First-Time in Japan? Or looking for General Travel Information about Japan?
This is the “Start From Here” Page for you!
Hello there! Welcome and thank you so much for finding out and visiting here!
I'm MIKA, the person behind this site, here to guide you through the exciting world of travel in Japan.
On this page, I've compiled a list of reliable Websites for those seeking the Go-To Guide for Essential Travel Tips to Japan.
Hope you find it helpful😊 Let's embark on our journey!
Essential Steps for Planning Your Trip
Clarifying Your Purpose and Researching.
Through my travel experiences, I am convinced that these are the highly important KEY to making your journey great and satisfying.
So, let’s start from exploring the foremost steps you need to take to plan your trip effectively and ensure a smooth and fulfilling travel experience!
10 Vital Steps to Plan Your Journey
1. Deciding on the Purpose for Travel:
Decide where to go, what to do, and how long to stay.
2. Budgeting:
Create a budget for the entire trip, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing expenses.
3. Researching the Destination:
Research tourist attractions, culture, climate, and local customs of the destination.
We've got it covered RIGHT HERE in this post!
4. Planning the Itinerary:
Plan the itinerary, including transportation, accommodation, and the sequence of sightseeing spots.
5. Booking Flights and Accommodation:
Make reservations for flights, hotels, guesthouses, or other accommodation options.
6. Preparing Necessary Documents:
Prepare documents such as passports, visas, flight tickets, and reservation confirmations.
7. Packing for the Trip:
Prepare essential items such as clothing, accessories, medications, and translation apps.
8. Getting Insurance:
Check travel insurance, health insurance, and other necessary insurances, and subscribe if needed.
While not always absolutely necessary compared to arranging Necessary Documents, travel insurance is still important for preparing for unexpected situations or medical emergencies.
It's advisable to obtain travel insurance relatively early in the trip planning process to ensure adequate coverage.
9. Arranging Local Transportation:
Decide on local transportation options, make necessary reservations, and obtain tickets.
10. Considering Safety Measures During the Trip:
Consider safety measures such as local emergency contacts and security precautions.
These 10 steps may vary in order (for example, Researching the Destination may help determine the Budget), but they can be considered the Essential What To Do List for planning a trip!
Now, for those seeking Go-To Guide for Essential Travel Tips to Japan, here is a list of Recommended Websites!
Essential Travel Tips to Japan
Since most information that I provide on this site is a bit more detailed than General Travel Tips to Japan, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential websites to help your travel to Japan is smooth, seamless, and unforgettable!
This curated list of essential websites will ensure you have all the information you need at your fingertips, from booking flights and accommodation to navigating local attractions and activities.
By utilizing these websites, you'll unlock the best travel experience Japan has to offer and embark on a journey filled with unforgettable memories!
5 Essential Websites for Traveling to Japan:
1, Travel Japan - The Official Japan Guide
This site is the Official Tourism Information Portal operated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
It provides comprehensive travel to Japan's major tourist spots, transportation, accommodations, and event information.
I chose this site because it is run by a reliable organization and contains the latest information, so it's the best place to start gathering information about your trip to Japan.
There is also a multilingual website full of useful information for foreign travelers!
2, Lonely Planet Japan
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan
This site is operated by Lonely Planet, a world-famous travel guide book publisher.
It offers detailed insights into Japan's attractions, culture, travel tips, and advice for planning your trip to Japan.
I chose Lonely Planet's site because their guides are renowned for their thorough research, insider tips, and recommendations for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Here, you can find not only essential information for traveling in Japan but also guidebook-like travel ideas to further enhance your Japanese experience!
They provide not only travel information for Japan but also travel information for countries around the world in multiple languages.
3, japan-guide.com
japan-guide.com is a comprehensive online travel guide that covers various aspects of traveling in Japan since 1996.
It offers detailed information about popular tourist destinations, cultural experiences, transportation, accommodations, and activities from the perspective of both foreigners and travelers, curated by dedicated foreign editors.
The website also features articles written by local experts and practical advice for navigating Japan's unique customs and traditions.
I found on this site not only the typical tourist spots and travel experiences but also "offbeat" suggestions for exploring Japan further.
What sets japan-guide.com apart is its user-generated content, including forums where travelers can ask questions, share tips, and exchange experiences.
4, TripAdvisor Japan
TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel community where users can browse reviews and ratings of places they have actually visited.
It provides detailed information about tourist spots, restaurants, and other attractions in Japan.
As a Traveler, I often use TripAdvisor when planning my trips!
To ensure a satisfying travel experience, it's essential to check real user reviews and ratings.
5, Japan Travel by NAVITIME
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en
Lastly, let me introduce you to Japan Travel by NAVITIME , operated by NAVITIME.
Here are two reasons why I recommend this site for your trip to Japan:
- Optimal route search : You can find the best routes for your travel needs in Japan.
NAVITIME is a top Japanese navigation service, providing real-time travel information for various modes of transport.
It’s my go-to navigation app, even more so than Google Maps in Japan. I rely on it so much that I subscribe to their premium service! —it’s that trustworthy and essential for navigating Japan.
- Emergency / Disaster information: The site provides critical updates on natural disasters and emergencies in Japan.
It’s a must-have resource for anyone planning to travel in Japan.
Prepare for Visa
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
All foreign visitors entering Japan are required to have a valid passport throughout their stay, and they must adhere to the conditions specified in their visas.
Please refer to the Visa page on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website for the latest information on visa requirements for Japan.
If you have any more questions, contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Prepare for Natural Disasters
Disaster Prevention Portal
https://www.mlit.go.jp/river/bousai/olympic/en/index.html
Although Japan has always been prone to earthquakes, especially in recent years, not only earthquakes but also natural disasters such as heavy rain, typhoons, river flooding, sediment disasters, and volcanic eruptions have been occurring frequently.
For your safety, when visiting Japan, I strongly recommend gathering information from this website operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.
When You Actually Visit Japan
Visit Japan Web
https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web
This service enables you to complete arrival procedures (immigration, customs) and access the 'Tax-free shopping service' online.
All border measures for international travelers related to COVID-19 were lifted as of April 29, 2023. Although it seems no longer mandatory, the Japanese government continues to encourage all visitors to utilize Visit Japan Web.
Beware!
Release date: Dec 14, 2023
https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/news/20231214-01/
Suspicious apps such as "Visit Japan Web Info" were found. This service does not provide any apps.
If you have downloaded any suspicious application, please uninstall it immediately.
Yeah, during my research for creating this link page, I found myself navigating through confusing pages. So please, be cautious!
COVID-19 Related Information
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
https://www.mofa.go.jp/p_pd/ipr/page7e_900126.html
While Japan has reopened to international travel, I still recommend checking the information related to COVID-19 regulations before you visit.
GO TOKYO - The Official Tokyo Travel Guide
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/coronavirus-information/index.html
The "GO TOKYO - The Official Tokyo Travel Guide" website operated by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau provides comprehensive information.
For those considering a trip to Tokyo, please check the information on this website!
Have an Unforgettable Journey in Japan!
Hope this guide lists inspires you to embark on an adventure to Japan and I’m looking forward your trip to here!
Arigato Gozaimasu (means “Thank you”) for reading!
Have an Ultimate Life Journey!
