- Ideal trip length
- 10 to 14 nights
- Best time to go
- Late March to May; October to November
- Time zone
- GMT+9 (Japan Standard Time)
- Currency
- Japanese yen (JPY)
Entry update1 November 2026
Since 1 November 2026, tax-free shopping works as a refund when you leave Japan, rather than at the till. JESTA, an online pre-travel authorisation, is due by March 2029 at the latest.
About Japan
Japan rewards a traveller who slows down. Tokyo moves fast, yet its best moments are small. Think of a counter seat at a sushi bar, a quiet garden behind a busy street, a perfectly made cocktail. Kyoto asks for early mornings, when the temples and lanes are calm. Osaka is looser and more playful, and it is the country's great food city. Service everywhere is thoughtful, punctual and discreet.
A classic first trip starts in Tokyo and pauses in Hakone for a ryokan night or two. The bullet train then carries you on to Kyoto and Osaka. Each stop changes the rhythm of the journey. Luxury in Japan is often quiet: a private onsen, a kaiseki dinner, a guide who knows which doors to knock on. In spring and autumn the best rooms go months ahead, so I plan early.
When to go
Spring blossom and autumn colour are the high points, so I mark late March to May and October to November as best. Winter is crisp and clear, and ideal for Niseko's snow. June brings the rainy season, and July and August are hot and humid.
Places to go
Tokyo
A vast, orderly capital with superb dining, design and a deep bench of luxury hotels.
See hotelsKyoto
Temples, gardens and old wooden lanes, best explored early in the morning before the crowds.
See hotelsOsaka
Kyoto's lively neighbour, with a famous street-food scene and an easy base for Nara.
See hotelsHakone
Mountain onsen town near Mount Fuji, ideal for one or two nights at a ryokan.
Ask me about hotels hereNiseko
Hokkaido's powder-snow resort, best from December to March for skiing and quiet luxury.
Ask me about hotels hereMy picks in Japan
The hotels I'd start with, and who each one suits.
3 MICHELIN KeysForbes Four-Star
Four Seasons Preferred Partner
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Tokyo, Japan
2 MICHELIN KeysForbes Four-Star
Virtuoso
Aman Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
1 MICHELIN KeyForbes Five-Star
Mandarin Oriental Fan Club
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
1 MICHELIN KeyForbes Five-Star
The Peninsula PenClub
The Peninsula Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
1 MICHELIN Key
Hyatt Privé
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
3 MICHELIN KeysForbes Five-Star
Marriott STARS
Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
1 MICHELIN KeyForbes Four-Star
Four Seasons Preferred Partner
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
1 MICHELIN KeyForbes Four-Star
Hyatt Privé
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Kyoto, JapanBefore you go
Arriving
Getting there
Tokyo has two international airports, Haneda and Narita, and Haneda is closer to the centre. Osaka's Kansai airport suits trips that start or end in Kyoto or Osaka.
Getting around
The shinkansen bullet train links Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka quickly and on time. Send large luggage ahead between hotels by courier, so you can travel light.
Visa and entry
Many passports, including Singapore, UK, US and Australian, get visa-free stays of up to 90 days; JESTA online authorisation is planned by March 2029. Check the official source before you travel.
Checked November 2026
Money and culture
Money
Cards work almost everywhere in cities, but carry some yen for small shops and shrines. Since 1 November 2026, tax-free shopping is a refund: you pay tax in store and reclaim it at departure.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Japan. For an exceptional private guide or ryokan host, a discreet envelope is a kind but optional gesture.
Local customs
Speak softly on trains and take off your shoes where you see a raised step. Some common cold and allergy medicines are restricted in Japan, so check before you pack.
On the ground
Language
Japanese. English is common in luxury hotels and on transport signs, less so in smaller restaurants.
Plugs and power
Types A and B, the flat-pin North American style, at 100 volts. Most phone and laptop chargers cope; check hair tools.
Safety
Japan is very safe, with low crime. Earthquakes are part of life here, so follow hotel and staff instructions if one occurs.
Japan: quick answers
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Late March to May; October to November. Spring blossom and autumn colour are the high points, so I mark late March to May and October to November as best. Winter is crisp and clear, and ideal for Niseko's snow. June brings the rainy season, and July and August are hot and humid.
How long should I spend in Japan?
10 to 14 nights is a good length for a first visit. Tell me what you enjoy and I'll shape the route around it.
Which luxury hotels do you recommend in Japan?
My picks are Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, Aman Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, The Peninsula Tokyo, Park Hyatt Tokyo, Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto and Park Hyatt Kyoto. Each hotel page has my write-up, what guests say and the benefits I can add.
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Many passports, including Singapore, UK, US and Australian, get visa-free stays of up to 90 days; JESTA online authorisation is planned by March 2029. Check the official source before you travel.
Updated November 2026
More ways to experience Japan
Silversea
All-suite ocean and expedition voyages, with wide coverage across Japan and Southeast Asia.
Explore Ultra luxurySeabourn
Intimate all-suite ships, with winter seasons in Japan and Southeast Asia.
Explore Ultra luxuryRegent Seven Seas Cruises
Spacious all-suite ships with an inclusive approach, and a growing programme across Japan and Asia.
ExploreI plan Japan around the season first, then pace the route so each stay has room to breathe, booking spring and autumn well ahead.
- Benefits arranged before you arrive.
- One point of contact from start to finish.
- Hotels matched to how you travel.