Travel guides

Everything you need to know before Japan

Written by our guides, updated constantly, free forever. The same advice we give paying guests.

Best Time to Visit Japan: A Month-by-Month Guide

Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, festivals and snow — when to visit Japan for the experience you want, month by month.

8 min read

Check if you need a visa for Japan, how the visa-free program works, and what documents to prepare before your trip.

6 min read

How the Japan Rail Pass works after the price increase, when it saves money, and the regional passes that often beat it.

7 min read

A proven one-week Japan route: Tokyo's energy, Hakone's onsen, Kyoto's temples and Osaka's food — day by day.

10 min read

From sushi breakfasts and onsen nights to snow monkeys and island torii — the experiences that define a trip to Japan.

9 min read

Real numbers for hotels, food, transport and tours in Japan — plus where to save and where it's worth spending more.

8 min read

Skip the research rabbit hole — a free consultation answers everything in one conversation.