Ancient traditions blend harmoniously with cutting-edge technology and futuristic fashion in Japan. A visit to this astonishing country can be disorienting, yet sights often feel familiar thanks to cultural touchstones like sushi, sumo, and manga. From exploring the bustling streets and one-of-a-kind restaurants of the high-energy cities of Tokyo and Osaka to strolling around the calming temples of Kyoto and soaking in the relaxing onsens of Hakone, you’ll find more than a lifetime’s worth of things to do in Japan.
Japan experiences climate variation from north to south, but summers are generally hot and humid, while winters are cold and often snow-covered. Spring and fall are warm and most comfortable for traveling. Hanamis (the tradition of cherry blossom viewing) in the spring and koyo (leaf peeping) in the fall make these seasons appealing. Golden Week (April 29-May 5) is a busy time due to a string of public holidays, so avoid it unless you enjoy big crowds.
The country has an extensive, efficient network of public transport, including the super-fast Shinkansen bullet train, local train networks, subway systems, buses, monorails, and ferries. You can get almost anywhere by public transport. To travel long distances, it may be more cost-effective to buy a Japan Rail Pass before arriving versus buying individual tickets once you arrive. Local trains are easy for non-Japanese speakers or readers to navigate, while buses can be more challenging.
Japan is a heavily populated country, especially in its urban areas, and strict rules of etiquette help people to coexist relatively peacefully within confined spaces. Foreign visitors are expected to abide by certain rules of etiquette, too. Some of the most important are taking off your shoes before entering a home, washing thoroughly before getting into an onsen bathtub, and not eating on public transport.
