Planning a trip to Japan can come with a lot of questions—especially if it's your first time. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we've seen from fellow travelers (and maybe ones you've Googled yourself at midnight). Let’s clear them up!
Q1: Is Japan safe for tourists?
Totally. Japan is one of the safest places you can visit — seriously. Violent crime is rare, and even big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are remarkably clean and calm. You'll see locals leaving their wallets on café tables and coming back later to find them untouched. Just use common sense, and you'll be golden.
Q2: Do I need a visa to visit Japan in 2025/26?
Probably not — if you're from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, or most EU countries, you can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. That said, rules can change, so it's always smart to double-check the official Japan Immigration site before you book.
Q3: How much would a trip to Japan cost?
It depends on how you like to travel. Are you a ramen-and-budget-hotel kind of traveler or a sushi-and-ryokan one? Here’s a rough range for planning a 10 day trip to Japan:
Budget: $2,000–$3,000
Mid-range: $3,500–$5,000
Luxury: $6,000+
Flights and travel season will affect this a lot — but with some planning, Japan can be surprisingly affordable.
Q4: Is $5000 enough for a trip to Japan?
Yes — and you can have a pretty great time too! With $5,000 for planning a 2 week trip to Japan, you can cover flights, good hotels, JR Pass, food (yes, including sushi!), and a few fun splurges like theme parks or day tours. Just make a game plan and book early for the best deals.
Q5: Do people in Japan speak English?
In touristy areas? Yes — you’ll see English on signs, menus, and public transport. But don’t expect everyone to speak fluently. The good news? Japanese people are kind and helpful, and with a few key phrases (plus Google Translate), you’ll be just fine.
Q6: Should I get a Japan Rail Pass?
If you're zipping between cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima — absolutely. It can save you a lot of money on Shinkansen tickets. If you’re staying in one city or region, though, check out local or regional passes instead.
Q7: How long is a plane trip to Japan?
From the US West Coast: about 11–12 hours
From the East Coast: 13–14 hours
From Europe: usually 11–13 hours
It's a long haul, but honestly, it goes by faster than you'd think — especially if you score a night flight.
Q8: How much is a round trip plane ticket to Japan?
This really depends on when and where you're flying from. Rough estimates:
Traveling during the cherry blossom season in Japan or the fall season? Expect prices to spike. Book early and use fare alerts to score deals.
Q9: What should I pack for a trip to Japan?
Here's your starter pack:
Comfy walking shoes (you'll walk A LOT)
Light layers (weather shifts quickly)
Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card
Reusable shopping bag (eco-friendly is the norm here)
Cash! Many places still don't take cards
Tissues (some bathrooms skip the paper)
A small daypack for your adventures
Optional but helpful: a folding umbrella and a few basic Japanese phrases!
Q10: Can I use my credit card in Japan?
Yes — in big cities, hotels, and department stores. But not everywhere. Smaller shops, old-school restaurants, temples, and countryside spots often prefer cash. So keep a good stash of yen in your wallet. 7-Eleven ATMs are your best friend.
Q11: How to book Tokyo Disney vacation package?
You can book directly on the official Tokyo Disney Resort website. Packages often include park tickets, hotel stays (even those adorable themed Disney hotels!), and sometimes transport. Check out our guide to booking Disney Tokyo vacation package for more details, and book ASAP — they sell out fast, especially during weekends and holidays.
Q12: How to book a trip to Japan?
You've got two paths:
DIY: Book your flights, hotels, and train passes individually — sites like Booking.com, Japanican, and Google Flights are super helpful.
Go packaged: Use a trusted agency such as Umetravel.com for full itineraries, especially if you're short on time or new to international travel.
Want to go halfway? Book your core travel bits (flights, hotel) and freestyle the rest.
Q13: How to get from Tokyo to Lake Yamanaka?
The easiest way is by direct highway bus from Shinjuku Station — it takes about 2 hours. Or, take the train to Fujisan Station, then switch to a local bus. Either way, it's a peaceful escape with great Mount Fuji views — especially magical in winter.
Got more questions on planning a trip to Japan? Just shoot us a message — we'll try to keep this FAQ updated with the latest info and real traveler tips. After all, Japan is full of surprises, and planning it should be part of the fun.