Japan operates with real precision. Trains arrive to the second, hotel staff anticipate needs before they're voiced, and a "basic" bowl of ramen packs the depth of a recipe perfected over generations. But at the same time, there's plenty of surprises in store in the narrow alley opens onto a candlelit bar with three seats, the that century-old ryokan sits tucked inside a city center, and ancient rituals that seamlessly coexist with contemporary design.
Tokyo alone could occupy two weeks without repetition. Its neighborhoods shift dramatically from one block to the next, its food scene spans conveyor-belt sushi and multi-course omakase with equal seriousness, and the nonstop energy never feels exhausting. Kyoto slows everything down with temple districts and craft traditions refined over centuries. Osaka eats and laughs louder than either. And just beyond the classic sites, places like Naoshima, Kanazawa, and the mountains of Hokkaido offer a quieter, less-charted slice of Japan than most experience.
Japan rewards depth over breadth, whether it’s your first or fifth visit, with two key itineraries that will let the country stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Japan is one of the world's most rewarding destinations to navigate—efficient, safe, and set up to make visitors feel welcome.
Currency: Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). Cash remains king, with many restaurants and shops not accepting cards. 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs are the most reliable for international withdrawals. Tipping is not practiced and can be considered rude.
Languages: Japanese is the official language. English signage and bilingual speakers are common in major cities and tourist areas, but drops off outside the main hubs. Learning a handful of basic phrases goes a long way and is invariably met with appreciation.
Key phrases: konnichiwa (hello), arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), onegaishimasu (please), sumimasen (excuse me/sorry), hai/iie (yes/no), nihongo ga wakarimasen (I don't understand Japanese), eigo wo hanasemasu ka? (do you speak English?)
Airports: Tokyo is the main entry point, served by Haneda Airport (HND)—about 30 minutes from the city—and Narita Airport (NRT)—over an hour outside of the city. Flights connect New York City, Atlanta, and 20 more North American cities. Osaka (KIX) is a viable alternative, with connections to San Francisco and Los Angeles, plus seasonal flights to Vancouver and Toronto.
Transportation: Japan's bullet train (Shinkansen) is the backbone of intercity travel, with connections that are straightforward and efficient. Within major cities, subways, taxis, and rideshare apps cover most ground easily, and many neighborhoods reward walking. Outside the main urban centers, scheduled taxis or private drivers are the more practical option.
Best time to visit: Spring (April–May) and fall (October–November) are the sweet spots with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and picturesque landscapes. Cherry blossom season is genuinely beautiful but comes with peak crowds and prices, as does Golden Week. Summer (June–August) is hot, rainy, and humid, best for indoor activities. Winter (December–February) is colder but with fewer crowds in cities like Tokyo, and great skiing in places like Hokkaido.
Ideal length of stay: 10 to 14 days is the right target for a first trip—the distance alone makes anything shorter hard to justify. 10 days covers the core circuit of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with room for a day trip or two. Two weeks opens up Hiroshima, Hakone, Kanazawa, and more.
Signature dishes and drinks:
Sushi & sashimi: Fresh fish over vinegared rice or served alone
Ramen: Noodles served in regional broths that range from rich tonkotsu from Fukuoka, soy-based shoyu from Tokyo, and miso from Sapporo
Tempura: Seafood and vegetables in a light, impossibly crispy batter
Takoyaki: Grilled octopus balls topped with bonito flakes, mayo, and a savory sauce
Wagyu beef: Marbled, tender beef, served as steak, in hot pot, or in a sandwich
Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers cooked over charcoal
Tonkatsu: Breaded, fried pork cutlet, served with shredded cabbage and a tangy sauce
Onigiri: Rice ball with tuna mayo, pickled plum, or salmon fillings, wrapped in nori
Sake: Rice wine that ranges from dry and delicate ginjo styles to rich, earthy junmai
Matcha: Powdered green tea with a depth that sets it apart
Japanese whisky: Brands like Suntory and Nikka rival Scotland's best with a style that prizes balance and subtlety
Beer: Crisp, clean lagers from famous local brands like Asahi, Sapporo, and Kirin
What to wear: Smart casual is best for most city exploring. Comfortable walking shoes are essential; the distances add up quickly. Breathable layers work well for variable weather, and a compact umbrella or rain jacket is worth having year-round. When visiting temples and shrines, modest, easily removable footwear makes the experience smoother. For upscale restaurants and hotel bars, a step up from daywear is appropriate and considerate.
Travel tips:
Luggage: Pack light—train storage is limited and city hotel rooms are compact. Japan's luggage forwarding service, takkyubin, is reliable, affordable, and widely used; send bags between cities overnight.
Etiquette: Eating and drinking while walking is generally frowned upon. Keep voices low on public transport. On escalators, stand on the left in Tokyo and the right in Osaka.
Shoes: Wear footwear that slips on and off easily—temples, traditional restaurants, and many ryokans require shoes to be removed at the entrance.
Trash: Public bins are rare outside of convenience stores. Carry a small bag for rubbish and dispose of it in the proper place when you’re able.
Tax-free shopping: Visitors are eligible for tax exemption on many consumer goods—the process varies by retailer, so ask at the point of purchase.
Tattoos: Most traditional onsen prohibit visible tattoos, though policies vary—some allow covering with a bandage or seal, others maintain stricter rules.
Drinking & smoking: The legal age for both is 20. Smoking is tightly regulated and banned on most streets—use designated, often enclosed, booths when needed.
The classic first-time Japan trip hits four essential stops. Set the tone with four to six nights in Tokyo—vast, electric, and endlessly layered, shifting dramatically from one block to the next. Hakone offers a natural exhale, with hot spring ryokans, mountain scenery, and views of Mount Fuji on a clear day—perfect for a one to two day stopover. Kyoto keeps the slowed down pace with four to six days for exploring temples, traditional machiya townhouses, and a food culture built on centuries of refinement. Osaka closes the loop on a livelier, more irreverent note with one to two nights of street food, late nights, and a city that takes eating seriously above all else.
Where to stay in Tokyo
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi: A classic five-star experience with sweeping city views, impeccable service, and the polished refinement the brand is known for.
When you book Four Seasons with Fora, you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits.
Palace Hotel Tokyo: A modern Japanese luxury hotel with a strong sense of place—clean lines, warm materials, and thoughtful nods to Japanese aesthetics throughout.
The Okura Tokyo: A storied address offering two distinct experiences—the Heritage Wing for larger, Japanese-style rooms, and the Prestige Tower for a more contemporary stay.
Where to stay in Kyoto
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa: Kyoto's leading retreat, adjacent to Nijo Castle with an on-site onsen and stylish interiors that draw on the city's craft heritage.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Dusit Thani Kyoto: Set in a quieter residential neighborhood away from the main tourist corridors, offering a strong value for hospitality over prestige.
Capella Kyoto: A new luxury arrival with serious culinary ambition and onsen suites make it an exceptional choice for those who want immersion alongside luxury.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Where to stay in Hakone
Hakone Gora Karaku: A modern ryokan following traditional ryokan structure—set dining times, communal onsen—with a slightly more contemporary edge than classic properties.
Gora Kadan: An iconic luxury ryokan, widely considered one of Hakone's finest, with exceptional food and onsen experiences that helped forge its reputation.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara: This boutique ryokan is distinguished by private terrace baths, for those who want the onsen experience without the communal element.
Where to stay in Osaka
Waldorf Astoria Osaka: A striking hotel with interiors that balance classic luxury and refined Japanese sensibility, complete with refined dining, city views, and wellness amenities.
Fora’s Hilton for Luxury partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade whenever possible, and double Hilton Honors points.
Four Seasons Hotel Osaka: This polished and service-driven property has a sophisticated design and the brand's characteristic attention to detail to match.
When you book Four Seasons with Fora, you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits.
Patina Osaka: A design-forward property near the Osaka Castle that’s set apart from the traditional luxury category, with modern amenities and relaxing wellbeing program.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.