Asia · Tokyo
Japan
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How people arrive
Most visitors land at Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) or Osaka (Kansai). Trains, not domestic flights, are the usual way onward.
Season
Late March to April for blossom, November for autumn color, and a hot humid summer that still works in Hokkaido.
Known for
- City rail that actually runs to the minute
- Shrines, markets, and neighborhood food
- A national park in the far north
Getting around
Use an IC card for city trains and subways. A national rail pass is worth it only if the long-distance tickets you will actually ride cost more than the pass. Prices below are rough yen ranges for one adult.
Fares and hotel prices are approximate. Check them before you go.
Cities
Tokyo
Guide1 places
The usual first city, with two airports and the rail hub at Tokyo station. Asakusa is one neighborhood, not the whole city.
Kyoto
Guide1 places
The old capital, a train ride from Osaka. Fushimi Inari is in the south of the city, a few minutes from Kyoto station by local train.
Osaka
Guide1 places
The Kansai arrival city if you land at Kansai airport. Dotonbori is the night neighborhood around Namba.
Kawaguchiko
Guide1 places
A lakeside town north of Mount Fuji. People come for one clear morning, then go back to Tokyo.
Shari
Guide1 places
The eastern Hokkaido town used as a base for Shiretoko. The lakes are a bus or car ride from here, not a city park.