Japan
The traditional Japan is one thing, but once you step out into the streets of Tokyo around Shibuya Station, it is like stepping out into the future! It is neon-flash-maniac! Staying in a traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn), sitting in a robe on the floor eating raw fish and getting naked with a bunch of strangers to soak in a Onsen (hot spring) are all things that are truly unique for Japan.
Savoring the delicious Japanese cuisine is half the reason why you should visit Japan! Their attention to details and flavors can literally change your idea of what is possible when it comes to food. And last but not least, Japan is a great country for outdoors activities with it`s Alps and islands. In the Japan Alps you can go hiking in the summer and skiing/ snowboarding in the winter at some of the wolds top notch skiing resorts. Down south the coral reefs of Okinawa will have you wondering if you have come to Thailand.
Japan is considered to be a relatively expensive country, but you can save a lot of money and make your Japan travel cheaper by following our tips.
When To Visit Japan
High season for visiting Japan is April, May and August (cherry blossom and autumn foliage). Shoulder season is June, July and September – December, while low season is January – March (cold and lots of snow). We visited in July/August and had nice warm weather, but a little rain in between.
Our Journey Through Japan
We spent six weeks in Japan and visited these places: 1. Tokyo – 2. Nikko – 3. Matsumoto – 4. Japanese Alps – 5. Kanazawa – 6. Takayama – 7. Shirakawa-go 8. Kyoto – 9. Hiroshima – 10. Miyajima Island – 11. Nara
Check out our recommended Japan Itinerary – The Best Of Japan In Two Weeks
Travel Guides
We used the Lonely Planet`s Japan travel guide on our trip. You can get that and other great books by clicking on the pictures below:
Blog posts from Japan
Are you planning a trip to Japan, and asking yourself when should I visit Japan? What is the best month to visit Japan? Do you wonder what is the best time to see the Cherry Blossoms in Japan, to see the fall foliage, go skiing, climb Mt Fuji, do the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, get the best weather, find the lowest prices, take part in a cool festival, or beat the crowds? Then you have come to the right place, as I will answer all these questions and more, and help you find the perfect time to visit Japan according to your interests and preferences.
Facts:
- Population: 127 million
- Capital: Tokyo
- Land Area: 77 944 km²
- Language: Japanese
- Religion: Buddhist/ Shinto
- Currency: Yen (JPY)
- Time zone: UTC+9
- Drives on: Left
Recent Comments on Japan
Janie Boyles on The Amazing And True Story Of Hachiko The DogHe was stuffed (taxidermy) and placed in a museum in Japan. You can read about him and see pictures online....- Raffaele on How To Take Onsen – 10 Steps To Japanese Hot Springs BlissThanks a lot Espen, Absolutely loved your 10 steps and made me laugh, slightly reminding me of my first time....
- Danielle on Japan Itinerary – The Best Of Japan In Two WeeksMaria, This has been such a HUGE help. Again, thank you so much for all of your insight and suggestions....
Janie Boyles on The Amazing And True Story Of Hachiko The DogHe was stuffed (taxidermy) and placed in a museum in Japan. You can read about him and see pictures online....
Raffaele on How To Take Onsen – 10 Steps To Japanese Hot Springs BlissThanks a lot Espen, Absolutely loved your 10 steps and made me laugh, slightly reminding me of my first time....
Danielle on Japan Itinerary – The Best Of Japan In Two WeeksMaria, This has been such a HUGE help. Again, thank you so much for all of your insight and suggestions....
Takayama, also called Hida-Takayama, has a really unique and cozy atmosphere that we did not experience anywhere else in Japan. Narrow cobblestoned streets lined with charming old wooden houses and a nice and calm river that runs through the city,...
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As more than a million foreign visitors every year discovers, Kyoto offers beautiful historic temples, world-class shopping, mouth-watering cuisine, and some of the most diverse accommodation options anywhere in Japan. With so many hotel and guest houses to choose from,...
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With 2000 temples and shrines, visiting Kyoto should be mandatory on all Japan trips. Kyoto is Japans best-preserved historic city with its beautiful Zen gardens and 17 Unesco World Heritage Sites. Here is our ultimate 3 day Kyoto itinerary that...
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No other city offers quite as many bewildering options for accommodation as Tokyo, from traditional Japanese Inns, business hotels and sleeping pods to western style luxury hotels. With its more than 37 million inhabitants and dozens of city centers, finding...
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Tokyo has it all - excellent museums, grand temples, atmospheric shrines and lovely zen gardens. It is a city filled with Japanese history and tradition, but also modern, futuristic neo sci-fi streetscapes that make you feel like you're a part...
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Our recommended detailed day-by-day itinerary of how to get the most out of your Japan trip. These 11 places is the best of Japan, and a must-visit in our opinion.
We 're only about 50-minutes from the city Takayama, but it feels like we have stepped back in time, back to the Edo period and the highlight of Japanese culture. A time of shoguns and samurais, a time that has...
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The world`s favourite bobtail cat Hello Kitty has reached the BIG 40! Can you believe it?! All around the world, and especially in Japan, there are Hello Kitty birthday celebrations. Here are 10 things you probably did not know about...
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While in Tokyo we did something I never though we would ever do; we queued for over an hour just for a plate of pancakes!! Yep, PANCAKES! 🙂 I know it sounds stupid, but the Tokyoites are crazy for pancakes...
