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Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Japan with Vietnam Booking's expert tours. Witness breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences in the land of the rising sun.
1. When is the best time to visit Japan on a guided tour?
Japan, through the lens of Vietnam Booking tours, unveils its beauty in every season, each offering a unique charm that captivates travelers' hearts. To fully embrace Japan's poetic scenery, consider these ideal periods:
1.1. Spring Blossoms: Embracing the Sakura Season
Japan is renowned for its cherry blossoms, making it a must-visit destination during springtime. As the country transitions into spring, streets are adorned with the vibrant pink hues of cherry blossoms. According to Japan tour experiences, cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to mid-April.
The delicate beauty of cherry blossoms never fails to captivate hearts.
A unique aspect is that cherry blossoms don't bloom simultaneously; each region blooms at different times. They bloom earlier in the northern regions and gradually progress southward. With Japan tour experiences, you'll get to sit and admire the falling cherry blossoms, embracing the gentle breeze of early spring – an experience like no other.
1.2. Autumn: A Blanket of Red Leaves
As Japan transitions between seasons, it adorns itself with a new attire. According to seasoned Japan tour experiences, the entire Japanese skyline is painted in vibrant red hues during this time. You'll experience a serene atmosphere strolling through pathways adorned with red leaves. During this period, you can partake in various activities enjoyed by locals such as chestnut picking in the mountains or fruit picking in orchards.
1.3. Winter: Enveloped in a Blanket of Snow
Unlike the colorful springs or autumns filled with the hues of foliage, Japan's winter is cloaked in a romantic white blanket of snow. Visiting Japan towards the end of the year, you'll witness the entire country draped in thick layers of snow. However, this picturesque scenery creates a lasting impression, deeply ingrained in the hearts of every traveler who sets foot in this land of the rising sun.
Japan's skies blanketed in pristine white snow.
To experience activities in ice villages, lying on smooth, powdery snow, head to these regions as not every part of Japan gets snow: Hokkaido, Aomori, Miyagi, Iwate, Akita, Yamagata, etc.
2. Essential Preparations for Japan Guided Tours
Although your Japan tour itinerary has been arranged by the travel company, for a fully immersive experience, certain essentials cannot be overlooked. Make sure to pack the following items:
2.1. Phone SIM Card
If you plan to buy a SIM card upon arrival in Japan, it's best to abandon that idea. Purchasing a SIM card in Japan is quite challenging and involves complex procedures. For seamless communication and exchange while in Japan, it's advisable to use reputable SIM cards from Vietnam with fees typically ranging from 480,000 VND per SIM card. In case you forget or run out of time to prepare, you can purchase a SIM card directly at the airport, but the fees are usually twice as expensive as buying one in Vietnam.
2.2. Portable WiFi Device
An important note in Japan tour experiences is that there aren't many areas offering free WiFi like in Vietnam, so it's essential to prepare a 4G SIM card in advance. When traveling to Japan with family or friends, consider purchasing a portable WiFi device for convenience.
2.3. Choosing Appropriate Attire
The weather in Japan is distinctly divided into four seasons, allowing you to consider the timing of your experience to select attire suitable for your itinerary and the temperature. During spring or summer, opt for dynamic, breathable clothing for easy movement as the average temperature during this period ranges from 10 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Selecting appropriate attire for exploring the Land of the Rising Sun.
According to Japan tour experiences, during autumn or winter, it's advisable to choose clothing that keeps you warm as the temperature in Japan during autumn ranges from 12 to 26 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in Japan during winter typically ranges from 2 to 13 degrees Celsius. Therefore, pack items such as wool sweaters, padded jackets, gloves, and beanies to stay warm.
2.4. Packing Some Ready-to-Eat Meals
While Japanese cuisine isn't drastically different from Vietnamese fare, preparing some ready-to-eat meals is indispensable in Japan tour experiences. In case you're not accustomed to local culinary styles, you can pack some instant noodles, porridge, etc., in advance.
2.5. Precautionary Medications
In addition to preparing documents and other important considerations, it's advisable to pack some personal medications in advance. Don't rely solely on the assumption that everything will go smoothly. During your first trip to Japan, you may encounter issues such as temperature shock due to environmental changes, stomach aches, headaches, etc. Therefore, carry some common medications for fever, insect repellent, cold and flu, etc., for when the need arises.
When traveling, you can't avoid moments of mishaps or unconscious mistakes. To prevent such situations, pay attention to the following tips to keep your trip enjoyable.
2.6. Detailed Planning for Night City Tours
During nights in the land of the rising sun, you need not worry about a lack of entertainment as each place in this country offers plenty of interesting attractions. If you wish to experience traveling between locations via the subway, ensure to plan your itinerary carefully. In particular, you can prepare a Suica card in advance.
The Suica card is convenient for using public transportation in Japan.
The Suica card is a payment card for public transportation, restaurants, and convenience stores. According to Japan tour experiences, this card is widely used in many major cities of Japan such as Tokyo, Okinawa, Sendai, Tokai, Niigata, Kansai, and Kyushu. To obtain a Suica card, you'll need to pay about 500 yen as a deposit fee along with 1,500 yen for card balance. You can apply for this card at automatic ticket machines or at train stations with JR ticket counters.
2.7. Currency Exchange
In Japan, they only accept their own country's currency, so it's advisable to exchange some money in advance for convenience during transactions or purchases. According to Japan tour experiences, when you want to exchange money, it's best to visit reputable major banks: Vietcombank, Vietinbank, HSBC, etc.
Exchange currency for convenience during travel.
When touring Japan, it's advisable to exchange various denominations, including coins. Japanese people often use coins for shopping and public transportation. You can also use coins to seek luck when visiting famous temples and shrines. Japanese Yen denominations include 1000, 2000, 5000, and the largest is 10,000 Yen. Coin denominations range from 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, to 500 Yen.
3. Things Not to Do When Traveling in Japan
3.1. Avoid Bargaining While Shopping
For Japanese locals, items here are generally priced reasonably, so bargaining is uncommon. Therefore, refrain from bargaining if you feel the item doesn't fit your budget.
3.2. Avoid Sampling Foods in Supermarkets
Unlike Vietnam, sampling foods are common in various areas of supermarkets, but it's prohibited in Japan. If you intend to purchase food items to take home or for your trip, you can ask locals or staff. Otherwise, your image might be displayed on the big screen.
3.3. Refrain from Tipping Service Staff
We often tend to give a little tip to service staff after each meal as a gesture of gratitude. However, doing this in the land of the rising sun may cause unnecessary misunderstandings as it's considered disrespectful to the staff. For them, a simple thank you is highly appreciated.
4. Tips for Budget-Friendly Japan Tours
4.1. Group Touring
Traveling in groups helps you save costs and avail of many discounts. Instead of solo travel, invite family members to bond and save expenses for more enjoyable adventures.
Traveling with family brings more joy.
Otherwise, you can opt for group tours. With this option, you can meet and make friends with others who share the same joys. Through this, you can gain new friendships and embrace more happiness in life.
Book now for shocking Japan tours: Japan 4-day 3-night tour
4.2. Book Tours as Early as Possible
If you intend to behold the beauty of Japan at its finest moments, then book your tour about 3 months in advance. Early booking not only secures your spot but also offers many advantages. According to tour experiences in Japan, travel companies often release special offers, extremely luxurious items, so you'll gain more benefits by booking early.
4.3. Choose a Reputable Travel Company
What if your journey encounters setbacks, delays due to choosing the wrong organizing unit? Therefore, the most important experience of touring Japan is that you need to select Japan tour packages from experienced companies. Currently, there are many travel companies on the market, but choosing a suitable one is not easy.
Vietnam Booking company with years of tour organizing experience.
Among them, you can choose Vietnam Booking travel company which has over 10 years of experience in organizing travel programs. The company has many branches in major cities of Vietnam so you can easily contact them to get suitable itineraries at reasonable prices.
5. What to Buy as Gifts When Traveling to Japan on a Tour?
5.1. Daruma Doll
The Daruma doll symbolizes bringing luck and prosperity to loved ones and friends, so it is chosen by many when traveling to Japan. This doll can fall down but will automatically rise up. Therefore, this doll also brings another meaning, which is perseverance.
One of the famous doll types of the Land of the Rising Sun.
You might spot this Daruma doll in many famous movies. Therefore, the Daruma doll will be a suitable choice for you to give to your loved ones, so be sure to jot it down in your Japan tour experience notebook!
5.2. Maneki Neko Cat
You can see this lucky cat appearing anywhere from shops, restaurants, even offices of businesses. This cat is considered a lucky charm in work, so you can buy it to give as a gift to your loved ones with the meaning of bringing luck and prosperity.
5.3. Cosmetics
Besides well-known countries for cosmetics like South Korea, the US, and Thailand, Japan is also a country with many famous cosmetics brands. You can buy products like lipstick, face masks, skincare sets to give as gifts to your loved ones. You not only get genuine products but also buy them at a cheaper price compared to Vietnam, so what could be better?
5.4. Electronics, Publications
Japan is famous for anime series, manga comics, so don't overlook related products if you want to buy gifts for your loved ones. You can buy items in large areas like Akihabara, Yodobashi, Daikokucho,... For electronic products, pay attention to the power supply because Japan usually uses 110 volts, so check if the product can use 220 volts!
Posted by: Hươngg Quỳnh
Keywords: Tips for first-time travelers on guided tours in Japan
