Quick answer: for a first trip to Japan, plan 14 days between March and May or September and November, with a budget of roughly $110 to $175 per person per day. Most Western passport holders (including the US, UK and EU) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. The national JR Pass no longer pays off for most itineraries: always compare it with individual tickets.
Japan at a glance
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Late March to May (cherry blossom); mid-October to early December (autumn foliage) |
| Times to avoid | June to mid-July (rainy season), August-September (heat, possible typhoons) |
| Ideal duration | 14 to 21 days |
| Average budget | $110-$175 / day / person (mid-range, excluding flights) |
| Visa | Not required for citizens of about 70+ countries, up to 90 days for tourism |
| Currency | Japanese yen (JPY) |
| Time difference | UTC+9 (no daylight saving) |
| Electricity | 100 V, type A plugs |
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Japan is a year-round destination, but the season shapes the trip.
- Spring (late March to May): cherry blossom (sakura) usually peaks in late March to early April in Tokyo and Kyoto. It is the busiest season: book flights and hotels 5 to 6 months ahead.
- Autumn (October to November): red foliage (koyo) reaches Kyoto typically from mid-November to early December. Dry, mild weather, ideal for walking.
- Summer (June to August): rainy season (tsuyu) from June to mid-July, then hot and humid. Best for climbing Mount Fuji (early July to early September) and for Hokkaido.
- Winter (December to February): fewer crowds, clear skies in Tokyo, skiing and onsen in the Japan Alps and Hokkaido.
Aiming for the blossoms? Read our article Travelling to Japan in Spring.
Entry requirements in 2026
Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most EU countries can enter Japan without a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, with a valid passport and, in practice, an onward or return ticket. Visit Japan Web lets you pre-register immigration and customs details via QR code; it is optional but saves time. Travelers who need a visa can apply online through the JAPAN eVISA system (launched December 2025, for eligible nationalities).
Watch out: in 2026 Japan passed a law creating JESTA, an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers (similar to the US ESTA). According to available reports it should not launch before 2028. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (mofa.go.jp) and your government’s travel advice before departure.
14-day itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima
The classic first-timer route, often called the Golden Route.
Days 1-5: Tokyo
- Day 1: arrive at Haneda or Narita, Shinjuku, free observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
- Day 2: Asakusa (Senso-ji), Ueno, Akihabara.
- Day 3: Shibuya (crossing, Shibuya Sky), Harajuku, Meiji Shrine.
- Day 4: day trip to Nikko (shrines, about 2 hours by train) or Kamakura (Great Buddha, about 1 hour).
- Day 5: Yanaka district, Tsukiji outer market (tasting), free time.
Days 6-7: Hakone or Kawaguchiko
- Overnight in a ryokan with an onsen. Weather permitting, views of Mount Fuji. Hakone is about 1.5 hours from Tokyo.
Days 8-11: Kyoto and Nara
- Fushimi Inari (open 24/7, go early or in the evening), Kiyomizu-dera, Gion district.
- Arashiyama: bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji temple.
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji.
- Day trip to Nara (about 45 minutes): Todai-ji temple and the free-roaming deer.
Days 12-13: Osaka and Hiroshima
- Osaka: castle, street food in Dotonbori (takoyaki, okonomiyaki).
- Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park and Museum, then Miyajima island and its floating torii gate.
Day 14: return to Tokyo by Shinkansen, or fly home from Osaka (Kansai) if you booked an open-jaw ticket.
Tip: an open-jaw flight (arrive Tokyo, depart Osaka) avoids backtracking and saves half a day.
Getting around: JR Pass, Shinkansen and IC cards
Is the JR Pass still worth it?
Almost never for the itinerary above. The Japan Rail Pass price rose by about 70% in October 2023, and a 7-day pass now costs around 50,000 JPY (about $330). Some specialist sites expect a further price change on overseas sales in autumn 2026.
Method: add up the long-distance trips you plan (Google Maps or JR websites) and compare with the pass price. As a benchmark, a one-way Tokyo-Kyoto Nozomi Shinkansen ticket costs around 14,000 JPY. Regional passes (JR East, the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass from JR West) are more often a good deal. Buy only on the official site (japanrailpass.net) and check current prices.
Shinkansen
- Tokyo-Kyoto: about 2h15 by Nozomi. Tokyo-Hiroshima: about 4 hours. Kyoto-Hiroshima: about 1h40 by Nozomi/Sakura.
- Book a reserved seat for peak-hour departures and busy periods.
- Large suitcases (combined dimensions over 160 cm) require an oversized-baggage reservation on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines. Check current rules with JR.
IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca)
These rechargeable cards work on metros, local trains, buses and in many vending machines and convenience stores. They cannot be used alone to board the Shinkansen. Suica can be added to Apple Wallet on iPhone; on Android or with a physical card, get a Welcome Suica at the airport (check availability). Top up as you go.
Japan travel budget 2026
Indicative rate: roughly 150 to 160 JPY per US dollar (check the current rate).
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night, for 2) | $55-$80 | $100-$170 | $220+ (ryokan with meals: $270-$550) |
| Food | $17-$28 / day | $33-$55 / day | $90+ |
| Local transport | $7-$11 / day | $11-$17 / day | $22+ |
| Activities | $6-$17 / day | $17-$33 / day | $45+ |
Total for 14 days, excluding flights: about $1,550 to $2,450 per person at mid-range (couple sharing a room). Flights vary widely by season and origin.
Where to stay in Japan
- Business hotels: small, clean, well-located rooms, good value for two from about $75.
- Capsule hotels: cheap but often single-gender or mixed; check before booking.
- Ryokan: traditional inn with tatami, kaiseki dinner and onsen bath. Book just one, in Hakone or Kyoto.
- Recommended areas: Shinjuku or Ueno in Tokyo; Kyoto Station or Gion-Shijo in Kyoto; Namba in Osaka.
Money, internet and practical tips
- Cash: cards are accepted more and more, but keep cash for small restaurants, temples and ticket machines. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Lawson convenience stores generally accept foreign cards.
- Internet: travel eSIM or pocket WiFi.
- Tipping: not practiced; do not leave money on the table.
- Trash cans: rare on the street; carry your litter with you.
- Tax-free shopping: rules for tourists are changing; check before buying.
Japan Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
Most Western travelers do not. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most EU countries can stay up to 90 days visa-free for tourism, with a valid passport.
How many days do you need in Japan?
Fourteen days lets you see Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima without rushing. Ten days is enough for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Beyond 21 days, add Hokkaido, Kyushu or Shikoku.
Is the JR Pass worth it in 2026?
For most itineraries, no. The 7-day pass costs around 50,000 JPY. It only makes sense for very long, frequent journeys; always compare with individual tickets or regional passes before buying.
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
Usually between late March and early April in Tokyo and Kyoto. Dates change every year: check the Japan Meteorological Agency’s bloom forecasts.
Is Japan expensive?
Less than people think. Food (ramen, convenience stores, izakaya) and business hotels remain affordable. The main costs are flights and the Shinkansen.
Is Japan safe for tourists?
Yes, it is one of the safest countries in the world. The main risks are natural (earthquakes, typhoons): install the official Safety tips alert app.
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (mofa.go.jp)
- Visit Japan Web (vjw-lp.digital.go.jp)
- Official Japan Rail Pass (japanrailpass.net)
- JNTO, Japan National Tourism Organization (japan.travel)
- Your government’s travel advice (travel.state.gov, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)