Travel Guide: Japan - “Land of Cherry Blossoms”

Japan has long been renowned as a beautiful country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, advanced scientific civilization, and a long history. This beautiful “Land of the Rising Sun” has become a destination that attracts many tourists from all over the world. Explore VNTRIP's comprehensive guidebook on traveling to Japan independently from A to Z for your upcoming journey!

Cherry Blossom Season (Photo by st)

Japan Travel Experience

Travel Procedures for Japan

This is the most important part to fulfill for your trip and the part that people find most challenging when traveling to Japan. Before applying for a visa, you need to book accommodation and flights because your visa application will require you to have both of these.

Documentation and Procedures for Traveling to Japan (Illustration)

Booking Flights to Japan

To bridge the distance between Vietnam and Japan, major airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Japan Airlines, and others play a significant role. Thanks to the advancement of the aviation industry and the development of airlines, there are over a hundred flights every day, including direct flights, one-stop flights, and two-stop flights to airports in Japan.

To save time, you should opt for direct flights from three major airports in Vietnam:

• Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi).
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).
• And Da Nang International Airport.

Ticket prices range from 12,000,000 VND. If you're certain about your trip, the best way to save is to book early and hunt for discounted tickets.

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Applying for a Japan Tourist Visa

After detailed planning, booking accommodations, and purchasing flight tickets, it's time to prepare the necessary documents for your visa application. To obtain visa approval, you'll need a detailed itinerary of your planned destinations, hotel booking receipts, and flight tickets.

For details on the required documents, you can directly visit the website of the Japanese Embassy here.

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Here's a small tip to increase your chances of successfully obtaining a visa: ensure your passport is not entirely blank. It's advisable to have a few exit stamps from Vietnam.

Booking Hotels in Japan

When traveling here, you don't have to worry about accommodation because there are plenty of options available. You can choose accommodation that fits your budget and is conveniently located near the places you want to visit. Hotel room rates here are also very diverse, starting from 814,000 VND. Check room rates here.

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Below are some suggestions for famous and unique hotels in Japan that you can consider:

1- Nara Hotel

With an average room rate of 4,000,000 VND per night, this is an option for those who have good spending capability because the room rate is quite high. However, the quality of this hotel is truly worth the money you spend. Built and decorated in a Japanese style mixed with Western sensations, you will truly experience the life of the Japanese people when staying here.

The hotel is located right next to Nara Park, Kofuku-ji, Kasuga-Taisha, and Todai-ji.

Nara Hotel, Japan

bedroom at Nara Hotel, Japan

2- Smile Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi

With reasonably comfortable room rates compared to the cost of living in Japan, ranging from 2,000,000dd/night, Smile Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi has a convenient location for you to get around, being only 10 minutes' drive from Kabuki-za Theater, Tsukiji Fish Market, 1.9 miles (3.1 km) from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, and 3.3 miles (5.3 km) from Sensoji Temple.

Smile Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi

Smile Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi guest room

3- Dormy Inn Umeda Higashi Natural Hot Spring

Situated in Osaka, this hotel stands out for its hot spring and 3 hydrotherapy baths for guests to relax in. Additionally, the hotel enjoys a convenient location: just 10 minutes' drive from Osaka Castle and the Osaka Science Museum. The hotel is also 6.7 miles (10.8 km) from Legoland Discovery Center and 7.1 miles (11.4 km) from Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

Facade of Dormy Inn Umeda Higashi Natural Hot Spring hotel

Hydrotherapy baths at Dormy Inn Umeda Higashi Natural Hot Spring hotel

Hot spring at Dormy Inn Umeda Higashi Natural Hot Spring hotel

Bedroom at Dormy Inn Umeda Higashi Natural Hot Spring hotel

When is the Best Time to Visit Japan?

Japan is a country with distinct four seasons, each offering its own unique and captivating characteristics.

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Experience Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Springtime in Japan spans about 3 months, typically from March to May. This period is known as cherry blossom season, characterized by the first half being chilly with occasional snowfall, while the latter half sees warmer, sunny days, making it quite pleasant.

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Cherry blossom trees are planted everywhere in parks, along streets, on mountainsides, and along riverbanks, all bursting into a pale pink hue. Since Japan plants cherry blossoms on practically every street, you can admire them anywhere in the country.

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Furthermore, traveling to Japan in spring offers you the opportunity to participate in numerous festivals deeply rooted in traditional culture, such as:

• Hinamatsuri Doll Festival.
• Sumo Wrestling Tournaments.
• Takayama Festival.
• Hamamatsu Kite Festival, and more.

display of dolls at Hinamatsuri Doll Festival

Sumo Wrestling

impressive kites at the Japanese Kite Festival

Splendid Summer Fireworks in Japan

No longer the streets adorned with cherry blossoms as in the early spring. Summer in the land of the rising sun captivates tourists with its unique charm.

summer flower field in Japan (Photo st)

It's the golden sunlight flooding the space, the cool breeze carrying the northern scent, the vast lavender fields in deep purple, or the dazzling brightness of summer flowers mingling with shaded green paths.

lavender field (Photo st)

Visiting Japan in summer, you'll don traditional summer Yukata - the traditional kimono of the locals, slip into wooden sandals, and hear the lively rhythm echoing from the streets.

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But most notably, one must mention the impressive fireworks displays during the summer fireworks festivals.

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Golden hues overflowing in Japanese autumn

Autumn in Japan is like a season of relaxation, enjoying the serene nature, and it lasts from September to November.

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Some festivals and fun activities, interesting things to see and do during this time of the year include Akimatsuri (autumn festival), Kouyou (fall foliage)…

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An ideal destination in Japan during autumn is the city of Nikko - a place that enchants visitors with the blend of orange and red foliage mingling with the gentle blue sky and the warm yellow of autumn sunlight.

The beauty of autumn in Nikko city (Photo st)

Snow blankets Japan in winter

It's often said that Japan is most beautiful in the early mornings of winter. The entire landscape is enveloped in layers of pristine, fluffy white snow resembling cotton balls. Against that dreamy snowy backdrop, everything appears sharper and more prominent.

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However, not every place in Japan gets snowfall. Snow usually only appears and blankets the northern and western parts of Japan. If you're a snow enthusiast looking to experience skiing, don't miss out on famous snowy mountain areas like Hokkaido Island, Aomori Prefecture, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano, Ishikawa, Fukui,...

skiing tourism area

Additionally, when traveling to Japan in winter, don't overlook the opportunity to experience traditional hot springs called onsen by the locals. It's not just a cultural experience; hot springs also bring a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

Due to its abundant volcanic geography, Japan boasts around 3,000 renowned natural hot spring spots. Interestingly, most of these hot springs are situated in tranquil rural areas.

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Regarding festivals, the most famous ones in December in Japan include the Chichibu Night Festival, the Ako Gishi Sai Festival, and the spectacular Sendai Light Festival.

Sendai Light Festival (Photo st)

Transportation in Japan

When it comes to transportation in Japan, taking a taxi is usually the last resort for anyone due to its exorbitant fares (around 140,000 VND/km). The most cost-effective option is to use suitable public transportation. However, this requires thorough research and a specific plan for your trip.

Japan subway train (Photo st)

If you plan to visit multiple cities, you may consider purchasing a JR Pass for around 29,000 yen (approximately 5,700,000 VND), allowing unlimited rides on JR trains, including Shinkansen, for 7 consecutive days. Additionally, depending on your travel itinerary, there are different types of JR tickets available for each region.

JR Pass (Photo st)

If you're staying in one city, you can opt to purchase a Subway pass (Priced around 110,000 VND/day or 160,000 VND/2 days).

Subway ticket (Photo st)

Other options include buying a bus pass (Approximately 100,000 VND/day) or renting a bicycle (Around 300,000 VND/person/day).

Japan bus ticket (Photo st)

Famous Tourist Destinations in Japan

Japan boasts numerous captivating and intriguing tourist destinations. Below are some of the famous landmarks you should visit when in Japan.

1. Mount Fuji

As the tallest mountain in Japan standing at 3776 meters high, Mount Fuji has long been the subject of many artistic works and has become a symbol of the country.

Mount Fuji (Photo st)

Currently, there are many attractions around the mountain such as Fuji Safari Park, Shiroito Falls, and during the summer, many visitors come to climb the mountain.

visitors climbing the mountain (Photo st)

In 2013, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other related cultural relics.

2. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the most important destinations in Japanese tourism. Located in the city of Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji is a castle complex renovated from an ancient fortress.

Himeji is regarded as the epitome of Japanese castle architecture, having remained completely intact through the bombing raids of World War II and the Kobe earthquake.

Himeji Castle (Photo by st)

3. Yakushima Island

Yakushima Island belongs to Kagoshima Prefecture. This pristine island has a rich biodiversity and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site. Particularly, Yakushima retains remnants of a valuable special ancient temperate forest. Over 300,000 nature lovers visit this island annually.

Yakushima Island (Photo by st)

4. Itsukushima Shrine

Located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, Itsukushima Shrine (also known as Itsukushima Shrine) is an important religious site in Japanese tourism, famous for its giant torii gate. The scene of this torii gate submerged in the sea in front of Mount Misen is one of Japan's top 3 scenic views.

Itsukushima Shrine (Photo by st)

6. Nikko Temple and Shrine Complex

The Nikko World Heritage Site in Japanese tourism comprises 103 architectural and natural landmarks located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. These sites include 2 Shinto shrines, Futarasan and Toshogu, along with 1 Buddhist temple, Rinnoji.

Among the structures here, the most prominent ones are:

• The iconic arched Shinkyo Bridge at Futarasan.
• The 5-story pagoda, Gojunoto, at Toshogu.
• The Sanbutsudo Hall (also known as Sando) at Rinnoji Temple, featuring pure gold-leafed statues of Amida Buddha and Kannon.

Nikko temple and shrine complex (Photo by st)

7. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – Genbaku Dome

When it comes to Japan, one cannot overlook the two atomic bombs that were dropped on this country during World War II. The city of Hiroshima, heavily affected by the atomic bomb, has now become a popular tourist destination in Japan.

One of the main attractions of this city is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, featuring the Genbaku Dome, the only structure that remains standing near the site of the atomic bomb explosion.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Photo by st)

Japanese Cuisine

The average price of a meal at restaurants in Japan is around 220,000đ – 500,000đ per person. However, you can reduce costs by dining at smaller eateries, supermarkets, fixed-price shops, or cooking your own meals to bring expenses down to less than 220,000đ per day per person.

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Eating at convenience stores like 7-11, Family Mart, etc., is the simplest way to save money while still experiencing Japanese cuisine. Meals here cost around 110,000đ per serving. Alternatively, you can also buy groceries here to cook your own meals and minimize expenses further.

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Note: Do not leave a tip when dining in Japan. It may be considered offensive or they will find a way to return it to you.

Additionally, if your budget allows, you can indulge in the essence of Japanese cuisine with a variety of dishes. Below are some suggestions of dishes you shouldn't miss when visiting Japan:

1. Japanese Kobe Beef

Renowned worldwide for its flavorful yet intricate Kobe beef, dining on this delicacy comes with a hefty price tag. However, visiting Japan without indulging in this dish would be a missed opportunity.

According to word of mouth, the best place to savor this delicacy is at Steak Land. Tucked away in a narrow alley known only to true food connoisseurs, reservations must be made three weeks in advance and punctuality is crucial, as tardiness results in being politely turned away.

Kobe beef (Photo by st)

Famous Steak Land restaurant (Photo by st)

2. Sushi – Sashimi from Japan

Apart from Kobe beef, Sushi – Sashimi is also a hallmark of Japanese cuisine. While this dish may not be unfamiliar to us, indulging in sushi from its birthplace is an experience not to be missed.

Famous Japanese Sushi (Photo by st)

3. Japanese Sake

A traditional drink of Japan that is rarely absent from the tables of the people here.

Japanese Sake (Photo by st)

4. Japanese Tea Ceremony

If you have the opportunity, you should experience the Japanese tea ceremony. For the Japanese, the tea ceremony is a religion in the art of living of their own people, a philosophy with the true meaning of the term.

The Japanese tea ceremony is not simply a path, a set of rules for drinking tea, but above all, an effective means to cleanse the soul by: first, harmonizing with nature, to repair the mind, nurture the spirit, and achieve enlightenment.

Japanese tea ceremony (Photo by st)

5. Japanese Street Food Snacks

Like rice cakes mochi, savory pancakes Okonomiyaki, grilled squid Ikayaki, fish-shaped cakes Taiyaki, squid balls Takoyaki…

Mochi cake (Photo by st)

Taiyaki fish cake (Photo by st)

What to Buy When Traveling to Japan?

When traveling here, surely everyone wants to buy some small souvenirs to give to friends and family. Here are some suggestions for cute little items at very reasonable prices that you can consider.

Maneki Neko Cat

At the top of the souvenir list sought after in Japan is the Maneki Neko cat, believed to bring fortune to its owner. This souvenir cat is always a favorite among people.

Maneki Neko Cat

Matcha Flavored Sweets

Green Tea Flavor - Matcha has almost become a signature taste of Japan. Many tourists seek out food made from Matcha powder, such as Mochi cakes, Nama chocolate, and Kitkat bars. Even a simple pack of Matcha powder is enough to make a unique souvenir.

Kitkat Matcha (Photo by st)

Japanese Mochi Cakes

As a traditional cake made from rice flour, it's a must-have during Japanese festivals. This famous rice cake is well-known and beloved by anyone who admires the Land of the Rising Sun. Note that these cakes don't keep well, so it's best to buy them on the last day of your trip.

Japanese specialty Mochi cakes

Wooden Geta sandals, Zori sandals

Alongside Kimono robes, a pair of wooden Geta sandals is an essential part of Japan's cultural beauty. Therefore, many tourists opt for Geta sandals as souvenirs. However, if you find wooden Geta sandals too challenging to walk in, you can purchase Zori sandals, a type of woven sandal that offers much easier and more comfortable mobility.

wooden Geta sandals (Photo by st)

Anime posters, logos, toys

For young people, Japanese manga and anime culture is not unfamiliar. If you intend to buy a gift for friends who are passionate about this, just go to Akihabara, where you'll easily find countless items you love.

manga shop in Japan (Photo by st)

Japanese coins

If you've overspent during your trip and don't have enough money to buy souvenirs for your friends, a simple trick is to keep the coins as gifts, especially the 5 yen coin. In Japanese, its pronunciation 'gô - en' sounds like a Han character meaning 'destiny.' That's why this coin is considered lucky.

Japanese 5 yen coin

Costs when traveling to Japan independently

Here is an overview of the expenses you'll have to pay for your trip to Japan (the figures are rough estimates and may increase due to various incidental expenses):

• Visa Fee: 650,000 VND/person
• Flight Tickets: 8,000,000-11,000,000 VND/person/way
• Hotel: 800,000 VND/night
• Transportation: 7,000,000 VND/7 days/person
  Getting around in Japan can be quite complicated, with various operating companies. For the utmost convenience, especially when traveling between cities like Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka, it's best to use the magical JR Pass All Japan card. With this card, you can freely explore Japan using all JR railway lines across the country (including the Shinkansen bullet trains and other express trains). The average price for a 7-day JR Pass is around 5,682,000 VND.
  Although JR is very convenient, for travel within the city, you'll need to purchase subway or bus tickets. There's also the option of taxis, but they can be quite expensive. You can buy a Subway Pass or a bus pass for the entire day within the city, costing around 100,000-120,000 VND per pass per person. So, in total, you'll spend about 840,000 VND / 7 days / person for city transportation.
• Food: 7,000,000 VND/7 days/person
  Food expenses depend on each person's appetite or preferences. Fast food chains like Sukiya, Matsuya, or Yoshinoya in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto have quite reasonable prices, ranging from 100,000 to 160,000 VND per dish. For those who want to save money for shopping or sightseeing, head straight to places like 7Eleven, Family Mart, where food is cheap and available 24/7.
• Entertainment: 10,000,000 VND/7 days/person
  Travel expenses are for buying tickets, going on tours to various places. Prices vary depending on the destination, so budget accordingly to enjoy your trip comfortably. After all, we're on vacation, so it's essential to enjoy ourselves and not be too strict with ourselves.

So, to travel to Japan, you need to prepare a minimum budget of 35,000,000 VND for a 7-day trip. It's indeed a considerable amount, but worth experiencing, isn't it? Start planning and saving from now on!

Important Tips for Traveling to Japan

Essential Items to Bring

+ Always keep your accommodation address in Japanese on hand in case you get lost: Japanese people are very hospitable and always ready to help you if you're in trouble, but not everyone can read English, so keep the address in Japanese on hand, which will be very useful for asking for directions or simply giving to a taxi driver for the quickest way back.

+ Portable wifi hotspot: This is an essential tool for anyone traveling independently to Japan without knowing Japanese. It helps you navigate, find dining options, or even call for assistance (through free phone apps). Rental prices range from 130,000 to 300,000 VND per day. Some rental companies include weefeego.com or japan-rail-pass.com.

+ Power adapter: Japan uses 110v electricity, so if you're using electrical/electronic devices, make sure they can handle 110v electricity. It's best to buy and carry a good-quality power adapter (in Japan, the power plugs have two flat pins arranged in a straight line, so make sure you buy the correct type).

Understanding Japanese Culture

+ Japanese people have a very punctual habit, so if you're taking trains, buses, or meeting someone, try to arrive exactly on time or 5-10 minutes early.

+ ALWAYS take off your shoes before entering a house.

+ Japanese people are very reserved about physical contact, so don't shake hands when first meeting, especially with the opposite gender. Instead, bow as a greeting.

+ When eating, if you're having soupy dishes, slurp loudly to show the chef that the dish is delicious.

+ DO NOT stand chopsticks upright in a rice bowl, DO NOT cross chopsticks over your own plate.

tips about Japanese culture (photo st)

Other tips

+ Get familiar with using Google Translate: Nowadays, many Japanese people know English, especially public transportation staff, so if you speak English, you can ask for directions at these points. However, there will be times when you feel awkward when you cannot communicate with the locals. Therefore, Google Translate tool will be an indispensable support for anyone.

+ Google Map Tool: This is also an essential tool for finding your way throughout your trip. The tool also helps you know which train to take, at which line, and what time it departs.

+ Plan your trip in detail, and you should prepare from 6 months to 1 year in advance for the most complete and meaningful trip.

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Wishing you a journey filled with many meaningful experiences in the Land of the Rising Sun. Don't forget to share those precious moments with VNTRIP!