Japan
Ancient traditions, neon cities, and cherry blossoms — the world's most extraordinary culture
Overview – Best Places to Visit in Japan
Japan is the destination that most seriously disrupts travellers' expectations — a country of extraordinary paradoxes where the ultra-modern coexists seamlessly with the ancient, where the world's busiest crossing (Shibuya) is minutes from Shinto shrines, where bullet trains linking skyscraper cities also pass by rice paddies and snowcapped mountains. For Indian travellers, Japan requires more planning than other Asian destinations but delivers an experience that is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the world. The precision, the hospitality (omotenashi), the food, the design sensibility, the public transport, and the sheer cultural richness of a country that has maintained its identity through centuries of extraordinary change — Japan earns its place on every serious traveller's bucket list.
Things to Do in Japan
Top attractions and experiences for your Japan tour package
Tokyo
Japan's capital and the world's largest metropolitan area — Shinjuku for nightlife and Kabukicho, Shibuya for the iconic scramble crossing, Harajuku for youth fashion, Asakusa for traditional atmosphere, and Akihabara for electronics and manga.
Kyoto
Japan's ancient imperial capital with 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and the finest geisha culture in the world. The Philosopher's Path, Arashiyama, and Gion district are Kyoto's unmissable areas.
Fushimi Inari
Tens of thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up Mount Inari behind Kyoto — arrive before 7am to have the lower trails to yourself.
Hiroshima
The city rebuilt from the atomic bomb — the Peace Memorial Park and Museum are the most powerful and important sites in Japan for understanding modern history.
Mount Fuji
Japan's iconic snow-capped volcano visible from Tokyo on a clear day. Best viewed from Hakone or Lake Kawaguchiko. Climbing season: July to mid-September.
How to Reach Japan
By Road
Not accessible.
By Air
Fly to Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) in Tokyo from Delhi (8h direct, Air India), Mumbai (9.5h with one stop), Chennai (10h+). Haneda is closer to the city centre.
By Train
Not applicable.
Japan Trip Cost – Budget Breakdown
₹90,000–1,10,000 per person (capsule hotel / budget hostel, convenience store meals, JR Pass)
per person
₹1,40,000–1,80,000 per person (business hotel, mix of restaurants, JR Pass, attractions)
per person
₹2,50,000+ per person (ryokan stay, kaiseki dining, private tours)
per person
Where to Stay in Japan
- Capsule hotels (9h Hotel, First Cabin) / Hostels (Khaosan Tokyo)
- Dormy Inn chain / APA Hotels / Mitsui Garden Hotels
- Park Hyatt Tokyo / Aman Tokyo / Traditional Ryokan (Gion Hatanaka, Kyoto)
Must-Try Food in Japan
Ramen
Japan's soul food — tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy), miso, or shio. Each region has its own style. Ichiran in Tokyo serves individual ramen booths — the full Tokyo experience.
Sushi and Sashimi
The freshest fish, perfectly seasoned rice — eat at a conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) for affordability or splurge at Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast sashimi.
Ramen
Japan's soul food — tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy), miso, or shio. Each region has a distinct style.
Tempura
Light, airy battered and deep-fried vegetables and seafood — Kondo in Ginza is considered Japan's finest tempura restaurant.
Wagyu Beef
Japanese marbled beef — order a wagyu beef lunch set at a specialist restaurant in Tokyo or Kyoto. Even mid-range wagyu sets cost ₹3,000–5,000 and are extraordinary.
Matcha Everything
Green tea flavoured ice cream, KitKats, mochi, lattes, parfaits — Kyoto's Uji district is the matcha heartland.
What to Buy in Japan
Akihabara, Tokyo
Electronics, anime merchandise, manga, gaming — the world's electronics mecca
Harajuku (Takeshita Street), Tokyo
Youth fashion, cosplay, kawaii culture
Nishiki Market, Kyoto
Pickles, tofu products, matcha confections, kitchen knives, ceramics
Don Quijote (Donki)
Everything — cosmetics, electronics, snacks, clothing, weird Japanese products — discount prices, open 24h
Japan Travel Guide – Tips & Advice
- 1Get a Japan Rail Pass before you travel — it saves 40-60% on Shinkansen and covers most major routes. Buy online from an Indian travel agent
- 2Carry cash — Japan is largely a cash society. 7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards
- 3IC card (Suica or Pasmo) loaded with yen covers all local trains, buses, and convenience store purchases
- 4Google Maps works perfectly in Japan for transport navigation — it knows real-time train schedules
- 5Tipping is not done in Japan — attempting to tip can embarrass a waiter. Service charges are never added either
- 6Vegetarian food requires extra care — dashi (fish stock) is used in most broths. Ask for 'vegan' not just 'vegetarian'. Tokyo has good vegan restaurants near Shinjuku and Asakusa
- 7Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) sell excellent hot food — onigiri, sandwiches, ramen — at affordable prices. The quality is genuinely remarkable.
Japan FAQs – Japan Tour Package Questions
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