Neighborhoods
Where to Stay
5 distinct areas, each with its own personality
Shinjuku
$$–$$$Tokyo's entertainment and nightlife hub. Kabukicho red-light district, Golden Gai bar alley, world's busiest train station, and skyscraper views.
Kyoto
$$–$$$Japan's cultural capital. Fushimi Inari's 10,000 torii gates, Arashiyama bamboo grove, geisha district Gion, and hundreds of temples.
Osaka
$–$$Japan's street food capital. Dotonbori neon strip, takoyaki and okonomiyaki, Osaka Castle, and a famously warm and outgoing local culture.
Shibuya
$$–$$$The iconic scramble crossing, youth fashion in Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, and trendy cafés. Tokyo's most photogenic neighbourhood.
Hakone
$$$Mountain resort town with views of Mt. Fuji, open-air museums, traditional ryokan inns, and therapeutic hot spring onsen.
Planning
Best Time to Visit
Cherry Blossom
BestSakura season — Japan at its most magical. Book accommodations 6+ months ahead.
Autumn Foliage
BestStunning red and gold maple foliage. Cooler temperatures, great for hiking and temples.
Summer
GoodHot and humid. Matsuri festivals throughout. June is rainy season.
Winter
GreatFewer crowds, great skiing in Hokkaido and Nagano. Illuminations and hot pot season.
Transport
Getting Around
GO (タクシー)
Japan's leading taxi-hailing app. Available in all major cities. Metered, reliable, clean.
Uber Japan
Limited to taxis in Japan (no private drivers). Useful for English-language booking experience.
Other Transport Options
- →Shinkansen (bullet train): Tokyo–Osaka in 2h 30m. Buy an IC Card or JR Pass for multi-city travel.
- →IC Card (Suica/Pasmo): Rechargeable card for all trains, subways, and buses. Also works at many convenience stores.
- →JR Pass: 7/14/21-day unlimited shinkansen pass — worth it for multi-city trips. Buy before arriving in Japan.
- →Bicycle rental: Widely available in Kyoto. Perfect for temple-hopping.
Arrival
Airports
Narita International Airport
60 km from Tokyo, ~60 min by Narita Express
Haneda Airport
14 km from central Tokyo, 30 min by monorail or train
Stay Active
Fitness & Recreation
Gyms, studios, and recreation spots in Japan
Gold's Gym Japan
Gym ChainThe US classic fully transplanted to Tokyo — multiple central locations with top-tier equipment, free weights, and cardio. Day passes available for tourists.
Gravity Research Shibuya
Rock ClimbingTokyo's coolest bouldering gym in a converted warehouse. Flagship of a growing chain. Rental shoes and chalk available — no experience needed.
Anytime Fitness Japan
24-Hour Gym500+ locations across Japan with 24/7 access. Your home gym membership likely grants access. Best option for consistent training while traveling the country.
Sumida Aquatics Center
Olympic Swimming PoolTokyo 2020 Olympic venue — now open to the public. Stunning Kengo Kuma-designed building with 50m competition pool and recreational pool.
Koenji Area Running
Running & ParksShinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park are Tokyo's best running routes — flat, tree-lined, and 2–3 km loops. Early morning runs with locals are a cultural experience.
Travel Insurance
Protect Your Trip
Don't skip this. Medical emergencies abroad can cost tens of thousands.
Japan has excellent hospitals but healthcare is expensive without insurance. Emergency services are world-class. Tap water is safe everywhere. Air quality is generally good.
SafetyWing
Best for digital nomads & long-term travelers
Subscription-based travel medical insurance. Renew monthly, cancel any time. Great for remote workers staying 1–3+ months.
World Nomads
Best for adventure travelers
Covers 200+ activities including surfing, scooter riding, and diving. Popular with backpackers and active travelers.
Allianz Travel
Best for trip cancellation coverage
Comprehensive coverage with strong trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Ideal for expensive pre-paid bookings.
Know Before You Go
Legal Guide
Important laws and customs every traveler must know
Drug Laws
Japan has zero tolerance for all illegal drugs. Marijuana possession can result in 5 years imprisonment. Bringing certain prescription medications (including Adderall and some pseudoephedrine products) without a Yunyu Kakunin-sho import certificate is illegal.
Tattoos
Tattoos are prohibited in most onsen (hot springs), public pools, and some gyms due to historical yakuza associations. Private onsen can be booked if tattooed. This is strictly enforced.
Cash Culture
Japan is heavily cash-based. Many restaurants, shrines, and smaller shops do not accept cards. Always carry ¥5,000–10,000 in cash. 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.
Public Behavior
Eating and drinking while walking is considered rude. Phone calls on trains are frowned upon — use silent mode. Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude.
Experiences
Top Tours & Activities
Tsukiji Outer Market Food Tour
from $55Early morning sushi breakfast, tamagoyaki, and seafood tastings at Tokyo's legendary fish market area.
Kyoto Full Day Temples & Geisha
from $70Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Gion district evening walk with geisha spotting.
Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo
from $80Fuji 5th Station, Chureito Pagoda viewpoint, Lake Kawaguchiko cruise.
TeamLab Borderless / Planets Tokyo
from $30World-famous digital art museum — immersive rooms you walk through.
Tokyo Street Food Night Tour
from $65Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku food crawl — ramen, yakitori, convenience store culture.
After Dark
Nightlife
The best bars, clubs, and late-night spots in Japan
Womb
NightclubShibuya's premier electronic music club — 4 floors, laser shows, international headliners
Golden Gai
Bar District200+ tiny 6-seat bars in Shinjuku, each with a unique theme. The most atmospheric drinking experience in the world.
Circus Tokyo
NightclubShibuya underground club with cutting-edge electronic DJs, resident and guest nights
Dotonbori Strip
Bar DistrictOsaka's iconic neon-lit canal street — izakayas, karaoke boxes, and standing bars
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