62 Most Common Japan and Tokyo Travel Questions Answered

Explore some of the best cities in Japan including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, Sapporo, Kanazawa, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Okinawa, Hakone, Takayama, and Nikko. Each city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions, making Japan a captivating destination for travellers. Don’t miss the cherry blossoms in the spring for a truly enchanting experience.

Optimal times for Japan travel are March to May and September to November, offering pleasant weather. Spring cherry blossoms are popular, attracting many travellers, so expect crowds during this period.

Winter in Japan typically spans from December to February, with varying degrees of cold weather and snowfall depending on the region.

Yes, Japan experiences snowfall. Japan’s traditional snow season begins in mid-December and typically spans three months, often extending into March and early April. Embrace the enchanting white landscapes of this winter wonderland.

Summer in Japan is usually from June to August, ideal for rock climbing and hiking due to warm, sunny weather. After the rainy season, known as “tsuyu,” which typically extends from June to late July, the temperature quickly rises. This marks the beginning of the summer festival season with fireworks lighting up the skies all across Japan.

Japan’s autumn is from late September to early December. Many come to see the beautiful red, orange, and gold leaves, with November being the best time in most places. Cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo, and Hokkaido get a makeover with stunning autumn colours. Plus, the weather is perfect for sweaters, around 20°C! In late December, you can experience the magical hoarfrost and ice waterfalls. Don’t miss the famous Nabana no Sato, a massive and dazzling flower illumination.

Spring occurs from late March to early May in Japan. It is an alluring time when the nation is adorned with soft hues of pink and white as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and wisterias bloom. Beyond flower gazing, Japan offers a wealth of activities for nature enthusiasts, history aficionados, and those eager to immerse themselves in new cultures.

The cherry blossoms (aka Sakura in Japanese) season in Japan typically occurs from late March to early April or even early May in Kyoto, Tokyo, and the surrounding regions. If you’re considering a trip to Japan and hope to witness the country covered in vibrant pink cherry blossoms, here’s a guide to the best sakura viewing locations in Japan.

Golden Week in Japan is a whole week packed with four national holidays: Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day. It happens every year from April 29 to May 5, and folks usually take some time off work and studies to enjoy the celebrations and travel around. But just a heads up, it gets pretty crowded during this peak holiday time!

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Consider picking up exquisite Japanese ceramics such as delicate teacups or pottery from regions like Kyoto. Traditional crafts like intricately designed folding fans, beautiful kimono fabric, and exquisite handmade paper products known as washi are also excellent choices. Don’t forget to indulge in delectable Japanese snacks, including matcha-flavoured treats, or purchase high-quality electronics and gadgets in major tech districts like Akihabara in Tokyo.

Yes, Christmas is celebrated in Japan. Christmas may not be a national holiday in Japan, mainly because only about 1 per cent of the population is Christian. Nevertheless, you’ll encounter familiar Christmas elements like decorations, markets, and dazzling lights, alongside intriguing Japanese traditions.

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The Shinkansen bullet trains in Japan revolutionized high-speed rail travel, with most of them reaching speeds of up to 300 kph (186 mph), and some even achieving 320 kph (200 mph).

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In Japan, vehicles usually drive on the left-hand side of the road. Always adhere to speed limit signs, which are typically set at 60 km per hour on regular roads and 100 km per hour on expressways.

You can opt for a light layer, such as a cardigan or jacket that you can easily remove if needed. As your first layer, choose lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon to stay comfortable if the weather warms up. Spring is a season of rejuvenation, so feel free to embrace brighter colours.

For a winter journey to Japan, it’s wise to pack layered and warm clothing. Bring along an overcoat, gloves, a scarf, and earmuffs. While you might not spot many locals wearing earmuffs, you’ll appreciate having them to stay cosy.

December in Japan offers a rich array of experiences. Enjoy dazzling winter illuminations in Tokyo, hit the slopes and go skiing in Hokkaido or Nagano, unwind in traditional hot springs like Beppu or Kusatsu Onsen, visit serene temples in Kyoto, relish hot pot dishes, and immerse yourself in unique Christmas and New Year’s celebrations and cultural events. It’s a diverse and captivating time to explore Japan.

Japan offers a range of fantastic ski destinations. Some popular ski spots include Hokkaido’s Niseko, Nagano’s Hakuba, and Niigata’s Yuzawa. Each of these regions offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, along with stunning winter landscapes and cosy accommodations.

Disneyland in Japan is located in Urayasu, which is pretty much a stone’s throw away from Tokyo. It’s actually called Tokyo Disneyland. This place is part of the Tokyo Disney Resort and is all about enchanting rides, live shows, and that iconic Cinderella Castle right at the centre.

Discover Tokyo’s rich culture in Asakusa, witness Shibuya’s iconic crossing and delve into avant-garde fashion in Harajuku. For luxury, explore Ginza, and enjoy Ueno Park’s museums. Dive into electronics at Akihabara or relish seafood at Tsukiji.

Tokyo offers an incredible blend of modernity and tradition. Explore the historic Asakusa district with its Sensoji Temple, stroll through the bustling streets of Shibuya, visit the iconic Tokyo Tower for panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Harajuku fashion scene. Don’t miss Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood delights.

Begin your day at Ueno Park, where you can visit several museums and the Ueno Zoo. Then, head to Ameya-Yokocho Market for bargain shopping. For lunch, try ramen at Ichiran in Shibuya. Explore Odaiba in the afternoon, featuring attractions like TeamLab Borderless and Palette Town. Finish with dinner at a traditional izakaya.

Tokyo comes alive at night! Start at Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district for vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs, and karaoke. Stroll through the colourful streets of Golden Gai, known for its tiny bars. Experience Shibuya Crossing’s electric atmosphere. Then, head to Roppongi for upscale clubs like V2 Tokyo.

You can enjoy late-night dining or the Tokyo art scene at Shibuya, go for a Karaoke night, or dance your heart out at popular clubs like Club Asia or Sound Museum Vision. You can also visit an observatory deck like Shibuya Sky, Tokyo City View, or Tokyo Skytree to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Popular neighbourhoods to stay in Tokyo include Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ginza, and Roppongi. Consider Shinjuku for its central location and vibrant atmosphere. Budget travellers can opt for Ueno, while Odaiba provides a futuristic setting.

To explore Tokyo’s major attractions thoroughly, and plan to spend at least 5 to 7 days. This duration allows you to visit iconic spots like Tokyo Disneyland, Tsukiji Market, Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza, and take day trips to places like Nikko or Kamakura.

You can visit Tokyo Skytree, which offers breathtaking city views from its 350-metre-high viewing deck. You can also experience the unique outdoor exhibition ‘Echoing Life in the Acorn Forest‘ by Japan’s renowned light and shadow art group ‘teamLab’.

In Ginza, you can shop for high-end fashion, dine at fine restaurants, and visit upscale department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Wako. It’s also a great place for nightlife. Don’t miss Ginza Six, Tsukiji Fish Market, and Hama-rikyu Gardens.

Yes, Tokyo experiences some snowfall during the winter months, typically from December to February. However, it’s not as heavy as in other parts of Japan.

Yes, tap water in Tokyo is safe to drink.

Try sushi, ramen, tempura, okonomiyaki, yakitori, and street food such as takoyaki and taiyaki. If you are a ramen fan, you go on a ramen-tasting tour. Do not forget to explore Shinjuku’s best street food. You can also explore unique sights and savour unique tastes in Ginza.

Some popular dining areas include Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh seafood. You can also go on a breakfast tour at Tsukiji Outer Market. If you get a chance, do visit the famous Michelin one-star Sushi Restaurant – Sushi Yuu.

You can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

The most convenient way to reach Hakone from Tokyo is by train. You can choose between two options: taking the JR Tokaido Line and transferring to Odawara Station or using the Odakyu Line, which departs from Shinjuku. If you have a JR Railpass, you can opt for the Tokaido Line Shinkansen and make a train change at Odawara Station.

Also, get your hands on the Hakone Free Pass that offers discounts, convenient travel, and perks for attractions.

To reach Tokyo Disneyland from central Tokyo, take the JR Keiyo Line bound for Maihama Station from Tokyo Station. After about 15-20 minutes, transfer to the Disney Resort Line monorail at Maihama Station, which serves both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Follow signs for your destination, alighting at either Tokyo Disneyland Station or Tokyo DisneySea Station. Pro-tip: Consider a one-day pass for Tokyo Disneyland for unlimited fun and entertainment!

To travel from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, start by taking a Chuo Line train from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station. Then, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway line at Otsuki Station to reach Kawaguchiko Station. This scenic journey typically takes around two to two and a half hours, offering beautiful views of Mount Fuji along the way. Be sure to check train schedules.

You can reach Nikko from Tokyo by taking the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and making a transfer at Utsunomiya Station onto the JR Nikko Line. This journey typically takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes in total. Alternatively, the Shinkansen offers a direct route from Tokyo Station to Nasu-Shiobara Station in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Numerous JR stations feature automated ticket gates. To access them, insert your Japan Rail Pass into the designated slot. Remember to retrieve your pass once it emerges on the opposite side. Please note that a seat reservation ticket alone won’t grant you access through these gates.

You can take the Narita Express (N’EX) train to travel between Narita International Airport, which handles a majority of international flights to Japan, and Tokyo City. This option offers the added benefit of being accessible at no additional cost with your Japan Rail Pass. You can also book a private cab for the airport transfer.

Tokyo’s shopping hotspots include Ginza for luxury labels, Harajuku for cutting-edge fashion, Nakamise Street for Senso-ji Temple souvenirs, and Shibuya for diverse boutiques.

Look for souvenirs in Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street, Don Quijote stores, and various souvenir shops in tourist areas.

You can find Pokémon cards in Tokyo at Pokémon Centres like Tokyo DX in Nihonbashi, Mega Tokyo in Ikebukuro, and Skytree Town. Additionally, large retailers such as Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera, along with toy stores and game shops like Kiddy Land and Yellow Submarine, often stock Pokémon cards. Keep in mind that card availability may vary, so it’s wise to check specific stores for their current stock.

You can find Yukata almost everywhere in Tokyo. You can buy affordable yukata in Tokyo at places like Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, and thrift shops like Mode Off and even big chains like Uniqlo and Don Quijote. These locations offer budget-friendly options for purchasing traditional Japanese summer attire.

Popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo include Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi, and Sumida Park. Typically, these magical flowers spring to life from late March to mid-April or even early May.

On clear days, you can often catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from high-rise buildings, such as Tokyo Skytree or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Among Tokyo’s many observation decks, the Bunkyo Civic Center, located in the heart of the city, offers some of the most impressive vistas of Mount Fuji. This iconic mountain looms prominently behind the towering skyscrapers of the Shinjuku district, creating a stunning and picturesque backdrop.

You can take a bus or a train from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station to the Fuji area. The closest train station to Mount Fuji is Kawaguchiko Station. Explore a classic Mount Fuji route in the cool early winter temperature for a less strenuous yet majestic experience.

Getting a prepaid smart card eases your travel experience in Japan – so make sure to get one! In Kyoto, it’s known as Icoca, while Tokyo offers Suica and Pasmo. These smart cards, like Icoca, Suica, and Pasmo, work seamlessly throughout Japan, so you don’t need to fret over which one to purchase.

Tokyo’s trains and subways typically operate from 5:00 am to 1:00 am, with extended services during the New Year’s Holiday from January 1 to 3. They are renowned for their exceptional punctuality, running every 3 minutes during peak hours and at intervals of 10 minutes or less during early mornings and late evenings.

To travel with ease, you can purchase the Japan Rail Pass at major JR stations, including Tokyo Station. This is the most economical travel option to travel in Tokyo.

You can enjoy bento boxes from Ekibenya Matsuri, featuring regional specialities, or indulge in a steaming bowl of ramen at Rokurinsha. If you get the chance, try an Ekiben, a unique train station bento, with Tokyo Station’s Ekibenya Matsuri offering an array of local and regional favourites.

You will find plenty to explore in and around the historic Tokyo Station. A few of the activities include – shopping in the underground complex or at Tokyo Character Street, You can also explore Marunouchi’s upscale district, visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, dine in diverse eateries, or head to Nihonbashi for traditional shops and more.

You can purchase subway passes at subway stations, airports, major tourist information centres, or online.

Although the JR Pass isn’t valid on Tokyo’s metro lines, you can use other IC Cards like Pasmo and Suica, which grant access to most trains and buses in Tokyo. These cards complement the JR Pass effectively for comprehensive transportation coverage.

You can purchase a Suica card in Tokyo at various locations, including major train stations like Tokyo Station and Haneda or Narita Airport, as well as convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. Vending machines and ticket counters at train stations also offer Suica card options – just look for the machines displaying the Suica symbol. These contactless smart cards are not only convenient for transportation but also for making small purchases at many shops. So, it’s a must-have while in Tokyo!

You can get a taxi at designated taxi stands or can even flag down a taxi. Alternatively, you can use a taxi-hailing app like Uber.

To get to Tokyo Disneyland, take the JR Keiyo Line or Musashino Line from Tokyo Station, and you will arrive at Maihama Station in approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, there are shuttle bus services available from various locations to Tokyo Disneyland for added convenience. If you prefer to drive, follow the coast of the bay from Tokyo or the Yokohama region to Chiba. Take the exit at Urayasu, then the Wangan Expressway, which takes about 4 minutes.

You can buy Tokyo Disneyland tickets at the park’s official website, at the entrance gates or through authorised resellers.

Tokyo Skytree is approximately 634 metres (2,080 feet) tall and is the tallest structure of its kind in Japan. Tokyo Skytree Observation deck provides spectacular views of the city that shouldn’t be missed.

Visit indoor attractions such as museums, shopping malls, or themed cafes. Tokyo has plenty of indoor entertainment options.

Matcha enthusiasts in Tokyo can find this vibrant green tea powder at renowned spots like Ippodo Tea Co. in Tokyo’s Marunouchi district, offering a variety of matcha and tea-related products. Tsujiri, located in multiple locations including Ueno and Omotesando, is famous for its matcha desserts and beverages, such as matcha parfaits and lattes. Additionally, you can explore traditional tea shops in Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street for a taste of authentic matcha and tea-related souvenirs.

You can purchase SIM cards at major airports, electronics stores, or through mobile carriers. You can also get a hassle-free travel experience in Japan with a 4G SIM card delivered to your doorstep. You can also get an eSIM card.

You can exchange money at banks, post offices, currency exchange kiosks, and airports in Tokyo.

To avoid Tokyo’s rush hour, which mainly occurs from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with mornings being the busiest, consider travelling during off-peak hours if you want to avoid crowds or if you have bulky luggage.

In Japan, tipping is not a customary practice, and offering a tip is usually politely declined, which can potentially create an uncomfortable situation. In Japanese culture, it is generally understood that when dining at a restaurant or enjoying a drink at a bar, you are already compensated for the service provided by the establishment. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from attempting to leave a tip.