Japan
Japan

Asia

Japan travel guide

Cities, attractions, transport, weather and connectivity for your Japan trip

Quick facts

Capital
Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and largest metropolitan area.

Currency
Japanese yen (JPY)

Cards are widely accepted, but cash remains useful at smaller businesses and rural locations.

Language
Japanese

English signage is common in major transport hubs and popular visitor areas.

Time zone
Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)

Japan uses one time zone and does not observe daylight saving time.

Calling code
+81

Remove the leading zero from Japanese area and mobile codes when calling internationally.

Emergency numbers
Police 110; fire and ambulance 119

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.

Choose a Japan eSIM

TravelFi offers fixed-data, unlimited and regional Asia options. Select a plan based on trip length, navigation use, video, hotspot needs and the number of travellers.

Stay connected in Japan

Get mobile data for your Japan trip with a local or region-wide eSIM.

Recommended for Japan

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Destination ratings

TravelFi editorial destination ratings.

Connectivity

9.3 / 10.0

Strong urban and intercity mobile coverage with reliable public Wi-Fi in many transport hubs.

Public transport

9.7 / 10.0

Extensive, punctual rail and metro systems make multi-city travel exceptionally practical.

Culture and heritage

9.8 / 10.0

Historic temples, contemporary culture, regional traditions, museums, and distinctive local experiences.

Food

9.8 / 10.0

Exceptional regional cuisine ranging from casual markets and ramen shops to fine dining.

Value

7.8 / 10.0

Transport 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.

Grounded
Adapter 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.

Check if you need an adapter

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 days
Kyoto

Kyoto

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, known for temples, shrines, gardens, traditional districts, and seasonal beauty.

Suggested stay: 3–4 days
Osaka

Osaka

Osaka is a lively food and entertainment hub with excellent rail links to Kyoto, Nara, and western Japan.

Suggested stay: 2–3 days
Hiroshima

Hiroshima

Hiroshima pairs powerful peace memorial sites with riverside neighbourhoods and easy access to Miyajima.

Suggested stay: 2 days
Hokkaido

Sapporo

Sapporo is Hokkaido’s main city, popular for winter festivals, food, nearby ski areas, and cool summers.

Suggested stay: 2–4 days
Fukuoka

Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a compact gateway to Kyushu with famous ramen, waterfront areas, and convenient transport.

Suggested stay: 2–3 days
Nara

Nara

Nara is known for historic temples, parkland, and free-roaming deer, easily reached from Kyoto or Osaka.

Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Okinawa

Okinawa

Okinawa offers subtropical beaches, distinctive Ryukyu culture, island scenery, and warmer weather than mainland Japan.

Suggested stay: 4–6 days
Ishikawa

Kanazawa

A refined cultural city known for Kenroku-en Garden, preserved samurai and geisha districts, contemporary art, and excellent seafood.

Suggested stay: 2–3 days

Top 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 hours
Temple

Kiyomizu-dera

A landmark Kyoto temple celebrated for its wooden stage, hillside views, and historic approach streets.

Suggested visit: 1–2 hours
Nature

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A scenic bamboo pathway in western Kyoto near temples, gardens, the river, and forested hills.

Suggested visit: 1–2 hours
Temple

Senso-ji

Tokyo’s oldest major temple anchors Asakusa with the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street.

Suggested visit: 1–2 hours
Shrine

Meiji Jingu

A major Shinto shrine set within a broad forested area beside Harajuku and Yoyogi Park.

Suggested visit: 1–2 hours
Urban landmark

Shibuya Crossing

One of Tokyo’s most recognisable intersections, surrounded by shopping, dining, entertainment, and city viewpoints.

Suggested visit: 30–60 minutes
Natural 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 overnight
Temple

Todai-ji

A monumental Nara temple housing the Great Buddha and surrounded by the broader Nara Park heritage area.

Suggested visit: 1–2 hours
Memorial 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 hours

Featured experiences

  • Tokyo city exploration
  • Kyoto temples
  • Mount Fuji
  • Japanese rail travel
  • Osaka food culture

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

Use IC transit cards for local transport, reserve popular long-distance trains and attractions during peak seasons, carry some cash for smaller businesses, and keep mobile data available for maps, translation, and rail navigation.

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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Information is general guidance and may change. Verify important details with official sources before travelling.Last reviewed: July 31, 2026