Is Japan Worth Visiting? Where to Go, What to Do & How Long to Stay

Now, if you are still with us and want the full lowdown on travelling Japan and the best travel tips for Japan, then you are in a for a treat....

From neon-lit skyscrapers to tranquil temples, bullet trains and bamboo forests, Japan is a fascinating collision of the ultramodern and the deeply traditional. With a unique cultural identity that developed without almost any outside influence, the Land of the Rising Sun is incomparable to anywhere else you can travel to. You might be wondering: Is Japan worth visiting? In one word: Absolutely! And with the Japanese yen being a little weaker than usual at the moment, this country, typically considered expensive, is now a bit more budget friendly; so there’s never been a better time to visit Japan.

But let’s break it down, honestly and practically, so you can decide if it’s the right destination for you.

Japan has an irresistible global allure and an impressive cultural reach. It’s the birthplace of sushi, samurai, Studio Ghibli, and some of the world’s most innovative tech (and toilets). Culturally rich, a feast for the senses and incredibly safe, it offers a travel experience unlike any other. Whether you're a foodie, a nature lover, a history buff, or a diehard anime fan, Japan has something to offer you.

• Cultural Depth: From Shinto shrines in Kyoto to legendary sumo matches in Tokyo, Japan offers immersive experiences grounded in centuries of deeply-rooted tradition. It’s one of the few places where ancient culture and spiritualism is preserved, practiced and felt daily, alongside the high-speed pace of modern life of Salarymen and Office Ladies!
  
• Safety: Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Even major cities feel extremely clean, calm and orderly and everything just works as it’s supposed to. Solo travelers, especially women, often report feeling secure and respected.
  
• Cuisine: Sushi, ramen, tempura, and izakaya fare are just the start. Not to mention delicious beer, sake and whiskey. Japan is a food lover’s paradise, and it’s surprisingly vegetarian-friendly, especially in places like Kyoto.
  

Technology: From vending machines that serve hot (and surprising tasty) meals to toilets with more buttons than a TV remote, Japan’s tech is quirky, efficient, and genuinely helpful for travelers - once you’ve gotten your head around it, and stopped wondering how they even came up with it.

• Cost & Budgeting: Although, economically, it’s a good time to visit, Japan still isn’t dirt cheap, but it’s not as expensive as you might think. Budget accommodation, convenience store meals (which are amazing, by the way), and JR Passes help keep expenses in check. But bizarrely, prices can vary wildly in cafes and restaurants that are right next to each other. So always do your research and check places Google rating on maps, and more importantly, the price in ¥ you can expect to pay…
  
• Language Barrier: While Japanese locals are extremely friendly and helpful, English isn’t widely spoken outside of tourist areas. However, signage is often bilingual, and translation apps like Google Translate work well. A little effort with basic Japanese phrases goes a long way. It’s also worth noting that Japan doesn’t exactly have the social hostel culture of South East Asia or South America, and with it being harder to communicate with locals, some solo travellers have reported feeling a little isolated on their trip.

If you’re wondering how long to stay in Japan, the answer depends on your travel style and priorities. And your annual leave of course.

• 7 Days: Ideal for a highlights-only trip. Think Tokyo and Kyoto with a day trip or two. Perfect if you're short on time.
  
• 10–14 Days: The sweet spot for first-timers. This allows you to explore major cities, soak in hot springs, and even get a bit off the beaten track and take in cultural towns like Nara or Kanazawa.
  
• 3+ Weeks: Go beyond the Golden Route. Explore rural Japan, lesser-known islands, embark on a foodie pilgrimage up north in Hokkaido, or even venture out to historically significant sites like Hiroshima for the moving Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

So, which cities are the best to visit in Japan? These five are the classic picks for first-time visitors:

• Tokyo: A pulsating capital where tradition meets innovation. One minute, you’ll feel you’re on the neon-drenched futuristic set of Blade Runner, the next, brushing shoulders with locals in a tiny whiskey jazz bar. Visit Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, teamLabs’ digital art museum, and indulge in high-tech shopping and street eats.
  
• Kyoto: Japan’s spiritual heart. Wander through ancient temples, shinto shrines, geisha districts, and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. If you’re lucky, the cherry blossoms will also be in bloom.
  
• Osaka: Known for its street food (takoyaki and okonomiyaki are must-tries), laid-back locals, and vibrant nightlife. For a real cultural experience, you can nab tickets to an Osaka Tigers baseball game and support Japan's premier team in the country’s most popular sport.
  
• Hakone: Perfect for hot springs (onsen), impressive Mount Fuji views (sadly only visible about one third of the year), and a break from city chaos.

There’s absolutely no shortage of things to do in Japan. Here are some unique experiences you shouldn't miss:

• Sushi Experiences: Take a sushi-making class or eat at a classic conveyor belt restaurant. For the adventurous, try a standing sushi bar. If you’re a real foodie, seek out one of the country’s many Michelen starred sushi restaurants - often found in such humble locations as subway stations.
  
• Temple & Shrine Visits: Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, Senso-ji in Tokyo, and Todai-ji in Nara are unforgettable and spiritually important.
  
• Cherry Blossom Viewing: If you're visiting in spring, hanami (flower viewing) is a national pastime. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa offer stunning spots for postcard-perfect photo opportunities.
  
• Anime & Pop Culture: Akihabara in Tokyo is an anime paradise, and Pokémon Centers are a hit with fans of all ages. Anime is simply huge in Japan, and often the top cinema box office hits are animated. Don’t miss the Ghibli museum in Tokyo, or the recently opened Ghibli Park in Aichi, for a chance to see Miyazaki’s fantastical creations brought to life.
  
• Shopping: Browse everything from high-end boutiques in Ginza to quirky 100-yen stores for affordable souvenirs. Personally, we love the discount store trend of sweatshirts and t-shirts with seemingly nonsensical or random English phrases on them!

Japan’s public transportation is clean, efficient, and foreigner-friendly.

• JR Pass: If you're planning to visit multiple cities, a Japan Rail Pass can save you money on long-distance Shinkansen (bullet trains). Reserve it before you arrive. Travelling on a highly efficient and comfortable Shinkansen, or bullet train, is truly something to be experienced.
• Metro Travel: In major cities, grab an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) to tap on/off subways and buses without buying individual tickets. The metro is also incredibly efficient, but can get insanely busy during rush hour. So try to avoid it during these hours unless you want to meet the ‘passenger pushers’; men employed during rush hour to ‘help’ (read: push) people onto crowded trains.
  Pro Tip: Google Maps works well for train schedules and transfers.

Food in Japan is an adventure for your taste buds. Try local specialties in each region and don’t miss out on:

• Ramen: Tonkotsu in Fukuoka, miso in Sapporo, and shoyu in Tokyo. Always hearty, spicy and delicious.
• Street Food: Takoyaki in Osaka, mochi in Kyoto, and yatai stalls in Fukuoka.
• Vegetarian Options: Look for shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine), tofu dishes, and the growing number of vegan cafes in Tokyo and Kyoto.
• Torisashi: Only for the truly brave among you... This is thinly sliced raw chicken, often eaten with dipping sauces like soy sauce and wasabi.
  

Navigating Japan is much easier when you’re connected. A Japan eSIM from Sim Local is a hassle-free way to access mobile data without hunting for a local SIM or pocket WiFi.

• Instant activation and no need to swap physical SIMs. Crucial for a country like Japan where English isn’t widely spoken!
• Great for maps, translation apps, train times, and restaurant reviews.

Below are our best Japan eSIM recommendations based on how long you plan to stay in Japan for:

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7 Days

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AU

Duration

15 Days

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Data

Speed

4G / 5G

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$39.00

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Smartroam

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30 Days

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4G / 5G

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$27.75

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• Pack light: Hotels and transport stations are compact; luggage forwarding services are available and affordable.
• Cash is king: Surprisingly, for such a technologically advanced country, cash still rules in Japan. While cards are gaining popularity, many places still prefer yen. Carry cash, especially outside major cities.
• Mind the manners: Being respectful of local customs is incredibly important to Japanese people (even if they’re sometimes too polite to tell you otherwise). Quiet on trains, shoes off indoors, and always queue.
• Book ahead: Reserve hotels, popular restaurants, and attractions like Ghibli Museum well in advance.

Yes, without a doubt. And these days it can be done without breaking the bank. Whether you're a culture-seeker, food lover, or nature enthusiast, Japan delivers a deeply rewarding and culturally enriching travel experience. Plan your Japan itinerary smartly, stay connected with a Japan eSIM plan, and you'll be on your way to creating unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most unique and quirky countries.

1. Is Japan expensive to visit?
Japan has a reputation for being pricey, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With budget accommodations, affordable and delicious convenience store meals, and a favorable exchange rate, you can travel Japan comfortably at a mid-range budget especially if you plan ahead.

2. How long should I spend in Japan for a first-time visit?
For first-timers, 10–14 days is ideal. It gives you enough time to experience major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, plus day trips or a venture off the beaten path to places like Nara or Hakone. Even a week can work for a highlights-only itinerary.

3. Is it difficult to get around Japan as a tourist?
Not at all! Japan’s transportation is world-class. Use the Japan Rail (JR) Pass for longer journeys and get an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for metro travel. Google Maps works great for navigation, especially in cities.

4. What are the must-try foods in Japan?
Don’t miss out on sushi, ramen, takoyaki, tempura, and regional specialties like miso ramen in Sapporo or tofu dishes in Kyoto. There are also great vegetarian options and adventurous dishes like torisashi (raw chicken) if you're feeling bold.

5. Should I get a Sim Local eSIM for my Japan trip?
Yes. A Sim Local eSIM is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to stay connected in Japan. You can activate it instantly, skip physical SIM swaps or pocket WiFi rentals, and use it for maps, translation apps, train schedules, and food reviews - all essential in a country where your language may not be widely spoken.