Japan's Convenience Stores (Konbini) are the secret superpower of traveling. Over 56,000 branches (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) offer 24/7 food, cash withdrawal, toilets, tickets, parcel shipping, and more. → Detailed in the chapter "Society & Culture". Most important travel tip: 7-Eleven ATMs are

Cash — Japan is a cash country!

Despite all its technology, Japan is surprisingly cash-heavy. Many smaller restaurants, temples, buses, vending machines, and local shops only accept cash. Since COVID, card payment has improved, but don't rely on it. Withdrawing Money 7-Eleven ATMs: The most reliable option for foreign cards (Visa

Etiquette Quick Guide

The most important do's and don'ts at a glance: ✅ Do's Take off shoes when entering houses, temples, Ryokans, some restaurants (watch for the Genkan/raised area) Bow when greeting, thanking, apologizing (a slight 15° is enough for tourists) Be quiet in trains, temples, Onsen Stand in line — always

IC Card (Suica/Pasmo)

Your most important everyday tool in Japan. Prepaid card for metro, bus, Konbini, vending machines, and more. → Detailed in the chapter "Arrival & Transport". Brief summary: Buy at the airport or set up Mobile Suica on iPhone (Apple Wallet). Top up at machines or via app. Works nationwide.

Internet & Pocket WiFi

Japan has good mobile internet, but public WiFi is patchy. Three options: Pocket WiFi (recommended) A small device that creates a WiFi network — connect multiple devices simultaneously. Rental: ¥500–1,000/day. Pick up and return at the airport. Providers: Japan Wireless, Ninja WiFi, WiFi Rental Stor

The Japan Rail Pass is the most important savings tool for long-distance travel. → Detailed in the chapter "Arrival & Transport". Brief summary: 7/14/21-day pass for unlimited JR trains (including Shinkansen except Nozomi/Mizuho). Worth it from a round trip Tokyo–Kyoto. Pre-order online, activate at

Japan spans several climate zones: Hokkaido (North): Cold winters (-10 to 0 °C), mild summers (20–25 °C). Lots of snow. Tokyo/Kanto: Warm-temperate. Summers hot and humid (30–35 °C), winters mild (2–10 °C). Kansai (Kyoto/Osaka): Similar to Tokyo, slightly warmer. Summers brutally humid. Okinawa: Su

→ Detailed in the chapter "Society & Culture" (Onsen Etiquette). Brief summary: Bathe naked (swimwear prohibited). Thoroughly shower before entering the pool. Do not put the towel in the water. Be quiet. Tattoos can be problematic — use private Onsen or cover-up patches.

The Most Important Words GermanJapaneseRomajiPronunciation Tip Hello (during the day)こんにちはKonnichiwaKon-ni-tschi-wa Good morningおはようございますOhayō gozaimasuO-ha-joo go-sai-mass Good eveningこんばんはKonbanwaKon-ban-wa Thank you (polite)ありがとうございますArigatō gozaimasuA-ri-ga-too go-sai-mass Thank you (casual)あり

In the Restaurant & Shopping

GermanJapaneseRomaji First a beer, please!とりあえずビールToriaezu bīru! That one please (pointing)これをお願いしますKore o onegai shimasu The bill pleaseお会計お願いしますOkaikei onegai shimasu Delicious! / Tasty!おいしい！Oishii! Enjoy your meal (before eating)いただきますItadakimasu Thank you for the meal (after eating)ごちそうさまでしたGo

On the Go & Emergencies

GermanJapaneseRomaji Where is ...?...はどこですか...wa doko desu ka? Station駅Eki ToiletトイレToire HotelホテルHoteru Hospital病院Byōin Left / Right / Straight左 / 右 / まっすぐHidari / Migi / Massugu Help!助けて！Tasukete! I am sick具合が悪いですGuai ga warui desu Please call an ambulance救急車をお願いしますKyūkyūsha o onegai shimasu I a

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Travel Guide Japan

Your complete travel guide to the Land of the Rising Sun

Capital:Tokyo

Language:Japanese

Currency:Japanese Yen (¥ / JPY)

Entry:Visa-free 90 days

Best Travel Time:March–May & Oct–Nov

Flight Time:11 – 12 hours

Last updated: 10 March 2026 · 14 Chapters · 82 Sections

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Route Suggestions

Japan Highlights

2 weeks

The ultimate tour for first-time visitors: metropolises, temples, Fuji, onsen, and peace history in two unforgettable weeks.

TokyoHakoneKyotoNaraOsakaHiroshimaMiyajimaTokyo

Cultural Triangle Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka

10 days

Compact and intense: the three major cities plus day trips to Fuji views, the Great Buddha, and sacred deer.

TokyoKamakuraHakoneKyotoNaraOsaka

Japanese Alps & Tradition

10 days

Off the beaten path: UNESCO thatched roofs, sake breweries, mountain onsen, and the Japan most tourists miss.

TokyoKanazawaShirakawa-gōTakayamaMatsumotoNaganoTokyo

Southern Japan & Kyushu

12 days

Peace history, active volcanoes, ancient cedar forests, and the relaxed atmosphere of Kyushu — Japan's green south.

OsakaHiroshimaMiyajimaNagasakiKumamotoYakushimaKagoshimaOsaka

Japan with Children

14 days

Family-friendly: Shinkansen experience, Nara deer, Tokyo Disneyland, ramen cooking, sumo training, and enough breaks for little feet.

TokyoKamakuraHakoneKyotoNaraOsaka

All Chapters

Planning· 2 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Japan

5 Sections

Chapter 2

Arrival & Transport

5 Sections

Regions· 5 Chapters

Chapter 3

Tokyo

10 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 4

Kyoto & Nara

8 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 5

Osaka & Kansai

8 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 6

Mount Fuji & Central Japan

7 Sections

Chapter 7

Southern Japan

8 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Understanding· 5 Chapters

Chapter 8

History of Japan

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Society & Culture

3 Sections

Chapter 10

Japanese Cuisine

3 Sections

Chapter 11

Nature & Natural Phenomena

3 Sections

Chapter 12

Art & Aesthetics

3 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 13

Practical Info A–Z

13 Sections

Chapter 14

Japanese Phrasebook

3 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Tokyo

The largest metropolitan area in the world — a fascinating juxtaposition of ancient shrines and futuristic skyscrapers, anime culture, and Zen gardens.

Shibuya CrossingSensō-jiMeiji ShrineAkihabara+2

Tokyo

Kyoto & Nara

Over 1,000 years as an imperial city — 2,000+ temples, geisha districts, bamboo forest, tea ceremonies, and tame deer in Nara.

Fushimi InariKinkaku-jiArashiyamaGion+2

Kyoto

Osaka & Kansai

Japan's unofficial food capital — street food in Dotonbori, Wagyu in Kobe, Japan's most beautiful castle in Himeji, and sacred monasteries on Kōya-san.

DotonboriOsaka CastleKobe WagyuHimeji Castle+1

Osaka