Revealing Experiences of Traveling to Japan on Tour

Japan, with its mysterious beauty and unique culture, is always a dream destination for many tourists. To make your journey to explore Japan complete and memorable, please refer to the experiences of traveling to Japan by tour that Dealnew has compiled below for you. 

1. When should I travel to Japan?

When it comes to traveling to Japan, people often think of a country with four distinct seasons, each season has its own unique beauty, captivating visitors. So when is the best time to travel to Japan? Each season will have a different characteristic, depending on each person's feelings. No matter what season you choose to travel to Japan, you will have wonderful and memorable experiences.

• Spring (late March to mid-April): This is the time when Japan puts on a dreamy pink coat, with delicate cherry blossoms blooming everywhere. Visitors can stroll under the brilliant cherry blossoms, participate in cherry blossom festivals or take beautiful souvenir photos. The temperate climate, not too hot or too cold, creates a comfortable feeling for visitors when visiting and exploring the country.

• Summer (late July to early August): Japan is famous for its colorful fireworks festivals, which are held at various times during the summer. Visitors can admire the impressive fireworks displays and enjoy the bustling atmosphere at the festivals. Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan and an ideal destination for those who love mountain climbing. Summer is the best time to conquer this mountain, because of the favorable weather and beautiful views.
• Autumn (around October to November): Japan wears a brilliant red coat, with alternating yellow and red leaves creating an extremely romantic scene. Visitors can stroll on the red leaf-lined streets, participate in autumn festivals or take beautiful photos. The climate is cool and pleasant, suitable for sightseeing and exploration activities.

• Winter (December): Japan is immersed in the pure white color of snow, creating a picturesque scene. Visitors can participate in skiing activities, bathe in hot springs or experience the unique winter culture of Japan. The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the largest snow festivals in the world, attracting visitors from all over the world.

2. What do you need to prepare for a tour to Japan?

To have a complete and cheap Japan tour , carefully preparing the necessary items is extremely important. Below is a list of items that you cannot miss when setting foot in the land of cherry blossoms:

2.1. Japanese passport and visa

Passport is a mandatory identification document when you set foot in any country. Make sure this “companion” is valid for at least 6 months before traveling to Japan. Take the time to check the personal information on the passport such as name, date of birth, passport number, etc. to ensure it is correct and matches other documents.

Applying for a Japanese tourist visa can be quite complicated, requiring careful preparation and complete documentation. Applying directly at the Embassy is the most common method. The visa application includes essential documents such as: Visa application form, documents proving occupation, documents proving financial resources, and a detailed itinerary of the trip.

2.2. Documents for entry into Japan

To enter the land of cherry blossoms, one of the indispensable factors is a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination. This certificate must include full personal information such as full name, date of birth, information about the type of vaccine and manufacturer, as well as the date of vaccination and the number of doses administered. In particular, the certificate must be written in Japanese or English and must be notarized to ensure accuracy and validity.

From April 29, 2023, according to new regulations, the requirement to present a vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry into Japan has been applied.

2.3. Flight tickets to Japan

Japan with its unique beauty, unique culture and friendly people is always a dream destination for many tourists. However, the cost of traveling to Japan is not cheap, especially the airfare. Therefore, if you want to hunt for cheap tickets, you should wait 3 to 4 months in advance.

In addition, most airlines often have promotional programs for air tickets, especially during holidays. Follow the websites and fanpages of airlines to update promotional information and not miss the opportunity to hunt for cheap tickets.

2.4. Hotel reservations in Japan

Booking a hotel in Japan can be confusing for some travelers, especially if they are unfamiliar with the locations of tourist attractions. However, Japan has a wide range of hotels from matchboxes to luxury resorts. A budget option is to choose a capsule hotel, which is famous for its reasonable prices.

Room rates in Japan typically range from $50-$70 per night for budget hotels, up to $500-$700 per night for high-end resorts. Book at least 3 months in advance to get the best deals, and choose a hotel near public transportation for easy access. If you want to avoid the high prices, consider staying in Osaka or Kyoto instead of Tokyo. Finally, choose a hotel near local restaurants to add to your dining experience.

2.5. Personal luggage

Before exploring the beauty of Japan, make sure you have chosen the right clothes for the weather. Whether it is hot summer or cold winter, the evenings often bring a chill, so a light jacket will be a smart choice. In addition, do not forget to bring necessary medicines such as fever reducer, insect repellent, cold - this will help you feel more secure when exploring new lands.

2.6. Phone SIM

On any trip, Internet access is indispensable to check-in, contact friends, find directions, book hotels, etc. But not everywhere has wifi available, so you need to buy a SIM card to travel in Japan.

The procedure for buying a SIM card in Japan is complicated and time-consuming. Buying a SIM card from a reputable dealer in your country before you go will be more convenient and save you money. If you don't have time to buy one in advance, you can buy one at the airport, but the price will be more than double.

2.7. Exchange Japanese currency

When arriving in Japan, exchanging money is an important step that cannot be skipped because Yen is the official means of payment here. Fortunately, the Japanese Yen is also very popular in many countries, so exchanging money becomes more convenient. You can exchange money at the bank or airport when arriving in Japan.

Note that when exchanging money, you should also exchange coins because Japanese people often use them every day. Coins are very popular in shopping and using public transportation in this country.

3. Means of transportation in Japan when traveling on a tour

Japan is famous for its modern, safe and convenient public transportation system. Therefore, to have a wonderful experience exploring the land of cherry blossoms at an affordable cost, please refer to the means of transportation below.

3.1. Subway

Subway is the most popular means of transportation in major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. With the advantages of convenience, punctuality and reasonable price, this is an ideal choice for tourists who want to explore the "land of cherry blossoms".

3.2. Train

The Shinkansen, also known as the “bullet train,” is the most popular means of transportation in Japan. With speeds of up to 320km/h, the Shinkansen helps travelers save time traveling between major cities.

3.3. Bus

As the most economical means of public transport in Japan, buses offer visitors an exciting independent travel experience. With a wide network, buses make it easy to travel to any location, from the inner city to different cities.

3.3. Taxi

Taxis are the most expensive means of transportation in Japan. If you have a lot of money to spend on travel, taxis are a good choice because of their flexibility. You don’t need to go to the station to catch a taxi, you can call in advance or go to the main roads and wave to catch a taxi on the road.

4. Famous tourist destinations in Japan

Japan is famous for its majestic natural landscapes, unique traditional culture and cutting-edge modernity. Below is a list of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Japan that you should not miss:

4.1. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is an active volcano and the highest mountain in Japan. It is located on the island of Honshu, about 100 km southwest of Tokyo. Mount Fuji is a famous symbol of Japan and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

Address: Located on Honshu Island

Mountain climbing ticket price: 1000 Yen

Opening hours: All day

4.2. Oshino Hakkai Village

Oshino Hakkai Village is an ancient village located at the foot of the majestic Mount Fuji, in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. This place is known as a “hidden gem” because of its peaceful, poetic beauty and fresh air, completely different from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Address: Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi

Ticket price: Free

Opening hours: All day

4.3. Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is a popular tourist destination and is visited by over 2 million people every year. Tokyo Tower has some unique attractions that you won't find anywhere else, such as the Lookdown Windows, where you can look straight down at the city through the glass floor. The tower also has a small museum that introduces the history of the tower and Japanese television.

Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo

Ticket price: Depends on age.

• People over 19 years old: 1200 Yen
• High school students (16-18 years old): 1000 Yen
• Students (7-15 years old): 700 Yen
• Children under 7 years old: 500 Yen

Opening hours: 9:00 – 22:30

Tokyo Tower – The towering symbol of the splendid city

4.4. Himeji White Heron Castle

Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle, is one of the most beautiful and famous castles in Japan. Himeji Castle has a unique oval structure, surrounded by a large moat and high stone walls. The castle has gone through many historical events, including wars and natural disasters, but still retains its original architecture.

Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo

Ticket price:

• Adults over 18 years old: 1000 Yen
• Students: 300 Yen

Opening hours: 9:00 – 16:00

4.5. Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a large park located in Taitō Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is the oldest public park in Tokyo and one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. Ueno Park has many trees, flowers, and lakes, creating a beautiful and poetic natural landscape. Visitors to Ueno Park can participate in many activities such as: walking, picnicking, visiting museums, boating, etc.

• Address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo.
• Ticket price: Free
• Opening hours: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

4.6. Historic ancient capital Kyoto

Kyoto, the ancient capital, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. The city served as the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and is home to many important historical and cultural sites. Kyoto is surrounded by mountains and has many beautiful gardens and parks.

In Kyoto, you can explore the Golden Temple, stroll through the old town of Gion and enjoy street food at Nishiki Night Market. Don’t miss the chance to try the unique “fire ramen” that can only be found here, giving you a special culinary experience and rich in the delicious flavors of this land.

• Address: Kyoto
• Ticket price: Free
• Opening hours: All day

4.7. Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the view of Osaka city. The castle is also home to several museums, which display historical artifacts and works of art. The castle is especially illuminated at night, creating a magical and unforgettable scene. If you climb to the 8th floor of the castle, you will be able to see the whole city of Osaka with modern clouds.

• Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka.
• Ticket price:
  • Adults: 600 Yen
  • Children under 15 years old: Free
  • Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00

5. What should you eat when traveling to Japan on a tour?

When it comes to Japan, it is impossible not to mention its unique and sophisticated cuisine, which is considered a “paradise” for food lovers. Famous for its meticulous preparation and focus on original flavors, Japanese cuisine offers diners a wonderful culinary experience. Here are some typical dishes you should try when coming to Japan:

• Sushi: Vinegared rice rolled with seaweed and fillings such as seafood, eggs, vegetables, etc., creating a harmonious combination of the sour taste of rice, the salty taste of seaweed and the fresh taste of the filling.

• Sashimi: Fresh fish or seafood is thinly sliced, served with soy sauce, wasabi and ginger. Enjoying Sashimi, you will feel the freshness, sweetness and sophistication in each slice.
• Ramen Noodles: Delicious chewy noodles blend in rich broth, combined with toppings such as pork, eggs, seaweed, etc. to create an irresistible flavor.

6. Detailed Japan travel itinerary

To bring you a wonderful journey to explore Japan, DealNew has prepared a detailed tour schedule as follows:

6.1. Day 1: Tokyo – Ueno Cherry Blossom Park

To save time when traveling to Tokyo from Hanoi, consider booking a night flight or an early flight. This will help you not miss the opportunity to explore the sights from the first day. From Narita International Airport, you can travel to the center of Tokyo by bullet train, which takes about 50 minutes and costs 2,500 Yen.

Ueno Park is a great place to visit in the afternoon. Admission to the park is free, but there are some attractions inside that charge an admission fee.

The Tokyo National Museum is one of the largest and most famous museums in Japan. The museum houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including Japan. Admission is 620 yen for adults and 210 yen for children.

Evening is the ideal time for you to immerse yourself in the vibrant life and discover the most interesting things of this city. You can stroll around shopping on busy streets like Ginza, Shibuya and enjoy delicious Japanese street food.

6.2. Day 2: Tokyo Tower – Sensoji Temple – Lake Ashi

In the morning, you can welcome the dawn in Tokyo - the most vibrant and modern city in the world, containing countless wonders with activities such as:

• Admire the city from the top of Tokyo Skytree: the tallest tower in Japan, rising 634 meters, towering in the sky, as a symbol of modern Tokyo.
• Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon, is the oldest temple in Tokyo, Japan. It is said to have been founded in 628 AD, making it the oldest temple in Tokyo.

The afternoon will be an exciting journey as you travel by train to Kanagawa and visit the poetic Lake Ashi. Sitting on the cruise, you will feel the peaceful and fresh atmosphere, surrounded by the majestic natural landscape of Mount Fuji and Hakone.

Evening is the perfect time to enjoy the famous soba noodles at Kadohei Tsuketen restaurant. This place is famous for its handmade soba noodles made from premium ingredients and rich tsuyu dipping sauce.

6.3. Day 3: Mount Fuji – Oshino Hakkai Village – Nagoya

Early morning is the best time to start your journey to conquer Mount Fuji. At this time, the fresh, cool air is perfect for you to watch the beautiful sunrise on the top of the mountain. This journey can take about 6 hours to climb to the top of the mountain and 3 hours to descend the mountain.

After lunch, you can visit the ancient village of Oshino Hakkai, an ideal destination for you to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere after conquering Mount Fuji. The village is located right at the foot of Mount Fuji, with poetic natural scenery and ancient architecture.

In the evening, you can take the express train to Nagoya to enjoy Miso Nikomi Udon. This is udon noodles cooked in a rich miso broth, with ingredients such as mushrooms, chicken, eggs and green onions. You can find Miso Nikomi Udon at many restaurants in Nagoya, with reasonable prices of only about 1000 Yen.

6.4. Day 4: Nagoya – Kyoto

In the morning you can explore Nagoya with the following locations:

• Nagoya Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. It was built in the 17th century and was the residence of the Tokugawa lords. Visitors can tour the inside of the castle and learn about its history.

• The Nagoya City Science Museum is one of the largest science museums in Japan. The museum has many exhibits on science and technology, including robots, dinosaurs, and spaceships. It is a great place to visit with the family.

In the afternoon, after taking the train from Nagoya to Tokyo, you can visit:

• Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto, Japan. It is famous for its beautiful wooden architecture, its location on a steep slope, and its panoramic views of the city of Kyoto.

• Fushimi Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The shrine is famous for the thousands of vermillion torii gates that wind along the trails leading up Mount Inari.

Evening is your free time to explore the magical city of Tokyo at night.

6.5. Day 5: Explore Osaka

In the morning, when traveling from Kyoto to Osaka by train, you will have a whole day to explore this city. Some of the stops that cannot be missed are:

• Osaka Castle: Situated majestically in the heart of Osaka, Osaka Castle is a towering symbol, containing the legend of the great warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Visitors can climb the castle's tallest tower, the Tenshu, to enjoy panoramic views of the bustling and vibrant city of Osaka.

In the evening, you can stroll around Shinsaibashi shopping street, where there are many shops to buy souvenirs for relatives and friends. Then, when going out to eat, find a barbecue restaurant on the street. Yakiniku in Japan is quite expensive, but you will feel the special taste and similarity between restaurants. Surely, this culinary experience will leave a memorable impression on your trip.

6.6. Day 6: Travel Osaka – Hanoi

At the end of your 6-day, 4-night self-guided tour in Japan, you will return to Hanoi by a direct flight from Osaka, which takes about 6 hours. This is the moment when a memorable and exciting journey ends, promising to leave you with beautiful memories.

7. Is the cost of traveling to Japan on a tour cheap?

• The total cost of your 6-day, 5-night self-guided tour of Japan includes:
• Airfare: Depends on the country you are traveling to in Japan
• Visa fees
• Cost of buying sim
• Hotel Booking
• Travel expenses
• Eat and drink
• Admission fee
• Rent kimono for photo shoot

8. Some things not to do when traveling to Japan

Before setting foot in the land of the rising sun, there are a few things you should not do that you need to keep in mind as follows:

8.1. Do not bargain when shopping

The Japanese are known for their honesty and reputation in business, so prices are clearly listed on all items. In addition, the Japanese also value respect and politeness, so bargaining can make them feel uncomfortable.

8.2. Do not try food in the supermarket

In many countries, tasting food in supermarkets is common and acceptable. However, in Japan, this is taboo and can lead to trouble. The Japanese value hygiene and discipline . Tasting food can cause food to become contaminated and affect the quality of the product for other customers.

8.3. Do not tip service staff

In many countries, tipping is a common way to show satisfaction with service and thank the staff. However, in Japan, tipping is discouraged and can cause misunderstandings. The Japanese value fairness and respect . They believe that employees are fully paid for their work, and tipping is unnecessary. The wait staff may think that you are stingy or look down on them.

Above are all the experiences of traveling to Japan by tour that Dealnew  has compiled. Hopefully, it will help you have a complete and memorable travel journey. Dealnew also provides discount codes and promotions exclusively for brands providing travel services and equipment. You just need to type the brand name in the search box and find the list of coupons that we have compiled. Hope you will enjoy this article and find the appropriate discount codes.