Traveling in Japan   OUR ADVICE ON HOW TO TRAVEL IN JAPAN

Setsubun

This Spring Festival (held early on February 3rd) is an opportunity to shoo away bad spirits by ...

Take a taxi

Number of passengers, prices, rules, destinations...tips for taking a taxi in Japan.

Tokyo Marathon

The biggest marathon in Asia is run every year in February. But where does it go, and how can you ...

Camping in Japan

With the approach of summer, camping becomes a feasible option for accommodation while staying in ...

Luggage delivery services

Travel light without any problems. In Japan, door-to-door services are fast, cheap and secure.

Stay connected in Japan

A lack of connectivity kills the modern visitor to the archipelago ... Here are some solutions to ...

Rent a phone in Japan

A mobile phone can prove to be a useful and even essential tool if you want to make the most out ...

Ekiben

The ekibien is a popular Japanese boxed lunch, which is sold at the station for long train journeys.

Ryokan Etiquette

Ryokan, traditional Japanese hotels, accommodate all who roam through Japan. A stay in a ryokan ...

Konbini

These shops are open 24/7, are on almost every street corner, and offer meals, drinks, vending machines ...

The Yakatabunes

These are the sightseeing boats of Tokyo that travel the bay and offer a new perspective on the ...

Minka, the cottages of Japan

A house open to nature, accompanied by the sound of cicadas, remains a long history: this is the ...

A Summer of Celebrations

Dance, celebrate, eat and drink: summer is the perfect season to attend a festival, or matsuri. ...

The top 5 fireworks shows

Summer in Japan would not be complete without the famous fireworks (hanabi taikai). Hundreds of ...

Visiting Japan as a family

Japan is a destination that is suited to family stays. It is safe and theft is rare. There are many ...

Japan for teens

Visiting Japan with a Stroller

From Japanese diapers to strollers for rent, how to facilitate a trip with a toddler.

Withdrawing money

Warning: most Japanese retailers refuse foreign cards ... Some tips for never running out of cash ...

Attending a sumo tournament

Sumo is a rare sight: six tournaments are held each year in four cities of the archipelago. Here's ...

Autumn Colors in Kyoto

Koyo (the changing of the leaves) in Kyoto, brings many people from all over to view the city reflected ...

Beaches in Japan

Despite more than 30,000 kilometers of coastline, beautiful beaches in Japan are rare, and the Japanese ...

Skiing in Japan

Mountains account for over 60% of the Japanese territory. No wonder there are so many ski resorts ...

Five onsen for winter

When the cold sets in, what better could be better than slipping into a relaxing hot spring bath. ...

Five tips for a successful ...

A blue tarp, a cooler full of beer, a park and cherry trees: tips for a successful hanami under ...

Green Tokyo

Nature activities to escape the forest of buildings and discover the Japanese capital from a "greener" ...

Vending Machines

In Japan, there are vending machines everywhere to help you quench you thirst, if you know how to ...

Celebrate Chinese New Year ...

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Japan? It's possible, and highly recommended, in one of the three ...

Cherry rush

Want to experience hanami, but don't know when and where to go? Here is a top selection of spots ...

Hanami, the countdown is on!

It's official: Japanese cherry trees are set to start blooming from March 20, 2015! To not miss ...

Plum Blossom Festivals

Now overshadowed by the cherry blossom, plums blossoms were once preferred for hanami!

Low cost Tokyo

Is the Japanese capital overpriced? Not really - in Tokyo, you can do everything without breaking ...

Koban

Defined guardians yet guides for lost travelers, Koban police officers are a valuable aid in the ...

Public telephones

Often, your mobile phone becomes unusable once on Japanese soil. The solution: public phones! Gray ...

Driving in Japan

Shift out of first gear and let the road guide you: driving in Japan is an experience not to be ...

Avoid the crowds

Learn some tips and tricks to avoid the crowds and packed sights when traveling in Japan.

Find a trash can in Tokyo

We see it in Tokyo (and elsewhere in Japan): clean streets, but no trash cans! So what do Tokyoites ...

Summertime Treats

The Japanese summer is hot. Very hot! Fortunately, some sweets can bring a cool touch to your stay.

Japan Post

Traveling or residing in Japan, some practical tips to make your visit to one of 24 000 offices ...

Sending packages

To send gifts and surprises, sending packages from Japan is a practical solution and (often) economic. ...

Jogging in Tokyo

Tokyo is not only one of the one of the world's major marathon cities: weekend runners have made ...

Japan by plane

Traveling within Japan by air, often neglected because of their suspected high prices, sometimes ...

Hunting for Fireflies

In Japan, the nocturnal contemplation fireflies - hotaru - is a well-known summer fun Japanese.

Rent a yukata

In Kyoto, several shops offer yukata rentals for the day; made for summer and lightweight, this ...

Bonsai in Tokyo

Even in the huge Tokyo, it is not easy to satisfy one's passion for bonsai. Here are our best shops ...

Karaoke

In Japan, karaoke is more than just entertainment: it's a massive entertainment industry. Just wander ...

5 karaoke rooms not to be ...

With 10 000 karaoke rooms throughout the country, the choice seem endless. Japan Guide suggests ...

The Suica Card

At first glance, it looks like a conventional travel card. But the Suica is much more than that... ...

Suica

At first glance, it looks like a classic public transit card. But Suica is much more than that. ...

Umeshu

Sweet and refreshing, umeshu is THE summertime drink in Japan. A year after its manufacture, this ...

Praying in Japan

Japan's two largest religions, Shinto and Buddhism, ask the faithful for a few ritualized gestures ...

Mosques in Japan

Japan has approximately 160,000 Muslims and about thirty mosques. Usually a bit hidden, some have ...

Eating Cheaply in Japan

How to treat yourself with less than 1,000 yen in the pocket, or just save a little cash. Advice ...

Free wifi

How to check your mail, social networks and get your guide throughout Japan? Get your state of play ...

Being Muslim in Japan

With the development of tourism in Asia, Japan welcomes more and more Muslim visitors. Whether in ...

Earthquake App

Applications for earthquakes. Usefull applications to monitorate earthquake activities during your ...

Going to Japan in summer: ...

Hot and humid, the Japanese summer can quickly become... stifling! Yet solutions exist. Here is ...

5 places to see Mount Fuji

To be able to gaze upon Mount Fuji remains one of the top desires of visitors to Japan. Here are ...

The 100 yen shops in Japan

The 100 yen shop is an institution in Japan. They make it possible to buy everyday items for just ...

Getting around Tokyo with ...

The PASMO card, like the SUICA card, is essential for a traveler in Japan. But what is it, and how ...

Pasmo card

Learn how to use Pasmo, the card to do everything (transport, shopping ...) to travel smart in Japan!

Traveling by Ferry

While Japan is known for its exceptional trains and railway network, it is also possible, and enjoyable, ...

4 places to get goosebumps ...

Japan also has its dark side and Japanese ghosts are now everywhere, even in the movies. Some places ...

Japan's Age of Majority Changed ...

This is a historic decision in Japan. The age of majority last month went from 20 to 18 years old, ...

Onsen: A Short Guide on Good ...

Onsen (hot springs) and sento (public baths) are true microcosms, endowed with specific rules of ...

Safety in Japan

Japan is a safe country - everyone will tell you that. The streets exude security and if you lose ...

Traveling in Japan With Disabilities

In Japan, a lot of things make life easier for people with physical disabilities: relief strips ...

Japan in just 10 days

Ten days is the average length of stay in Japan. What to do during this time, how long should you ...

15 Days in Japan

Discover the best places to visit during your time in Japan in two weeks, and design your own itinerary! ...

The Regional JR Passes

A Regional JR Pass can be interesting if you would like to visit a particular region of Japan. Quick ...

Public Transport in Japan

Shinkansen, trains, subways, buses: discover the most practical Japanese public transport needs ...

Shukubo

A unique travel experience in Japan: sleeping in a Japanese temple inn allows you to immerse yourself ...

Visiting Japan by Bus

The Japanese company Willer Express offers a pass for unlimited travel for all foreign visitors ...

Rent a Bicycle in Kyoto

Kyoto lends itself admirably to a bike tour. Many rental services are available to explore the city ...

The Yamanote Line

With its circular route connecting most major railway stations in the Japanese capital, the Yamanote-sen ...

Traveling from Narita/Haneda ...

Here are a few tips on how to reach Tokyo from Narita and Haneda airports, with options according ...

How to read addresses in Kyoto?

Kyoto City addresses are among the most complex of Japan and often confuse even Google Maps! Here ...

What to do in an earthquake?

Knowing how to behave in case of a high magnitude earthquake is important in order to ensure your ...

Narita Express Discount from ...

For the past few years Japan has focused its efforts on foreign tourism, including through the "cool ...

5 Japanese Villages to Visit

The face of Japan is often that of Tokyo and its megalopolis. But it is also one of its small ancient ...

Christmas in Tokyo

Illuminations, Christmas markets and Santa bikers: happy holidays in Tokyo!

Money in Japan

It's surprising that so many Japanese keep large amounts of cash on them, and we advise you to do ...

Koyo, Autumn Leaves in Japan

In autumn, Japan participates in the "hunt" for autumn leaves, offering sumptuous ephemeral landscapes.

Kurama-dera

Kurama-dera is a Buddhist temple located north of Kyoto on the eponymous mountain, and near the ...

Hyperdia

Schedules, connections, prices... Hyperdia is the essential tool for train travel in Japan.

Nihon Sankei

Choosing the most beautiful landscapes of Japan seems impossible in view of all the special places ...

Using the subway in Kyoto

Save time by exploring Kyoto from north to south and east to west, using the two subway lines in ...

Jinrikisha

Do you know the Japanese rickshaw? It's called a jinrikisha, and it's a descendant of the sedan ...

Riding a Motorcycle in Japan

Japan is known worldwide for its motorcycle brands, but people don't know that it's a great country ...

Traveling by Bike in Japan

Discover the best routes and places for cycling in Japan, whether you are a professional or an amateur.

Domestic Flights in Japan

There are many domestic flights in Japan. They are a great way to travel long distances at reduced ...

Taking the City Bus

Across Japan, in addition to trains and subways, buses weave throughout the city, bound for multiple ...

Summer music festivals in ...

We know all about the Japanese traditional festivals, or matsuri, but there are also outdoor music ...

Toll cards in Japan

Japans toll gates represent 30% of the causes of traffic jams. Thanks to ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) ...

10 advantages of internet ...

Connecting to the Internet in Japan has far more advantages than simply checking your email. Here ...

O-bon matsuri

Summer is a festive season in Japan, there are many festivals, one of which is for the spirits of ...

Uchiwa, the Japanese fan

The uchiwa, traditional fan, is an essential accessory in the summer in Japan. This fan will become ...

Hiking in Japan

Hiking in Japan is an institution. Between mountains, lakes and volcanoes, the country reveals its ...

Useful drugs in Japanese pharmacies

A headache spoiling your trip? No thanks! Here are some over-the-counter drugs that are very common ...

Rakugo

Less well-known than Kabuki, Rakugo is also part of the Japanese artistic culture. The relaxed atmosphere ...

Taxi fares in Japan

Japanese taxis are plentiful and safe but relatively expensive, especially in large cities.

Five places to see deer in ...

In the Shinto religion some animals are considered divine messengers. And the deer is one of them! ...

Where to see the work of Kengo ...

Check out some of the achievements of Kengo Kuma, the architect who brings Japanese tradition into ...

5 Onsen with a view

Here's a selection of rotenburo, outdoor hot springs, overlooking the sea, forest, or Mount Fuji.

Ten gifts to bring back from ...

In Japan, omiyage (souvenirs) are a tradition. Here are ten gift ideas to bring back from your trip.

Abandoned hotels in Japan

Despite real estate pressures, there are still many abandoned hotels in Japan. Today they have become ...

Seven regions to visit by ...

Driving in Japan is easy, and allows you to reach areas that are much further off the beaten track. ...

Seven Summer Excursions in ...

How about enjoying a cooler summer? Here are some of Japan Experience suggestions of summer excursions ...

Top ten unusual summer festivals

Summer is the period of festivals in Japan. Here is our selection to discover more discreet matsuri!

Travel by night bus

With the disappearance of night trains, it is the buses that have taken the battlements. The offer ...

10 unusual Japanese houses

In Japan becoming a homeowner is very expensive, because land space is scarce. This explains the ...

Affordable Japan Tours

Japan Experience offers several low-budget tours throughout Japan - here is a selection.

Where to enjoy the autumn ...

This fall, Japan Experience shares its selection of the best places to enjoy the Japanese phenomenon ...

Private train lines in Japan

In Japan, several railway companies operate the various rail networks. The main 'Japan Railways' ...

Hikyo eki

In recent years some Japanese stations have disappeared, they don't completely vanish into nature, ...

Akimahen: the guide to good ...

In Kyoto, there are rules to be respected! The city even publishes a guide of good conduct for foreign ...

Patricia Loison on Japanese ...

Based in Kobe with her family, French journalist Patricia Loison discovers the magic of Western ...

8 reasons why Japan is an ...

Here's a list of the best reasons why Japan is a great destination for women traveling alone

Ryokan

From bathing to gastronomy, ryokan, Japanese traditional inns, offer an unforgettable experience ...

Women only cars on trains

To protect female passengers from unwanted attention when they travel, some Japanese rail companies ...

Capsule Hotels

Capsule hotels are often eagerly visited by foreign tourists while in Japan. What is it about them ...

What is the difference between ...

Ryokan and minshuku, both offer a unique traditional Japanese experience while staying in Japan. ...

The top 5 best hikes in Japan

Discover the natural wonders of Japan through our selection of the best hikes to do across the country!

The most beautiful snowy Japanese ...

During a trip to Japan in winter, be sure to visit the following spots! You'll be surprised to discover ...

5 ways to enjoy Kyoto in winter

Visiting Kyoto in winter has many advantages: here are 5 of them.

Business hotels

Looking for a cheap and functional hotel while staying in Japan? Then a business hotel is for you!

The Best Snow Festivals in ...

Discover some festivals not to be missed if you visit Japan in winter.

Cherry blossoms by night

Discover the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms... when they're lit up at night!

Sights and activities for ...

Japan doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some activities and ideas for visits for smaller budgets!

Rugby stadiums in Japan

Japan will host the next Rugby World Cup, from 20 September to 2 November 2019. Follow this event ...

Disabled access in Japan

In recent years, Japan has restructured a large part of its public infrastructure and transport ...

The best museums to visit ...

To no longer drag unwilling children to museums, here is our selection of places that will delight ...

The Top 10 best beaches in ...

Japan is surrounded by the sea. As a result, the country is dotted with beautiful beaches. White ...

Surfing in Japan

The Japanese archipelago has some beaches where the waves attract quite a few amateur boarders.

Must-see shinto shrines

Japan has more than 100,000 Shinto shrines. Among them, 4 special shrines in particular really shouldn't ...

Visiting Japan off-season

There are many advantages for visitors that travel to Japan out of season...

The three most scenic spots ...

There has been a list of "the 3 most scenic places in Japan" for almost four centuries. They are ...

Traveling in Japan by motorhome

To discover Japan differently, why not rent a motorhome? If you have the soul of an adventurer and ...

Shopping at a supermarket

Here are our tips for shopping with ease in a Japanese supermarket.

Share Houses, an economical ...

Have you heard of share houses? They're a type of accommodation that is increasingly attracting ...

Coffee chains in Japan

Coffee chains are widespread in Japan. Starbucks, Doutor, Excelsior... there are many different ...

Coin lockers

In Japan, automatic lockers, called coin lockers, are everywhere and commonly used. Here's a short ...

Yukata and Jinbei: dressing ...

Yukata and Jinbei are traditional clothes adapted to the warmth of Japanese summer. They're also ...

The best winter rotenburo

A rotenburo is an outdoor hot spring bath. In winter, surrounded by snow, the experience is even ...

The best Japanese winter scenery

Snow-capped Mount Fuji, a traditional mountain village, a beautiful Japanese garden or monkeys bathing ...

The Kansai region

Located in the central part of the main island of Honshu, Kansai, also known as the Kinki region, ...

Hanami in Tohoku

Cherry blossoms cover the entire Tohoku region from April to May, in long tunnels of sakura or a ...

10 train lines to admire the ...

Admire the cherry blossoms from the comfort of a train for a unique way to celebrate hanami. Here ...

Festivals not to be missed ...

Shikoku is located in the southwest of the island of Honshu. It includes the prefectures of Tokushima, ...

Best Anime and Manga Museums ...

Manga and anime play a huge part in Japanese culture, and you can see its influence in everyday ...

Attending a tea ceremony in ...

Here are some addresses to attend a traditional tea ceremony during a stay in Japan.

Explore Japan in summer 2020

Japan has closed its borders to many countries and the most popular sites are now deserted. This ...

Spiritual retreats in Japan

Good for body and mind, spiritual retreats are attracting more and more travelers. Particularly ...