Exploring Japan

I’ve visited Japan twice now for a total of nearly six months. The first time was in 2023, and my second visit was in 2024. I love visiting Japan because of the good food, the excellent public transit, and the many cute things I can buy in stationery stores.

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Travel Facts

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Japan Travel Facts

  • Visa-Free: U.S. passport holders can stay for 90 days without a visa.
  • Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). Approx. 1 USD = 140 JPY.
  • Language: Japanese. English is common in major cities (mostly only in tourist places, though)
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (cherry blossoms) or Autumn (vibrant foliage).
Visa Info

Essential Resources

Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to Japan

Japan for Under $50/Day

A comprehensive 56-page guide showing you exactly how to travel in Japan without breaking the bank.

get the guide

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Must-See Places In Japan

  • Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing, teamLab Borderless Museum, Tokyo DisneySea, Sensoji Temple.
  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
  • Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island.
  • Mount Fuji: Lake Kawaguchi, Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani black eggs.

Off-the-Beaten Path

  • Naoshima Island: Known as Japan’s “Art Island,” featuring unique museums and installations.
  • Okunoshima (Rabbit Island): A small island home to hundreds of friendly rabbits.
  • Kanazawa: A historic city with well-preserved samurai districts and a stunning garden.
  • Tottori Sand Dunes: A rare desert-like landscape on Japan’s coast.
  • Shirakawa-go: A quaint village of traditional gassho-style houses, especially scenic in winter.

Day Trip to Hakone

It’s easy to get to Hakone from Tokyo, and whether you get onto the actual mountain or not it’s worth going for a visit.

Explore Tours

Japan Guides

These are all the articles I’ve written about traveling Japan as a solo female backpacker. I’ve got guides to interesting places to visit, hotel reviews, packing lists, and more!

All Japan Posts