How can one not love Japan? This country boasts shrines, temples, peaceful gardens, towering skyscrapers, and a quirky pop culture that has captured the hearts of many fans worldwide. It’s a country of contrasts, as it can be overwhelming and calming at the same time. When travelling to Japan, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it instantly – in fact, there’s a good chance it will become one of your favourite destinations! As with any trip, the whole point of travelling to Japan is to make unforgettable memories and enjoy your stay in the country as much as you can.
However, if it’s your first time travelling to this beautiful destination, there are probably many questions in your mind, and you may feel overwhelmed about how you should plan your trip. If this is you, don’t worry – we’ve got your back! In this blog, we’ve put together some tips to help you turn your Japan trip into one you’ll remember forever. Keep reading!
Decide when you’ll go
While there’s not really a “bad” time to go to Japan, some seasons will be more enjoyable than others, depending on what you want to do in the country. For instance, if you want to enjoy winter activities such as snowboarding, skiing, or seeing Mount Fuji, it only makes sense to plan your trip in winter. On the other hand, if you want to have fun at local festivals and relax at the beach, summer is the best season for visiting Japan.
In general, however, tourists choose to visit the country in spring or autumn because it’s the ideal weather, and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms and the autumn leaves, respectively. Ultimately, it’s really up to you to decide, so take the time to think about what you would like to do during your trip.
Choose the right accommodation
Different accommodations are available in Japan, so you can choose where you want to stay based on your preferences. Suppose you want a unique experience; trying a capsule hotel while in Japan is a good idea. However, if you want to get a taste of the Japanese culture, there’s no better accommodation than a traditional ryokan, which is a traditional inn, where guest room floors have tatami mats as coverage, and they include a low table surrounded by leg-less chairs and cushions.
For sleeping, instead of a bed, there’s a futon mattress, and for bathing, there is either a private bathroom or a communal facility. You also have the option to stay in a hotel room, which is Western-style and includes many amenities, from pyjamas and slippers to shampoo and toothbrushes.
Think about how you will get around
There are different ways to get around Japan. First of all, the country has a reliable rail network, and the trains are differentiated by the stations at which they stop. If you’re planning to travel a lot, it’s a good idea to buy a Japan Rail Pass ticket – while it may seem expensive, it can be a good deal depending on the train trips you make. You can also take the subway, the bus, or a taxi, but if you’d like to have more freedom when getting around the country and enjoying everything you want, you may want to rent a car.
Safety comes first whenever you’re behind the wheel, so there’s probably no need to mention that you should adhere to the traffic rules and take preventive measures. Unfortunately, road traffic accidents are prevalent, and according to Public Interest Lawyers, one of the reasons why they happen is failure to pay attention to the roads. So, to be safe, drive carefully at all times – most people do so in Japan, although some like to speed.
Try mastering basic Japanese words
This is probably no surprise, but you need to know that Japanese is the primary language in Japan. While English is taught in schools, many people aren’t comfortable using it in a conversation. While in large tourist centres like Kyoto and Tokyo, English is more common, that’s not the case in smaller towns. We recommend trying to learn a few phrases and greetings before travelling to Japan, as this will be greatly appreciated.
Follow etiquette at temples and shrines
For a nice experience in Japan, it’s worth following cultural etiquette, particularly when visiting temples and shrines. When entering a temple building, be sure to remove your shoes—you will either receive a plastic bag in which you can carry them or be required to leave them at the entrance. While there are no dress codes, you shouldn’t be noisy when visiting a Japanese temple, so make sure to show respect.
Enjoy a unique culinary experience
Japan has some popular dishes such as noodle soups, rice bowls, sushi, and hot pots, but don’t worry if these aren’t your favourites; there are plenty of Western food options to try, too, so you don’t have to worry that, you will end up starving. Japan has a really interesting culinary experience, as at the beginning of a meal, you will receive a warm, damp cloth for wiping your hands, and some restaurants will place a basket beside the table so that you can put your belongings (such as bags or purses) in it.
Not all restaurants have forks and spoons included – some of them only have chopsticks, so it’s a good idea to learn how to use them before travelling to Japan. By the way, you definitely want to try the soft ice cream in the country as part of the culinary experience – it’s really delicious and creamy, and it comes in local flavours, including cherry blossom and green tea.
Final words
Japanese people are truly welcoming, and the great news is that the country is really easy to travel around! If you plan in advance, chances are, you will have an unforgettable time in the country! Happy travels!