Diverse manga books standing in Okinawa Japan

JAPAN


A historically rich and well-maintained culture that is now being altered by the pressures of overtourism.

Explore Japan

Our Route & Itineraries

1-week - beach, nature & culture

Okinawa

A map of Taiwan showing a travel itinerary suggested by The Real Traveler.

Best Places to Visit in Japan

Best time to visit Japan

Mainland Japan has four distinct seasons, and the best times to visit are spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov). Spring means cherry blossoms and mild weather but also big crowds, while autumn has stunning foliage, comfy temps, and fewer tourists. Summer (Jun–Aug) is hot and humid, with a rainy season in June and the chance of typhoons later on. Winters (Dec–Feb) get pretty cold, especially up north, but are perfect for skiing and snow festivals.

Okinawa, on the other hand, is warm all year. Spring and autumn are ideal, with great weather and less humidity. Summer is hot and perfect for beach days, but typhoons can roll in. Winter stays mild—great for exploring, though the ocean might be too chilly for a swim.

Japan: Travel Costs

CURRENCY | Japanese Yen (¥)

Prices starting from:

KOMBINI (7-eleven, Lawson) | ¥500 | €2 | US$2

LOCAL RESTAURANT | ¥800 | €2 | US$2

MODERN BISTRO | ¥1500 | €4 | US$4

ACCOMMODATION |

Hostel | ¥2000 | €11 | US$11

Double-Room | ¥5000 | €14 | US$14

Luxury-Ryokan | ¥30,000 | €100 | US$100

PUBLIC TRANSPORT | ¥180 | €0.5 | US$0.5

COACHES | NT$2000 | €11 | US$11

SIGHTSEEING | NT$140 | €4 | US$4

ATM FEES | NT$0 - $35 | €0 - €1 | US$0 - $1

LAUNDRY | NT$40 | €1 | US$1

THE REAL TRAVELER TIP

Credit card and cash is the most widely accepted payment method.

You will need cash for street food / night markets.

Book accomodation with 1-2 weeks in advance & expect higher prices for the weekends.


Japan Traveling Budget per Day

COSTS | Budget* | $1200-$1700 NT | $38- $54 USD | 35€-50€

FOOD | NT$180 - $285 | €5 - €8 | US$5 - $8

ACCOMMODATION | | NT$500 - $715 | €14 - 20 | US$14 - $20

TRANSPORT | NT$70 - $105 | €2 - €3 | US$2 - $3

SIGHTSEEING | NT$70 - $105 | €2 - €3 | US$2 - $3

*budget per day including accommodation, food, sightseeing & transport.

THE REAL TRAVELER TIP

We visited Taiwan on a budget.

We recommend dining at local restaurants and enjoying street food.

When choosing budget accommodations, we prioritize comfort. You can decide whether to pay extra for amenities like AC, hot water, cleanliness, and top reviews.

Taiwan is easy to explore using public transportation, while Uber can increase your expenses.

Most historic attractions in Taiwan are free, except for a small fee in Tainan.

Japenese drinking dispensing machine in Okinawa, Japan

  • Japan is a great place to visit! It has a wonderful blend of old traditions and modern attractions, from historic temples to futuristic cities. You'll find amazing food, stunning nature, and warm, welcoming people. Whether you’re in lively Tokyo or serene Kyoto, Japan has something special for everyone.

  • Google Translate, Google Maps are a must.

    HappyCow can be helpful.

  • Check for you nationality’s requirements here.

  • Type A & B

  • Yes. sometimes, you might get lucky, and they won’t check upon arrival. Buy onward ticket here.

  • Japanese

  • It is one of the safest countries in the world, no need to worry at all.

  • Most people cannot speak English, use Google Translate to communicate.

  • Yes. The tap water in Japan is safe to drink.

  • Shinto (48%) & Buddhism (46%)

TikTok Travels: Japan

@the_real_traveler Eating sushi in Japan without spending a fortune? 🍣💴 The best way is at kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants! These spots serve fresh, high-quality sushi at budget-friendly prices, with plates starting at just ¥100 (~$0.65). Simply grab what looks good or order from the screen for freshly made sushi! 🚄✨ A quick tip: Never mix wasabi into your soy sauce—it's considered bad etiquette. Instead, place a little wasabi directly on your sushi if needed. Enjoy the experience like a local! 🥢🇯🇵 #sushitime #traveljapan #japan #travelblog #travelhacks #budgetfriendly ♬ blue - yung kai

@the_real_traveler Eating sushi in Japan without spending a fortune? 🍣💴 The best way is at kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants! These spots serve fresh, high-quality sushi at budget-friendly prices, with plates starting at just ¥100 (~$0.65). Simply grab what looks good or order from the screen for freshly made sushi! 🚄✨ A quick tip: Never mix wasabi into your soy sauce—it's considered bad etiquette. Instead, place a little wasabi directly on your sushi if needed. Enjoy the experience like a local! 🥢🇯🇵 #sushitime #traveljapan #japan #travelblog #travelhacks #budgetfriendly ♬ blue - yung kai

@the_real_traveler Eating sushi in Japan without spending a fortune? 🍣💴 The best way is at kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants! These spots serve fresh, high-quality sushi at budget-friendly prices, with plates starting at just ¥100 (~$0.65). Simply grab what looks good or order from the screen for freshly made sushi! 🚄✨ A quick tip: Never mix wasabi into your soy sauce—it's considered bad etiquette. Instead, place a little wasabi directly on your sushi if needed. Enjoy the experience like a local! 🥢🇯🇵 #sushitime #traveljapan #japan #travelblog #travelhacks #budgetfriendly ♬ blue - yung kai