Country guide
Japan
Bullet trains, shrine mornings, and ramen at midnight — Japan rewards one region at a time if you match cherry blossom or autumn foliage to your route and do not sprint every hub in ten days.
- Best season
- Mar – May & Oct – Nov (cities); Jul – Aug (Hokkaido); Apr – Jun (Okinawa swim)
- Visa
- Visa-free or e-Visa for many passports — check official sources
- Ideal stay
- 10–14 days
- Budget/day
- €90–120
Japan in 30 seconds
- Visa
- Visa-free or e-Visa for many passports
- check Visit Japan Web for your nationality
- Cost
- €90–120 per person per day
- mid tier, on the ground, excluding flights
- How long
- 10–14 days for Tokyo + Kyoto + one add-on
- Best months
- March–May and October–November for cities
- Money
- Japanese yen — IC card plus cash backup
- euro figures here are for comparison only
Which route fits your days?
The number of days you have decides the trip more than anything else. Pick yours and we'll show the route that works, the legs between cities, and what tends to go wrong.
How many days do you have?
Tokyo and Kyoto
- 1
Tokyo3 nights
Shinkansen (Nozomi/Hikari) to Kyoto · ~2h 15mReserve seats at peak — JR Pass does not cover Nozomi.
- 2
Kyoto3 nights
Best for
The standard two-city first trip without Osaka nights.
Watch out
Seven days with two cities is full — skip Nara overnight unless you drop a Tokyo day.
How should you split your days?
The country-level question is not which sights you can cover — it is how many cities fit, and what moving between them costs you. Every city change burns most of a day in check-outs, airports and check-ins, and that is the constraint that actually breaks Japan itineraries.
Month grid adjusts check-in to the 1st of that month. Pick a date above for exact travel dates.
1 traveller total.
Affects city count warnings and article picks — fewer hotel hops, slower pace.
10 days works for 3 cities
Best split: 3 nights in Sapporo, 3 nights in Naha, 2 nights in Osaka. Moving between them costs you about 1.5 days in check-outs, transfers and check-ins — 15% of your trip. At mid-tier spend, these cities support the route comfortably.
- 1Sapporo3 nights
Because August is a good time for it.
↓ then to Naha — Hokkaido versus Okinawa — fly via Tokyo both ways; not one loop by train
- 2Naha3 nights
Because a reasonable fit for your trip.
↓ then to Osaka — short domestic flight
- 3Osaka2 nights
Because a reasonable fit for your trip.
Nights in places
8
of 10 days
Lost to moving
1.5
2 transfers
Trip total
€771–1198
incl. €190 domestic flights
August: August is workable for this combination, without being the best of the year.
Left out, and why
- Tokyo — weak in August, and you would need 1 more day
- Fukuoka, Nagoya, Nagasaki, and 10 others — weak in August, and you would need 3 more days
- Kyoto — weak in August, and you would need 4 more days
- Nara — weak in August, and you would need 2 more days
- Sapporo to Naha: Hokkaido versus Okinawa — fly via Tokyo both ways; not one loop by train.
- July and August inland are hot enough to change how you plan a day — start early, rest at midday, go out again at six.
Computed from our registry — no live prices, no AI.
Which city?
Generated from the registry, so it cannot drift out of sync the way a hand-written comparison table does. Filter by what you have and what you like.
| Best for | Best months | Fly in? | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nara Ancient capital — overnight beats rushed day trip. | 1–2 days | €85 | Deer park, Todai-ji, day trip from Kyoto | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Via Tokyo |
| Osaka Takoyaki and neon — 30 minutes from Kyoto by train. | 2–3 days | €95 | Street food, Dotonbori, base for Nara | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Yes |
| Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Miyajima torii — shinkansen from Osaka. | 2 nights | €90 | Peace Park, Miyajima island | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Via Tokyo |
| Hakone Hot springs loop from Tokyo — not a Kyoto side trip. | 2 nights | €115 | Onsen, Fuji views, ryokan night | Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov | Via Tokyo |
| Kanazawa Hokuriku shinkansen — gold leaf and samurai district. | 2–3 nights | €92 | Kenroku-en garden, crafts, seafood | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Via Tokyo |
| Fukuoka Ramen and night stalls — west Japan fly-in hub. | 2–3 nights | €88 | Yatai stalls, Kyushu gateway | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Yes |
| Nagoya Chubu hub between Tokyo and Kyoto — miso katsu and castle. | 2–3 nights | €92 | Shinkansen stop, castle, Toyota museum | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Yes |
| Nagasaki Western slopes and peace park — Kyushu west coast. | 2–3 nights | €88 | Peace history, Glover Garden, tram city | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Yes |
| Takayama Hida merchant streets — bus to gassho villages. | 2–3 nights | €95 | Old town, morning market, Shirakawa-go | Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov | Via Tokyo |
| Sendai Tohoku capital — cooler than Tokyo, Matsushima day trip. | 2–3 nights | €90 | Gyutan, Matsushima bay, Tohoku base | Apr–Oct | Yes |
| Kawaguchiko Fuji Five Lakes — clearer views than Hakone on lucky days. | 2 nights | €100 | Fuji views, Chureito pagoda, photographers | Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov | Via Tokyo |
| Beppu Kyushu onsen capital — steam cooking and jigoku circuit. | 2–3 nights | €92 | Onsen hells, sand bath, Yufuin add-on | Oct–Apr | Via Tokyo |
| Kagoshima Southern Kyushu — active volcano across the bay. | 2–3 nights | €88 | Sakurajima volcano, Satsuma history | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Yes |
| Naoshima Benesse art island — ferry from Okayama/Uno. | 2–3 nights | €105 | Art museums, Setouchi, slow island | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | Via Tokyo |
| Matsumoto Original black keep — en route to Takayama or Alps. | 2 nights | €88 | Black castle, Alps gateway, Kamikochi access | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | Via Tokyo |
| Tokyo Main hub — temples, Shibuya, Tsukiji, day trips. | 3–5 days | €110 | First trips, food, neon districts | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Yes |
| Kyoto Golden route heart — Fushimi Inari, Gion, Arashiyama. | 3–4 days | €105 | Shrines, kaiseki, autumn foliage | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Via Tokyo |
| Sapporo Hokkaido capital — fly from Tokyo, not train. | 3–4 nights | €100 | Snow Festival, soup curry, Hokkaido base | Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug | Yes |
| Naha Subtropical Okinawa — typhoon season differs from Tokyo. | 3–5 nights | €95 | Okinawa beaches, Shuri Castle, slow island pace | Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov | Yes |
Showing 19 of 19. Daily figures are per person at mid tier, excluding flights.
Top cities for a Japan trip
Explore hubs
Tokyo
Food · Culture · Nightlife
4 nights · Shinjuku or Shibuya · Best Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Kyoto
Culture · Food · History
4 nights · Downtown or Higashiyama · Best Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Osaka
Food · Culture · Nightlife
3 nights · Namba base · Best Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Hiroshima
History · Culture · Food
2–3 nights · Downtown base · Best Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Nara
Culture · History · Nature
1–2 nights · Nara Park area · Best Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Hakone
Nature · Relax · Culture
2 nights · Gora or Tonsosens · Best Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Kanazawa
Culture · Food · History
2–3 nights · Katamachi or station · Best Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Sapporo
Food · Culture · Nature
3 nights · Susukino or Odori · Best Feb (snow) or Jul–Aug
Fukuoka
Food · Culture · Relax
2–3 nights · Tenjin or Hakata · Best Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Naha
Culture · Beach · Food
3 nights · Kokusai Street base · Best Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Nagoya
Culture · Food · History
2–3 nights · Sakae or station · Best Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Nagasaki
History · Culture · Food
3–4 nights · Dejima or tram line · Best Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Getting between cities
This is the part that stalls most Japan itineraries. Distances on the map are misleading — what matters is which legs have direct flights.
- Tokaido shinkansen€90–130 one way Tokyo–Kyotounverified
- Tokyo ↔ Kyoto ↔ Osaka ↔ Hiroshima — Nozomi fastest; JR Pass covers Hikari/Sakura not Nozomi.
- Hokuriku shinkansen€100–140 one wayunverified
- Tokyo ↔ Kanazawa ~2h 30m — separate from Tokaido pass math.
- Domestic flights€60–150 one wayunverified
- JAL, ANA, Peach, Jetstar link HND/NRT, CTS, FUK, OKA — book early for snow season and Obon.
- IC cards (Suica/PASMO)¥1000+ loadunverified
- Tap on metro, JR urban, buses, and many konbini — load at airport.
- Hakone Free Pass€45–55unverified
- Covers loop from Shinjuku or Odawara — not valid on Tokaido shinkansen.
- Luggage forwarding€15–25 per bagunverified
- Takkyubin same-day or next-day hotel to hotel — frees shinkansen hands.
- Takayama ↔ Shirakawa-go bus€25–35 returnunverified
- Nohi or Hokuriku bus from Takayama station — reserve in peak foliage.
- Naoshima ferry€6–15 each wayunverified
- Uno port (Okayama) or Takamatsu — foot passenger; book Benesse slots separately.
- Fuji Five Lakes bus€18–25unverified
- Highway bus Shinjuku ↔ Kawaguchiko ~2h — or Fuji Kyuko from Otsuki.
- Sendai ↔ Matsushima€4–8unverified
- JR Senseki Line ~25 min to Matsushima-Kaigan — boats from pier.
Settle the country-level arguments
The questions that decide a Japan itinerary — answered as comparisons, not essays.
Seven days total
Tokyo + Kyoto
Three nights each — shinkansen between.
Seven days total
Tokyo + Hakone + Kyoto rush
Hakone needs two nights — cuts city time.
Verdict: First visit with seven days: Tokyo plus Kyoto; add Hakone only if you drop Osaka.
Kansai base
Kyoto
Shrines, Gion, Nara day trip.
Kansai base
Osaka
Cheaper eats, Dotonbori, day trip Kyoto.
Verdict: Kyoto for atmosphere; Osaka for food budget and nightlife — many split nights.
Day trip
Nara overnight
Todai-ji at opening, deer park calm.
Day trip
Nara from Kyoto same day
Works but rushed with Osaka dinner.
Verdict: Overnight if temples matter; day trip if time is fixed.
Pass
7-day JR Pass
Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka–Hiroshima–Hakone loop.
Pass
Individual tickets
Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka only — often cheaper.
Verdict: Calculate legs — pass pays when you add Hiroshima or long Hokuriku hops.
Timing
Cherry blossom week Kyoto
Peak beauty, peak prices, reserve everything.
Timing
Late November foliage
Cool walks, still crowded at Tofuku-ji.
Verdict: Both crowded — book hotels early either way; avoid Golden Week unless you must.
Before you go
Visa
Money
Dress & etiquette
Safety
Get a data eSIM before you fly
Install at home, land connected. Cheaper than roaming and no queue at the airport.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It never changes which option we recommend. Prototype: no live link.
What first-timers regret
The mistakes we see most often — editorial judgment, not a survey. Most of them are about time and distance rather than money.
One week hitting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakone
Instead: Pick three bases maximum — seven days is two regions.
Buying JR Pass without calculating legs
Instead: Spreadsheet Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka only — often cheaper as individual tickets.
Nara as a two-hour stop between trains
Instead: Half day minimum for Todai-ji — or overnight for calm park.
Assuming Fuji views from Hakone in summer
Instead: Cloud hides Fuji most July–August days — manage expectations.
Missing last train after izakaya
Instead: Check last departure or budget ¥4000+ taxi — trains stop near midnight.
Tipping at restaurants
Instead: No tipping in Japan — say gochisousama and leave.
Common questions
How many days do you need in Japan?+
Ten to fourteen days covers Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with one add-on like Hiroshima or Hakone. Seven days works for Tokyo and Kyoto only.
Do I need a visa for Japan?+
Many nationalities enter visa-free for short stays — rules depend on your passport. Check Visit Japan Web and official MFA sources; we do not give visa advice.
Is Japan expensive?+
Mid-range on the ground runs roughly €90 to €120 per person per day excluding flights — cheaper than Switzerland, pricier than Thailand. Cherry blossom weeks push hotels up.
What is the best month to visit?+
March to May for cherry blossom and pleasant walking. October to November for autumn colour in Kyoto. Hokkaido summer is mild; Okinawa has a different typhoon season than Tokyo.
Kyoto or Osaka as base?+
Kyoto for shrines and ryokan calm; Osaka for cheaper food and nightlife — they are 30 minutes apart, so pick one and day-trip the other.
Guides for your trip
Articles matched to your party, elderly count, and pace from the fit check — booking, culture, transport, and prep that applies before you pick a city.
Picked for solo · moderate pace — updates when you change the fit check above.
Lodging
Hostel etiquette for dorms and shared space
Hostel dorms run on quiet hours, clean kitchens, and not treating shared bunks like private hotel rooms. Use locker for passport and electronics, pack tomorrow’s clothes the night before in the dark, headphones for media, and flip-flops in showers. Social hostels invite conversation; sleep-focused hostels need whispers after 10 p.m. — read the vibe at check-in.
Lodging
Hostels vs hotels vs apartments
Hotels win for short stays, late arrivals, and when you want daily cleaning and front-desk help. Hostels win for solo travelers on a budget who tolerate shared space. Apartments win for week-plus stays, groups splitting cost, and travelers who want a kitchen — at the cost of self check-in hassle and varying quality control.
Planning
First international trip
Your first international trip goes smoother when you fix immovable items early: valid passport, entry rules, flights, and insurance. Then layer lodging, airport transfer, and phone data. Save packing and restaurant research for last — they change least if documents are wrong.
Safety
Solo female travel — practical prep
Solo female travelers benefit from the same fundamentals as anyone alone — licensed transport, central well-reviewed lodging, shared itinerary with someone at home — plus awareness of local dress norms and harassment patterns. Official government travel advisories describe country-level risk; they are the source for safety decisions, not blog anecdotes or scare lists.
Safety
Solo travel checklist
Solo travelers should share itinerary with someone at home, arrive in daylight when possible, keep backup payment and phone battery, stay in well-reviewed central bases, and trust discomfort — paying for a licensed transfer or staying in a busier neighborhood is often cheaper than recovering from a bad arrival.
Travel style
Digital nomad basics — visas and taxes
Working remotely from another country while on a tourist visa is often legally gray or prohibited — “nomad visas” and dedicated permits exist in some countries but have income and insurance requirements. Tax residency rules are complex and depend on your citizenship, days spent abroad, and home country law. EasyTriply covers travel planning, not immigration or tax compliance — verify with official sources and professionals before you move.
Costs are research-based estimates, not live prices — verify before booking.