How to Organize a “DIY” Japan Travel

Planning your first DIY Japan travel but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, organizing a Japan trip on your own is much simpler than it might seem.

My first trip to Japan (completely DIY) literally changed my life. First, for the satisfaction of having organized the trip on my own and for the excitement that accompanied me throughout all the planning stages, but also because I was struck by the travel experience itself.

This is precisely where the idea of opening this site and writing this article was born: I want to help as many people as possible organize their own trip to Japan, with the hope of making them live what I lived, simplifying the organizational process.

Remember that Japan is not a difficult destination and now, thanks to the internet and translation apps, even the language barrier should not scare you.

Below I will guide you step by step through all the stages of organizing a DIY Japan trip. Let’s start now!

1. Prepare the necessary documents

To enter Japan, you need a valid passport and you do not need to apply for a visa for stays of up to 90 days. (for most countries)

Upon arrival in Japan, you will need to fill out some documents required for entry into the country, which include personal information, travel information (address of where you will be staying the first night), and customs questions (if you have ever been deported from Japan, if you have a clean criminal record, etc.).

You will need to fill out this information on a form that is usually given directly on the plane, which you can also find on arrival at the airport. Alternatively, you can do this step in advance (not mandatory) through the Japanese government website Visit Japan Web (I explain the whole procedure here), created to speed up controls and entry procedures into Japan.

2. How much does a DIY Japan trip cost

The cost of a DIY Japan trip can vary greatly, but it is definitely lower than the classic trips offered by agencies or organized group trips (you could spend up to half).

For example, the cost of organizing a 2-week budget trip for 2 people on your own can start from around €2,000 per person, upwards. I wrote a more complete guide about all the expenses you’re going to face during your trip, it can be a valuable resource to plan according to your budget. Be sure to read it here.

The main costs of a trip to Japan include flights (I recommend using SkyScanner to find deals), transportation (train or bus), accommodation, food, health insurance, internet, tickets to attractions or experiences, and any souvenirs.

3. Decide when to go to Japan

The first step in organizing your trip is to decide when to go to Japan. Can you choose the dates throughout the year? Or can you take your holidays in a specific period?

Japan is wonderful all year round, but like any other country, it has some better and some worse months. So, the question is: what kind of Japan would you like to see?

In general, the most popular periods for a trip to Japan are spring, from mid-March to mid-April, and autumn, from late October to mid-November. These periods are particularly popular due to the mild climate, cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in autumn.

If you can only travel in the summer, you will have to expect a hot and humid climate, but you can enjoy the season of traditional Japanese festivals. The rainy season begins in early June and lasts until mid-July, making this one of the worst times to visit Japan, so if summer is your only option, I recommend booking your trip in August.

4. Book flights

Once you have selected your dates, let’s move on to booking your flight. I always recommend booking well in advance (at least 4-6 months in advance) if you have the possibility, because you could save a lot of money.

Skyscanner is a great website where you can check the prices of different airlines and find the best deals for the dates you have chosen.

My advice is always to start by buying the plane tickets and then continue organizing the trip following the chosen dates.

5. Deciding the Itinerary

After choosing your flight dates, it’s time for the most exciting part of planning a trip to Japan: deciding on the itinerary. This is where you might encounter some difficulties, especially if you find yourself in the same situation I was in when I organized my first trip to Japan: you want to explore Tokyo, but also visit Osaka and Kyoto! So many things to see, so few days… help!

Making a selection of the “best” places means excluding others, which is why it becomes important to optimize your time and start with a detailed plan to try to include as much as possible without going crazy or rushing around.

The ideal amount of time for your trip is at least 15 days. I have prepared a sample 2-week itinerary in Japan that you can use as a starting point.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the Japan travel information? Let me take the stress out of planning your dream trip. For a very accessible price, I offer a personalized itinerary planning service. I’ll create a detailed day-by-day itinerary, recommend tailored experiences and attractions, and help you find the perfect hotels to suit your taste and budget. Ready to have a flawless Japan adventure? Check out my planning service or reach out to me on Instagram or Facebook to discuss your dream trip.

6. Booking Accommodation

To organize a fantastic trip to Japan, you also need to carefully select the location and type of accommodation.

Once you have identified on the map the districts where the places of interest are present in your itinerary, proceed to search for accommodation.

If you need help in identifying the best neighborhoods, read also the complete guides on the best areas where to sleep in Tokyo and Osaka including recommended and reliable hotels.

Keep in mind that in Japan you mainly travel by train and on foot, so it can be very convenient to choose a hotel near the main stations to facilitate travel. Japan offers valid options for all budgets, although you should expect to spend more as you get closer to the most famous areas.

A good way to save money is to book well in advance (at least 2-4 months in advance), also to avoid the risk of no longer finding valid options.

I recommend taking a look at Expedia.com and Agoda, where I usually book my trips to Japan, where you can find all types of accommodation: Ryokan, capsule hotels, hotels, guesthouses or hostels.

7. Getting Around Japan (Trains, Buses, and Passes)

The best way to get around Japan is by using the country’s reliable and punctual trains. All major cities in Japan are connected by a dense network of trains that depart at all hours, and getting from one point to another is always a pleasure.

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

Prior to the price increase in October 2023, the most convenient way to get around Japan was to purchase the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which allows you to use almost all JR (Japan Railways) lines unlimited for a limited period of time (7, 14, or 21 days).

You can read this guide that will help you understand whether or not it is worth it for you to purchase the Japan Rail Pass.

Individual Train Tickets

Today, it is almost always more convenient to purchase individual train tickets in combination with any Regional Passes, which work like the JR Pass but only cover certain areas of Japan.

I recommend reading the guide on how to purchase shinkansen tickets and the complete guide on train passes in Japan.

A website that I often use to check train schedules and connections is Navitime, which, alongisde a few other apps, is an essential tool to plan and navigate Japan.

8. Money in Japan

The Japanese currency is the Yen. You will therefore need to exchange money at your trusted bank, or exchange or withdraw it once you are in Japan.

My advice is to check the current exchange rate and see if it is more convenient to exchange it at a bank in your city. I usually recommend withdrawing cash directly in Japan or exchanging cash once you are on the go (not at the airport).

Cash is still widely used in Japan, so remember to always have some with you. I have often found that hotels and restaurants only accept cash payments.

Regardless of the amount of cash you decide to bring with you on your trip, I recommend making sure that you can also use your credit card (or prepaid card) to withdraw cash from ATMs in Japan.

READ ALSO: How much is a trip to Japan and how much should you bring?

I recommend reading the guide on how to withdraw cash in Japan, but don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds.

9. Travel Insurance

For a trip to Japan (or for any trip in general) I always recommend taking out travel health insurance.

I believe it is much better to travel without worries, without fear of unforeseen events, in order to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

For US residents only, I recommend using Freely Travel Insurance. (Read more here).+

10. How to Have Internet in Japan

During your trip to Japan, you will find that it is not at all difficult to find free Wi-Fi to access the internet, especially in larger cities.

Conbini (open 24 hours a day and found all over Japan), restaurants, cafes, museums, shopping centers, stations, and many other points of interest offer free access to the network (usually you just need to register with your email address).

But if you want to travel without worries or if you have special needs, I recommend booking a pocket Wi-Fi (a mini router) or a SIM card, which you will pick up physically in Japan, or you can get a very convenient eSIM data from home. (Here is a list of reliable and top eSim providers for Japan).

In general, I recommend a Pocket Wi-Fi if you are traveling in a group, or an eSim if you want a dedicated connection per device (Check if your smartphone is compatible with eSims here).

If you want to understand better how eSIMs work and why I prefer them to SIMs or Pocket Wifi, I recommend reading this guide on the best eSIMs for a trip to Japan.

Recommended Purchase an e-Sim data on Klook or Airalo

11. Preparing for Japanese Culture (and Avoiding Faux Pas)

Before leaving for Japan, it is important to know that there are some unwritten rules and behaviors that make a traveler in Japan a good traveler.

When visiting a country so far away, both physically and culturally, it is important to learn at least a little bit about the local customs.

A fascinating country like Japan holds an infinity of secrets and nuances that could escape a superficial tourist. I believe it is important to learn at least the basics, especially to avoid offending (and not being offended) or ending up in unpleasant and embarrassing situations.

The Japanese take these unwritten rules very seriously, and if you don’t want to come across as the typical rude tourist, just remember to:

• Do not eat while walking
• Do not talk loudly on public transport
• Do not talk on the phone on trains
• Do not eat on trains (except on shinkansen)
• Do not cross the street at a red light or outside the crosswalk
• Make sure you can enter places with or without shoes
• Shower before immersing yourself in the onsen (complete Onsen etiquette here).
• Do not pick flowers
• Do not smoke in the street
• Do not litter
• Do not point your finger

Let’s be honest, traveling knowing the history and culture of a country infinitely improves the experience! If you want to learn more about Japanese culture, I recommend reading a dedicated book such as “Illustrated Japanese Festivals“.

12. Packing Your Suitcase Before Your Trip

Packing your suitcase for an intercontinental trip can be a bit anxiety-provoking, especially if it’s your first trip to Japan. Don’t worry, in reality everything you need to pack in your suitcase is included in a very simple and short list.

Apart from the toothbrush, liquids and the clothes that change according to the season in which you will travel, here is a list of things that I recommend you pack in your suitcase:

• Shoes that are easy to put on and take off: in Japan you will often have to take off your shoes when you enter places
• Physical copy of important documents: not strictly necessary, but for a more peaceful trip I always recommend having a printed copy of your documents (passport) and health insurance
• Tissues and hand sanitizer: although it is a clean country, you will find it difficult to find soap and tissues in public toilets
• Power adapter: the sockets in Japan are type “A” (100 volts, 50-60 Hz), different from those in Italy, so you will need to buy an adapter. You can buy it on Amazon here.
• Sleep mask and earplugs: they may be useful for sleeping more easily during the flight or once in Japan. You can buy them on Amazon here.

13. Purchasing Tickets for Activities, Attractions, or Guided Tours

In Japan, there are countless activities to do that I recommend booking in advance (1-2 months), especially the most popular ones or if you are traveling during peak tourist seasons.

Among the most popular paid activities, I recommend participating in a sumo training session, a traditional tea ceremony, or dressing up in a yukata in Kyoto.

Popular Attractions

Among the most popular attractions that I recommend and that you can book in advance are:

• Visit to the Tokyo Skytree (Tokyo)
• Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea (Tokyo)
• Visit to the Shibuya Sky (Tokyo)
• Warner Bros. Studio: The Making of Harry Potter (Tokyo)
• Tokyo BORDERLESS: Digital Art Museum (Tokyo)
• Universal Studios (Osaka)
• Legoland (Nagoya)
• Tour + ticket to Ghibli Park (Nagoya)

Guided Day Tours

Alternatively, you could consider purchasing guided day tours to visit places such as a private day tour to Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko or a group day trip to the surroundings of Mount Fuji. (more Mt.Fuji tours here).

Here are some additional tips for purchasing tickets for activities, attractions, or guided tours in Japan:

• Book early: Especially for popular attractions and activities, it is important to book your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Consider purchasing a pass: If you are planning on visiting a number of attractions, you may save money by purchasing a pass, such as the Tokyo Metro Pass or the Osaka Amazing Pass.
• Compare prices: There are a number of different websites and operators that sell tickets for activities and attractions in Japan. It is worth comparing prices before you book to make sure you are getting the best deal.
• Read reviews: Before you book, take some time to read reviews of different activities and attractions. This will help you to decide which ones are right for you and your interests.
• Be aware of cancellation policies: Make sure you are aware of the cancellation policies for any tickets you book. This is important in case you need to cancel your trip for any reason.

Conclusion

The information is plentiful, but as you have read in this article, organizing a DIY trip to Japan is not that difficult.

Go through each section of this guide and you will see that your trip will gradually take shape. If you have any doubts or questions, I recommend joining my Facebook group or contact me directly!

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