TripSuggest

Things to do in Japan

11 destinations in Japan, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Japan

Best time to visit Japan

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Fukuoka
The cheapest months to fly to Fukuoka are January through early March (excluding Chinese New Year) and mid-November, when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 25-35% lower than the cherry-blossom peak in late March-April or Golden Week in late April-May. Flying midweek (Tuesday-Wednesday) saves an additional 10-15% versus weekend departures.
Hakone
Flights to Tokyo are cheapest in late January through February and again in mid-September, typically 20-35% below Golden Week (late April-May) or cherry-blossom peak (late March-early April) prices. Avoiding Japanese public holidays like Obon (mid-August) also yields noticeably lower fares and far less crowded ropeway queues.
Hiroshima
Shoulder seasons, mid-January through February and late October through November, offer the lowest round-trip fares to Japan, often 25-40% cheaper than cherry-blossom peak (late March-April) or Golden Week (late April-early May). Flying midweek on Tuesday or Wednesday and booking 6-10 weeks out typically yields the best domestic connection prices as well.
Kanazawa
Fly to Kanazawa in late January through February or mid-June through July (rainy season shoulder period) for fares roughly 25-35% below peak cherry-blossom (late March-April) and autumn-foliage (October-November) prices. Midweek departures on Tuesday or Wednesday consistently shave an additional 10-15% off round-trip costs.
Kyoto
The cheapest months to fly to Kyoto are January, February, and late June (rainy season), when round-trip fares can run 25-40% below peak cherry-blossom season (late March-April) and fall foliage season (mid-November). Avoid Golden Week (late April-early May) when both flights and hotels surge dramatically.
Nagoya
The cheapest months to fly to Nagoya are January through February and late June during the rainy season, when fares can run 25-35% lower than peak cherry-blossom season (late March-April) or the Golden Week holiday week in early May. Midweek departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) consistently beat weekend fares by an additional 10-15%.
Nara
Fly in January-February or late June for the cheapest fares, typically 25-35% lower than the peak spring cherry-blossom window (late March-April) or autumn foliage season (November). Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend prices by an additional 10-15%.
Okinawa
Flying to Okinawa is cheapest in late January through February and again in late October through November, when you can save 30-45% versus the July-August peak and Golden Week (late April/early May). Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently run $20-50 cheaper than weekend flights on domestic legs.
Osaka
January through March (excluding New Year's week) and late June through early July are Osaka's cheapest flight windows, with fares running roughly 25-40% below the cherry-blossom peak (late March-April) and the autumn-foliage peak (mid-October-November). Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, shaves an additional 10-15% versus Friday or Sunday.
Sapporo
Flights to Sapporo are cheapest in late April through June and again in October-early November, with savings of 25-40% versus the peak Snow Festival (February) and ski-season (January-March) windows. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically shaves another 10-15% off fares.
Tokyo
January through March (excluding New Year's week) and late May through early June offer the lowest round-trip fares, typically 25-40% cheaper than cherry-blossom season (late March-April) or the Golden Week holiday rush (late April-early May). Flying midweek-Tuesday or Wednesday departures-saves another $50-100 versus weekend flights.

Is Japan expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Fukuoka
About $44 a day on a shoestring, about $215 comfortably.
Hakone
About $63 a day on a shoestring, about $260 comfortably.
Hiroshima
About $41 a day on a shoestring, about $225 comfortably.
Kanazawa
About $38 a day on a shoestring, about $202 comfortably.
Kyoto
About $44 a day on a shoestring, about $228 comfortably.
Nagoya
About $45 a day on a shoestring, about $225 comfortably.
Nara
About $43 a day on a shoestring, about $210 comfortably.
Okinawa
About $46 a day on a shoestring, about $260 comfortably.
Osaka
About $42 a day on a shoestring, about $225 comfortably.
Sapporo
About $52 a day on a shoestring, about $233 comfortably.
Tokyo
About $50 a day on a shoestring, about $237 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in Japan

  • Fukuoka: Yatai Stall Hopping on Nakasu Island Wander among open-air food stalls lining the river at night for a uniquely Fukuokan atmospheric experience even if you just browse.
  • Hakone: Cedar Avenue of Cryptomeria A kilometer-long samurai-era cedar-lined road along the old Tokaido highway-atmospheric and completely free.
  • Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park stroll Walk the cenotaphs, flame of peace, and Children's Peace Monument along the Motoyasu River at any hour.
  • Kanazawa: Nagamachi Samurai District stroll Wander earthen-walled lanes past preserved samurai homes and garden gates for free
  • Kyoto: Philosopher's Path A cherry-tree-lined canal walk connecting major temples in northeast Kyoto, magical in any season.
  • Nagoya: Shirotori Garden A traditional Japanese garden beside the castle with seasonal blooms and peaceful pond views

Cheap eats in Japan

  • Ichiran Ramen (Hakata main branch) in Fukuoka, Tonkotsu ramen in a solo dining booth Plates $8-10
  • Hakone Bakery in Hakone, Freshly baked melon pan and curry bread Plates $2-5
  • Hassei in Hiroshima, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with extra noodles and oysters Plates $7-10
  • Omicho Market stalls in Kanazawa, Kaisen-don (fresh seafood rice bowl) from market vendors Plates $8-14
  • Ippudo Ramen (Shijo location) in Kyoto, Shiromaru classic tonkotsu ramen Plates $8-11
  • Yabaton in Nagoya, Miso katsu (deep-fried pork cutlet smothered in Nagoya's signature red miso sauce) Plates $8-13

More in Asia

Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India

All destinations in Asia