Free Travel Guide for Japan - Top Sights, Sustainability, History, Culture, and Food

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Fujiyoshida, Japan. Photo by David Edelstein on Unsplash.

Everything You Need for a Trip to Japan

This guide was designed to share quality information from the best bloggers for Japan. There is enough information and resources in this post to cover just about everything that you would need to know when traveling here. If you find that something is missing, or that you need more information that is not covered here, please send us a message - or comment near the bottom of this article - and we will find the answer for you and provide it here in this article for other people as well. Members can also submit their favorite travel blogs to us for review and consideration to be added to this page.

Please feel free to share this guide with anyone you feel it will help! Enjoy your adventures!

In this Guide

1. Where to Stay in Japan

2. What to Do in Japan

   • Best things to see and do in Japan

   • Sustainable Travel in Japan

3. Cultural and Historical Places in Japan

4. What to Eat in Japan

   • Unique foods to try in Japan

   • Best restaurants in Japan

5. Easy Planning for Japan

   • Best Tour Packages in Japan

   • Best Day Experiences in Japan

6. Be your Own Guide in Japan

7. Additional Info for Japan

   • Healthcare & Hospitals in Japan

   • Visas, Working, and Retiring in Japan

   • Language & Learning in Japan

Where to stay in Japan

Shibuya, Japan. Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash.

Fill in the fields below and use the filters to find your ideal place to stay!

What to do in Japan

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Photo by Tianshu Liu on Unsplash.

1. Best things to see and do in Japan

• 10 Unmissable Places to Visit in Japan

  Introduce 10 amazing places and cities to visit in Japan, such as Takayama and Koya-San. The blog outlines the best things to do and sights to see, as well as recommends where to stay and how long to spend in these attractions.

• Stunning Places to Discover in Japan Off the Beaten Path

  Explore stunning hidden gems in Japan, such as Tottori, Iya Valley and Aomori. The blog outlines the best things to do in these offbeat places.

• Tokyo: Top Tourist Attractions and How to Get There

  Introduces top tourist attractions in Tokyo, such as Tokyo Disneyland, Odaiba, and Tokyo National Museum.

• 10 of the Most Scenic Places in Japan

  Covers 10 scenic places to visit in Japan, such as Miyajima Shrine, Chureito Pagoda and Kinkakuji Temple.

2. Sustainable Travel in Japan

• 8 Simple Tips for Eco-Friendly Travel in Japan

  Outlines tips for eco-friendly travel in Japan, such as using your own bag when shopping, supporting local artisans and crafts, and choosing greener airlines such as Nippon Airways.

Cultural & Historical Places in Japan

Kyoto, Japan. Photo by Sorasak on Unsplash.

1. Historical Places in Japan

• 6 Famous Castles in Japan to Visit

  Introduce 6 amazing castles in Japan, such as Kumamoto Castle and Osaka Castle. The blog includes the history and architecture style of these breath-taking castles.

2. Cultural Places in Japan

• The Five Biggest Events in Japan

  Covers the five biggest festivals in Japan, such as Setsubun, Shogatsu and Obon.

What to Eat in Japan

Fresh sushi. Photo by Mahmoud Fawzy on Unsplash.

1. Unique Foods in Japan

• 10 Traditional Japanese Dishes to Try (Very Tasty)

  Covers 10 traditional Japanese dishes, such as Sushi, Udon Noodles, and Takoyaki.

2. Best Restaurants in Japan

• Tokyo Food Guide: The 18 Best Restaurants in Tokyo

  Includes 18 best restaurants in Tokyo, such as Minatoya and Oreryu Shio Ramen. The blog introduces what to eat in these restaurants, as well as provides guides on the locations and operating hours.

The world's great culinary traditions and landmarks-- find a fabulous itinerary of foods, dishes, markets, and restaurants worth traveling far and wide to savor.

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Easy Planning for Japan

Itsukushima Shrine, Hatsukaichi-shi, Japan. Photo by Nicki Eliza Schinow on Unsplash.

1. Best Tour Packages in Japan

• Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times

  Japan is a feast for the senses, from its electrifying neon-lit neighbourhoods to tranquil hilltop temples. Experience an intriguing mix of modernity and tradition as we explore dazzling Tokyo, imperial Kyoto, and the mountain city of Nagano. Wander Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, practice sumo wrestling and samurai swordplay, and sample wasabi-infused culinary concoctions. In this fascinating land of anime, snow monkeys, and high-speed trains, there is something to delight every member of the family.

• Iconic Japan

  In Japan, tradition and modernity are celebrated side-by-side in ways that often appear contradictory. Immerse yourself in this intriguing culture, beginning in sprawling Tokyo, one of the world’s most innovative cities. Then head by rail into the countryside to visit traditional villages and tranquil shrines. Explore quaint geisha districts and inspiring gardens; savour the fresh flavours of Japanese cuisine; and get a glimpse of the ancient soul of this fascinating, futuristic country.

• Discover Japan

  From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines and the soaring beauty of Mt Fuji, this tour provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional ryokan for the ultimate in Japanese luxury.

2. Best Day Experiences in Japan

• Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone

• Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day

• Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Kerama Islands from Naha

• Half-Day Guided Bike Tour of North Kyoto with Lunch

• Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours

• Kyoto Cultural Forest, Shrine and Temple Tour with Options

• Daytime Walking Tour in Yanaka

• Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

• Walking Food Tour of Shibuya at Night

• Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour

Be your own guide in Japan

These sites are essentially guide books. You can either just use the sites as your guide for your entire trip, if you have cellular data in every spot, or you can grab a physical guide book to carry with you.

Meguro River, Matsuno, Japan. Photo by Sora Sagano on Unsplash.

1. Guide Book sites for Japan

• The Ultimate Guide to Japan

  Japan boasts an endless list of attractions, things to do, and places to explore. Full of contradictions, you’ll find ancient history paired with the newest technology and development. From robot restaurants to ancient temples and cat cafes, there’s something for everyone.

• Ultimate Japan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your First Visit

  If you’re planning to visit Japan, this information-packed guide has the answers to all your questions. We are sharing exactly how much it costs to travel to Japan, and we’re throwing in some money-saving budget tips!

• Japan Guide: What You Need To Know Before You Travel

  This Japan guide will help you decide when is the best time to make travel arrangements when to book your flights and accommodation, which places to visit and what essentials you may need.

Additional information for Japan

Himeji Castle, Hiroshima, Japan. Photo by Redd on Unsplash.

1. Healthcare & Hospitals in Japan

• Understanding the Japanese Healthcare System

  A comprehensive and insightful guide to the Japanese healthcare system.

• Hospitals In Tokyo With English And Multilingual Support

  This article features a detailed list of 16 hospitals in Tokyo with English and multilingual support for foreign residents, visitors, and patients concerned about language barriers when receiving health care in Japan.

2. Visas, Working, and Retiring in Japan

• iVisa - Get a Visa to visit Japan

  The essential site to get all of your visa info and documents.

• How to Obtain a Work Permit for Japan

  Japan has earned the reputation of being a difficult country to immigrate, either temporarily or permanently. It can be difficult for foreigners to enter, find work, or break into the local business market.

• A Better Life for Half the Price – 2nd Edition: How to thrive on less money in the cheapest places to live

  It doesn't always cost as much as you think to retire. In fact, you could effectively double the value of your savings simply by moving to a country where your costs are 50 percent lower than where you are now!

• How to Retire in Japan: Costs, Visas and More

  If you’ve dreamed of retiring to a beautiful country with plenty of good food then Japan might be the perfect retirement destination for you. But before you pack your bags, here’s what you should know about spending your golden years in the Land of the Rising Sun.

3. Language & Learning in Japan

• Google Translate - Japan

  Quite simply the easiest and cheapest on-the-go translator you could ask for - as long as you download the language profile and have wifi or data to access it whereever you are!

Grab these Cards and Stick them in your Wallet!

Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Photo by Tom Vining on Unsplash.

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