Japan first-time traveller guide

Most Western passport holders get 90 days visa-free on arrival. Your passport must be valid for the duration of stay. No advance authorisation needed — Japan does not require an ESTA-style approval before departure. A return or onward ticket is rarely checked at immigration but keep a copy in your email for peace of mind.

Tokyo first-timers should split their days between Shibuya/Shinjuku for the neon energy, Asakusa for Sensoji Temple and old Edo atmosphere, and a day trip to Kamakura (JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station, ~1 hr) to see the Great Buddha and bamboo groves.

Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card on arrival at any major airport or station ticket counter. These tap-to-pay cards work on local trains, subways, buses, taxis (in major cities), vending machines, konbini, and even some restaurants. ¥2,000 initial load (¥500 deposit, ¥1,500 balance) is enough to start. Top up at any station ticket machine or konbini register — just say "charge" and show your card.

Tokyo: Shibuya for fashion (Shibuya 109 for youth trend, Parco for edgier designers), Shinjuku for electronics and cosmetics (Don Quijote is open 24/7, Bic Camera has tax-free counters), Ginza for luxury department stores (Mitsukoshi, Wako). Harajuku's Takeshita Street is cute but touristy — walk 10 minutes to Omotesando for better shops.

Tokyo first-timers should stay near Shinjuku or Shibuya station for maximum transport convenience. Shinjuku has more budget options and better access to western suburbs; Shibuya is younger and more central. Expect ¥8,000–15,000/night for a decent business hotel, ¥20,000+ for a mid-range option. Hostels in Asakusa cost ¥2,500–4,000/night per bed.

Exchange cash at airports (better rates than hotels or most city banks) and use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for major purchases. Most ATMs outside 7-Eleven/Convenience stores don't accept international cards — stick to Seven Bank ATMs in konbini. Suica/Pasmo can also be used for small vending machine purchases, reducing the need for coins.

Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Season: Late March to early April in most of Japan. Tokyo's Ueno Park and Kyoto's Philosopher's Path are the most famous viewing spots. Peak viewing dates shift by region — Tokyo peaks around late March, Kyoto and Osaka early April, Hokkaido mid-May. Hanami (cherry blossom picnics) are a national pastime.

Neighbourhood guide: Shibuya — the iconic scramble crossing, department stores (Shibuya 109, Parco), and the bustling Shibuya Center-Gai alley. Best at night when neon and crowds peak. Don't miss the Hachiko statue. Shinjuku — skyscrapers, business hotels, and the Golden Gai (200+ tiny bars crammed into 6 alleys). Omoide Yokocho ("memory lane") for grilled skewers and cheap yakitori. Shinjuku Gyoen park for cherry blossoms. Asakusa — traditional Tokyo. Senso-ji temple (free), Nakamise street for traditional souvenirs, and rickshaw rides along the Sumida river. A 15-min train from Ueno. Akihabara — "Electric Town" for anime, manga, retro games, and maid cafés. Big department stores like Yodobashi and Sofmap. Check opening hours — some maid cafés only open evening. Transport within Tokyo: Suica/Pasmo card works everywhere. Most IC cards can be added to Apple/Google Wallet. JR Yamanote line loops all major areas — ¥210-320 per trip depending on distance. Avoid rush hours (8-9am, 5-7pm) if you're carrying luggage. Must-try local spots:

Kyoto — the cultural heart: Fushimi Inari — thousands of vermillion torii gates, walk up to the top viewpoint (45 min, free). Arrive before 7am to avoid crowds. Arashiyama — bamboo grove (free, go early) + Tenryu-ji temple ¥500 + Togetsukyo bridge + monkey park. Rent a bike (¥1,500/day) to cover all spots. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) — ¥500, surrounded by a pond reflecting the gold. Bus 101/102 from Kyoto station. Gion — geisha district, walk Hanamikoji street in the evening. Don't chase geisha for photos — respect their privacy. Gion Festival in July is the biggest. Philosopher's Path — canal walk lined with cherry trees (mid-April peak), connects Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji. Transport in Kyoto: city buses ¥230 per ride, or ¥600 day pass. Trains (JR, Hankyu, Keihan) cover day trips. Suica works but ICOCA is native to Kansai. Osaka — food and energy: Dotonbori — the neon-animated billboards and street food stalls. Takoyaki (octopus balls) ¥400-600, okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) ¥1,000-2,500, kushikatsu (fried skewers) at Shinsekai ¥300-500 each. Osaka Castle — ¥600, reconstructed castle with museum and surrounding park. Shinsaibashi + Namba — shopping districts, big department stores, and America-mura (Harajuku-like teen fashion area). Day trips from Kansai:

Best seasons: summer (Jun-Aug) for lavender and hiking, winter (Dec-Mar) for powder snow and seafood. Cherry blossom mid-May (latest in Japan).