Planning a Japan Tour

Tom's insider guide to getting Japan right

Japan is one of my favourite places in the world — and one of the most rewarding to plan well.

Over the years I've picked up plenty of tips that can make your trip smoother, more exciting and a lot more memorable. Here's what I'd tell anyone planning their first — or second — visit.

Getting Around by Train

The train network is one of the best in the world — fast, clean, efficient and almost always on time to the minute.

The Japan Rail Pass used to be an easy recommendation, but since the big price rise in 2023 it only pays off if you're covering a lot of ground — for example Tokyo to Hiroshima and back, or a trip taking in Kanazawa and the Japanese Alps. For a classic Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route, individual tickets are often cheaper. We'll work out which option is best for your itinerary.

My tips for train travel:

• Reserve seats: it saves a lot of stress at busy times, and with a rail pass it doesn't cost extra.
• Consider the Green Car: if you want more space and a quieter carriage, first class is well worth it.
• Stations are huge: Shinjuku in Tokyo is the busiest train station in the world — think shopping mall meets transport hub. Knowing your platform in advance is a game-changer.
• Eat on the train: don't miss out on ekiben — beautifully presented station bento boxes. Each region has its own specialities, and trying them is a travel experience in itself.

Travelling Light with Baggage Forwarding

One of Japan's best-kept secrets is takkyubin — the luggage delivery service. For a small fee, your hotel reception can send your bags on to your next hotel, or even straight to the airport. It's so efficient you'll never want to drag heavy cases onto a train again.

How I use it:

• Send your main bag ahead to Kyoto and just take a small overnight bag to Hakone. That way you can really relax and enjoy the hot springs.
• On your last day, ship your luggage straight to the airport and spend your final hours sightseeing hands-free.

Where to Stay (and What to Expect from Rooms)

Hotels in Japan — especially in Tokyo and Kyoto — tend to have smaller rooms than many travellers expect. That doesn't mean they're uncomfortable, though; the space is used really cleverly, with storage tucked away everywhere.

Things worth knowing:

• Even simple business hotels can be surprisingly nice. Chains like Dormy Inn often have rooftop hot spring baths, and even free bowls of late-night ramen for guests.
• If you want a traditional experience but don't fancy sleeping on the floor, look for a ryokan with Western-style beds alongside tatami mat areas.

Keeping Your Trip Varied

Japan has so much to see and do that it's easy to end up temple-hopping until everything blurs together. My advice? Mix it up.

Ideas for variety:

• In Kyoto, swap a morning at the Golden Pavilion for a quiet stroll around Okochi Sanso Villa in Arashiyama, where you'll also get a cup of tea with the view.
• In Tokyo, skip the busiest shopping areas and wander through Yanaka's retro backstreets or the cafes along Nakameguro's canal.
• Try a countryside detour. Walking the old Nakasendo trail between Magome and Tsumago feels like stepping back in time.
• For Mount Fuji views, stay overnight at Lake Kawaguchiko and get up for sunrise before the day-trippers arrive — or head to the quieter Lake Saiko or Lake Motosu.

Guided Days vs. Exploring Solo

Guided tours in Japan are excellent for getting context and discovering things you'd never spot alone. That said, Japan is also incredibly easy to explore on your own. I usually recommend a mix:

• Have a guide show you around for half a day in Tokyo or Kyoto — they'll add layers of history and detail you'd otherwise miss.
• Balance that with free time, so you can wander at your own pace, follow your curiosity and maybe stumble into a tiny noodle shop you'd never have found on a tour.

Don't Overdo It

It's tempting to cram in as much as possible — but rushing from one sight to another will only leave you exhausted.

What works best:

• Aim for just two or three main highlights each day.
• Remember that many museums close on Mondays — a detail lots of people overlook.
• If you want to see popular spots like Fushimi Inari or Kinkaku-ji, go early in the morning or later in the day to beat the tour groups.

Experiences Worth Seeking Out

The real joy of Japan isn't just in the sights — it's in the experiences.

On my must-try list:

• Hot spring bathing: it can feel daunting, but once you get past the initial nerves it's incredibly relaxing. Just remember: small towel on your head, not in the water! If you have tattoos, ask us — many public baths don't allow them, but we know ryokan with private baths where it's not an issue.
• Stay in a ryokan: sleeping on a futon and enjoying a multi-course kaiseki dinner is something you'll never forget — especially if your room has a private outdoor bath.
• Night food tours: Osaka and Fukuoka are brilliant for street food. Joining a guided night crawl through tiny izakaya bars is one of the best ways to get under the skin of Japanese food culture.
• Seasonal tastes: Japan is obsessed with the seasons, and the food reflects that. Strawberries in spring, matsutake mushrooms in autumn, snow crab in winter — it's worth planning meals around what's in season.

When to Go

Spring: cherry blossom and atmosphere, but busy and unpredictable
Summer: hot and humid, but festival season is incredible
Autumn: stunning foliage, calmer crowds, reliable timing
Winter: snow monkeys, powder skiing and hot springs — often overlooked
Avoid: Golden Week (late April–early May) unless booked months ahead

Torn between spring and autumn? Read Josh's guide: Spring or Autumn in Japan?

Final Thought

Japan is a place that rewards curiosity. Don't just tick off the big names — get a little lost, try a vending machine coffee, wander into a backstreet izakaya. With the right mix of planning and flexibility, you'll discover a side of Japan that goes far beyond the guidebooks — and that's where the real magic lies.

Browse our tailor-made Japan holidays for ideas, or get in touch and we can start planning together.

Tom
Japan Specialist, Jasmine Holidays