torii fushimi inari taisha tunnel - kyoto

Japan

Japan in brief:

Capital : Tokyo
Wide : 377 975 km²
Border countries : China, North and South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Philippines
Official language : Japanese
Currency : Yen (JPY, in 2020: €1 = ¥120)
Religion : 72.5% Shinto (including 68.6% Buddhist), 1.5% Christian
Independence : -
Diet : Constitutional monarchy (State of Japan)
Administration : 47 prefectures
Population :125 million inhabitants
Visa for French people : 90 day exemption
Average daily budget : 110 € / person
Time difference with France : +7h (summer time)
Best period : from November to May
Flight duration : 12 hours minimum (direct flight Paris → Tokyo direct)
Electrical outlets : voltage – 100 V; plug type(s): A, B
Telephone code : + 81

Why visit Japan?

Somewhere, when you look at "generic" photos illustrating Japan (Take the test by typing “japan photos”), we have the impression that apart from spring and the famous flowering of sakuras (a real custom in Japan, called “hanami”, literally, “looking at flowers”), or in autumn with the magnificent colours of the trees, Japan would be insipid… And while it is undeniable that these two seasons enhance the country and attract, it also means that many people go to the same spots and forget all the cultural and historical richness of this long-secluded country.

If theon put aside for a moment la Japanese cuisine and manga culture, we realize that Japan is fortunately much more than that. And that with a mixture of the sea, mountain and volcano, from giant urban centers like Tokyo to small villages like that of miyama, Japan offers a variety of landscapes and discoveries, certainly making it an attractive Asian country in more ways than one. Japan is an island country, an archipelago made up of more than 3 islands, which leaves plenty to explore.

The opportunity to try a unique stay in a ryokan, enjoying a good "onsen", a hot bath typical of the country. Experience one of the many festivals ("matsuri"), become a spectator of a sumo fight, hike in the Japanese Alps, marvel at the vibrant and frenetic Tokyo and empty your mind in the many temples and shrines of the archipelago and this gives you an idea of the possibilities offered by Japan.

If I have to mention one of its main drawbacks right away, it is obvious that traveling in Japan is more expensive than in many other Asian countries on average. However, this is the price to pay to immerse yourself in a country with a unique character, between strong traditions and modernity and with a touch of "madness" of its own.

It's a country that has always made me "fantasize", growing up with Japanese series and animations, it marked a whole generation. Having tasted it, I immersed myself in other Japanese adventures, devouring the animated films of the Ghibli studio (among others), which sublimate and transcend their creative country in many examples. This attraction to Asia which has brought me to Thailand today is largely due to this attraction to Japan.

Its eventful history has left its mark on memories (not just that of a Geisha if you have the reference), and while many ancient temples and buildings have had to be rebuilt, many remain centuries old. Japan is particularly famous for its castles that always dominate the cities, like Himeji, one of the most beautiful, or that of Osaka, known worldwide. In Japan, the sobriety of the places contrasts with the beauty that can emerge from them. Japanese gardens, a true art in themselves, are a perfect illustration of this.

It is a country that we readily describe as Zen, a bit like its inhabitants, often discreet and respectful of traditions. Codes that are sometimes complex, making them an almost mysterious and misunderstood country in our eyes. In short, a lot of "fine words" and little concrete, but because I still have a lot to discover and if to date, my experience is limited to the areas around Kyoto and Osaka, I have no doubt about a future return to the land of the rising sun, even if it means paying the price.

goju-no-to pagoda and to-kondo kofuku-ji temple

“Kofuku-ji Temple and the 5-storied Pagoda in Nara”

tea plantation downhill wazuka mountain - kyoto prefecture japan

“Tea plantations in Wazuka”

WE love

Diversity of landscapes.
Ease of inter-city travel.
Food.
Rich culture.

We are less of a fan

Reserved character of the Japanese.
Cost of stay.
Lots of people at the well-known spots (and depending on the season).

Preparing your trip: advice before you leave

Here is a summary of some essential information to know before any trip to Japan.

Do I need a visa for Japan?

No. Passport holders French, Swiss, Canadian or even Tunisian - valid (valid on return date) – can stay without visa au Japan up to 90 days. Small difference for holders of a Belgian passport (lucky you), since you can stay on the archipelago without a visa for a period of less than or equal to 180 days. The only conditions for all, quite obvious, are to commit to not to carry out ANY paid activity on Japanese territory for the entire duration of the stay and provide proof ofa return flight in his country of origin.

Although cases may be rarer today, Japan accepts thenon-biometric passports to travel (if they are valid of course)

If, on the other hand, you are Algerian or Moroccan, it is necessary to obtain a visa in advance from the Japanese embassy in your country. See the information and documents required on their respective sites:

And for a stay of more than 90 days in Japan?

For stay longer than 90 days, a visa is required and to request in advance. Depending on the approach, it is obvious that different types of visas will have to be requested. But since here, the blog is primarily focused on travel in the sense of leisure, I will not dwell on work visas.

In France, you will have to go to four cities where there is a Japanese embassy or consulate (I'll give you their respective websites, but be careful, it's a bit of a pain in the eyes, design worthy of the 90s...):

For general information, the following visas are distinguished outside of tourism:

student visa for university exchanges or language stays of more than 3 months
Work visa for foreigners exercising a profession on Japanese soil
Cultural visa for people wishing to learn a traditional art
Working holiday visa valid for young people under 30 who want to visit the country for a year while doing odd jobs

Since this last type of visa has a direct relation with "leisure" travel, I can detail a little the conditions of this popular visa (for the others, go to the visa section of the Japanese Embassy in France).

French passport with working holiday pvt japan visa

The working holiday visa, how does it work?

This is what is more commonly called the Working Holiday Visa (the famous PVT, also popular in countries like Canada or Australia). This type of visa allows you to stay in Japan for a maximum period ofyearThe main objective of the trip should remain touristic (that's why I'm talking about it), but its interest lies in the possibility of finance your trip having the right to to work. It is therefore an ideal solution to combine traveling across the country while earning pocket money.

Be careful though, because there are some rules and limits to know:

OYou cannot accumulate more than 28 hours per week.
There is a whole list of prohibited activities so-called "violating public morals" (according to criteria defined by Japanese immigration), for example small jobs in gaming rooms, bars, nightclubs, where alcohol flows freely (well, not gaming rooms but you get the idea)
Finally, as the visa is quite a lot requested, there is a quota, set at 1 participants each year

With all this, there are of course special conditions to be completed in order to benefit from it. Starting with being an adult but also age less than 30 years on the date of filing of the application. You cannot make a request if you already have previously benefited from this type of visa for Japan (It is only possible to obtain a working holiday visa once for the same country). Assuming that you are a parent, under 30 years old, you will not be able to travel as a family with this visa because one of the conditions is not to have a dependent minor during the duration of the stay.

It is also necessary own a return flight to France, and havea minimum deposit of 3 100 euros on his bank account. One exception, however, if you do not plan a return flight to France (in the sense, do not want to take it on a specific date in advance), it is still possible to apply for a PVT but you must then provide proof of 5 euros in an account.

Finally, last thing, you have to get a medical certificate justifying his good health, and check that you are in possession of a passport valid for the coming year.

Once the Working Holiday visa is obtained, it must be used within the current year and will be considered “activated” upon your entry into Japan.

Transportation in Japan

Coming to Japan

There are four international airports in Japan, two of which are in Tokyo with the airports of Narita et Haneda, one in Nagoya and finally Osaka airport. So basically everything is concentrated in the central part of Japan and its largest island, Honshu. The main gateway to Japan being Tokyo's Narita Airport, it is about sixty kilometers from the center of the megalopolis so it must be taken into account.

Flight Paris – Tokyo and Paris – Osaka

To carry out these flights, the most likely, given the attractiveness of their respective region (Osaka being close to Kyoto and Tokyo, the megacity and capital of the country, is close to a symbol of the country like Mount Fuji), you have at least three companies allowing direct flights.

All of them leave Paris from Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) and take at least 12 hours on the outward journey (12 hours 45 minutes on the return journey):

Air France, with flights starting from €640, the French national airline is often good for direct flights
Japan Airlines, the Japanese national airline offers similar rates
All Nippon Airways (ANA), an interesting alternative, from €675

If I go into a little more detail, with Air France, you will find up to 4 daily flights, 2 connecting CDG (Paris) – Haneda (Tokyo), one from / to Narita (still Tokyo) and a direct flight also between Paris and Osaka. With a stopover via Paris, you will also find flights from Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, Nice, Strasbourg and Toulouse. Still with a stopover, it is possible to fly to Fukuoka.

With the national company, Japan Airlines, it is a daily direct ground flight between Paris-CDG and Tokyo Haneda. For other cities, there will necessarily be a stopover in Tokyo but you will have a wide choice of other destinations.

Same with All Nippon Airways, the largest airline in Japan in terms of revenue and number of passengers, which offers direct flights from Paris but also Brussels (to Tokyo Haneda).

If we are interested in flights with stopovers, from my test, we find interesting rates below €600. Two companies in particular stand out for their short stopover time and an attractive rate:

Finnair, the national airline of Finland, which offers flights (with a stopover in Helsinki) from €560 (excluding baggage).
Swiss International Air Lines, the Swiss national airline, with similar fares (and a stopover in Zurich).

Among other companies that I can mention, there are the Gulf companies, namely Qatar Airways, with a stopover in Doha, always a safe bet, Emirates (and his stop in Dubai), or even Etihad Airways (stopover in Abu Dhabi). Another good company, Cathay Pacific (stopover in Hong Kong).

If we are really looking for the cheapest, a priori, it is on the side ofAlitalia that you have to watch, with tickets ranging from €500 to €600 (and a stopover in Rome) or even Turkish Airlines (stopover in Istanbul), with prices below €500. But layover times can sometimes be long (either on the way there or on the way back).

To summarize, your best options for a Paris – Tokyo flight, in alphabetical order, are as follows:

Air France (French company), direct flight around €640.
Alitalia (Italian company), best price, below €500.
ANA (Japanese company), direct flight around €675.
Finnair (Finnish company), price around €560.
Japan Airlines (Japanese company), direct flight around €640.
Qatar Airways (Qatari company), excellent value for money.
Emirates (United Arab Emirates Company), recognized quality of the company.
Etihad (United Arab Emirates airline), very good company with prices around €550.
Swiss (Swiss company), price around €560 with the possibility of two checked bags per person.
Turkish Airlines (Turkish company), good value for money, price less than €500.

I mentioned it for Alitalia and Turkish Airlines, but indeed, in addition to the price itself, don't forget to look at the journey times. As a reminder, a direct flight is around 12 hours, with a stopover, we consider that a "short" stopover is around 2-3 hours, which leaves time to get to the next flight without rushing too much. So if you see 20 hours and more, it is that the stopover is quite long and must be taken into consideration in the choice.

Finally, another point: luggage. Direct flights include 23 kg per passenger in the hold as standard. But some companies charge for baggage separately, this is the case for Finnair, which charges €90 per luggage (so the rate in my example is actually 560 + 90 = 650 €)

With this additional information, my conclusion from my test is thatAlitalia et Turkish Airlines come out on top in terms of price and stopover time, but I would like to point out that this is a test of a given time and that it is therefore preferable to look at other alternatives.

Search for a flight to Japan

Getting around in Japan

The king of transportation in Japan is the train. With a network of more than 23 km, it is the most practical way to travel between cities. In addition, Japan is equipped with the Shinkansen, a high-speed train that contributes to the overall reputation of the Japanese railway network, namely, being modern, quality and well-maintained, with punctual service to boot. On the other hand, it must be admitted that it takes some time to get used to it at first.

Without necessarily taking the train, as Japan is dense from an urbanization point of view, it is easy to travel by subway as well. However, we tried other forms of transport, whether it be the bus, in a more local setting, and often useful to reach areas not covered by rails (it happens anyway).

You will have taxis like everywhere, and archipelago obliges, boats connecting the different islands. Finally, let's not forget the trip by yourself with the car rental, which we tested and allowed us to visit Japan a little differently and to test the Japanese road network. I can even test the bicycle, because it is with this means of locomotion (by electric bike more precisely)WhatWe visited the tea plantations of wazuka, north of Nara).

And overall, it's not the transport that's expensive for a trip to Japan, because everything remains very affordable. BOf course, it is more expensive than in South East Asia, but the transport conditions there are not as comfortable either.. And to give an idea of the scale, the transport budget for our stay came to 19% of our total budget (compared to 41% for accommodation!).

Road transport

The buses

The bus remains an excellent means of inter-city transport, and even within the walls of certain cities. This is the case in Kyoto in particular, where it is rather easy to use with bus stops providing all the information in English, around the tourist sites.

This is unfortunately not always the case, outside of tourist areas, where taking the bus can quickly become a challenge. One of the reasons that can be confusing is that ticket sales systems will vary from one company to another. But a trend is emerging, payment is generally made on board via a machine that takes cash. It is therefore necessary to have the exact change, which can quickly become restrictive.

Another type of payment, when the fare depends on the distance traveled. The principle is that you will have to take a ticket issued at the entrance. This ticket indicates your pick-up station.

On the bus, the next stops are displayed above the driver's seat at the front, along with the fare in question. So it is when you get off, depending on the distance, that you will pay this or that amount.

The Suica or Pasmo card

To overcome this problem, there is a system in Japan of prepaid card widely used, especially by tourists, maps Suica or Pasmo. The operation of these cards is classic, you have an initial fund (normally 1 yen), which is debited as you travel and you can then recharge the card in terminals for this purpose, generally located in train stations and metro stations.

Among these advantages, besides not having to manage cash constantly (even if you have to use those coins that you accumulate after a while…), is that the card is so widespread that it can also be used as an alternative means of payment. In general, a logo will indicate the possibility of paying with your Suica or Pasmo cards. This will be the case for drinks machines (absolutely omnipresent in Japan!), convenience stores or even parking spaces.

With all that, the card is valid for 10 years, so if you plan to return to Japan, you can keep it. Otherwise, you just have to return it to get the card deposit back (500 yen).

Wei-Te Wong from Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China / CC BY-SA

Long distance buses

Trains are a thing in Japan, but depending on your destinations (and the cost of the JR Pass attests to this) it can quickly become expensive. And for that the bus offers an interesting affordable alternative. With the only “constraint” being that this means of transport is slower than express trains, of course.

There is even a dedicated bus network for this type of journey, the "Highway Bus" circulating day and night. A trip between Tokyo and Mount Fuji, for example, costs 3 yen., possible to book on the dedicated website (created by one of the companies operating this type of bus, it is not as such an official site, but it is one of the only ones allowing advance booking, in English).

Note a particularity with the Japan Railways bus, the railway company that also runs bus routes, to complete the segments not covered. In addition to being able to buy tickets directly at JR line stations, some local JR bus lines allow you to use the famous Japan Rail Pass (which I will discuss below since it primarily concerns the train).

JR West (including the popular Kansai region) has its own website to book these bus tickets: http://www.nishinihonjrbus.co.jp/en/

Taxis

They are found in all major cities, but they are the means of transport that you will need to use the least. The bus and metro are more than sufficient for most journeys. It seems to me that we has took a taxi only once to save time. Because that's still the advantage of a taxi: it's more direct, with the possibility of taking luggage, which is practical if you miss the last metro. But at what price!

Even though the fares vary from one city to another, you should expect to pay around 660 yen (for Osaka for example) for the first two kilometers, then a fare of around 300-400 yen per kilometer (that's precisely 80 yen every 296 meters in my example with Osaka). If you do the math, a trip between an airport and the city center can quickly come to around 15-20 yen (or more than €000!). This can s'add a 20% surcharge at night (enter 22h et 5h generally).

Taxis in Kyoto.

For some reason, many of the taxis will have Toyotas as their vehicles. Comfort (also known as Toyota Crown), with its 90s look, you can don't miss them. To borrow them, just wave from the side of the road. To know if they are free, it is the same principle as in Thailand if you know, namely an LED panel in the corner of the windshield on the right. It will be red if it is a free taxi (“空車” – kûsha) and will turn green (“賃走”, chinsô, or “実車”, jussha) when it is running.

Don't be surprised if the door opens by itself, they have a button to open it, and therefore to close it too, so don't slam the door when leaving to avoid damaging the mechanism 😉

In “bulk”, I can add the following information concerning taxis in Japan:

You can borrow them for up to 4 passengers.
You can find out an estimate of the prices via this site: Taxi Auto Fare
Few drivers will speak English, better to have a map or better, the information written in Japanese (you can ask your hotel in advance if you are planning a specific route in taxi).
Cash payments remain the majority to this day, even though some taxis are equipped with card readers.
Forget “Asian” habits, in Japan, you don’t negotiate your taxi fare.
Tipping is simply forbidden (yes yes!)

Finally, I will mention an app for your smartphone to book taxis (besides Uber, which also works), it is Japan Taxi. You can download from the Google Store on Android here.

Car, bike and rickshaw rental

Renting a car is not necessarily what comes to mind at first when visiting Japan. But spontaneously, it is the perfect way to escape a bit in rural Japan and above all have independence and complete freedom of movement.

A small advantage in my case, I am used to driving on the left, and that's good, it's the same here. And there, on Forget the Thai chaos, the discipline is such that it's close to grandpa's driving in Japan. Maximum speed 60 km/h in built-up areas (but including on roads outside urban areas), also common on motorways with separated carriageways (as was the case when we went out to Ine). Maximum speed on the highway: 100 km/h.

On a Japanese highway in the middle of the mountains.

At the administrative level, the international driving license alone is not enough. For drive legally in japan (I am speaking here for holders of a French passport and driving license since that is my case), it is imperative have your license translated by the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).

Personally, I did it on site in Kyoto, the process as such is not complex, but it can waste a day of sightseeing, in this case you can have it done in advance via agencies (for example here), but this obviously requires additional costs.

If you want to know the details of the operation, I wrote an article on what it takes know how to drive in japan.

I had rented from Toyota Rent a Car, you can also use a comparator like Rentalcars to find what you are looking for.

Our rental car in Japan.

It will also be common to find bikes for rent, and what's more, often electric, which limits the effort required and can be a real plus (according to our exploration of Wazuka, which is not flat...)

During our visit to the tea plantations, we paid 1 yen (a little less than €9) by electric bike for half a day.

In cities and tourist areas, it will be possible to use rickshaws (especially in the summer, I can't imagine them doing that in the middle of winter). It's obviously a bit of a "tourist thing", even if we mostly saw locals doing it. But for fun, it's possible. On the other hand, since I haven't tried it, I don't know the prices.

A rickshaw on the streets of Kyoto.

Rail transport

As I mentioned in the introduction to this chapter, the efficiency of the Japanese railway network is no longer in doubt. The train remains the most efficient way to get around Japan quickly., notably thanks to the local TGV, le Shinkansen. This high-speed train allows you to cover long distances in short times, saving a significant amount of time to make the most of your on-site visits.

It is the preferred means of transport, and even local lines, if they do not benefit from the same speed, remain modern and punctual. It is also this type of transport that we used mainly when traveling between cities.

Waiting for our train to Kyoto at Osaka Station.

If you plan to see much of Japan by train, it is worth considering take a JR Pass, these unlimited packages set up for tourists by the local equivalent of the SNCF, Japan Railways. There are two types, the JR National Pass, allowing privileged access to the entire archipelago or a package JR Regional Pass if you focus on one region.

Train categories in Japan

There are several categories of train, depending on the number of stops and their speed:

Location (kakueki-teisha or futsu-densha): These local trains stop at every station.
fast (kaisoku): Rapid trains skip some stations. There is no difference in price between local and rapid trains, just a matter of timing.
Express (kyuko): Express trains stop at even fewer stations than fast trains. There is usually no difference in fare between local and express trains.
Limited Express (tokkyu): "Limited Express" trains stop only at major stations. Depending on the railway company, a fee must be paid in addition to the basic fare to ride a Limited Express. It is usually between 500 and 4 yen depending on the distance traveled. JR is one of the companies that charges a fee for this type of train.
Super Express (the famous shinkansen): The Shinkansen is operated only by Japan Railways (JR) and uses separate lines and platforms. Fares are generally between 8 and 000 yen depending on the distance traveled.

The different classes

On long-distance trains, the JR offers a choice between two classes: THE regular seats and first class (called "Green Class"). Most local trains consist of only ordinary cars. Like all first classes in general, "Green" cars are generally less crowded and offer more spacious seats, but are obviously 30% to 50% more expensive than ordinary cars.

Most Shinkansen and "Limited Express" trains contain so-called " unreserved » (jiyū-seki or unreserved) and “ reserved » (shitei-seki or reserved), while some only have “reserved” seats. First class seats are often only “reserved” seats. On most local, rapid and express trains, not all seats are “reserved.” Seat reservations cost around 300 to 700 yen, but are free with the Japan Rail Pass.

Well-ventilated smoking rooms separated from the seats are provided on trains along the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. Smoking is prohibited on all other trains.

A ninja train, no doubt, we are definitely in Japan.

To buy a train ticket

Two possibilities, either via an automatic machine, for short distances:

Find your destination and the corresponding fare on the map above the vending machine. This task can be daunting as everything seems quite confusing at first. This takes some time to get used to.
The map shows the train lines and stations in the region. Ticket prices are listed next to each station.
Insert the money into the vending machine. Most machines accept 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen coins and 1000 yen bills. Many machines also accept larger denominations if needed.
Select the number of tickets you want to purchase. The default is one, so if you are traveling alone you can skip this step.
Press the button that indicates the amount of your ticket.
Collect the ticket(s) and change.

Local train map for the Kansai region.

For long distances, you will need to go to a train station ticket office. You will then need the following information:

Number of Guests
Date of travel
Departure and arrival station
Class type (ordinary or green)
Reserved or unreserved seat preference

If you want to reserve a seat, you must provide additional information, namely the name (type) of the train, its number OR the departure time.

The JR Pass

Passes are easily available online and should be ordered before you go anyway. In fact, you must order the equivalent of a voucher from an authorized seller outside Japan. The latter being valid for 3 months, you must therefore buy it within 90 days prior to your arrival. Once there, simply give your voucher at one of the approved stations, for the Kansai region, which we visited, you have the choice here:

Kyoto Station, JR-WEST (central exit) ticket office, daily from 5:30 a.m. to 23 p.m.
Shin-Osaka Station, JR WEST (East Exit) ticket office, daily from 5:30 a.m. to 23:30 p.m.
Osaka Station, ticket office, every day from 5:30 a.m. to 23 p.m.
Kansai Airport, ticket office, every day from 5:30 a.m. to 23 p.m.
Sannomiya Station, central exit, ticket office, every day from 5 a.m. to 23 p.m.
Nara Station Office ticket, every day from 9 a.m. to 20 p.m.
Wakayama Station ticket office, every day from 4:50 a.m. to midnight.

Map of the JR network in Japan. Credit Hisagi / CC BY-SA

For the JRP national, there are three packages depending on the length of your stay, namely, one week, two weeks or three weeks. Knowing that the base rate is officially 29 yen, the packages are therefore sold respectively at:

€250 for a 7-day package
€398 for a 14-day package
€509 for a 21-day package

Seen like this, the prices seem quite high, but considering the price of a "normal" journey in Shinkansen, you will quickly understand the profitability of the latter. For example, a full-fare ticket (which is what the Japanese pay, who are not entitled to JR PASS) for a Tokyo – Osaka trip and €250, the price of the package for a single trip!

For the Regional JRP, The Packages are divided into shorter durations, ranging from one day to five days. And from our experience, it is then more difficult to make profitable for two reasons. The first is the local private train offer, leaving sufficient transport possibilities without necessarily using a JR, and this, for a much lower cost. The other reason being the constraint of the package, namely a given number of CONTINUOUS days.

To give a concrete example, our stay took place between Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, it is perfect in the idea since it corresponds to the JR Kansai Region Regional Pass, which covers these destinations. If we look at the prices, we see that it is €19 per day and €56 for four days. However, if we add up all the train costs for the period where we had 4 days in a row, it comes to only… €50, for two! That is just €25 per person when the Kansai JR Pass would have cost us double!

A useful application for finding out timetables and, above all, creating an itinerary has been available to travelers since 2008: Hyperdia. The official site being: http://www.hyperdia.com/

This site will allow you to check the prices, and to simulate the journeys necessary to go from a given station to a given station, for JR trains but also private lines as well as Highway Buses. This is a very useful app for planning your itinerary in Japan.

Basically, you can buy tickets online on the sites of the Japan Railways, and I mean that THE sites. Because strangely, everything is not centralized within the same general site, but rather independent sites depending on the region. What is confusing is that there is no harmony, each site being independent, they are also in terms of presentation and design…

Map of the railway network in the Kansai region.

On the following sites, you will have all the information on timetables, prices and possible connections, one for each region of the Japan Railways and, for areas where possible, online booking.

JR Kyushu for the most southwestern island of the main islands of the archipelago forming Japan. This is where Fukuoka and Nagasaki are located.
JR Shikoku for the smallest of Japan's main islands located next to the West Region and Kansai.
JR West for the Kansai region (including Kyoto, Osaka) and the west of Honshu Island (Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima). It is also possible to book the JR West Pass, the regional JR Pass for this part of Japan (up to 7 days).
JR Central for the central region of Mount Fuji, near Tokyo to Nagoya.
JR East for the Eastern region, including Tokyo, Nagano etc.
JR Hokkaido for the northernmost island of Japan

Online reservations are possible for the following lines:

Book with 12GB

It is certainly possible to book train tickets for Japan on this site, which is efficient for Asia, but even if it would suit me since it is a booking tool with which I am affiliated, I doubt the usefulness if you plan to use a JR Pass. The site 12Go only offering full-price tickets.

Note however thatIt is also possible to buy the famous JR Pass on 12GB 😉

Taking the subway in Japan

To complete the rail section, Japan also has a substantial metro network. Most major cities (Osaka and Kyoto to name just those we took) have them and it is a fast and efficient way to get from one point to another in the city. I can also mention Tokyo, recognized as one of the best-connected cities in the world.

Normally (and fortunately), you will have explanatory signs in English to help you find your way, the same goes for the display of the next stations once you are in the cars. If you want to simplify the use of the latter, don't forget to get a Suica or Pasmo prepaid card.

The principle remains similar to many metros around the world. If you don't have a card, there are automatic terminals to buy tickets in " one shot ». Follow the signs to get there and validate the ticket in the machine, keep it good, because it is still used for exit.

Once on the platform, don't "play" the Parisian. Let people out first and don't wait in front of the doors but on the sides.

A good thing, the price of the ticket being based on the distance, is that if you ever go too far, because you change plans during the journey (it happened to us), you will see machines at the exit of the platforms (before the exit of the paying zone) marked "Fare Adjustment", which therefore serve precisely to adjust ticket price et pay the missing balance to avoid being blocked at the exit.

automatic ticket machines metro trains japan

Machines for metro tickets.

Shipping

In case you missed the first lines, I remind you that Japan is an archipelago made up of several thousand islands. Around say that maritime transport is more than present to ensure connections between the different groups of islands. The boat is not necessary to move on the four main islands of Japan (in geographical order, from south to north, Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Hokkaido), the latter being connected by bridges and tunnels (except Hokkaido which is only accessible by train but not by road).

Ferries are essential to access the many more isolated islands and most of the time, can carry both passengers and vehicles if you are on a road trip. Long-distance ferries are downright mini cruise ships, with a relaxation lounge, restaurant, and even public baths (onsen style), which can accommodate hundreds of vehicles and as many passengers.

Vehicle transport vessel.

On these long distance ferries and that includes at least one night, there is the choice between three types of classes (second, first and special) distributed as follows:

2nd class without bed : lThe cheapest option since you have access to the common area and a space with a mat or tatami on the floor to rest on, but no proper bed.
2nd class with bed : to benefit from a bed, expect to pay 20 to 40% more than the previous class. In this case, the rooms are dormitories with between 4 and 12 places.
1st class : for double the price of the “without bed” class, you will have a room with 2 to 4 beds.
Special class : a supplement over 1st class (roughly 2.5 times the price 2nd class without beds), you will have a room with two beds, perfect for couples without children on a budget.

These large ships operate particularly internationally, with connections to China and South Korea.

With the company China Japan International Ferry for example, operating between Shanghai and the port of Kobe, you can make the connection for a fare (for the outward journey only) varying from 20 yen (000 € in 170nd Class Cabin) to 2 yen (40 € in Special Cabin) and even 000 yen (340 € in Royal Cabin).

To get to South Korea from Japan, you have at least two companies, PanStar Cruise and Kampu Ferry (which is also part of the SHK Line group that I talk about later).

Whatever the journey and its length; if ferry departures are frequent, it is not necessarily necessary to book in advance, including if you have a vehicle. Otherwise it is preferable. The fare of a vehicle depends on its length and includes the ticket for the driver but there remains to pay the fare for the other passengers.

If you are boarding by bike, the cost is based on an hourly rate, usually 100 yen per hour. So if your ferry ride takes 8 hours, then you will have to pay 800 yen to take your bike on board.

Note the upcoming implementation of a pass similar to that offered by the railway company in Japan, which would be the Japan Ferry Pass.

For reservations, some companies have their own website in English, but as there are about twenty companies, I will not list them all here. On the other hand, I can mention the main companies that operate inter-regionally:

For example, we can cite the MOL group, which is divided into three separate ferry companies depending on the routes they manage:

MOL Ferry, operating between Oarai (north of Tokyo) and Tomakomai (on the island of Hokkaido)
Meimon Taiyo Ferry (City Line), operating between Osaka and Kita Kyushu, a port in the north of the eponymous island. The "Tourist" cabins are interesting with a price starting at €47 in low season (€64 in high season, end of April, beginning of May and August). The advantage is that they sail at night (departure at 17 p.m. and 19 p.m.) and therefore save a night in a hotel.
Sunflower Ferry, operating between Kyushu Island and Honshū. Specifically between Osaka (Kansai region) and Shibushi (Kagoshima) or Beppu and between Kobe (on the main island of Honshū) and Oita (on Kyushu Island)

Another important group, SHK Line Group, which allows you to book connections on English-language sites via three of their subsidiaries (the group is divided into 9 companies in total, 7 of which operate ferries):

Hankyu Ferry, for connections between Kobe or Izumiotsu (south of Osaka) and Shinmoji (north of Kyūshū Island)
Shin Nihonkai Ferry, operating between the north coast of the main island Honshū and the island of Hokkaido
Ocean Trans, running between Tokyo and Tokushima (on the island of Shikoku) and Kita Kyushu, a port in the north of the island of Kyūshū

As an independent company, you have Taiheiyo Ferry, operating between Nagoya, in the heart of Honshū Island, Sendai, north of Tokyo and Tomakomai, on the island of Hokkaidō.

I also give you two sites that can support reservations on popular ferry lines in Japan.

The first, whose search tool you have below, allows you to book connections mainly for Okinawa, the islands south of Kogashima (on the island of Kyushu) and the Izu Islands, south of Tokyo Bay. You will also find ferries for international connections such as Panstar Cruise connecting Osaka, in Kansai, and Busan, in the south of South Korea.

Direct Ferries*

Direct Ferries

Air transport

As mentioned above, there are 4 international airports in Japan, which can serve as a landing point in the country, in order of importance in terms of traffic:

Tokyo (Haneda International Airport – HND)
Tokyo (Narita International Airport – NRT)
Osaka (Kansai International Airport – KIX)
Nagoya (Chubu Centrair International Airport – NGO)

Osaka has a second airport, also known asOsaka International Airport (ITM), but since the opening of Kansai Airport, it is only used for internal flights and is therefore renamed Itami Airport after the name of the town where the airport is located, 20 km north of Osaka.

Fukuoka Airport (to the code IATA funny for English speakers, since it is FUCK), although important in terms of attendance and also international, mainly serves countries around Japan. (in Asia therefore), including Thailand.

Nagasaki also has an airport of international dimensions, but above all in the name… Nagasaki International Airport (NGS) only serves China with Shanghai, Hong Kong and South Korea, as it is located much closer to Seoul than the airport Haneda ou Narita from Tokyo.

Apart from these airports, there are no less than 50 domestic airports and aerodromes, 28 of which reach one million passengers per year. I will therefore not list them all here, but the most used, apart from those mentioned in the lines above, are the following:

Sapporo (Shin-Chitose Airport – CTS) — main airport on the island of Hokkaido
Naha (Okinawa-Naha Airport – OKA) — main airport on the island of Okinawa
Kogashima (Kogashima Airport – KOJ) — in the south of the island of Kyushu
Kumamoto (Kumamoto Airport – KMJ) — in the middle of Kyushu Island
Sendai (Sendai Airport – SDJ) — north of Tokyo, in the Tōhoku region
Miyazaki (Miyazaki Airport – KMI) — also on Kyushu Island, east side
Matsuyama (Matsuyama Airport – MYJ) — main airport on Shikoku Island
Hiroshima (Hiroshima Airport – HIJ) — in the Chūgoku region, at the western end of the island of Honshū
Kobe (Kobe Airport – UKB) — another airport in the Kansai region
Ishigaki (Ishigaki-Painushima Airport – ISG) — serving the Ishigaki island group (off the coast of Taiwan), just south of Okinawa

As long as you stay within the four main islands, you're unlikely to need to take an internal flight, as the train remains largely efficient and cost-effective thanks to the JR Pass. However, if you're heading to more remote islands (Okinawa for example), flying will be the quickest option.

If you have time, there is obviously the ferry, but it is not said that it will be cheaper with the offer of low-cost companies that now allow flights at competitive prices. To give an example, a Tokyo – Sapporo flight can be found for around €50.

ANA airline plane at Osaka airport. Photo credit mackwo7 (pixabay.com)

In addition to the big companies already mentioned such as Japan Airlines (JAL) or All Nippon Airways (ANA) which obviously operate local flights, there are, as everywhere, a series of local companies, which are sometimes local branches of regional companies (from Asia Pacific). Among these companies, there are two, already mentioned several times on this blog:

Jetstar Japan, Japanese branch of la Australian low cost airline. Jetstar Japan operates the largest domestic network among low-cost carriers. From Tokyo's Narita Airport, Osaka's Kansai Airport and Nagoya's central airport in Japan, it serves many domestic destinations and a small number of international destinations.
Air Asia Japan, a branch of the famous Malaysian company (famous since popular in Thailand). Restarted in 2017, it currently only operates one route between Nagoya and Sapporo.

In both cases, note that theThe baggage policy is strict and services are limited, although paid drinks and snacks are available on board. Beware of hidden fees.

Other local companies in Japan include the following:

Skymark Airlines, which has one of the most extensive route networks among low-cost airlines in Japan. It operates low-cost flights from its main bases in Tokyo-Haneda and Kobe to destinations nationwide. The airline maintains a certain level of airport services and a fairly moderate baggage policy, but keeps its onboard service to a minimum.
Peach Aviation, Japan's first true low-cost airline (since 2012), introducing fares never before seen in Japan. The airline is based at Osaka's Kansai Airport, Tokyo's Narita Airport and Okinawa's Naha Airport and operates several domestic and international routes to nearby Asian destinations.
Spring Airlines Japan, is a small company that connects Narita Airport to Hiroshima, Sapporo, Saga and several cities in China.
Air Do offers cheap flights from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to various destinations in Hokkaido, and from Sapporo to Osaka and several secondary airports across Honshu. A relatively generous baggage allowance and a certain level of service are maintained, including complementary drinks.
Starflyer Starflyer also offers cheap flights on its route network, centered around Kita Kyushu and nearby Fukuoka and Yamaguchi. Starflyer not only offers cheap fares, but also a level of comfort that exceeds that of conventional airlines by offering spacious seats, complementary drinks and a video system for each passenger.
Solaseed Air, operates cheap flights from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to various cities in Kyushu, as well as from Nagoya and Kobe to Okinawa.
Fuji Dream Airlines, a company that began operations with the opening of Shizuoka Airport in 2009. In addition to Shizuoka Airport, the airline also serves a number of other airports across the country, including Matsumoto and Nagoya.
IBEX Airlines operates a small domestic route network based in Sendai. It includes flights from Tokyo's Narita Airport, Osaka's Itami Airport and Nagoya's Central Japan Airport.

Of these companies, at least two stand out for a lesser side. cheap » and more comfortable, offering in particular a franchise relatively generous luggage and a certain level of service maintained, including complementary drinks, Starflyer and Solaseed Air. However, they will not be the cheapest, obviously. Ibex being in this same range, but even a little more expensive.

Starflyer plane approaching Osaka. Photo credit: Flick: ken H.

Book a hotel in Japan

With more than 30 million tourists in 2019, Japan is attracting more and more people, multiplying the number of tourists by 8 in just 10 years. However, it is not a country known for its cheap offers and the tourist must have a substantial average budget to really enjoy the country.

When it comes to hotels, this is no exception. However, there is a wide range of establishments that can satisfy just about any style of traveler. Little ones guesthouses offering single rooms in the form of a “capsule” bed (usually from €20), to the individual rooms of a “classic” hotel and to the experience of ryokan (over €300), there is choice.

Note if you are a smoker, there are rooms in Japan specified as non-smoking in some hotels, which makes me think that others must accept smokers. (either because there is a terrace or something else).

Below I have listed the best hotels we tested during our stay in Japan, knowing that each time they were small individual rooms, except at the ryokan, a unique experience:

Shine Nakazaki (Osaka)

Budget: from €57 (single room)

Our first pied-à-terre after arriving late in Japan in Osaka, before leaving for Kyoto the next morning. Needless to say, we didn't spend much time there. But it was a great plan, not far from Osaka station and Umeda, where we arrived from the airport. The room was quite "large" in Japanese standards (13 m²) and for this price, we also had a terrace with a nice little view of Osaka.

Learn more and book the Briller Nakazaki

Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto

Budget: from €70

In a slightly higher range than the previous one, we arrived at this hotel for our first part in Kyoto. The advantage was to be close to the subway and less than 2 km from places to visit like Nijo Castle. The welcome was pleasant, we had kept our luggage while waiting for the check-in time. The rooms were small (small double room) to limit the budget, but they also have larger rooms and in a more Japanese style if you are interested.

Learn more and book Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto

Kigusuriya Ryokan

Budget: from €260 (single room)

So yes, it is expensive, very expensive (I was taking advantage of a discount due to an accumulation of points with Agoda, thus benefiting from -60%). But the principle of the ryokan, the traditional and typical inns of Japan, is to be very well taken care of by your host. And in our case, there were only two or three rooms, so the place was more expensive than a more "classic" ryokan. In addition, the price still includes dinner and breakfast and you benefit from a hot bath (onsen). The latter was a little lost in the mountains not too far from the village of Miyama where we were going the next day.

Learn more and book Kigusuriya Ryokan

Guesthouse Nara Komachi

Budget: from €35

Located in a quiet area not far from JR Nara station, it was only a short kilometer to reach Nara Park and the main temples like Tōdai-ji. The room was obviously small but individual and still had an integrated bathroom. Depending on the season, the price can increase (we had it at €49) but in this range, it is one of the best value for money in Nara.

Learn more and book Guesthouse Nara Komachi

Book your hotels in Japan with Booking

Health and Safety in Japan

Do I need travel insurance?

Even though Japan is a particularly safe country, it remains subject to natural disasters, and zero risk in general does not exist. As a result, travel insurance is always a plus to cover hospitalization costs and health expenses that can quickly become high without an assistance contract, especially if you are going to Asia for several months, this can be more than welcome in the event of a problem, as credit card insurance is limited (it only covers 0 months).

The maximum amount for healthcare costs covered by traditional credit cards may prove insufficient (around €10 compared to €000 for dedicated travel insurance) and does not cover civil liability.

I advise you ACS Travel & Expatriation Insurance Solutions*.

I would like to point out that if you subscribe to the insurance via the link, I would receive a small commission. This is a simple way to help keep the site running, as insurance is preferable anyway and will therefore be beneficial to both you and me.

What vaccines and what do I need to know for my health?

This section will be quite different from the other countries mentioned on this blog, Japan being clean in terms of hygiene and there are fewer mosquito-related diseases, there is no compulsory vaccination as such.

Be up to date with your standard vaccinations (DTP for adults, MMR for children). The only requirement is that if you are coming from a country at risk, for example yellow fever, you would have to respect the health measures required by the country.

Recommended vaccines:

HEPATITIS A
HEPATITIS B
JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS

This series of vaccines is often recommended in Asia depending on local travel conditions. A term that remains rather "vague" but implies a rather rural stay. The vaccine against Japanese encephalitis may be necessary in the event of a prolonged stay in a rural area for example. The latter being transmitted by mosquitoes, protection against them is particularly important.

Hygiene in Japan

Hygiene conditions are good in Japan, so no particular concerns from that point of view. I would just mention that if you want to try the famous fugu, for example, a fish that is extremely toxic if not properly prepared (you are dead in less than 4 hours if applicable), it is better to go to a reputable establishment where the chef will have followed the long training to be qualified.

Apart from that, the conditions are similar to Europe. Everything is well washed, packaged, it is unlikely that you will experience stomach problems in Japan (even if the risk 0 does not exist once again). The general hygiene rules therefore remain in force!

Wash your hands frequently before each meal (possibly with an antimicrobial solution since it is used without water).
Meat and fish/shellfish must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

For your safety

Japan is particularly renowned for its safety. Very unlikely to encounter theft, assault or even scams. Leave with peace of mind, without necessarily letting your guard down completely, but in general, a wallet forgotten in Japan will remain in its place at the time unless it is kept carefully until your return.

Risk areas

Several risks specific to Japan can be distinguished:

Natural hazards. Japan experiences typhoons every year, possibly from June to October but more widely between August and September. This results in violent winds that can reach 300 km/hour and heavy rains (20 mm per hour!). In addition, Japan is frequently subject to earthquakes, and to a lesser extent, volcanic activity (depending on the islands).
Wild animals.It can happen de have bad encounters during a walk in the forest. Sometimes fatal attacks involving bears are recorded every year. Avoid approaching wild monkeys and trying to feed them.
The area around Fukushima : unless you are into urbex, explorer delirium, it is unlikely that you will go to the area affected by the Fukushima disaster. There is still a prohibited zone and restricted areas around the plant.

Pratical information

– Emergency numbers –

Police: 110
Police with possible response in French: +81 3 35 03 84 84
Firefighters / Ambulance: 119

Hospitals in Tokyo

Red Cross Hospital: Nisseki Byoin
Tel. : +81 3 34 00 13 11
Keio University Hospital:
Tel. : +81 3 33 53 12 08
Tokyo Clinic (English and even French speaking doctors):
Phone. : +81 3 34 36 30 28 or +81 3 34 36 30 25

French Embassy in Japan:

4 Chome-11-44 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-8514, Japan

Tel: + 81 3 57 98 60 00

Ministry of Foreign Affairs website on Japan

What to see and do in Japan?

Japan and its 47 prefectures are grouped into 8 regions. If we break it down, the official distribution is as follows, from north to south:

- - Hokkaido (the island is the only one to be both a region and a prefecture in its own right)
  - Tohoku (the area around Fukushima)
  - Kanto (which notably includes Tokyo)
  - Chubu (a mountainous region between Ishikawa and Shizuoka, where the more famous Nagano is located)
  - Kansai (one of the most visited regions since it is home to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara among others)
  - Chugoku (which includes the cities of Okayama and Hiroshima)
  - Shikoku (the small island straddling Kansai and Chugoku)
  - Kyushu and Okinawa (the group of more isolated islands south of Japan is included in the region including the island of Kuyshu)

To further simplify this distribution, I will group the visits into 3 points, north, center and south according to the islands characterizing these parts of the archipelago, because I will not go into detail about what there are as visits for each region, that would be a bit too heavy for this page which is intended to be a summary of the information.

Hokkaido Island: Wild Beauty

Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan, the northernmost in fact, because beyond that, you are in Russian territory. And if you are going north, head to the national park of the peninsula of the same name, Shiretoko. Shiretoko National Park is a piece of wild land located at the very end of the island, which is part of the Unesco World HeritageIt is famous for its wildlife, including bears hunting salmon in the crystal clear rivers, deer and eagles soaring in the sky, all with landscapes far removed from the modernism that makes up the country.

lake ichiko national park shiretoko hokkaido japan

Photo credit 663highlands / CC BY-SA

Among the must-sees in Shiretoko, the five lakes region (called Shiretokogo) and the river and Kamuiwakka waterfall, fed by a hot spring and flowing further directly into the sea. If you like museums and learning more about local culture, head to the Museum of the Peoples of the North (composed of the Ainu, Inuit and Sami), located in the town of Abashiri (accessible by JR!).

At the North-West tip, if you have a bit of an explorer side and like hiking in landscapes that look like the fleshy coasts of Scotland, then take a trip to Volcanic Island and Rebun (and possibly its neighbor, Rishiri Island).

On your way back to the center of the island, you can stop at Daisetsuzan National Park, which can be translated as "big snowy mountain" and who says mountain says hiking. The area is made up of volcanoes and the park includes no less than 5 peaks so the easiest and most popular, Asahidake, is accessible via a cable car combo and two hours of walking. It is particularly beautiful in late spring, early summer, with alpine flowers scattered around the crater. In winter, this is a skier's paradise.

smoking crater mount asahi daisetsuzan hokkaido japan

package / CC BY

The main city, Sapporo, is not particularly known for its attractions, but you can always find something to do. First of all, if you only visit one shrine, go to the Hokkaido Jingu, at the foot of a mountain to the west of the city. On this mountain, you also have a small ski resort, Sapporo Kokusai, divided into 7 slopes with daily passes starting at just €32, off season (and €40 in high season, which is still very affordable) – add to that equipment rental at €45 (€36 if booked after 12:30 p.m.).

If it's also the period, don't miss the famous snow festival in Sapporo, which takes place every year in February. End your stay in Sapporo (and Hokkaido) with a visit to the Beer Museum and a stroll along Odori Park, a veritable green corridor dividing the city into two parts.

You will also find other stations spread all around the Mountain Yotei, nicknamed Little Mount Fuji. In the south of the island, you have close to the Kuttara Lake and the town of Noboribetsu, a volcanic area, mixing spas with onsen and locality, Jigokudani. dubbed "Death Valley" is an area of volcanic activity offering landscapes with spectacular colors and a "sulfurous" atmosphere.

Odori Park in Sapporo (view from the TV tower). Photo credit (flickr): Daniel betts

Honshū Island: Japan's must-see attractions

The main island of the Japanese archipelago is where most of the country's most famous attractions are concentrated, with Tokyo and Kyoto at the top. However, the island is vast, and if you are keen on places that are more "off the beaten track", then you will find your happiness in the northern region, Tohoku.

Tohoku, the lost paradise

With some mountains and volcanoes, the area offers plenty of beautiful walks and landscapes. Starting with the landscape of the Shirakami-Sanchi mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its vast primary beech forest. Shirakami provides access via various hiking trails to the forests, which are obviously at their peak in autumn, as well as several to waterfalls and lakes. One of the places to see is called Juniko, where you will have a trail going around the 12 lakes and pools there, including Aoike, with its unusual blue color.

landscape mountain sirakami santi region tohoku

Shirakami Mountain Landscape. Photo credit らんで / CC BY-SA

Another spot to favor, the walk in the Anmon valley, not far from Lake Miyama. The path runs along the river Anmon and leads to a waterfall nestled in the heart of the woods. If you are in the area, you can also take a walk to the Mount Iwaki, a stratovolcano. The latter can be easy to access since it is known for its 69-turn hairpin road, approaching the summit, with which you can follow with a cable car, like a piece of cake to the summit!

Further north before possibly reaching Hokkaido, you have the lunar landscape around the Usori Lake, where there is a temple there, Osore-Zan, which seems so timeless.

If you get closer to Sendai, you can visit the superb Towada-Hachimentai National Park, a vast area of cedar, beech and pine forest that stretches from Lake Towada in the north to Mount Hachimentai and the crater of Mount Ou. Not far from there, in the Moriaka city, be sure to visit the beautiful zen temple Hoon-ji, which houses 500 statues representing Buddha's disciples.

Mount Iwate with Moriaka City in the foreground. Photo credit: yisris / CC BY-SA

Sendai, the region's main city and capital of Miyagi Prefecture, can make an ideal stopover on the roads of northern Japan. You can take a look at the website of the Sendai Castle Ruins, of which only a few outbuildings remain, since it was dismantled in 1870 and then damaged during the Second World War. Another point of interest, Zuiho-den, a mausoleum complex of Date Masamune and his descendants, a feudal lord of Edo. Finally, take (or resume) a breath of nature by going to see one of the region's waterfalls, such as the fall Aiku.

If you have time, you can take a tour of the coastal city of Matsushima, where there is an archipelago of islands and the Zen temples Zuigan-ji and Godaidō, the latter being on a small island attached to the quay from which pleasure boats leave to visit the bay.

Zuiho-den Mausoleum in Sendai. Photo credit:663highlands / CC BY-SA

Tokyo and surroundings

The Kanto region is largely dominated by the megalopolis that is Tokyo, the most populated urban area in the world with 42 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area. Starting from a simple fishing village, its old name, Edo, meaning estuary, it grew in importance during the Tokugawa shogunate until becoming the capital following the restoration of the emperor in 1868. It is therefore a huge city certainly, modern too but with an interesting past and history.

It is also in the heart of Tokyo that the main residence of the Emperor of Japan, Kokyo. Not far from the Imperial Palace, you have the small Ueno Park, where the Ueno Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to the memory of Tokugawa Iesayu, a local gem with its gold-covered gates. Nearby, you will be in the Asakusa district where there is an important sanctuary, Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo (founded in the 7th century), dedicated to the goddess Kannon (equivalent to the Chinese goddess of mercy).

asakusa shrine senso-ji temple tokyo japan

If this is your first time in Japan and you are not yet sick of temples and shrines, you can take a trip to Yasukuni-jinja, a shrine dedicated to the dead of the Japanese civil war. You can take a deep breath Shinjuku Gyon Park, which covers an area of 58 hectares, a true oasis with its sublime gardens (including a "French" section). Not far from there, meditate in the Shinto shrine of Meiji-jingū, located on a small hill covered with forest. It all feels very zen and contradictory with the bustling neighborhood surrounding it, because you are then in the heart of Shibuya, famous for its crosswalk, a real anthill and unique ballet when cars stop to let people pass. Shibuya is a shopping district and you will have plenty to do in "Cat Street" or in Takeshita-dōri.

If you like temples, you can see the Zojo-ji, a former gigantic complex that is modest in size these days. The latter is right next to the famous Tokyo Tower, a sort of "copy" of the Eiffel Tower (at least inspired by it), from where you will have a view of the entire city at its summit. And if you are passing through the area, you might as well stroll around the Hama-Rikyu Garden, a perfect example of a typical Edo period garden.

The famous Shibuya crosswalk in Tokyo. Photo credit: This one / CC BY-SA

If you are visiting the area and want to get out of the city, there is of course the legendary Mount Fuji, which can be climbed part of the year (from early July to mid-September) but which is also surrounded by beautiful spots to admire this true icon of Japan. One of the best views in my opinion is from the Chureito Pagoda, located on the mountainside with Mount Fuji facing it. Another site of interest is the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, centered around hakone, a town renowned for its thermal spas (like Miyanoshita Onsen).

Heading north from Tokyo, head towards Nikko, a small town near which there are two attractions. The Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a large 17th century mausoleum which is part of the Unesco World Heritage Site and Kegon Falls, which falls from a height of almost 100 meters.

Mount Fuji seen from Chureito Pagoda. Photo credit: Manishprabhune / CC BY-SA

If you are looking for sea air, the closest option is the Kamakura city. Not far from the beach, you can still get a little cultural dose with the Hase-dera ancient temple (from the 8th century) and the large bronze Buddha from Kotoku-in. If you like temples next to forests, there is the Sasuke-Inari Shrine which should satisfy this demand. Finally if the bamboo Kyoto is much more famous, you will have a good one in Kamakura at Hokoku-ji Temple, whose adjacent hill served as shelter for soldiers during the war.

Another more atypical option is to “go into exile” on the volcanic island of Izu, south of Tokyo Bay, dominated by the volcano Mount Mihara. The fact is that if you continue south, towards the Northern Mariana Islands, you will then come across Ogasawara Archipelago, a group of 40 islands and islets forming a national park and newly listed in the Unesco World Heritage. So more than 1 km from the Japanese coast, these islands as well as others further south (Haha Island) nevertheless depend on the prefecture of Tokyo.

There are some great walks to do, especially on Chichijima Island, where Ogasawara National Park is located. You can see Kominato Beach from below, before admiring the view from above from Nakayama Viewpoint. The waters surrounding the small southern islands are beautiful, especially towards Minamijima Island, where the small cove of Ogichi is located.

ogasawara archipelago tokyo prefecture japan

The Ogasawara Archipelago. Photo credit: Anagounagi / CC BY-SA

The Japanese Alps, a hiking paradise

The mountain range occupying the center of the island of Honshu is known for its resemblance to our Alps, with the difference that here they are volcanic mountains for some. Composed of three mountain ranges approaching 3 m (its main peak, Mount Kita, even exceeds this cape at 000 m), the japanese alps (a term popularized by foreign explorers) are the only three active glaciers in Japan.

In general, we visit this region from the coastal city of Kanazawa, where there are grouped some attractions and interesting old quarter. We can first mention its castle, the Kanazawa Castle, of rather modest appearance but whose its gardens (Kenroku-en), are probably better known.

kenroku-en garden adjacent to kanazawa castle japan

Kanazawa Castle seen from Kenroku-en Garden.

The local curiosity being Myōryū-ji Temple, also more widely called Ninja-dera, and yes, we are talking about the legendary ninjas of Japan. This temple, which has a rather ordinary exterior appearance, only seems to be composed of one floor and about ten rooms. Built by the lord of the city in the 20th century, it actually houses more than 3 rooms spread over XNUMX floors in half-levels. This atypical construction, to which is added a labyrinth of stairs and real traps, was intended to disorient potential attackers and allow a defense system for the samurai and soldiers protecting the place.

Crossing the Useno River you will reach the Higashi Chaya old quarter, which is reminiscent of Gion and its houses with wooden facades. Another way to travel through time is possible since the region is home to many villages that seem frozen in time.

old higashi chaya district kanazawa japan

On the way to Matsumoto, you have the most famous which is Shirakawa-go, included in the Hakusan National Park. The village is famous for its thatched roof houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And about 50 km away, you have the charming Takayama, nicknamed "Little Kyoto" for its small cobblestone streets that line the old town. If you like caves, there is an interesting one nearby, Hida Great Limestone Cave.

Once at Matsumoto, you can visit its castle (yet another one) and see a wasabi farm, the plant from which a paste is extracted that is used to make the condiment of the same name that tears your face off. It is also near Matsumoto that you will have the most representative landscapes of these mountains, beautiful mount Hotaka for example, where is the beautiful Kamikochi Valley. Higher up you have the Hida Mountains or better, Mount Tate. Near these mountain ranges, there is the magnificent Shōmyō waterfall.

Kamikochi Valley. Photo credit: nonamebyPixabayimages from

But the other major attraction of the region, still in terms of villages, is found in Kisoji Valley. From Matsumoto and heading towards Nakatsugawa, you can take an old shopping street, Old Nakasendo. It used to be used by merchants traveling between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. In order to be able to camp and eat, there were no fewer than 69 relay posts, some of which still exist. So, you have the Narai-juku towns to the north, then Tsumago and Magome, each of which retains a timeless aspect.

A little away from all these sites, closer to Tokyo, you have the valley and Jigokudan Park. Located not far from Nagano, the park is famous for its monkeys who also enjoy hot baths (especially in winter!).

rue pave village magome-juku old nakasendo

Cobblestone street in Magome village, crossing old Nakasendo road. Photo credit: SElefant / CC BY-SA

Before reaching Kyoto (or elsewhere), go through Nagoya, which can be interesting, especially in its northern suburb, Inuyama. There are at least two sites there that could justify a stopover. First, there is the Meiji-mura Museum, considered one of the best in Japan (be careful because the site is vast, more than 60 buildings, so it can take time to go around it!). Then, 10 km from there, on the banks of the Kiso River, you have the Inuyama Castle. It is one of the 12 original castles remaining in Japan, meaning that it has not been rebuilt. It has withstood the test of time, earthquakes and escaped fires for nearly 500 years.

Kansai, the essentials

Although there are already some must-sees mentioned above, the Kansai region alone concentrates a good part of the classics to see in Japan. If you plan to come to Japan only once, this is the region not to be missed.

To start with Kyoto, the ancient capital up to 1868. This is where you will find the high profile sites like the bamboo grove ofArashiyama, which is adjacent to the temple Tenryuji. More Arashiyama is not thata bamboo forest, far away. These are also several sanctuaries, and it is also a nature area, which is parcours especially by boat via the Katsura River, or by train, along the mountain. You can also see monkeys on the hill opposite, at Monkey Park Iwatayama.

Among the must-see places in Kyoto, we can mention the golden temple, kinkaku-ji and the silver temple, Ginkaku-ji. Still in the temples, there is the temple on the hillside, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, registered in Unesco World Heritage. The current buildings, dating from 1633, dominate the town from its hill, surrounded by abundant forest. To get there, you will have to go through the Gion Historic District, where you might come across a few Geishas. On the riverside, eat in the lively alleyway and neighborhood Ponto-cho. Finally, when leaving the city, don't miss the shrine with thousands of torii, Fushimi Inari-taisha, which you can go see on your way to Nara, another stopover in Kansai.

portrait young lady kimono fushimi inari taisha - kyoto

Nara is an ancient capital (considered the first in Japan), known for its superb Temple Todai-hee and the hall Daibutsu-den, housing a majestic bronze statue of Buddha. It is also other temples of historical importance like the Kofuku-ji or sanctuary Shinto Kasuga Taishai. Nara is also a park where hundreds of deer roam freely around these sacred sites, creating a special atmosphere. This is a stopover that is often visited as a day trip from Kyoto.

Nara can be used as a bivouac for the night if you continue further south in Kansai, in the mountains of the prefecture of Wakayama.

You can borrow the old one Kumuno Kodo pilgrimage route, of which there are several variants. One of them is done by crossing the Kii peninsula from east to west. The departure is from the outskirts of the coastal city of Tanabe and ending near another coastal town, Shingu. However, it is not the coast that you will follow but a path in the heart of the mountains. Like the Way of Saint James, the route is punctuated by sacred places and you can stop at picturesque inns and onsen villages.

Starting from Takijiri-Oji, you will have two days to reach the shrine Kumano Hongu Taisha, which centralizes the pilgrimage routes. The culmination of this "ordeal" being the sanctuary kumano Nachi-taisha (also named Seiganto-ji) and its pagoda, with a beautiful waterfall and the surrounding cedar forest as a backdrop. This still requires two more days from the Kumano Hongu-taisha.

Another unmissable place in the region, which can also serve as a starting point for the Kumano Kodo trail, Mount Koya (Koya-san), best known for its unique cemetery, the largest in Japan. So yes, visiting a cemetery is not necessarily common (well, we do it at Père Lachaise) but Oku-no-in, its name, is worth the detour for its setting. Home to over 200 tombs and a major mausoleum (that of Kobo Daishi, also called Kukai), the cedar forest is majestic and walking the lantern-lined paths is an experience in itself. In addition, it is located not far from the temple at Kongōbu-ji Zen Garden.

Heading to the east coast of Kansai, you have the Ise city which is interesting to visit, especially for its Ise-jingū Shrine and old street Okage Yokocho. Not far from the seaside, if you are curious, stop at the Meoto Iwa Shinto Shrine and its frog statues.

I will end this section on Kansai by mentioning Osaka. Famous for its castle and its lively district of dotonbori, you can also visit the very beautiful garden in the park Tennoji, admire the city view at Umeda Sky Building, in the Umeda district. If you want to gain height differently and dominate Osaka Bay, climb Mount Rocco via a cable car, next to Kobe, a city renowned for its beef (and sadly famous after its earthquake in 1995 which resulted in a very good museum, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial).

view towards mountains umeda sky building osaka japan

View of Osaka.

The Chugoku region and the island of Shikoku

Chugoku

Here we are approaching the North-West region of the island of Honshu, which represents the Chugoku region. I previously told you about Kobe, the logical next step along the southern coast is to go to Himeji. I'll give you a guess, it's there that you'll find the Himeji Castle. Another castle, but this one is not just any castle either. It is first of all one of the oldest preserved in its state (it has not suffered any major damage) and it is above all the largest castle in Japan.

Not far from Himeji, there is Okayama, where you can see the Koraku-en Japanese Garden, one of the most famous in Japan and present in this location since the 18th century! The latter is located on the bank of the Asahi-gawa River and faces Okayama Castle. You also have the Kurashiki historical district, crossed by a canal, which can turn out to be a good plan.

If you are going to the inland sea side, and you are sensitive to art, you should go to the small island of Naoshima. The island has several museums and art galleries, the main one being dedicated to modern art (Chichu Art Museum), and another to architecture (Ando Museum). There are also works of art spread across the island as well as houses integrated into a project called "Art House Project". In a similar spirit, you also have not far away Teshima Island, with in addition to museums and places dedicated to art, a superb viewpoint over the inland sea.

Continuing further west, you have the Hiroshima city, infamous for being the first city bombed with an atomic bomb in 1945 by the Americans. To learn more about this tragic event, you have the Peace Memorial Park, associated with the museum Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and another Hall. The site faces (across the Motoyasu River) the famous Genbaku Dome (also called A-Bomb Dome), the only vestige left standing after the blast created by the bomb.

To find a little serenity, you don't need to go very far since off the coast of Hiroshima, you have Itsukushima Island, known for its Itsukushima Shrine and his famous "floating" torii, since the latter is placed in the bay and submerged at its feet at high tide. A photogenic spot for sure.

Shikoku

Public chat Shikoku Island, you have some beautiful gardens, starting with the Makino Botanical Garden, to the southwest. But most of the attractions of this island, which is rather neglected by tourism, are towards the northeast corner. There is also a garden there that is worth a look, Ritsurin-kōen, located in the Takamatsu City. Dating from the 18th century, it is elegantly landscaped with its pond that runs through the park. Close to Ritsurin-kōen, you have the open-air park and museum of Shikoku Mura, which houses several buildings dating from the Edo period to the Taisho era.

Nearby, under the bridge connecting Shikoku Island to its neighbor Awaji, you can witness an astonishing and beautiful geological phenomenon, Naruto Whirlpools. The Naruto whirlpool (named after the strait, nothing to do with the manga character), is the result of a mechanism of tides interacting together, that of the Pacific Ocean combined with that of the Seto Inland Sea. To admire them, you can either go to the bridge from where you will have a bird's eye view, or approach by taking a boat trip (it is safe).

garden ritsurin-koen takamatsu shikoku japan

Ritsurin-koen Garden in Takamatsu. Photo credit 663highlands / CC BY-SA

For lovers of raw nature, you have beautiful mountains further in the center of the island, with the Iya valley. Besides the beautiful scenery, especially in autumn with the changing colours, you have a local attraction, Iya-no-Kazura Bashi, a bridge woven with mountain vines. There were about ten of these buildings in the past, the only way to cross the river in the Iya Valley to transport goods to isolated villages. Today, three remain (which are rebuilt every three years). In parallel, you have the Oboke gorge, which you can explore by boat.

By going a little further into the mountains, you can reach the Mount Tsurugi, ideal for beautiful hikes. On the road, you will come across another vine bridge, Oku-Iya Niju Kazura Bashi, but above all shortly before, you will pass the village of Nagoro, unique in its kind. but above all shortly before, you will pass the Nagoro village, unique in its kind. Indeed, composed of only a few houses, this village on the edge of the road along the river is inhabited only by… scarecrows! Also called the village of dolls, it is the initiative of a resident who returned to live in the deserted village who started with a first doll and has never stopped making them since.

Oboke Gorge near Iya Valley. Photo credit Dumphasizer

Kyushu and Okinawa Islands

Kyushu

Here we are on the last part. And I start with the island of Kyushu, attached to the main island of Honshu. I remember four interesting stops. Fukoka, Kumamoto, Beppu and Nagasaki. If we first look at Fukuoka, to the North, you can see the Ohori Park, consisting of a beautifully decorated Japanese-style path. This park and garden have the particularity of being in the middle of an artificial lake. Further east, you have the beautiful Shofuki-ji wooden Zen Buddhist templeDating back to the late 12th century, this makes it one of the oldest in Japan.

On your way to Nagasaki, if you like particularly photogenic spots, you can admire the Floating Torii Gate of Oouo Shrine, located in the sea bordering the town of Tara.

À Nagasaki, another city sadly famous for having suffered the destructive power of the second atomic bomb, which also has a museum dedicated to it (Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum) with the Peace Park next door. Further south of the city, you have the Thomas Glover's garden and house, a Scottish importer in the late 19th century. Considered a prominent figure in the modernization of Japan, his house is located on a hill overlooking the harbor and bay of Nagasaki.

View of Nagasaki from the gardens of Mr. Glover's house. Photo credit Tomio344456 / CC BY-SA

Finally at Kumamoto, further south of the island, you have the Castle of Kumamoto, which unfortunately recently suffered an earthquake (In 2016). But above all, 50 km east of the city, you have the vastness of Japan's active volcanoes. Mount Aso, culminating at almost 1 m above sea level, is at the heart of the Aso-Kuju National ParkNaka-dake, the name given to its crater, is one of the largest calderas in the world.

I cannot write this chapter on Kyushu without mentioning the Beppu city, a mecca for thermal spas. In addition to the many onsens, don't miss a visit to the Takasakiyama Natural Park and its many monkeys.

hot-water-source-beppu-kyushu-island-japan

Hot spring in Beppu. Photo credit Fredrik Rubensson (Flickr)

Before looking at the tropical islands of Okinawa, I invite you to take a trip to the little Yakushima Island (well, we should say Yaku Island, because shima means island in Japanese). Located 60 km off the southern tip of Kyushu, Yakushima is an island in the Osumi archipelago, dominated by a mountain, the Mount Miyanoura, which exceeds 2 m. It is a favorite destination for the Japanese to go hiking and admire its thick forest. A spot not to be missed being Shiratani Unsui Gorge. This surreal setting is composed of giant cedars, sometimes thousands of years old, covered in moss. A forest with a fantastic appearance, which inspired the Ghibli studios for the film Princess Mononoke. Outside the forest, there are also some beautiful waterfalls, the most famous of which is that of Ohko-no-taki.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a group of islands scattered southwest of the four main islands. They are known for their tropical climate and deserted islands with heavenly beaches. Apart from the main island of Okinawa, where its main city, Naha, is located, you have a few other islands worth a quick trip. Starting with Amami-Oshima, where you have for example the Ayamaru Misaki Kanko Park.

Further south, you can take a jump on the small island of Yoron, which has some beautiful beaches. Arrival at the main island of Okinawa, I would have invited you to see his castle, Shuri-jo, but the latter unfortunately went up in flames recently so we'll have to wait. And in the meantime, why not go and admire the cliffs of Cape Manzamo. Before going further south, don't miss the superb Kerama National Park, which brings together several islands with beautiful spots like the small Beach of Furuzamami on Zamami Island or that ofAharen on Tokashiki.

furuzamami beach kerama national park okinawa zamami island

Furuzamami Beach. Photo credit Hashi photo / CC BY

And we conclude this very long chapter with the best? In any case, that is what many Japanese people think, who will quote you the Maehama beachOn Miyakojima Island. There is also the smallest one Boroga beach to the South. You can stretch your legs along the small peninsula of Higashi-henna Zaki. A real little paradise from which you can access annex islands via bridges. This is the case for Ikema Island, where you can go to the little Funakusu cove.

And if you go to the end of Japan, then enjoy the landscapes offered by the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, away from Ishigaki-jima Island, where you have in particular the beautiful bay of Kabira.

On Miyakojima Island. Photo credit Ikusuki (Flickr)

Japan in brief

Destinations

Hokkaido

Tohoku region

Tokyo

Mount Fuji

Nikko

Kamakura

The Japanese Alps

Kyoto

Nara

Wakayama

Osaka

Hiroshima

Itsukushima

Kyushu Island

Okinawa

Things to see / things to do

Natural parks (Shiretoko and Daisetsuzan), Sapporo, Mount Yôtei

Shirakami Sanchi, Anmon Valley, Usari Lake (Osore-Zan), Towada-Hachimentai National Park

Shibuya district, Asakusa (Senso-ji shrine), Meiji-jingu shrine, Shinjuku Gyon park

Fuji Hakone Izu National Park (Hakone), Chureito Pagoda, Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park

Nikkô Toshugu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Shinkyo Bridge, Lake Chuzenji

Kotoku-In (Bronze Buddha), Sasuke-Inari Shrine and Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku-jinja

Nakasendo (villages: Narai-juku, Tsumago), Takayama, Kamikochi Valley, Mount Hotaka

Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Genkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera (Gion district), Fushimi Inari-taisha

Ancient Capital, Deer Park, Todai-ji Temple (and Great Buddha Hall, Daibutsu-den)

Kumono Kodo Path (Nachi-taisha Shrine), Mount Koya (Oku-no-in Cemetery)

Osaka Castle, Dotonbori district, Umeda Sky Building, Shitenno-ji

Genbaku Dome, Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-En Park, Senko-ji, Mitaki-dera

Itsukushima Shrine (Floating Torii), Daishō-in, Mt. Misen

Fukuoka (Shofuki-ji temple), Nagasaki, Mount Aso (Naka-dake), Beppu (onsen), Yakushima island

Natural parks (Ayamaru Misaki Kanko, Kerama), islands with beautiful beaches (Miyakojima, Ishigaki)

Japan's points of interest on a map

Here is a map to locate and summarize all the destinations and places of interest in Japan:

Suggested itineraries in Japan

Japan is a fascinating country, but usually it is often the same areas that are visited. One of the reasons being the relatively high cost of a stay in Japan. (compared to much of Asia), it is obvious that we tend to concentrate more on a specific region, due to lack of time.

Which was our case, with a stay of 9 full days on site, which is both short, but also a minimum to discover at least a little of a region.

If you only have one week:

Assuming you are having an extended layover or for x or and reasons, you only have one week in the land of the rising sun, I won't hide from you that you will have to make a choice.

Assuming that this is a first stay, we might as well stick to the essentials and therefore, to sum up, either Tokyo or Kyoto. Just to visit all the classic sites of tokyo (Asakusa, Jindai-ji temple, Meiji-jingu, Shinjuku district, Shibuya, Tsukishima), a good week is not really enough, that is to say... If staying only in the city does not appeal to you, there is always the possibility of taking a trip to Mount Fuji and its region, called the 5 lakes.

I give you a quick example above, with exploring Tokyo first, then without necessarily going to climb the sacred mountain of Japan, sleep in these surroundings, for example on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. Before returning to Toyko, you can stop at the thermal resort of Hakone, enjoy a night in a ryoken and try a hot bath (onsen).

- - Tokyo (4 nights) – Mount Fuji (2 nights) – Hakone (1 night)

The other option, similar to what we did, is to be more interested in Kyoto. In a week, you will hardly have time to go to the essentials of the ancient capital (imperial palace, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera and the Gion district to name but a few). You can possibly allow yourself an excursion to Nara, visiting the Fushimi Inari sanctuary on the way. Which could be soberly summarized as:

- - Kyoto (6 nights) – Nara (1 night)

If you have about 10 days in Japan:

This is the time we had for our first stay, more precisely 9 days on site. But our following itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible to do. I want to say, if you are not familiar with this site, that our way of traveling, which can be criticized, is quite fast, because we move often, if only to have a good overview of a region. In any case, here is what program we had in the end for this duration:

Day 1

Late arrival in Osaka

Day 2 and 3

Journey to Kyoto
Visit the main sites (Nijo-jo, imperial palace, Kinkaku-ji, Gion district)

Day 4

Exit to Amanoshidate and the village of Ine
Night towards Miyama

Day 5

Visit the village of Kayabuki No Sato (Miyama)
Return to Kyoto and visit of Arashiyama and Higashiyama

Day 6

Continuation of visits to the main sites in Kyoto (Ginkaku-ji, Path of Philosophy, Kiyomizu-dera)

Day 7 and 8

Visit the passage to Nara of the shrine with thousands of torii of Fushimi Inari
Visit the main temples of the deer city (Todai-ji temple)

Day 9 and 10

Morning stroll in the old town of Nara
Osaka Tour and Sightseeing (Osaka Castle, Dotonbori Lively District, Umeda Sky Building)
Return to Thailand

From two weeks in Japan

The first "logical" version of an itinerary would consist of mixing the two individual weeks mentioned just before, namely a mix between Tokyo and Kyoto. If you also have itchy feet, you can always take a trip to Osaka, which is still close to Kyoto (30 minutes roughly), if only to see Osaka Castle and a tour of the legendary district of dotonbori.

Tokyo-Kyoto-Hiroshima-Miyajima, a classic

This can also be done more or less in the form of a "roadtrip", not necessarily by driving, but implied by visiting sites between Tokyo and Kyoto rather than going directly by Shinkansen. In doing so, this allows for example to explore Mount Fuji and its lakes on the one hand, but also to take a tour in the mountains of the Gifu prefecture, which contain some beautiful villages typical of the Edo period.

Which could therefore give this for a first in Japan over two weeks:

- - Tokyo (4 nights)
  - Mount Fuji (1 night)
  - Kanazawa (1 night)
  - Takayama (2 nights)
  - Kyoto (4 nights)
  - Nara (1 day)
  - Osaka (1 night)
  - Hiroshima (1 day)
  - Miyajima (1 night)

If we break it down, as mentioned, there is plenty to do in Tokyo, so a minimum of 4 nights is not too much. Start your advance towards the West of the country as you approach Mount Fuji. You will have a superb view of the pagoda of Chureito including. Depending on the season, allow enough time to climb it if you feel like it.

You can then go to Kanazawa as a base before heading into the mountains. If you like old neighborhoods, head to the district ofHigashi Chaya. Then, direction Takayama (where you have the excellent address Sumiyoshi Ryokan or Antique Inn sumiyoshi as named on Google Maps, to sleep if you want to test a ryokan) from where you can go to several villages in a day, if well organized. You will indeed be within reach of Shirakawa-go, a pretty village with a postcard look, 46 km from Takayama. If you prefer nature outings, then head to the foot of Mt. Kasumizawa, in Kamikochi, where there are beautiful nature walks to do, also 40 km from Takayama (also possible to go there for Matsumoto, where there is a beautiful castle from the feudal era)You will then be in the heart of the region nicknamed the Japanese Alps.

village shirakawa-go prefecture gifu-japan

The village of Shirakawa-go.

An alternative is to stop at Nakatsugawa (rather than Takayama) to visit the villages of Magome and Tsumago-juku, less than 10 km away.

The sequel, a proper visit, to Kyoto Essentials, with a trip to Nara of course and possibly Osaka, before ending towards Hiroshima and its bay, where is located the island of Miyajima, known for its giant “floating” torii (because it is located in the water, with its “feet” in the water at high tide).

Two-week itinerary variant

If villages and mountains appeal to you, you can focus your stay solely on the Japanese Alps (note that the road in this area is open from late spring to early fall, but snowy in winter and therefore limited access). Start your stay with a classic, namely Kyoto in this case. Incidentally, after a visit to Nara, You can join Kanazawa and then tour the villages before end in Nagano.

On the one hand you have the very beautiful wooden temple Zenko-ji, but there is also a train guard Shinkansen, allowing you to quickly return to Kyoto.

Hokkaido Island in Two Weeks

Another possibility over two weeks, dedicate them only to the northernmost island of Japan. With its unique climate, it has a summary of what Japan has to offer. Volcanoes, hot baths and good food. And since the island is big, two whole weeks is not too much. In this case, it is a visit that may be more suitable for a second stay in Japan.

As it is further north, in order to avoid the hassle of weather conditions and snowy roads, it is It is best to plan this visit during the summer season. (from April to October roughly), EXCEPT if you come to ski of course.

If we synthesize the itinerary in Hokkaido, this gives this:

- - Hakodate
  - Shikotsu-Toya National Park
  - Sapporo
  - Daisetsuzan National Park (via Ashakawa)
  - Shiretoko National Park
  - Kushiro (via Bohiro Pass and Akan National Park)

If you have a full month in Japan:

Over this period, like any country, there is a way to see a little bit of everything, from north to south. However, you will still need to stay focused, as traveling from island to island can take time. This is not the case with Hokkaido, which is now only 4 hours from Tokyo thanks to the line of Shinkansen inaugurated in 2016 passing under the sea.

A month in Honshu and Hokkaido

It is quite easy to combine the essentials of the island of Honshu, with the classics mentioned above, combining Kyoto, Tokyo and therefore, Hokkaido.

A month in Honshu

A month should also allow time to properly travel the main island of Honshu from East to West, even allowing himself to take a trip to Kyūshū.

Starting from Tokyo, you can take a detour north to Sendai and Matsushima before returning to the metropolis. You will then have more time to explore either the Japanese Alps region or travel to southern Kansai for explore the Wakayama region.

Then we fall back into the classic sequence, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. Which you can combine with a visit to the island of Shikoku, in the inland sea, before going to the island of Kyūshū. Go through Nagasaki, another city infamous for the atomic bomb dropped on it, and join Kumamoto if you want to see the Aso San crater. You can always just stick to its castle and then head to Beppu, famous for its onsen.

Mount Aso Crater. Photo credit: Igorberger / CC BY-SA

Returning to your starting point, follow the coast to reach Hiroshima, Don't miss Himeji Castle returning to Kansai. If the small island of Shikoku catches your eye, stop in Okayama before heading to Himeji.

The Southern Islands and Okinawa

Finally, if you're looking for a bit of exoticism, don't forget that Japan includes the more tropical islands of Okinawa, as you approach Taiwan. By starting this journey on Kyushu Island, just south of Honshu (the main one if you haven't been following), take an overnight ferry and stop at Amami-Oshima before you marvel at the island of Yoron-to, which has nothing to envy the Maldives with its Yurigahama sandbank, facing Okaneku beach.

Once on the main island of Okinawa, go even further south, to Kerama Island, where there is a beautiful national park and a group of islands next to it like Tokashiki, full of charm.

aharen beach on tokashiki island okinawa japan

Aharen Beach on Tokashiki Island. Photo credit Tomaž Vajngerl / CC BY-SA

If you have the timing (and the budget), push the visit further south towards the island Ishigaki jima, where there are some beautiful beaches around the bouch of Kabira in particular. You will then be as close to the national park ofIriomote Island.

To summarize:

- - Amami-Oshima
  - Yoron-to
  - main island of Okinawa
  - Kerama National Park + Aka-jima
  - Ishigaki-jima + national park ofIriomote Island

Weather / When to go to Japan?

Climate:

At first glance, Japan is thought to have a climate identical to Europe, with four distinct seasons : a spring, a summer, an autumn and a winter (yes, I just reminded you of the four seasons just in case…)

The reality is a little more subtle than that, with Japan being very spread out from north to south, the climates are therefore varied there. When we are in the north, in Hokkaido, but also the upper part of the island Honshu, we are practically at the same latitude as Quebec, so we have a temperate continental climate. Which translates into mild summers, but cold winters rigorous, with a high snowfall rate and remaining for several months.

Shirakawa-go village in winter. It's beautiful dressed in white too. Image by pen_ash de Pixabay

On most of the island Honshu, and therefore concerning the majority of visits, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, up to Hiroshima, we are on a humid subtropical climate. This is characterized by milder winters, with little or no snow, but warmer, wetter summers, with a short rainy season marked (called tsuyu) in June and July.

There is, however, a difference between la west coast (Kanazawa for example) and the eastern coast (Tokyo). Japan is blown by alternating winds and sea currents which influence the climate differently. In winter, for example, there are Siberian winds that blow over Japan, causing heavy snowfall in the north of the country.Honshu when the game South, East more spared, protected by the barrier formed by the Alps mountains Japanese.

If we continue to go down to the South, from Kyushu Island, we arrive at a more temperate climate. Autumns and winters are similar to oceanic climate, but Summer is more tropical, with more stifling heat and fairly high rainfall in the months of May to September. However, this region is also affected by typhoons, mainly in September and October.

And finally, still lower, we are then at the same latitude as Cuba! Or if we take a more local reference, Okinawa Islands under the latitude of Taiwan. At this level, we are therefore squarely under a quasi-tropical climate, with frost-free winters and minimum temperatures not falling below 15°C.

nijo-jo castle kyoto - japan — A visit to Kyoto with good weather.

coastal road near ine village - japan — Overcast weather along the road to Ine.

When is the best time to visit Japan?

Ultimately, it all depends on the atmosphere you are looking for. It is obvious that many people come to Japan to see the famous cherry blossoms. (sakuras) in bloom and will therefore come during the month of April and the beginning of May, depending on the region.

From late May to October, a large part of the central part of the archipelago can be hit by typhoons. Despite this, Japan is considered to be in peak tourist season in August and September. (often cited as the ideal month to visit the entire country).

Another popular period is autumn, to see the mixture of colours, yellow, red to name these two dominants. The period extends mainly from mid-October (in Hokkaido) to the beginning of December depending on the region. Knowing that if you want to ski (we know never) Coming in winter can still be interesting, if the cold doesn't bother you, the snowy sites are sometimes sublime and it is not rare to have good weather in Tokyo at this time.

So if I summarize, the best times to visit Japan are:

- - April and May : to see the sakura blooms, take advantage of generally mild weather
  - September : avoid the rainy season and keep the advantages of traveling in summer (heat, green trees)
  - November and December : autumn colors, without being too cold yet

The period to avoid is from June to August due to possible cyclones and periods of more intense rain depending on the region. Also note that July-August corresponds to the annual Japanese vacation, making the crowds larger and hotels and activities more expensive.

Naha (Okinawa)

Forecasts :

NAHA Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Naha

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	20	20	22	24	27	29	32	31	30	28	25	21
T°C Min	15	15	16	19	22	25	27	27	25	23	20	16

Average monthly rainfall in Naha

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	13	12	14	12	13	12	10	14	12	9	10	10
Sun**	3	3	4	4	5	6	8	7	6	6	5	4

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)

Kagoshima

Forecasts :

KAGOSHIMA Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Kagoshima

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	13	14	17	22	25	28	32	33	30	25	20	15
T°C Min	5	6	8	13	17	21	25	26	23	17	12	7

Average monthly rainfall in Kagoshima

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	9	9	13	10	10	15	11	10	10	7	7	8
Sun**	4	5	5	5	6	4	6	7	6	6	5	5
Snow***	5	6	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Nagasaki

Forecasts :

NAGASAKI Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Nagasaki

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	10	12	15	20	23	26	30	32	29	24	18	13
T°C Min	4	4	7	12	16	20	24	25	22	16	11	6

Average monthly precipitation in Nagasaki

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	11	10	12	11	11	13	12	10	10	6	9	10
Sun**	3	4	5	6	6	4	6	7	6	6	5	4
Snow***	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Hiroshima

Forecasts :

HIROSHIMA Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Hiroshima

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	10	12	14	20	24	27	31	32	29	23	17	12
T°C Min	2	2	5	10	15	19	24	25	21	14	8	4

Average monthly precipitation in Hiroshima

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	19	18	18	15	14	17	17	14	16	12	13	17
Sun**	4	5	6	6	7	5	6	7	6	6	5	5
Snow***	9	7	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	4

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Osaka

Forecasts :

OSAKA Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Osaka

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	9	10	14	20	24	28	32	33	29	23	17	12
T°C Min	3	3	6	11	16	20	24	25	22	16	10	5

Average monthly precipitation in Osaka

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	6	6	10	9	10	11	10	7	9	8	6	5
Sun**	6	6	5	6	5	4	5	6	4	4	5	6
Snow***	5	6	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Kyoto

Forecasts :

KYOTO Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Kyoto

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	9	10	13	20	25	28	32	33	29	23	17	12
T°C Min	1	1	4	9	14	19	23	24	20	14	8	3

Average monthly precipitation in Kyoto

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	8	9	12	11	11	13	13	9	11	9	8	8
Sun**	4	4	5	6	6	5	5	6	5	5	5	4
Snow***	3	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Kanazawa

Forecasts :

KANAZAWA Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Kanazawa

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	7	7	11	17	22	25	29	31	27	21	16	10
T°C Min	1	1	3	8	13	18	22	24	20	13	8	3

Average monthly rainfall in Kanazawa

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	25	21	18	13	12	12	14	10	13	15	18	23
Sun**	6	6	5	6	5	4	5	6	4	4	5	6
Snow***	19	16	8	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	10

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Nagoya

Forecasts :

NAGOYA Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Nagoya

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	9	10	14	20	24	27	31	33	29	23	17	12
T°C Min	1	1	4	10	14	19	23	24	21	14	8	3

Average monthly precipitation in Nagoya

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	7	7	10	10	11	13	13	9	12	10	7	7
Sun**	6	6	6	7	6	5	5	7	5	6	5	6
Snow***	6	5	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Tokyo

Forecasts :

TOKYO Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Tokyo

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	9	10	14	19	23	25	30	31	27	21	16	12
T°C Min	0	2	4	9	14	18	22	23	20	14	8	3

Average monthly precipitation in Tokyo

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	10	9	11	10	12	9	8	11	12	13	11	12
Sun**	6	6	5	6	5	4	5	6	4	4	5	6
Snow***	3	4	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Sendai

Forecasts :

SENDAI Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Sendai

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	5	5	8	15	20	22	26	28	24	20	13	8
T°C Min	-2	-2	0	6	11	15	19	21	17	11	5	1

Average monthly rainfall in Sendai

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	24	21	21	17	16	19	21	19	20	18	19	21
Sun**	5	5	6	6	6	4	4	5	4	5	5	5
Snow***	19	17	11	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	12

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Hakodate

Forecasts :

HAKODATE Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Hakodate

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	1	2	5	12	16	20	23	26	23	17	10	3
T°C Min	-6	-6	-3	3	7	12	17	19	14	7	1	-3

Average precipitation per month in Hakodate

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	28	25	24	17	17	16	17	18	18	19	23	28
Sun**	3	4	5	6	6	6	4	5	5	5	4	3
Snow***	28	24	20	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	10	23

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

Sapporo

Forecasts :

SAPPORO Weather

Conditions:

Jan.

Feb.

Mars

Apr.

May

June

Jul.

August

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Sapporo

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
T°C Max	-1	0	4	12	17	21	25	26	22	16	8	2
T°C Min	-7	-7	-3	3	8	13	17	19	14	7	1	-4

Average monthly precipitation in Sapporo

Sunshine / rainy days:

	Jan.	Feb.	Mars	Apr.	May	June	Jul.	August	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Rain*	29	26	26	19	18	18	19	18	20	21	25	29
Sun**	3	4	5	6	6	6	5	6	5	5	3	3
Snow***	29	25	23	6	0	0	0	0	0	1	14	26

* Average number of rainy days
** Average daily sunshine (in hours)
*** Average number of days of snowfall

What budget for Japan?

Banknotes used in Japan: despite all the modernity that can be attributed to Japan, the milestone of the digital transition concerning payments is not yet there…. Japan remains firmly in the use of cash essentially, despite the use of popular prepaid cards, which can be recharged with cash only anyway...

The Yen, the name of the official currency in Japan, includes a series of 4 notes only and 6 coins according to the following values:

Notes: 1, 000, 2 and 000 ￥
coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 ￥

To round it off, tell yourself that a 1 ￥ coin corresponds to 1/100th of a euro cent... Suffice to say that when you accumulate them, it's hard to know what to do with them... The values of the other coins range up to a little over €4 for 500 ￥ (a new version of which will be put into circulation by 2024)

For the banknotes, issued by the central bank of Japan, Nippon Ginko, the values range from €8,5 for the 1 ￥ note to €000 for a 85,4 ￥ note. To simplify the mental calculation, remove two zeros from the numbers you see to get an idea of the price in euros, possibly subtract 10% to this figure to get closer to the exact value.

Among these, the 10 note ￥ is quite common despite being a "large" note, because this is the one you will mostly get in exchange offices and ATMs. Try to spend it in a supermarket rather than at a small shopkeeper, who even if he will not refuse you, generally does not appreciate large changes. Conversely, the 2 000 ￥ is rarer since it has not been produced since 2004. If you come across it, keep it in your collection, otherwise try to sell it in a supermarket or somewhere else, because it will not normally pass through the machines. As for the other notes, a renewal of the range is also planned by 2024.

Hotels / Accommodations

As mentioned in the section about hotels tested, Japan is not the most affordable when it comes to accommodation. However, it is not insurmountable and even remains below the prices sometimes practiced in Europe in tourist areas.

Below, I summarize the price range found in Japan:

SOME POINTS OF REFERENCE:

- - For hostels and dormitories, expect to pay around 1 to 000 yen (2-000 euros)
  - For hotels with single room AND bathroom, expect to pay at least ¥3-500 (€5-000)
  - For a more cosy range, expect at least ¥6 to ¥000 (€8-000), which corresponds to our stay
  - For more space in the rooms and to try out ryokans, it's from 10-15 yen (000-90 €)

Meals / drinks

Japanese food is very varied and it is entirely possible to eat without breaking the bank. For light meals, eaten quickly between two visits, it is possible to fill your belly for 5-6 €. In the evening, if you want to faire pleasure, it is also possible without necessarily blowing the budget. As such, eating in Japan is certainly not the most expensive thing.

SOME POINTS OF REFERENCE:

- - A bottle of water (0.5 L) costs on average 120 ¥ (1 €)
  - A basic meal costs an average of ¥900 (€7) per person.
  - For a slightly more elaborate meal, expect to pay double ¥1 (€800) per person.
  - Coffee: ¥200 (1,7 €) minimum in a 7-11
  - A 0,5 liter local beer – ¥425 (€3,6)

Transport

Transport is not as cheap as in Southeast Asia, that's for sure, but it's not unaffordable either, far from it. While trains reign supreme in Japan, being present everywhere, renting a car, if you need freedom, remains largely possible.

Taxis are the means of transport to avoid in Japan if you are on a tighter budget. There will normally be alternatives in cities, between the subway and buses, which makes taking a taxi only necessary for a time saving issue.

SOME POINTS OF REFERENCE:

- - Car rental: expect 7 yen/day (€000)
  - Gasoline: around 140 ¥/liter (1,2 €)
  - Bus: for intermediate journeys, expect to pay ¥1 (€500) per person
  - For city buses and subway (local routes), on average 210 yen per trip (1,8 €)
  - Taxi: depending on distance and city, ¥4 to ¥000 (€8 to €000 for around 33 to 66 km)
  - Train ride (short trip), example Kyoto – Nara, ¥640 (€5,5) per person
  - JR Pass: €250 for 7 days

Small budget
^€ 42
jour
35 € for 2

12 € per person

8 € per person

10 € per person

Medium budget
^€ 95
jour
70 € for 2

23 € per person

17 € per person

20 € per person

Comfortable budget
^€ 170
jour
140 € for 2

40 € per person

35 € per person

30 € per person

Minimum daily budget suggestion / person - 70 € (Note: budget for a mid-range holiday, with 1* or 2* hotel, otherwise clean guesthouses; important point, in a single room. Meals mainly in simple restaurants but a few small pleasures and use of public transport in the majority. Paid visits from time to time but not necessarily every day).

Articles about Japan

My articles about my stay in Japan.

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Any opinions, suggestions? Leave me a comment!

Asia Country Guide Japan

Roman

25/04/2020

Romain B.

When I discovered Thailand in 2006, I certainly didn't expect to settle down there 2 years later! Since then, I've been based in Bangkok and I regularly travel throughout Asia. I share my stories, photos, advice on expat life in Thailand and on Asian countries, for those who want to discover the land of smiles, who are looking for a bit of adventure and those who dream of Asia (or those who just want to dream ;-)

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