Why Fly to Japan
Japan delivers on the hype. It is one of the most rewarding destinations in the world precisely because it does everything at an exceptionally high standard — food, transport, hospitality, cleanliness, culture. Whether you are eating ramen in a tiny twelve-seat shop in Fukuoka, watching the sun hit Mount Fuji at dawn, or getting lost in the neon sprawl of Tokyo, the country constantly surprises. It is safe, easy to navigate as a foreigner, and dense enough with things to do that a two-week trip barely scratches the surface.
The big hitters are Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and they are popular for good reason. But Japan rewards travellers who push further. The mountain town of Kanazawa, the ancient temples of Nara, the subtropical islands of Okinawa, and the wild national parks of Hokkaido all offer something genuinely different. Budget at least ten days for a first visit. Two weeks is better.
Best Time to Visit Japan
Japan has four distinct seasons and each one has a case for it. Spring (late March to early May) is peak season for cherry blossoms — stunning, but crowded and expensive. Book accommodation months ahead if you are visiting during sakura season. Autumn (mid-October to late November) is the other premium period, with spectacular foliage across the country and cooler temperatures. Both seasons are worth the extra effort. Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and busy with domestic tourists, though summer festivals are a genuine highlight if you can handle the heat. Winter (December to February) is the least crowded and cheapest period. Hokkaido gets world-class ski conditions, and the rest of the country is quieter and very manageable.
Getting Around Japan
The Shinkansen bullet train network is the backbone of intercity travel and it is genuinely excellent — fast, punctual, clean, and comfortable. A Japan Rail Pass is worth buying before you leave home if you are covering multiple cities; it covers most Shinkansen routes and saves significant money versus buying tickets individually. For getting around within cities, subway systems in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are efficient and well-signposted in English. Get a rechargeable IC card (Suica or Pasmo) for seamless travel on trains, subways, and buses nationwide. Domestic flights make sense for longer hops — particularly to Hokkaido or Okinawa — and budget carrier Peach is worth checking for cheap fares.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Citizens of the EU, UK, and US do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days — Japan's visa exemption covers most Western passports automatically. You will need a valid passport for the full duration of your stay, at least one blank page for an entry stamp, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence you can support yourself financially. Working in Japan on a tourist entry is illegal, full stop. Overstaying your permitted period risks detention, fines, and a future entry ban. If you need to extend beyond 90 days, you can apply at a Japanese immigration office for a further 90-day extension before your original permission expires.
Money & Budget
Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). Despite its reputation as expensive, Japan is genuinely affordable if you travel smart. Cash is still widely used — carry some at all times, particularly outside major cities. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post reliably accept foreign cards. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in cities but do not rely on them everywhere. Budget travellers can get by on ¥5,000–¥8,000 per day (around £25–£40 / $32–$52) using hostels and convenience store meals. Mid-range budgets of ¥15,000–¥25,000 per day (around £75–£125 / $97–$162) cover good hotels and sit-down restaurant meals comfortably. Luxury travel — ryokan stays, kaiseki dinners, high-end transport — starts at ¥50,000+ per day and has no ceiling.
Top Cities to Visit in Japan
- Tokyo — The capital is overwhelming in the best possible way. World-class food, nightlife, shopping, and museums across dozens of distinct neighbourhoods that each feel like their own city.
- Kyoto — Japan's cultural heartland. Ancient temples, geisha districts, bamboo groves, and traditional ryokan inns. Essential on any first trip.
- Osaka — The country's food capital, with a louder, more informal energy than Tokyo. Base yourself here for day trips to Kyoto and Nara.
- Hiroshima — A sobering and important destination. The Peace Memorial Museum is one of the most powerful sites in Asia, and the nearby island of Miyajima is beautiful.
- Sapporo — Hokkaido's main city is the gateway to Japan's best skiing and hiking, with a laid-back atmosphere and outstanding seafood and ramen.
- Fukuoka — Often overlooked, but one of Japan's most liveable and enjoyable cities. The street food scene — particularly the yatai food stalls — is reason enough to visit.
FAQ — Flights to Japan
How long is the flight to Japan from Europe?
Direct flights from London to Tokyo take around 12 to 13 hours. From most other European cities you are looking at 11 to 14 hours direct, or longer with a layover — typically via hubs like Dubai, Doha, Helsinki, or Helsinki. Airlines including Japan Airlines, ANA, British Airways, and Finnair operate popular routes.
Which airport should I fly into in Japan?
For Tokyo, you have two options: Narita (NRT) is further out but handles more international flights, while Haneda (HND) is closer to the city centre and increasingly popular with European carriers. For Osaka and Kyoto, fly into Kansai International (KIX). Fukuoka (FUK) and Sapporo's New Chitose (CTS) are the main gateways for those regions.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Japan?
January and February typically offer the lowest fares, followed by June and early July. Avoid flying during cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Golden Week (late April to early May), and autumn foliage season (October to November) if price is your priority — demand spikes hard during these windows and fares reflect that.