Plan Your Perfect Japan Tour with Our Top Travel Tips
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1. Best Things to Do in Japan
- Visit Historic Temples and Shrines: Kyoto: Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Kiyomizu-dera. Nara: Visit Todai-ji and its giant Buddha statue. Tokyo: See Senso-ji in Asakusa and the Meiji Shrine in Shibuya.
- Experience Japanese Cuisine: Sushi: Try fresh sushi at Tsukiji or Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo. Street Food: Enjoy takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Osaka's Dotonbori district. Ramen: Sample different ramen styles at Ichiran or local ramen shops.
- Relax in an Onsen (Hot Spring): Hakone: Stay at a traditional ryokan and soak in the hot springs. Beppu: Famous for its multiple hot spring resorts and unique hot spring experiences.
- Explore Modern Cities: Tokyo: Wander through Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara for shopping, entertainment, and technology. Osaka: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Namba and Umeda.
- Take a Scenic Train Ride: Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Experience the speed and efficiency of Japan’s high-speed rail network. Romantic Train Rides: Take the Sagano Scenic Railway in Kyoto or the Gono Line in Tohoku for breathtaking views.
- Visit Iconic Landmarks: Mount Fuji: Climb or view this iconic peak from locations like Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes. Tokyo Tower and Skytree: Get panoramic views of Tokyo from these observation towers.
- Experience Traditional Japanese Culture: Tea Ceremony: Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto or Tokyo. Kimono Rental: Rent a kimono and stroll through historic districts like Gion in Kyoto.
- Explore Nature and Gardens: Kenrokuen Garden: Visit one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens in Kanazawa. Hiking: Explore trails in national parks like Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps.
- Visit Castles and Historic Sites: Himeji Castle: Explore one of Japan’s most well-preserved and famous castles. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Learn about the history and impact of the atomic bombing.
- Shop for Unique Souvenirs: Japanese Crafts: Buy traditional items like pottery, lacquerware, and textiles. Anime and Manga: Shop for collectibles and merchandise in Akihabara, Tokyo.
- Discover Unique Museums: Ghibli Museum: Dive into the world of Studio Ghibli in Mitaka, Tokyo. Osaka Aquarium: Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world.
- Take a Boat Ride: Lake Ashi: Enjoy a scenic boat ride with views of Mount Fuji in Hakone. Sumida River: Take a river cruise in Tokyo for unique city views.
2. Best Time to Visit Japan
Spring (March to May)
- Highlights: Cherry Blossom Season: This is one of the most popular times to visit Japan. The cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom, creating stunning landscapes. Major cherry blossom spots include Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, and Hirosaki Castle in Aomori.
- Pleasant Weather: The weather is mild and comfortable with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. It’s perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November)
- Highlights: Autumn Foliage: The fall season offers beautiful autumn colors (koyo) as the leaves change to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Popular spots for autumn foliage include Nikko, Kyoto, and the Japanese Alps.
- Mild Weather: Similar to spring, the weather is comfortable with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. It’s an ideal time for hiking, exploring temples, and enjoying nature.
Other Considerations
- Winter (December to February): If you enjoy winter sports, consider visiting during the winter. Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps are famous for skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, winter illuminations and the Sapporo Snow Festival are spectacular events.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is hot and humid but it’s also the time for many lively festivals like Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and fireworks displays. However, it’s also the rainy season (tsuyu) from June to mid-July, which might affect your travel plans.
Why These Seasons are Ideal for Travelers from India:
- Weather: Spring and autumn offer moderate and pleasant weather which is a nice change from the extreme heat of Indian summers.
- Natural Beauty: These seasons showcase Japan’s natural beauty at its best with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.
- Festivals and Events: You can experience unique cultural festivals and seasonal events that add to the richness of your travel experience.
3. Documents Needed for Japan Travel
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Japan and has at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Visa: Apply for a short-term tourist visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Required documents include a completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, your original passport, confirmed return flight ticket, detailed travel itinerary, bank statements, employment proof, and a cover letter explaining your visit.
- Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other potential travel disruptions.
- Flight Tickets: Confirmed return or onward flight ticket to demonstrate your intention to leave Japan after your visit.
- Accommodation Proof: Confirmed hotel reservations for your entire stay or an invitation letter if staying with friends or relatives, along with their residence proof.
- Financial Proof: Recent bank statements for the last three to six months and copies of your income tax returns to show sufficient funds to cover your stay.
- Employment Proof: A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and approval of leave or proof of business ownership if self-employed.
4. Travel Insurance for Japan Travel from India
- Medical Coverage: Ensure the policy covers emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, and repatriation.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Look for coverage that reimburses non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip.
- Baggage and Personal Belongings: Choose insurance that compensates for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage.
- Travel Delays: Opt for coverage that reimburses additional expenses incurred due to significant travel delays.
- Personal Liability: Include liability coverage for any injury you may cause to others or damage to their property.
- Additional Coverages: Consider policies that cover adventure sports and Covid-19 related issues such as medical expenses and quarantine costs.
- Choosing the Right Plan: Compare coverage, read reviews, check exclusions, understand the claims process, and consider costs.
5. Local Currency in Japan
Local Currency in Japan: Japanese Yen (JPY).
Before Travel in India:
- Exchange at Banks: Use currency exchange counters (Thomas Cook, Centrum, Muthoot Forex).
- Order Online: Via platforms like BookMyForex and FxKart.
- Load a Prepaid Forex Card: For convenience and security.
After Arrival in Japan:
- Exchange at Airport Counters and Japanese Banks: (Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui).
- Use Licensed Exchange Offices: (Travelex, Sakura Exchange Bureau).
- Withdraw from International ATMs: Available at post offices and convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson).
6. Must-Try and Popular Dishes in Japan
Non-Vegetarian Dishes:
- Sushi: Vinegared rice combined with various ingredients, typically raw fish such as tuna, salmon, and eel.
- Sashimi: Thinly sliced raw fish or seafood served with soy sauce and wasabi.
- Ramen: Noodles in a flavorful broth, often topped with slices of pork, soft-boiled egg, and vegetables.
- Tempura: Battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables, usually served with a dipping sauce.
- Yakitori: Skewered and grilled chicken, often seasoned with tare sauce or simply salted.
- Tonkatsu: Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, typically served with shredded cabbage and a tangy sauce.
- Unagi: Grilled eel glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, often served over rice.
- Okonomiyaki: Savory pancake filled with ingredients like pork, seafood, and cabbage, topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Vegetarian Dishes:
- Tempura (Vegetable): Battered and deep-fried vegetables such as sweet potato, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Vegetarian Sushi: Sushi rolls made with cucumber, avocado, pickled radish, and other vegetables.
- Miso Soup: Traditional soup made from miso paste, tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
- Soba: Buckwheat noodles served either cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth, often accompanied by tempura vegetables.
- Udon: Thick wheat noodles served in a mild broth with toppings like green onions, tempura, and tofu.
- Nasu Dengaku: Grilled eggplant glazed with a sweet miso sauce.
- Yudofu: Tofu simmered in a simple broth and served with dipping sauces.
- Kinpira Gobo: Stir-fried burdock root and carrot seasoned with soy sauce and sugar.
