Japan welcomed 36.9 million foreign visitors in 2024 — a new record (JNTO). From bullet trains to temple lodgings, these are every resource you need to plan your Japan trip in 2026.
Getting Around Japan
| Resource | What It Does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Rail Pass | Unlimited JR trains nationwide | ¥50,000 (7-day) / ~$330 USD |
| Suica / Pasmo IC Card | Tap-and-go transit + convenience stores | ¥500 deposit + top-up |
| Shinkansen | Bullet train (Tokyo-Kyoto: 2h15) | ¥13,970 one-way Tokyo-Kyoto |
| Google Maps | Best transit routing app in Japan | Free |
| Japan Taxi app | Ride-hailing (Uber limited in Japan) | Varies |
Essential Japan Travel Apps
| App | Purpose | Essential? |
|---|---|---|
| Google Translate | Camera translation for menus & signs | Yes |
| Navitime for Japan Travel | Transit directions including buses | Recommended |
| Tabelog | Restaurant reviews (Japan’s top food app) | Yes |
| PayPay | Mobile payments (some shops are cash-only or PayPay-only) | Nice to have |
| Gurunavi | Restaurant reservations in English | Recommended |
Accommodation
- Booking.com — Largest Western-friendly selection, free cancellation
- Agoda — Often cheaper than Booking for Japan; includes ryokan inventory
- Japanican — JTB’s platform, best for traditional ryokan and onsen stays
- Hostelworld — Budget travelers; Japan’s hostels are clean and well-designed
Activities & Experiences
- Klook — Best for: teamLab, Universal Studios, day trips, JR Pass pickup
- GetYourGuide — Best for: guided walking tours, food tours
- Viator — Best for: multi-day tours, Mount Fuji excursions
Connectivity
- Airalo eSIM — 1GB/7 days from $4.50; works on arrival, no SIM swap
- Japan Wireless — Pocket WiFi rental, pickup at airports
- Free WiFi — Available at all konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) and most stations
Official Tourism Resources
Explore Japan by City
- Tokyo Guides — 28+ articles
- Kyoto Guides — 15+ articles
- Osaka Guides — 9+ articles
- Hokkaido Guides — 4+ articles
- Hiroshima Guides
- Full Japan Travel Guide