Japan travel guides
Travel Japan like you live here.
Day trips, train rides, local food and the little tips that make a trip easier, from someone who lives in Japan.
Why read our guides
- Written from JapanPlaces we have actually been, tips we actually use
- Kept up to dateRules and prices rechecked when things change
- Honest picksWe tell you when the free option is the better one
Every guide shows when it was last updated
Topics
Plan by topic
Latest
Latest guides
Arashiyama Guide: Tenryu-ji, the Sagano Romantic Train and How to Plan Your Day
Kyoto's western hills have a famous temple garden and a scenic little train. Tenryu-ji's fees and hours, how the Sagano Romantic Train works (and when it does not run), and how to get there.
Fushimi Inari Taisha: How to Visit Kyoto's Thousand Torii Gates (Without the Crowds)
Kyoto's famous tunnels of red torii gates, five minutes by train from Kyoto Station. How to get there, how far to hike up Mt. Inari, the shrine's rules, and the best times to avoid the crowds.
Ghibli Park Tickets Explained: Premium vs Standard Passes, Prices and How to Buy
Ghibli Park near Nagoya sells timed, named tickets in advance. The Premium and Standard pass prices, which areas each covers, the monthly sale dates, and the rules about names, ID and refunds.
Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo: Keikyu vs Monorail vs Taxi
Haneda is the closest airport to central Tokyo. Which train to take for your hotel area, journey times from the international terminal, the ¥590 Monorail and Yamanote discount ticket, and when a taxi makes sense.
Himeji Castle Day Trip: New 2026 Ticket Price, Koko-en Garden and How to Get There
Japan's most beautiful original castle is an easy trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Himeji Castle's admission rose to ¥2,500 in March 2026 (under 18s are free). Tickets, hours, Koko-en Garden and a simple plan.
Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Trip: Ferry, Itsukushima Shrine and Peace Museum Costs
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Museum and the shrine island of Miyajima make a powerful day. The ferry fares, the ¥100 island visit tax, Itsukushima Shrine and ropeway prices, and the museum's ticket and hours.
Sending Your Luggage Ahead in Japan: How TA-Q-BIN Works and What It Costs
Travel between cities without dragging a suitcase. How Japan's luggage delivery service works, real prices for a suitcase from Tokyo to Kyoto, airport delivery deadlines, and where to drop off.
Japan Plugs, Voltage and What to Pack: A Practical Checklist
Japan uses 100 volts and two flat-pin plugs, so many travelers need an adapter. What works, what does not, and a simple packing checklist for every season.
Japan Travel Taxes 2026: The ¥3,000 Departure Tax and Hotel Taxes Explained
Japan's departure tax tripled to ¥3,000 in July 2026, and Kyoto raised its hotel tax in March. What each tax costs, who pays, and how to budget for them on your trip.
Kanazawa Guide: Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle Park and the 21st Century Museum
Kanazawa is one of Japan's best-preserved castle towns, famous for Kenroku-en, one of the country's most celebrated gardens. Entry fees and hours for Kenroku-en, the castle and the 21st Century Museum, with free-entry days.
Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kyoto: HARUKA, Limousine Bus and Nankai (2026 Prices)
How to get from Kansai International Airport to Osaka and Kyoto. The HARUKA one-way ticket for visitors (new prices from November 1, 2026), the airport limousine bus, and which one fits your hotel.
Koyasan Guide: Kongobuji Admission, Okunoin Hours and November 2026 Closures
Koyasan, the mountaintop temple town in Wakayama, has one of Japan's most atmospheric cemeteries. Kongobuji's admission fees and the common ticket, Okunoin's lantern hall hours and the viewing restrictions this November.
Getting Around Kyoto: Buses, Subway and the 1-Day Pass (2026)
Kyoto's buses are famously crowded. How much the city bus and subway cost, whether the ¥1,100 subway and bus pass is worth it, the weekend tourist express bus, and tips to avoid the crush.
Kyoto Temple Hours 2026: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji and Autumn Night Openings
Opening hours for Kyoto's three most visited temples, the Kinkaku-ji ticket price, and the Kiyomizu-dera evening openings from November 21 to 30, 2026. Plus how to fit them into one day.
Narita Airport to Tokyo: Skyliner vs Bus vs Taxi (Prices and Times)
Narita is about an hour from central Tokyo. Compare the Keisei Skyliner (and its discount ticket), the ¥1,500 bus to Tokyo Station and fixed-fare taxis, and pick the best one for your hotel.
Osaka Amazing Pass 2026: Prices, What's Included and Is It Worth It?
The new Osaka Amazing Pass costs ¥3,500 for one day and covers subways, buses and several private railways plus about 40 attractions. What changed in 2026, what is not covered, and how to decide.
Tokyo Skytree vs Tokyo Tower: Ticket Prices, Hours and Which to Choose
Tokyo's two tallest landmarks both have observation decks. Ticket prices for Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, the service fee for buying at the counter, opening hours, and which view suits you.
Tokyo Subway Ticket: Is the 24, 48 or 72-Hour Pass Worth It?
The Tokyo Subway Ticket gives unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines from ¥1,000 a day. How many rides you need for it to pay off, what it does not cover, and the cheaper alternatives.
Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: The Classic Loop and the Hakone Freepass
Hot springs, a pirate ship on Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji views, all in one day from Tokyo. How to do the classic Hakone loop, what the Hakone Freepass covers, and the ropeway closures to know about this winter.
Getting Cash in Japan: Which ATMs Take Foreign Cards (7-Eleven, Japan Post)
Japan still runs on cash in many small shops, temples and food stalls. Which ATMs accept foreign cards, the withdrawal limits and fees, and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
eSIM or Pocket WiFi in Japan? How to Pick the Right One for Your Trip
Staying online in Japan is easy, but eSIMs, pocket WiFi and roaming each suit a different kind of traveler. Here is how they compare on price, setup and convenience, and which one to choose.
Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: How the New Refund System Works
Since November 1, 2026, tourists in Japan pay the full price with tax and get the tax back at the airport. Here is what changed, the ¥5,000 rule and what to do at the airport.
Is the JR Pass Worth It in 2026? A Simple Way to Decide
The Japan Rail Pass costs ¥50,000 for 7 days, and a Tokyo–Osaka round trip alone does not cover it. Here is a simple check to see if the pass pays off for your route, plus the Nozomi rule and where to buy.
Kamakura and Enoshima Day Trip from Tokyo: Route, Passes and Entry Fees
The Great Buddha, seaside temples, a little train along the coast and an island with sunset views. How to see Kamakura and Enoshima in one day from Tokyo, which pass to buy, and what the main sights cost.
Mt. Fuji Day Trip to Lake Kawaguchiko: Train vs Bus, Bus Passes and the Ropeway
The classic Mt. Fuji views are at Lake Kawaguchiko, under two hours from Shinjuku. Train or highway bus, which local bus pass to buy, the ropeway, and how to give yourself the best chance of seeing Fuji.
Nara Day Trip from Kyoto or Osaka: Deer, the Great Buddha and Entry Fees
Friendly deer, the world's largest bronze Buddha hall and a lantern-lined shrine, all within walking distance. How to plan a Nara day trip, what Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha cost, and how to behave around the deer.
Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Toshogu Shrine, the NIKKO PASS and What It Costs
Gold-covered shrines in a cedar forest, waterfalls and a mountain lake, about two hours from Asakusa. How to plan a Nikko day trip, which NIKKO PASS to buy, and the entry fees for Toshogu.