The hardest part about describing Japan is having to describe two seemingly opposite worlds at once: on one side, Tokyo’s neon lights, flawlessly running trains and giant intersections; on the other, bamboo forests, centuries-old temples and villages where time moves slowly. In our documentary we traveled between those two worlds. This guide follows the same journey from city to village, with practical notes along the way that every first-time visitor to Japan should know.
Tokyo: Capital of the glow
Tokyo, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, is really a patchwork of very different neighborhoods:
- Shibuya: Home to one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world and famous for its nighttime lights.
- Shinjuku: Skyscrapers, back alleys packed with tiny bars and Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the city’s largest parks.
- Asakusa: Senso-ji, one of Tokyo’s oldest temples, and the traditional shopping street around it.
- Harajuku and Meiji Shrine: Youth fashion right next to a serene Shinto shrine in the forest.
You need at least three or four days in Tokyo to see its different sides. For guided tours and experiences: tours and things to do in Japan.
Mount Fuji and Hakone
Japan’s symbol, Mount Fuji, can be seen even from Tokyo on clear days. For the best views, head to the area around Lake Kawaguchi or the Hakone region. Hakone, with its hot-spring onsen hotels, lake cruises and cable cars, is ideal for a short escape from Tokyo. Fuji’s summit is often hidden by clouds; early morning usually offers better visibility.
Kyoto: City of temples
Kyoto, Japan’s capital for more than a thousand years, is the heart of traditional Japan, with thousands of temples and gardens. Many of the places in the video are here:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Thousands of orange torii gates climbing a mountainside. Going early in the morning is the only way to beat the crowds.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A path winding through towering bamboo.
- Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion): A gold-leaf pavilion reflected in a pond.
- Gion: A historic district of traditional wooden houses and teahouses. Respect the privacy of the people who live here, and don’t take photos without permission.
Nara: Deer and a giant Buddha
Nara, an easy day trip from Kyoto, was one of Japan’s first permanent capitals. The giant bronze Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and the deer that roam the park freely and bow to visitors are Nara’s symbols.
Village calm: Shirakawa-go and rural Japan
One of the most striking places in the documentary’s “village calm” section is Shirakawa-go in the Japanese Alps. On the UNESCO World Heritage List for its steep thatched-roof gassho-zukuri houses, the village looks like something out of a fairy tale, especially under winter snow. Nearby Takayama, with its well-preserved old-town streets and morning markets, is the base for visitors to the area.
In rural Japan, a stay at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), with tatami rooms, yukata robes and a multicourse dinner, is an unforgettable experience.
Etiquette: What you need to know
- Onsen: Always shower before getting into the bath, and never wear a swimsuit in the pool. Some facilities may restrict guests with tattoos.
- Shoes: Take your shoes off when entering homes, ryokan and some temples.
- Public transportation: You’re expected to stay quiet and not talk on the phone on trains.
- Tipping: Japan doesn’t do tipping; it can even be considered rude.
- Trash: There are few trash cans on the streets, so be ready to carry your trash with you.
Getting around
Japan’s high-speed rail network, the Shinkansen, connects the major cities quickly and punctually. If you’re planning long-distance travel, compare nationwide or regional rail passes with buying individual tickets; which one pays off depends on your route. In cities, rechargeable IC cards (such as Suica and Pasmo) are very convenient for metro and train rides.
There are direct and connecting flights to Tokyo from around the world: flights to Japan.
Visas and practical info
- Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, EU member states, Australia and Türkiye, can visit Japan visa-free for short tourist stays. Requirements depend on your passport, so check current rules with official sources.
- The currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Card payments are increasingly common, but cash still matters at small businesses.
- For mobile data: eSIM options for Japan.
Where to stay
In Tokyo, areas close to transportation hubs such as Shinjuku or Shibuya are convenient; in Kyoto, the area around Kyoto Station or Gion. Make room in your itinerary for at least one night in a ryokan: hotels and ryokan in Japan.
When to go
- Spring (late March–April): Cherry blossom (sakura) season; the most popular and most crowded time.
- Fall (October–November): A wonderful time, with maples turning red and mild weather.
- Summer: Hot and humid, with a rainy season in early summer and typhoon risk in late summer.
- Winter: Ideal for snowy villages, skiing and onsen.
Domestic travel gets extremely busy during Golden Week, from late April to early May, so you may want to avoid it.
Final word
Japan is a country that keeps the future and the past alive at the same time. Watch our documentary, set off on a journey between those two worlds, then build your own Japan itinerary with this guide.
Unusual facts
- According to a new count released in 2023, Japan has more than 14,000 islands, but most of the population lives on the four main ones.
- The average delay of Shinkansen bullet trains is usually measured in seconds, not minutes.
- Eating while walking down the street is frowned upon in some places; snacks are usually eaten where you buy them.
- The country has millions of vending machines selling everything from hot drinks to soup.
- There’s no tipping culture in Japan; money left on the table is often brought back to you.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- Reservations for popular restaurants and museums (such as the Ghibli Museum) fill up weeks in advance.
- During cherry blossom and fall foliage season, hotel prices and crowds peak, so book early.
- Some onsen don’t admit guests with tattoos; private-use baths (kashikiri) are an alternative.
- Photography has been banned on some private lanes in Kyoto’s Gion district; obey the signs.
Japan guides
Frequently asked questions
Is Japan expensive?
Accommodation and bullet trains can be pricey, but supermarkets, konbini (convenience stores) and lunch sets keep food costs reasonable.
Should I buy a JR Pass?
It depends on your route. For short trips covering just a few cities, individual tickets or regional passes may work out cheaper, so do the math before deciding.
Is English widely spoken in Japan?
In big cities, signs are also in English; for everyday conversation, a translation app makes life much easier.
