Japan
Travel guide & places to visit in Asia
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Currency
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Language
- Japanese (official)
- Best time
- March, April, October
About Japan
Third-largest economy globally. Leader in automotive, electronics, robotics. Aging population challenge.
Geography
Area: 377,975 sq km
- • Tropical south to cool temperate north
- • Four distinct seasons
- • Rainy season June-July, typhoons Aug-Oct
- • Heavy snow in Hokkaido winter
Government
Type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital: Tokyo
Economy
GDP: $4.937 trillion
Per Capita: $39,300
Demographics
Population: 123,294,513
Languages: Japanese (official)
Religions: Shinto and Buddhism 69%, Christianity 1.5%
Explore Japan's Regions
Discover 47 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.
Major Cities in Japan
Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.
Places to Visit
oceanarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Japan
Nara Park
Japan
castle
Nijo castle
Japan
Seiganto-ji
Japan
Takkoku-no-Iwaya
Japan
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Japan
Travel Essentials
Contact & Emergency
Phone Code: +81
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
fire: 119
police: 110
ambulance: 119
Practical Info
Electricity: 100V / 50-60Hz / Type A, B
Driving: Left
Water: Safe to drink
Tipping
- • DO NOT TIP — it can be considered rude
- • Acknowledge service with a small gift instead
When to Visit Japan
Best Months
March, April, October, November
Peak Season
Cherry blossom (late Mar-Apr), Golden Week (late Apr-early May), autumn (Nov)
Off Season
Jan-Feb (cold but uncrowded), Jun-Jul (rainy)
- Feb
Sapporo Snow Festival
- Mar-Apr
Cherry blossom season
- Jul
Gion Matsuri, summer fireworks
- Nov
Peak autumn foliage in Kyoto
Top Destinations in Japan
- 1Tokyo (Shibuya, Asakusa, Akihabara)
- 2Kyoto (temples, geisha district)
- 3Osaka (street food)
- 4Mount Fuji
- 5Hiroshima
- 6Nara (deer park)
- 7Hakone (hot springs)
- 8Miyajima (floating torii)
- 9Takayama
- 10Okinawa
- 11Hokkaido
Cultural Tips
- Remove shoes entering homes, temples, ryokans
- Bow when greeting
- Never tip — considered rude
- Silence on public transport
- Carry cash — many places don't accept cards
- Tattoos may prevent onsen entry
- Slurping noodles is expected and polite
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japan expensive?
Can be surprisingly affordable. Budget: 8,000-12,000 JPY/day ($55-80). JR Pass saves on transport.
Do I need Japanese?
Major tourist areas have English signs. Translation apps work well on signs.
What is a JR Pass?
Unlimited JR trains including shinkansen. 7-day ~50,000 JPY. Worth it for Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka.
What to Buy in Japan
Mark Japan as Visited
Add Japan to your personal travel map and track your journey around the world. Share your adventures and see your progress grow.
Open Travel Tracker