As a part of our web site, we’ve got an active Facebook community with nicely over 100,000 members. It’s a spot to share your love for Japan, discover helpful suggestions on your subsequent journey and ask questions.
To keep away from the group from getting the identical questions over and over, I’ve put collectively this helpful FAQ. Having been working the group because the begin of 2022, I’ve seen a whole lot of related questions and issues travellers wrestle with, so hopefully this gives you some clearance.
If the solutions under don’t clear every little thing up, or you will have any further questions, be happy to submit your questions in the group. I’ll get to you as quickly as attainable, together with hundreds of different useful Japan lovers.
Pleased travelling!
*The Navigatio makes use of affiliate links. Should you make a purchase order via these hyperlinks, I’ll obtain a small fee at no further price to you. Thanks!
Common Japan Journey Questions
What’s the perfect time to go to Japan?
Usually, Spring (finish of March – starting of Could) and Autumn (October – November) are the perfect occasions to go to Japan. In Spring, you’ll be capable of benefit from the cherry blossoms, whereas in Autumn, the autumn foliage will likely be simply as stunning. Autumn does are typically a bit cheaper and fewer busy in comparison with Spring, in order that’s value conserving in thoughts.
Clearly, when you’re travelling to Japan for different causes, like going snowboarding, totally different months may match higher. Remember the fact that Summers in Japan are highly regarded and humid, and are greatest averted.
What’s the climate like in X month?
Japan is a big nation, so climate and temperatures range vastly relying on the place you’re planning to go to. To get a good suggestion of the climate in the course of the month you’re planning to go to, use a web site comparable to Accu Weather. On this website, you may kind within the vacation spot and even verify the common temperatures, rainfall and solar hours per thirty days.
Can I deliver X remedy to Japan with me?
Earlier than bringing remedy to Japan with you, please verify when you’re allowed to take your kind of remedy with you. Some remedy is banned in Japan, together with some ADHD meds (comparable to Adderall and Dexedrine).
For many remedy, nonetheless, you’re allowed to deliver a private provide. Often, it is a one-month provide for prescription drugs and a two-month provide for non-prescription drugs. If you wish to deliver extra, you must apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho – chances are you’ll want to indicate this certificates at customs.
For extra info on how one can apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho or to verify what drugs you’re allowed to deliver (and the way a lot), verify the next web sites (https://en.japantravel.com/information/bringing-medicines-into-japan/ & https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/coverage/health-medical/prescribed drugs/01.html) AND/OR verify along with your embassy.
Planning Your Journey & Japan Itinerary
How do I begin planning a visit to Japan?
The easiest way to get began planning a visit to Japan is to determine your record of absolute must-do’s when you’re there. You can begin by testing our record of the best things to do in Japan and our Japan itineraries. You possibly can copy our itineraries at no cost.
We even have guides for the big cities on accommodation that keep in mind choices for several types of travellers (solo, couple, household), finances, and in addition location to public transport.
When you’re on the level the place you already know what cities you wish to go to and the way lengthy you wish to spend in every one, the remainder of it just about takes care of itself! However be happy to all the time ask something in our Facebook Group you could be frightened about! We’re right here to assist.
Ought to I take advantage of a journey company or plan my very own Japan journey?
We extremely advocate planning your personal journey and utilizing our group and web site as a useful resource to make it occur! It would really feel a bit scary at first, however you’ll save a lot cash (or be capable of spend a bit extra on the stuff you’d REALLY like to do to make it particular) by reserving every little thing your self. We’ve seen individuals save hundreds of kilos by avoiding journey businesses!
To begin, I recommend looking at our itineraries and “things to do in Japan” information as inspiration. You possibly can evaluate it to the record you’ve already product of stuff you’d love to do. You need to use and duplicate our itineraries at no cost and use our accommodation guides to e-book the best accommodations on your journey with out overpaying.
I need assistance with my itinerary
We’re all the time blissful to check out your deliberate itinerary when you submit it in our Facebook Group. Nonetheless, please have a tough plan whenever you submit it. To get began, check out our pre-planned itineraries for first-time guests – they’re free to repeat and embrace day-to-day plans, strolling routes, lodging suggestions and extra.
Transportation in Japan
Do I would like a Japan Rail Move? Is it value it for my journey?
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Move) could be a nice cash saver, because it means that you can take limitless prepare rides on the JR strains in Japan. Nonetheless, the costs of those passes have elevated considerably in October 2023. For the reason that value enhance, most individuals travelling to Japan will likely be higher off shopping for particular person prepare tickets or regional passes as a substitute of the JR Move.
The easiest way to determine whether or not or not the go is value it on your journey is by utilizing a JR Pass Calculator. Merely add your itinerary to this calculator and it’ll add up the costs of particular person tickets to indicate you whether or not or not the go may prevent cash.
How one can e-book Shinkansen (Bullet Prepare) tickets?
If the JR Move isn’t a good suggestion on your journey, you could possibly purchase particular person tickets for the Shinkansen as a substitute. The simplest manner to take action is to purchase them from the prepare station in Japan on the day of your journey. If you wish to pre-book tickets, nonetheless, you should use web sites like Klook to purchase your tickets prematurely.
Can I take my baggage with me on the Shinkansen?
Sure, you may take most baggage on the Shinkansen with you. Nonetheless, outsized baggage could require a reservation.
Luggage which are between 161 and 250 cm (when including up the size, width and peak) require a reservation, which you are able to do on the station, the JR workplace or on-line. Merely let the member of workers know you’d wish to deliver a big bag with you, or choose the “seat with an outsized baggage space” when reserving on-line.
Luggage that exceed 250 cm (when including up the size, width and peak), are usually not allowed to be introduced on the Shinkansen with you. You’ll find extra details about this on the official JR website.
Which IC card is healthier? Suica, Pasmo or Icoca?
These are just about the identical, simply with a special title. The title will differ relying on the place you purchase the go – in Tokyo, you’ll discover Suica and Pasmo, for instance. It doesn’t matter which one you get, as you’ll be capable of use them all through Japan (other than Okinawa).
Lodging/Motels in Japan
I’m on the lookout for accommodations in x metropolis, any suggestions?
We have now complete guides on the perfect areas in most main Japanese cities, together with our favorite resort and ryokan picks. Earlier than asking the Fb Group, check out the guides under (we recurrently replace them!):
What web sites are legit/protected for reserving accommodations in Japan?
Should you’re reserving your personal journey (and not using a journey company), you should use the next websites to soundly e-book your accommodations:
There are different reliable web sites, in fact, however the ones talked about above are those I take advantage of. You may also take into account testing an Airbnb in Japan, which may very well be an excellent possibility when you’re staying someplace for an extended interval.
How far prematurely ought to I e-book my accommodations?
It’s essential to e-book your accommodations prematurely. Nonetheless, take into account that some accommodations in Japan don’t open up reservations till 3–6 months earlier than the dates.
Cellphone and Web Entry in Japan
Are you able to depend on public WiFi in Japan?
No, public WiFi isn’t broadly accessible in Japan. However even when it’s accessible, you need to all the time be cautious when utilizing free public WiFi and not using a correct VPN. Getting a Pocket WiFi or eSIM when travelling in Japan is an inexpensive answer to accessing the Web always – it’s a MUST, particularly when utilizing Google Maps and Google Translate to make your manner round Japan.
Is Pocket WiFi or an eSIM higher in Japan?
Each Pocket WiFi and eSIMs are nice options to achieve Web entry in Japan. Which one is healthier will depend on your private preferences. Personally, I’m an enormous fan of Pocket WiFi, as I can join a number of gadgets to it, which makes it excellent for travelling round with my fiance.
Do you will have a reduction for Pocket WiFi or eSIM?
We do! You need to use the next codes for a reduction on Pocket WiFi:
What important apps do I must obtain earlier than travelling to Japan?
Downloading Google Maps and including your Suica card to your telephone pockets is important. Try our full information with the best apps for travelling in Japan for some extra helpful downloads.
