Due to its oriental exoticism and the world fame that it boasts thanks to things that are so present in our lives such as sushi or manga, Japan is becoming an increasingly common and striking destination among European tourists. But a trip to Japan cannot be improvised, especially if it is the first. What are the key elements to consider when traveling to Japan? Here we tell you everything you need to know to help you plan your trip.
What to visit in Japan?
Japan is a destination with a lot to offer, so the destinations you visit will depend on the type of traveler you are. Do you prefer the city, the mountains or a bit of both? Would you like to discover the typical tourist spots or explore places off the beaten track? Do you want to discover a particular island or the most important cities?
In any case, Japan is a large country and the cities are located quite far apart , so be careful when planning. If you want to travel throughout the country, you can do it with the Japan Rail Pass, but keep in mind that you must purchase it before your arrival.
What essential documents do you need to travel to Japan?
The bureaucracy required to travel to Japan is quite meager and simple. You can stay up to 90 days on your Japan tourist visa and all types of passports are accepted , whether biometric or not. They simply must be valid during the period of stay.
Passport and Visa
Many nationalities can travel to Japan without having to apply for a visa in advance, but it is better to verify it in time. Most countries of the European Union (including Spain), and others such as the United States, Mexico or Australia do not need to apply for a visa in advance to travel to Japan, but temporary visitor visas are issued valid for 90 days at arrival . As for the passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months and has an empty page.
accommodation
In Japan you will find accommodation of all kinds to adapt the trip to your budget: hostels for backpackers, more sophisticated hotels designed for Western tourists, and “ryokans”, traditional Japanese inns, very typical in the countryside or in smaller cities.
Due to language differences, it is useful for both you and the hotel staff to carry a printed copy of the reservation so that they can have an address in Japanese, which will be useful for taxi drivers. In addition, when you land at the airport, you will be asked for the address of your first hotel night when going through immigration, so it is best to have it handy.
Travel insurance and medical documents
It is vital for Japan and indeed anywhere in the world. Japanese medical care is excellent but also expensive . In addition to health, it is better to be prepared for canceled flights, lost luggage, etc.
Certificate for medicines
Japanese customs can be very strict regarding the importation of some relatively common medications, including pain relievers, tranquilizers, and certain antihistamines. If you suffer from any illness and need specific medication, you have to request the “Yakkan Shoumei” certificate and receive it before traveling to Japan in order to declare it to the customs officer.
Plane tickets
It is always useful to have a paper copy to show to the airport and customs staff, especially in the case of a return flight as they may ask you to prove the length of your stay in Japan. In addition, you must be able to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to travel for the duration of your visit to Japan by credit card, a large amount of cash, or a bank statement.
Money
The official currency in Japan is the yen, and cash is still king in Japan – credit cards are only accepted in larger stores in cities , but not in towns. Remember to change some money in the bank or exchange houses of your country of origin so as not to lose with the change. To give you an idea, one euro equals 125 yen.
As for the type of cards that are accepted, VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted, American Express not so much . Before leaving your country of origin, inform your bank that your card will be used in Japan to avoid problems, and to withdraw money without large commissions, use the ATMs.
What budget do you need for the trip?
Budget is important when planning a trip to Japan. Japan is often said to be an expensive destination, but this is not true. Currently, it costs approximately € 1,700 per person , including accommodation, internal travel and roundtrip flights, (although obviously the amount varies depending on where you are traveling from and the time you do it), and if you are not one of the They are given great luxuries, you can eat very well with a budget of less than € 20 a day per person. Markets and neighborhoods farthest from tourist areas usually offer the best prices.
What is the best time to travel to Japan?
Each season has its advantages and disadvantages. Spring is very popular due to the natural spectacle of cherry blossoms and numerous festivals, but it is also the most expensive time to travel. Summer is very hot and humid, although it is also popular for its many cultural events , and its unique seasonal cuisine. Fall will allow you to discover a Japan with extravagant colors , but it is a risky time because it is usually typhoon season.
Regarding value for money, winter is the most recommended option , since although it is cold the temperatures are not very extreme, the cultural attractions will have fewer crowds and the flights and accommodation will be much cheaper, since it is low season. In addition, you will be able to see Mount Fuji, which is generally hidden by clouds the rest of the year.
What cannot be missing in your suitcase when traveling to Japan?
- A Smartphone with a data connection , WiFi and GPS. It will be very useful to hire trips (uber), consult maps and even communicate using the translator. It’s easy to get your own data SIM card in Japan from any electronics store, which will be much cheaper than activating data roaming and roaming on your existing SIM card. In any case, there are abundant public WiFi networks in Japan.
- Universal adapter to be able to plug your electronic devices into Japanese-style sockets.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat , especially during spring and summer as it can get very hot.
- Different layers of breathable fabric clothing . Depending on the time of year you go to Japan, it can be very hot or quite cold, or somewhere in between. Also make sure you have comfortable and light shoes to walk without discomfort.
