Japan Ultimate Travel Guide

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Japan is the coolest place to go in Asia hands down! Tokyo is one of the world’s most unique cities and if you spent a lifetime there, you probably wouldn’t even scratch the surface of everything there is to do there. Home to some of the world’s most interesting history as well as being some of the world’s leading innovators in tech, Japan is one special place. Most people never have the chance to visit Japan in their lifetime and if they are some of the special few, they usually only go once, so follow this blog to plan the best trip possible.
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Nighttime cityscape with illuminated signs and neon lights in Osaka, Japan.
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Best Time to Visit

We visited Japan in mid-February and the weather was just fine for us and we did not feel too chilly at any point during the trip and the annual temperature in Japan is quite moderate. The ideal season is February to May and September to December. In the spring, you may get lucky and be able to visit during the coveted Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival. Just know if you are to visit during that time, you must expect crowds everywhere.
Japan is also a huge spot for skiing and snowboarding, so if that is your goal in planning a trip to Japan, your best bet is to visit the mountains of Japan during the winter.

What to Expect

Language: Language: The national language of Japan is Japanese. English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry.
Currency: The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
Credit Cards and ATMs: You can use credit or debit cards almost anywhere in Japan–especially Tokyo, and if not you will surely find an ATM within a couple minutes. Keep some cash on you for smaller purchases. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees if your card has any.
Plugs: In Japan, the plugs are type A and B, the standard voltage is 100 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Visitors from the United States will not need an adapter or converter.
Safety: Japan is an extremely safe country for tourists to visit.

BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

  • Four partiers pose with drinks in front of a DJ booth at Tropicana Day Club in Mykonos.

    Try the sushi in Japan

    Check out the clurbs in Mykonos and head to a day-party or two. We enjoyed Tropicana and heard great things about Scorpios.

  • People riding inside a colorful, illuminated mirror maze with reflective walls and ceilings.

    Go to the Robot Restaurant Show in Shinjuku

    The capital of Greece and the most important city in the country, Athens cannot be missed on your first trip to Greece. Home to a rich history and fantastic restaurants, Athens makes it worth it in our book to be more than just a stopover.

  • People gathered at a table in a dimly lit, cozy bar or restaurant decorated with posters and comic books. One woman in a black shirt and glasses is giving a thumbs-up, and there are various drinks and stacks of magazines or comics on the table.

    Bar hop in Golden Gai

    One of the greatest UNESCO World Heritage sites is Delos. An island closest to Mykonos and home to basically all your favorite Greek Gods and Goddesses. Climb to the top of Zeus’ Temple and let me know how you think the view is.

  • A woman walking on a trail through a bamboo forest with tall blue-green bamboo stalks and brown underbrush on either side.

    Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Is there ever something you saw or did on your travels that you think of all the time? For me it was the catamaran cruise we did in Santorini. Thank me later.

  • A woman with blonde hair in a black hat and black outfit smiling at night in a busy city street with illuminated signs and buildings, and a woman with a face mask on the right.

    Nerd out in Akihabara

    Carve out the better part of a day to make a trek from the capital of Santorini: Fira to walk all the way to the world’s greatest sunset spot: Oia. Along the way you will have a forever view of the famous caldera.

  • Two women dressed in colorful, eccentric costumes posing and smiling inside a vibrant, whimsical restaurant or entertainment venue with oversized mushroom decorations and bright lighting.

    Visit a themed cafe

    With over 700 islands, you can’t just pick one to visit in Greece. During the summer months, I can’t think of a dreamier place to be than sailing around the Aegean.

  • Young deer with brown fur and large ears standing outdoors in a park with trees and a truck in the background.

    Pet deer in Nara

    Renting an ATV in Mykonos is an absolute must-do activity. To take a break from the partying and the best way to see all that Mykonos has to offer outside of Chora, hop on one of these bad boys and see where the road takes you—literally. You will be driving on busy roads.

  • Nighttime street scene in a busy Japanese shopping district with illuminated signs and lanterns, tall buildings, and a tower or observation deck in the background.

    Visit Osaka

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TRAVEL GUIDES

  • A woman with a backpack walking through a bamboo forest on a dirt path.

    Visiting 3 Cities in Japan in 7 Days | The Best Itinerary for First-Timers

    Seeing an entire country in a week is quite the feat. In this itinerary, you will see as much of Japan as physically possible in seven days. Read more about seeing Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in this guide.

    READ MORE
  • A collage of images promoting Greece as a travel destination. Features a woman smiling in front of a Greek island landscape, ancient ruins, a Greek flag, and scenic views of the sea and architecture.

    10 Days in Greece | The Best Itinerary for First-Timers

    Have you dreamt of visiting the land where Greek Mythology originated? A city full of history and culture, Athens is an absolute bucket list place for all travelers.

    READ MORE
  • Split image showing Santorini, Greece. The left side features a person sitting by a small pool overlooking the sea, with white buildings and scenic water views. The right side shows white and pastel buildings on a hillside, with the blue Aegean Sea in the background.

    3 Days in Santorini | The perfect itinerary for adventurers

    The luxurious island of Santorini boasts surreal views and is home to some of the best luxury resorts in the world. This itinerary is perfect for those looking to relax and adventure at the same time!

    READ MORE