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1. Pick the season
Spring for cherry blossom, autumn for colours, winter for snow and clear Fuji views, summer for festivals and Hokkaido. Avoid Golden Week in early May and the New Year period for the calmest travel.
Planning guide
How to plan a trip to Japan, step by step
Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming. This step by step guide walks through the choices, from when to go to how to book trains.
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2. Decide how long
- 7 days: Tokyo plus Kyoto or Osaka.
- 10 days: add Hakone and Hiroshima.
- 14 days: full classic loop with Kanazawa or Hokkaido.
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3. Book flights and accommodation
- Book flights 3 to 6 months in advance for the best prices.
- Reserve hotels in popular months at least 2 months ahead.
- Pick one base per city for easier check ins.
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4. Sort transport
- Order a Japan Rail Pass before you leave home.
- Set up Visit Japan Web for immigration and customs.
- Add Mobile Suica to your phone for local transit.
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5. Book key activities
- Ghibli Museum and TeamLab Planets sell out months in advance.
- Reserve shinkansen seats once your dates are fixed.
- Top restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto need bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
When should I start planning?
Three to six months before is comfortable. Cherry blossom and autumn need earlier hotel bookings.
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Many nationalities can enter visa free for 90 days. Check the latest rules for your passport.
What is the biggest mistake first timers make?
Trying to see too much. Pick fewer cities and let the shinkansen do the work.
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