In very few countries will you encounter such a striking clash of traditional culture with modern progress and technology. Japan was closed to the eyes of tourists for hundreds of years, which is why it is so enticing to explore today. For its diversity and traditions so different from those we know from home, it is perfect for longer journeys.

We have a detailed guide to Japan for you, with personal tips on what to see, along with plenty of practical information.

Why fly to Japan?

Japan is a country of contrasts and diversity – from the cold villages of the northernmost island of Hokkaido to the million-strong metropolises in the south. The warmth and humility of the Japanese, their respect for tradition and themselves often take my breath away, as does the sight of the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, which have preserved their beauty for hundreds of years. Their harmony with nature is perfect.
How often in your life do you walk side by side with a deer that no one is holding? I love the culture of animated films, which are not bound by borders and penetrate all aspects of life here. The sight of the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji as you take the Shinkansen to conquer electronic Tokyo, or the zen path through the forest shrines of Koyasan, where you are just a step away from finding mental balance – this is all Japan.

And if you believe that food should be a feast for the eyes, they’ve perfected it here.

How to get to Japan?

Many people still have the impression that a trip to Japan is very expensive. Return tickets can easily be found today for up to $680, which is a price that can’t be argued with given the distance. If departing from surrounding metropolises, you can also find tickets for around $360 (usually at the turn of spring and summer).
You won’t find direct flights from Prague – typical transfer points when departing from Prague are Paris, Frankfurt, Istanbul, or Dubai, depending on the airline (Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, or Emirates). The most common arrival points are Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

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When to go and why at this time?

The weather in Japan is generally a little warmer than in the central Europe. But of course, it depends on where you are, because while people in the south will be sunbathing, you can easily build a snowman in the north.
The total area of the country is about 378,000 km², forming a chain of islands that stretch across two climatic zones: temperate in the north and tropical in the south. If we imagined Japan in the locations where Europe lies, the southernmost islands would be at the lower tip of Spain, and the upper ones would slowly reach Swedish Stockholm.

Each season has its charm. But one slightly dominates – spring, the turn of March and April when cherry blossom trees bloom and life returns to nature. It is a short moment of the whole year that is beautiful to see and great to experience. Spring is also full of ceremonial festivals (traditional matsuri), whether it is Omizutori in Nara (March), or Takayama – an April festival that ranks among the three most beautiful festivals in all of Japan. If you miss the spring, get your cameras ready for the brightly colored autumn.

Visas and entry conditions

As a tourist, you don’t have to worry about a visa. Upon entry, you will receive a permit valid for 90 days (so-called Temporary Visitor) after filling out a simple entry document. For longer stays, it depends on the purpose. If you are going to study in Japan, you will get an extended visa through the university. Young people aged 18 to 30 can also get a work visa for up to one year.

Money and approximate costs

If you are looking for a cheap destination to spend a few weeks (or even months), Japan is unlikely to be at the top of your list. On the other hand, the idea that it is an extremely expensive country is not entirely accurate either. If you don’t need to stay in luxury hotels in downtown Tokyo and don’t need to visit famous restaurants every day, your costs will be comparable to the average life in Prague – it is a higher average, but nothing excessive these days.
You can get a good idea of prices, for example, through the portal numbeo.com, which regularly compares the amounts of basic items needed for living, from food to housing, transportation, etc. Thanks to services like Airbnb, you can comfortably find accommodation for the entire month for under $450, which is a very nice price for Japan.

The local currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), and converting it to our currency is relatively simple: just divide the amounts by five – 100 yen is roughly $1.45 (April 2019). And since Japan is a cash-oriented country, expect to get to know the money very well. Many restaurants and shops won’t accept your credit card. This applies both on the periphery and in the middle of Tokyo. On the other hand, it should be said that – thanks to the upcoming 2020 Olympics – the situation has improved a lot.

With ATM withdrawals, there is usually no problem, with safe bets being convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson, which are practically on every corner and where ATMs are available more or less nonstop.

I personally recommend exchanging your first yen before departure (even a larger amount – depending on how long you stay). They will come in handy for the trip from the airport to the city center, and at least for the first few days, you won’t have to look for an ATM or exchange office. The second reason is that exchange offices in Japan probably won’t have your currency, so unless you’re traveling with euros or dollars, you won’t exchange much on the spot.

In central Europe – especially in smaller towns – you may encounter the opposite problem, so if you know you will want to exchange more money, call the exchange office in advance and ask if they have enough Japanese banknotes. If you do need to find an exchange office in Japan, recommended places include the Daikokuya network, World Currency Shop, or Sakura Currency Service.

• Housing costs: from $23 for a hostel, $18–$36 per night in a capsule hotel, $68–$227 for a room in a 3* hotel.
• Street food prices: $4–$9, local food in a restaurant $4–$14.
• Beverages are easiest to buy from the ubiquitous vending machines, where prices range from $0.91–$1.60 for half a liter of water or other drink. However, it’s more economical to buy in supermarkets, where you can get a whole liter for a similar price. For a can of Japanese beer, you’ll pay around $2.27; for a bottle of sake, prepare a few hundred depending on the brand.
• Groceries: bread prices are similar to ours, sliced cheese or butter will cost around $1.82–$2.27, the same goes for a carton of eggs or milk. Fruit is definitely the most expensive, 4 apples cost around $4.55, a little less for oranges, but bananas are an exception, which you can get for four for $1.82. Ice cream and other sweets don’t differ much from our prices, good instant noodles can be bought for $1.82+.

Sights are usually well-maintained and won’t cost you much: $4–$9 for a castle entrance, $2.73 for a visit to a beautiful garden, $4.55–$13.64 for a museum visit.

Local transportation

Transportation in Japan traditionally ranks among the largest budget items for most travelers. However, there are a number of advantageous network tickets available, whether for the whole country or individual regions.
If you are going to Japan for the first time and want to see as much as possible, it is worth considering the so-called Japan Rail Pass, which is a ticket that allows you unlimited travel on the extensive network of the JR (Japan Railways) company, which operates not only trains (including Shinkansen), but also selected urban transport, ferries, etc. throughout the country.

They are available in 7, 14, and 21-day variants. They may seem expensive (seven days from $300), but once you calculate the costs without this ticket, you will be clear. The best option is to purchase the JR Pass before departure. Although it is now available in Japan, you will have to pay about 10% more there. The most advantageous option is usually to buy it from England.

If you want to save even more, consider night buses, or plan your stay in one region, where you won’t have to travel long distances and can comfortably use local trains or public transportation. Hitchhiking also works well in Japan, but it’s important to write the name of the place you want to go to in Japanese characters. You might be inspired by the journey of John Daub, who hitchhiked from south to north of Japan and regularly mapped his journey on his video blog.

As for children, they can usually travel for free in the company of an adult (max. two children per adult) on trains, except in reserved seat cars. Up to 11 years old, they can get a 50% discount on transportation. Older children are considered adults and pay the full fare.

Air transport

A cheaper alternative to rail transport is airplanes. With low-cost airlines, you can often travel between Japanese cities for a fraction of the price of a high-speed train. For example, a route from Osaka to Tokyo (a 1:15-hour flight) costs under $45 for basic tickets.

Trains

The most widespread form of transportation between Japanese cities is undoubtedly trains. After all, who wouldn’t want to ride the famous Shinkansen? However, a round trip between Osaka and Tokyo can cost a few thousand crowns, so it’s worth keeping that in mind. You can get an overview of prices and schedules on HyperDia. For a basic idea, the mentioned route would cost around $113 one way for a high-speed train, while a lower-class express train would be around $82.
Orientation, especially at large stations, can be initially confusing because many different lines often intersect there, not to mention the large crowds. However, stations are cleverly designed, and you can find individual platforms thanks to good signage with numbers or colors. It will take some practice and strong nerves to start. Remember me when you’re looking for the right exit at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. It has over 200 exits.

Buses

Another cost-effective alternative to trains is long-distance buses (mainly the Willer Express company), which run practically every day and throughout Japan. Tickets can be conveniently booked online. For the same route (Osaka–Tokyo), tickets start at $36 and are flexible, so don’t hesitate too long to buy them. The earlier you book, the better the price you’ll get. Some companies also offer student discounts, but these are usually negligible amounts in the order of crowns.
An added advantage is that you can use night routes for many trips, saving you money on accommodation as well. If you pay extra, you can have comfortable, spacious seats where you can get a good night’s sleep.

Ferries

Whether you encounter ferries depends primarily on the places you want to visit. A good example is Miyajima Island near Hiroshima, where the famous torii gate sits in the sea. Some ferries are covered by the mentioned JR Pass – and if not, a half-hour ride usually costs no more than $1.82.

Public transportation

Larger cities are usually crisscrossed with a rich network of trains, buses, subways, elevated trains… There are plenty of options to get anywhere. Tickets are conveniently purchased from machines at each station (most of which can be easily switched to English) and usually cost $1.36–$3.18 depending on where you need to go. Or, of course, you can buy a day pass, which in Tokyo will cost you around $6.82. Single tickets are not limited in time; you pay for the distance. If you want to get to any station, you have to go through turnstiles that check the value of the inserted ticket.
If you plan to stay in Japan for an extended period and know you’ll be using public transportation frequently, consider getting an IC card. It’s a “season ticket” the size of a credit card that you load with money. The turnstile at the exit station will then automatically deduct the amount based on the route you traveled. A practical way to save time and avoid worrying about which ticket you need.

You can purchase them from special machines at larger train stations and reload them anywhere. Each region has its own card, but they now work throughout Japan, so you can choose any of them – maybe based on the design. The great thing about them is that you can also use them as a simple credit card, as you can pay with these cards in vending machines or 7-Eleven convenience stores and others.

Bicycles

A very popular option is bicycles. The Japanese use them with great enthusiasm, and you will often have trouble avoiding them on the streets. Rentals usually cost $2.27 per hour, or about $9 for the whole day. In big cities, you’ll find rental shops around main train stations, or you can rent a bike at various stands through a mobile app. But you will need to register.

Car rentals

To rent a car in Japan, you will need an international driver’s license and, of course, a passport. The best-known rental companies are Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent a Car, Times Car Rental, or ORIX Rent a Car. Each of them has a reservation system in English, so you won’t have trouble navigating it. The price for a full-day rental ranges from $45 to $182 depending on the size of the car, and more in the high season. A liter of gasoline costs around $1.36. Keep in mind that in Japan, driving is on the opposite side.

Cuisine

It makes me frown when I hear that someone couldn’t live in Japan because they don’t like sushi. Japan is not a country of raw fish wrapped in seaweed. That is just a result of a skewed perspective. The cuisine is diverse, as in all Eastern countries, and I wouldn’t be far off the mark if I said that the local food is among the best in the world.

You will often encounter rice, thick udon noodles, and fried vegetables. Typical are the rich ramen soups, which differ in ingredients depending on the region. Pork and beef consumption here is undoubtedly higher than ours. In street stalls, you will often find fried takoyaki balls with octopus tentacles inside, or popular okonomiyaki pancakes made from batter, cabbage, and other ingredients of your choice. Be sure to try Japanese curry as well.

Of the desserts, definitely try mochi rice cakes filled with bean paste, or practically anything with green tea flavor (matcha), whether it’s ice cream, pancakes, or cheesecake. As a dessert, fruit is also considered in Japan, which is why it is generally much more expensive than, for example, in the central Europe. Popular local items include kaki and nashi, sugar melon, but also citrus fruits like mikan or yuzu, which is actually a different kind of tangerine. From vegetables, Japanese radish daikon or bamboo shoots are very popular.

Of course, Japanese people also like to enjoy something outside their own cuisine, so if you don’t like Japanese food, you can have anything else, whether it’s pizza, burgers, or kebabs. American restaurants are on every corner in big cities, as well as many Chinese ones. There are even a few Czech restaurants scattered around Japan, where you can reminisce about your homeland during longer trips. However, you will have to pay a bit more for that goulash than you are used to.

If you like to have beer with your lunch, keep in mind that alcohol is generally quite expensive in Japan, or rather expensive for us. For a chilled third of a liter of beer, you’ll pay $3.64 to $5.45. Popular brands are Sapporo, Asahi, Suntory, or Kirin. Occasionally, you’ll find Czech or other foreign breweries, but you’ll pay even more for those.

If you fancy something stronger, definitely try sake. You can find it in every bar, but it’s good to know that the term sake generally refers to alcohol for the Japanese, so it could be even vodka. As a foreigner, you will usually be understood, but if you say nihonshu (which is specifically the rice liquor), it won’t hurt. When you’re in a pub, order edamame instead of chips – boiled salted soybeans (which look like peas at first glance), which are very addictive here and, believe me, highly addictive.

Tip: If you visit Kyoto, be sure not to miss the traditional markets on Nishiki Street, nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” Hundreds of stalls and small restaurants offer tastings of traditional Japanese cuisine, often with free samples. This is the true atmosphere of old Japanese markets, which has been preserved here since the early 14th century.

Vegetarians and vegans

Vegetarians will have a bit of a harder time with food, but if you know your way around in this direction, I believe you will manage. However, you will be quite limited by the offerings in many places, as this direction is not as widespread in Japan as it is elsewhere in the world.
For vegans, it will be an even bigger challenge. Japanese cuisine often relies on fish products, raw eggs, etc. Even if the food seems meatless, it may be sprinkled with fish flakes bonito, or broths based on them. In both cases, I recommend preparing well for the trip – it’s best to read articles from other people who eat the same way and have already been to Japan; there are many to be found.

Diseases and hygiene

There are no specific warnings for Japan, and you don’t need to worry about specific diseases. The Japanese themselves are very cautious in this regard, as you will notice immediately. It’s common to see 20-30% of people wearing masks. It’s not a sign of an epidemic but rather protection. Breathing is considered one of the essential components of good health in Eastern cultures.
Masks are worn by many people as protection against polluted air in larger cities, protection against diseases, or to protect others if they don’t feel well themselves and don’t want to infect anyone around them.

Health care is, of course, of a very high standard in such a developed country. Drinking tap water is similar to ours – it tastes better in some places, worse in others, but you don’t have to worry about your health.

Safety

Together with Canada, Iceland, Switzerland, Japan ranks among the top 10 safest countries in the world. This is one of the reasons why the Japanese still prefer cash over credit cards. Carrying larger amounts of money here is not usually a problem, not to mention crime. If you forget your laptop in a café, there’s a good chance it will be waiting for you when you return.
Understandable, on the other hand, may be fears of natural disasters. Earthquakes and typhoons are mentioned in the media quite often, and it is true that Japan had a lot of bad luck, especially in the second half of 2018. However, such major events are very rare, and because the country has a wealth of experience with them, you don’t have to worry about being left to fend for yourself. You will usually learn about typhoons well in advance, and new buildings are well-prepared for earthquakes. I’ve experienced several myself and never once felt threatened.

Religion, traditions, and customs

The most prominent religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. Throughout the country, you will find hundreds, if not thousands, of temples and small shrines, even in the centers of large cities. How religious the Japanese are is not easy to answer. Rather than believers, the local people are spiritually inclined. Traditions here have very deep roots. Giving thanks at everyday meals or visiting a temple during a summer festival and praying for happiness in life is, in my view, more a common part of Japanese life than a sign of religion.
You don’t have to follow any strict rules; just show respect and do not disrupt Japanese customs in any way. At many sacred sites, you will be guided by English signs, so you don’t have to worry about being left in ignorance. At temples and many historically significant places, it is often required to remove your shoes and be as quiet as possible. Photography inside is usually prohibited.

Many holidays have been adopted from America, so although Christmas is not part of their traditions, people here also give gifts. However, they take it a bit differently. Instead of carp or turkey, chicken from KFC is served, and Christmas Eve is celebrated more like Valentine’s Day – as a couple at a nice dinner. Valentine’s Day, on the other hand, is when women give gifts to men, who then reciprocate a month later on so-called White Day. You won’t find Easter in Japan, but Halloween has become very popular.

The biggest portion of their own holidays is enjoyed by the Japanese at the turn of April and May during the so-called Golden Week. At this time, I would not recommend visiting the country because locals take time off, and there are huge crowds everywhere. Seriously, a lot. It is better to go to one of the traditional festivals spread practically throughout the year. It just depends on where you are at the time, as each prefecture has them at different times.

For example, there is a big snow festival in Sapporo at the beginning of February, in August you can see huge lanterns in Aomori, and people travel to Chichibu near Tokyo for celebrations in early December. But these are just a few. The significant holiday is the Buddhist Obon, but also the emperor’s birthday, which from next year will be on February 23.

Although precise adherence to rules is not expected from tourists, there are a few things, worth remembering:

1. Blowing your nose, yawning, and similar behaviors are very rude – especially during meals or when communicating with others. If you must, at least step aside.
2. Do not eat or drink while moving, which applies to walking, cycling, and public transportation (the Shinkansen is an exception). It is not considered polite in Japan.
3. Do not stick or place your chopsticks into food, especially into rice so that they stand. This is done at funerals, and you could easily offend someone by doing so.
4. Don’t be too loud, especially in public transportation. It’s really customary to be relatively quiet here. Don’t even think about making phone calls.

What else should you know?

• If you are used to trash cans on every corner, Japan might surprise you. They are usually clustered in one place, such as near larger stores, but you won’t find them around the city. And when you do, follow recycling rules. The Japanese are proud of this!
• For Japanese sockets, you will need a special adapter. Not all shops in central Europe have it – think about it before you go.
• English is very popular among the Japanese, and they love to use it in every other advertising slogan, but real usage is worse. It’s not that they don’t learn it, but they are often afraid to use it. Fortunately, it is known, so important places (e.g., metro) have English signs. Where English is not available, you can help yourself with Google Translate, which can translate Japanese characters into English in real time through the camera. Still, I recommend learning at least a few basic phrases in Japanese. It will be a nice addition to your trip and make a good impression. Try taking a few lessons in the Duolingo app.
• Stand nicely in line. When we wait for a bus, for example, it is common to form a loose group of people. In Japan, these situations are handled nicely and orderly: whoever comes last joins the end of the line. At many stops, you’ll even see marked positions for forming a queue.
• Physical contact should be kept to a minimum. Many Japanese will appreciate a polite bow or nod more than a hug or handshake.

• Tipping is not practiced in restaurants in Japan. If you don’t want to offend the staff, don’t tip.
• Public toilets are usually found in konbini convenience stores or parks. They are often modern, but you will also encounter Turkish-style toilets.
• With the availability and quality of wifi, Japan is not among the superpowers you might automatically assume. You can connect to the internet at many train stations, but it is usually time-limited and you have to click through annoying forms. A sure bet is to get a so-called Pocket WiFi, a box the size of a small power bank that creates a signal wherever you need it. An ideal choice for travelers at an affordable price (device reservation costs about $32–$41, and then $3.18–$4.09 per day). I have very good experiences with the offer of Japan Wireless.

Personal tips on where to go in Japan

Mount Koya

Do you want to experience the life of a monk? On Mount Koya, about two hours south of Osaka, you will find the center of Shingon, one of the main schools of Japanese Buddhism, where you can stay in a traditional temple and spend time among monks. The town of the same name is also a charming place for peaceful walks in the valley between eight wooded peaks.
Since autumn 2018, there is also a nice café/restaurant Marutaka, run by a friendly Czech-Japanese couple. The menu even includes our home schnitzel.

Kanazawa City

Kanazawa is not directly on the main routes, but you can easily get here. The reward will be a charming station, a castle, one of the three most beautiful gardens in all of Japan, an old samurai district, and fish markets where one delicacy follows another. I had my best sushi here and look forward to returning for more.

Ghibli Studio, Mitaka

There are many places that animation fans should visit in Japan – better, bigger, with prettier souvenirs. But the Ghibli museum is unique, and the atmosphere of the beloved stories will stay with you long after you leave this place. I won’t describe it to you; let it surprise you. You won’t regret it. Anyway, you need to buy a ticket for a specific day, and don’t hesitate with the reservation. Tickets are often sold out two months in advance.

Hakodate City

The gateway to the northern island of Hokkaido. If I regret not spending more time in any place in Japan, it’s Hakodate. A city with the most beautiful view in the entire country, famous markets, and such kind people that you won’t want to leave. The local capsule hotel, simply named Capsule Hotel Hakodate, is also one of the most pleasant places where I spent the night.

Kansai Region

Tokyo is an amazing metropolis, but sometimes you just need a change. The true pearl of Japan is Kyoto and the entire Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Kobe, and Nara. Here, you will feel the real tradition, dozens of temples, sacred places, and old streets that have experienced the rise and fall of proud samurais. The longer you stay, the better. Choosing one place would be a sin; explore as much as you can.

Himeji Castle, Himeji

The largest of the Japanese castles, which has stood for hundreds of years and still retains its majestic appearance in all its glory. After several years of repairs, it now shines again with white walls and welcomes all visitors who enter the gates to the adjoining gardens. If you carry the romantic soul of a warrior and the stories of Japanese history keep you up at night, you can’t miss this place.

teamLab Borderless: Digital Art Museum

Wow! That’s about all I could say when I first entered the digital museum on the artificial island of Odaiba in Tokyo. If you like modern technology, virtual reality, visualizations, and light work trying to fool your brain, this is a clear choice for me. The entrance fee is $27, but every penny will be well spent, I guarantee it. When I’m in Tokyo again, I won’t miss this place under any circumstances; go too.

Where can you find more information?

Japan-Guide
One of the best English-language guides to Japan you will find. Articles, tips, and practical information from all areas, including times and prices of entries to individual sights.

Letím do Japonska.cz

A new website about Japan, where you will find a sample itinerary and plenty of practical information, especially for first-time travelers.

YouTube

If you don’t like reading and want to learn something about Japan in a more entertaining and engaging way, I recommend looking for some YouTubers who make videos about Japan. A few tips from me: Only in Japan, Life Where I’m From, Abroad in Japan.

Yatta.cz

Traveling in Japan through the eyes of a nomad and enthusiast for Japanese culture. My blog with personal tips and observations from trips around the Japanese islands. You can also follow me on the Facebook group Yatta – a thousand characters about Japan.

Wikitravel

An ever-improving Wikipedia project where you will find almost everything you need on your travels.

Dan Šácha – Yatta.cz

Until 2014, a trip to Japan was just a distant dream for me. A series of circumstances led me to plan my first trip that autumn. After just a few days on the spot, I knew it was far from the last. I then lived in Osaka, Yokohama, and Tokyo for several months, traveled through all four major islands, and will definitely add tropical Okinawa sometime. If you are interested in anything else or need help planning your own trip, feel free to email me at dan@dansacha.cz or on Facebook. And maybe we will even go together sometime.

Photos were co-authored by Matouš Vinš. You can find his other notes and photos from travels on matous-vins.cz.