Planning a perfect trip to Japan

Planning a trip to Japan is considered an essential first step to ensure everything goes smoothly. Especially for self-guided travelers, careful and thorough preparation is a must. Let’s explore how to plan a detailed Japan trip through this guide by Mytour!

Why is planning a trip to Japan necessary?

When visiting a foreign country, you can't afford to be unaware of where you're going or what you're doing. Hence, a detailed self-guided travel plan will ensure you don't miss out on any fun destinations or experiences during your trip.

Additionally, a travel plan offers several key benefits such as ensuring you have all the necessary items packed, without any excess or shortage. A well-prepared itinerary will assist you before and after your trip. This way, travelers can relax and enjoy themselves, while also avoiding unnecessary hassles. Specifically, planning a trip to Japan meticulously helps you minimize unnecessary expenses, maximize savings, and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Many tourists typically visit Japan during the spring season (Image source: Collected)

9 essential tips for planning a trip to Japan

1. How long will you stay?

Japan is home to a vast array of breathtaking scenic spots. To visit all the attractions across the country, it might take several months. Typically, a tourist visa for Japan allows a maximum stay of 15 days. Therefore, careful consideration is needed before setting off.

If you plan to visit Japan for 7 days, you can create a simple itinerary covering just three major cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. If you have a bit more time, you can consider nearby areas such as Mount Fuji near Tokyo, or Kobe, Nara, and Himeji near Osaka.

2. What activities will you participate in?

The experiences you wish to have will largely depend on your own interests and passions. For travelers deeply fascinated by culture, attending festivals and events might be a great option. On the other hand, if you’re a food lover, Japan offers a wealth of delicious dishes to savor.

The cherry blossom festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year (Image source: Collected)

A recommendation from Mytour is not to limit yourself to any specific activity. Embrace the adventure, explore new destinations, or try things you've never done before.

3. What are the destinations you’d like to visit?

Before planning, make sure to pinpoint the places you want to visit in Japan. In large cities, travelers can choose to visit temples or enjoy local cuisine. For those who are passionate about exploration, you can head to Hokkaido's mountains in the autumn to marvel at the stunning scenery.

If you're interested in architectural landmarks, don't miss the opportunity to visit and explore famous temples and shrines. Identifying your destinations early on will help make planning your trip to Japan more time and cost-efficient.

4. How can you obtain a tourist visa for Japan?

Obtaining a tourist visa for Japan is the first step in entering the country. First, ensure that your passport is valid and remains so for the duration of your stay. Then, provide your identification documents, personal information, and any other required materials accurately with your visa application. If your application meets the requirements, you will be granted a tourist visa for Japan.

Obtaining a visa for Japan can be relatively challenging, so you may want to consult with a reputable agency (Image source: Collected)

However, obtaining a visa for Japan is not an easy task. Tourists must go through several evaluation steps to ensure a high approval rate. Therefore, you might consider consulting with a visa agency to save time and improve your chances of success!

5. Booking flights, hotels, and transportation in Japan

Before booking your flight, you should decide which city in Japan you want to visit. If you plan to visit both cities, you can choose a flight from Vietnam to either Tokyo or Osaka. At this point, you will select one of the corresponding airports for these cities, Narita and Kansai.

Once you've planned a trip to Japan including both cities, you can choose to book a round-trip flight for either. To save on transportation costs within Japan, it’s recommended to purchase a JR Pass for free travel between both cities. Travel time between major cities in Japan is typically around 3 hours.

Currently, there are many airlines operating flights between Vietnam and Japan. Among the most popular are Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet. Vietnam Airlines typically has higher fares, ranging from 10 million VND to 20 million VND (round-trip). During peak travel seasons to Japan, ticket prices can reach their highest possible level.

Airline tickets to Japan from Vietnam Airlines are generally more expensive compared to other carriers (Image source: Collected)

If you're looking to save on airfare, Vietjet is a more affordable option. Round-trip tickets from Vietnam to Japan typically cost around 4 to 5 million VND.

For accommodation, consider trying out traditional homestays at least once to fully experience life like a true local in Japan. If you have a higher budget, you might opt for a luxurious 5-star hotel with traditional Japanese design. This way, you can enjoy premium services while also immersing yourself in unique local culture.

6. Your Luggage

When planning a perfect trip to Japan, packing appropriately is essential. However, Mytour's sincere advice is to avoid overpacking. A bulky suitcase not only makes it difficult to move around but can also lead to unpleasant experiences during your travels.

When planning a trip to Japan, the packing list will depend on the time of year you visit. For example:

• Summer: The summer weather in Japan can be quite hot and humid, except in Hokkaido and some cities in the northern Tohoku region. This is also the wettest season of the year. Therefore, pack comfortable summer clothes that are breathable. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket! 

• Early Spring and Late Autumn: The weather in Japan during these seasons can be a bit chilly. Bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket. Additionally, there’s no need for long-sleeve shirts during spring!

• Winter: Winter weather in Japan can be harsh. You’ll need a thick coat, a down jacket for outdoor activities, as well as gloves and a scarf. On windy days, consider wearing a wool hat and ear muffs. When strolling through the streets, make sure to keep your feet warm by wearing proper footwear to protect them from the cold!

It's advisable to pack light to avoid hindering your movement during the trip (Image source: Collected)

7. Search for detailed information about Japan 

Before finalizing your trip planning to Japan, make sure to check out tips from previous travelers. You can choose to read posts from travel bloggers. These articles provide helpful insights on how to handle various situations you might encounter during your stay.

Especially for first-time visitors to Japan, it’s a great idea to gather as much information as possible. Additionally, learning a few Japanese phrases can help you adapt more easily during your travels. 

8. Get travel insurance

Some Vietnamese travelers don’t pay much attention to purchasing travel insurance. However, few realize that travel insurance plays a vital role when traveling abroad. It not only protects you in terms of health and medical care but also helps prevent unexpected risks such as accidents, illness, lost luggage, or flight delays. This insurance typically covers medical expenses, flight cancellations, camera damage, and more.

We can't predict what the future holds. An unexpected event can occur at any time. Therefore, it’s important to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

9. Experience everything while you still can

Depending on your travel goals, you can select different destinations and experiences. However, don't focus too much on these aspects when traveling to Japan. Try all the local specialties you’ve never tasted before or visit museums and night markets you’ve never been to before. 

Additionally, you can enjoy the sight of falling autumn leaves or witness the cherry blossoms when spring arrives. You should also catch the spectacular summer fireworks displays at night or go skiing in the winter. 

These experiences might differ from your initial preferences or goals. However, stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new often leads to unexpected joys. Who knows? These might become the cherished memories of your trip to Japan.

The ideal time to travel to Japan?

Japan experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season brings its own unique color, creating a distinct beauty in Japan's landscapes. The characteristics of each season are distinct and don't overlap. As a result, travelers can plan their trips based on personal preferences and needs. For photography enthusiasts or those eager for social media check-ins, visiting during cherry blossom season or the vibrant autumn foliage would be perfect. 

• Spring (March to May): This is the best time to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom, which peak from late March to mid-April. Travelers should check the cherry blossom schedule in advance to plan their visit.

• Summer (June to August): Summer in Japan is quite hot, with heavy rainfall and occasional storms. However, it is also the season for exciting festivals such as fireworks displays and climbing Mount Fuji. Despite the heat, you can opt for cooler destinations in the mountains or visit beautiful beaches for relaxation. 

• Autumn (September to November): October is known as the season of red leaves. During this time, the landscapes transform into a romantic and poetic beauty that will captivate any nature lover. A visit to Japan during autumn will leave you in awe of the vast forests filled with brilliant red foliage. 

• Winter (December to February): Winter is the harshest season in Japan, and fewer tourists visit during this time. However, winter is far from boring. It offers a chance to experience a tranquil and serene Japan covered in white snow. You can enjoy skiing, hot spring baths (onsen), and other winter activities during your winter visit. 

Along with spring, autumn is also an excellent time to plan your trip to Japan (Source: Image credit: Collected)

Food Tips in Japan

One experience you cannot miss is sampling Japanese cuisine. The allure of Japanese food is no accident—it captivates travelers from all over the world. Although Japan is famous for its raw dishes, they are prepared with the utmost cleanliness and food safety standards. This is why it's rare for tourists to suffer from stomach issues during their visit to Japan. 

When planning your trip to Japan, you might want to check out some of the basic dishes that are favored by most tourists.

Sushi and Sashimi

These two dishes are considered Japan's 'national treasures' and have won the hearts of many food enthusiasts. Sushi and Sashimi are known for their smooth, cool flavors that blend perfectly with the spicy kick of wasabi sauce. Prices for Sushi and Sashimi range from 2000 to 3000 Yen per person. However, if you're looking to save money, you can grab sushi in subway areas for just 1000 to 1500 Yen per person.

Japanese Beef

Japan is renowned for its beef-based dishes. When visiting Japan, you'll find Steak Houses everywhere, not only in major cities but even in remote rural areas. Among the various types of beef, Kobe and Wagyu beef are the most famous. A plate of Kobe beef at a restaurant typically ranges from 5000 to 20000 Yen per serving.

Kobe beef is one of the most expensive delicacies in Japan (Image Source: Collected)

Noodles

It would be a real missed opportunity if you visit Japan without trying its traditional noodle dishes. Japan is home to three of the most popular types of noodles: Soba, Ramen, and Udon. Each type of noodle is prepared differently depending on the region.

Street Food

In addition to traditional dishes, don't miss the chance to explore Japan's street food scene! Japan boasts a vast collection of street food delicacies, many of which you've probably heard of, such as Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake), Takoyaki, Japanese-style crepes, grilled chicken skewers, and more. While strolling through the streets of Japan, you can also enjoy fresh seafood like grilled shrimp, octopus, squid, and oysters.

Enjoying street food throughout the Land of the Rising Sun (Image Source: Collected)

How much does a trip to Japan cost?

Planning the budget for your trip is a crucial step when organizing a trip to Japan, especially given the high cost of living in Japan. If you're considering a 7 to 10-day vacation in Japan, you can refer to the estimated travel expenses suggested by Mytour below:

• Flight tickets: From 4 to 10 million VND per person (round-trip). However, ticket prices vary depending on the airline, travel season, and individual preferences.

• Transportation costs: Instead of opting for expensive taxi services, it's advisable to purchase a JR Pass, which costs around 8 million VND. The JR Pass allows you to travel quickly between cities.

• Accommodation: Hotel prices vary based on individual preferences and budget. For a more economical option, you can choose a dorm room (a shared room with bunk beds), which costs about 500,000 VND per night. Homestays and hotels are more expensive, ranging from 1 million to 15 million VND per person.

• Food and drinks: Food costs in Japan generally start from 1 million VND per day.

In conclusion, the total cost of a trip to Japan ranges from 30 to 40 million VND per person for a trip lasting less than 10 days. Keep in mind additional expenses such as entry fees, shopping, and entertainment. If you decide to plan a trip to Japan, expect your total costs to fall between 35 to 50 million VND per person.

Famous Tourist Cities in Japan

It's truly challenging to visit all the cities in Japan within a short period. Therefore, Mytour suggests a few must-see cities included in Japan's travel tours.

Tokyo 

According to Japan travel experiences, it typically takes at least 4 days to explore all the major tourist attractions in Tokyo. Don't miss the chance to visit renowned temples like Senso-ji and Meiji Jingu. Additionally, spend an entire day enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo's Shinjuku and the lively Kabukicho entertainment district.

Experience the dynamic and vibrant lifestyle of Tokyo (Image source: Collected)

Osaka 

Osaka is Japan's second-largest city. Unlike the bustling and lively Tokyo, Osaka offers a more peaceful and serene atmosphere. However, that doesn't mean Osaka lacks vibrant entertainment spots. Among the most popular are the Namba entertainment district and the duty-free shopping area of Shinsaii. Moreover, from downtown Osaka, you can take a day-trip to various locations such as Kobe, Himeji Castle, and Nara Park.

Kyoto

The ancient capital of Kyoto always evokes a sense of calm for those who visit. Unlike the bustling neighborhoods and towering skyscrapers of Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto lacks such modern grandeur. However, its nostalgic charm and deep-rooted cultural beauty leave a profound impression. Visitors can spend an entire day strolling through the streets of the Gion district or simply visit the endless bamboo groves of Arashiyama and the iconic thousand gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Revisit a touch of ancient nostalgia in Kyoto (Image source: Collected)

Planning a trip to Japan is not an easy task. In addition to preparing documents, travelers need to create a reasonable budget and a detailed itinerary. If you wish to book a Japan tour, please contact the hotline 028 3827 0404 of Mytour for free consultation!