IS your Japan Itinerary too rushed?

Many first-time visitors try to see too much in too little time. Here are a few signs your itinerary could be doing more harm than good...

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Crowd of people visiting a traditional Japanese shrine with a prominent red torii gate in the foreground, under a blue sky with white clouds.

where to stay in tokyo for your first trip

Choosing where to stay in Tokyo can feel weirdly stressful because the city is huge, and every area has a completely different vibe. This guide breaks down the best Tokyo hotel areas for first-time visitors.

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Crowd of people crossing the street in a busy urban area, surrounded by tall buildings and colorful advertising billboards in Tokyo.

5 mistakes first-time visitors make

Avoid these common planning mistakes and enjoy a much smoother trip.

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Snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background above a forested hillside and a small town by a body of water.

is the jr pass worth it in 2026?

The JR Pass used to be an easy recommendation, but after the recent price increases it's no longer the best option for every traveller.

Here's how to work out whether it's actually worth buying for your trip.

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Person holding a Japan Rail Pass in front of a bullet train at a train station.

Arriving in Japan for the First Time:

Landing in Japan for the first time can feel confusing before you’ve even left the airport. Between Visit Japan Web, QR codes, immigration, customs, IC cards, luggage, airport trains and hotel transfers, there are a lot of tiny decisions at exactly the moment you’re tired from a long flight.

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Exterior view of Tokyo International Airport building with people walking outside, clear sky.