Besides helpful information, this blog offers expert insights into Japan's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Pathfinder Japan is not a travel agency—we're professional travel planners. We combine the local expertise of travel agents across Japan to create custom journeys tailored to your interests.
Unlike traditional travel agencies that focus on local tours and activities, Pathfinder Japan takes a different approach. We curate the best tours and experiences from agents across the country, allowing you to pick and choose what suits you best to create a fully personalized itinerary.
Say goodbye to one-size-fits-all travel plans. With Pathfinder Japan, you have the freedom to blend tours from different regions and providers, ensuring an authentic and truly unforgettable adventure.
Experience Japan, Your Way. We’ll craft a unique adventure that highlights the country’s hidden treasures, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Japan's leading railway company, Japan Railways (JR), has an elaborate and well-established network of trains throughout the country. From scenic local trains to the super express shinkansen, if you are traveling on rail in Japan, the chances are it will be with JR.
Planning Your Dream Getaway
Pathfinder Japan makes planning your trip easy with our extensive library of tours and activities, all contributed by travel agents from across Japan.
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How Pathfinder Japan Works for You.
Must 'do's' and 'see's' in Japan!
Enjoy a service that takes away all the stress of arriving and departing the two Tokyo airports.
In Tokyo, and Kyoto.
Japanese uses three scripts: kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Each serves a unique purpose, from representing concepts to writing foreign words. Could you master this triple challenge?🖋️
Sushi originated as a way to preserve fish with fermented rice over 1,000 years ago! Today’s fresh sushi evolved in the Edo period when fish was paired with vinegared rice. What’s your go-to sushi roll?" 🍣
Did you know umami, the 'fifth taste,' was discovered in Japan? This savory flavor is found in soy sauce, miso, and dashi broth, staples of Japanese cuisine. What’s your favorite umami-packed dish?" 🍜
Kaiseki, Japan’s haute cuisine, is a multi-course meal where each dish reflects the season and balances taste, texture, and presentation. It’s like edible poetry! Would you try it? 🍱
Matcha green tea dates back to Japan’s samurai era, when Zen monks drank it for focus during meditation. Today, it’s loved in everything from tea ceremonies to lattes. How do you enjoy your matcha? 🍵
Tempura may seem quintessentially Japanese, but it was introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century! Japan made it its own with lighter batter and seasonal ingredients. What’s your favorite tempura treat? 🍤
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"Japan has thousands of festivals! One of the most unique is the Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival) in Okayama, where men wear loincloths to battle for good fortune. Would you join the celebration?" 🎉 "Ready to uncover the real Japan?”
Japan is home to 110 active volcanoes, making up 10% of the world’s total! Mount Fuji, the most iconic, hasn’t erupted since 1707. Would you dare to climb it?" 🗻 "Ready to uncover the real Japan?
If you’ve ever wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Omiya is the place to go. Just 30 minutes north of Tokyo by train, this often-overlooked city offers a delightful blend of modern attractions and traditional Japanese culture. How to get there: From Shinjuku Station, take the Saikyo Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Lines to Omiya Station (Google Maps).
Kawagoe is a historic city just an hour’s ride from Tokyo, transporting you back to Japan’s past. The town blends modern amenities with the preserved architecture and atmosphere of the Edo period, making for a comfortable yet historically enriching escape.
How to get there: From Shinjuku Station, take the Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Ikebukuro Station. Switch to the Tobu-Tojo Line and stop at Kawagoe Station (Google Maps)
The coastal city of Ito is a hidden gem that’s only 2 hours away from Tokyo. It has everything you need for a day of rejuvenation — natural beauty, hot springs, and unique wildlife encounters.
How to get there: From Shinjuku Station, take the Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Ofuna Station, then transfer to the Tokaido Line. Get off at Atami Station and switch to the Ito Line to reach Ito Station (Google Maps)
Each season offers something special.
🌸 Spring (mid-March to April) is perfect for cherry blossoms, though it can get crowded. 🍁 Autumn (late Oct - early Dec) is ideal for stunning maple leaves and festivals, with mild weather. Summer (June-August) brings festivals, but also the rainy season. 🌧️ Winter (Dec-Feb) may be cold, but it’s a magical time for Christmas celebrations and discounts, plus skiing in snowy regions like Hokkaido! ❄️
Best Time for Cherry Blossoms: Mid-March to end of April, but the blooms are short-lived—rain can shorten the season.
Autumn in November: Late October to early December is the best time to see vibrant maple leaves in the Kanto area, with mild temperatures (15-20°C).
Winter in Kansai: December brings chilly weather (5-12°C), but it’s mostly dry and sunny—perfect for sightseeing.
Typhoon in October? There’s a chance, but it won’t ruin your trip. Just plan indoor activities like shopping or museums!
Christmas in Japan? Absolutely! Enjoy the festive atmosphere and special New Year discounts in Tokyo.
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
Probably not, but you can check if you need a visa to enter Japan here.
Do I need travel insurance for Japan?
Yes, you do. Medical care isn't free in Japan. If you have an accident or get ill, you will probably need to show proof of insurance before you receive medical treatment.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
You can travel around Japan in any season. Spring and autumn offer the best weather. Spring gives you the bonus of cherry blossoms, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. The best month to visit Japan is probably May: the spring chill has passed, the summer heat hasn't arrived, and the crowds from cherry blossom season have dispersed. If you visit in May, be sure to avoid Golden Week (the first week of May), as it's the busiest vacation season in Japan. Hotels are expensive, trains are crowded, and traffic jams are common. Whichever season you're considering, feel free to leave a comment below before booking your flight, and we can help you avoid dates when travel to Japan isn't advised.
Can I bring my usual medicine into Japan?
Probably yes, but note that Japan is stricter than most countries about bringing medicine. Keep the following in mind:
Is it easy to be vegetarian or vegan in Japan?
Japanese people love meat, especially fish and seafood. However, it's not difficult to travel around Japan as a vegetarian if you plan ahead. Being vegan, on the other hand, can be much harder. Even basic noodle dishes (like udon and soba) are made with fish stock. If you stay at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan), make sure to arrange your dietary needs in advance.
Is Halal food available in Japan?
Halal food is not widely available in Japan, but with advance planning and research, it is possible for Muslims to travel comfortably. Let us know, and we'll be happy to assist.
What if I have tattoos?
Many hot spring baths (onsen) and traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) prohibit bathers with tattoos, though tattoo-friendly onsen’s are becoming more common. It’s also possible to find ways around these rules if you have a tattoo.
Electricity and Adaptors
The voltage in Japan is 100V (not 110V or 220V like in many other countries), and power sockets are Type A. Type A is used in the USA and China, so if you're from another country, you’ll need an adaptor.
Type B is also used in Japan, but it’s similar to Type A except it has an additional grounding pin. Therefore, any Type A plug will fit into a Type B socket. Most electrical shops or convenience stores in Japan don’t sell overseas-to-Japan converters, so it’s best to buy the adaptor you need in your home country.
Japan Packing Tips (What to Bring)
Try to bring as little as possible. You’ll likely be traveling on crowded public transport where storage space is limited. Ensure your luggage is easy to carry. You don’t need to bring formal wear—casual-smart is fine, even at the best restaurants, but avoid scruffy-looking clothes. Coin laundry is widely available, so you can recycle your clothes.
You’ll often be required to remove your shoes, so bring enough socks to avoid embarrassment. Avoid bringing old socks with holes.
Bring handkerchiefs! Some public bathrooms don’t have a way to dry your hands, and in summer, you’ll need to wipe sweat from your face. In summer, bring a sun hat, and in winter, bring something woolly and warm. Umbrellas are more popular than raincoats in Japan. You can bring your own foldaway umbrella or buy inexpensive umbrellas almost everywhere.
Don’t use your Japan trip as a time to digitally detox. You’ll need your phone for travel apps like Google Translate and Google Maps. Unless you're from the US, you’ll need a power adaptor, and a battery bank is a good idea too. Japan is incredibly photogenic, so bring a camera (or just use your phone like everyone else!).
Japan Packing Pro Tip
Bring shoes that can easily be slipped on and off, as you’ll likely need to remove and put them on many times throughout the day. Slip-on shoes are much more convenient than lace-ups.
Luggage Delivery Service
If you don’t want to carry your bags around, you can use a luggage delivery service. The largest and most popular is Ta-Q-Bin, operated by Yamato Transport. You can have your luggage delivered from the airport to your hotel, or from hotel to hotel during your trip. At the end of your trip, when your bags are full of souvenirs, you can have them delivered to the airport. The service usually offers same-day or next-day delivery, depending on when the luggage is picked up and where it’s being delivered.
Many major hotels have contracts with Ta-Q-Bin, so look for the black cat logo in the lobby or ask the staff. Convenience stores also offer Ta-Q-Bin services. For prices and other info check here. Alternatively, you can call Ta-Q-Bin directly to arrange for luggage collection. Their English-language toll-free number is 0120-17-9625 (9 AM to 6 PM, 365 days a year). They will pick up and deliver to/from any address in Japan. They also handle overseas deliveries.
Staying Online in Japan
Can I get free WiFi in Japan?
Yes, you can. There is free WiFi in many places, but it’s not as common as you might expect. Some cafes restrict free WiFi to phones on specific Japanese networks. However, most international hotels and many "business hotels" offer free WiFi to guests. Starbucks (all branches) and McDonald's (some branches) also offer free WiFi.
Can I stay online with my phone in Japan?
Yes, you can. Instead of relying on free WiFi, we recommend the following options to stay online. You’ll probably want to use apps like Google Translate and Google Maps while you’re in Japan.
If you have an unlocked phone, you can get a data-only SIM card for internet access.
Getting a voice SIM card (for phone calls) is a bit more complicated, so it’s usually better to rent a phone with both voice and data.
Renting a pocket WiFi device is a good option if your phone is locked or if you’re traveling as a group or family.
Money in Japan
Can I use my credit card in Japan?
Credit cards are widely accepted but not as much as in some other countries. Many places still don’t accept credit cards, so it's important to carry cash. However, most hotels and restaurants do accept cards, and there is usually no extra charge for paying by credit card.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Japan?
You might get a better exchange rate in Japan than at home. Currency exchange at the airport is possible, but most money changers operate only from 8 AM to 9 PM. You can also find 24-hour ATMs in 7-Eleven stores. For peace of mind on arrival day, you might want to exchange some money into Japanese yen before you leave your home country.
Can I use traveler’s checks in Japan?
We don’t recommend bringing traveler’s checks unless you've specifically researched places that cash them, as they are not commonly used in Japan.