Your First Trip to Japan: What to Get Ready and Where to Start

A first trip to Japan can feel like there is a lot to learn, but the genuinely necessary preparation is modest. What makes it smooth is choosing cities that are easy to move between, keeping the schedule from getting too tight, and knowing the small differences that often trip up Thai visitors, such as sorting rubbish, train etiquette and the odd cash-only shop. This article goes from the big decisions down to small details.

Who it suits and how many days

Japan suits almost everyone, from couples and families to small groups and solo travellers, because transport runs to time and the big cities are safe. For a first trip, five days is enough to see Tokyo and one more city, seven days is more comfortable, and ten or more lets you add Hiroshima or Hokkaido. With only three or four days, it is better to pick one city and enjoy it fully than to hop between several.

Best month and weather

Most beginners aim for cherry blossom in late March to early April or autumn colour in November, which are beautiful but bring bigger crowds and higher hotel demand. To avoid the crush, early spring and late autumn are often comfortable without being hot. Summer means heat and humidity, and winter is cold and dry in Tokyo but much colder with heavy snow in Hokkaido and along the Sea of Japan side. Thai visitors unused to cold should pack layers and gloves.

Getting there and getting around

Entering Japan via Tokyo or Osaka is the simplest since there are many flight options. In big cities you will rely mainly on trains and subways, so download a route-finding app that clearly shows station names and exits. A rechargeable IC card lets you board trains and buses without checking a fare table each time. In small towns and rural areas you may depend on infrequent buses and will need to plan the timing ahead.

The main sights

• Tokyo: Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Akihabara.
• Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, the Gion district and old quarters, and Arashiyama.
• Osaka: Dotonbori and Osaka Castle.
• Nara: the deer park and Todai-ji temple, a half-day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

Quieter places and smaller finds

Once you have covered the famous spots, look for smaller, quieter ones: old Kyoto streets walked early in the morning, small temples off the main route in Kamakura, the second-hand bookshop district around Jimbocho in Tokyo, or riverside neighbourhoods that tour groups rarely reach. The appeal lies in atmosphere and daily rhythm rather than famous names, so there is no need to tick off a whole checklist.

Areas worth knowing

In Tokyo, Shinjuku is a transport hub with lively nights, Ueno is handy for those taking the rail line to Narita Airport, and Asakusa has an older atmosphere. In Kyoto, Kyoto Station is the transport hub and the Kawaramachi area suits evening strolls. In Osaka, Namba is close to food streets, while Umeda is convenient for main rail lines and for the shinkansen at Shin-Osaka.

Food and souvenirs

Dishes worth trying include ramen, sushi, tonkatsu, yakiniku and street food such as takoyaki in Osaka. Many small restaurants serve a single dish and take orders through a ticket machine at the entrance. Halal and vegetarian travellers should check ahead, because broths and sauces often contain animal ingredients. Popular souvenirs are boxed sweets, tea and cosmetics; check Thai customs rules on bringing goods home before buying in bulk.

Sample budget thinking

This article gives no money figures because prices and exchange rates keep changing. Instead, divide your budget into categories: flights, accommodation, domestic transport, food, entry fees, souvenirs and mobile data. Accommodation is usually the easiest to flex through the area and room type you choose, while food flexes by mixing small restaurants with convenience stores. A fuller look at budgeting has its own article.

A short sample plan

1. 1Days 1 to 3：東京Take one zone per day, for example Asakusa and Ueno, Shibuya and Harajuku, then Shinjuku and nearby; leave time for walking and a midday break.
2. 2Day 4: travel to KyotoMove by shinkansen in the morning, drop your bags, then spend the afternoon and evening around the station or Gion.
3. 3Days 5 and 6: Kyoto and NaraSpend one day at quieter temples from early morning and the other on a half-day trip to Nara.
4. 4Day 7: Osaka and the flight homeStop in Osaka before heading to Kansai Airport, leaving ample time for check-in.

Good to know and FAQ

Basic etiquette: keep your voice down on trains, carry a small bag for rubbish because public bins are scarce, and take off your shoes when entering Japanese-style rooms or some restaurants. You should also complete Visit Japan Web in advance and have mobile data from the moment you land. An eSIM installed before the flight lets you open maps and fill in details straight away.

日本のeSIMプランを見る

よくある質問