🇯🇵 Countries Quick facts & interesting facts

• Visa: Visa-free for German citizens for up to 90 days - passport required.

• Best time to visit: Spring (March-May, cherry blossom) & autumn (September-November, colorful foliage).

• Currency: Japanese yen (JPY); approx. 1 € = 165 JPY.

• Time zones: Japan Standard Time (CET+8 hours).

• Safety: Very safe, even at night - politeness and respect are very important.

A country between tradition & future

In Japan, ancient shrines and futuristic neon worlds come face to face. Between sushi, high-speed trains and tea ceremonies, you will find a unique culture, precise order and warm hospitality. Whether megacity or Zen garden - Japan will enchant you with its versatility.

Japan highlights: My personal favorites

Kyoto & the old imperial city

Over 1,000 temples, geishas in Gion and bamboo forests in Arashiyama - Kyoto is the heart of Japanese tradition.

Tokyo & big city vibes

A cosmopolitan city of contrasts: From quiet shrines in Asakusa to garish neon signs in Shibuya - modern Japan pulsates here.

Hike through volcanic areas, enjoy hot onsen baths and admire the majestic Fuji-san - Japan's most iconic mountain.

Fuji & nature around Hakone

My route suggestions for your trip to Japan

🗼 10 days Golden Route: Culture, contrasts & cherry blossoms
Experience the perfect blend of old and new - from Tokyo's neon districts and sushi conveyor belts to the sacred shrines of Kyoto and the majestic view of Mount Fuji. This route is Japan's classic and takes you to the most important highlights between history, temples and big city vibes.

🏯 2 weeks of Japan intensive: tradition meets the future
Start in Tokyo with Shibuya, manga culture and Skytree, continue to the hot springs in Hakone, through the temple world of Kyoto to Nara with its tame deer. Stroll through Osaka's street kitchens and immerse yourself in the tranquil world of Kōya-san. Perfect for anyone who wants to experience Japan in depth and authentically.

🌊 3 weeks round trip to Japan: From north to tropical beach
From the volcanic lakes of Hokkaido to the Shinkansen cities and tropical Okinawa - discover snow, sand, sushi and samurai on a route of extremes. This round trip shows you the full diversity of Japan and takes you from the summit to the coral reef, from the temple to the surf spot.

🧘 Extra tip: spiritual time-out & Zen vibes
Start in Kyoto, spend a night in a temple at Kōya-san, practise zazen with monks and hike through mystical cedar forests. Whether in Nikkō or Kamakura - Japan's spiritual places will give you peace, clarity and a whole new connection to the country.

Costs and budget

Approximately how much does a trip to Japan cost?

✈️ Flights & Arrival
Flights to Tokyo or Osaka are available from around €600-900 - often cheaper if you book longer in advance or open-jaw flights.

🚅 Train & Transportation
The Japan Rail Pass is worthwhile for longer distances (approx. €250 for 7 days) - you can use almost all Shinkansen trains with it. Public transport is punctual & well organized.

🏡 Accommodation & Catering
Business hotels from €50, hostels from €30.
Food is surprisingly cheap: you can often get ramen, sushi and bento boxes for less than €10.

🎟️ Entrance fees & activities
Many temples cost only €2-5, museums & castles €5-10.
Plan extra: admission to theme parks or traditional shows.

💡 My tip: Get a Suica or Pasmo card for train & bus in advance - saves time & nerves. And: Convenience stores are your friend - here you can get cheap snacks & drinks around the clock!

Personal tips

My best learnings for the road - straight from my adventures.

🛏️ Übernachten im Ryokan oder Kapselhotel

Sleeping on tatami mats or in a futuristic sleeping pod - both unforgettable experiences with local flair.

🍱 Food from the Kombini - no joke!

Japanese 24/7 stores such as FamilyMart or 7-Eleven have surprisingly tasty snacks - cheap, fast & authentic.

Quiet on trains, shoes off in temples, bowing instead of shaking hands - if you pay attention to these little things, you will experience the real Japan.

🙏 Respect for the culture

My favorite moments in pictures

From geishas in Kyoto's alleyways to steaming bowls of ramen and a sunrise over Mount Fuji - Japan has given me unforgettable moments. Here I share my personal highlights with you - maybe they will inspire your next trip!