Asia

Asia travel guides starting with Japan — the most-covered country in this section, with city guides, cultural etiquette, language basics, seasonal travel, and practical tips for a first or returning trip.

What you will find in this section

• Japan destination guides: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hokkaido, Okinawa
• Japanese language basics: greetings, food vocabulary, etiquette phrases
• Kansai dialect (Kansai-ben): okini, sugoi, maido
• Cultural guides: ryokan, onsen, tea ceremony, hanami, matsuri festivals
• Practical info: JR Pass, IC cards, visa rules, budget planning

Popular Japan topics

• Kabukicho, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Gion, Asakusa — what makes each neighbourhood distinct
• How to say “hello”, “thank you” and “good night” in Japanese
• Sushi, ramen, izakaya, sake — a traveller’s food vocabulary
• Drinking laws and the legal drinking age (20) in Japan

For the language and cultural side in more depth, see our Japanese Culture hub.

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Japan?

Citizens of 68 countries (including the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, NZ) can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. From 2026 onwards, Japan is rolling out the JESTA electronic travel authorization system, similar to the US ESTA — check the status before travel.

When is the best time to visit Japan?

Cherry blossom season (late March to early April), autumn foliage (mid-November to early December), and the shoulder months of May and October offer the most reliable weather and colour. Avoid Golden Week (late April-early May) and Obon (mid-August) for domestic travel crowds and high prices.

What is the JR Pass and is it worth it?

The Japan Rail Pass is a flat-fee ticket for tourists (7/14/21 days) covering most JR trains, including Shinkansen bullet trains. Prices rose ~70% in late 2023 so the break-even point is now higher — typically you need one Tokyo-Kyoto round trip plus two other city-to-city journeys in 7 days to make it worth it. Calculate before buying.

How much should I budget for a trip to Japan?

Mid-range travel in Japan runs ¥12,000-20,000 (~$80-130) per person per day including a 3-star hotel, two restaurant meals and public transport. Budget travel with capsule hotels and konbini meals can drop to ¥6,000-8,000/day. Tokyo and Kyoto are the most expensive; rural areas and Okinawa are cheaper.

Is English widely spoken in Japan?

In major tourist areas of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka — yes, signage and basic service English are good. Outside these cities, English drops off quickly. Google Translate camera mode and a few learned phrases (arigato, sumimasen, eigo wa hanasemasu ka?) go a long way.