Japan In-Depth Travel Guide

🌸Japan In-Depth Travel Guide: From Classic Must-Sees to Hidden Gems, Unlocking Unique Japanese Charms🌸 Japan, a country blending tradition and modernity, never fails to amaze travelers. This guide will take you from Tokyo's bustling streets to Kyoto's serene gardens, from Hokkaido's natural wonders to Okinawa's azure seas, offering a deep dive into Japan's diverse attractions. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable in-depth Japanese adventure! ✈ Pre-Trip Preparation 1. Visa Application Single-entry tourist visa: ¥300-500, requires passport, photos, financial proof, etc., processed in 7-15 working days Five-year multiple-entry visa: ¥700, ideal for frequent visitors E-visa: Some platforms offer convenient electronic visa services 2. Currency Exchange Recommended: ¥500-3000 RMB equivalent per person (depending on trip duration) Most Japanese stores accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and credit cards 3. Essentials Transport card: Purchase Suica or ICOCA card in advance for transit and convenience stores WiFi device: Rent portable WiFi or buy Japanese SIM card (~¥12/day) Adapter: Japan uses two-flat-pin plugs (110V voltage) Thermos: Most restaurants serve ice water; recommended for winter travel 4. Recommended Apps Google Maps: Accurate navigation and transit info Youdao Translator: Real-time translation tool Tokyo Disney App: FastPass reservations Tabelog: Local food reviews 🗼 Must-Visit Highlights 1. Tokyo & Surroundings Sensoji Temple: Tokyo's oldest temple with iconic Thunder Gate lantern. Try fortune slips (¥100) and buy omamori charms (love charms are said to be effective) Tokyo Disney: Comprising Disneyland and unique DisneySea. Must-tries: Journey to the Center of the Earth, Tower of Terror (use FastPass) Kamakura: Slam Dunk filming location. Ride Enoden Line for Shonan coastal views and photo ops at Kamakura High School station Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station: Prime Fuji viewing spot, possible early snow after mid-October 2. Kansai Region Kyoto: Stroll Gion's Hanamikoji, try kimono rental (Okamoto recommended), visit Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari's thousand torii gates Osaka: Shop at Shinsaibashi, savor takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Dotonbori Nara: Interact with deer in Nara Park, try local handmade mochi Lake Biwa: Japan's largest freshwater lake with seasonal beauty and tranquility 3. Hokkaido Biei Blue Pond: Picture-perfect blue waters, misty in autumn like fairyland Lake Towada: Volcanic crater lake with stunning autumn foliage, combine with Oirase Stream hike Sapporo: Spectacular Snow Festival, fresh seafood and Genghis Khan BBQ 🌿 Hidden Gems 1. Takeda Castle Ruins (Hyogo) "Japan's Machu Picchu," appearing to float on morning clouds in autumn - photographer's paradise 2. Nyuto Onsen Village (Akita) Top 3 in Japan's Hidden Hot Springs ranking, unique black-spring baths under winter snow 3. Yubu Island Water Buffalo Cart (Okinawa) Traditional buffalo cart ride through shallows to Yubu Island for slow-paced island life 4. Shiroyone Senmaida (Ishikawa) 1,004 terraced rice fields illuminated by LED lights at night - dreamlike scenery 5. Kanazawa (Ishikawa) Featured in NatGeo's 2025 Top 25 Destinations. Highlights: Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market 🍣 Culinary Experiences 1. Tokyo Must-Tries Nodaiwa Azabu: Edo-period eel restaurant (natural eel season: April-November) Ore no French: Standing French cuisine by Michelin chefs - great value Menya Musashi: Unique fish-powder ramen with giant chashu 2. Regional Specialties Murakami Salmon Cuisine (Niigata): Whole-fish utilization Kaga Cuisine (Kanazawa): Seasonal traditional dishes Gold Leaf Ice Cream: Luxurious gold-dusted treat Oshino Hakkai Tofu: Made with Fuji's snowmelt water 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 1. Tokyo Shinjuku: Convenient transport, shopping/dining (Ibis recommended) Disney Area: MYSTAYS Shin-Urayasu with free shuttle 2. Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi: Downtown location (Mitsui Garden Hotel recommended) 3. Osaka Shinsaibashi/Namba: Shopping/dining hub (Shinsaibashi Art Hotel recommended) 4. Unique Stays Ryokan: Experience tatami and kaiseki meals Treehouse Cafe Sharehouse (Yokohama): Featured in "Share House no Koibito"