Information About Japan
Japan is one of the world’s most rewarding travel destinations, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge modern life in a way few countries can match. Visitors will enjoy tranquil temples, pristine gardens, neon-lit city streets, efficient high-speed trains, and lots more. This country offers an experience that feels both deeply cultural and effortlessly convenient. If you’re planning a springtime cherry blossom trip, a winter ski escape, or a food-focused city break, Japan rewards every style of traveller. This guide covers the essentials of visiting this fascinating country, including transport, currency, food, must-see attractions, and even a quick look at golf.
Japan
A seamless blend of timeless tradition and cutting-edge innovation.
Population: 125m
Language: Japanese
Capital: Tokyo
Currency Information: Yen
Visa Requirements: See Project Visa
Driving: on the left
Calling code: +81
Internet TLD: .jp
Japan Flag
Visiting Japan
A trip to Japan can be as fast-paced or as peaceful as you want it to be. You can spend your mornings exploring centuries-old shrines, your afternoons shopping in futuristic districts, and your evenings soaking in an onsen hot spring. This country is widely known for its safety, cleanliness, and hospitality, which makes it especially appealing for solo travelers, families, and first-time international visitors.
This country also offers a remarkable variety of landscapes in a relatively compact area: subtropical beaches in Okinawa, snow-covered mountains in Hokkaido, volcanic scenery around Mount Fuji, and vibrant cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Add a strong culture of seasonal festivals, regional specialties, and iconic pop culture, and it’s easy to see why tourism continues to grow year after year.
Currency and Money
Japan’s currency is the Yen (JPY). While card payments are more common than they used to be, especially in cities, this modern country can still be surprisingly cash-oriented in smaller towns, traditional restaurants, markets, and some temples. It’s smart to carry some yen for day-to-day purchases.
ATMs are widely available, and convenience stores are a reliable place to withdraw cash. Budgeting varies by travel style, but Japan can be done comfortably on mid-range costs if you plan transport and accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom time and autumn foliage.
Travel and Transport
National Airline: Japan Airlines
Main Airports: Tokyo Narita Airport. NRT, Tokyo Narita Airport. NRT, Osaka. KIX, Okinawa. OKA, Fukuoka Airport. FUK
Trains: Efficient, clean safe. Shinkansen (Bullet Train). Japan Rail Pass
Buses: Japan Bus Lines
Road Networks: Driving in Japan
Food in Japan: A Destination in Itself
Japanese cuisine is a major reason people visit—and it goes far beyond sushi. Every region has signature dishes, and you’ll find excellent meals at all price points, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble noodle shops.
Must-try foods include ramen, soba and udon noodles, tempura, yakitori, tonkatsu, okonomiyaki, and kaiseki (a refined multi-course meal).
Convenience stores (often called konbini) are also famous for high-quality, affordable snacks and ready-to-eat meals, making them perfect for travel days. If you have dietary requirements, you’ll find more options in major cities, though planning helps—particularly for strict vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan
- Tokyo — A dazzling megacity of shopping, neighbourhoods, pop culture, and world-class dining.
- Kyoto — The cultural heart, filled with temples, shrines, gardens, and traditional streets.
- Mount Fuji — The country’s most iconic peak, perfect for scenic views, hikes, and photography.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto) — Famous for thousands of vivid red torii gates winding up the mountain.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Kyoto) — A serene bamboo forest walk that feels truly otherworldly in the morning light.
- Osaka — A friendly, energetic city known for street food, nightlife, and easy access to day trips.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park — A moving historical site focused on remembrance, peace, and reflection.
- Nara Park (Nara) — Home to historic temples and friendly roaming deer in a beautiful park setting.
- Hakone — A popular hot spring area with lake views, museums, and Fuji sightings on clear days.
- Sapporo and Hokkaido — A northern gateway for snow festivals, ski resorts, seafood, and wide-open nature.
Recommended Hotels & Accommodation
Accommodation in Japan on The map
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Cities in Japan
Tokyo
Tours, Places to See, Things to Do
Golf in Japan
Golf is a standout experience, especially for travellers who enjoy high-quality courses and meticulous course conditions. There are thousands of golf courses ranging from scenic mountain layouts to exclusive private clubs, and many are known for impeccable service, well-maintained fairways, and excellent clubhouse facilities. Golf is popular year-round, though spring and autumn are particularly enjoyable due to mild weather and beautiful scenery. Visitors should note that tee times often require reservations, and some clubs may have specific etiquette expectations, so booking through a hotel concierge or specialist golf service can make things smoother.
Top 5 golf clubs or resorts
- Hirono Golf Club — Located near Kobe, this legendary course is consistently ranked as Japan’s #1 and features a challenging design with immaculate conditioning and a rich history dating back to 1932.
- Kawana Hotel Fuji Course — A historic course in Izu with stunning views of Mount Fuji, expertly designed fairways, and the added experience of a luxury resort setting.
- Naruo Golf Club — A prestigious private club near Osaka renowned for its refined architecture, challenging layout, and exceptional course maintenance standards.
- Kasumigaseki Country Club (East Course) — One of Japan’s oldest and most exclusive clubs located near Tokyo, hosting major tournaments and known for its championship-caliber design and pristine greens.
- Hokkaido Brooks Country Club — A stunning resort course in Hokkaido’s countryside offering spectacular mountain scenery, excellent playing conditions, and a more accessible experience than many elite private clubs.
Interesting Posts about Japan
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Consider a Japan Vacation At Least Once
Japan offers an unparalleled travel experience where ancient traditions seamlessly intertwine with cutting-edge modernity, creating a destination that truly caters to every type of visitor. You can start your day wandering through the serene, incense-filled grounds of centuries-old Kyoto temples, and end it mesmerized by the neon-lit futuristic streets of Tokyo.
Beyond the stunning visual contrasts, the country boasts world-class culinary delights ranging from humble street-side ramen stalls to exquisite Michelin-starred sushi restaurants. Furthermore, navigating this breathtaking archipelago is remarkably easy thanks to the highly efficient `Shinkansen` (bullet train) network, allowing you to comfortably chase the fleeting pink cherry blossoms in spring or marvel at the fiery maple leaves in autumn.
Ultimately, the legendary Japanese hospitality, known as omotenashi, ensures that your journey will be just as welcoming and safe as it is profoundly unforgettable.