student trips to japan

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Ancient Culture in a Modern World

Experience the blend of culture, modernity, and more than 2,000 years of tradition that make up the fabric of life in contemporary Japan. Explore the pulsing, neon-soaked neighborhoods of Tokyo and key historical sites in Kyoto, then head off the beaten path into the Japanese countryside. Hike the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, sip tea at a chadō ceremony, and see the newest fashion in Harajuku on a journey through Japan’s past and present.

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in San Francisco, California, and fly together to Osaka, Japan. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Get to know your group in Japan’s second-largest city, and the hub of the Kansai region. Osaka is known as the “nation’s kitchen” for its incredible breadth of cuisine, try local specialties like okonomiyaki, a savory pancake with unlimited varieties. Walk the dazzling lights of Dotonbori street along the Kizu River with its world-famous neon and animated signage. From this centrally located hub in Kansai, Honshu’s western region, take short train rides to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Himeji Castle and learn about some of the most famous samurai battles in Japanese history. Next, feed the domesticated deer that roam the grounds of Nara Park, home to Japan’s first capital city, and home to one of Japan’s oldest dai-butsu or “giant buddha statues.”

Venture away from the busy Pacific coast and into the countryside to explore the less-populated side of Honshu, Japan. Discover one of Japan's "Nihon Sankei," or "Three Most Beautiful Views," at Amanohashidate. The beaches surrounding Miyazu Bay offer an idyllic setting for cycling amid ancient pines or basking in the sun by the waves. Indulge in a seaside picnic and take a refreshing swim before making your way to a traditional onsen hot spring town, where you can immerse yourself in rejuvenating waters and savor local delicacies. Meet and meditate with a Buddhist monk at a beautifully landscaped temple dedicated to the healing powers of hot springs. Explore the ruins of an ancient castle outpost and treat yourself to handmade zaru soba noodles before catching a train to reconnect with the urban side of Japanese life.

Head to the former imperial capital of Kyoto, home to more than 2,000 shrines and temples. Spared bombardments in World War II due to its unique cultural significance, this stop showcases some of Japan’s most important cultural places. Due to its historical significance, this major urban hub is an incredible mix of modernity and history. Try some traditional shimesaba oshizushi , watch a maiko or bungakku performance, and experience a traditional chadō tea ceremony. Hike the iconic row of orange torii gates leading to Fushimi Inari, learn some drawing techniques at the International Manga Museum, and explore the history of the worlds’ most famous assassins at the Ninja Museum.

Head northeast on a scenic train ride to the stunning beauty of one of Japan’s largest natural parks. Camp and hike through a dormant volcanic crater covered in wildflowers and natural wetlands at the base of Mount Hakusan. Ascend from there to the majestic views atop one of Japan’s three “holy mountains'' and stay in a traditional pilgrim’s lodge. Descend to a UNESCO World Heritage site at Shirakawa-Go village—an immaculately preserved straw-thatch roof community nestled in Gifu’s verdant valleys. Stroll Edo-era streets lined with traditional architecture and interact with this living history as people go about daily life in a place dedicated to preserving thousands of years of history and culture.

Return to urban Japanese life as you hop the train to the iconic mega-city of Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world. Celebrate the end of your journey at iconic spots in Japan: Tokyo Skytree, Tsukiji fish market, Sensō-ji, and more within easy striking distance from centrally located accommodations. Travel by ferry to the Odaiba district to explore the cutting edge of technology and robots at the Miraikan Museum, and experience an immersive digital art and light world at teamLab Borderless. For a dose of Japanese pop culture, hit Takeshita street in the Harajuku district and take in the burst of candy-colored stores, playful Tokyo fashion, and theme cafes. Spend your last night celebrating your experience with your group before bidding sayōnara to Japan.

Fly from Tokyo, Japan, to San Francisco with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

The archipelago of Japan, known to the Japanese as "Nihon" or "Nippon", marks the eastern edge of Asia. Although Japan is a relatively small country in size, its global historical and cultural impact is large. Japanese inhabitants are well known for their quirky, exaggerated cultural arts such as anime and manga, and their food has become something of a global staple. When thinking of Japan, people often imagine Tokyo's bustling metropolis with 37 million inhabitants. However, the majority of Japan's land boasts a more natural setting, with 67% of the islands covered in forests. The Japanese imperial family is the longest unbroken monarchy in the world, stretching back more than 2,000 years. The primary belief systems in Japan are Shintoism and Buddhism.

Japanese is the national language of Japan. There are a large number of dialects, with the Tokyo dialect considered standard Japanese.

Japan is very humid during the summer months, with temperatures ranging from 80–95°F (27–35°C), with a rainy season from mid June to early July.

Japanese food has become famous worldwide in recent years. Dishes like sushi, udon, and miso soup are now widely enjoyed. The Japanese have also adapted and changed other Asian dishes in unique ways, such as ramen and gyoza from China, Korean barbecue, and curry from India. Japanese people are known for their love of "umami" which is a “deep richness of flavor.” Primarily their foods get umami from a traditional mix of fish broth (dashi), “kombu” seaweed, and a traditional sweet cooking wine called “mirin.” Today, most Western foods like pasta and sandwiches are also available in modern Japan, though they are often slightly altered.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you. Sample the breadth of Japanese cuisine, from sushi to ramen, or create a series of photos cataloging Japanese pop culture, or design your own anime storyboard.

This is a physically active summer travel program. You can expect to hike on mountain terrain, walk and take public transport in cities, swim, and participate in taiko drumming or karate classes. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

The group stays at a variety of residences on this program. While in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, we stay in local hotels, typically in double rooms with twin beds. When visiting Tajima and Gifu, we enjoy simple accommodations in rooms with traditional tatami floor mats and Japanese futon mattresses. In Tajima, we will have the option to use the public baths for onsen . Hotels may or may not provide a private onsen option.

We enjoy breakfast each morning at our accommodations, which offer both traditional Japanese breakfast and typical Western-style options. For lunches and dinners, we eat together either at restaurants or head to a local market to shop for a picnic. Please note that dietary restrictions and some allergies (Halal, Kosher, Vegetarian/Vegan, GF, shellfish allergy, etc) may require advance preparation, so please contact us.

A Day in the Life: Kyoto

This program is directed by, ed thanhouser.

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

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2024 Dates June 19 — July 9 July 3 — July 23 July 10 — July 30 June 26 — July 16

Duration 21 days

Tuition $8,590 + airfare

Eligibility Currently* in grades 9–12 *Your grade as of the day you apply

Typical Group 16–18 students, 2 leaders

Group Flight Departs from San Francisco

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Let Japan’s rich historical heritage and modern culture inspire your students, giving them an unforgettable experience.

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High School and Student Group Trips to Japan

With All Japan Tours, your students will experience the rich historical heritage of Japan and its modern advancements. The cultural diversity and natural beauty of the country will inspire your students, giving them an unforgettable traveling experience. We are proud of the cleanliness and safety of our country and would like you to experience firsthand the different aspects of Japan, from its art and culture to its technology and landscape. Your students are sure to receive a warm, hospitable welcome.

Plan Your Japanese School Trips for Student and Teacher Groups

AJT makes itinerary planning simple: start with one of our classic itineraries below and customize it to suit your group. Our Japan tour specialists will be happy to consult with you to coordinate the best itinerary for your group.

Choosing a Japan Tour Package for School Teachers and Students

Please click on the the link below to see our sample itineraries for trip ideas.

if you have your own ideas about what to see and do, please let us know and let us create a personalized itinerary for you.

Why Choose Japan?

Undeniably, no other travel destination excites students and teachers like Japan. It is the perfect student travel destination: diverse, safe, clean, and surprisingly affordable.

Japan is known for being expensive, but that is a misconception based on the quality of Japan's food and housing. As in all countries, the type of accommodation and food you eat affect your budget.

A student trip to Japan can be quite reasonable, comparable to trips to Europe and America.

Diverse seasons and beautiful scenery

Japan has four distinct seasons, each with its own characteristic beauty. In spring, flowers begin to bloom and the country is covered in cherry blossoms. In summer, the hot weather is perfect for water sports. Autumn brings scarlet and gold leaves and spectacular mountain views. In winter, there is snow in parts of Japan and residents ski and participate in winter sports. Whatever the weather, there are scenic landscapes to enjoy.

Coexistence of cutting edge technology and rich traditions

Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world, with cutting edge technology and engineering. At the same time, it is a treasure trove of traditional culture, architecture, and art, with 11 World Heritage Sites. Japan is also a force in popular culture, a leader in animation, fashion, and entertainment.

Developed transportation network

Japan's advanced transportation network makes traveling quick, convenient, and comfortable. The different regions of Japan are all connected by air, rail, or highway. For a thrilling adventure, students can ride a bullet train and experience what it means to be faster than a speeding bullet.

Excellent choice of accommodations and food of Japan

Japan boasts a wide variety of accommodations, from traditional Japanese inns to five star hotels. One of the pleasures of visiting Japan is its rich culinary tradition. Although you can eat food from all over the world, you will find that Japanese cuisine is delicious and varied. Try authentic sushi and tempura, or, for the budget conscious, sample creative dishes like Japanese pancakes (Okonomiyaki) and rice and beef bowls (Gyudon). With such diversity in housing and food, there is something for every taste and budget.

Safe and comfortable holiday

Japan is a very safe country for students to visit since it has a low crime rate and advanced international communication and medical care. It is common for female students to walk around at night alone.

Friendly, English speaking people

As a part of their education, all Japanese students are required to study English. Although all locals have studied English for at least three years, most study upwards of six years. If you need information in Japan, you will have no problem being able to communicate in English. Some of the Japanese may be shy or may not be fluent, but they are hospitable people and eager to help.

Budget Travel

No other country interests students more than Japan. Renowned for its cleanliness, safety, and efficiency, Japan is the ideal destination for students. It has the added advantage of having a wide variety of accommodations and types of food, making it affordable on a student budget.

Homestay in Japan

The best ways to learn and adapt to local customs is to stay with a welcoming Japanese family. Experience Japanese hospitality and improve your Japanese conversational skills through various activities such as farming, logging, and cooking Japanese style meals. Take the off-beaten path of exploring Japan's culture and its traditional lifestyle with a unique homestay experience.

Japan Band and Concert Tours

All Japan Tours offers not only performances at unique venues all over Japan including theme parks, city halls, and festive events, but also an educational experience provided through an authentic homestay while learning the traditions of the country from a local’s point of view. Explore and learn about Japan by private coach, while our seasoned tour guides educate you every step of the way.

See what you can experience in Japan

If you're looking for inspiration, try browsing our available experiences below. AJT can coordinate green tea ceremonies with a Maiko, a hands-on pottery class, and even snowboarding lessons. Add more flare to your tour with these unique activities.

Arts & Crafts

Plan your trip.

When you contact us through e-mail or phone, we will discuss the type of trip and services you're interested in. There are many things to consider when planning your trip to Japan, such as your travel date, length of stay, destination cities, points of interest, and budget. Based on this information, we will create an initial “sketch” itinerary that includes an outline of recommended travel routes, destinations, accommodations, transportation type, and services we can provide. If you're not sure which Japan tour is for you, many of our clients select one of our existing itineraries and modify it according to their interests and budget. Other clients have their own ideas about what to see and do, or even a specific itinerary in mind. Please have a look through some of the itineraries for inspiration. Our itineraries are created by Japan specialists, all of whom have years of background working as a tour guide in Japan.

Help Me Plan My Trip

Our Inquiry Form is designed to give us a clear picture of your interests and preferences so that we can create the ideal vacation for you. If one of our itineraries is the ideal base plan for you, please mention so in your inquiry. We will customize the plan so that it will meet your specific needs and desires.

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Why Travel With AJT Custom Groups

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Expert Knowledge

We'll provide you with recommendations and the benefit of our insider knowledge.

100% Tailor Made

We design your entire vacation based on your needs, interests, and budget.

Hand-picked Accommodations

Chosen by our experienced staff.

The Best Guides

Hand-picked, professional, English speaking guides to help you along your journey.

Unique Experiences

Can be arranged at your request, based on your interests.

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What our customers say

  5.0 stars based on 40 REVIEWS

Our travel group of 4 adults and 15 teenagers had the most profoundly enjoyable and life changing experience touring Japan with All Japan Tours. Yuki, our guide, was very prepared, organized, flexible and very thoughtful. The sites, accommodations, transportation and food all exceeded our expectations. Last minute changes to our itinerary and food restrictions within our travel group were all handled with care and understanding. We intend to return to Japan and will only use All Japan Tours. The trip would not have been as wonderful without the caring support of our guide. Yuki is such a warm and thoughtful person who's good humor and care provided such an enjoyable experience. All members of our group have expressed so much gratitude for Yuki and truly miss her. Thank you Yuki!

Hotels were very nice and having a bus to pick us up and transport us to the next site was wonderful. Our tour guide, Yuki was very organized, very patient and fun. We saw so much, shopped and ate. Everyone loved the stay at the Ryokan and the delicious kaiseki dinner. The group loved the Onsen at the different hotels. After touring, they found it so relaxing to head to the Onsen. We also loved traveling on the different transportation in Hiroshima. Riding on the bullet train, the ferry, the local train, the local bus and trolley……we were so impressed!

Our trip to Korea was amazing, our tour guides were awesome. We did so many things in 8 days. Totally recommended.

Wonderful. We had private tours - 7 of them Everything worked as planned with one exception . And the hitch was corrected quickly by AJT . Excellent guides

You gave us your best driver, Mr. Aizawa. He was excellent in getting us safely to where we needed to be. Yukiko Ishiyama was a very helpful and knowledgeable guide. She welcomed us to Osaka, went with us to the hotel, and helped us check in; the same helpfulness when leaving Yonago, insuring that we and our bags had a smooth check-in. Yuki had a wealth of knowledge about the places we saw, answering our questions, making sure we knew the schedule and times (breakfast, hotel check-out, etc.). Rie Taki is the best in coordinating and helping to ensure everyone enjoyed the tour. I like that there was some flexibility or alternative when something scheduled could not happen (such as cancellation of Jibikiami experience, with alternative choices of remain at hotel or go to Yanaitsu). Overall, an excellent tour that I would recommend to my friends. Can't recall specific temples, parks, or nature, which is why those aren't checked off below. A lot of "wow" packed in this tour. For meals on our own, I like that there were suggestions as to where we could go to eat.

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Japan School Trips & Student Tours

Japan – the land of the rising sun plays host to home spectacular landscapes and stunning destinations ranging from rolling hills, flat farmlands, towering mountains to majestic grand temples, serene shrines and Japan’s Edo-period buildings. Interestingly, there is a limitless number of things to do, see and experience in sprawling megacenter Tokyo, which is a truly inspirational experience for students of all subject backgrounds.

Educational School Trip  is proud of as a reputable tour company developing wonderful student tours to Japan. We specially tailor-made Japan student tours to serve all your student’s needs and your learning objectives. Coming to Japan, students will have ample opportunity to encounter a myriad of custom, deep history, ancient culture in Japan, explore amazing things in the bustling streets of Tokyo, join in state-of-the-art bullet trains and cherish the hospitality of Japanese people. These educational tours definitely will leave students with once-in-a-lifetime experience and meaningful lessons. Let’s Japan school trip awake your student’s travel sense.

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Reasons to Choose Japan School Trip for students

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Best Places to Visit in Japan School Trips

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Japan Student School Trips & Educational Tours

Destinations › Asia › Japan

Embark on your Learning Adventure to Japan, exploring the vibrant culture, ancient architecture and modern metropolises in your tailored itinerary.

  Our educational tours, faculty-led programs, and school trips to Japan offer students the opportunity to explore the country’s balance between modern and traditional culture, architecture, history and much more. Our school trips provide the perfect combination of activities and adventure to ensure that your students learn as much as possible while creating life-long memories.

Whether you’re looking for meaningful historical insight in Hiroshima, cultural experiences in Tokyo and Kyoto, or a case study of the country’s unique geology, we have the perfect school trip or college program for you.

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Geography school trip to japan, golden route japan school trip, history school trip to japan, japan economics & business school trip, manga, art & anime in japan, robotics & stem in japan, rugby tours to japan, why we provide academic travel programs in japan:.

Japan offers learning opportunities that other countries can’t. Media students can learn all about manga and anime in Tokyo, whilst Science or Geography groups can get to the heart of disaster management, as they travel to Fukushima and Hiroshima. Some of the activities we offer – such as a talk by an A-bomb legacy successor, visiting tsunami evacuation sites and hiking Mount Fuji – are once-in-a-lifetime educational experiences.

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Find out where our tours can take you

Why choose us, tailored learning environments, hands-on assurance, global education exploration, frequently asked questions, how can i book a trip.

To enquire, commitment-free, about how The Learning Adventure can help you organise an unforgettable, life-changing educational tour, complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch. To arrange a call or a visit to your school to talk further about any queries or questions you may have, find all our regional numbers on our website.

Can I customise the itinerary?

Absolutely! We tailor all our itineraries to your learning objectives and travel style. We cater to any programme, from service trips and cultural tours to subject-focused educational trips and faculty-led university programmes. No two trips with us are ever the same.

What is the standard of the accommodation?

We cater to all travel styles, from hostels to four-star hotels. Accommodation must meet our standards and students never share rooms with the public or opposite sex. Regardless of which accommodation you choose, teachers always have a private room.

What transportation is included?

Whether you choose private or public transportation, we use only reputable safe and trusted modes of transport.

What is the payment policy?

Our standard plan is 30% at booking, 30% three months before departure and the remaining 40% one month prior. However, we understand that every institution is different, so we endeavour to organise and arrange a payment plan that works for your group.

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Educational Tours to Japan

Make Japan the next destination for your institute’s educational trip! The country offers a unique blend of science and technology, mixed with history and culture, along with geographical wonders – perfect for young minds to ponder over.

Visit ancient temples and shrines, historical cities like Hiroshima, marvel at the majestic Mount Fuji, visit a local Japanese home for glimpse of culture and savour authentic local cuisine.

Let Asahi be your guide to fun, educational tour of Japan.

Student Exchange Programs

Helping you find the right combination of university or school with the program of your choice, Asahi is the perfect choice to enable your student exchange program.

Your time in Japan will be curated in a way that blends learning with science and technology, history, language and a glimpse into the local culture.

What’s more, our team is sensitised to the fact that you are away from home and will ensure that 24/7 assistance is available for you and your family.

So, expand your horizons, be a part of another culture and let Asahi be your guide to Japan.

Study Trips

Japanese study trips by go go nihon.

An immersive travel experience, combining Japanese language lessons with authentic cultural experiences and engaging activities in Japan.

We partner with leading Japanese language schools to help you level up your Japanese skills.

Accommodation

We have a range of accommodation options, from fun share houses, cosy dorms to private hotel rooms.

Our activities are carefully chosen to give you a full experience of life, culture, and society in Japan. 

GO! GO! NIHON

What is a study trip.

Study Trips by Go! Go! Nihon are your chance to live and study in a Japan for a short time, while experiencing the culture through a range of unique and fun activities. The trips last between two to four weeks and encompass your language lessons, cultural activities, and accommodation.

Our Japanese Study Trips are the perfect way to experience Japan, the language, and the culture in a short amount of time – a great option for those who can’t commit to learning at a language school long-term, or those who are looking for a more immersive experience.

Whether you’re interested in pop culture, traditional Japanese culture, Japan during the spring, or something else entirely, you’ll find a trip for you in our offerings. Experience a Japanese tea ceremony one day and visit the Ghibli Museum the next; or start your week stepping into a traditional yukata and finish it off with a karaoke session.

studytrip.com brings all our trips together so that you can pick the life-changing experience that’s right for you, simply choose the trip that suits you best.

Stress-free travel

Our experienced Study Trips team plans and organizes your entire experience, so you only need to worry about booking your flights. We take away the stress, so you can focus on immersing yourself in travel.

Make friends for life

Our Japanese Study Trips attract people from all over the world. Your fellow travelers will not only be immediate travel buddies, but you’ll leave Japan with global friendships and irreplaceable memories.

Awesome tour leaders

Our trip leaders are the best, if we do say so ourselves! They’re experts in Japanese culture and language, know all the best spots to visit, and will support you fully during your trip.

A taste of Japan life

Maybe you’ve thought about living in Japan, but aren’t sure if you’d like it? Study Trips are a fantastic way to see if living in Japan longer term is for you.

Japanese Study Trips

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Promotion of Educational Travel to Japan

• ABOUT JAPAN EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• arrow_right WHY JAPAN?
• arrow_right Traditional culture
• arrow_right Modern culture
• arrow_right Natural environment
• arrow_right Japanese food
• arrow_right Sports
• arrow_right Made in Japan
• arrow_right Crisis management
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• arrow_right SCHOOL IN JAPAN
• arrow_right JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
• arrow_right SCHOOL LIFE IN JAPAN
• arrow_right PLAN YOUR TRIP
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highlight PLAN YOUR TRIP

In order to plan your study trip to Japan, you can begin here by firstly learning basic information and fun facts of this country and its unique culture. For the planners and guests of school trip, all the important details to help coordinate an inspiring trip in Japan can be found here.

Located in East Asia, Japan is an island nation that lies on the West Pacific Ocean. With an area of 377,973.89km 2 , it is the 62nd largest country in the world. Japan has a population of 123.22 million people, the world's 11th highest, and its GDP of 4.941 trillion US dollars ranks as the 3rd largest in the world (based on Feb. 2021 data).

info Basic Information

Highlight travel tips, location_city safety.

Japan is one of the world's safest countries for travelers. Its strong law enforcement agencies, stable political environment and stable economy allow Japan to top the peaceful country index in Asia.

local_drink Health and Hygiene

The tap water is safe for drinking, and there is also easy accesses to bottled water. The food safety in Japan is of the highest standard as well.

local_hospital Medical System

The advanced medical system in Japan provides high-quality service. On an occasion of emergency, you can call 119 for an ambulance, and emergency care is available 24/7 at most general hospitals. If you need regular assistance from a doctor, visit a clinic, general hospital or other medical institution and ask for help at reception. For medication requiring no prescription, simple treatments and medical supplies, you can go to one of the many drugstores and consult the pharmacists or registered clerks if necessary. More information on medical services in multiple languages can be found at the link below. Guide for when you are feeling ill (JNTO) open_in_new

train Domestic Transportation

The public transportation network in Japan is well-developed and can take you to almost all popular destinations and attractions quickly and safely. The high-speed railways (shinkansen/bullet train) and highways cover nearly the whole of Japan, connecting major cities. The railway and highway bus services allow tourists to easily travel even long distances around the country. You will be pleased by their smooth trips, their precise schedules, quality operations and reasonable fares. In addition, these country-wide transport networks link to the local railways and metro systems in many cities. By using an IC card you can ride and transfer between railways and metro systems simply with no need to buy a ticket every time. It's simple!

wb_sunny Climate

Most of areas of Japan falls within warm and cool temperate zones of relatively high humidity climate. Japan is a perfect destination for immersing oneself in nature and enjoying the beauty of its four distinct seasons. The sight of flowering sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring is a particular favorite of tourists, as are summer festivals where you can eat shaved ice to help you cool down in the hot nights of summer. Autumn is the season of maple leaves with their fall shades of yellow and red creating spectacular scenery. And, of course, there is winter which best time for enjoying skiing on Japan's world-class snow and warm yourself with a shabu shabu hot pot. On average, the month of January is the coldest, while August is the hottest month of the year. The rainy season of Japan falls within the period June to July.

directions_run Natural Disasters

Situated on the Circum-Pacific Seismic Belt and near the subtropical zone, Japan is well-known for natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons. Due to plate tectonics, Japan was geologically formed as a mountainous country with volcanic eruption and tsunami taking place sometimes. Learning the lessons of its past natural calamities, Japan has developed a highly organized and efficient system of precautions, education, relief and risk management. Despite the inevitable loss brought by these acts of nature, Japan takes advantage of its naturally occurring landscapes and experience in coping with disasters to continue to reestablish tourism and local economies afterwards, and to continue to develop state-of-the-art technologies to mitigate loss and protect people.

star Muslim travelers

Recently, the number of Muslim travelers visiting Japan has been growing year by year. The number of Muslim-friendly halal-accredited restaurants and other facilities as well as mosques in Japan have also been increasing. The tourism policies have also been adjusted in response to the needs of the expanding Japanese Muslim community as well as Muslim tourists. In general, Japan is religion-tolerant and is striving to build a Muslim-friendly environment to meet the standards of Halal tourism. Currently, Japan has no specialized agency for halal accreditation, but Muslim-friendly resources and information can be found at Japan Welcome Guide for Muslim Travelers , Japan Guide for Muslim Visitors , Halal Gourmet Japan, and Halal Expo Japan.

Let's see how to coordinate the perfect educational travel plan for your students. For planning educational travel and school exchange events during the trip, go to our School Exchange page to get ideas.

Travel Guide

Personalize your educational travel with the travel guide to the key information for getting around in Japan. Start by picking travel dates, locations and places to stay.

event When to visit

Get to know the distinct climate and seasons in Japan to plan your visit dates.

January is the coldest month of a year. The weather is often windy and dry. From January 1, New Year, through the beginning of this month, most of schools, public services and many private sector businesses are closed for New Year Holidays.

It's still cold and sometimes snowy in February. Plum blossoms can be seen in certain areas. Generally, February is the period when students take entrance exams for high school and college.

The spring is approaching, and cherry blossoms begin to bloom in most regions from mid to late March. From the end of March, students have a Spring break that lasts until the beginning of April.

It is spring and the season of flowering wisteria. Every year, schools start their new academic year at the beginning of April.

The average temperature rises to a pleasant 15-20 degrees Celsius, but sometimes it is cool so travelers should bring light coats or jackets. At the beginning of May, there is a seven- to ten-day public holiday called "Golden Week".

The early summer season of June is warm and famous for being the hydrangea flower season. It becomes more humid as the rainy season starts in June.

Entering summer, the weather heats up, and sometimes there are typhoons. Many festivals (matsuri) are held in summer.

The weather of most of the regions remains hot and humid. Occasionally, there are a few typhoons from June to September (the main typhoon season). Most of Japanese students are on summer vacation in August, and around the mid August, there is a seven- to ten-day vacation.

The season turns into autumn in September. During daytime, the weather is mostly mild and comfortable, but during the nighttime it is best to have jackets to keep warm.

As mid-autumn comes, maple leaves gradually turn orange and red hues. It's generally cool and comfortable in October and that makes this month a hot season for tourists.

It becomes colder, and some regions in Japan may start to see frost and light snow. November is the month that winter sports resorts start to open to guests.

It gradually becomes cold in December, and some areas snow is to be expected. Over the year-end and New Year period many people, government services and organizations tend to take a break of about one week.

info Destinations

Haven't decided where to visit and stay? Take a look at the guide to ten regions in Japan.

Embrace and explore the wide green fields of Hokkaido. The unpolluted environment offers the chance to get close to nature, a soothing experience for the travelers' mind. With a variety of outdoor activity options, you can stretch your limbs and try some challenging physical exercise surrounded by nature such as cycling, canoeing, hiking and rafting. In winter, Hokkaido treats the visitors with the world-class winter sports venues and resorts. Come to enjoy skiing, dog-sledding and snowboarding in the snow season! arrow_right ITINERARIES: Enjoy the abundant nature and delicious food of Hokkaido

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The Tohoku area includes six prefectures of the mixed culturalscape consisting of rich historical sites, rural and suburban settlements, and magnificent natural landscapes. Gradually recovering from the disastrous earthquake in 2011, the area has become a popular destination for international tourists in the recent years with its quality produce, its varying landforms and views, in August, the spectacular festival, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, and Hiraizumi listed on UNESCO World Heritage, in Iwate. Don't forget to taste sweet cherries in Yamagata and juicy peaches in Fukushima. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Learn about the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, and experience traditional customs and festivals

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The Kanto area is where the megacity Tokyo is located. In addition to the amazing experience of night views and shuttling through the hustle and bustle of this metropolis, the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Nikko just two to three hours away is definitely worth a visit. Around Tokyo, there are prefectures with historical treasures and hot springs, such as Gunma and Saitama. To explore the region's diverse marine, international trading and immigrant culture, visit Yokohama, the port city of Kanto famous for its fusion lifestyle and food. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Follow the renowned “Golden Route” in Japan

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Hokuriku Shinetsu

Boasting the beautiful Northwestern coastline of the main island and the mountains of the "Japan Alps", the Hokuriku Shinetsu area has nurtured the rich culture consisting of delicacies, exquisite crafts and a lifestyle balanced between the nature and human activity. Besides enjoying the best of fresh seafood, sake and fruits in the country, it is worth an artistic trip to Kanazawa, the cultural capital of the area to learn about traditional crafts and contemporary designs. In addition, Niigata and Nagano are two of the best locations in Japan for winter sports. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Deepen the exchange with Japanese people, and learn about social system and rice agriculture in Japan

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The Tokai area is renowned as the home of Mt. Fuji. Around this icon of Japan, there are resorts of hot springs and natural splendors, such as Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Feel like immersing yourself in history and culture? Visit the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and visit Isejingu Shrine, one of the most time-honored Shinto shrines of Japan. For those tea lovers, don't miss the green tea plantations in Shizuoka. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Deepen the exchange with Japanese people, and learn about social system and rice agriculture in Japan arrow_right ITINERARIES: Follow the renowned “Golden Route” in Japan

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Kansai is the cultural and religious capital of Japan with castles that have survived the centuries, spiritual Zen gardens, and many culturally important ancient temples and shrines. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and majesty of the religious and historical sites in Kyoto, Nara and Wakayama. If you are a fan of history or architecture, don't miss the most well-preserved of all Japan's castles Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture that represents the glory of samurai culture and Japanese traditional craftsmanship. Just an one to two-hour's trip by train from the sites above, Osaka and Kobe are gourmet paradises with nice ambience thanks in part to their photogenic night views. arrow_right ITINERARIES: Follow the renowned “Golden Route” in Japan

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Located in the west of the main island, the Chugoku area is the bridge to the island regions of Kyushu and Shikoku. The most famous tourist attraction in Chugoku may be the famous "floating" Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. In Hiroshima, There is an Atomic Bomb Dome the UNESCO World Heritage listed. In Tottori and Shimane, there are rural landscapes, and Shimane's Izumo Taisha Shrine is worth a visit as the sacred place that is believed to be the gathering venue of all the gods of Japanese Shinto religion. In addition to the ancient shrines, you can learn about the modern history of Japan and "Meiji Reforms," the modernization movement of the country in the 19th century, at various historical sites in Yamaguchi. The one of the regions most popular attractions with foreign visitors is the Mizuki Shigeru Museum and yokai (monster and spirit) statues of Kitaro Road in Tottori. arrow_right ITINERARIES: A peace study tour to Nagasaki and Hiroshima: Contemplating peace

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Shikoku is the smallest among the four main islands of Japan, but is definitely the most vibrant with its abundant resources in nature and culture. Take a rail tour to enjoy the views of Seto Inland Sea coastline, and if you happen to visit Shikoku in summer, you may plan an island hopping journey to appreciate artworks of the Setouchi Triennale. Don't forget to taste the udon noodles of world-fame produced in Kagawa and visit one of the Japan's oldest hot springs, Dogo Onsen with its history of over a thousand years of use. In Kotohira, see Japan's oldest working kabuki theatre and try climbing the thousand steps of Konpira-san Shrine.

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Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, has warm and comfortable weather nearly all year round. There are two historical port cities in Kyushu, Nagasaki and Mojiko, and both have fusion styles of food, architecture and communities as they were the earliest gateways to Japan, open to international trade, travel and immigrants. Visit Kumamoto and Kagoshima to view the magnificent volcanic landscapes and experience a hot sand bath. Don't miss the famous Kumamoto Castle, and be sure to add Oita, known as "the prefecture of hot springs," to your traveler's bucket list! arrow_right ITINERARIES: A peace study tour to Nagasaki and Hiroshima: Contemplating peace

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As the southernmost part of Japan's long island chain, Okinawa is a prefecture of subtropical climate and a resort for beaches and water sports. Come to explore the historical sites and restored Shuri Castle of the former Ryukyu Kingdom. Dive into the sea to visit the marine world of colorful coral reefs and undersea aquatic life. Whale-watching and dragon boat races are the exclusive and fun events that you can join in to enjoy the coastline and sea world of Okinawa. Do you know that karate originated in Okinawa? Come to learn more about it!

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hotel Accommodation

From hotels to homestays, different styles of accommodation are open to the students on educational travel. See the introductions to the recommended accommodation options.

Hotel / Inn

The inns run by the large hotel chains are the easiest and most common choices for the tourists traveling to Japan. Most of the inns have sufficient and large rooms and space to accommodate groups and for group activities. The clean environment, great locations, easy access to booking and stable quality of service are the main reasons for these inns to become international travelers' favorites.

Japanese Hotel "Ryokan"

Feel like experiencing Japanese culture during your stay at a hotel? Japanese hotels, called "ryokan" in Japanese, offer not only great experience in accommodation, but their service and culture are steeped in Japanese-style and traditional conventions as well. At a Japanese hotel, you may stay in an antique Japanese house and enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. Some traditional Japanese hotels even have their own hot spring and offer Japanese bathrobes to their guests.

Homestays may be a best way to get closer to and learn from Japanese lifestyle. Instead of staying at hotels, you may interact and make friends with the locals while learning first hand about everyday Japanese life by spending a few nights with a Japanese family. It's also a valuable opportunity to exchange and stimulate conversations between cultures.

Farmstays allows people to stay with host families in farming and fishing villages and have an experience distinctly different from staying at hotels in urban areas. Staying in the countryside or seaside town, you have the access to the abundant surrounding nature, and a chance for an unforgettable experience meeting the local communities involved in forestry, fishing and farming. In some cases you may even get a little taste of their worklives by trying your hand at harvesting food, tending livestock, or other chores.

chrome_reader_mode Educational Programs

The educational travel can be theme specific, focused on culture, history, nature, food, sports or any other theme you would like.

Helpful Links

See here to access to more tourist resources and information about transportation all over Japan.

JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE open_in_new

The official tourism website of Japan by Japan National Tourism Organization.

Japan Tourism Agency open_in_new

The official website of the Japan Tourism Agency.

Related Information

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The National Geographic Student Travel program is no longer being offered. We have been grateful for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of explorers to learn about, care for and protect our world. 

For more youth offerings please visit our youth program section . For more travel opportunities, check out National Geographic Expeditions .

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Give your mind a workout on an educational tour of Japan, where age-old etiquette blend s with cutting-edge robotics , AI-powered futures and the 24/7 hustle of the world’s third largest economy . While feeding your mind, you’ll also feast on world-class food – from delectable handmade sushi, to nourishing bowls of ramen and sl ippery soba noodles.  

Travel in Japan is efficient and easy, thanks to affordable public transport and fast bullet trains. In the morning, learn about Japan’s emperors and samurai warriors from inside an imperial palace or feudal castle. In the afternoon, muse on rapid industrialisation and urban sprawl atop a Tokyo skyscraper. And in the evening, enjoy a sunset in Gion while hearing the history and myths surrounding Japan’s geisha.  

Keen to expand your knowledge of art and culture? Stop by contemporary art museums, galleries and design studios. Or develop your creative practice by experiencing traditional Japanese arts like origami, woodblock printing, calligraphy, pottery, manga and more.   

Customised Japan tours to suit your group  

Each group of travellers is unique, which is why we tailor every Japan tour we run.   

• Student trips : we’ll ensure your trip meets your school’s curriculum, budget, student needs and learning goals
• Private tours : we’ll customise your itinerary to suit your transport and accommodation preferences, as well as your group’s budget and special interests  

Choose what you learn  

Whatever you’re most curious about, we’ll work with you to create the perfect program. Here are just some of the ideas you can explore on a trip to Japan :  

Robotics , manufacturing and technology  

• Catch innovation in action inside leading technology , artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics research companies  
• I nteract with Japan’s most famous humanoid robot a nd uncover robots ’ role in an ag e ing society  
• See the process of invention and manufacture up close in Japan’s extraordinary factories, plant s and industrial museums  

Economics , commerce and global industries  

• Visit The Bank of Japan to understand how central banks maintain Asian currencies and control inflation  
• Discover how Japan’s economy recovered after World War II to become a global centre of finance and trade  
• S kill up on Japanese work culture and business etiquette, while considering the social trade-offs of rapid industrialisation  

History, politics and peace  

• Contemplate peace and coexistence in Hiroshima, site of the world’s first atomic bomb ing  
• Investigate Japan’s post-WWII reconciliat ion with the US and its regional neighbours in Asia  
• Examine the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the subsequent rise of alternative energ y  

Add some adventure  

If you like an action-packed itinerary, expand your agenda with these exciting local activities:   

Sit ringside at a s umo w restl ing tournament  

Board a high-speed  shinkansen   (bullet train)  

E xplore Kyoto’s temples and bamboo forests by bike  

Take part in sushi-making and Japanese tea ceremonies  

Improve your conversation with a Japanese language class  

E njoy a fun and physical  k endo , aikido  or  j udo martial arts class  

Sample trips.

Whatever your students want to learn, we’ll help you create the perfect program. Check out our sample itineraries to get a taste of your school’s next adventure.

Remember, these sample itineraries can be modified to suit your learning objectives and budget. The prices are guides only and subject to change.

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School trips to Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto , Osaka by Maikoya

School trips to japan overview.

A school trip to Japan is one of the most rewarding things for educators because students from all ages and educational levels gain valuable life lessons and grow mentally in the land of the rising sun. Japan is not only the third largest economy but also the birthplace of unique values and concepts embraced all around the world including but not limited to the zen, ikigai, manga, anime and martial arts. Japan is also safe and always amaze young learners with the abundance of unique educational activities and engaging facilities.

Example Japan School Trip Itineraries and Experiences

Most school trips to Japan tend to be from the US, UK and Australia and last around 7~10 days. Most student trips include a direct flight to the Narita Airport in Tokyo and departure from the Kansai Airport in Osaka. School trips usually include 4 days in Tokyo, 4 days in Kyoto-Osaka Area and 1 day in Hiroshima. Most school trips usually include a 4-day Hotel stay in the Shinjuku District of Tokyo and a 4-day Stay in the Shin-Osaka Area of Osaka (Osaka is only 15 minutes from Kyoto and Osaka Hotels are a bit cheaper).  A Typical Japan Trip Itinerary looks like

• Day 1-Tokyo: Landing at the Narita Airport and Checking at the hotel
• Day 2-Tokyo: Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Tower
• Day 3-Tokyo: Tsukiji-Toyosu Fish Market , Sushi Making and Origami at Maikoya , Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo Metropolitan Building
• Day 4-Tokyo: One day getaway to Nikko Toshogu Or Fuji Mountain Area
• Day 5-Osaka: Checking at the Hotel at Shin Osaka, Osaka Castle, Calligraphy Experience at Maikoya, Dotonbori Food Tasting
• Day 6-Osaka (Kyoto): Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu temple, Gion District, Meet a Geisha at Gion Geisha Museum
• Day 7-Osaka (Kyoto): Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nishiki Food Market, Kyoto Tea Ceremony, Samurai & Ninja Experience
• Day 8-Osaka (Nara): Nara Day Trip or Mount Koya Day Trip
• Day 9-Osaka (Hiroshima): Day trip to Hiroshima, Miyajima Shrine, visit the Atomic Dome and the Peace Memorial
• Day 10: Free time, shopping, Taking off from Kansai International Airport

Samurai & Ninja Museum with Experience in Kyoto

Samurai & ninja museum with experience + tea ceremony value package, tea ceremony with or without geisha for school groups, hands on cooking experiences in tokyo, kyoto, osaka, guided walking tours in tokyo, kyoto, osaka, hiroshima, half day city scavenger hunt in tokyo, osaka, kyoto, half day japanese culture & zen workshop in tokyo, osaka, kyoto, other cultural school trip group activities.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum : A must do on every school trip’s list to learn about the effects of mass destruction weapons and the destruction of wars. Swing by the Sadako Memorial, dedicated to a Japanese girl who believed folding 1000 origami cranes would heal her wounds from the atomic bomb.
• Ghibli Museum in Tokyo: This is an OK for anime fans but most groups skip this as the tickets tend to be a bit expensive.
• Kobe Earthquake Museum : Great to learn how disasters affect communities and the importance of infrastructure on city planning
• Disneyland in Tokyo or Universal Studios in Osaka: Good option if you have younger kids in the group but usually people want to do “Japanese things” while in Japan and skip these two options especially if there is limited time for the whole trip.
• Campus visits / School Visits: Japanese universities tend to have small campuses but “usually” have some type of cafeteria called “shokudo” open to public. Waseda University in Tokyo, Kwansei Gakuin University in Osaka and Doshisha University in Kyoto have spacious campuses with a garden.
• Company Visits: Toyota Factory Tours in the Aichi prefecture are popular but you can look for company museums such as Cup Ramen Museum, Suntory beer factory museum, Kao Museum etc.
• Visiting Recycling Facilities: Many public recycling facility accept visitors, the most famous one is the Maishima Incineration Plant in Osaka near the Universal Studios Japan.

Frequently asked Questions about School Trips to japan:

What else you should know about school trips to japan.

The age group and the background of the students you are bringing to Japan are very important. In general it is good to share basic manners and etiquette with your students in advance. Also please be aware of these

• Restrooms near landmarks. In Japan there are no public restrooms but these 3 options are usually safe: Train station restrooms, Convenience Store Restrooms and Franchise Store Restrooms (e.g. Starbucks)
• Closest train station EXITS (sometime you may need to walk 10 minutes extra if you get out from the wrong exit at the train station)
• Closest restaurants that can accommodate your group. Many restaurants in Japan are small and you may need to confirm availability during the peak seasons (Cherry blossom etc.)
• JR Pass almost all school trip organizers get a JR rail pass for the students
• Awareness of national holidays and peak seasons. If you travel during any national holiday or the peak tourism seasons keep in mind that the hotel costs may skyrocket.
• Awareness of Seasonal changes. June&July: It rains a lot, March&April: everywhere gets crowded, January&February: It would be cold to walk outside, August& Early September: it feels super hot because of high humidity, March&September: Japanese schools are closed in case you are planning to visit a sister school, October&November some hotels are expensive because of the Fall leaves season.
• Pocket Wi Fi : Even though Japan is a developed country it is not like the US or Australia where you can easily get public Wi Fi. So, you may want to get a pocket wifi for each student or have them share.
• Walkie Talkies for Student leaders: Students may get easily lost as Japan is a crowded country, A walkie talkie set can easily solve this problem without the limitations of the wifi.
• Health Insurance: It is always good to have health insurance for students and also a plan to what to do if a student is slightly hurt or has a fever. Remember there are very few effective OTC drugs in Japan and you may not be able to enter the country with some prescription drugs.
• Other things you may want to keep in mind during your preparation: How to prepare   , Surprising things about Japan , Etiquette and Manners in Japan, Signs for travelers to Japan .

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Japan Trips

Choose your destination, study trips in japan.

Japan is often described as a country where old meets new in many different ways. This certainly stands true but there’s a lot more to it than tradition and technology. The culture that surrounds this country is diverse and seasonal. While this may seem like an odd description, the distinctions of the seasons and the delights that each one has to offer is unique to this amazing country. Whether it’s exploring the changing nature throughout the year from sakura in spring through to the momiji in autumn, or enjoying the seasonal food throughout the year.

Traditional activities are at the centre of a lot of our trips but they’re balanced with lots of cool cultural activities too. Whether you’re dying to try karaoke Japanese style or you want to explore the streets of Akihabara and get lost in an arcade for a day, there’s a chance to do all of them!

Find the Study Trip to Japan that suits you best!

Akita Winter Course – 3 weeks

Spring Course

JLPT Study Trip

Youth Japan

Traditional Japan

Summer Course

Otaku Japan

Autumn in Japan

JLPT Study Trip – Winter

Akita Autumn Course – 3 weeks

Winter in Japan

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with Tokyo and Osaka being in the top 3 of the 10 safest cities in the world.

Although mandatory to learn English in school, it’s not necessarily needed in Japan, meaning that fewer people use English on a regular basis. Only those who have the desire to learn or required to learn due to the trade they work. Although in comparison to other countries the level of English may be lower, you’ll be able to find people that speak English in Japan. If you need help with the language, Studytrip.com staff will be happy to help you!

Honshu, which is the main island of Japan can vary from north to south in terms of weather. This is also true from east to west with snow often falling in the west but not so in the east, where it’s milder. The most pleasant time to visit is in either the spring when the cherry blossom season begins, starting in the south and working it’s way up, or in the Autumn when the humidity, rain and heat start to subside and the autumn colours work their way down the country. In the far north you’ll find the island of Hokkaido famous for winter sports and to the southern tip the islands of Okinawa and it’s sub-tropical weather, the weather in Japan offers distinctive seasons which means theres something for everyone.

Spring is possibly the most popular time to visit with beautiful cherry blossoms and pleasant weather. Autumn is also a favourite due to the warm but not humid temperatures and the autumn leaves. Winter, whilst cold, offers great conditions for winter sports and snow festivals and finally the summer months, although they can be rainy and very humid, tourist areas are generally quieter and there are tonnes of fun festivals and firework displays to enjoy.

There are many countries and regions that have visa exemption arrangements with Japan. This allows nationals to enter Japan without the need of a visa for short stays. For more information about the period of stay allowed and whether your country is exempt, please get in contact with us.

Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian options in Japan but it’s best to do some research before coming, as not all restaurants have vegetarian options. It’s also easy to get caught out by simple ingredients used in every day cooking, such as dashi, a type of stock or bouillon, which is typically made from fish.

Yes, you can use your mobile phone in Japan, but be careful as not all phones work on the frequencies used here, also be sure to turn data roaming off if you want to avoid hefty fees from your provider back home. Internet is not widely available in public spaces, so that’s why we recommend pocket WiFi. You can book yours when applying for your trip and you can even connect up to 10 devices!

We have our own highly knowledgable, qualified, multilingual and multinational local staff who act as guides, translate, and provide general support for during the trip, to ensure everyone has the best possible experience.

With most of our trips travel insurance is already included. You can find out more information here . For a small number of our trips that does not automatically include travel insurance, it is still possible to choose this as an option when booking. For those that do not select the travel insurance when booking individuals should book their own. Travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of travelling.

Meals are typically not included unless noted on the course page or as part of an activity, like the izakaya dinner. Please ask our staff if you have questions about your specific course.

Japan’s public transportation network is extremely convenient and reliable. We recommend using a Prepaid IC card to avoid having to buy tickets for every trip. You can also use them at certain stores and vending machines, and can easily re-charge them at stations.

Most major international credit, debit, and even some pre-paid cards are accepted in Japan. But note that some smaller businesses only accept cash in local currency.

The #1 app for getting around in Japan is Google Maps. For translation, #2 is Google Translate for speech, writing, and photos. The #3 app that will help you find the best eats in the country is GuruNavi.

Yes, as long as you have an attendance rate of 90% or more you will receive a certificate at the end of the course.

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School Groups & Excursions

Beautiful, relaxing, profound, fashionable, mouth-watering, historic, exciting, majestic – which Japan would you like to experience?

A visit to Japan is a feast for all the senses: cityscapes beyond imagination, awe inspiring natural beauty, vibrant and unique festivals, delicious regional delicacies, refined and elegant gardens and architecture.

On a school excursion to Japan, you can experience firsthand a culture far more beautiful and diverse than your textbook could ever portray.

Become a part of this fascinating country, be captured by the people and the surroundings – It will be the greatest learning experience you can find. With genuine and heart-warming hospitality, Japan awaits you.

To sign up to JNTO's education related updates, please click below:

Six great reasons to visit Japan on a school excursion

Native interaction, firsthand experiences Nothing compares to interacting with native Japanese people as a tool to improve learning the language. School visits and home stays provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in to Japanese culture.

Affordable Although Japan is often thought of as an expensive destination there are in fact a wide variety of budget accommodation and transport options, along with many free and inexpensive tourist attractions making Japan an affordable destination.

Well developed transport network Japan’s transport network is very extensive and allows for speedy and efficient traveling. Major cities within the country are connected to each other by air, rail and highways.

High security standard Japan has long led the world as one of the most crime-free economically advanced countries where even the larger cities are remarkably safe.

Location, Location, Location Japan is only one hour behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and three hours behind New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) meaning travelers experience almost no jetlag and more time can be spent exploring. Japan also has four distinct seasons with each regional area has its own unique climate and culture.

Sister City and Sister School Relationships Japan has many Sister City and Sister School relationships with Australia and New Zealand promoting international exchange and cooperation between the nations.

Further Information & Resources

• Educational Tours to Japan   – This brochure (pictured above) introduces some of Japan’s regional areas, educational attractions and activities, information on home-stay and school exchange and case studies.

• Preparatory Learning Guide for Educational Travel in Japan - This workbook is designed to help students prepare for their educational travel by prompting research on Japan’s geography, culture, lifestyle, and their upcoming school visit.
• List of school tour operators  – Change 'Product type' to 'School Groups' to see a list of travel agents specialising in arranging school tours to Japan.
• Japan Educational Tours  – Contains list of educational contacts at local tourism bureaus, FAQs and more

Resources for specific regions in Japan

Note: Listed alphabetically by prefecture

• Shinshu-Iiyama Tourism Bureau, Nagano Prefecture: Welcome to Iiyama - One-stop Iiyama School Trip Booking Service (PDF)
• Wakayama Prefecture: Homestays, School Exchanges and Field Trips

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Japan Travel Guide

“Have you ever had that feeling — that you’d like to go to a whole different place and become a whole different self?” – Haruki Murakami

• Before You Go
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Japan is a land of duality, a place that balances tradition with the cutting edge. The bright neon glow of the city signs as you stand next to a 100-year-old shinto shrine. The rolling green farmland whipping by the window as you kick back in a train. When you travel to Japan, you notice that the scales of new and old seem to be constantly balancing each other; the future and past existing next to each other in a beautiful harmony.

For a student traveler there, the constant ability to choose new or traditional becomes an exercise in balance. You can stay in a buddhist monastery, and experience the serene natural beauty of Mt. Koya. You can also stay in a capsule hotel, and experience the lights and sounds of gigantic, six-story arcades. Use our Japan Travel Guide to help you get the most out of this incredible country.

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5 Things to Know Before You Visit Japan

Japanese may seem like a daunting language, but don’t freak out; a ton of the signs in Japan are in English or Romaji, which is Japanese words spelled using the English alphabet. A few key phrases couldn’t hurt to learn, and most Japanese people are happy to help a tongue-tied student traveler. If someone is shy when you speak to them, don’t worry; they’re a little disappointed that they can’t help as much as they would like, and might run away to try and find someone who can.

Currency & Tipping

The currency of Japan is yen ( ¥ ), and it’s pretty easy to translate over to the U.S. dollar in your head; 1 yen roughly equals 1 cent (So ¥100 is $1.00, get it?). As advanced as Japan is technologically, there are a lot of “cash only” retail spots, so carry cash with you. Make sure your bank will let you withdraw cash from an ATM in Japan; this will save you from going to a money exchange. Also, tipping is considered rude in Japan, so don’t leave cash for your server.

Japanese Cuisine

Japan is a wild adventure in eating. You can find ramen places with vending machine ordering systems, where the machine will print a card that you hand to the chef. There are sushi restaurants that will send food by on a conveyor belt; take whatever looks good and they’ll tally up your bill based on how many plates you have. You’ll spot a vendor selling takoyaki, which is delicious octopus in balls of fried dough. You’ll go back to college with a list of new favorite foods.

It’s kinda tough to keep your cellphone working when you hop over to Japan, or at least it is to do so cheaply. There are some free apps, like “Travel Japan Wi-Fi,” that will get you connected so you can use maps and translation apps, two big helps when you’re lost and don’t know the language. There are other options, like renting a Wi-Fi hotspot device, but you can get a lot done by just using the free Wi-Fi in convenience stores, coffee shops, and some train stations.

Cultural Differences

There are a few cultural differences in Japan, but nothing too serious. Homes and hostels often have you remove your shoes and put on slippers they provide. Garbage cans are rare, and littering is a big no-no, so you might end up with a food wrapper in your pocket. You might read about complicated etiquette stuff in Japan, but don’t sweat it; just act polite and nice, and any sort of misstep you make will be chalked up to you being a foreign student and forgiven.

Tourism in Japan

When is the best time to visit japan.

For a trip to Japan, late spring and late autumn are magical. The late spring, from March to May, is when the legendary cherry blossoms are in full effect, the temperature is mild, and the rains are less frequent. This is also the craziest tourist time in Japan, so plan accordingly. From September to November the weather is similarly nice, but with a little more rainfall, and the leaves are changing for Autumn. Summers in Japan are muggy and hot, and their winters are chilly but it rarely drops below freezing, except for mountainous areas. The bonus about traveling to Japan during their winter? The crowds will be smaller and the flights to Japan are cheaper.

Is it safe to travel to Japan?

The violent crime in the Land of the Rising Sun is very low, so when you visit Japan, have no fear. The country has a reputation for being one of the safest in the world for tourists, ranked in the top 10 on the Global Peace Index. However, it’s always a good idea to keep your wits about you in a new place, and make smart choices. Credit card fraud has been increasing, so think twice before swiping your card at a shady-looking ATM. Like at any bar or nightclub, you should be aware of your surroundings and always keep a clear head. Infrequently, natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis can happen, but the chances of you being in the wrong place at the wrong time are low. Just to be covered, remember a few important phone numbers:

• Ambulance and Fire: Dial 119
• Police: Dial 110
• Embassy of the United States, Tokyo: 03–3224–5000

Places to Visit in Japan

It’s hard to choose just a handful of cool places to go in japan, but here’s our best attempt. there are a thousand things to do in tokyo, from cat cafes to night clubs, and everything in between. outside the metropolis of tokyo, there is scenic beauty to behold and unique, smaller cities that have a style all their own..

Golden Gai is a maze of tiny, seven-seat bars in the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo. Here you literally rub elbows with ex-pats and locals, and it’s hard not to make friends with the people you’re sitting next to.

Pack some boots, because Mt. Fuji is worth it. Incredible to look at, and incredible to visit, this symbol of Japan is just a train ride out of Tokyo. It’s a great day trip to get you out of the city and back to nature.

On Mt. Koya, you can stay with monks, who will treat you like an honored guest. Walk around the ancient graveyard that dominates the top of the mountain with shrines and a temple, and eat some vegetarian monk fare.

Dōtonbori in Osaka

A canal-centric neighborhood in Osaka famous for it’s bright neon signs, Dōtonbori is a great place to eat, shop, or simply take in the electric show of the famous Glico sign, seen as a symbol of Osaka.

Taito Station

If you’re in Akihabara, Tokyo, and want to play some video games, just look for the big building marked with the Space Invader. Inside Tatio station, you’ll be bombarded with the sights and sounds of five whole floors of gaming madness.

Nara's Bowing Deer

Nara, once the capital of Japan, is now home to Nara Park. Here, the deer there have become so accustomed to people they’ll ask for a “deer-cracker” by bowing to you. Bow back, give the deer a snack, and pet them on the head.

Cities to See in Japan

There are so many places for students to visit in japan; it’s a lot of country packed onto a relatively small island. thankfully, it’s easy to use trains to hop from place to place and city to city, and you’re going to want to do just that. the cities of japan are big, vibrant, and full of things to do, each one offering a unique charm that sets it apart from the others..

Tokyo is the de-facto base for a lot of travelers in Japan, and for good reason. It’s huge, and has a little bit of everything within it’s city limits. The subway system is extensive, and the city is broken up into 23 wards that are cities unto themselves, almost like the boroughs of New York City. You could spend an entire trip exploring Tokyo and never see everything, even with our travel tips

Osaka is second in size and scope only to Tokyo, but somehow it feels more personal and welcoming. Visit Amerika-mura and see the miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty that overlooks the fashion shops of Triangle Park, or head to the electric glow of Dōtonbori for food and fun.

Kyoto is thought of as the cultural heart of Japan, and is packed with museums, historical buildings, temples, castles and shrines. The world-famous Temple of the Golden Pavilion is found here, along with lush gardens like the one at Shugaku-in Imperial Villa. It’s also the home of Japan’s “Hollywood,” and you can take a walk on the set of an old samurai flick.

Hiroshima means “Broad Island” in Japanese, and is also known as the “City of Peace” after the bombing during World War Two. It may not be as glamorous as other cities, but it has a powerful history. During the yearly ceremony in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, on August 6th, you can witness thousands of prayer lanterns drifting down the Motoyasu River in the evening.

Nagoya is the home of the Japanese automotive industry, so if you’re a gearhead you’ll want to check it out. The Toyota Auto Museum houses dozens of vintage cars, which could be a nice break from the history museums found in most other cities. Nagoya also has Osu Shopping Street, a great place to get some good food and, of course, do some shopping.

Japan Blog Posts

Visit ancient japan.

If you’re looking to take part in the heritage of an ancient kingdom, marvel at the care that goes into every detail of Japanese culture, or taste the dishes of an nation born to innovate, then visit these places in ancient Japan.

Tokyo for the Urban Traveler

Tokyo is more than just a city; it’s the most populous urban center in the world. The city has more than 13 million residents, and the greater metropolitan area is closing in on 38 million. Learn how to manage this sprawling metropolis.

Debunking the Japan Myth

The number one barrier we hear about traveling to Japan is it’s expensive. In fact it’s really the only negative we hear about traveling to Japan. But is that really true? We investigate to find out.

Japan's Best Festivals

Spring – Tokyo’s Sanja Matsuri During Japan’s “Golden Week,” at the Asakusa shrine in Tokyo, the wildest festival in Japan breaks out. You’ll see shirtless, tattooed Japanese men hauling around giant wooden floats (portable shrines called mikoshi) while they sing, blow whistles, and ring bells. On top of this, there is food and drink aplenty, with a massive street-party vibe everywhere.

Summer – Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri July in Kyoto is home to one of Japan’s biggest traditional festivals, Gion Matsuri. Kyoto’s downtown area is closed to traffic, turning the streets into a pedestrian mall. This is the festival to see the ancient and traditional side of Japan; people will be wearing traditional clothes, eating traditional food, and celebrating their incredible culture.

Fall – Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival Nihonmatsu is the location of one of the “big three” lantern festivals, held in early October. At night, the city is filled with beating drums and paper lanterns in all shapes and sizes lit up, as the parade marches down the street. Nihonmatsu is also reknown for it’s great sake, so make sure you try out the traditional rice-wine while you’re there.

Winter – Sapporo Snow Festival In February, the city of Sapporo turns into a winter wonderland. There are snow sculptures, sledding galore, hot food, and even a snow maze. Split between three different sites, the Odori, Susukino, and the Tsu Dome, this snowy party takes over the town. You can also travel to the top deck of the Sapporo TV tower and see the entire fest from above.

Places to go Sightseeing in Japan

How to Travel Japan on a Budget

A Day Trip from Tokyo

Book a Hotel in Japan

Cheap Flights to Japan

Travel Tips for Japan

Cheap Flights to Asia

Things to do in Tokyo

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How to plan the ultimate trip to Japan

Tradition and ritual are still vital in the daily life of this pacific nation, whether exploring neon-lit metropolises and onsen spa towns or mountain trails and subtropical islands.

Known as Edo under the rule of the shoguns — Japan’s military rulers — until 1868, Tokyo sits at the centre of a historic web spanning the island of Honshu. It’s a captivating mega-city where old Japan’s precisely clipped gardens and great scarlet shrines rub up against TeamLab high-tech art galleries and Harajuku fashion shops. The   country’s modern capital is also the natural jumping-off point for a cultural tour. Covering both big-hitters and hidden highlights, this itinerary strikes out from Tokyo’s towering skyscrapers.

First head to the less-visited north of the country, where cobblestones have been smoothed by the braided shoes of samurai, and temples hide among quiet forests. Castles, mountains and crafts are all present here — and travellers who make the effort to venture past Tokyo are rewarded with fewer crowds.

After that, the itinerary heads west to Hiroshima via Kyoto and Osaka, covering an ever-popular pantheon of cultural wonders. Here, you’ll find the buzz and neon of new Japan — a world of packed bars and Pokemon —   but also preserved villages, bygone trading cities and the glories of former capitals. There are rewarding detours, too. See where Chinese influence swept in at Kanazawa, a city of gold-leaf crafting, tea ceremonies and traditional gardens; and make time for Nara, Japan’s first fixed capital and a city to rival Kyoto for its temples. Travellers should also take a side trip to Kobe for its Wagyu: prized beef with marbled meat, widely considered the world’s best.

Where to go in Japan

1. Aizu-Wakamatsu This town was the last samurai hold-out in the 1868 rebellion against the Meiji government that formed when shogun rule ended. The conflict is memorialised at Iimoriyama, a hill where a troop of teenage samurai committed suicide as they faced defeat. Visit the reconstructed Tsuruga Castle and magical Sazaedo Pagoda with its spiralling, sticker-strewn stairs, and taste sakes at historic Suehiro brewery, founded in the Edo era.

2. Nikko Work on this sweeping shrine and temple complex was begun to honour the first shogun of the Edo era, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616). Flamboyant and justifiably popular, the monuments are scattered among beech and oak forest, rearing out of the deep green in slashes of scarlet, pistachio and sapphire. Visitors gather inside the complex under a famous carving of the three monkeys seeing, hearing and speaking no evil. Outside, seek out the photogenic red Shinkyo bridge.

3. Shirakawa-go Cross a suspension bridge over the luminous Sho River to reach this traditional village of A-frame gassho-zukuri houses. The angled roofs — some of them 250 years old, and all built without nails —   were designed to withstand heavy snowfall and create attic space for silkworm cultivation. Visitors can stay in a lodge overnight to soak in the past, learn about silk culture, visit the Myozenji temple and try their hand at local crafts.

4. Kyoto Though it suffers from overtourism, Kyoto’s high concentration of historical and cultural treasures means it remains one of Japan’s most beautiful and rewarding cities to visit. Explore less-crowded temples such as the wooden, hilltop Shinnyodo, and Sanjusangendo with its 1,001 human-sized Kannon goddess statues. Add on lesser-known alternatives to popular sites, like the Fushimi sake district near the Fushimi Inari shrine, and take a river cruise from Arashiyama after a visit to its popular bamboo groves.

5. Minami, Osaka Often seen as Tokyo’s alter ego, Osaka is the grittier and perhaps more fun-loving sister-city to Japan’s capital. Streetwear and street food rule supreme here — and kinetic downtown Minami around Namba Station is the place to snack and feast. Shops and stalls spill out into the neighbourhood’s over-the-top illuminated streets; try takoyaki (deep-fried octopus balls), crispy kara-age chicken, glazed yakitori meat skewers and sweet taiyaki cakes.

6. Hiroshima The first targeted atomic bomb of the Second World War levelled the thriving castle city of Hiroshima in 1945. Rebuilt with incredible speed, today Hiroshima stands as a monument to peace. It’s also an attractive modern city in its own right. Visit the moving Peace Museum, Peace Park and stark skeleton of the Atomic Bomb Dome — one of the sole structures to survive the bomb. Leave time to also try a noisy izakaya (traditional bar) with local-style okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), and pay a visit to Van Gogh and Monet at the Museum of Art.

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Traveling Canucks

Canada Family Travel Blog

25 Japan travel tips for first time visitors

09/09/2024 By Traveling Canucks 3 Comments Categories: Japan Popular Tokyo Travel Stories Trip Ideas

Japan travel tips for first time visitors 

Japan can be a culture shock to the senses for first time visitors. There’s a lot of things to know before traveling to Japan, so today’s blog post shares a few useful Japan travel trips. 

Japan is easily one of our favourite travel destinations in the world. It’s unlike anywhere else. The people, the food, the culture, the quirkiness, the architecture, the history, the World Heritage Sites.

Simply put, Japan has everything you want in travel destination.

Japan travel tips for first timers

To give you a little context, the purpose for us traveling to Japan was to attend the Rugby World Cup . We spent a total of 15 days in Japan, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, and Shizuoka.

We visited Japan 10 years ago, before having kids, so this trip included a few new destinations and activities, like visiting Tokyo Disneyland . Read about our experience at Tokyo Disney Resort .

On our previous trip, we visited the aforementioned cities plus Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Yokohama and Narita, which is a lot of travel for two weeks. Too much, actually. This recent trip was much slower. We enjoy the slower pace and find it’s more suitable for family travel.

More posts from our trips to Japan:

• Beginners Guide to Food in Japan for first time visitors
• 50 Photos of Kyoto that will inspire you to visit  
• 15 Things to do in Kobe, Japan
• How to spend 3 days in Tokyo: Travel guide for first time visitors
• Staying at Tokyo Disney Resort – what you need to know
• 100 Photos of Tokyo Disneyland, Japan

This Japan travel blog shares what you need to know before your Japan vacation. We share practical travel tips for your first trip to Japan, including the dos and don’ts for tourists in Japan. 

1. Cash is still king in Japan

Surprisingly, cash is still the preferred method of payment in japan..

Most convenience stores, like Family Mart, 7 Eleven and Lawson, accept debit and credit cards. And most restaurants in touristy areas will also accept credit cards, but many restaurants, cafes and shops still only accept cash.

Before you sit down at a restaurant, it’s wise to ask if they accepts debit or credit cards. If the restaurant does accept plastic, use your cards and save your cash for later. You’ll be glad you did.

You will find ATM’s scattered throughout the cities. They are relatively easy to find. We typically got cash from the ATM’s at the 7 Eleven convenience stores and at the train stations. 

Most ATM machines will limit your withdrawal to 50,000 Yen, which is approx. $600 CAD or $460 USD. We took the max withdrawal each time to avoid unnecessary international bank charge. Bank fees range from $2 CAD to as high as $20 CAD per transaction, plus the ATM fee.

It’s wise to bring at least 50,000 Yen with you. Your bank may need to order Yen, as it’s not widely held at Canadian banks, so it’s best to do this a few weeks before your departure date.

Avoid converting your currency at the airport. The conversion rates are terrible.

2. Soy Sauce is not widely used 

Our first lost-in-translation moment in japan happened at a restaurant when we tried to order soy sauce..

Our boys love white rice. They also love to dump soy sauce all over their rice. We assumed soy sauce was widely used in Japan and that we’d find it at most restaurants.

This was an incorrect assumption. 

When we ordered soy sauce at a restaurant (to be clear, this was NOT a sushi restaurant), the server looked very confused. We did the typical hand gestures and talked slower, but she was not picking up what we were putting down.

I Googled soy sauce images on my phone and showed them to her. She smiled and nodded.

Yes, we did it! We navigated our first awkward language encounter.

Nope. Wrong again.

She brought us Worcestershire shire sauce instead. I assumed the black sauce was soy sauce, so I put it all over the rice. Both boys made funny faces and said the rice was bad. They were not impressed.

Confused, I tried the rice. This is when I realized the error. 

Have you ever tried rice with Worcestershire sauce all over it? It’s really, really bad. Don’t do it. 

That said, you will find soy sauce at sushi restaurants.

We eat sushi all the time in Vancouver . At least once per week, for years. We thought we knew the correct way to eat sushi, but we were wrong. How did we not know this before going going to Japan? 

Here’s an etiquette guide for how to eat sushi the correct way . 

Apparently, the golden rules are: (1) don’t stick your chopsticks upright in the rice; (2) don’t cut a piece of sushi in half with your chopsticks; and (3) don’t mix wasabi in your soy sauce.

There are a lot of things to know about Japanese culture. Most people will forgive foreigners for not knowing proper Japanese customs and etiquette, so long as you’re respectful, quiet and polite.

Related reading – Quick guide to eating in Japan  

Above – Nigiri sushi at a conveyor best sushi restaurant in Tokyo.

3. Download the Google translate app 

The soy sauce fail mentioned above could have easily been avoided.

The answer = Google Translate. 

We can usually navigate language barriers by learning a few basic words. But here’s the challenge with Japan – we can’t read the characters. We can’t see patterns or memorize words because we only see shapes and lines. 

If you don’t already use Google translate when you travel, you should. 

When we tweeted about our lost in translation moment , a few people sent us messages saying, “Why aren’t you using Google Translate?” Great question! We felt a little dumb.

It’s free, it’s easy and it works like a charm. If you’re nervous about visiting Tokyo without knowing Japanese, Google Translate will act as your Japan tourist guide.

Download the app from Google Play or Apple Store .

4. Save time – get a Suica Card 

The Suica Card is a prepaid smart card that allows you to use most public transport (metro, trains, buses, monorail). Initially, these convenient transit cards could only be used in Tokyo; however, Suica cards are now usable at most train stations in Japan. Using a Suica Card is the best way to travel in Tokyo.

Here’s a map of where you can use Suica Cards .

You can purchase Suica Cards at most train stations using the electronic vending machines pictured above. Suica Cards allow you to avoid purchasing tickets from machines before each ride.  

You can also order Suica Cards online and have them mailed to your house prior to your trip. That’s what we did. We were unsure about the process to purchase Suica cards at train stations, so we decided to get them ahead of time, to avoid confusion.

In hindsight, this was unnecessary. It’s just as easy to buy Suica cards when you get to Japan.

How to use Suica Card in Japan

Once you purchase your Suica Card, and add money to the card, head to the turnstiles that say IC Card or Suica Card. You simply tap the Suica Card at the turnstile and pass through the gate once it opens – see photo below.

When you arrive at your destination, you tap the card again to exit the station. Suica automatically calculates and deducts the fare owed for the trip. 

Things to know about Suica Card

• Prices include a deposit of 500 yen. The difference between the adult’s card and child’s card is the amount deducted when using transportation.
• Suica Cards can be loaded up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Fare Adjustment Machines displaying the Suica mark.
• Only yen may be used to load a card. A credit card cannot be used to load a Suica.
• Suica card does not work on express trains, shinkansen, long distance buses (highway buses) or airport shuttles.
• You can use your Suica to make purchases onboard trains as well as from vending machines, to rent coin lockers and for spending at convenience stores and restaurants.

Credit source – the above bullet points were copied directly from the JR East website .

Children under 5 years old travel for free when accompanied by an adult. 

This is not widely advertised to foreigners. We purchased 4 x Suica Cards and used them for a few days before it was time to reload (we spent 2,000 yen per card – which is about $25 CAD). A friendly ticket agent at the train station informed us that Connor, who was 5 years old at the time, was able to ride for free.

Children 6 to 11 years old pay 50% of the adult fare. 

Related –  Our experience at 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan

5. You don’t have to get a JR Pass

Almost every japan travel tips post we’ve read states you should get a japan rail pass..

We’re not convinced the JR Pass is an essential purchase for first time visitors. While the JR Rail Pass (Japan Rail Pass) does have many benefits, especially if you plan to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time, it might not actually be the right fit for your Japan trip.

If you plan to travel slow and spend time in big cities, like Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Tokyo, it might make more sense to skip the JR Pass and opt for one way train tickets. 

For shorter distances, like Kyoto to Osaka, you don’t actually need to take the Shinkansen train . Instead, you can take local trains, which are cheaper and not that much longer. 

Research Shinkansen ticket prices here .

We mapped out our Japan itinerary and priced out each segment. Trains are the best way to get around Japan, so we did the math and realized it was cheaper for us to purchase one way tickets.

Our Japan trip was 15 days, so we would need to purchase the 14 day JR Rail Pass. The price for the 14 day JR Pass is $576 per adult and $288 per child, as of October 2019. By purchasing individual segments, we saved about $100 per adult and $50 per child.

Not huge savings, but enough to make us skip the JR Pass.

Most of our time was spent visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Kobe, so we used our Suica Card to ride subways and local trains (most subways are not covered by the JR Pass). 

If you’re only spending one week in Japan, the JR Pass might make sense for your Japan vacation. 

Research the JR Pass here and use the Japan Rail itinerary planner. 

Shinkansen seat reservations

To make Shinkansen seat reservations, which is recommended during busy travel times, you must see a ticket agent at the train station. So, you’re not really saving time by having the JR Pass. 

Now, keep in mind, we were traveling with 2 young boys, so it’s important that our seats are side by side. If you’re traveling solo or you don’t mind sitting alone, you likely won’t need reservations and you can wing it. That was not an option for us. 

6. Taxis are expensive. Avoid if you can.

Taxis in Japan are expensive. We knew this before arriving, but it still surprised us when we took an airport taxi from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Sheraton Tokyo Bay Hotel at Tokyo Disneyland .

The distance from the airport to hotel is 25 km and it takes about 30 minutes.

After currency conversion from Japanese yen to Canadian dollar, the price was almost $100 CAD. That felt expensive to us. For perspective, a similar distance in Vancouver costs around $50-$60 CAD, depending on traffic. Vancouver is also an expensive city, so it’s a relative comparison.

Now, to give the taxi experience some credit, the cars are impeccably clean and comfortable. Taxi drivers are helpful and they even wear clean white gloves. So, while taxis are an expensive option, they do offer a comfortable and convenient white glove treatment – literally. 

Traveling to Tokyo? Read: How to spend 3 days in Tokyo

7. There is Uber in Japan – but it’s different

Yes, japan has uber, but it’s mostly limited to big cities, like tokyo and kyoto..

However, it’s not widely used by locals because the train system is so convenient. Most people use Uber for airport pickup and dropoff, rather than for intercity transportation. 

We took an Uber in Tokyo and Kyoto.

The Uber app syncs just like it does in North America, so you don’t need to worry about downloading a different app. This means you can input your destination in English, which avoids confusion and language barriers (many taxi drivers do not speak English).

Uber rides in Japan are basically like taxis. The cars actually look like taxis, too.

We like that fares are automatically paid for with the credit card on our account, so we don’t have to use cash or wait for change. Uber fares are generally cheaper than taxis and the app gives a maximum fare for the trip. We like this feature – it gives us peace of mind that we’re not being overcharged. 

A downside to Uber in Japan is that there aren’t as many drivers (when compared to North America), so you end up waiting longer than if you flagged a taxi. In Kyoto, it took 20 minutes for our driver to pick us up. To be fair, it was during rush hour and the traffic was bad, but we saw dozens of taxis pass us by while we were waiting.

If you don’t like Uber, or you’re having problems with the app, you can also use the JapanTaxi App . We’re told this platform is relatively new and it connects with multiple taxi companies. 

Related – Staying a Tokyo Disney Resort? Read our review .

8. Most restaurants have plastic food displays

You don’t have to worry about ordering food from restaurant menus that are in Japanese. Most restaurants in Japan have plastic replicas of their food on display, especially restaurants located near train stations, shopping areas and tourist zones. 

We love this! It takes away the confusion about what you’re ordering and removes language barriers. When in doubt, just point to the dish you want.

Most restaurant menus also have photos of the available dishes. 

Related – Beginner’s Guide to Eating Food in Japan

Do you have Japan travel tips? Leave us a comment below.

9. Don’t walk and eat in Japan

In Japan, it is considered rude to walk and eat at the same time. If you purchase food to go, the expectation is that you will NOT walk down the street while eating your food.

This applies to food purchased at convenient stores, like 7 Eleven and Family Mart, as well as food purchased from street vendors or yatai stalls . 

It is acceptable to eat at the place of purchase (see photo below) or just outside the store. There’s usually a designated area for eating. Benches or seats in parks or public spaces are generally okay to eat on, but avoid eating messy or strong smelling foods.

Eating on public transit is not allowed. Don’t be that tourist. 

Above – a yatai selling quick bites at the Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

10. Do NOT tip at restaurants

One of the most common questions for first time visitors is – do you tip in Japan?

Tipping is not expected in Japan. In some cases, it’s actually considered to be rude.

We made this mistake on our first trip to Tokyo. We left a generous tip and the server chased us down the street to give us back our change. He was not impressed, either.

This is one of the best Japan travel tips we can give – do NOT tip in Japan.

Related:  50 Photos of Kyoto that will inspire you to visit

11. Order your lunch from a vending machine

One of the things we love about Japan is that everything is efficient and convenient. A perfect example of this efficiency is the electronic vending machines located outside many restaurants.

The touch screen machines often have photos of each dish, which is convenient and avoids the potential language barrier that may arise if you had to order from a server who does not speak English.

The process is simple. You select the food you want from the touch screen machines, pay with cash or credit card, grab your receipt and head inside. Your food is then delivered to your table or your number is called and you pick it up from the counter. 

Once you’re finished eating, you leave. No need to wait for a server to bring your bill. 

12. Pack your trash. Garbage bins are hard to find.

This one still confuses me. .

How on earth does a country not supply garbage bins in public areas? And, even more baffling, how does Japan stay so clean and garbage free without offering garbage bins?

It makes no sense. Yet, it makes perfect sense. 

First of all, if you’re practicing travel tip #9, you shouldn’t be walking and eating, therefore you shouldn’t have garbage in public. If you do bring snacks and drinks with you, the expectation is that you will bring your garbage home with you. 

It’s a counter-intuitive approach to littering, but it appears to work very well in Japan.

Without question, Japan is the cleanest country we’ve visited.

13. No smoking in public areas

Not only is Japan the cleanest country we’ve visited, it’s also the most smoke free. Most city streets and public areas are designated as smoke free. Even sidewalks have no smoking signs on them (see photo above – these signs are found in most heavily trafficked areas).

Now, you may be asking, where do smokers smoke?

There are designated smoking areas scattered throughout the city (see photo below). These designated smoking areas are typically located on side streets and away from people. 

The best part about this system is that people actually follow the rules and only smoke in designated areas. Imagine that. 

14. Train and subway stations have storage lockers 

Most train and subway stations have storage lockers available for temporary use.

This comes in handy if you plan to do some sightseeing and you don’t want to drag your luggage around.

For example – you check out of your hotel at 11:00 AM but you still want to visit a few temples before you catch a train. Simply drop off your luggage at these storage lockers and your free to explore without your luggage. 

The above photo was taken at Tokyo Station . As you can see, there’s a variety of sizes to choose from. You pay for the locker using cash or credit card. Price depends on the size, but it’s generally around 500 yen.

15. Japanese toilets are fancy

You will always remember the first time you try a japanese toilet..

Japanese toilets are next level, when compared to toilets in North America. Public washrooms in Japan are also very clean and organized. 

Toilets in Japan typically look like the one pictured above. Toilet seats are often heated and they have a control system that allows you to spray water at varying speeds.

Some toilets even have sounds and music for privacy. I used one that makes a fake flushing sound, so it drowns out the sound of you doing your business.

BUT – Not all toilets are high tech

We feel it’s important to highlight the other types of toilets in Japan. Though not as common in Japan, you may come across a toilet that looks like the one pictured above. 

This hole-in-the-floor toilet is commonly found in Asia. If your trip to Japan is also the first time visiting Asia, the sight of this toilet will no doubt rattle you.

I remember my first encounter with this toilet in Thailand. It takes some getting used to.

16. Eat at convenience stores

We rarely pick up ready-to-eat food at convenience stores in Canada, unless we’re on a road trip or there aren’t other food options available. 

Ready-to-eat food at convenience stores is common in Japan.

Convenience stores actually have a good selection of prepared food, from sandwiches to bento boxes to baked goods. We often grabbed prepackaged sandwiches (picture above) and pastries for breakfast each morning. You can purchase beer and wine from these convenience stores. Eating at convenience stores is one of the easiest ways to travel cheap in Japan.

The main stores in Japan are 7 Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson. Most are open 24 hours.

 Related – Quick Guide to Japanese Cuisine for Tourists

17. Kimonos in Kyoto is a thing

When you visit Kyoto for this first time, you will see hundreds of people wearing kimonos as they wander the old streets of Gion and Higashiyama.

At first, we assumed it was common dress attire for residents. However, we later learned that most people were dressing up in kimonos to take photos at traditional Kyoto landmarks, like  Kiyomizu-dera , Hōkan-ji Temple  and  Yasaka Shrine .

Many of the people wearing kimonos are not residents of Kyoto. They are visitors from other Japanese cities or they’re foreign tourists. It’s popular to rent kimonos and hire a photographer for a few hours.

You will find several kimono rental stores in the old Higashiyama District of Kyoto. 

Look at the advertisement to the right. Then, look at the woman on the right. Coincidence? 

18. Toy stores have interesting figures on display

Alright, let me start by reminding you that we visited Japan with our two young boys.

Like most boys, they want toys. They both like Pokemon right now, so they were constantly on the lookout for Pokemon cards and toys.

As you’d expect, we came across a few toy stores on this trip to Japan. 

What we didn’t expect to find was half-naked stripper dolls on display right beside the Pokemon toys. Some of these figurines were quite provocative, too. 

Now, I don’t want to sound like a prude, but be aware of this should you decide to bring your kids to toy stores that sell animated figures. I wasn’t prepared for the questions that followed. 

Some of the figures and posters are quite suggestive – and disproportionate. 

19. Craft beer is available, but it’s not popular

You will find craft beer in Japan but it’s not as popular as North America or Europe. We don’t often associate Japan with craft beer, it’s an ongoing evolution ; however, the scene has experienced growth in recent years.

While exploring Kyoto’s Nishiki Market , we stumbled across Spring Valley Brewery . We ordered a flight of beer, pictured above, and it came with 8 varieties of beer in 4 oz glasses.

Most restaurants in Japan serve the big three – Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo.

We don’t normally drink lagers or pilsners, we prefer pale ales. However, we often found ourselves craving a frosty pint of Sapporo during our time in Japan. It reminded us of drinking Guinness in Ireland – it tastes so much better when consumed in its home country.  

Here’s a list of the best craft breweries in Japan.

Spring Valley Brewery in Kyoto.

20. McDonald’s menus are basically the same 

Sometimes, you just need an egg mcmuffin for breakfast. am i right .

Our boys love Chicken McNuggets and French fries from McDonald’s. After days of trying new food in Tokyo, unsuccessfully at times, they were excited to see the familiar Golden Arches. 

We like to visit McDonald’s when we travel overseas. Not because we enjoy the food, but because we like to see how McDonald’s has adapted its menu to appeal to local audiences.

The McDonald’s menu in Japan is basically the same as Canada.

You will find Big Macs, McChicken sandwiches, Egg McMuffins and Chicken McNuggets. However, it does offer some unique sandwiches and burgers. I tried the Teriyaki Burger and Shrimp Burger. They were okay. Not great. The main difference is the sauce.

Here’s a list of McDonald’s menu items found only in Japan . I only saw a handful of these menu items, so I’m not sure how accurate or up-to-date this list is. The menu is also regional and seasonal.

McDonald’s is a good place to get free WiFi in Japan. 

Share YOUR Japan travel tips in the comments below.

21. Choose your themed cafe wisely

Tokyo is known for it’s unusual and quirky themed cafes..

Most Japan travel tips blog posts will tell you to visit a themed cafe in Tokyo – and we agree. But here’s the thing – many of these cafes are tourist traps and they exploit the people and pets involved.

It’s important to do a little research and choose your cafe experience carefully. 

We decided to visit the Hedgehog Cafe in Harajuku , Tokyo.

Our oldest boy recently got a hamster, so he was excited to play with hedgehogs. We like that HARRY Hedgehog Cafe has separate resting areas, so they’re not being handled constantly. It can be stressful for the hedgehogs. This cafe sells the hedgehogs, so its goal is to also find a home for them.

HARRY hedgehog cafe is located 2 minutes from the Harajuku Station . It’s on the 4th floor.

Read more Japan blog posts here .

22. Stay at a traditional Japanese Ryokan 

Staying at a ryokan is a unique japanese experience that first time visitors should try – at least once..

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms and communal baths. Basically, the hotel rooms do not have beds. Instead, each guest is provided a Japanese futon mattress and bedding.

Here’s a video about how to make a futon bed at a traditional Japanese Ryokan. 

Our boys had fun sleeping together on the tatami-matted floor. They said it felt like camping indoors. We’re used to sleeping on a mattress, so our backs were pretty sore and stiff in the morning. It’s a fun experience, but after a few nights sleeping on the floor, we were thankful for a bed.

Another unique feature of a Ryokan is the shared baths.

This traditional bath experience is quite different from Western culture. Spoiler alert – you will be naked with other guests. You do not share baths with the opposite gender (ie. men with men, women with women). 

Many Canadians will find this public nudity to be uncomfortable. What can I say, that’s just how some of us are hardwired. 

Communal baths will vary depending on the Ryokan, but typically you shower while sitting on a plastic stool. See photo below. After your shower you can soak in shallow hot tub. Some ryokans also have saunas. 

Above – shared bath and shower at a ryokan hotel in Japan.

23. Cover up. Tattoos are not well received.

If you stay at a ryokan, or visit an onsen (japanese hot spring), you will likely be told to cover your tattoos..

If you’re covered in tattoos, you might be denied access to the bath or onsen. In Japan, tattoos are not socially acceptable and they’re often associated with criminals and gang members. 

This happened to us in Kobe City. The hotel we stayed at has a nice spa and bath on its top floor. 

When we arrived, we were handed the letter you see pictured above. If you look at the 3rd item, in the middle of ‘forbidden actions’, you will read ‘Individuals with tattoos is not allowed into the Skyspa’. 

We both have a tattoo, so we asked the front desk if were allowed to use the Skyspa. They handed us a stack of bandages and said we had to cover our tattoos with the bandages. It seemed excessive, but we followed the rules and covered up. 

If you have tattoos, keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

24. You can communicate with English 

Contrary to what we read prior to visiting Japan, most train stations, hotels and shopping centers have English signs. We did not have trouble navigating Japan without speaking Japanese. 

Japan hosts many world events, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics , so the country has adapted to the global language. 

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that over 28.7 million tourists visited Japan in 2017 ( source ). And that number is expected to rise by 6% each year. 

It’s recommended you learn a few basic Japanese words. Even if your pronunciation is off, people will appreciate you making an effort to learn the language.

When in doubt, revisit #3 on this list of Japan travel tips.

25. Japan is very safe

Yes, it is safe to travel to japan. .

Japan is a great family travel destination. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest nations in the world. We found the people of Japan to be very friendly, respectful and accommodating.

We did not feel unsafe at any point during our trip.

How safe is it to travel in Japan?

Japan ranks in the top 10 in the Global Peace Index ( source ). Violent crime is rare. The general crime rate in Japan is ranked well below the national average of the United States. 

Of course, like anywhere in the world, you still need to use common sense. For example, don’t walk down dark alleys in the middle of the night, be careful when taking money out of ATMs and don’t engage in criminal activity.  

Before you travel to Japan, check travel advisories here . Japan is prone to typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides and tsunamis. 

More Japan travel tips you should know 

• Take off your shoes when entering a home, hotel room or onsen.
• Don’t point directly at people – it’s rude.
• Wait your turn. Japanese respect the queue. Don’t skip the line.
• Japanese people often wear paper face masks to keep them, and you, healthy.
• Don’t be loud in public areas. No talking on phones or playing music, shows or games without using headphones (see above photo).
• Be polite and respectful to everyone. 
• When paying for things, place your money on the tray instead of handing it directly to the cashier.
• Don’t blow your nose in public. 
• Bring a portable multi charging adaptor with USB outlets.
• Get a portable Wifi device so you can stay connected during your travels.
• Tourists are not always welcome. While the Japanese are very friendly and helpful towards foreigners, there are some establishments where tourist aren’t welcome (eg. high-end restaurants in Ginza).
• Everything is tiny. Hotel rooms are tiny (like capsule hotels ), restaurants are tiny, cars and vans are tiny – everything in Japan feels smaller. Have you heard of the Kei Car vehicle class ?
• Most standard hotel rooms have twin beds. Consider this before booking your hotels. Search for cheap Japan hotels here .

Read more posts from Japan:

• 100 Photos of Tokyo Disneyland
• Guide to eating Japanese Food in Japan for travellers

Have you visited Japan? What did we miss?

What would you add to these japan travel tips.

Share your Japan travel tips in the comments section below.

Related posts:

03/18/2020 at 9:20 pm

Great to read your info on ‘current’ aspects of visiting Japan. I had many business visits there in the 1970s and always tried to spent an extra day or weekend there to enjoy the interesting country and their cleanliness and civility. I even went to a wedding there after lunch at a country ryokan. One final comment – their English translations on posters etc seems to have improved in the last 40-50 years!

05/20/2024 at 8:48 pm

Hi Cam and Nicole I am a Canadian living in Ontario. I am going to Japan for the first time in August.. and then will travel through various countries all the way to PNG and in to Australia. I have been to 47 countries so far in 5 continents. I hope I will able to travel to Japan and all other countries without Compromising my home comfort as in Canada. I am not a foodie guy. So I like to stick with what I know. Never like the street foods. And I don’t tip even in Canada or US. But hope I could find hotel like in Canada, propèr bed and washroom. I am retired single traveler, like my comfort at night and love to explore the nature mountains river volcanos I hope I will find the comfort in Japan and in other Southasian countries. BAny comments will be appreciated. Thanks

05/24/2024 at 11:13 am

Thanks for your reply, Tony. I hope you enjoy your trip to Japan! It’s one of our favourite travel destinations

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