Japan, explained
for the first time traveller
A calm, precise reference for arriving, moving, eating and staying — the things a first visitor actually needs, wherever in the world you're flying from.
Spring · Cherry blossom
Late Mar – early Apr
Best for Tokyo & Kyoto. Book 4–6 months ahead; blossoms peak for about a week.
Seasonal guide →Seven things to master
Visa & Entry
Exemption rules by nationality, e-Visa and Visit Japan Web setup, and airport arrival at Narita, Haneda & Kansai.
Read the guides →Destinations & Itineraries
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido & Okinawa — plus ready-made 7-day and 10-day routes and seasonal guides.
Read the guides →Hotels & Stay
Ryokan vs. hotel vs. capsule, budget-to-luxury by city, and how far ahead to book.
Read the guides →Dining
Convenience stores to kaiseki, omakase booking, and vegetarian, halal & allergy-friendly Japan.
Read the guides →Transport & Rail
JR Pass explainers, Shinkansen booking, regional passes, and getting around Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka.
Read the guides →Culture & Etiquette
Onsen, temples, tipping norms, useful phrases, and money & packing by season.
Read the guides →Shopping
Tax-free rules, the best districts by city, souvenirs, drugstores and electronics.
Read the guides →
Photo: ShutterstockThe classic first loop
Three cities, one Shinkansen spine. Three nights Tokyo, two Kyoto, two Osaka — paced for a first visit, with rail tips and stays built in.