How to Plan A Trip to Japan In 8 Steps (tips from a local)

I love Japan. I spend around half the year traveling and exploring here. And it’s always the first place I recommend for anyone looking for an overseas adventure.

So if you’re keen to visit, then you’re in the right place. Welcome to my guide on how to plan a trip to Japan (on your own or in a group).

This is my process in a quick step-by-step guide. It’s how I map things out, from researching where I’ll be staying to booking flights and planning things to do.

But enough chit chat — let’s do this!

1. Decide Where In Japan You Want to Go

Japan is a country full of beauty. There are so many hidden gems and pockets to explore.

So step one in planning your trip to Japan is deciding exactly where it is you want to go.

Do you prefer the city?

Or do you want to take things slower on the outskirts?

Maybe both.

Visiting multiple cities is a common way to do Japan, so you may want to choose a few different locations to explore (if you have at least a week to travel around).

Ultimatley though, it’s up to you, your goals and lifestyle preferences. But there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with the country and be back for more trips down the road.

So no stress about trying to do everything — keep your traveling stress-free.

Here are a some of the more popular places to visit:

Tokyo (+ the surrounding areas)

The largest city in Japan (and in the world)
Tokyo has the most stuff to do and is close to other popular places like Yokohama (also just a couple hours from Izu and Mt. Fuji)
Learn more about the best places to stay your first time to Tokyo!

Osaka

Second largest city in Japan
Osaka is close to popular historical spots like Kyoto and Nara

Kyoto

Historical gem with lots of temples and old buildings
Quick Japan fact — Kyoto was once the capital of Japan (from 794-1868)

Okinawa

It’s like “Japan’s Hawaii”
It’s perfect if you love beaches, laid-back vibes and palm trees

Hiroshima

Historical and home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Ginzan Onsen

A nostalgic, breathtaking town in the remote mountains of Yamagata prefecture
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away was inspired by this town

Sapparo, Hokkaido

Especially great for nature lovers and winter sports
There’s also an annual ice festival in Sapporo every February

Also, since Japan’s transportation infrastructure is super reliable and convenient, you can easily hop on a train to explore different parts of the country.

If you do decide on long-distance train travel, you may consider researching and buying the Japan Rail Pass to save on costs.

2. Choose A Time to Go

*A snowy walk in Kichijoji; winter 2023*

Choosing when to go and for how long is one of the most important parts of planning your trip to Japan.

Because some times of the year are just way better than others.

On the flipside, traveling during Japan’s shoulder season can save you some loot and you’ll get less crowds too.

So it all depends on your travel goals, personal preferences, lifestyle and circumstances.

But the most popular times to visit Japan are either:

Spring (especially for sakura season)
Fall (especially during kōyō season)
Winter (for snowboarding or skiing)

The summer time is extremely hot and humid and the rainy season is usually from early June to mid-July. Then there’s the typhoons — these are most active from July to September.

So, spring and fall are the most popular times to travel. And of course, Japanese winters are popular with skiers and boarders.

Recommended: My Top Tokyo Travel Tips

3. Research Stuff to Do

After you know where you want to go, when and for how long, it’s time to explore things to do.

For this part of the planning, it helps to know what type of traveler you are.

For example, I love creative travel. So naturally, I opt for places and things that are perfect for my creative travel projects (like filming and music production).

But rest assured, Japan has something for everyone — from adventure travel to foodie stuff, you’re covered.

While I usually like to leave part of my travels open for spontaneity, having some travel goals can help too.

There’s so much to do in Japan, but I recommend dabbling in a variety of things.

Try to balance doing things you love (stuff that suits your personality, interests and lifestyle) with some new experiences to push your comfort zone a bit.

Recommended: My Favorite Things to Do In Tokyo

4. Do Some Budgeting

As you know, budgeting is important.

So I always make sure I’ll have plenty of money to cover all of my accommodations, plane tickets, transportation, food and activities.

Luckily, you can definitely do Japan for cheap — especially with the weakened yen (as I write this post).

I actually wrote a whole post covering my average weekly and monthly expenses (linked just below), but here are some rough numbers I’d budget for (*not including flights):

¥80-100,000 per week (for the budget traveler)
¥200,000+ per week (for nicer stays, pricier activities and multi-city travel)

Recommended: Is Tokyo Expensive? (what I spend)

5. Buy Your Tickets + Accommodations

*Sunny day at Starbucks; somewhere in Tokyo, 2023*

Now for the fun part (well, besides the actual traveling). It’s time to buy your tickets and hotels!

For accommodations, I usually stay at a share house, but these places generally require a minimum one month stay (you can read my full guide on share houses here).

So if that’s out, my next go-to is AirBnB.

For booking flights, I usually use:

Google Flights (and follow the steps to each airline’s site)
Alternative Airlines (if I want to use my PayPal credit)

Just remember, if you’re planning to visit more countries after Japan, buy those plane tickets before your arrival (so you have proof of onward travel).

6. Study Up On the Etiquette

The last step in planning a successful trip to Japan is to learn some of the important etiquette and other cultural points.

Japan is known for its politeness and manners. So it’s super important that we, as visitors, respect that culture and all the amazing people who live here.

While you won’t be publicly shamed for making an honest mistake, there are some key tips to know for etiquette in Japan:

Avoid talking on the phone (or being loud) while on the train
Give up your seat for elderly, pregnant or injured people on the train
Stand to the left of the escalator in Tokyo and Kanto region
Stand to the right of the escalator in Osaka and Kansai region
Avoid eating on trains or in public streets (find a quiet area or park instead)
Always take your shoes off when entering a home (and some businesses/traditional restaurants)
Just use your common sense and don’t be a butt

7. Grab Some Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will help you cover any surprise expenses while abroad, like lost luggage, missed flights, evacuation needs or medical emergencies.

Luckily, there are plenty of flexible options for travelers these days.

Personally, I use SafetyWing, which works like a sort of subscription service where you can start and stop at any time.

But whoever you go with, travel insurance gives you peace of mind and protects you from emergencies and travel curveballs. Because even though Japan is safe and has low crimes (like theft), it’s nice to know you’re covered either way.

I recently wrote a whole review on the best long-term travel insurance. You can check out that post here to learn more!

8. Pack + Go

Packing. Going. It’s the fun part!

Personally, I pack like a minimalist. But packing light also leaves room for souvenirs. Japan has most any toiletries you could possibly need, so I save space by buying stuff after I arrive.

I also like to double check entry requirements also. Bu tif you’re a US citizen traveling to Japan (as a tourist), it’s pretty simple.

You basically just need your passport (that’s not expiring within the next six months), accommodations (to fill out your immigration form) and proof of onward travel. You’ll automatically get a 90-day tourist visa on arrival.

Still, it’s always best to check with Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for updates on travel.

You can check the recommended link below for my checklist on what you need for international travel to learn more!

BONUS (learn some Japanese)

Besides being respectful with Japanese etiquette, it’s also helpful to learn some basic Japanese.

So here are a few phrases that’ll help a lot as you explore the land of the rising sun:

Daijoubu (desu)

I’m okay/fine
I don’t need anything
I don’t need a bag (at the store)

Daijoubu (desu ka)?

Are you okay?

Arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you

Sumimasen

Excuse me

Sumimasen, ___ wa doko desu ka?

Excuse me, where is (the) ___?

Ikura desu ka?

How much is it?

Mata ne

See you later!

And that’s a wrap!

You now have my process for how to plan a trip to Japan. Just remember to have fun, keep things open for spontaneity and make sure you budget enough money (so you don’t get stuck overseas penniless).

Later ✌️

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