# Japan **URL:** https://community.tourradar.com/c/destinations/japan/13.md [Latest](https://community.tourradar.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.tourradar.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.tourradar.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Japan category](https://community.tourradar.com/t/about-the-japan-category/30507)
**Author:** [@admin](https://community.tourradar.com/u/admin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2025, 1:05pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/about-the-japan-category/30507 "2025-08-13T13:05:50Z")
Dive into all things Japan, from Tokyo’s neon streets to Kyoto’s temples and the Japanese Alps. Discuss itineraries, cultural etiquette, food experiences, organized tours, transportation (hello, JR Pass), seasonal timing… --- ## [South Korea vs Japan for a first trip?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/south-korea-vs-japan-for-a-first-trip/52677)
**Author:** [@janine](https://community.tourradar.com/u/janine)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 12:18pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/south-korea-vs-japan-for-a-first-trip/52677 "2026-10-07T12:18:47Z")
We can only do one big Asia trip this year and it’s down to South Korea or Japan, both first-timers for us. We’re after cities, food, history and a bit of nature, at a comfortable pace. For those who’ve done both, which … --- ## [Small-group or a larger tour for Japan - does it matter with the crowds and train changes?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/small-group-or-a-larger-tour-for-japan-does-it-matter-with-the-crowds-and-train-changes/50256)
**Author:** [@muhammad](https://community.tourradar.com/u/muhammad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2026, 5:33pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/small-group-or-a-larger-tour-for-japan-does-it-matter-with-the-crowds-and-train-changes/50256 "2026-08-28T17:33:08Z")
With the stations and big sights sounding so busy, I keep wondering whether a large group turns into a slow shuffle, or whether a good guide makes the size irrelevant. The small-group options cost noticeably more, so we’… --- ## [How easy is visiting and enjoying Japan if you don't speak any Japanese?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/how-easy-is-visiting-and-enjoying-japan-if-you-dont-speak-any-japanese/50018)
**Author:** [@sara](https://community.tourradar.com/u/sara)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2026, 1:35pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/how-easy-is-visiting-and-enjoying-japan-if-you-dont-speak-any-japanese/50018 "2026-08-05T13:35:19Z")
The language is the one thing giving us pause - we’d rather not feel stranded the moment we’re on our own for an afternoon. I’m sure plenty of people manage perfectly well, but a bit of reassurance wouldn’t go amiss befo… --- ## [When visiting Japan, is it worth including a night in a traditional ryokan?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/when-visiting-japan-is-it-worth-including-a-night-in-a-traditional-ryokan/49801)
**Author:** [@ronald](https://community.tourradar.com/u/ronald)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2026, 1:09pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/when-visiting-japan-is-it-worth-including-a-night-in-a-traditional-ryokan/49801 "2026-07-17T13:09:46Z")
We love the idea of a traditional ryokan - the tatami rooms, the onsen, the whole ritual of it. The only thing holding us back is the futon on the floor and the shared baths. Did anyone find it more comfortable than expe… --- ## [Japan in October: how is the fall foliage compared to cherry blossom season?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/japan-in-october-how-is-the-fall-foliage-compared-to-cherry-blossom-season/46565)
**Author:** [@vicki](https://community.tourradar.com/u/vicki)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2026, 10:43pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/japan-in-october-how-is-the-fall-foliage-compared-to-cherry-blossom-season/46565 "2026-07-13T22:43:08Z")
I’ve been going back and forth on when to take my first Japan trip. Everyone says cherry blossom season in March/April is the move, but I can only get time off in October and November. Is Japan in October actually worth… --- ## [How manageable are the bullet trains and luggage on a Japan tour?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/how-manageable-are-the-bullet-trains-and-luggage-on-a-japan-tour/49051)
**Author:** [@Patrick](https://community.tourradar.com/u/Patrick)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2026, 7:25pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/how-manageable-are-the-bullet-trains-and-luggage-on-a-japan-tour/49051 "2026-07-02T19:25:05Z")
We’re very fit 60-year-olds and happy on our feet, but the talk of constant train changes, vast stations and forwarding your suitcase ahead has us wondering how much we’d really be juggling. Is it as much hassle as it so… --- ## [Worth including the Mt Fuji and Hakone area on a Japan tour, or better to spend longer in Kyoto?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/worth-including-the-mt-fuji-and-hakone-area-on-a-japan-tour-or-better-to-spend-longer-in-kyoto/49034)
**Author:** [@kathryn](https://community.tourradar.com/u/kathryn)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/worth-including-the-mt-fuji-and-hakone-area-on-a-japan-tour-or-better-to-spend-longer-in-kyoto/49034 "2026-06-29T22:21:00Z")
Some itineraries add a night around Hakone for the Mt Fuji views, but I’ve read Fuji spends half its life hidden in cloud - and that time could go to more of Kyoto. We’d hate to gamble a precious day on a maybe. Did Hako… --- ## [What's the ideal length for a first trip to Japan?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/whats-the-ideal-length-for-a-first-trip-to-japan/48083)
**Author:** [@joan](https://community.tourradar.com/u/joan)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/whats-the-ideal-length-for-a-first-trip-to-japan/48083 "2026-06-18T16:26:18Z")
We’d love to see Tokyo, Kyoto and a little beyond without feeling marched around, but we also don’t want to pad the trip out or pay for days we don’t need. The options seem to run anywhere from a week to a fortnight. For… --- ## [Osaka food scene: Dotonbori vs the side streets?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/osaka-food-scene-dotonbori-vs-the-side-streets/46277)
**Author:** [@rachael](https://community.tourradar.com/u/rachael)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2026, 10:37am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/osaka-food-scene-dotonbori-vs-the-side-streets/46277 "2026-05-24T10:37:24Z")
Heading to Osaka next April for 3 nights and food is the whole point of the stop. Every guide says go to Dotonbori but every experienced traveler says it’s a tourist trap with overpriced takoyaki. So which is it? Where … --- ## [Tokyo hotels near shinjuku station](https://community.tourradar.com/t/tokyo-hotels-near-shinjuku-station/41825)
**Author:** [@laurie](https://community.tourradar.com/u/laurie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2026, 5:24pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/tokyo-hotels-near-shinjuku-station/41825 "2026-05-15T17:24:07Z")
I’m trying to pick a hotel in Tokyo and everyone says stay in Shinjuku. BUT looking at the map, Shinjuku station is absolutely massive. If my hotel is “a 10 minute walk” from the station, am I going to be dragging my lu… --- ## [Kyoto temples getting too crowded?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/kyoto-temples-getting-too-crowded/41827)
**Author:** [@monique](https://community.tourradar.com/u/monique)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2026, 7:03am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/kyoto-temples-getting-too-crowded/41827 "2026-03-28T07:03:04Z")
I’ve seen so many horror stories lately about Kyoto being completely overrun with tourists to the point where you can’t even walk down the street in Gion. We are going in November. If we wake up super early (like 6 AM) c… --- ## [Japan golden route for first timers](https://community.tourradar.com/t/japan-golden-route-for-first-timers/41599)
**Author:** [@matthew](https://community.tourradar.com/u/matthew)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2026, 6:59am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/japan-golden-route-for-first-timers/41599 "2026-03-28T06:59:09Z")
My partner and I finally booked our flights to Tokyo for next cherry blossom season. I know the “Golden Route” (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) is standard, but is 14 days enough to also squeeze in Hiroshima, or will we be completely… --- ## [Best time to visit Japan for cherry blossom season? 🌸](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-time-to-visit-japan-for-cherry-blossom-season/36036)
**Author:** [@FatosPur](https://community.tourradar.com/u/FatosPur)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 5:31pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-time-to-visit-japan-for-cherry-blossom-season/36036 "2026-03-12T17:31:10Z")
Hi everyone! I’m starting to plan a trip to Japan and would love your insights. I’m especially interested in visiting during sakura (cherry blossom) season, but I know timing can vary depending on the region and year. … --- ## [Any tips for Japan?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/any-tips-for-japan/38854)
**Author:** [@AssertiveChile](https://community.tourradar.com/u/AssertiveChile)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 3:13pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/any-tips-for-japan/38854 "2026-02-23T15:13:49Z")
We are heading to Japan next month and ive read so many tips and hints that it feels a little overwhelming! any do’s or dont’s or helpful hints and tips we would be very grateful. We are starting in Tokyo, going to Hak… --- ## [Which Disney theme park is better in Japan](https://community.tourradar.com/t/which-disney-theme-park-is-better-in-japan/33858)
**Author:** [@traveler\_979002](https://community.tourradar.com/u/traveler_979002)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 9:24am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/which-disney-theme-park-is-better-in-japan/33858 "2026-01-12T09:24:58Z")
only have time for 1 Disney visit in Japan, which one do you think will be better? I have kids aged from 4-16 years old --- ## [Japan trip advice - Hiroshima to Tokyo route](https://community.tourradar.com/t/japan-trip-advice-hiroshima-to-tokyo-route/33697)
**Author:** [@shoby](https://community.tourradar.com/u/shoby)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2026, 7:20pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/japan-trip-advice-hiroshima-to-tokyo-route/33697 "2026-01-08T19:20:58Z")
I’m heading to Japan from late May till mid June and I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on places to go, places to eat, and maybe even a few weird/interesting things to see? Cities I’ll be visiting (in or… --- ## [Birthday girls trip, April 2026](https://community.tourradar.com/t/birthday-girls-trip-april-2026/33765)
**Author:** [@lynn](https://community.tourradar.com/u/lynn)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/birthday-girls-trip-april-2026/33765 "2026-01-06T19:21:48Z")
My best firend is palnning a girls trip to Japan in April 2026. We’ve never been to Japan so we are super excited. We are all into K-pop and want to live out our K-pop dream. can you reccommend places to visit that offer… --- ## [The best time to visit Japan](https://community.tourradar.com/t/the-best-time-to-visit-japan/33512)
**Author:** [@kate25](https://community.tourradar.com/u/kate25)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 10:23am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/the-best-time-to-visit-japan/33512 "2025-11-25T10:23:44Z")
I’ve travelled to Japan multiple times, throughout different parts of the year and have come to learn there are certain months or seasons that would be better for travel, especially as a first timer. Winter - great for … --- ## [Cherry blossoms in Japan](https://community.tourradar.com/t/cherry-blossoms-in-japan/33855)
**Author:** [@kate25](https://community.tourradar.com/u/kate25)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2025, 7:49pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/cherry-blossoms-in-japan/33855 "2025-10-08T19:49:43Z")
Hi all, As someone who lived in Japan for several years, I thought I’d share my experience with cherry blossoms in Japan, as most people tend to book their trips around that time. There are hundreds of blossom varietie… --- ## [Transportation in Tokyo](https://community.tourradar.com/t/transportation-in-tokyo/33797)
**Author:** [@NewTraveler2026](https://community.tourradar.com/u/NewTraveler2026)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2025, 3:45pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/transportation-in-tokyo/33797 "2025-10-07T15:45:55Z")
Hi there, I’m interested in visiting Tokyo, and I would like to ask for some advice about transportation within the city. I’ve heard that we can buy subway passes to visit the different places in the city. Any experience… --- ## [Ramen cooking class?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/ramen-cooking-class/33739)
**Author:** [@terry](https://community.tourradar.com/u/terry)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2025, 2:24pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/ramen-cooking-class/33739 "2025-10-06T14:24:46Z")
I am travelling to Japan in March and I am a huge fan of Ramen and can’t wait to try and eat as many as possible but my main interest would be to actually make some ramen on my own. I was thinking about a group ramen coo… --- ## [Best places to visit in Kyoto](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-places-to-visit-in-kyoto/33798)
**Author:** [@Tanya2525](https://community.tourradar.com/u/Tanya2525)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2025, 10:01am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-places-to-visit-in-kyoto/33798 "2025-10-02T10:01:13Z")
I am travelling solo to Japan in March next year and want to visit all the cultural spots in Kyoto. Can somebody please recommend some tips on do and where to go? I also want to have experience with a tea ceremony, but I… --- ## [Where should I fly out from at the end of my trip to Japan?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/where-should-i-fly-out-from-at-the-end-of-my-trip-to-japan/33777)
**Author:** [@allan](https://community.tourradar.com/u/allan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2025, 8:33am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/where-should-i-fly-out-from-at-the-end-of-my-trip-to-japan/33777 "2025-10-02T08:33:25Z")
I am looking for a trip that starts in Tokyo but I am unsure whether its worth traveling back to Tokyo? I am seeing a lot of potential itineraries finishing in either Osaka or Kyoto. Will it be easy to find a flight back… --- ## [Best places to know Japan's history](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-places-to-know-japans-history/33630)
**Author:** [@georgia](https://community.tourradar.com/u/georgia)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2025, 3:19pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/best-places-to-know-japans-history/33630 "2025-10-01T15:19:16Z")
Hi, I’m looking to travel to Japan to know more about it’s rich culture, but I’m also a fanatic of Manga and Anime. What are the must see spots for anime/manga fans? --- ## [Planning trip to Japan](https://community.tourradar.com/t/planning-trip-to-japan/33591)
**Author:** [@kris](https://community.tourradar.com/u/kris)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2025, 11:48am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/planning-trip-to-japan/33591 "2025-09-30T11:48:51Z")
I am currently planning a trip to Japan in March and i want to eat the best food - any recommendations on places I should not miss out?