Table of contents:
Introduction
Don't underestimate the costs
Depending on how much budget you have for your first Japan trip, you need to be careful. Because if you get a cheap flight or go to cheap restaurants, you will save several hundred to thousands of euros in the end. It is also clear that you cannot know the costs 100%, depending on where you stay, costs can arise that you did not expect. I have written a post for you in which I break down the exact costs and also give you tips on saving, I think that helps you to narrow it down.
When should you travel to Japan?
It depends on what you want to do. Do you want to ski, then go to Hokkaido in winter. Or do you love it really hot and like blue sea? Then go to Okinawa between May and September. It depends. I have illuminated this topic in the post When should I travel to Japan? a little closer.
How long should the trip last?
This depends heavily on your budget and time. But since the flight alone with bus and train takes more than a day, you should factor that in. 7 days in Japan are unfortunately not 7 days of vacation.
If you want to see a lot of Japan, I recommend 2-4 weeks.
How long can I stay in Japan as a tourist?
As a German citizen, you can stay in Japan for 180 days as a tourist without a visa . After 90 days, however, you must have the residence permit extended for another 90 days.
The flight to Japan
Depending on the season, airport, day of the week, luck & other factors, the price can be between €450 - €1,200 for a return flight.
You should also consider the 10-20 hour flight time. Depending on whether you have a stop or several stops, it can sometimes take a very, very long time to get there.
Generally speaking, the more flexible, the cheaper. Stopovers also make the whole thing cheaper, but be careful, you are sometimes on the bus and train for longer than 20 hours, you shouldn't underestimate that ^^ I tell myself these days, rather €50-100 more and then 10-12 hours non-stop.
Luggage / Customs
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The route
Not much to write here yet, just general. Later I will write travel route posts, but until then, try to give a general answer.
Accommodation in Japan
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Hotels
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Hostels
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Airbnb
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Transport in Japan
Unlike Germany, trains usually arrive on time and the tracks are very well developed. With a JR Pass you can even travel by Shinkansen, comparable to the ICE Germany. A rental car is also an option. However, there are a few things to consider there.
Japan Rail Pass
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Rental car
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Money / Cash / Credit Card / App
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Cash
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Credit card
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Mobile / App
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Pocket Wifi / SIM
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Pocket Wifi
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Japanese SIM card
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Do I need a visa for Japan?
It depends :)
Japanese & English skills
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Japanese language skills
As long as you stay in tourist areas, it shouldn't be a problem. Especially due to the Olympic Games, Japan is currently being "translated" into English. Trains, for example, now also have alphabet signs and announcements are usually also in English.
Use Google Translate, you don't have to speak whole sentences. A few words should be enough for tourists to get by. There is actually also a function where you can speak with someone, try it out. Photos can now also be translated. So take a picture of a sign and it will be translated. Well, not quite perfect yet, but you get some information.
English language skills
Although Japan is usually bad or not at all in English, it is still important to be able to speak English.
Signs, apps, menus are mostly translated into English. But be careful if you stay in parts of Japan where you don't go as a normal tourist, it may be that nothing is in English and nobody can speak English. And well, let's not even talk about German ;)
Stepping on toes
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Conclusion:
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Share your Japan trip with us in the comment section!
We and especially the readers would be very happy if you could write your experience in the comments. Then we have a lot of experiences and opinions, I think that helps people who are flying for the first time.
Thank you in advance :) Arigatou!
FAQ / Questions & Answers
Can I travel alone in Japan? Also as a woman?
That's no problem in Japan. The crime rate in Japan is very low and the country is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Even as a woman, it's not a problem. The German Foreign Office says: "The crime rate is low. (...) Violent assaults are rare
Are the earthquakes in Japan dangerous?
No, the risk is relatively low. It's just that you wake up at night and wonder why everything is shaking is relatively high. Of course, this is different depending on the region.
Is Fukushima a problem?
As long as you don't plan a trip to the restricted area, it poses no problem for you from a radiological point of view. If you want to learn more, you can visit the German Foreign Office website in Germany. This writes: "Travel to other parts of the country is safe from a radiological point of view."
Do you always get beds or more often futons, i.e. sleeping on the floor?
It depends, as always. But it is not uncommon to only have one room with a futon, pillow and blanket. People with back problems or who cannot sleep on the floor should always read the descriptions of the hotel and the room carefully. For slightly larger hotels you can also simply call, the receptionists can mostly speak English.
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