Although, as we mentioned, we missed a bit of adventure on this journey, we\u2019ve created this guide to highlight what impressed us the most and what we consider to be the most important aspects, even if some things did not fully meet our expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re getting ready to travel to Japan<\/strong>, you\u2019re in the right place. Have a great trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n European citizens, along with those from many other countries, do not need a visa to visit Japan<\/a><\/strong> for tourism purposes. You can find detailed information in the previous link regarding the requirements for obtaining the stamp that allows you to up to 90 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re planning to cover a lot of miles, getting a Japan Rail Pass<\/a><\/strong> might be worth it. After traveling throughout the country and experiencing the comfort of its trains while saving a lot of money, we highly recommend it. In cities, always look for train and metro passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It goes without saying how important it is to travel to Thailand with a good insurance. We were the first ones to offer the famous 5% discount on IATI<\/strong> Insurance<\/strong>, but you also have it available with Heymondo Travel Insurance<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow the links below to get a discount on their website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The weather in Japan varies significantly by season, and choosing the right time for your trip will depend on your preferences and the activities you plan to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We often say that the main airports to fly into Asia from Europe are Bangkok<\/strong>, Kuala Lumpur<\/strong>, and Hong Kong<\/strong>. From these hubs, you can catch affordable flights to almost any part of Southeast Asia or Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this case, consider looking for flight deals to Tokyo or Osaka<\/strong> first, as these major airports often have good offers. To help you find the best prices, we recommend using Skyscanner, one of our go-to search engines for finding the best flight deals to the main airports in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in Japan offer free Wi-Fi, some travelers prefer or need a constant connection. We\u2019ve included details on obtaining a eSIM Japan<\/a><\/strong> card with unlimited data. If you want to get one directly, use the following link (with a discount):<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re planning a trip to this incredible Asian country, it’s essential to know that Japan’s currency is the Yen (JPY)<\/strong>, available in both bills and coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find all the necessary information in the link above, but if you want to buy Japanese yen before traveling<\/strong>, we recommend doing so with Ria. They offer the best exchange rates in the market (you can check it yourself), and they don’t charge any commission. Plus, as always, you get a small discount<\/strong> for being our reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In our opinion, Kyoto<\/a><\/strong> is the most beautiful city in all of Japan, which is why it tops our list. It might have something to do with the fact that it was the first city we visited and the one that truly made us realize how different Japan is from the rest of Asia that we knew until then. Its cultural richness gives you a genuine glimpse into what Japan is all about.<\/p>\n\n\n Some of the most iconic places include the famous red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-Taisha<\/strong>, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove<\/strong>, the “Philosopher’s Walk,” and Pontocho Alley<\/strong>. Kyoto is a must-see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The capital of Japan offers an endless variety of things to do, so much so that it could feel like a trip within a trip just to explore it all. Tokyo<\/a><\/strong> is modern yet traditional, diverse, clean, organized… it\u2019s the perfect introduction or a memorable farewell to Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this vibrant city, you\u2019ll encounter Michelin-starred restaurants and futuristic robot dining experiences. You’ll find machines that make you feel like you’ve traveled to the future and others that bring back memories of your youth.<\/p>\n\n\n You\u2019ll feel small in the crowds of Shibuya<\/strong>, free in the serenity of Meiji-jingu Shrine<\/strong>, ordinary in the eccentricity of Takeshita Street<\/strong>, and nerdy in Akihabara<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eating, walking, exploring, playing, admiring, moving, being surprised… there are so many things to do that you should dedicate at least three days of your itinerary to Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it is the third-largest city in Japan, Osaka<\/a><\/strong> has less to offer compared to the previously mentioned cities, and a couple of days should be enough to cover its main highlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Osaka Castle<\/strong> is a standout attraction, where you can enjoy both the historic fortress and the beautiful surrounding park, popular with both locals and tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n The Namba<\/strong> area is also worth a visit. Once you find a spot amidst the crowd, you can take a photo in front of the famous Glico Man<\/strong> sign or indulge in delicious Okonomiyaki<\/strong> in the Dotonbori<\/strong> area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiroshima<\/a><\/strong> remains world-famous due to its tragic history. On the morning of August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb, named Little Boy, which claimed thousands of lives both instantly and through its long-term effects.<\/p>\n\n\n The Atomic Bomb Dome<\/strong> is one of the few structures still standing near the blast’s epicenter. Across the river lies the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park<\/strong>, an emotional site (especially when filled with school groups), with several memorials and a museum that details the nuclear explosion and its aftermath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just three days later, Nagasaki<\/a><\/strong> became the second city to suffer a nuclear attack, with consequences no less severe than those in Hiroshima. The Peace Park<\/strong> and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum<\/strong> serve as solemn reminders of the victims and a call for global peace and the end of nuclear weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n Beyond its historical significance, Nagasaki has much to offer, including several beautiful temples and a riverside walk that compelled us to extend our stay. Over the years, the city has managed to recover and now presents its best face to the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mount Fuji<\/strong> has long been regarded as the great symbol of Japan<\/strong>. For generations, it has been said that every person born in Japan should climb to its summit at least once in their lifetime. This iconic peak has featured countless TV shows, movies, and more. There is no shortage of reasons: Fuji-san\u2014 as the locals call the mountain, considering it an illustrious symbol of Japan\u2014 enjoys a beauty that is difficult to match.<\/p>\n\n\n If you are in Tokyo, a trip to Mount Fuji is highly recommended<\/strong>. It\u2019s close enough that you can sometimes catch a glimpse of its silhouette from the skyscrapers in Shibuya. However, be prepared for the possibility of missing the views when you visit, especially if you’re in Kawaguchi<\/a><\/strong>, a charming town with a lake that offers stunning views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kanazawa Castle<\/a><\/strong> may remind you of the other castles you’ve seen across Japan, but a walk through Kenrokuen Garde<\/strong>n makes visiting this city truly worthwhile. In this meticulously designed garden, everything seems to be perfectly placed, and it’s one of the most beautiful spots we encountered in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n While you’re there, make sure to explore Omicho Market<\/strong> and the train station itself, where you’ll find some excellent dining options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this city in the Japanese Alps, it’s a great idea to rent a bike and explore its old neighborhoods. Pedal through streets lined with shrines, temples, and historic buildings, such as Takayama Jinya<\/strong>, a former government office of the Edo Bakufu, the military government of Edo, from 1692 to 1868.<\/p>\n\n\n The Miyagawa River<\/strong> flows through Takayama, which is why there are so many bridges, with the Nakabashi Bridge<\/strong> being one of the most popular, always filled with tourists taking photos. Don’t leave without visiting a sake brewery<\/strong> or trying a matcha ice cream cone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest disappointment of our trip was Shirakawa-go<\/a><\/strong>. This small village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, turns into a theme park at certain times of the day, stripping away any sense of authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n When you’re forced to dodge selfie sticks and crowds of disrespectful tourists, it diminishes the experience, no matter how beautiful the location is. If you do decide to visit, good luck, and try to choose your timing carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop looking at the map\u2014Okonomiyaki<\/a><\/strong> isn’t the name of a city but rather a dish that won us over from the first bite. How did raw fish become so popular when these \u201cJapanese savory omelets\u201d are so delicious? Not a single day went by without us seeking out a place with grills where we could enjoy this treat.<\/p>\n\n\n When it comes to drinks, sake<\/strong>, made from rice, is the undisputed star of Japan. Toni took on the task of tasting this liquor at every stop, creating a mental map of flavors. <\/p>\n\n\n To the north of the city lies Himeji Castle<\/a><\/strong>, one of the most famous and oldest castles in medieval Japan. This World Heritage Site<\/strong> is characterized by the white plaster covering its walls, which makes it stand out and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n The panoramic view of Himeji from the top of its six floors is breathtaking. Spend a few hours in this city, even if it means leaving your backpacks at the station’s luggage room before continuing your journey in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Information](\"\/iconos\/antesdeir.png\")
BEFORE YOU GO<\/h2>
BEFORE YOU GO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Japan Visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Japan Rail Pass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Travel Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When to Visit Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to get to Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Travel SIM Card for Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Currency of Japan (Yen)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n![\"Destinos](\"\/iconos\/destinos.png\")
DESTINATIONS<\/h2>
DESTINATIONS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Kyoto<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Otro](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Kennin-Ji-KIOTO-23.jpg\")
Tokyo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Tokio\"](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/GUIA-JAPON-TOKIO-01.jpg\")
Osaka<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Vistas](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/castillo-de-osaka-05.jpg\")
Hiroshima<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/A-Bomb-Dome-Hiroshima-01.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
Nagasaki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Nagasaki\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/GUIA-JAPON-NAGASAKI-01.jpg\")
Mount Fuji<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Monte](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/phuket-bangla.jpg\")
Kanazawa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"KANAZAWA](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/GUIA-JAPON-KANAZAWA-01.jpg\")
Takayama<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"TAKAYAMA\"](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/GUIA-JAPON-TAKAYAMA-01.jpg\")
Shirakawa-go<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"SHIRAKAWA-GO](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/GUIA-JAPON-SHIRAKAWA-GO-01.jpg\")
Okonomiyaki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/okonomiyaki-01.jpg\")
Sake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"SAKE](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/GUIA-JAPON-SAKE-01.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n![\"Castillos](\"\/iconos\/castillos.png\")
CASTLES IN JAPAN<\/h2>
CASTLES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Himeji Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"El](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/HIMEJI-CASTILLO-04.jpg\")
Matsumoto Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Castillo](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/CASTILLO-DE-MATSUMOTO-01.jpg\")
![\"Castillo](\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/CASTILLO-KANAZAWA-03.jpg\")