★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Osaka Castle
Historic castle surrounded by a large park that becomes especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
⏱ 1.5 hours✦ Spring
Castle
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JP
Japan
A fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, where serene temples meet neon-lit streets
CulturalMovie InspiredFamily
Capital
Tokyo
Language
Japanese
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time zone
JST (UTC+9)
Plug
Type A/B, 100V
Best time
March–May, October–November
Editor's note
Japan blends modern cities, peaceful temples, and unique cultural traditions. Tokyo is fast-paced and innovative, Kyoto offers historic shrines and quiet streets, and Osaka brings lively neighborhoods and famous street food. Nature lovers enjoy hot springs, mountains, and seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms.
Cities
Where to start in Japan
Osaka
Lively city famous for street food.
Foodnightlife
Kyoto
Historic city with temples and gardens.
Cultureheritage
Hiroshima
Peaceful city with strong historical meaning.
Historyreflection
Tokyo
Ultra-modern city mixed with tradition.
City lifefood
Attractions
Must-see in Japan
Osaka
Kyoto
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Fushimi Inari Shrine
A scenic mountain path lined with thousands of bright red torii gates. One of the most photographed spots in Japan.
⏱ 2 hours✦ Spring, Autumn
Shrine
Hiroshima
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
A powerful memorial park dedicated to peace, located in the heart of the city.
⏱ 2 hours✦ Spring, Autumn
Memorial
Tokyo
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Shibuya Crossing
The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and one of Tokyo’s most energetic urban experiences.
⏱ 30 minutes✦ Evening
Urban
Culture & local tips
Travel like you've been before.
Tipping
Do not tip
Tipping can confuse or even offend staff. Service is included; a polite “gochisousama deshita” after the meal is the right thank-you.
Money
Carry cash
Small restaurants, shrines, izakayas and many shops outside big cities are cash-only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards 24/7.
Transport
Get an IC card
Suica or Pasmo — tap on/off trains, buses and convenience stores. JR Pass is only worth it if you're doing 2+ long shinkansen trips.
Etiquette
Shoes off indoors
Remove shoes at temples, traditional restaurants, ryokans and any home. Watch for a small step or shoe rack at the entrance.
Trains
Silence on trains
No phone calls, keep voices low, headphones quiet. Eating is fine on the shinkansen, not on commuter lines.
Food
Slurping is a compliment
Slurp ramen, soba and udon — it cools the noodles and signals enjoyment. Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbol).
Culinary journey
Explore the authentic taste of Japan
Meal
Sushi
Rice topped with raw fish or vegetables, often served with soy sauce.
Snack
Takoyaki
Octopus filled dough balls topped with sauce and flakes.
Dessert
Mochi
Soft rice cake often filled with sweet bean paste.
Meal
Ramen
Noodle soup with broth, meat and toppings.
Speak the language
A little Japanese goes a long way.
Learn basic Japanese phrases before you go. Start a free lesson now.
Start a free lesson →Phrase starter
- こんにちはKonnichiwaHello
- ありがとうございますArigatō gozaimasuThank you (polite)
- すみませんSumimasenExcuse me / Sorry
- お願いしますOnegai shimasuPlease
- 英語を話せますか？Eigo o hanasemasu ka?Do you speak English?
- お会計お願いしますOkaikei onegai shimasuThe bill, please
Practical info
Before you go.
Visa & entry
Visa-free entry for many nationalities; others may need a visa.
Connectivity
Strong 4G/5G in cities; widely available WiFi
Keep exploring
