Create Guide
Picture of Japan

Travel Guide for
Japan

Japan

Temperate, four distinct seasons

Introduction

Japan is an island nation in East Asia, blending ancient traditions with ultra-modern cities. During mid-October, the weather is pleasantly cool—perfect for exploring bustling Tokyo or Kyoto’s temples with friends. Autumn foliage starts to appear, painting parks and gardens in vivid reds and golds.

Japan’s rich history is visible in its castles, shrines, and tea ceremonies, while its culture shines through delicious street food and lively festivals. With affordable guesthouses, convenient trains, and countless sights from neon nightlife to peaceful hot springs, it’s the perfect spot for a fun and memorable group adventure.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates11-19 October 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

outdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainmentsightseeing and toursarts and culturefestivals and events

Not what you're looking for? Create Your Own Guide!

Picture of Japan

Key Facts

Location

East Asia

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Religion

Shinto and Buddhism

Population

125,416,877

Language

Japanese

Electricity

100V, 50/60Hz, Type A/B

Time zone

UTCJST (UTC+9)

Country code

+81

Internet access

High-speed, widely available, affordable

Climate

Temperate, four distinct seasons

See More Japan Facts

Language:

Japanese

  • hello

    こんにちは (kon-nee-chee-wah)
  • goodbye

    さようなら (sa-yo-na-ra)
  • yes

    はい (hai)
  • no

    いいえ (ee-eh)
  • how much

    これはいくらですか? (ko-re wa i-ku-ra des ka)
  • please

    お願いします (oh-neh-gai-shee-mahs)
  • thank you

    ありがとうございます (ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs)
  • excuse me

    すみません (soo-mee-mah-sen)

Map

Logistics

The easiest way to get to Japan is by flying—international flights arrive at major airports like Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda, or Osaka’s Kansai International. Popular airlines often offer competitive prices, especially if booked early. Traveling with friends can help share costs, so consider group fare deals.

Once in Japan, cities are connected by efficient trains, such as the Shinkansen (bullet train), which is ideal for group travel. Regional buses and ferries also link popular spots, offering budget-friendly options. In mid-October, weather is mild with occasional rain, but typhoons are uncommon, so expect comfortable travel conditions overall.

No special visas are needed for tourists from many countries (up to 90 days). Always check the latest entry requirements and book accommodations in advance during this busy autumn season.

Weather

Japan enjoys four distinct seasons, ranging from chilly, snowy winters to hot, humid summers. Spring and autumn are mild and especially scenic, with cherry blossoms in April and colorful foliage peaking in November. The country’s climate varies—northern Hokkaido is cooler, while southern Okinawa stays subtropical.

From October 11 to October 19, you’ll likely experience pleasant autumn weather with comfortable temperatures and less humidity. Occasional rain showers or the tail end of typhoon season may bring brief bouts of wind or rain, but extreme weather is uncommon by mid-October. This period is perfect for outdoor adventures, vibrant festivals, sightseeing tours, and exploring Japan’s arts and nightlife.

Food & Drink

Japanese cuisine delights with sushi, ramen, tempura, okonomiyaki, and street snacks like takoyaki. Don’t miss vibrant izakayas (pubs) for shared plates and sake. Enjoy matcha desserts at quirky cafes and try konbini stores for quick, tasty bites.

Affordable gems include Ichiran for ramen, Sushiro for conveyor-belt sushi, and Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood. In Osaka, Dotonbori’s neon-lit streets offer endless local treats, while Kyoto’s Nishiki Market serves up seasonal bites. Bars in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai are perfect for a fun night with friends.

Tipping isn’t practiced; attentive service is expected and included. Many eateries cater to dietary needs, but language barriers are common—pointing at menus or using translation apps helps. Enjoy local, seasonal specialties—each region offers unique flavors celebrating Japan’s culture.

A picture of Sushi

Sushi

Sushi is a famous Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice topped with various ingredients, such as fresh fish,...

A picture of Ramen

Ramen

Ramen is a beloved noodle soup dish in Japan, featuring Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth,...

A picture of Tempura

Tempura

Tempura is a delicious Japanese dish consisting of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. The batter is...

A picture of Gyoza

Gyoza

Gyoza are savory Japanese dumplings filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings. They are typically...

A picture of Yakitori

Yakitori

Yakitori refers to skewered and grilled chicken, popularly enjoyed as a casual and flavorful food. The bite-sized pieces...

Accommodation

For a fun, comfortable stay with friends, consider booking hotels in vibrant neighborhoods: Shinjuku (Tokyo) for nightlife and convenience, or Namba (Osaka) for food and entertainment. In Kyoto, search near Gion for classic charm. Top-rated options like Hotel Gracery Shinjuku and Cross Hotel Osaka offer modern rooms and great locations.

Hotels.com is your best choice for deals and user reviews on accommodations across Japan. Since October is peak autumn foliage season, booking early ensures better rates and availability. Look for triple or twin rooms—these are common in Japan’s business and mid-range hotels, making them perfect for groups and budget-conscious travelers.

Itinerary

Ease into Japan by exploring Tokyo's vibrant neighborhoods, sampling street food, and soaking in the city’s unique energy with friends.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Center Gai Stroll

Kick off your Tokyo journey by visiting the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing and strolling through lively Center Gai. This dynamic area offers neon lights, trendy shops, and excellent people-watching. Grab snacks from nearby street vendors as you soak up the city’s youthful energy.

Harajuku Takeshita Street Food Adventure

Dive into Tokyo’s quirky fashion district by walking down Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Sample colorful crepes, karaage (fried chicken), and sweet potato sticks from street stalls. Keep an eye out for unique street fashion and cool photo spots!

Tokyo, Shaped Around You: A Private Experience with a Local

Tokyo, Shaped Around You: A Private Experience with a Local

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This experience is designed around you — not a fixed route or a highlights checklist. Before your time together, your local host learns what you’re curious about, what you’ve already seen, and how you like to explore a city. From there, you shape the experience together and adjust as you go. Rather than rushing between sights, the focus is on understanding Tokyo through neighborhoods, everyday places, and conversation. You may spend time in well-known areas or quieter local streets, but the emphasis is always on context, insight, and moving at a pace that suits you. This experience works best for travelers who value flexibility, local perspective, and depth over trying to see everything in one day.

4.9 (1176 reviews)

From $105 USD

View Details

Experiences

Hospitality & Tourism Internship in Japan
internships

Hospitality & Tourism Internship in Japan

Minimum 1 week

Japan

$920/week

Learn More
Community Agriculture in Japan
volunteering

Community Agriculture in Japan

Minimum 1 week

Japan

$920/week

Learn More
English Teaching in Japan
teaching

English Teaching in Japan

Minimum 1 week

Japan

$920/week

Learn More

Attractions

4.8 (1196 reviews)
Tokyo Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Photo

Tokyo Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Photo

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the world of sumo in the heart of Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district during this fun and interactive entertainment cultural show. Set in a unique venue built around a real sumo ring (dohyo), this experience gives you a close-up look at Japan’s national sport in a relaxed and easy-to-understand way. Watch retired sumo wrestlers perform traditional moves, training exercises, and sumo matches while a live host explains everything in both Japanese and English. You’ll learn about winning techniques, forbidden moves, and the meaning behind sumo’s traditions. The highlight for many guests is the chance to step into the ring and try a fun sumo challenge yourself. ※Spots are limited, and if many people want to join, participants will be chosen by lottery. While enjoying the show, savor all-you-can-eat chicken hot pot (Chanko-nabe) with a Japanese set meal and one free drink. At the end, take a photo with the sumo wrestlers and get a souvenir gift set to remember your experience.

From $103 USD

View Details
5.0 (483 reviews)
Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Your local guide will tell you about the traditions from an insider perspective about Geisha culture. At the same time you'll explore Gion's beautiful streets, temples, shrines, and shops, for a comprehensive overview of historic Kyoto. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, but on my experience ・In the first half we will walk in Gion and discuss the living traditions, their lifestyle and history. ・In the second half we will meet an apprentice geisha, Maiko. First we will talk with and ask her questions. Also we will watch her dancing, having one of these, a cup of tea or lunch or dinner together. *Picture and filming of Geisha is fine but not allowed to post it in public.

From $118 USD

View Details
5.0 (323 reviews)
Kanazawa Full Day Tour (Private Guide)

Kanazawa Full Day Tour (Private Guide)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the highlights of Kanazawa on our special, award winning, one day tour. Our professional guide will take you on a memorable tour of Kanazawa's unforgettable sights. KT have the renowned TripAdvisor Travellers Choice in Kanazawa. Your guide will take you to the highlights of Kanazawa and customize the tour to your desire. Professional guides will tailor the tour to your needs and ensure your satisfaction. Collection and drop off at your hotel.

From $179 USD

View Details
4.8 (87 reviews)
Kyoto Private 6 hour Tour: English Speaking Driver Only, No Guide

Kyoto Private 6 hour Tour: English Speaking Driver Only, No Guide

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The ideal pick for time-tight travelers that want to enjoy Kyoto. Avoid the potential confusion of Kyoto’s subway and bus systems; travel comfortably in a private vehicle instead! On this tour, some of the destinations you can choose to visit include the glittering Golden Temple, the architectural masterpiece that is Kiyomizu temple in the Gion Geisha district, and Arashiyama with its towering bamboo forest. You will have the freedom to explore each area on your own as the driver waits to accompany you safely to your next destination. We hope to see you in Kyoto soon! Tour details may change depending on your meeting point. This tour does not include a private guide. Please book one of our guided tours if you need a guide.

From $391 USD

View Details
3.8 (5 reviews)
Watch Samurai themed Entertainment show in Shinjuku

Watch Samurai themed Entertainment show in Shinjuku

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a Japanese neo-entertainment show in the middle of Shinjuku! The show is sure to “crazy,” “wacky,” and “mind-blowing” as you enjoy traditional Japanese culture, modern entertainment, and an inexpressible moment. You may even be able to feel Japan in this quirky space that is disconnected from the splendor of Japanese history and culture. It is worth a visit, and you will not understand its value until you have visited it once! We hope you will immerse yourself in the world of the Samurai Restaurant! *Enjoy a complimentary boxed lunch of your choice or 2Drinks during the performance. Please select from the Food & Drink Menu A-F attached to the tour page and let us know your preference at the time of reservation. *Smoking is not permitted inside the show venue. Smoking is allowed in the waiting area on the ground floor. *Please refrain from wearing sunglasses *No visitors under the age of 18 are allowed to enter. *Photography and video are allowed, but no flash.

From $99 USD

View Details
5.0 (22 reviews)
3 Day Japan Highlights Tour: Tokyo, Mt.Fuji, Nara, Kyoto, Osaka

3 Day Japan Highlights Tour: Tokyo, Mt.Fuji, Nara, Kyoto, Osaka

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

Avoid the crowds as you travel in comfort between Japan’s 5 historic capitals on this scenic small group tour with an English speaking guide. See the best of Kamakura, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Nagoya, Nara, Kyoto and Osaka. Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Mt. Fuji. Start from your hotel or port of entry in Tokyo or Narita. Follow the coast through Yokohama to Japan's old capital, Kamakura. Enjoy stopping on the way to taste the different region's specialties. Visit picturesque villages and take a ropeway and crater lake cruise. Experience Japanese tea ceremony and traditional nightlife. Explore World Heritage Nara deer park and Todaiji. Visit your choice of Kyoto's best attractions, such as Kiyomizu and Fushimi, before arriving at Osaka's Dotonburi entertainment district. This tour can be tailored to your interests and is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Feel free to add extra days in Tokyo or continue on with us to Hiroshima or back to Tokyo via the Japan Alps.

From $1287 USD

View Details
5.0 (8 reviews)
Private Bar-hop tour at back alleys in Sendai

Private Bar-hop tour at back alleys in Sendai

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Experience nightlife places like locals! I'm Mai, a national licensed guide. who is friendly and knowledgeable about this region. I will show you Japanese drinking culture! It’s authentic local experience. There are small bars and izakaya only locals visit in back alleys in Sendai. I will take you to three bars at unique back alleys. I can choose bars depend on your preference like best place for sake, whiskey, local food, meeting locals.. Let’s see how Japanese people enjoy in the night. And I will provide some great conversation and company! It would be nice to discuss many topics over a cup of sake!

From $65 USD

View Details
5.0 (26 reviews)
Nagasaki Street Food Adventure: Private Walking Tour with a Local

Nagasaki Street Food Adventure: Private Walking Tour with a Local

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You’ll go on a tantalizing tour of central Nagasaki’s Chinese-influenced cuisine. Sample street food in the crisscrossing lanes of Chinatown, like Champon (noodles in a pork broth topped with seafood) or steamed buns filled with tender pork belly. The Maruyama entertainment district is chock-full of famous foodie spots, while the Hamanomachi Arcade has a couple of local haunts of its own. Shop for traditional sweets at the 200-year-old Iwanaga Baijuken sweet shop, and grab a bag of Yori Yori sweets (deep-fried, twisted cookies) for later. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

From $224 USD

View Details
4.9 (8 reviews)
Osaka Night Tour with a Local – Private Bars, Drinks & Culture

Osaka Night Tour with a Local – Private Bars, Drinks & Culture

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You’ll join one of our local Osaka hosts for a night out in the city that is fast becoming a world-wide favorite! No matter what night of the week it is, you can be assured that Osaka is buzzing! Discover famous entertainment districts like Namba or Umeda, a food paradise like Dotonbori or simply get lost in the network of tiny streets that host everything from izakaya to Sakaya. End off your night (or begin your morning) like the locals do with a steaming bowl of ramen at 3AM. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

From $135 USD

View Details
5.0 (23 reviews)
Tokyo: Private Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-

Tokyo: Private Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the unforgettable nightlife of Shibuya! Tokyo can feel a bit confusing at night, with many great bars hidden in backstreets or marked only in kanji, but with a friendly local Japanese guide you’ll easily discover both popular spots and true hidden gems. Your guide will also share fun stories and cultural insights, plus recommend the best dishes and drinks you should try while in Japan. Everything is handpicked to give you a real taste of authentic izakaya culture, all included in the tour price. Come explore Shibuya’s nightlife with us and enjoy Japan just like a local! ・Visit three hidden izakaya spots loved by locals ・Includes select food and drinks for an authentic taste of Japan ・Enjoy a relaxed and intimate experience with a Private style ・Learn about Japanese customs and nightlife culture from your local guide

From $103 USD

View Details

FAQ

Find quick answers to your Japan travel questions with our travel guide chatbot. Your questions will be added to this section to help other travellers.

Travel Essentials

Primary hero image

Ready to plan your trip?

Share your travel insights or create a new guide for fellow adventurers!