Japan Travel Guide

Why Japan

Quick overview

Japan rewards every kind of traveller: neon-lit Tokyo, Kyoto's temples and geisha districts, Osaka's food streets, and the snow-capped silhouette of Mt Fuji. It is immaculately organised, famously safe, and easy to navigate once you understand the rail system — a trip that feels like an achievement as much as a holiday.

Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing, teamLab, Senso-ji temple and neighbourhoods that each feel like a different city — Asakusa, Shinjuku, Ginza.

Kyoto

Fushimi Inari's thousand torii gates, Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji and preserved geisha districts.

Mt Fuji & Hakone

Lake cruises, ropeways and onsen hot springs with Fuji views — the classic side trip between Tokyo and Kyoto.

Osaka & Nara

Dotonbori street food, Osaka Castle, and the friendly bowing deer of Nara Park — an easy day pair from Kyoto.

Ideal duration

6–8 days

Great for

first-time international travellers · couples · food lovers · culture seekers

Explore Japan

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Where to stay

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Connected, lively, ideal first base

The rail hub of Tokyo — everywhere you'll want to go starts here. Rooms are compact; pay for location over size.

Gion / Downtown Kyoto

Traditional, walkable, atmospheric

Machiya townhouses and modern hotels within walking distance of temples and tea houses. Kyoto is your calm middle chapter.

Namba, Osaka

Food-first, energetic, great value

Dotonbori at your doorstep and direct trains to Nara and Kyoto — often cheaper than Tokyo for similar quality.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before you go

Do Indians need a visa for Japan?

Yes. Indian citizens need a tourist visa, applied through VFS Global with confirmed bookings and a day-wise itinerary. Processing typically takes 5–7 working days — apply 3–4 weeks before travel.

How many days are enough for Japan?

Seven days covers the classic route — Tokyo, Hakone or Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka — at a comfortable pace. With five days, skip Hakone; with ten, add Kanazawa or Hiroshima.

Is the JR Pass worth it?

Usually not anymore for the classic golden route. After the 2023 price rise, point-to-point Shinkansen tickets for Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka cost less than a 7-day pass. The pass makes sense only for long-distance itineraries like adding Hiroshima.

Is Japan expensive compared to other international destinations?

Flights from India are the biggest cost. On the ground, Japan can be surprisingly affordable — convenience-store meals, cheap izakayas, and efficient trains keep daily costs close to Singapore or Europe-lite levels.

Is English widely spoken in Japan?

Less than Singapore, but travel is still easy: station signage and announcements are in English, translation apps work well, and locals go out of their way to help.