Guide to Traveling in Japan: Must-Visit Attractions, Itinerary Planning, and Cost Overview

Japan boasts a rich history and culture, stunning natural landscapes, delectable cuisine, and a shopping paradise, making it a favourite among Hong Kong residents. Planning a trip to Japan? Generali Hong Kong has compiled a 2024 guide for traveling in Japan, including popular attractions in different cities, itinerary suggestions, and cost overviews to help you plan an unforgettable journey.

Before heading to Japan, it's best to familiarize yourself with a few key points to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience!

Quick Entry Application Guide for Japan

Upon arrival in Japan, you need to fill out two forms: the Entry Record Card and the Customs Declaration Form. Usually, flight attendants distribute these forms shortly after take-off, allowing you to fill them out during the flight to save your time at customs.

Starting January 25th, 2024, Japan has simplified its entry process. Travelers now only need to complete the "Visit Japan Web" online form before departure and can enter Japan using a single QR Code! Here are the steps to apply:

1. Go to "Visit Japan Web" and register an account.

2. Fill in your personal information and the details of accompanying family members.

3. Register your planned entry or return. If you travel with your family members, you can choose "family members travelling with you" to assist them in filling out their information.

4. Input the necessary entry procedures, declare health status, and complete the entry and customs declarations.

5. After confirming the information, click "Register."

6. Return to the homepage and click "Show QR Code" to get your entry QR code.

Upon arriving at the airports in Japan, present your QR code at the entry inspection counter, complete the facial recognition, and you can enter. Present the QR code again during customs declaration to pass through!

Tips for Saving on Travel Expenses in Japan

1. Transportation: If you plan to travel around Japan, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass. For city-specific travel, regional JR passes allow unlimited rides on designated public transport. Additionally, if visiting multiple cities, consider taking night buses to save on overnight accommodation costs.

2. Accommodation: Hotel prices in Japan can be high. If you have flexible accommodation preferences, consider budget options like hostels, capsule hotels, or guesthouses to save on lodging while enjoying a unique travel experience.

3. Activities: Entrance fees to theme parks in Japan can be steep, but many attractions offer free entry. If your itinerary centres around Tokyo, consider purchasing a museum pass for discounts on various Tokyo landmarks and museums.

Essential Travel Apps and Tools for Your Trip to Japan

1. Transportation

Japan Transit Planner: Integrate timetables of buses, trains, flights, and bullet trains in Japan for easy route planning.

Japan Taxi: Supports satellite location for instant taxi booking with multiple payment options.

2. Food

Tabelog: Japan's largest food rating website with a vast user base and reliable ratings.

Gurunavi: Detailed restaurant information with various cuisine options and support for Chinese and English reservation services.

3. Weather

tenki.JP: Provides detailed weather reports to help with your travel planning.

4. Translation

Payke: Instantly translates product information and other Japanese content, making shopping easier.

Jspeak: Supports Cantonese, Mandarin, and various language translations for easy communication.

Public Transportation Guide for Japan

1. JR (Japan Railways): JR is Japan's largest railway company, operating various train types, including Shinkansen, limited express, and local trains, covering major cities and attractions. Ticket prices are usually distance-based; consider multi-day or regional passes if traveling across multiple areas to save costs.

2. Subway: The subway is a crucial part of urban transportation in Japan, with a dense network and frequent service. Each city's subway system is managed by different operators, with varying fares and ticketing methods.

3. Buses: Buses are a primary mode of short-distance transport in Japan, reaching areas not directly accessible by train or subway. If you plan to explore rural areas, buses are a viable option.

Tokyo: A Fusion of Modernity and Tradition

As Japan's capital, Tokyo is one of the most bustling modern cities in the world. With its skyscrapers, shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it's a paradise for urban travellers. Famous shopping districts like Ginza and Shibuya host numerous international brands to satisfy shopping desires. However, Tokyo's charm extends beyond modernity; it retains traditional culture and historic architecture, such as Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, allowing travellers to experience Japan's rich historical heritage amidst the urban vibrancy.

Kyoto: Serenity and Beauty of the Ancient Capital

Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, was the political, cultural, and religious centre for over a thousand years. Today, it still preserves numerous historic temples, shrines, and gardens, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Tenryu-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha , making it one of Japan's most popular travel destinations. The charm of Kyoto lies in its tranquil atmosphere, devoid of Tokyo's hustle and Osaka's bustle, featuring quaint streets, serene gardens, and historical buildings. Strolling through Kyoto's streets and visiting its shrines and temples allows one to feel the weight of Japan's millennia-old history and culture.

Osaka: A Paradise for Food and Shopping

Osaka is renowned for its food culture, making it one of Japan's culinary capitals. Dotonbori's takoyaki, Shinsaibashi's skewers, and Tsutenkaku's okonomiyaki are just a few examples of the city's gastronomic delights. Besides traditional dishes, Osaka boasts numerous unique restaurants and cuisines, including sushi, ramen, and izakayas. Furthermore, Osaka is a prominent shopping hub, with large malls and trendy shops concentrated in the Shinsaibashi and Namba areas, making it a hotspot for locals and travellers alike. Dotonbori and Kuromon Market are also unique shopping districts where tourists can find various traditional crafts.

Experience Japan's History and Culture

Want to experience Japan's traditional culture? Kyoto features numerous shrines, temples, and historical sites, making it an excellent place to immerse yourself in Japan's history and traditions. Notable sites include Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji, which beautifully showcase Japan's unique Zen culture. Additionally, Nara, another ancient capital, is famous for its well-preserved Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The Great Buddha inside Todai-ji is one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, making it a must-visit for temple culture enthusiasts.

Natural Beauty

Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, is a quintessential symbol of the nation. When visiting Mount Fuji, nearby attractions like Lake Kawaguchi, Fuji-Q Highland, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, and Oishi Park offer various perspectives of the majestic mountain and its stunning scenery.

Okinawa, Japan's southernmost island, boasts rich historical culture and beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and tropical landscapes. Notable spots like Furuzamami Beach, Kerama Islands, and Manzamo allow travellers to experience the wonders of nature firsthand.

Recommendations for Niche Travel Attractions  in Japan

Takayama in Gifu Prefecture is a historic city that has preserved its Edo-period architecture and streetscapes. Once a vital commercial centre during the Edo period, Takayama still features many traditional wooden houses and shops. Wandering through its streets feels like stepping back in time to the Edo period, experiencing traditional Japanese life.

Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture was once the castle town of the Akita domain during the Edo period and still retains many traditional samurai residences. If you wish to admire cherry blossoms, consider visiting in spring; you'll experience a more authentic atmosphere away from the crowds of popular viewing spots.

Hidden Culinary Gems Loved by Locals

Nodoguro, a deep-sea fish known for its rich fat and delicate texture, is a sought-after delicacy. The waters off Ishikawa Prefecture are abundant in nodoguro, which is tender and melts in your mouth. Its rich yet not greasy fat offers a subtle aroma. Whether grilled, in hot pot, boiled, or as sashimi, nodoguro's exquisite flavour shines through. One of the most famous nodoguro restaurants in Kanazawa is "Nodoguro Meshi Hompo Itaru" known for its signature dish "Nodoguro Meshi," which features nodoguro cooked with rice, allowing the rice to absorb its delicious flavour and oils, creating an irresistible aroma.

Horse meat is a unique delicacy from Kumamoto Prefecture, with lower fat content and higher protein than other meats, making it popular among locals. Kumamoto horse meat is versatile, with the most famous dish being horse meat sashimi: fresh horse meat sliced thinly and dipped in soy sauce or wasabi, melting in your mouth. Kumamoto has numerous horse meat restaurants, with "Baniku Ryouri Suganoya Kumamoto Ekiten," established in 1899, being one of the oldest. Their horse meat is carefully selected and expertly prepared. If you have the opportunity to visit Kumamoto, be sure to try the local horse meat dishes for a taste of its unique culinary culture.

Discovering Japan's Lesser-Known Natural Attractions - Yakushima

Yakushima, an island in southern Kyushu, is rich in flora and fauna, most notably the ancient Yakusugi cedar with over a thousand years of history. Visitors can admire the thousand-year-old Yakusugi from the wooden trails of Yakusugi Land, allowing for a peaceful retreat into nature. Yakushima is also a filming location for Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "Princess Mononoke," making it a great spot for film enthusiasts to capture memorable photos and recreate scenes from the movie!