Visiting Japan for the first time can be incredibly exciting, but also daunting. Here’s a quick guide to help first-time visitors to Japan!
The Big 3
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have long been known as Japan’s big 3 prefectures for tourists and businesses. As a first-time visitor to Japan, you’ll definitely want to prioritize these cities for their global hotspots and international recognition. These cities provide a good snippet of what Japan is all about — from the bright neon signs of Tokyo’s Shibuya to the mesmerizing shrines of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari-Taisha and the hip nightlife of Osaka’s Dotonbori district.
Cultural Experiences
Perhaps you want a little more than sightseeing, and that’s where Japan’s cultural experiences offer a more interactive vacation for you and your companions. A tea ceremony experience can be a great way to learn about Japanese cultural traditions while participating in a fun and interactive way. You may also be interested in the more physical aspects of Japanese traditions, such as kendo (sword fighting) or archery!
Global Favorites
Of course, if you want a Japan holiday experience that’s a little more familiar and digestible, you can always opt for global favorites such as Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo Disneyland and other themed parks. For the more niche theme parks that are exclusive to Japan, you can try the Ghibli Park in Aichi prefecture or the Detective Conan town of Hokuei in Tottori prefecture.
Scenic Trips
For the adventurous spirits, I’d highly recommend a few scenic trips where you can truly appreciate Japan’s natural landscape and beauty. Mt. Fuji is an absolute must-visit for first-timers in Japan, and you can experience it on a budget through a Lake Kawaguchi bike ride, or more luxuriously with a ryokan stay.
For a more physically challenging method of experiencing Japan’s scenic beauty, I’d recommend hiking up mountain peaks such as Mt. Daimonji or Mt. Hiei as a way to see stunning views of Kyoto. You could also opt for an all-day cycle of Japan’s famous Shimanami Kaido to experience the beauty of Japan’s seaside across the Hiroshima and Ehime regions.
Book A Tour!
If organizing events and experiences is a little too overwhelming for you, simply book yourself on a tour and let the guide do the rest!
Apps like GetYourGuide are the best ways to quickly and affordably book tours in Japan, from local city tours to nature adventures!
If you happen to visit Tokyo’s traditional city of Asakusa, I highly recommend checking out Captain Hawk Tours for a local niche experience!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!