Japan Travel Guide 2026
Go Japan Now — Explore & Experience Japan
The trusted Japan travel guide for 2026 — expert tips on JR Pass, WiFi, airports & experiences, in 5 languages.
First decision: where are you in your trip?
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Explore Japan — Pick Where to Start
Plan · Get Ready · Enjoy · Places · Go Deeper
Plan · Get Ready · Enjoy · Places · Go Deeper
Explore Japan — Pick Where to Start
Eight guides cover the whole trip, from the first plan to the places most visitors never reach. Start with the one that fits where you are now.
2Get Ready
4Places
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Sort These Out Before You Land
WiFi · JR Pass · Airport Transfer · IC Card
WiFi · JR Pass · Airport Transfer · IC Card
Sort These Out Before You Land
Three decisions. Lock these in before you fly.
MUST-HAVEBefore you fly · 1 of 3
eSIM or SIM?
Sakura Mobile eSIM — activate before your flight, connect on arrival
via KlookBefore you fly · 2 of 3
JR Pass or IC card?
JR Pass 2026 — worth it if you ride the Shinkansen twice or more
via KlookBefore you fly · 3 of 3
Narita or Haneda?
Airport Transfer — Narita · Haneda · Kansai, book before you fly
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Top Destinations in Japan
Tokyo · Kyoto · Osaka · Hokkaido · Okinawa
Tokyo · Kyoto · Osaka · Hokkaido · Okinawa
Top Destinations in Japan
From Tokyo’s electric streets to Kyoto’s timeless temples — the destinations that define a Japan trip.
01TokyoNeighbourhoods, food and day tripsOpen guide→
02KyotoTemples, geisha districts and gardensOpen guide→
03OsakaStreet food and the Kansai baseOpen guide→
04HokkaidoWild nature in Japan’s northOpen guide→
05OkinawaBeaches and island cultureOpen guide→
06Tateyama Kurobe Alpine RouteSnow walls and mountain crossingsOpen guide→
Michelin Green Guide
Every starred place, region by region
1,111starred115three-star23guides
115 of the 1,111 starred places hold three stars
ALL DESTINATIONS
Best Places to Visit in Japan — complete city & region guide
Best Places to Visit in Japan — complete city & region guide
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Experiences You Can’t Have Anywhere Else
teamLab · Kimono · Tea Ceremony · Festivals
teamLab · Kimono · Tea Ceremony · Festivals
Experiences You Can’t Have Anywhere Else
Japan isn’t just about what you see — it’s about what you do. These are the experiences worth planning your trip around.
Cultural experiencesKimono, teamLab and food toursRead the guide→
Seasons and festivalsCherry blossoms, matsuri and koyoRead the guide→5
Frequently Asked Questions
Visas · JR Pass · WiFi · Airports · Cash
Visas · JR Pass · WiFi · Airports · Cash
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions every Japan traveler asks before their trip.
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
Travelers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Check the Japan MOFA site for your specific nationality.
Is the JR Pass worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if you ride the Shinkansen two or more times. A 7-day pass typically pays for itself on a Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route. Buy via Klook for instant e-ticket delivery.
What’s the best way to get internet in Japan?
An eSIM is the easiest option — activate before your flight and connect instantly at the airport. Sakura Mobile is one of the most reliable providers for visitors to Japan.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
A shared transfer via Klook is the simplest option from Narita or Haneda. The Narita Express (N’EX) and Limousine Bus are also popular alternatives.
Can I use credit cards everywhere in Japan?
Cards are widely accepted in cities and major tourist areas, but cash remains essential in rural areas, local restaurants, and smaller shops. Always carry ¥5,000–¥10,000 JPY as backup.
