How to prepare for your trip to Japan? The Complete Guide

It's important to choose the right time to travel to Japan if you want to get the most out of your experience. The climate is continental, with very distinct seasons.

The best time to visit Japan is still spring (April, May, early June). The temperatures are pleasant (up to 20°C in Tokyo), there is little rain, and above all, you can experience the cherry blossoms in April, a sight that I highly recommend you see (really).

Fall (September-October) is also an ideal season. The climate is milder and drier, and the landscapes are stunning thanks to the red maple trees that color the countryside.

On the other hand, I would advise against visiting in the summer (July-August). It is very hot, the humidity is stifling, and on top of that, it is the rainy season. Not ideal for enjoying your stay.

Winter (January-February) is not the best option either, as the cold is dry and can limit your travel options. Unless, of course, your goal is to go skiing in Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps.

The ideal length of a trip to Japan depends on several factors: your budget, the season you choose, the regions you want to visit, and of course what interests you most (culture, nature, big cities, etc.).

1 week: It's doable, but it's still short. You'll mainly be able to enjoy Tokyo and its iconic neighborhoods, with perhaps one or two nearby excursions to places like Kamakura or Odaiba.

Two weeks: is really the minimum recommended. You'll have time to discover Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Between the temples, the cuisine, and walks through the more authentic neighborhoods, you'll begin to get a complete picture of the country.

3 weeks: This is ideal if you want to explore Japan in depth. You can combine big cities, traditional villages, nature excursions, and even venture to Hiroshima, Osaka, or Hokkaido.

And if you want a real turnkey itinerary, we have prepared an exclusive 14-day tour of Japan for you:

• 134 recommended spots (some of which are only known to locals),
• 5 tried and tested excursions,
• essential tips and direct booking links.

It's difficult to give a single budget for a trip to Japan: it all depends on the length of your stay, the regions you want to visit, your travel style (more economical or comfortable), and of course your overall budget.

On average, we can estimate:

• €100 per day per person for a standard stay (standard accommodation, meals, transportation, tours).
• 2,000 to 3,000 for a trip lasting 2 to 3 weeks.
• $4,000 to $5,000 for one month (airfare included).

For example, for a two-week budget in Japan, I spent €1,170 there (not including the flight).

It is important to bear in mind that Japan is not a low-cost destination. Airfare, accommodation, transportation (especially the Shinkansen), and certain activities can quickly add up.

That said, you can adjust your budget according to your choices:

• If you're on a tight budget: youth hostels, meals at local chain restaurants (¥500 to ¥800), night buses.
• If you have a good budget: 3- or 4-star hotels, shinkansen, cultural and gastronomic outings.
• If you have a large budget: traditional ryokan, exclusive experiences, fine dining, domestic flights.

To travel to Japan, the essential document is your passport. It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.

If your trip is less than 90 days (tourism, business, family visit), no visa is required for French nationals and nationals of many European countries.

⚠️ Warning: if your passport is not up to date, remember to renew it in advance, as processing times can be long.

When traveling in Japan, having a reliable internet connection is essential, whether you want to use Google Maps, translate a menu with Google Lens, book a train, or simply stay in touch.

The simplest and most practical solution is to get an eSIM before you leave.

You install it on your phone, top it up with data credit, and as soon as you arrive, you turn off airplane mode... and you're connected. No need to search for public Wi-Fi or buy a physical SIM card locally.

Why choose eSIM?

We have developed our own eSIM designed specifically for your trip to Japan:

And if you want to learn more, feel free to check out our full article on the best eSIM for Japan. You'll find a detailed comparison and all the information you need to understand how it works.

The answer is yes, you need an adapter if you are traveling to Japan. Japanese outlets are different from the ones we use in France: they are type A (or sometimes type B).

The voltage is 100V, the same as in the United States. Most recent chargers (for phones, laptops, cameras) are compatible with this voltage, but you need to have the right adapter to plug in your devices.

If you don't have one, don't panic, you can always buy one before you leave for France (online or at a travel store) or directly on site, in electronics stores and in Japanese airports.

Ryokan

If you want a 100% traditional experience, the ryokan is for you. These Japanese inns have sometimes been around for centuries and offer tatami mats, futons, traditional meals, and even access to onsen (hot springs). It's a great option if you want to immerse yourself in the Japanese way of life.

Minshuku

Simpler and more affordable than ryokan, minshuku are similar to family-run bed and breakfasts. You sleep in a friendly setting with an authentic and warm atmosphere, often in a traditional house.

Shukubo

For a unique experience, you can spend the night in a Buddhist temple. Shukubo allow you to share in the daily life of monks: vegetarian meals, morning prayers, and a Zen atmosphere. It's a truly unique cultural immersion.

Capsule hotels

Typically Japanese, capsule hotels offer small individual sleeping pods. Cheap and convenient, they are perfect if you are traveling alone or for short stays. Some are mixed, others are separated between men and women.

Youth hostels

Found in all major cities, youth hostels are the most economical option. They are ideal for backpackers and for meeting other travelers.

Apartments or houses

If you are traveling with a group, family, or friends, renting an apartment or house is an excellent alternative. More space, more freedom, and often more economical for groups.

Where to stay in Tokyo?

In Japan, there's one thing you need to know: cash is king. You'll find that in many places (small restaurants, temples, some forms of transport) you can only pay with cash. So, it's best to have some cash on you as soon as you arrive, just to be on the safe side.

What I recommend is that you withdraw or exchange your money directly at the airport. That's where you'll get the best rates and often lower fees than in town. Personally, that's what I do every time, and it saves you from having to struggle during the first few days.

To top it off, consider getting a card like Revolut. It allows you to pay and withdraw money easily, with good exchange rates and no hidden fees. It's super convenient when you're traveling.

💡 Tip: Take around $200 in cash with you and exchange it when you arrive.

To travel to Japan, no vaccinations are required for travelers coming from Europe, North America, or most Asian countries.

The only exception is for yellow fever: a vaccination certificate is required only for travelers coming from countries where the disease is present (certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America).

Even though nothing is mandatory, it is recommended to be up to date with your universal vaccinations:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, polio (DTP),
• Whooping cough, hepatitis B, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR).

In addition, some doctors may advise you to get the hepatitis A vaccine if you are planning a long stay or traveling to rural areas.

No, it is not mandatory to enter Japan. However, it is strongly recommended by both the French and Japanese authorities.

Why? Because in the event of a health problem, accident, or hospitalization while traveling, medical expenses can be very high. Without travel insurance, you will have to pay for everything out of your own pocket.

Taking out travel insurance allows you to travel with peace of mind, with coverage in case of:

• Medical consultation or hospitalization,
• Accident,
• Medical repatriation,
• Loss or theft of baggage (depending on the contract).

Upon arrival in Japan, you must submit a customs declaration form for your personal effects and unaccompanied baggage, which you will find either: on board the plane or ship, in the airport inspection area, or directly online before your trip.

As in many countries, certain customs exemptions apply, with specific limits on what you can import without paying tax. So be sure to check before you go!

Transportation cards (SUICA & PASMO)

The shinkansen (bullet train)

Buses (including night buses)

The bus is a practical and economical alternative to the shinkansen, especially for long distances. Night buses even allow you to travel comfortably while saving on a night's hotel accommodation.

Useful applications

Google Maps is your best ally in Japan: it shows you which lines to take, timetables, and the fastest route, whether by subway, bus, or train.

In public spaces

• Don't speak too loudly: Whether on the street, on the train, or in a restaurant, Japanese people appreciate discretion.
• Avoid blowing your nose in public: it is considered impolite. If necessary, discreetly step aside.
• Do not eat or drink while walking: it is frowned upon to consume food or drink in the street. People eat in designated areas (restaurants, food stands, parks) and not while moving around.
• Smoking only in designated areas: Smoking is prohibited in public spaces (streets, stations, parks). Specific areas are provided for this purpose.

In homes, temples, and shrines

Regarding waste

Restaurants and food

Cultural experiences

Attending a baseball game is a quintessentially Japanese experience. The most memorable experience is a game of the Tokyo Giants at the Tokyo Dome, where the atmosphere is guaranteed. The Marines also put on a good show, but the Tokyo Giants are more impressive.

Tours & excursions

Shopping and trendy neighborhoods

Spiritual tradition

Goshuin: beautiful calligraphy created in temples, to be pasted into a dedicated notebook. For around ¥500, you can take home a unique work of art and an authentic souvenir of your visit.

As you can see, planning a trip to Japan takes time and careful organization. Between the seasons, budget, transportation, accommodation, and local customs, there is a lot of information to take in.

👉 That's exactly why we created voilà: an app designed to simplify your trip and give you access to reliable resources that have been tested and approved by experienced travelers.

With this, you will find:

• 📱 Our Japan eSIMs: instant connection upon arrival, without the hassle of a physical SIM card. Unbeatable prices, no blocked apps, and French-speaking customer service.
• 🗺️ Our exclusive guides: comprehensive itineraries covering 7, 14, or 21 days, featuring over 130 must-see spots, excursions, and locations that only locals know about.
• Our practical advice: tips verified on site to avoid tourist traps and enjoy authentic Japanese culture.