Trip To Japan
Take a trip to Japan, one of the most vibrant, modern, and exciting countries in East Asia!
To some, this island nation in the northwest Pacific Ocean might be small. But nevertheless, it boasts some of the world’s most beautiful attractions, both natural and manmade.
Once there, you’ll be able to experience a wide variety of fun and interesting places and activities. Hike through cherry blossom-covered trails, visit ancient pagoda temples, relax in world-renowned spas, take in the famous street fashion, immerse yourself in pop culture, and savor meal after meal of delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine.
Ready to go? Your journey begins now with our guide for things to do in Japan!
Chapters
Things To Do
There is so much to do in Japan, that there’s no way you can do it all in one trip! That said, here are 5 activities that we think you should put at the top of your list to have a well-rounded, immersive trip.
1. Rediscover Your Childhood At Tokyo Disney
You may have visited Disneyland or Disney World in the United States. But if you haven’t been to Tokyo Disney, you’re missing out on an experience that will reawaken your inner child!
Tokyo Disney is just as magical as its sister theme parks in the US – perhaps even more so because it features certain attractions that you won’t find anywhere else.
For example, one park that you’ll only find in Japan is called DisneySea. It features 7 themed ports with rides, places to eat, and more. It’s highly popular with couples and young adults, while families are more likely to enjoy Tokyo Disneyland.
2. Experience The Rich Nightlife In Dotombori District In Osaka
If you visit the city of Osaka and are craving a vibrant nightlife experience, then Dotombori District is the best place to go.
Dotombori District is a neighborhood in Osaka that is famous for its wide variety of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, arcades, and more. It’s the perfect place to go to while away some evening hours and immerse yourself in authentic Japanese nightlife.
3. Visit The Ancient Kinkajuji Temple In Kyoto
Japan has a rich, storied history, and you would be remiss if you didn’t take some time to take it in. One of the most popular historical tourist destinations in Japan is the Kinkajuji Temple in Kyoto.
This towering pagoda floats serenely on a body of water. It is called the Golden Pavilion because the exterior is covered in gold leaf. Built in 1397, you’ll find it is still perfectly preserved as you take a leisurely walk amid the beautiful landscapes that surround it. Visiting the Kinkajuji Temple is the most ideal way to take in both the incredible culture of this country and some of its stunning natural vistas.
4. Pet Adorable Cats In A Cat Cafe
Cat cafes are small cafes that sell beverages and a few snacks. But the purpose of going to one is not necessarily to eat and drink (although those are tasty bonuses). It’s to play with the cats that live there!
Cat cafes are typically home to anywhere from 10-20 cats, and most of them enjoy being pet, played with, and fawned over – as all cats do. The customers, in turn, love to shower these felines with love and attention.
It’s not hard to find a cat cafe in Japan. The country hosts 150 of them, and at least 39 are located in Tokyo, the capital city. But it’s not just about the cats and the food – it’s about the sheer creativity of the owners of these cafes. Two of the most popular cat cafes in Tokyo – Temari no Oshiro and Tamari no Ouchi – have custom-made facades that are designed to look like entrances to charming little country cottages. The atmosphere could not be more purrfect!
Cat cafes in Japan, their country of origin, are a one-of-a-kind experience you don’t want to miss, so be sure to clear time in your schedule to visit one (or three… or more!).
5. Explore And Shop In Yokohama Minato Mirai 21
Are you interested in doing some shopping and exploring a great city? If so, then Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama is a wonderful destination to add to your list.
The seaside village of Yokohama became Japan’s first international port back in the 1800s. Now it’s home to some stunning modern urban developments, including Minato Mirai 21. Here, you’ll find countless hotels, museums, and breathtaking architecture, but you’ll also find around 600 stores. It’s a shopper’s dream destination!
How To Visit
When you’re planning your trip to Japan, you need to decide the best way to get there.
Fly
One way to take a trip to Japan is to book your own flight. There are dozens of airlines that fly from the Australia to this island country, including:
- Qantas
- JetStar
- Virgin Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- Air New Zealand
- All Nippon Airways
You can always check with a travel agent or a website like SkyScanner to see which airline will offer the cheapest, most convenient flight on the days you want to take your vacation.
Tour
If you’re not too keen on booking your own flights and hotels, and you want a guide on your journey, you can always book a tour to Japan. There are hundreds of different tourist packages available online, and many of them are themed. Simply choose which city or aspect of Japan that you want to experience the most (i.e., history, nature, even food!) and pick a well-rated tour that falls under that category. In many instances, the tour organization will book your flights and accommodations for you, so you don’t have to worry or stress about it.
Just be sure that you research your chosen tour well before you commit to purchasing tickets and reserving your spot. See that it is well reviewed and reasonably priced, considering the value you will get out of it. If it checks all the boxes and appears legitimate, then feel free to book away!
Where To Stay
Japan is home to some of the finest tourist accommodations in the world. Here, you’ll find 4 and 5-star hotels, resorts, and – our personal favorite – traditional Japanese inns called Ryokans. We recommend that wherever you go in Japan, you try to stay at a Ryokan, as these inns give you the best taste of authentic Japanese culture, hospitality, and local cuisine.
Best Restaurants
There are so many incredible restaurants and food joints in Japan that sell delicious, mouth-watering food, it’s impossible for us to recommend just a few!
However, we do recommend going to local places, including the Ryokan you’re staying in. Prioritize these over large chain restaurants, where the food is more commodified and less authentic.
Best Time To Visit
As you can imagine, a lot of tourists flock to Japan from all over the world throughout the year. However, there’s a general consensus that spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the best times to go. Both of these seasons have cool, clear weather and fewer crowds.
In spring, you’ll see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. During the fall, meanwhile, you’ll see Japan’s trees come alive with vibrant red leaves.
Cost Of Traveling
One of the best parts about traveling to Japan is that you can do a lot with a low budget. According to Budget Your Trip, the average tourist spends about $166 AUD a day for food, entertainment, and transportation in Japan. Factoring in hotel expenses, one person staying a week in Japan will spend an average of $1,170.
You will, of course, need to budget for the cost of your airline tickets, as well. This may be your biggest overall expense. The cheapest month to fly to Japan from Australia is Novemeber, and round trip tickets typically cost around $612 at the low end. At the high end, you could end up paying over $2,000.
Another thing you should be aware of is that you’ll need to buy Japanese Yen, which is the official currency of Japan. The current Japanese exchange rate for for Australian dollars, it’s 91 JPY = 1 AUD.
The good news is that things are generally a lot cheaper once you reach Japan, so your money will go far. But it’s usually best to do the currency exchange beforehand so that you don’t have to worry about it when you arrive in one of the country’s bustling international airports.
Exchange Your Money For Japanese Yen With Moniies Currency Exchange
At Moniies Currency Exchange, we provide a safe and secure method for tourists to buy and sell foreign currency. Be sure to visit our site before you take your trip to Japan, to ensure you’ve got money to spend while you’re away!
DISCLAIMER: Published Decemeber 2022, all costs referenced will be true as of that time period, but are subject to change. This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.