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Asia Visited 2023 • ⏱️ 6 min read

Japan

Discover the traditional and modern culture of the land of the rising sun

Torii in Japan
Welcome to Japan, a country where tradition and modernity meet

Table of Contents

Introduction

Japan is a fascinating country where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. From the megacity of Tokyo to the ancient temples of Kyoto, every visit reveals new facets of this unique culture.

Tokyo - The City of the Future

Shibuya and Harajuku

  • Shibuya Crossing: The busiest intersection in the world
  • Takeshita Street: Kawaii fashion and youth culture
  • Meiji Shrine: A shrine nestled in nature
Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world
Metro in Tokyo
The Tokyo metro, a dense and efficient network
Akihabara district in Tokyo
Akihabara, paradise for manga and electronics enthusiasts

Asakusa and Ueno

  • Senso-ji: The oldest temple in Tokyo
  • Nakamise: Traditional shopping street
  • Ueno Park: Museums and cherry blossoms in spring
Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple, a must-see in Tokyo
In front of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo
The main entrance to Senso-ji Temple
Detail of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo
Architectural detail of Senso-ji Temple

Kyoto - The Traditional City

Temples and Shrines

  • Fushimi Inari: Tunnel of red torii gates
  • Kinkaku-ji: The Golden Pavilion
  • Ginkaku-ji: The Silver Pavilion

Fushimi Inari

Historic Neighborhoods

  • Gion: Geishas and traditional houses
  • Arashiyama: Bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge
  • Higashiyama: Cobblestone streets and temples

Mount Fuji and Surroundings

Climbing

  • Season: July to September
  • Duration: 2-day round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Five Lakes Region

  • Kawaguchiko: Breathtaking view of Mount Fuji
  • Onsen: Relaxing hot springs
  • Hiking: Panoramic trails

Practical Tips

Transport

  • JR Pass: For long-distance travel
  • Suica/Pasmo: Rechargeable transport cards
  • Metro: Dense and punctual network
💡Tip

Buy a Suica or Pasmo card as soon as you arrive at the airport to make getting around by metro and bus easier. This will save you from buying tickets for every trip.

Accommodation

  • Ryokan: Traditional Japanese inn
  • Capsule hotel: Unique and affordable experience
  • Business hotel: Comfortable and well-located

Food

  • Ramen: Traditional noodle soup
  • Sushi: Fresh and delicious
  • Tempura: Light and crispy fried dishes
  • Mochi: Sweet dessert made from sticky rice
Bowl of ramen
A bowl of ramen, an iconic Japanese dish
Japanese mochi
Mochi, a traditional Japanese sweet
Simple sushi
Fresh and flavorful sushi
Elaborate sushi
More elaborate sushi

Don’t Miss

  • Hanami: Cherry blossom viewing in spring
  • Onsen: Traditional thermal bath
  • Sumo: Japanese national sport
  • Manga/Anime: Japanese pop culture
⚠️Important

Respect local customs, particularly regarding onsen (hot springs) where wearing a swimsuit is prohibited and tattoos may be frowned upon.

Practical Information

Everything you need to know to prepare your trip to Japan.

🇯🇵 Japan

🏛️

Capitale

Tokyo

👥

Population

125 million

🗣️

Langue(s)

Japanese

💵

Monnaie

Yen (JPY)

🕐

Fuseau horaire

UTC+9

🔌

Type de prise

Type A and B

📞

Indicatif

+81

🚗

Conduite

Gauche

🛂 Visa pour Japan

Visa non requis

Pour les ressortissants de nationalité française

⏱️

Durée autorisée

90 days

📋

Type de visa

Tourism

Note: Valid passport for the duration of your stay. A return ticket and proof of accommodation may be requested.

🔗 Site officiel
¥ JPY

💵 Japanese Yen

Taux approximatif: 1 € ≈ 160 ¥

💡 Conseils pratiques:

  • • Japan remains a very cash-based society - always carry cash
  • • 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign cards
  • • IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) are very convenient for small purchases
  • • Tipping does not exist in Japan and can be considered rude

Useful Japanese Phrases

Some essential expressions to help you get by:

Japanese

"こんにちは"

Traduction: Hello

Prononciation: [Kon-ni-chi-wa]

Japanese

"ありがとうございます"

Traduction: Thank you very much

Prononciation: [A-ri-ga-tō go-za-i-mas]

Japanese

"すみません"

Traduction: Excuse me / Sorry

Prononciation: [Su-mi-ma-sen]

Japanese

"いくらですか？"

Traduction: How much does it cost?

Prononciation: [I-ku-ra des-ka?]

Estimated Budget

💰 Daily Budget in Japan (par jour)

Catégorie Estimation

Accommodation

Hostel / Capsule hotel

25 - 50 €

Meals

Local restaurants, konbini

20 - 40 €

Transport

JR Pass amortized, local metro

10 - 20 €

Activities

Temples, museums, experiences

10 - 25 €

Extras

Snacks, souvenirs, onsen

10 - 20 €

Total estimé

75 - 155 €

Getting Around Japan

🚀 Transport Options

Recommandé
🚅

Shinkansen

⏱️ Tokyo-Kyoto: 2h15 💵 JR Pass 7 days: ~280€

Avantages

  • ✓ Extremely fast and punctual
  • ✓ Very comfortable
  • ✓ Nationwide coverage

Inconvénients

  • ✗ Expensive without JR Pass
🚇

Metro

⏱️ Variable 💵 1-3€ per trip

Avantages

  • ✓ Very dense in major cities
  • ✓ Punctual to the second
  • ✓ Signage in English

Inconvénients

  • ✗ Complex in Tokyo
  • ✗ Crowded during rush hours
🚌

Bus

⏱️ Tokyo-Osaka: 8-9h 💵 20-40€ overnight

Avantages

  • ✓ Economical
  • ✓ Overnight bus = saving a night of hotel

Inconvénients

  • ✗ Long
  • ✗ Less comfortable

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you travel a lot between cities. A Tokyo-Kyoto round trip by Shinkansen costs about 240€, nearly the price of the 7-day JR Pass. If you take more trips, it pays for itself very quickly.
Spring (late March to mid-May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (mid-October to late November) for red maples. Summer is hot and humid, winter is cold but ideal for onsen and skiing.
Rent a pocket WiFi at the airport or buy a data SIM. Free WiFi is less widespread than you might think. Pocket WiFi devices are very practical since multiple devices can connect to them.
In traditional onsen, yes. Some refuse entry to tattooed people (association with yakuza). Look for 'tattoo-friendly' onsen or use concealment patches.
Yes, especially during Golden Week (late April-early May), cherry blossom season, and autumn foliage. Popular ryokan are booked several months in advance.

Conclusion

Japan is a destination that offers unparalleled cultural and historical richness. Whether you are drawn to the modernity of Tokyo, the tradition of Kyoto, or the natural beauty of Mount Fuji, every aspect of Japan promises a memorable experience. Prepare to be amazed by this fascinating country where every street corner tells a unique story.