Japan Travel Guide

In the Land of the Rising Sun, ancient traditions meet modernity. Tokyo blends towering skyscrapers and neon lights with serene temples and historic shrines. In spring, cherry blossoms dazzle, while in autumn, the vibrant red leaves of the momiji transform the landscape. The cuisine is exquisite, and the Japanese etiquette is remarkable.

Top cities to visit

  • Aerial night view of downtown Tokyo, Japan, with illuminated skyscrapers and the Tokyo Tower glowing in blue and red.

    Tokyo

    Tokyo, the city that never sleeps, transports you to another world. It offers a unique sensory experience, blending ancient temples, amazing cherry blossoms, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant pop culture. From observation decks to bustling streets and from markets to museums, every moment in Tokyo is an adventure.
  • Narrow street of the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan, with wooden houses and the iconic Yasaka Pagoda in the background.

    Kyoto

    Kyoto reflects the timeless beauty of Japan, with its mountains, bamboo forests, and tranquil rivers. It is a peaceful and spiritual city, home to over 1000 temples, shrines, Zen gardens, and traditional tea houses. Kyoto is more than just a destination; it is a path to inner peace.
  • View of Osaka Castle from the Nishinomaru Garden in Japan, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms and towering stone walls.

    Osaka

    Osaka is a vibrant city that has a unique energy. Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” it delights visitors with its iconic street-food specialties. Dense and crisscrossed by rivers, Osaka is home to must-see landmarks such as the Osaka Castle, the Dotonbori district, and the Umeda Sky Building.
  • Ruins of the Genbaku Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japan, surrounded by lush green trees.

    Hiroshima

    Nestled along the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima shines with a serene beauty. Known for its tragic history, it is home to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. With peaceful gardens and delicious okonomiyaki, Hiroshima captivates visitors with its rich history and tranquil surroundings.
  • Aerial night view of downtown Tokyo, Japan, with illuminated skyscrapers and the Tokyo Tower glowing in blue and red.

    Tokyo

    Tokyo, the city that never sleeps, transports you to another world. It offers a unique sensory experience, blending ancient temples, amazing cherry blossoms, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant pop culture. From observation decks to bustling streets and from markets to museums, every moment in Tokyo is an adventure.
  • Narrow street of the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan, with wooden houses and the iconic Yasaka Pagoda in the background.

    Kyoto

    Kyoto reflects the timeless beauty of Japan, with its mountains, bamboo forests, and tranquil rivers. It is a peaceful and spiritual city, home to over 1000 temples, shrines, Zen gardens, and traditional tea houses. Kyoto is more than just a destination; it is a path to inner peace.
  • View of Osaka Castle from the Nishinomaru Garden in Japan, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms and towering stone walls.

    Osaka

    Osaka is a vibrant city that has a unique energy. Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” it delights visitors with its iconic street-food specialties. Dense and crisscrossed by rivers, Osaka is home to must-see landmarks such as the Osaka Castle, the Dotonbori district, and the Umeda Sky Building.
  • Ruins of the Genbaku Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japan, surrounded by lush green trees.

    Hiroshima

    Nestled along the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima shines with a serene beauty. Known for its tragic history, it is home to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. With peaceful gardens and delicious okonomiyaki, Hiroshima captivates visitors with its rich history and tranquil surroundings.
  • Aerial night view of downtown Tokyo, Japan, with illuminated skyscrapers and the Tokyo Tower glowing in blue and red.

    Tokyo

    Tokyo, the city that never sleeps, transports you to another world. It offers a unique sensory experience, blending ancient temples, amazing cherry blossoms, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant pop culture. From observation decks to bustling streets and from markets to museums, every moment in Tokyo is an adventure.
  • Narrow street of the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan, with wooden houses and the iconic Yasaka Pagoda in the background.

    Kyoto

    Kyoto reflects the timeless beauty of Japan, with its mountains, bamboo forests, and tranquil rivers. It is a peaceful and spiritual city, home to over 1000 temples, shrines, Zen gardens, and traditional tea houses. Kyoto is more than just a destination; it is a path to inner peace.
  • View of Osaka Castle from the Nishinomaru Garden in Japan, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms and towering stone walls.

    Osaka

    Osaka is a vibrant city that has a unique energy. Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” it delights visitors with its iconic street-food specialties. Dense and crisscrossed by rivers, Osaka is home to must-see landmarks such as the Osaka Castle, the Dotonbori district, and the Umeda Sky Building.
  • Ruins of the Genbaku Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japan, surrounded by lush green trees.

    Hiroshima

    Nestled along the Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima shines with a serene beauty. Known for its tragic history, it is home to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. With peaceful gardens and delicious okonomiyaki, Hiroshima captivates visitors with its rich history and tranquil surroundings.

Useful information

Official language(s)

Japanese is the official language of the country. 

English is partially understood in Japan and is commonly used in hotels, airports, and tourist areas.

Flight duration

Direct flight: 13h to 14h
Connecting flight: 17h to 20h (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Japan time zone: UTC+9
14h ahead of Quebec (EST)
13h ahead of Quebec (EDT)

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY) 

Hotels, train stations, department stores, and some restaurants accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Cash is essential for small shops, temples, local restaurants, markets, and regional transportation.

Tips

In Japan, tipping is not customary in restaurants, hotels, or taxis, as it is usually included in the bill. Offering a tip could make locals feel uneasy. A simple arigato (“thank you”) with a smile is more than enough.

Safety

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world but keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, follow local rules, and store your important documents in a safe place. 

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Japan Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.

Top things to do and see

  • Strolling around the iconic Mount Fuji

  • Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, a famous place of worship in Japan.

  • Attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

  • Experience the cherry blossom season.

  • Strolling around the iconic Mount Fuji

  • Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, a famous place of worship in Japan.

  • Attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

  • Experience the cherry blossom season.

  • Strolling around the iconic Mount Fuji

  • Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, a famous place of worship in Japan.

  • Attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

  • Experience the cherry blossom season.

Hidden gems to discover

  • Nara Park and Its Sacred Deer

    Majestic shrines, ancient pagodas, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest make Nara Park a true window into Japan’s past. It is home to nearly 1200 sacred deer that roam freely among momiji trees that blaze with red and orange hues during autumn. 

  • The Villages of Shirakawa-go

    Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the villages of Shirakawa-go offer a unique glimpse into rural Japan. Their traditional gassho-style houses with steep thatched roofs, surrounded by green rice fields and forested mountains, form one of the country’s most picturesque landscapes.

  • Aomori’s Apple Orchards

    In northern Japan, the Aomori Prefecture is home to the famous Fuji apple. From September to November, its orchards offer a stunning sight—rows of trees heavy with red apples beneath blue skies, with mountains in the distance. It is a must-visit for those seeking natural beauty and culinary delight.

  • Nara Park and Its Sacred Deer

    Majestic shrines, ancient pagodas, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest make Nara Park a true window into Japan’s past. It is home to nearly 1200 sacred deer that roam freely among momiji trees that blaze with red and orange hues during autumn. 

  • The Villages of Shirakawa-go

    Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the villages of Shirakawa-go offer a unique glimpse into rural Japan. Their traditional gassho-style houses with steep thatched roofs, surrounded by green rice fields and forested mountains, form one of the country’s most picturesque landscapes.

  • Aomori’s Apple Orchards

    In northern Japan, the Aomori Prefecture is home to the famous Fuji apple. From September to November, its orchards offer a stunning sight—rows of trees heavy with red apples beneath blue skies, with mountains in the distance. It is a must-visit for those seeking natural beauty and culinary delight.

  • Nara Park and Its Sacred Deer

    Majestic shrines, ancient pagodas, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest make Nara Park a true window into Japan’s past. It is home to nearly 1200 sacred deer that roam freely among momiji trees that blaze with red and orange hues during autumn. 

  • The Villages of Shirakawa-go

    Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the villages of Shirakawa-go offer a unique glimpse into rural Japan. Their traditional gassho-style houses with steep thatched roofs, surrounded by green rice fields and forested mountains, form one of the country’s most picturesque landscapes.

  • Aomori’s Apple Orchards

    In northern Japan, the Aomori Prefecture is home to the famous Fuji apple. From September to November, its orchards offer a stunning sight—rows of trees heavy with red apples beneath blue skies, with mountains in the distance. It is a must-visit for those seeking natural beauty and culinary delight.

Highlights

  • Safe environment, orderly people, and impeccably clean cities
  • A fascinating culture to discover—very much unlike our own
  • Exquisite, refined cuisine
  • JR Pass: special transportation pass for foreign visitors

Keep in mind

  • The cost of living in Japan is relatively high.
  • Outside hotels, large train stations, and major tourist sites, English is not commonly spoken.
Top pick

“I fell in love with Japan, especially Osaka, which is a perfect blend of Tokyo’s vibrant energy and Kyoto’s serenity. Japan is a land where cultural heritage and ultramodern city life intertwine, creating a fascinating contrast between age-old traditions and bold contemporary innovation.”

Louise VielTravel Counsellor, Gatineau Travel Centre

Local food and gastronomy

  • Sushi

    Sushi, iconic dish of Japanese gastronomy, embodies both good taste and refinement. It comes in a wide range of forms and flavours, all made with the freshest ingredients: vinegared rice, raw fish, shrimp, seaweed, fish roe (ikura), vegetables, soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.

  • Ramen

    Ramen is a beloved comfort food in Japan. Served in a generous bowl, the noodles soak in a rich steaming broth accompanied by meat, vegetables, and seasonings. Typical toppings include slices of pork, soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, seaweed, ginger, and chopped green onions.

  • Tempura

    Tempura is a classic of Japanese cuisine—vegetables and seafood dipped in a light batter, then fried to golden perfection. The result is crisp yet delicate, often served with soy sauce or a light dipping broth for a perfectly balanced, flavourful bite.

  • Okonomiyaki

    The okonomiyaki, a popular savoury pancake originating from Osaka and Hiroshima, is made with a batter of flour, cabbage, and eggs and a mix of meat, seafood, or vegetables. Topped with mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, and seaweed, it offers rich umami flavours with a crispy texture and smoky taste.

  • Matcha, in all its forms

    Matcha is made from finely ground green tea powder. In Japanese tradition, it is used in many ways: as a hot or iced drink or in pastries, ice cream, or desserts. Its flavour is unique—bitter, vegetal, and slightly sweet.

  • Sushi

    Sushi, iconic dish of Japanese gastronomy, embodies both good taste and refinement. It comes in a wide range of forms and flavours, all made with the freshest ingredients: vinegared rice, raw fish, shrimp, seaweed, fish roe (ikura), vegetables, soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.

  • Ramen

    Ramen is a beloved comfort food in Japan. Served in a generous bowl, the noodles soak in a rich steaming broth accompanied by meat, vegetables, and seasonings. Typical toppings include slices of pork, soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, seaweed, ginger, and chopped green onions.

  • Tempura

    Tempura is a classic of Japanese cuisine—vegetables and seafood dipped in a light batter, then fried to golden perfection. The result is crisp yet delicate, often served with soy sauce or a light dipping broth for a perfectly balanced, flavourful bite.

  • Okonomiyaki

    The okonomiyaki, a popular savoury pancake originating from Osaka and Hiroshima, is made with a batter of flour, cabbage, and eggs and a mix of meat, seafood, or vegetables. Topped with mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, and seaweed, it offers rich umami flavours with a crispy texture and smoky taste.

  • Matcha, in all its forms

    Matcha is made from finely ground green tea powder. In Japanese tradition, it is used in many ways: as a hot or iced drink or in pastries, ice cream, or desserts. Its flavour is unique—bitter, vegetal, and slightly sweet.

Good to know

  • It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or in restaurants, temples, and shrines.
  • Delicious, reasonably priced meals can be found in the underground areas of train stations and in department stores.
  • Chopsticks should never be stuck vertically into food, especially rice—it evokes incense offered to the deceased.
  • It is perfectly acceptable to slurp your noodles loudly when eating dishes such as ramen.
  • A few words can go a long way in Japan: konnichiwa (hello), arigato (thank you), and sumimasen (excuse me) are enough to show respect and politeness.

What to bring back?

  • A traditional kimono

  • Kokeshi—small handcrafted wooden dolls

  • A teapot and tea

  • A tenugui—a colourful multipurpose cloth

  • Sake—Japan’s iconic alcoholic beverage

Frequently asked questions

The best time to visit Japan is in the spring or autumn.  

From March to May, the weather is mild, and in April, the cherry trees are in bloom. From September to November, the maple trees turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the temperatures are comfortable. These two seasons offer the best combination of pleasant weather and stunning scenery. 

It is best to avoid summer, from June to July, because the weather is hot, rainy and misty.

In Japan, the most recommended and efficient way to travel long distances between major cities is by high-speed train (Shinkansen). Tourists can purchase a JR Pass before entering the country to benefit from discounted fares. Local trains and subways are ideal for navigating cities, with station signs often translated into English. 

Car rental is not recommended, as road signs are nearly impossible to decipher.

10 to 14 days. 

This is the perfect amount of time to explore Japan’s big cities, venture into its remote regions, and see its most iconic sights.

  • Hanami—The cherry blossom festival from March to April. This is a lovely event to enjoy the sight of cherry trees in full bloom in parks across Japan, especially in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.
  • Jidai Matsuri—“Festival of the Ages” (held annually in Kyoto, October 22). This festival celebrates the rich history of Kyoto. Around 2000 participants bring 1000 years of history to life in a parade through the city. The beauty and elegance of the costumes make this event magical.

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Getting ready for your trip

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