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Japan travel scene

Find a Travel Partner in Japan

Japan runs on a beautiful contrast between the ultramodern and the ancient - bullet trains and bamboo forests, late-night ramen and centuries-old shrines. It's safe, spotless and endlessly rewarding, and the food never stops surprising.

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan at a glance

Capital
Tokyo
Largest city
Tokyo
Official language
Japanese
Area
377,930 kmยฒ (145,920 miยฒ)
Population
124.0 million2024 ยท World Bank
Currency
Japanese yen โ€” JPY (ยฅ)
Region
Eastern Asia
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Calling code
+81
Plug type
Type A, B
Local time ยท Tokyo
Sat 02:49
Weather now ยท Tokyo
22ยฐC Overcast
Exchange rate
$1 = 161 JPY

Data updated: weather 28 min ago ยท rates 28 min ago ยท sources: Open-Meteo, ExchangeRate-API

What Japan is known for

Japan runs on a beautiful contrast between the ultramodern and the ancient - bullet trains and bamboo forests, late-night ramen and centuries-old shrines. It's safe, spotless and endlessly rewarding, and the food alone justifies bringing a hungry travel partner.

  • Tokyo's neon districts and food
  • Kyoto's temples and gardens
  • Bullet trains and cherry blossoms
  • Hot springs and mountain ryokan

Tourism in Japan

International tourist arrivals over the most recent years with available data - roughly #1 of 31 in its continent by reported arrivals (sources vary by country).

40M
2025 arrivals (est.)
+8.4% YoY
250k20213.8M202225M202337M202440M*2025
Data source: UN Tourism (UNWTO) / World Bank ยท updated 15 Jan 2026. * Latest-available estimate.

Top cities to explore in Japan

From Tokyo to Sapporo, these are the places most Japan trips are built around. Find a travel buddy in Tokyo who's already planning the same route, or pair up before you fly.

1

Tokyo

Endlessly layered megacity of neighborhoods, food and neon.

2

Kyoto

Old capital of temples, gardens and geisha districts.

3

Osaka

Street-food capital with a brash, friendly energy.

4

Sapporo

Northern city known for snow, seafood and ski country.

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Things to do in Japan

A shortlist of experiences worth building a trip - and a partnership - around.

Cities & neon

  • Shibuya, food halls and nightlife in Tokyo
  • Street food in Osaka's Dotonbori
  • Day trips to Nara's temples and deer

Temples & tradition

  • Kyoto's shrines, gardens and geisha streets
  • Stay in a ryokan with an onsen bath
  • The floating torii gate at Miyajima

Nature & seasons

  • Cherry blossoms in spring, maples in autumn
  • Climb or admire Mount Fuji
  • Snow and skiing in Hokkaido

Food & culture

  • Sushi, ramen and izakaya hopping
  • Matcha and wagashi sweets
  • A sumo tournament or tea ceremony

Know before you go

The practical stuff every traveler needs - weather, safety, costs and how to get around.

Best time to visit

Late March to April for cherry blossom and October to November for autumn color are the classic windows. Summers are hot and humid; winters are crisp and perfect for hot springs and Hokkaido's snow.

Safety tips

  • Carry some cash - many small places are still cash-only
  • Use registered ride-hailing apps at night rather than hailing on the street
  • Carry a copy of your ID and leave the original in your accommodation safe
  • Traveling with a verified partner adds an easy extra layer of safety

Accommodation & daily budget

Hostel dorm
$25-45/ night
Budget hotel / guesthouse
$75-140/ night
Mid-range hotel
$160-300/ night
Meals (per day)
$30-65

Splitting a twin room and transport with a partner can cut your daily costs by 30-40%.

Getting around & useful apps

The shinkansen bullet trains and dense city metros make Japan a dream to navigate; a rail pass can save money. Get an IC card for tap-and-go transit.

Japan Travel - routes Google Maps - transit GO - taxis Google Translate - Japanese Wise / XE - currency

Visa & entry requirements for Japan

Every nationality is different - pick your passport for a personalized answer, or open our Visa page for assisted help applying.

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Select your passport to see exactly what you need to enter Japan.

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