Planning a Trip to Japan: Travel Tips and Advice

Japan is a fascinating destination no matter when you plan to visit, but if February is your choice, prepare yourself for a memorable trip. Winter festival in Sapporo, the first cherry blossoms in Kawazu and hot springs in Beppu are just some of the reasons that will amaze your eyes and warm up your hearts while traveling to Japan in February. A holiday in Japan in the winter has its own charm. And, if you’re not sure yet, continue reading this article and find out all about it!

Forget about overdone ski holidays in the Alps, Japan is the hot new winter destination that should be on top of your radar. Visiting Japan in December promises stunning sites and snow-covered vistas, a surprising number of sunny days and the perfect conditions to sip on a hearty bowl of ramen. See what else you can expect from Japan as winter settles on the land of the rising sun.

As winter ends and the famous pink petals of cherry trees cover the country, springtime celebrations start taking place throughout Japan. A warmer weather encourages sightseeing tours and outdoor experiences, and there are countless amazing views, from historic landmarks to nature reserves, to discover. A trip to Japan in April ensures that you can experience everything that this stunning country has to offer.

A trip to Japan in January will give you an unforgettable experience in a beautiful country away from summer crowds. Be it new-year festivities around the country that are organized throughout the month or centuries-old celebrations honoring the rich history of the island nation, there is never a dull moment in Japan in January. Plus, the country has many places to visit for all sorts of travelers even during this cold winter month.

Watch extraordinary parades on your trip to Japan in August. As summer eases into autumn, travelers can enjoy the flavors of both these seasons during their trip to Japan in September. But that is not all. A trip to the country during this time of year also means that you can tick off the highlights while avoiding crowds. Discover dramatic landscapes and explore bright cities as summer turns to fall and go on a hiking trip through stunning trails before they are closed for winter.

Although trekking might not be traditionally associated with travel to Japan, this technologically advanced nation is surprisingly rich in stunning countryside, beautiful mountain landscapes and well-maintained nature trails. As such, there are loads of fantastic trekking opportunities to be had. The best part? While exploring Japan's well-marked trails you're sure to come across ancient temples, spectacular volcanic peaks and a wide range of absolutely breathtaking views. Apart from multi-day trekking, there are also several alluring one-day hiking trails in Japan which can be completed even by novice hikers. Trekking in Japan really is a must-do and to help you out, we've come up with the top six routes for you to try. Let's take a look!

Japan is a mesmerizing archipelago where ancient traditions blend with modern technology, where sake is sipped daily and mountain paths are tackled by intrepid travelers searching for hidden onsens. But choosing how long to spend on any one of the thousands of islands that make up the country is a difficult task. From the sandy beaches of the southern islands to the powdered ski slopes of the north, there are lots of lands to cover, so keep reading to find out how to design the best Japan itinerary and make the most of your time in the land of the rising sun.

It’s no secret that Japan is home to the famous Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train, which makes traveling across the country nearly instantaneous. With lines running from Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, you can really experience and sightsee a lot in just 4 days in Japan, discovering two to three different destinations in the timeframe. Choose iconic Tokyo or Kyoto, for example, take day trips to the foothills of Mount Fuji, or over to Osaka and Nara. Temples with iconic red torii gates, cherry blossom landscapes, bamboo groves, iconic Japanese street foods, manga culture, incredible and unusual shopping and onsens—cover them all in just 4 days’ stay in Japan!

Japan is famous for many reasons, and with a nine-day travel itinerary, you can discover much of its magic! Bullet trains make it easy to explore several places in a short time; first-timers can hit up the Golden Triangle: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, adding Hiroshima or Mount Fuji. With nine days in Japan, you can uncover awe-inspiring architecture and landscapes, from Tokyo’s modern skyline to the Zen Great Gardens, and get a cultural overload, whether talking manga, geisha, or samurai. Learn the history dating from the Edo period to WWII. Explore its natural beauty in the Mount Fuji area of Hakone, or the mountains of Koyasan. A 9-day Japan trip allows you to experience the country's biggest highlights without rushing through them all.

Japan is home to several impressive sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go, iconic mountain peaks like Mount Fuji and a plethora of religious temples dotted far and wide across the country. However, there is something else about Japan that is recognized the world over — its cherry blossom trees that in springtime bloom in beautiful pink hues. Noticed as a symbol of the transient nature of life, the cherry blossom tree is Japan’s biggest attraction, and the custom of viewing the flowers is called hanami. Thinking about visiting? Read on — in this article we cover everything there is to know about the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan.

Picture motorbiking through the Japanese Alps, trekking along ancient pilgrimage pathways where Japan’s spirituality all began, or exploring the neon-lit futuristic neighborhoods of Tokyo. If these scenarios pique your interest, we say book a trip to Japan right away. Spend 21 days in Japan and dive deep into each destination—as many as five major places on a single trip—and enjoy the freedom of taking your time through cities and towns. Unravel famous UNESCO-listed marvels, witness spectacles like ice caves, and head deep into ancient landscapes, or just stay a couple of days at a temple to meditate and heal.

Japan is a country like no other, with scenery ranging from the super-modern skyline of Tokyo to the scenic natural vistas of Hokkaido. There are few places you can travel that offer the sheer variety of attractions, mouth-wateringly delicious food, and simple safety that this island nation does. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Spend a week hiking in remote trails, enjoying the bustling neon nightlife, explore the Hogwarts-themed park or visit a Shinto temple. There are so many places to visit in Japan, you’ll be planning to return before you’ve left!