Japan

What can I expect from Japan?

You can’t expect anything from Japan. It’s a world away. Japan has its very own culture worth getting to know.

At first we all think of Tokyo – a giant metropolis with neon lights and endless entertainment choices. Whlile Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world to visit, don’t ignore maybe what’s most important thing about the Japan. And it’s their connection to nature. In every city you go ther’re will be an impecably arranged Japanese garden, or 20 more like in Kyoto, and huge parks.

80% of the country is mountanous so going skiing in Winter and hiking in Summer can be a part of your journey. Did you know that the area of Yamagata experiences some of the heaviest snowfall on the planet?

Not a person who tolerates cold? Well, Japan has an array of Islands with sub tropical climate to accommodate your beach requests. The mainland is surrounded by the pacific ocean which offers some of the best tuna on the planet.

Yes, Japan is a paradise for foodies – the freshest sushi and sashimi, tastiest ramen and most exquisite Kaiseki cuisine are at your disposal in the country of the rising sun.

Japan’s beauty is undeniable especially in Spring when the Cherry Blossom or Hanami season is and the country turns into a giant pink field. While in Fall, the leaves turn bright red, yellow and orange creating a magical feeling everywhere you go.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, depending on how much time you have to spend in the country amazing opportunities will open up for you.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto

You can dress up in Yukata

Why should you choose me to plan your trip to Japan?

When you plan a trip you need someone who has actually been there and has experienced the place. While everything in travel is subjective to the person’s point of view and always changing, a push in the right direction can take a lot of weight off your shoulders. Planning an itinerary takes time, concentration and sometimes it takes as many days as the trip itself.

Let me and my local partners in Japan make the heavy lifting for you. 

Apart from planning your daily itinerary for Japan, I’ll be able to help you with the following, personalized to your own trip:

• Should I order the JR pass?
• If not what’s the alternative?
• Do I need a car?
• Where to stay near Mt. Fuji?
• The best stops between Kyoto and Tokyo
• Off-the-beaten-path gardens and temples to visit in Kyoto
• Remote areas visiting
• Japanese learning ideas
• And much more

Here’s how to work with me

Planning Fees in USD

19$/ DAY – DAILY ITINERARY, IF YOU HAVE ALREADY BOOKED ACCOMMODATION

29$/ DAY – YOUR  TRIP FROM SCRATCH

95$ – ONE-TIME CONSULTING FEE TO CLEAR YOUR MIND. IDEAL FOR LAST MINUTE INQUIRIES, TOO

Min planning fee –  equal of 5 travel days

Max planning fee – up to 500$ for the whole trip

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest near Kyoto

Typical Costs When Travelling

Accommodation – There are several types of accommodation in Japan. Prices are for a double room, unless otherwise written:

• 5* Hotels – high level of service, amazing and large rooms, great amenities. These start from 300€/ 340$/ night. A 5* hotel with a private onsesn and Kaiseki Dinner starts at 600€/ 680$ / night.
• Upper 4* and boutique hotels/ guest houses. More family-like environment but at a luxury level. These start from 200€/ 230$/ night.
• Airbnbs – you can find these starting at 50€/ 60$/ night and hire spacious apartments for up to around 1000€/ 1150$/ night. All budgets included.
• Ryokans – Ryokans are typical Japanese accommodations, they can cost anyting from 100€/ 115$/ night to 600€/ 680$ / night (and even more) depending on factors like location, wheather or not the room has its private hot bath, and if Kaiseki dinner is included (similar to 5* hotels). Staying in a Ryokan is a must-have experience when in Japan.

Japan is not a cheap country when it comes to accommodation. The highest prices are during Hanami season (cherry blossom viewing) usually from the last 2 weeks of March to the fist two in April and again duting Fall for the Autumn leaves foliage.

Food – This may come as a surprise for you but food in Japan is cheap. Even the freshest sushi set will set you back no more than 15€/ 17$ per person and that includes water or green tea. They’re free in all restaurants. A mid class meal would be 25€/ 30$ per person. For fancy dinner and kaiseki restaurants expect to pay from 100€/ 115$ and up.

Transportation – Unless you’re exploring the Northern Island of Japan or some remote places, I recommend using public transport. It’s straighforward and easy to use. We never got lost. Japan offers varouis discounts for travelers. The most famous is JR Pass. It costs $269 USD for 7 days, $428 USD for 14 days. It’s not the only wine Tokyo Wide pass or the simple Suica rechargeable card can be useful depending on your itinerary.