Top travel tips for exploring Japan

Written by Ute Junker for Australian Seniors

Thinking of taking a trip to Japan? You’re not alone. The country’s national tourism body estimates that by the end of 2025, more than one million Australians will have travelled to Japan over the year, a record high. It’s no wonder we’re hooked on this fascinating country.

Where to go in Japan

“Japan is the ultimate touring destination that allows guests to experience large cities, small towns and everything in-between,” Chris Hall, managing director Asia Pacific for the Globus family of brands, says. “It is a destination that is rich in culture, easy to get around and offers authentic experiences you just can’t get anywhere else.”

What’s more, it is a year-round option. Summers can be hot but spring, with its spectacular blossoms, and autumn, with its rich foliage, are both stunning, while skiers flock to the northern island of Hokkaido in winter for its famed powder snow.

Few places are better suited to the current trend to slow travel than Japan, with walking holidays on the rise.

“Walking allows us to reach those parts of the country not easily accessible by other means,” Paul Christie says, who is the founder and CEO of Walk Japan.

“What could be better than gently strolling through Japan’s beautiful countryside, and literally, through its society, history and culture?”

So, the only question left to ask is where to first? Here are some of the top regions to consider adding to your itinerary.

Before you leave, make sure to read our flying tips for senior travellers.

Explore Honshu island: The heart of Japan

Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, and more

Most countries have one irresistible city; Japan has two, both on the main island of Honshu. Buzzing Tokyo, with its skyscrapers and its neon-lit alleys is endlessly mesmerising; Kyoto, with its dizzying collection of shrines and temples and its rich geisha culture, offers a calmer counterpoint. You could easily spend a week in both, but don’t forget to explore nearby regions.

From Tokyo, a trip to the mountain town of Hakone is famous for its glorious scenery – the area is known for offering terrific views of Mount Fuji, weather permitting – and its volcanic lake, while two hours out of Kyoto, in the hot springs town of Kinosaki Onsen, bathers stroll from one hot spring to another clad in their yukata robes.

Another famously atmospheric destination is the forest-covered Kii Peninsula, where the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route has scored a World Heritage listing, while Naoshima and other ‘art islands’ of the Seto Inland Sea are known for their lively collections of contemporary art and architecture.

Food experiences and hot springs in Kyushu

Fukuoka, Usuki, and Yufuin

Few Australians have heard of the city of Fukuoka but in Japan, the largest city on the island of Kyushu is famous as one of the country’s food capitals. Beloved dishes such as tonkotsu ramen were born here; enjoy them at one of the yatai food stalls that set up each night around 6pm.

The island’s other highlights include the city of Usuki with its samurai-era architecture and stone Buddhas carved into the cliff, and the many inviting hot springs towns including Yufuin, remarkable for its charming Alpine feel.

Discover Japan’s rich history in Shikoku

Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen, and Iya Valley

The past is always within touching distance in Japan, but on the island of Shikoku you are immersed in it. This is where you will find Matsuyama Castle, one of the few Japanese castles to have survived in original condition, and Dogo Onsen, one of the country’s oldest wooden bathhouses and the place that helped inspire the beloved Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away.

Among Shikoku’s most magical spots is the Iya Valley, where for 800 years villagers protected themselves from hostile clans by weaving vine bridges over rushing rivers – in the event of an attack they could simply cut the bridges down, leaving their enemies stranded. These days the swaying bridges are reinforced with steel cables but walking over them is still a hair-raising experience.

For more travel inspiration, check out these bucket list trips for over 50s.

Tips and tricks for travelling in Japan

Japan’s train system: Rail passes and luggage tips

Japan’s railways are wonderfully efficient and a range of rail passes offer significant savings, particularly if you buy before you fly. If you are planning to ride the rails, don’t overpack; many storage areas on the train are reserved for smaller cases.

Sleep tight with budget accommodation options

Looking to save some cash on hotels? The rooms in Japan’s business hotels (popular chains include Route Inn, APA Hotel and Super Hotel) are basic, compact and clean. They’ll never rival the atmosphere of the ryokan (traditional inns), but if you’re looking for a cheap one-nighter, they’re a good option.

Japan’s blooming seasons

Cherry blossom season (March to May) is notoriously expensive but there are plenty of alternatives that offer much better value, from February’s plum blossoms to autumn’s chrysanthemums.

Cheap eats in Japan

There are plenty of great cheap eats in Japan, not least the teishoku, or set meals, offered in many restaurants. Grab a bento box (at department stores and train stations) for a fast and filling meal, or pick up some surprisingly tasty cheap eats at a convenience store.

Removing language barriers

Many cab drivers don’t read English, so before you leave your hotel, take a hotel name card written in both English and Japanese, just in case you need to get a ride home.

Ready to plan your next holiday? 

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