clock. The quality astonishes visitors; Seven-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are the big three.
Takoyakiたこ焼き
Osaka's soul food: batter with a piece of octopus, cooked into balls. Reportedly 90% of Osaka households own a takoyaki pan. About ¥500 for a tray of eight.
Japanese Premium Fruit日本の高級フルーツ
A muskmelon for several thousand yen, strawberries wrapped one by one, square watermelons. A parfait at a fruit specialist such as Sembikiya is a luxury in itself.
Gyudon Beef-bowl Chains牛丼チェーン
Yoshinoya, Matsuya, Sukiya: sweet-savoury simmered beef over rice for ¥400–500, served within a minute of ordering by ticket machine or touch panel. Many are open 24 hours.
Sushi-making Class寿司握り体験
Learn to shape vinegared rice and top it with fish under a chef's guidance. English-friendly classes in Tsukiji and Asakusa, about 2 hours for ¥5,000–10,000. You eat what you make.
Sento (Public Bathhouse)銭湯
About 400 public bathhouses remain in Tokyo. Entry is around ¥550, towels can be rented. Painted Mount Fuji murals, high ceilings and a bottle of coffee milk afterwards.
Karaoke Boxカラオケ
Invented in Japan in 1971; the private-room style dates from 1985. A few hundred yen an hour with drinks and food, and tens of thousands of English songs. Going solo is perfectly normal.
Game Centres & Purikuraゲームセンターとプリクラ
Multi-storey arcades in Akihabara and Ikebukuro: claw machines, Taiko no Tatsujin drums and purikura photo booths that enlarge your eyes by default.
Climbing Mount Fuji富士登山
Early July to early September only. Five to seven hours from the 5th station to the summit; the classic plan is a nap in a mountain hut and sunrise at the top. Since 2025: ¥4,000 fee and reservation.
Awa Odori Dance Festival阿波おどり
For four days in mid-August the city of Tokushima dances in a 400-year-old Bon festival. 'Fools who dance, fools who watch.' Visitors can join the 'niwaka-ren' and dance too.
Gion Matsuri祇園祭
Kyoto's month-long July festival. On the 17th and 24th, 25 m floats are pulled through the streets; the evenings before are filled with stalls and lanterns. Over 1,100 years old.
Photos are open-licensed images from Wikimedia Commons, each credited with the photographer and licence.
Travel rules in numbers
Consumption tax is 10% (8% on food). Tax-free shopping starts at ¥5,000 per store per day.
消費税は10%（飲食料品は8%）。免税は同じ店で1日5,000円以上の買い物から
No tipping, anywhere. Change is always returned to the yen.
チップは不要。レストランでもタクシーでも、お釣りはきちんと返ってくる
Cash and IC cards (Suica/PASMO) work everywhere. Mobile Suica works on foreign phones too.
現金とICカード（Suica・PASMO）が最強。スマホのSuicaは外国の端末でも使える
100 V, Type A plugs (two flat pins). Most chargers work with just a plug adapter.
電圧100V・プラグはA型（2本の平たいピン）。変換アダプターがあれば充電器はほぼそのまま使える
Over 1,000 shinkansen a day, average delay about a minute. The Japan Rail Pass (¥50,000 for 7 days) covers most of them.
新幹線は1日1,000本以上、平均の遅れは1分前後。Japan Rail Pass（7日 50,000円）で乗り放題
Lost items come back. Tokyo police receive about ¥4 billion in lost cash a year, and over 70% is returned.
落とし物は戻ってくる。東京の警察には年間約40億円の現金が届けられ、その7割以上が持ち主に返る
Onsen: wash before entering, keep towels out of the water, no swimsuits. Cover tattoos with a sticker or book a private bath.
温泉：入る前に体を洗う、タオルは湯に入れない、水着は着ない。タトゥーはカバーシールか貸切風呂で
About 3.9 million vending machines — one per 32 people. In winter they serve hot canned coffee.
自動販売機は約390万台、人口32人に1台。冬はホットの缶コーヒーが出る
About 56,000 convenience stores, mostly 24 hours, with ATMs, toilets, printing, parcel services and tickets.
コンビニは約5.6万店、ほぼ24時間。ATM・トイレ・コピー・宅配・チケットまで揃う
Public bins are rare. Carry your rubbish and sort it at convenience stores or stations.
街にゴミ箱はほとんどない。ゴミは持ち帰り、コンビニや駅で分別して捨てる
No phone calls on trains; switch to silent mode near priority seats.
電車の中では通話しない、優先席付近ではスマホをマナーモードに
Take off shoes in homes, ryokan and temple tatami rooms. Toilet slippers are separate.
家・旅館・寺の畳の部屋では靴を脱ぐ。トイレ用スリッパは履き替える
Tap water is safe to drink. Public toilets are free and usually have heated bidet seats.
水道水はそのまま飲める。公衆トイレは無料で、ウォシュレット付きが標準
Emergency: police 110, ambulance/fire 119 (English available). Japan Visitor Hotline 050-3816-2787, 24 h, multilingual.
緊急電話：警察 110、救急・火事 119。英語対応あり。ジャパン・ビジター・ホットライン 050-3816-2787（24時間・多言語）
Avoid the 7:30–9:00 rush. Yamanote Line trains run every 2–3 minutes and carry about 4 million people a day.
朝7:30〜9:00の通勤ラッシュは避ける。山手線は2〜3分おき、1日約400万人
Mount Fuji is open early July to early September. Since 2025 a ¥4,000 fee and advance booking are required.
富士山の登山シーズンは7月上旬〜9月上旬。2025年から通行料4,000円と事前予約が必要
Conveyor-belt sushi from about ¥100 a plate; ramen around ¥1,000; a convenience-store rice ball ¥150–250.
回転寿司は1皿100円台から。ラーメンは1杯1,000円前後、コンビニのおにぎりは150〜250円
Capsule hotel ¥3,000–5,000; business hotel ¥8,000–15,000; ryokan with two meals ¥20,000–50,000 per person.
カプセルホテル3,000〜5,000円、ビジネスホテル8,000〜15,000円、旅館（2食付き）2〜5万円が目安
Frequently asked questions
When can I climb Mount Fuji?
The climbing season runs only from early July to early September. Since 2025 a ¥4,000 trail fee and advance booking are required. 'Bullet climbs' without a rest are discouraged; most people stay a night in a mountain hut and watch the sunrise.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Cherry blossoms peak in late March to early April (Tokyo, Kyoto) and autumn leaves in mid to late November. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid, and typhoons are most common in August and September. Winter brings snow and hot springs in Hokkaido, while Okinawa stays around 15 °C even in January.
How many days do I need for a first trip to Japan?
Seven days is enough for the 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka at a comfortable pace. Tokyo alone takes 3–4 days and Kyoto 2. With 10 days or more you can add Hiroshima or Hokkaido.
