Every guide tagged first time, for a trip to Japan.
Japan or South Korea for your next trip? A fair comparison of culture, food, costs, transport, cities and nature, with a clear verdict for first-timers and every traveler type.
Tokyo or Osaka for your Japan trip? An honest comparison of the two great cities: sights, food, nightlife, day trips to Kyoto and Nara, costs, and a clear verdict for every type of traveler.
Every way from Narita and Haneda into Tokyo compared: N'EX, Keisei Skyliner and highway buses from NRT, the Monorail, Keikyu line and limousine bus from HND, with prices, times and honest advice.
The numbers every visitor to Japan should save: 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance, the Japan Visitor Hotline, plus how koban police boxes, pharmacies and earthquake alerts work.
Do you need a visa for Japan? Most nationalities get up to 90 days visa-free. Here is how entry works in 2026: Visit Japan Web, passport rules, onward tickets and the questions officers actually ask.
Planning your first trip to Japan? Here is when to go, how the trains and IC cards work, whether the JR Pass is worth it, how much cash to carry, and the etiquette that keeps you out of trouble.