A week? Two months? The length of your trip to Japan depends on your travel goals and preferences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, the amount of time you need to explore this fascinating country will vary. In this blog post, we discuss the factors that influence how many days in Japan are enough for your trip.
Factors that influence how many days you need in Japan:
- Travel style: Are you a slow traveller who prefers to take your time and explore each destination thoroughly? Or do you enjoy the thrill of seeing as much as possible in a short period of time? If you prefer a more relaxed pace, factor in at least 3-5 days per stop so you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture. On the other hand, if you prefer a fast-paced trip with more focus on sightseeing and activities, you may be able to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time.
- Interests: If you’re interested in Japanese history and culture, think about spending more time in cities like Kyoto and Nara, which have many historic temples and shrines to explore. If you’re interested in nature, you may want to visit places like Hokkaido or Okinawa, which have beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities.
- Distance travelled: If you’re travelling from the UK, you may need more time to adjust to the time difference and jet lag. This could impact your ability to explore Japan fully and may require a few extra days after you land to rest before diving into your itinerary.
How many days is enough for different types of trips to Japan?
- Short trip (3-5 days): If you only have a few days in Japan, it’s best to focus on one or two cities and their main attractions. For example, you could spend 2-3 days in Tokyo, exploring popular sights like the Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, and the Imperial Palace, then head to Kyoto for 1-2 days to visit historic temples and gardens.
- Medium trip (7-10 days): With a bit more time on your side, you can explore a couple of other destinations and take in more of Japan’s culture and natural beauty. A 7-10 day trip could include a few days in Tokyo, followed by 3-4 days in Kyoto and nearby Nara, and then a day or two in Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
- Long trip (2 weeks or more): With a longer trip, you can really immerse yourself in Japan’s culture and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. For example, you could spend a few days in Tokyo and Kyoto, then head north to the Hokkaido region for a few days of walking or hiking, followed by a trip to the historic city of Kanazawa and then down to Osaka and Hiroshima. You could even include a visit to Okinawa in the south for some beach time.
What is the best way to maximise your time in Japan?
Regardless of how many days are available for your trip, it’s important to plan ahead to maximise your time.
1. Research: Do some research and plan your itinerary in advance. Research the places you want to visit and book activities in advance where you can.
2. Use public transport: Japan has an excellent public transport system, including high-speed trains, subways, and buses. This is the most efficient way to get around and will save you time and money. Our best tip? Get a rail pass, which gives you the option to make several trips during your stay and save money.
3. Embrace everything Japan has to offer: Make the most of every opportunity, whether it’s sampling local delicacies, learning some basic Japanese phrases, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony or trying one of the country’s many vending machines, keep an open mind and you’re likely to have a more authentic experience.
4. Stay flexible: Last but not least, try not to plan too far ahead when travelling around. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid feeling overwhelmed or under pressure.
Ultimately, the duration of your trip to Japan depends on your interests, budget, and preferences. If you want to visit multiple destinations in Japan, a 10-14 day itinerary would allow you to see many of the country’s highlights. However, if you have limited time, you can still have a fulfilling experience by focusing on one or two destinations that interest you the most. If you have any further questions about booking your trip to Japan, we’re here to help. For a quote or booking enquiries, simply call us on: 0800 412 5678.
