Discover Japan: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Perfect Japan Trip

Traveloka Accomodation
23 Oct 2024 - 10 min read

Japan Travel Tips - Japan is often a tourist destination, even for foreigners, and Singaporeans are no exception. The technology is sophisticated and covers all walks of life, making tourists feel comfortable using public facilities.

In the midst of rapid technological advances, Japan still has a thick culture that is worth enjoying. You can even still feel like staying in a house with a distinctive and well-maintained tatami floor. Another culture that is so attached to this cherry country is its high level of discipline.

You will meet people who are always in a hurry when they want to go or do something. So that while in this country you will be encouraged by the fast flow of the locals. Enjoy the sensation of riding a train, because it is one of the fastest trains in the world. Make sure you have proper preparation before leaving and follow the tips for visiting Japan.

What to Prepare Before Going to Japan

Here’s the list of things you should prepare before you go to Japan:

1. Itinerary & budgeting

Itineraries are very important to prepare when travelling, especially if you want to visit another country. This is an idea of the places you will go to even if you are in a foreign place. You can also save more time because you don't have to think about each destination to go to.

You can arrange an itinerary together with a budget plan that you will spend on vacation. You can limit your expenses and spend your vacation comfortably, and make sure to look for information on the internet. Look for valid information about Japan travel tips to help build itineraries.

Starting from tourist destinations, how to reach them, to the price that must be paid. Compiling an itinerary can also make you reach an agreement with your vacation friends so you don't have to argue later.

2. Data plan (Communication)

In this era of social media, staying connected to the internet is of course a primary need. The reason is, you need to communicate smoothly and share your vacation experiences on social media.

Therefore, you need to prepare the right data plan so you can access the internet smoothly while travelling. If necessary, you can rent pocket wifi which is usually offered by several tour service providers.

3. Prepare your Document

Like other overseas trips, you also need to prepare complete personal documents that will be needed during the trip. This document will be needed when you cross a certain country and area. So keep it in a safe place but still easy to reach so that it can be retrieved when needed.

4. Destinations to Visit

Determining the destination while on vacation is an obligation and is usually part of making an itinerary. Don't hesitate to choose an unpopular destination as long as you have researched in depth.

By visiting hidden areas, you will experience a more memorable vacation and be different from other foreigners visiting Japan. Read the Guide to Japan carefully as you travel, especially in less visited areas. But if you want to visit popular places, make sure to book tickets in advance.

That way you can get the best price and don't miss the moments you want. Such as Disney Land or cultural activities of the Sumo Wrestling Tournament which only happens once every 3 years. You can buy Tokyo Disneyland tickets cheaply without having to queue by buying them online through Traveloka.

Disney Music & Fireworks 2024: Viewing Ticket | Japan

Ube-shi

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Best Time to Visit Japan

1. Autumn

Warm autumn, not too cold and not too hot might be an attractive and good choice. If you don't want to go through the hassle of choosing the right clothes, you can wear clothes freely.

You can enjoy the orange atmosphere from Japanese maple leaves and other trees that are falling. Although many also like this atmosphere, not as much during the cherry blossom season so it is more comfortable.

2. Winter

For tourists who live in the tropics, visiting Japan in winter will be an attractive choice. You can enjoy white plains full of snow that you cannot find in your country. You can visit the ski resort and have fun skating by taking a gondola to the top.

But of course there will be many tourists who visit similar places so you need other alternatives. Looking at Mount Fuji, you can rent Japanese traditional clothes and take pictures in front of Mount Fuji. Or you can also take a tour on Mount Fuji accompanied by a professional guide, like this Mount Fuji and Hakone Tour.

Mount Fuji and Hakone Tour

8.7/10

Shinjuku

SGD 233

3. Spring

Spring is one of the best seasons to visit this cherry country, you will see beautiful flowers blooming everywhere. In this season you can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in almost every corner of the city.

Not only one who wants to capture the moment with cherry blossoms which only bloom for a short time. Of course, many people come to visit and crowd popular places, especially in Kyoto. Make a master itinerary and back it up so you have options when it gets too crowded.

4. Summer

Vacationing in summer is actually a bit of an advantage as not many other tourists visit. Because summer in Japan also often brings mild typhoons that make people uncomfortable.

In addition, sometimes it also feels excessively damp so it's not the right time to see Mount Fuji. This extra moisture makes it more likely that the mountain will be shrouded in clouds.

But don't hesitate to visit during the summer because there are still many places that you can visit comfortably. For example, by seeing the cute snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano.

Cities to Visit & What Makes it Interesting

1. Tokyo

Tokyo is predicted as a city that many people really want to visit after London and New York. You can enjoy a mix of modern, futuristic and traditional styles through the city landscape.

Here are a few must-visit attractions:

- Shibuya Crossing: One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, this area offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s fast-paced life.

- Meiji Shrine: A serene Shinto shrine surrounded by a tranquil forest, perfect for escaping the city's hustle.

- Tokyo Skytree: The tallest tower in Japan, offering breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline. You can also explore the shopping and dining options at its base.

- Odaiba: A futuristic island in Tokyo Bay with attractions like teamLab Borderless and the life-sized Gundam statue.

- Akihabara: A paradise for anime, manga, and gaming fans. You’ll find countless stores selling electronics and otaku culture items.

2. Kyoto

A quiet area so it will be suitable for you who want to relax your mind. There are many shrines in this area, if you are lucky you might find lots of cherry blossoms blooming. One of the famous temples there is Kiyomizu Temple which is located above the waterfall.

Some highlights include:

- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that create a mesmerising tunnel leading up the mountainside.

- Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A stunning temple offering panoramic views of Kyoto. Its wooden stage is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through towering bamboo stalks and visit the nearby Togetsukyo Bridge for scenic views.

- Nijo Castle: A well-preserved castle from the Edo period with beautiful gardens and architecture.

- Philosopher’s Path: A peaceful walkway along a canal lined with cherry blossom trees, especially picturesque in spring.

3. Sapporo

You can find beautiful landscapes in this city, such as onsens, waterfalls, and flower gardens. There are also winter entertainment centres such as ski resorts which are very interesting to visit.

If you're lucky, you can also participate in festivals only held at certain times. So you need to find out more about this information before leaving so you don't miss this important moment.

Some key attractions include:

- Odori Park: This large park runs through the centre of Sapporo and is the main venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter.

- Mount Moiwa: Take the cable car to the top for breathtaking views of Sapporo, especially at night when the city lights up.

- Sapporo Beer Museum: Learn about the history of beer in Japan and enjoy a tasting session.

- Jozankei Onsen: Just outside the city, this hot spring resort is perfect for a relaxing dip in nature.

- Hokkaido Shrine: A peaceful shrine surrounded by lush greenery, often visited for traditional ceremonies and festivals.

4. Osaka

Osaka is a place that still maintains strong arts, so you can see many performances here. You can also enjoy the beautiful view of the river and occasionally try its delicious culinary delights. Also make sure you stop by one of the famous castles in this city, namely the Osaka Shogun Castle.

Here are some top places to visit:

- Osaka Castle: A historic castle surrounded by a beautiful park, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.

- Dotonbori: A bustling street famous for its neon lights, street food, and entertainment options. Make sure to try takoyaki and okonomiyaki here.

- Universal Studios Japan: A must-visit for movie fans, featuring exciting attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

- Shitennoji Temple: One of Japan’s oldest temples, offering a peaceful escape from the city's bustling streets.

- Umeda Sky Building: A unique architectural marvel with an observation deck that provides panoramic views of Osaka.

5. Nagoya

Many popular places are located in Nagoya, such as Legoland, Nagoya Castle, and Sky TV Tower. Also other places that are no less unique, such as the Science Museum and Planetarium and Tokugawa Art Museum.

Some must-see spots include:

- Nagoya Castle: A beautifully restored castle with impressive architecture and lush gardens.

- Legoland Japan: A fun theme park for families, featuring rides and attractions made entirely of LEGO bricks.

- Atsuta Shrine: One of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, known for its sacred treasures and peaceful surroundings.

- Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology: Learn about the history of Toyota and Japan’s role in the global automotive industry.

- Osu Shopping Street: A lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and traditional temples, perfect for a casual day of exploration.

6. Fukuoka

This area is the right city for a study tour program because there are many study destinations. Visit historic museums and feel like you're travelling through time while viewing the museum's collections.

Top attractions In Fukuoka include:

- Ohori Park: A spacious park with a scenic pond, perfect for walking or boating.

- Fukuoka Castle Ruins: Explore the remains of this once-grand castle and enjoy views of the surrounding city.

- Kushida Shrine: A vibrant shrine at the heart of the city, often the focal point of local festivals like the Hakata Gion Yamakasa.

- Canal City Hakata: A large shopping and entertainment complex with a dynamic water show that takes place every day.

- Dazaifu Tenmangu: A famous shrine dedicated to the god of learning, drawing students and scholars from all over Japan.

Food Recommendation

Trying culinary while on vacation is a must because each country will serve different specialties. It's no exception when in Japan, make sure you try a variety of fresh seafood.

1. Traditional Breakfast Menu

Some of the traditional foods eaten at breakfast are often made in a simple way. Like Tamago gohan in the form of a warm rice dish eaten with raw chicken eggs. Or rice balls called onigiri filled with salmon, fermented soybeans cooked with savoury spices. There is a full menu consisting of rice, soup, protein sources such as fish, and tofu with natto.

2. Bento Lunch Box

This famous practical dish from Japan is often chosen at lunch so that it is easy to carry. This packaging is suitable for Japanese culture which can be enjoyed immediately during a busy day.

3. Dinner In Japan

For dinner, you can try Gyudon which consists of rice with stir-fried beef and onions. Apart from that, you can also choose ramen with warm broth so it is suitable for eating at night.

4. Street Food

Apart from the main food, you also have to try light snacks sold by street vendors. Among them are Yakitori, Dango, Gyoza, and Taiyaki which are similar to Bungeoppang from Korea.

Shopping Center Recommendation

1. Don Quijote

Even though it is located in the capital city of Japan, Tokyo, don't hesitate to shop there. Because you can find lots of fantastic discounts to give souvenirs to take home. You can use a Ginren Card or Union Pay without being charged the slightest tax.

2. Daiso Japan

This place is very popular because it sells various unique items, various toys, and Japanese goods. So do not be surprised if visitors, especially foreign tourists invade this shop.

3. Ameya Yokocho Shopping Street

This place is actually not a souvenir centre, but sells household needs such as cooking spices. But this is what makes it interesting because you can get Japanese snacks and special ingredients. So you can take it home and share it with loved ones at home.

Time to Fly to Japan with Singapore Airlines Travel Fair

Get ready for exciting travel opportunities with the Singapore Airlines Travel Fair! From 25 to 27 October 2024, head to the Suntec Convention Centre (Hall 401 & 402) for exclusive offers on flights to over 120 destinations worldwide, including popular destinations such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Bali.

Flight to Tokyo

Mon, 2 Jun 2025

Singapore Airlines

Singapore (SIN) to Tokyo (NRT)

Start from SGD 633.70

Thu, 29 May 2025

Singapore Airlines

Singapore (SIN) to Tokyo (NRT)

Start from SGD 645.84

Mon, 26 May 2025

Singapore Airlines

Singapore (SIN) to Tokyo (NRT)

Start from SGD 652.92

Aside from enjoying great prices, you can save an extra S$130 on flight tickets, hotels and attractions if you book through Traveloka. The event will also feature exciting travel-themed exhibitions, presentations, and tips from experts on travel destinations and travel trends.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to realise your dream holiday-mark your calendar and get ready to fly! Check out the full details of the mechanism here.

Not only Articles about Japan Travel Tips that Traveloka provides, but we also have a lot of best-recommended articles for you guys to read! Here is the list of the best Articles recommendation special for you:

By reading this review, you will understand more about things to know before going to Japan. So that you can immediately plan a trip to Japan with the right itinerary and vacation budget. You can be more disciplined and thrifty, so that the remaining money can be used for other things.

In This Article

• What to Prepare Before Going to Japan
• 1. Itinerary & budgeting
• 2. Data plan (Communication)
• 3. Prepare your Document
• 4. Destinations to Visit
• Best Time to Visit Japan
• 1. Autumn
• 2. Winter
• 3. Spring
• 4. Summer
• Cities to Visit & What Makes it Interesting
• 1. Tokyo
• 2. Kyoto
• 3. Sapporo
• 4. Osaka
• 5. Nagoya
• 6. Fukuoka
• Food Recommendation
• 1. Traditional Breakfast Menu
• 2. Bento Lunch Box
• 3. Dinner In Japan
• 4. Street Food
• Shopping Center Recommendation
• 1. Don Quijote
• 2. Daiso Japan
• 3. Ameya Yokocho Shopping Street
• Time to Fly to Japan with Singapore Airlines Travel Fair

Activities Mentioned in This Article

Mount Fuji and Hakone Tour

Shinjuku
SGD 233

Flights Featured in This Article

Mon, 2 Jun 2025
Singapore Airlines
Singapore (SIN) to Tokyo (NRT)
Start from SGD 633.70
Book Now
Thu, 29 May 2025
Singapore Airlines
Singapore (SIN) to Tokyo (NRT)
Start from SGD 645.84
Book Now
Mon, 26 May 2025
Singapore Airlines
Singapore (SIN) to Tokyo (NRT)
Start from SGD 652.92
Book Now
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