A travel to Japan; how to well prepare your trip?

A travel to Japan cannot be improvised, especially when it is the first. Visa, budget, displacement, accommodation; what are the main elements to take into account when planning your travel to Japan?A travel to Japan is no longer as difficult as it could have been at one time, but it is important to be well informed to make the most of it. For this, we deliver here all the necessary information and offer you the answer to all your questions on the subject. Find out the essential travel tips for visiting Japan and more for a successful travel to Japan.Japan is a destination that is attracting more and more foreign travelers from around the world. In the last three years, there were nearly thirty million who set foot on its land, and the numbers continue to grow. If the Asians (Chinese, South Koreans, Taiwanese ...) are the first tourists of the archipelago, the French are generally not left behind.

1. How you plan your trip?

The first phase of planning your trip to Japan will be to take stock of your desires. Are you more of a city, a mountain or a bit of both, you want to discover the most touristic places or discover the Japanese islands or a city in particular? So many questions to ask yourself before embarking on any reservation.

2. Determining your route In Japan

The first point, before you even book your plane ticket to Japan, try to determine an approximate itinerary for your trip to Japan.A useful solution is to stay in Tokyo for the entire. It is often a good choice for the first trip to Japan, especially if you are staying for one to two weeks. In Tokyo and its surroundings, there is already something to do.The second solution, travel through Japan starting from Tokyo to reach other big cities like Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima or rather towards the north, towards Sapporo, for example.

3. Choose when to travel to Japan

Japan is a country that does not experience any major climatic events during the year. Well, apart from a few typhoons and one or two tsunamis here and there. More seriously, you can get there at any time, unlike some countries in Southeast Asia or South America. The two ideal seasons to visit Japan are spring and autumn. In spring, the famous cherry trees are in bloom, the spectacle seems fabulous, but it is also the period when the Japanese take their holidays, the tourist spots are taken by storm. Autumn is a pleasant time for its mild temperaturesThe peak season, when airline tickets are likely to be the most expensive, is at the beginning of May, with Golden Week, in August, with the bit festival, Obon, and for the New Year.

4. Where to stay in Japan (accommodation)

The question of where to stay during a trip to Japan is obviously important. Whether for holidays of a few days/weeks or for a longer stay. Naturally, it is impossible to answer this question definitively, since it depends on a number of factors: budget, type of accommodation, location (notably proximity to public transport and tourist areas), length of stay, area housing and facilities, etc.Please note: for high tourist periods in Japan (mid-March to mid-May, July-August, October-November, as well as Christmas and New Year’s holidays in particular) and especially in major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. We suggest that you book your accommodation as soon as possible, as the best are quickly taken over! To keep the maximum of choice, it is often interesting to prospect several months in advance.Here are some well-placed hotels in Shinjuku, Tokyo (average price 130 $ /120 € / night)

The Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku hotel: A well-located hotel in Tokyo, a stone's throw from Shinjuku station. So close to transport, but also shops and restaurants. The rooms are small, as is often the case in Japan, but comfortable. A very good option to stay in Tokyo.
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku: Another perfect place to stay in Tokyo, our choice for your trip to the Japanese capital. The rooms are clean, soundproofed, and comfortable. The hotel is located 5 minutes from Shinjuku station.
The Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho: one of the best hotels in Tokyo, still in the Shinjuku district. They often offer very interesting promotional offers, and there again, everything is perfect in terms of comfort and hospitality.

For an original experience, opt for a capsule hotel in Tokyo, with the Booth Net Cafe & Capsule, for example, well located and offering prices between 45 and 65 $. The nine hours Shinjuku-North offers an original and neat decoration and super comfortable capsules for an average price of 50 $.Now, after having answered the question about accommodation, we'll have to think about transportation.5. How to travel in Japan? train or planeIf you have chosen to travel through several Japanese cities, the question of the means of transport between these cities arises!The two main solutions are the train and the plane. There are also buses, which can be useful for connections where the train does not exist but if not, it is better to prefer the train or the plane for a matter of time.Japan is a country very well served by train. And the network is still expanding! If you want to explore cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, and many more, all of these trips can be made by train.It is important to know that the train in Japan is quite expensive! Count, for example, a hundred dollars for a one-way trip Tokyo / Kyoto! The advantage is that with the train, you often leave from a station in the heart of the city to arrive directly in the center of your destination city.All what have been said above are some of the most essential travel tips to Japan that you need to get informed about while planning your travel to Japan. Now let us move to list some of the best places that you won’t miss to visit in Japan.

6. Best places to visit in Japan

6.1. Shibuya

Shibuya station's famous "Scramble Crossing" is, without a doubt, one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks. On average, during the week, this very busy intersection sees approximately 2.8 million pedestrians pass. Yes, 2.8 million people a day! More than the population of Paris! If you're trying to take the perfect selfie in the middle of the stampede, still make sure you get to the other side before the lights change color!In addition to its iconic zebra crossings, Shibuya is home to many clothing brands, among them the most fashionable in Tokyo. Several boutiques, at the cutting edge of fashion, are located on Center Gai or in its surroundings. The famous Shibuya 109 shopping center is a legendary haunt well known for fashion victims and is only a few minutes from the train station.

6.2. Asakusa

This area of Tokyo is considered by many to be the main cultural attraction of the city. While the area is home to many less important temples, the main attractions remain the majestic Senso-Ji Temple and the Nakamise shopping district. In addition to these historical treasures, Asakusa is not far from the Tokyo Sky Tree and the Asahi Beer Hall. If you are in the neighborhood, we advise you to go and see these two incredible sites, the Asahi Beer Hall being one of the best places in Japan for party and alcohol lovers!

6.3. Ine-Cho

Visiting Japan is not just about staying in cities. Ine-Cho is an example of one of these tourist-neglected destinations where you can have a great time.Ideally located between sea and mountains, just a hundred kilometers from Kyoto, this pretty little fishing village is a real haven of peace. Come and discover the funayas, these adorable and improbable houses on stilts, which line the port of Ine-Cho.

6.4. Le mont Fuji

Visiting Japan without coming to greet Mount Fuji would be a lack of respect for the Japanese. It is difficult to describe this sacred volcano, as its beauty is self-evident. You can admire it from Kawaguchiko and take a bike ride around the lake of the same name.Hakone is more touristic and further from Fuji but offers a wider choice of activities. Whatever the starting point, the bravest can tackle the ascent of Mount Fuji!These are just some of the best places to discover during your Japan travel. There are many other wonderful places to visit where you'll be fascinated by.Other articles are available in our space, just stay tuned to LIVE POSITIVELY.

Originally published on Live Positively.