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Plan Your Japan Trip
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to planning a trip to Japan. Here are a few of the services we personally recommend – everything from planning where to go, buying event tickets, and getting around the country.
We’ve been writing Unseen Japan since 2018. Most of us – especially our publisher, Jay, and our Editor in Chief, Noah – now call Japan home. But we also have extensive experience as travelers to Japan, as well as 2+ years experience running tours for UJ.Â
In that time, we’ve seen a lot of things in Japan change. Japan has changed to adapt to the changing reality around it, such as technological changes. And the country has also changed in order to welcome an increasing number of tourists. At the same time, some of the things that foreign tourists find confusing about the country have remained…well, confusing.
One thing that trips everyone up, for example, is the train system, how it connects with other modes of transportation, and how to navigate stations without getting completely lost. To help, we’ve written a guide to all your transportation options.
We’ve also noticed a lot of the advice that gets doled out about Japan these days is outdated. We provide more updated guidance in our article about the myths of Japan travel.
Get More Help
Let’s face it – if you found this page, it’s probably because you have a specific question that other resources can’t answer. You can ask us and our community members questions about your Japan trip in one of two ways:Â
- Our Facebook group, Unseen Japan Travel Tips
- Our Discord server (use the #japan-travel channel)
Want an even more extensive guide to preparing for your trip and exploring Japan? We’ve created a custom, multi-page guide with everything you need to know. We send this to all of our tour clients as part of their custom tour itineraries and guided experiences. Ask us to put together an itinerary and guided experience for you and we’ll give you all the help you need to make your trip to Japan an experience to remember.
Other Resources
Japan Tours
Coming to Japan? Don’t want to stick to the same-old tourists traps that everyone else is seeing?Â
Let Unseen Japan Tours take you where tourists generally can’t go. We’ll craft an individualized experience based on our extensive knowledge of Japan and our relationships with local businesses that only advertise their services in Japanese.
Experiences and Events in Japan
Wanna have a fun experience while in Japan? airKitchen connects you with Japanese chefs and home cooks who’ll show you how to cook a wide variety of delicacies, from sushi to wagashi.
Stay Connected
Worried that your data provider’s roaming data plan is too limited, too expensive, or may be too slow? The worst experience you can have in Japan is trying to find directions and discovering you’ve been betrayed by your service provider!
You can get unlimited 5G download speeds for little cost by installing an eSim. An eSim downloads to your phone instantly so there’s nothing to install. The eSim service from Inbound Platform delivers unlimited 5G data with coverage in 99% of Japan.Â
In contrast to an eSim, a pocket wifi is a device to which you can connect multiple device. This can be a better option if you’re traveling with a group or want to ensure you can connect devices such as laptops and tablets. You’ll also get strong English-language customer support from this alternative offering from our partners at Inbound Platform.
Travel Inside Japan
Fortunately, it’s not hard to get from any of Japan’s airports to anywhere else. You have a lot of options. If you don’t want to stress when you arrive, or if you’re coming with multiple family members, having a ride waiting for you can be a lifesaver.
Get the white-glove treatment with a luxury ride from the airport – Haneda, Narita, or Osaka (KIX) – with Inbound Platform’s taxi service. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport. If there are issues, you can depend on their highly-rated English language customer support.
More Shinkansen (bullet trains) in Japan are requiring reservations during peak times. Plus, you don’t want to wade through long lines and confusing buying procedures on your day of travel. Get ahead of the curve and book your Shinkansen tickets to other destinations in Japan before you land.