Before heading to Japan, there are a number of things to consider. You will only have a limited amount of time to explore such an amazing country. What places will you visit? Where will you sleep? How will you get around? What should you pack? These are just a few common questions any traveler will ask themselves before traveling to a new place.

Where should I visit?
Only you can decide that for yourself, but the amount of time you have to visit and what interests you the most will dictate your travel plans. If you only have ten days or less, then Tokyo and the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe) are likely places to visit. The time of the year matters as well. Do you want to see the cherry blossoms? The Sapporo Snow Festival? Hike Mt. Fuji? These activities only happen during certain times of the year. Think about what excites you and go from there.
How do I get there?
Many major airlines including Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines have flights to Tokyo from the United States. Setup a price watch for the desired dates and be patient. You may save money bundling flights with a hotel stay through travel booking websites. Even booking a hotel for one night with your airline ticket can save hundreds of dollars. Most international flights come and go out of Narita Airport, but some fly into Haneda Airport.
What to pack?
The climate can vary greatly throughout the seasons and destination of your travels. Look at seasonal weather averages online for the places you plan to visit. Also note the temperatures of Mt. Fuji or other high altitude places you may explore. Expect rain in the months of March and April around the cherry blossom season.
Where to stay?
The choice is entirely up to you, but there are many options in Japan. There are plenty of hostels for the budget traveler, Airbnb for the more adventurous, and hotels of all levels for the standard journey. One thing to consider is staying at a ryokan. A ryokan is a Japanese traditional style inn with tatami flooring, authentic styled rooms, and typically a gender-separated hot spring bath. Consider all of the options with your budget, but try to fit in a ryokan if you are interested in a one-of-a-kind experience.
Do you need to speak Japanese?
The short answer is no, but it is a good idea to brush up on proper etiquette of Japan. There are a few phone apps that can assist with communicating along with a pocket dictionary. Many dining establishments have English menus along with English brochures at tourist attractions. When moving around the country, most signs and announcements are in English to make navigating the intricate transportation systems easier.
What are the transportation options?
Japan is famous for its modern, sophisticated, and punctual transportation systems. The most common form of long distance transportation is the Shinkansen rail system. The quick rail system can take you to many cities in a matter of hours (or 15 minutes from Osaka to Kyoto). In cities, the metro or above-ground rail lines are affordable and quick. Buses are also an inexpensive alternative, but can be complicated in larger cities. Taxis are common in many places, but expect drivers to speak no English. Some tourists decide to rent a car and explore more outlying areas or enjoy driving. Expect road tolls, different driving laws, and cars driving on the left side of the road.
Only you can decide that for yourself, but the amount of time you have to visit and what interests you the most will dictate your travel plans. If you only have ten days or less, then Tokyo and the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe) are likely places to visit. The time of the year matters as well. Do you want to see the cherry blossoms? The Sapporo Snow Festival? Hike Mt. Fuji? These activities only happen during certain times of the year. Think about what excites you and go from there.
How do I get there?
Many major airlines including Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines have flights to Tokyo from the United States. Setup a price watch for the desired dates and be patient. You may save money bundling flights with a hotel stay through travel booking websites. Even booking a hotel for one night with your airline ticket can save hundreds of dollars. Most international flights come and go out of Narita Airport, but some fly into Haneda Airport.
What to pack?
The climate can vary greatly throughout the seasons and destination of your travels. Look at seasonal weather averages online for the places you plan to visit. Also note the temperatures of Mt. Fuji or other high altitude places you may explore. Expect rain in the months of March and April around the cherry blossom season.
Where to stay?
The choice is entirely up to you, but there are many options in Japan. There are plenty of hostels for the budget traveler, Airbnb for the more adventurous, and hotels of all levels for the standard journey. One thing to consider is staying at a ryokan. A ryokan is a Japanese traditional style inn with tatami flooring, authentic styled rooms, and typically a gender-separated hot spring bath. Consider all of the options with your budget, but try to fit in a ryokan if you are interested in a one-of-a-kind experience.
Do you need to speak Japanese?
The short answer is no, but it is a good idea to brush up on proper etiquette of Japan. There are a few phone apps that can assist with communicating along with a pocket dictionary. Many dining establishments have English menus along with English brochures at tourist attractions. When moving around the country, most signs and announcements are in English to make navigating the intricate transportation systems easier.
What are the transportation options?
Japan is famous for its modern, sophisticated, and punctual transportation systems. The most common form of long distance transportation is the Shinkansen rail system. The quick rail system can take you to many cities in a matter of hours (or 15 minutes from Osaka to Kyoto). In cities, the metro or above-ground rail lines are affordable and quick. Buses are also an inexpensive alternative, but can be complicated in larger cities. Taxis are common in many places, but expect drivers to speak no English. Some tourists decide to rent a car and explore more outlying areas or enjoy driving. Expect road tolls, different driving laws, and cars driving on the left side of the road.