Japan Travel Guide
with notes for an Indian traveler
Updated: May 19, 2026
Between my husband and me, we have been to Japan five times and that should tell you how obsessed we are with this country. I’m never not planning a Japan trip in my head.
It’s hard to put into words why Japan keeps pulling us back. Maybe it’s the way Tokyo’s neon chaos sits five hours away from a snow-covered onsen in the mountains. Or the fact that you can have the best meal of your life inside a 6-seater ramen shop with no English menu. This guide pulls together everything we’ve learned across our five trips — from the obvious (Tokyo, Kyoto) to the underrated (Kanazawa, Kawaguchiko).
Winter, 2019
Quick Facts
Everything you need to know about Japan.
CAPITAL
Tokyo
CURRENCY
Japanese Yen — JPY (¥)
TIME ZONE
JST – UTC+9
LANGUAGE
Japanese
PLUG TYPE
Type A (the same flat two-pin as the US), 100V. Most Indian phone/laptop chargers are dual-voltage and work fine — you only need a cheap pin adapter (₹150–₹200 on Amazon).
When to Visit Japan
Spring (late Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Japan is beautiful all year round and if you ask me, I don’t think it has a bad season.
Spring (March to May): Spring in Japan is famous for cherry blossom, which draws in people from all around the world. The weather is mild but expect huge crowds around this time.
Summer (June to August): Hot, humid, and surprisingly underrated. You’ll get smaller crowds and lower prices, and Hokkaido stays cool enough to be genuinely pleasant. Just plan around the late-June rainy stretch.
Autumn (September to November): My personal favourite. Daytime temperatures hover around 15–22°C in October–November — perfect for long temple walks in Kyoto without sweating through your shirt.
Winter (December to February): Genuinely cold up north — Hokkaido turns into one of the world’s best ski destinations, and even Tokyo gets crisp clear-blue days that are great for sightseeing. Fewer crowds.
Cherry blossom and autumn seasons see a price surge - book in advance.
Visa for Indian passport holders
Last verified — May 2026
Indian passport holders need a visa before flying to Japan. There are two ways to get it: the traditional Temporary Visitor visa through VFS Global centres in India, or — if you qualify — the newer MOFA Japan eVISA processed entirely online. Both are for tourism stays of up to 90 days.
Visa rules and fees change — verify on VFS before you apply.
Flying in from India
Japan is 7.5 to 14 hours away from major Indian metros, with common waypoints in Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong. Direct flights are also available from Delhi and Bangalore, operated by JAL and Air India. Best fares typically open 3–5 months ahead for March-April and October peaks.
We prefer flying to Haneda airport as it is in the city as opposed to Narita airport which is 1 hour away from Tokyo.
We track fares on Google Flights and Skyscanner — see the tools section for links.
Currency and Budget for Japan
| Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹3,000/night | ₹8,000/night | ₹18,000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 | ₹8,000+ |
| Transport | ₹500-₹900/day | ₹1,200-₹2,500/day | JR Pass / domestic flights / taxi |
| Daily Total | ~₹5,500 | ~₹13,500+ | ₹35,000+ |
The pricing also depends on the season you are going. Prices during winter are cheaper compared to peak seasons.
- Carry yen cash once you leave the main tourist areas — small shops and rural eateries are often cash-only.
- IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work almost everywhere — trains, buses, vending machines, even convenience store payments.
- Visa, Mastercard, and JCB cards work fine at hotels, big chains, and most restaurants in cities.
- For ATMs that accept Indian cards, look for 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) or Japan Post ATMs.
- Don’t tip — it’s not a custom and can actually feel rude.
Getting Around Japan
Fast, clean, and best for Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima. Fares are distance-based. Get an IC card like Suica or ICOCA at the airport or any major station. It works on metros, buses, convenience stores, lockers, and even vending machines. Just tap in and go — no need to buy tickets every time.
Budget option for inter-city travel. We prefer this while going from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko.
Expensive but the fastest way to travel between major cities — Tokyo to Kyoto in 2h 15m, for example.
Expensive. Expect ¥ shock for long hops.
Skip the JR Pass unless you’re doing long-distance travel. Since the price increase, it’s only worth it if you’re taking multiple Shinkansen trips across cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. For slower itineraries, individual tickets are usually cheaper.
Safety in Japan
Japan is one of the safest countries I've travelled to. Walking back to the hotel at night in Tokyo or Kyoto never once felt sketchy."
Very safe; harassment exists but comparatively rare. I had no problems when I travelled alone.
Very low risk. Standard caution applies, but it's the kind of place where lost wallets often come back to you.
Excellent healthcare. Use of English in pharmacies is patchy outside cities - use a translator app.
Japan is in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" which means it is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. While one can never plan for natural disasters, be aware of any warnings before you go.
Language & Greetings in Japan
Japanese is the only language you'll really see and hear, written in a mix of Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. English signage is decent in Tokyo and at major train stations, but it gets thin fast once you step off the tourist trail — keep Google Translate (with the camera mode) handy.
| Phrase | Japanese (hiragana/kanji mix) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | こんにちは | Konnichiwa |
| Thank you | ありがとうございます | Arigatō gozaimasu |
| How much is this? | いくらですか | Ikura desu ka |
| Yes / No | はい／いいえ | Hai / īe |
| Excuse me/Sorry | すみません | Sumimasen |
| Vegetarian possible? | ベジタリアンできますか | Vegetarian dekimasu ka |
Fun fact: Japanese uses three writing systems together — Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Kanji characters originally came from China, while Hiragana and Katakana were developed in Japan. Once you learn a few basic characters, you’ll start recognising restaurant signs, train stations, and convenience store names surprisingly quickly.
FAQs about Japan
What are the best places to visit in Japan for first-time travelers?
For a first-timer with 7–10 days, I’d stick to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka — they cover the modern, traditional, and food-forward sides of Japan. Add Hakone or Kawaguchiko if you want a Mt. Fuji view, and Hiroshima if you have more time.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Spring (late March to early May) and autumn (October to November) are the headline seasons — cherry blossoms in spring, red maple foliage in autumn. Both are stunning, both are crowded, and both will cost you 30–50% more in flights and hotels. If you don’t care about either, late November or January–February are far cheaper and just as beautiful.
What are the must-try foods in Japan?
Beyond the obvious sushi-ramen-gyoza trio, don’t miss okonomiyaki in Osaka and Hiroshima, Taiyaki from a street vendor, and as much matcha and mochi dessert as you can fit in. Convenience store food (yes, really) is also weirdly excellent.
How can I travel around Japan efficiently?
Trains run the country. Get a Suica or ICOCA card on day one — it works on metros, buses, vending machines, even lockers. For city-to-city travel, the Shinkansen is fast but pricey; only get the JR Pass if you’re hopping between 3+ major cities (otherwise individual tickets are cheaper since the 2023 price hike).
What cultural etiquette should I be aware of when visiting Japan?
The big ones: take your shoes off before stepping into a ryokan, temple, or someone’s home (look for the step in the floor — that’s your cue). Don’t tip. Don’t talk loudly on trains. And don’t blow your nose in public — Japanese people will excuse themselves to the bathroom for that.
Will I get vegetarian food in Japan?
Japan is tougher than most Asian countries for veg food — even “vegetable” broths often have dashi (fish stock) in them. Stick to:
- Shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine, fully vegetarian) — Kyoto has the best spots
- Indian/Nepali restaurants — surprisingly common in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
- Convenience stores — onigiri (rice balls) with umeboshi or konbu fillings, edamame, salads
- Pasta and pizza chains like Saizeriya — cheap and reliable
Honestly when I first visited Japan 7 years ago, I struggled a lot. But in recent times, there have been a lot more vegan places that have cropped up everywhere which makes it much easier.
Should I get a SIM card or eSIM for Japan?
An eSIM is the easiest option if your phone supports it — Airalo and Ubigi both have Japan plans starting around ₹500 for 5GB. If you prefer a physical SIM, you can pick one up at the airport (Bic Camera, IIJmio counters at Narita and Haneda). For families or longer trips, a pocket WiFi rental (Ninja WiFi, Japan Wireless) is often cheaper per person and connects multiple devices. Avoid relying on free WiFi alone — it’s less common than people assume outside hotels and stations.