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Japan travel guide
Cities, attractions, transport, weather and connectivity for your Japan trip
Quick facts
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Currency
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- Language
- Japanese
- Time zone
- Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
- Calling code
- +81
- Emergency numbers
- Police 110; fire and ambulance 119
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and largest metropolitan area.
Cards are widely accepted, but cash remains useful at smaller businesses and rural locations.
English signage is common in major transport hubs and popular visitor areas.
Japan uses one time zone and does not observe daylight saving time.
Remove the leading zero from Japanese area and mobile codes when calling internationally.
Use 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance emergencies.
Japan combines fast-paced cities, historic temples, efficient rail travel, mountain scenery, distinctive regional food and island escapes. This guide helps you compare destinations, plan transport and stay connected throughout your trip.
Top cities in Japan
Start with Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, then consider Hiroshima, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nara, Okinawa, Kanazawa and Hakone. Japan’s rail network makes multi-city itineraries practical, although flights are useful for Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Highlights and attractions
Popular experiences include Mount Fuji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya Crossing, Todai-ji, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima.
Weather and the best time to visit
Spring and autumn usually offer comfortable sightseeing weather. Summer is hot and humid in many regions, while winter is ideal for northern ski areas and seasonal city travel. Conditions vary substantially between Hokkaido, central Japan and Okinawa.
Transport and connectivity
Use rail and metro services for most city and intercity journeys. Mobile data is especially useful for route planning, translation, ticket information and accommodation messages. Compare Japan eSIM plans before departure so you can connect after landing.
Power plugs
Japan uses 100 V electricity and mainly Type A plugs, with Type B also supported in some locations. Check voltage compatibility for appliances and bring an adapter when required.
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2 destinationsDestination ratings
TravelFi editorial destination ratings.
Connectivity
9.3 / 10.0Strong urban and intercity mobile coverage with reliable public Wi-Fi in many transport hubs.
Public transport
9.7 / 10.0Extensive, punctual rail and metro systems make multi-city travel exceptionally practical.
Culture and heritage
9.8 / 10.0Historic temples, contemporary culture, regional traditions, museums, and distinctive local experiences.
Food
9.8 / 10.0Exceptional regional cuisine ranging from casual markets and ramen shops to fine dining.
Value
7.8 / 10.0Transport and accommodation can be costly, but food and everyday services offer broad price ranges.
Power plugs in Japan
100 V · 50 Hz in eastern Japan; 60 Hz in western Japan
Type A
Two flat parallel pins. Usually ungrounded.
Type B
Two flat parallel pins with a grounding pin.
GroundedAdapter guidance
Japan mainly uses Type A plugs, with Type B also supported in some locations. Travellers from countries using other plug shapes will need an adapter.
Voltage notice
Japan’s 100 V supply is lower than in many countries. Check that chargers and appliances support 100 V and the relevant frequency before use.
Weather and climate
Forecast location: Tokyo, Japan
Japan has four distinct seasons, with humid summers, cooler winters, a northern snowy climate, and subtropical conditions in Okinawa. Weather differs substantially by latitude and elevation.
Loading current weather…
Featured cities
Places to include in your Japan itinerary.
Tokyo
Tokyo
Japan’s capital combines modern districts, historic temples, world-class dining, and efficient transport.
Suggested stay: 4–6 daysKyoto
Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, known for temples, shrines, gardens, traditional districts, and seasonal beauty.
Suggested stay: 3–4 daysOsaka
Osaka
Osaka is a lively food and entertainment hub with excellent rail links to Kyoto, Nara, and western Japan.
Suggested stay: 2–3 daysHiroshima
Hiroshima
Hiroshima pairs powerful peace memorial sites with riverside neighbourhoods and easy access to Miyajima.
Suggested stay: 2 daysHokkaido
Sapporo
Sapporo is Hokkaido’s main city, popular for winter festivals, food, nearby ski areas, and cool summers.
Suggested stay: 2–4 daysFukuoka
Fukuoka
Fukuoka is a compact gateway to Kyushu with famous ramen, waterfront areas, and convenient transport.
Suggested stay: 2–3 daysNara
Nara
Nara is known for historic temples, parkland, and free-roaming deer, easily reached from Kyoto or Osaka.
Suggested stay: 1–2 daysOkinawa
Okinawa
Okinawa offers subtropical beaches, distinctive Ryukyu culture, island scenery, and warmer weather than mainland Japan.
Suggested stay: 4–6 daysIshikawa
Kanazawa
A refined cultural city known for Kenroku-en Garden, preserved samurai and geisha districts, contemporary art, and excellent seafood.
Suggested stay: 2–3 daysTop attractions
Featured experiences and landmarks.
Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kyoto’s famous shrine complex is known for thousands of vermilion torii gates climbing Mount Inari.
Suggested visit: 2–3 hoursTemple
Kiyomizu-dera
A landmark Kyoto temple celebrated for its wooden stage, hillside views, and historic approach streets.
Suggested visit: 1–2 hoursNature
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A scenic bamboo pathway in western Kyoto near temples, gardens, the river, and forested hills.
Suggested visit: 1–2 hoursTemple
Senso-ji
Tokyo’s oldest major temple anchors Asakusa with the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street.
Suggested visit: 1–2 hoursShrine
Meiji Jingu
A major Shinto shrine set within a broad forested area beside Harajuku and Yoyogi Park.
Suggested visit: 1–2 hoursUrban landmark
Shibuya Crossing
One of Tokyo’s most recognisable intersections, surrounded by shopping, dining, entertainment, and city viewpoints.
Suggested visit: 30–60 minutesNatural landmark
Mount Fuji
Japan’s highest mountain and national symbol, viewed from the Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, and surrounding areas.
Suggested visit: Full day or overnightTemple
Todai-ji
A monumental Nara temple housing the Great Buddha and surrounded by the broader Nara Park heritage area.
Suggested visit: 1–2 hoursMemorial and museum
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
A major memorial landscape including the Atomic Bomb Dome, museum, monuments, and spaces dedicated to peace.
Suggested visit: 2–4 hoursFeatured experiences
Best time to visit
March to May for spring weather and blossoms, or October to November for mild temperatures and autumn colours. Ski regions are strongest from December to March.
Travel tips
Current travel updates
Check dates and official sources before making travel decisions.
General travel information
Japan travel information
Entry rules, transport operations, weather alerts, and local requirements can change. Verify official sources before departure and before major domestic journeys.
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