Japan travel guide.

When to go

Japan has four distinct travel seasons. Late March through early April brings cherry blossom crowds and the highest hotel prices of the spring; May after Golden Week is warm and noticeably cheaper. October and November offer stable weather and autumn foliage. June is the rainy season in most of the country, and August through early October is typhoon season on the Pacific coast, which matters most for beach and island itineraries.

Winter is the quietest and usually cheapest season outside the New Year holiday. Ski regions such as Hokkaido run on an opposite calendar, with January and February as their peak.

Getting in and around

Most international itineraries land at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) for Tokyo, or Kansai (KIX) for Osaka and Kyoto. Haneda sits closer to central Tokyo, roughly 30 minutes by train against 60 to 90 minutes from Narita.

Within the country, the shinkansen network connects Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. The nationwide Japan Rail Pass is priced for long multi-city itineraries; for a Tokyo-centered trip, individual tickets and an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) cost less. Regional rail passes cover popular circuits such as Kansai or Hokuriku at lower prices than the national pass.

Where to start

Tokyo is the default first base: two airports, the densest transit network, and day trips to Kamakura, Nikko and Hakone. A classic first itinerary pairs 4 to 5 nights in Tokyo with 3 to 4 nights in Kyoto or Osaka via shinkansen.

Our Tokyo destination guide covers the city in detail, with linked pages on trip costs, hotel prices, flights from Singapore, things to do, and the best time to book.

Airports

• NRT. Narita International Airport
• HND. Tokyo Haneda Airport
• KIX. Kansai International Airport

Do I need a visa to visit Japan?

Citizens of many countries, including the United States and Singapore, can enter Japan visa-free for short tourist stays of up to 90 days as of August 2026. Verify your passport on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan site before booking.

What is the best month to visit Japan?

April and November are the most popular for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. May after Golden Week and October offer similar weather with smaller crowds and lower hotel prices.

How much does a Japan trip cost per day?

Budget travelers manage on about US$80 to US$120 per day, mid-range travelers on US$120 to US$250, and premium trips run above US$350 per day, as of August 2026. Our Tokyo trip cost page breaks this down by traveler type.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth buying?

Only for itineraries with several long shinkansen legs. A Tokyo-only or Tokyo-plus-one-city trip usually costs less with individual tickets and an IC card.

Which airport should I fly into for Tokyo?

Haneda (HND) is closer to central Tokyo, about 30 minutes by train. Narita (NRT) has more long-haul routes but takes 60 to 90 minutes to reach the city center.

Is Japan expensive compared with other Asian destinations?

It sits in the middle. Daily costs run higher than Thailand or Vietnam but below Singapore hotel prices, and the weak yen against the US dollar has kept trips comparatively affordable as of August 2026.

How many days do I need for a first Japan trip?

Seven to ten days covers Tokyo plus one other region comfortably. Five days is enough for Tokyo alone with a day trip.

When is typhoon season in Japan?

August through early October carries the highest typhoon risk, mostly affecting Okinawa, Kyushu and the Pacific coast. Trips in that window should favor flexible bookings.