Do you want to travel to Japan on your own but are not confident? Planning a trip to Japan? This complete Japan travel guide covers the best time to visit, must-see places like Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka, top attractions, delicious Japanese food, transportation tips, and itineraries to make your trip unforgettable. Pocket the latest Japan travel guide 2025 compiled by Living Nomads to prepare for your “travel” journey!
- 19+ best sightseeing spots & most beautiful places to see in Japan: Mountains – Forests – Seas – Cities
- The ULTIMATE Gifu travel guide: Top attractions, best places to visit, stay & MORE
- The SUPER Hokkaido travel guide: Top attractions, best things to do, stay & MORE
- Where to visit in Chiba: 14 top attractions & best places to visit in Chiba
- The FULLEST Sensoji temple guide: How to get there, what to do, tips & MORE
As a country known by many beautiful names such as “Land of the Rising Sun”, “Land of Cherry Blossoms”, “Land of the Rising Sun” or “Land of Chrysanthemums”, Japan has long been one of the attractive destinations for travel enthusiasts around the world. Is there anything special about this place that makes so many people “wow” so much? Join Klook Vietnam to find out what is special about traveling to Japan, cost-saving travel experiences and countless other interesting things.
Japan Travel Guide: Where is Japan?
Japan is a country located in East Asia with a total area of 379,954 km². This country borders China, South Korea, Russia and Taiwan. This place is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and has 5 main islands including Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa – which are also places that attract a large number of tourists to visit. And one feature that helps “hold” tourists is the hospitality, enthusiasm and politeness of the local people.
What is the best season to visit Japan?
Located in the temperate zone, Japan has 4 distinct seasons. However, along the length of the country, each region has a different climate. The cold winter in the far north of Hokkaido will be in complete contrast to the warm sunshine on the subtropical islands in the south of Okinawa. Therefore, the months from March to May or from September to November are often considered the best time to visit Japan.
Specifically, if you want to admire the poetic scenery when cherry blossoms bloom and enjoy the cold of winter, visit here in the second half of March to the first half of April. If you want to immerse yourself in the beautiful autumn weather with cool air, gentle yellow sunshine and blue sky or enjoy the red leaves season, come here in the second half of October to the first half of November.
Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Japan?
Japan Visa Application Service
The answer is yes! Because Japan does not have a visa exemption policy for Vietnamese citizens, a visa is a must-have when visiting the land of the rising sun. The fee for a Japanese visa is about 630,000 VND ($23.95), and you only have to pay the fee when you successfully apply for a visa.
Tips to Buying Self-sufficient Flight Tickets to Japan
There are many ways to hunt for cheap flight tickets to Japan. First of all, you should plan your flight schedule and book tickets about 1 to 2 months before departure. You can also consider choosing direct flights, although the price is higher, it will save more time than booking transit flights in other cities.
To get a good price, don’t forget to refer to promotional programs, hunt for good deals, compare prices of each airline. This may take a lot of time but will definitely help reduce the cost of independent travel.
Guide of Booking Hotel Rooms in Japan
Don’t forget that you can book a hotel room through the Klook Hotels system or Agoda, along with hundreds of discount vouchers! Below are some famous hotels in Japan that we recommend for you.
Park Hotel Tokyo
Located right in the center of Tokyo, Park Hotel Tokyo will be a stopover to bring you a memorable vacation. All rooms here have large windows, giving you a panoramic view of Japan’s most bustling city. Free wifi is provided at this hotel, modern facilities and excellent customer service will not disappoint you. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 105-7227 Tokyo-to, Minato-ku Higashi Shimbashi 1-7-1, Japan
- Reference price: from 1,655,000 VND ($62.93)/night
Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka
It is no coincidence that Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka hotel received a score of 9.4/10 from customer reviews. In addition to modern hotel services, this place also has a library to help you relax after a long day of traveling! (klook, agoda)
- Address: 556-0011 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Naniwa-ku Nambanaka 1-17-11, Japan
- Reference price: from 1,177,000 VND ($44.75)/night
Japan Travel Guide: ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo
More than just a hotel, ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo also has an exhibition hall, along with massage areas and shopping areas. All rooms here have private bathrooms with bathtubs, flat-screen TVs and extra-long beds at very reasonable prices. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 60-0003 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo-ku Kita 3-jo Nishi 1-chome 2-9, Japan
- Reference price: 1,446,000 VND ($54.98)/night
Sakura Terrace The Gallery
Located right in the heart of Kyoto, Sakura Terrace The Gallery is a very convenient stop for you to explore the tourist attractions in this city. Rooms here also have hair dryers, in addition to providing free personal amenities. The thoughtful and attentive staff along with modern facilities will bring you a memorable vacation. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 601-8002 Kyoto, Kyoto, Minami-ku Higashikujo Kamitonodacho 39, Japan
- Reference price: 1,278,000 VND ($48.59)/night
Shinjuku Prince Hotel
With its elegant modern design, Shinjuku Prince Hotel is especially suitable for those who like simplicity but no less luxurious. This hotel has a view of the city, all rooms have TVs, refrigerators and safes, and private bathrooms at reasonable prices. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 160-8487 Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Kabuki-cho 1-30-1, Japan
- Reference price: from 1,535,000 VND ($58.37)/night
Means of Transportation When Traveling to Japan on Your Own
Subway
This is the most popular public transportation in the land of cherry blossoms because of its advantages such as affordable prices, clear routes, and punctuality. An important note for you is that the subway will operate from 5am to 1am the next morning and you should pay attention to the travel time because the rush hour of the Japanese subway in Tokyo will be from 7:30am to about 9am and 5pm – 7pm every day. And especially, with only 131k you already have a ticket to travel freely by train for 3 days!
Bus
Hop-On Hop-Off Tokyo Bus by Skyhop Bus
The bus is the cheapest public transport here. In areas where it is not possible to go by train or subway, the bus is the best choice. Especially with express buses, there are double-decker buses and there are often toilets right inside the bus, which is very convenient.
Taxi
In contrast to traveling by bus, this is a quite expensive method of transportation. In Japan, you can catch a taxi by waving, waiting at a taxi stand, booking a taxi via an app or calling the operator. Each method has its own pros and cons in terms of waiting time and additional costs, so consider choosing the most suitable method for you.
Rent a Car
What could be better than traveling and being free to go anywhere at any time? Renting a car is especially suitable for teams traveling with close friends or family. If you love freedom, book a car and travel!
Special Must Have: JR PASS Multi-Transportation Card
With a JR Pass in hand, why bother going far? Exploring the land of the rising sun has never been easier with a JR Pass for unlimited travel on JR lines. There are many types of JR Pass for you to choose from. In addition to the Japan JR Pass (suitable for long trips, visiting many places), you can buy a JR Pass depending on the area you want to visit to save costs.
- JR East Tohoku Area Pass
- JR East Nagano / Niigata Area Pass
- JR Kyushu Rail Pass
- JR Pass for Whole Japan
What to do in Japan? Famous Japanese Tourist Destinations
The reason why Japan has become one of the attractive tourist destinations for all visitors in the world is because this country is in the top 10 most beautiful countries on the planet because of its perfect beauty like a painting.
Tokyo, Japan
When coming to the land of the rising sun, you cannot miss the city of Tokyo – where traditional and modern beauty intersect. There are many attractive destinations to experience such as: Yanaka Old Town, Nezu Shrine, Akihabara Electric Town, Odaiba Artificial Island.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass
Kyoto City is the ancient capital of Japan. There are many architectural works that still preserve many traditional cultural features of this country. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Gion Old Town, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nijo Castle are interesting places that you should save in your travel notebook.
Osaka, Japan
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket
Along with Tokyo and Kyoto, Osaka is a favorite tourist destination, full of energy and excitement. When coming here, try to visit Universal Studio Japan, Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Umeda Sky Building, Bunraku Theater, … once.
Shirakawa Village, Japan
Takayama & Shirakawa-go Day Tour with Hida Beef Lunch
Shirakawa is a historical village located in Central Japan. The village is famous for its traditional sloping-roofed houses, along with poetic natural scenery. In addition, there are many unique destinations such as Shiroyama Observatory, Deai-bashi Suspension Bridge, Shirakawa Hachiman Shinto Shrine.
Tokyo Skytree, Japan
With a shape similar to the Eiffel Tower in France, the Tokyo TV Tower is an attractive tourist destination for tourists when coming to Japan. This is a man-made architectural masterpiece of Japan with a height of 634m, completed in 2012. The evening is the best time to admire this place because the tower will be covered with brilliant decorative lights.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Covered with a white coat of snow all year round, Mount Fuji is one of the irreplaceable symbols of the Land of the Rising Sun. Here, you can experience skiing, making snowmen or walking on snowy roads.
Tokyo Tower, Japan
Tokyo Tower Observatory Ticket
Tokyo Tower is a must-see destination when visiting Japan. Not just a radio tower with a height of over 333m, Tokyo Tower has many interesting things waiting for you to discover.
Onna Village Blue Cave, Japan
Blue Cave Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Experience
If you are a lover of the ocean world, then come to Onna Village Blue Cave! Experience scuba diving and see the coral reefs and colorful fish that will impress you!
Visit Taketomi Island, Japan
Ishigaki Island & Taketomi Island: Landing on the Phantom Islands & Snorkeling (Okinawa)
If you are a fan of sea and island tourism, definitely do not miss Taketomi Island! With blue sky, white clouds, and golden sunshine, Taketomi promises to bring you a truly “chill” vacation. A little tip for you, the sunset here is very beautiful, remember to take pictures and post them on your story to show the world!
Tokyo Imperial Palace, Japan
Tokyo City, Meiji Shrine & Skytree Bus Tour with Cruise
This is the residence of the Japanese royal family, including many administrative buildings, state archives, museums and beautiful gardens with an area of about 7.5 km2. This place is likened to a large park with vast green lawns. If you want to feel the complete peace in the hustle and bustle of life out there, you remember not to miss this place!
Sensoji Temple, Japan
If you are a fan of peace and antiquity, you do not forget to visit this place because this is the oldest temple in Tokyo and Kaminarimon and is the symbol of the city. The road leading to Sensoji Temple is about 200m long, where visitors can visit and shop for everything.
What to Eat in Japan? Don’t Miss the Top Japanese Specialties
Japanese cuisine is famous all over the world because it not only has the sophistication and sophistication in the way it is prepared and presented, but also because of the quality, safety and elegant, gentle flavor of the dishes. Join us to discover the “must try” dishes when you set foot in the land of cherry blossoms!
Sushi
Kani Honke in Sapporo Station – Popular Crab Specialty
It would be a huge mistake to mention Japanese cuisine without mentioning Sushi. This is a dish that represents the land of the rising sun. To create this dish, many ingredients are needed and each place will have a different recipe, however, the main ingredient to make this dish is vinegared rice combined with fresh seafood such as oysters, abalone, salmon, shrimp… served with cucumber, pickled radish, thinly sliced sweet egg, wasabi (mustard), soy sauce.
Sashimi
Wada – Michelin Starred Kaiseki in Sapporo
Not inferior to sushi, sashimi is also considered an ambassador of Japanese cuisine with its unique flavor and color, making diners remember it. This is an appetizer on the Japanese menu, with the main ingredient being fresh seafood, served with perilla leaves, white radish, mustard and special Japanese soy sauce.
Sake
ISOKIN Fisheries in Sapporo Susukino – Super Popular Crab & Seafood Izakaya
The Japanese consider this drink as “National Wine”, it is not only a type of alcohol but also a bridge between people and people and people and gods. In winter, try sipping a glass of sake to warm your body or chill it in summer to feel its special and unique flavor.
Ramen
Kaniya in Sapporo – Crab Dish Specialist
Ramen is a traditional Japanese dish. This dish consists of noodles and broth that are carefully cooked, preserving the original flavors of the ingredients. To add flavor, ramen also has side dishes such as pork, boiled eggs, fish cakes.
Tempura
HAKATANIKULAB – Yakiniku BBQ in Fukuoka,Hakata
Tempura is a famous fried dish in Japan with the main ingredients being shrimp, seasonal fish or mushrooms, vegetables, etc. All are covered with a mixture of eggs, water, flour, then deep-fried. The crispy feeling that diners enjoy is the factor that attracts tourists to experience this dish.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is considered a delicious dish of Osaka. When enjoying this dish, you will feel the crispy crust on the outside, the delicious taste of the octopus inside. Dotted with it are a little red ginger, onion and a separate sauce on top.
Natto
Tea Ceremony, Dance and Game with Japanese Maiko
Natto – a name that is probably not too strange because of its unique, distinctive aroma. This is a traditional Japanese dish, fermented from soybeans. Therefore, Natto will be a difficult dish to eat for many people. However, the nutritional value it brings is very high. If you don’t mind the aroma, you should try to experience this special dish!
Miso Soup
Hanakoji Sawada (花小路さわ田) – Michelin Starred Susukino/Kaiseki in Sapporo
One of the main dishes for Japanese breakfast is Miso Soup. This dish is made from Miso sauce with Dashi fish stock, seaweed, sliced tofu, … You will remember Miso Soup with its sweet, rich flavor and equally nutritious.
What to Buy as a Gift When Traveling to Japan?
Surely, you are also quite confused about choosing souvenirs when coming to Japan, right? There are countless unique, lovely and high-quality items here, making it difficult to choose. So let us reveal to you a few souvenirs that are imbued with Japanese culture and rich in meaning.
Maneki Neko Cat
Considered a lucky charm for work, this will be a meaningful and wonderful souvenir that you should buy when you set foot in Japan.
Mask
Unlimited 4G LTE WiFi (Japan Airport Pickup) with Free Power Bank
Fans of Japanese Manga – Anime certainly cannot ignore this typical souvenir. Masks are handmade items with unique and impressive shapes and patterns, a highlight of Japanese culture.
Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns are considered traditional lighting items of the Japanese, they also appear in festivals, parks, restaurants, etc. They are made from Washi – traditional Japanese paper and are glued on a bamboo frame. This will definitely be a special souvenir you should buy when traveling to Japan
Furin Wind Chimes
Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass
This item is probably quite familiar to many people because it often appears in Japanese movies. The sound that Furin wind chimes create not only reminds people of the unique culture of the chrysanthemum country but also brings a new, joyful, and exciting feeling to the listener.
Daruma Doll
Private Photoshoot Experience in Tokyo
Daruma is a lucky doll in Japanese culture. This is an item associated with holidays and New Year of the Land of the Rising Sun with the main color being red – the color symbolizing luck and prosperity. Moreover, with the special feature of being able to fall and automatically bounce back, this souvenir also carries a very meaningful message: Never give up on your dream no matter how many obstacles and stumbles you encounter.
Above are all the guide of independent travel to Japan that Living Nomads gives you. All information about the Land of Cherry Blossoms, tips for booking air tickets, hotels as well as means of transportation, entertainment venues, souvenirs, … you have in the palm of your hand, so why not reward yourself with a trip to this country?
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to
- Private Narita International Airport Transfers (NRT) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
- Private Haneda International Airport Transfers (HND) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
- Airport Limousine Bus Transfers from/to Narita and Haneda International Airport (Free Wifi Onboard)
- Tokyo Amazing Sightseeing Bus Day Tour
- Tokyo Highlights Private Day Tour
- Nikko Day Tour from Tokyo
- Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
- Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
- Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
- Tokyo Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket
- Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
- Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket
- Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
- SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
- Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket
- TeamLab Planets Ticket
- TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
- Limousine Bus Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
- Skyliner Narita Airport Express With Tokyo Subway Ticket
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass
- Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
- 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
- 4G WiFi (BKK and DMK Airport Pick Up) for Japan (Unlimited Data)
- JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
Are you looking for more Tokyo travel guide and top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo itinerary 3 days — What to do in Tokyo in 3 days?
