With travel restrictions finally starting to loosen up all around the world. It’s time to finally plan traveling to Japan.
One of the World’s top ten travel destinations it has everything you can ask for. Culture, history, art, nature and food. Here is everything you need to know! Book your next excursion now.
Travel Restrictions
First things first, can you travel to Japan right now? Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, the answer is still no. But you can keep an eye on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s official website. See when travel restrictions change for your country.
Vaccinations have started and the government is planning to vaccinate all seniors by the end of July. The rest of the population by the end of November 2021 at the latest. Still you should still be cautious and double-check cancellation policies for all airlines and hotels. Now is the perfect time to start planning for travel in 2022.
Do you need a visa to travel to Japan?
Most people do not need a visa to travel to Japan – great news for making your travel dreams come true! All EU and US citizens can stay in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. You can find the Japan travel visa rules for all countries here.
How much does it cost to travel to Japan?
It’s a good idea to create a budget for your trip. That way you can enjoy your holiday without having to worry about money. You might have heard some people saying that Japan is expensive. The reality is that Japan can be a lot cheaper to visit compared to many European countries. It all depends on where you choose to spend your money.
Have you read about the island from Squid Game?
Accommodation in Japan
If you’re traveling to the big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka hotels can be quite expensive. But, if you don’t mind sharing a room or a bathroom with fellow travelers, there are many hostels to be found at affordable prices.
You can also opt for a hotel a bit further out from the city center. Since public transport is so efficient in Japan (and can take you pretty much anywhere you want to go) you actually don’t need to stay in the middle of town. Instead, look for a nice suburb and explore some hidden gems while you’re there.
Tokyo, Kyoto & Sapporo
There are many places worth visiting in Japan, and of course, the big cities are some of the most popular.
Tokyo is one of the most alive and vibrant cities you can visit, with 23 different wards there is a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping and entertainment for visitors to explore. There are options for private tours, which we always recommend, where you can spend a day out of the city or with a local guide to take you to the closest hot spots. Dozens of temples, shrines, national parks, museums and places to eat, you won’t run out of things to do. You can experience rich culture in Asakusa and its many museums and temples.
Kyoto, smaller than Tokyo but still one of the larger cities, has a more laid-back and friendly feel, and it is close to nature if you want to explore the beautiful seasons of Japan. Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto only takes 2-3 hours by (a beautiful) train ride, so if you extend your trip by just a few more days you can add Kyoto to your list.
Sapporo, famous for its annual Snow Festival, will take you 2 train rides from Tokyo and about 8-9 hours in general. February is also great for the plum blossom season (lesser known, but just as beautiful as the cherry blossoms).
Japan Rail Pass
The Japan Rail Pass is a train pass you can use for travel all around the country. Not only do you get to see the big cities – but you also get to see the beautiful landscapes and small towns in between.
The travel pass can be easily booked through the official website, or through one of the JR sales offices overseas.
So now you know everything you need to know to start traveling to Japan (once borders open again of course). Japan is a beautiful country with many places worth visiting, so plan ahead to make sure you don’t get overwhelmed by choices once you get there.
Make sure to include plenty of time in your itinerary so that you can enjoy your trip. You need time to get lost in the back streets of Tokyo, explore the forests in Kyoto, or watch the trees pass by from the inside of a bullet train. Whatever you do and wherever you choose to go, Japan will be everything you can ask for and more!
