Flight Guide to Japan
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What Should I Know Before Visiting Japan?
- Personal space is limited in public spaces. If you’re catching the train, especially during rush hour, expect things to be packed. If you do get shoved in the bustle, shrug it off and take the city’s quirks in your stride.
- Blowing your nose in public is considered a social faux pas. If you have a runny nose, excuse yourself and find somewhere private to avoid offending the locals.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan. If you did find the service exceptional, rather give the server a small present or discreetly give them some money in an envelope.
- If you're visiting someone's home or a ryokan, it's customary to change into slippers. You might find this tradition practised at museums, art galleries and even restaurants. There are also special toilet slippers kept outside bathrooms that you'll have to change into as well.
- Smoking is banned in most public spaces. Avoid having a cigarette while onboard public transport, in restaurants or at the cinema. Cities around Japan like Tokyo and Kyoto also have strict rules for smoking in the street. Before lighting up your cigarette, look for a designated area to avoid fines of JPY 2000 or more.
What is the Best Time to Visit Japan?
Japan's average temperatures and weather patterns vary across the country's different regions. As a result, the best time to visit depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. The most popular time of year for people to travel on flights to Japan is during springtime. Despite the frequent showers, tourists flock from near and far to marvel at the blooming cherry blossoms. The best time to see this natural event is in the last week of March for Tokyo or Kyoto. But if your cheap flights to Japan have you travelling to the cooler regions like Sapporo, you can catch the blossoms in the first week of May. As it is one of the busiest times in Japan, plan your trip a few months in advance to lock in better prices. It is also wise to book return flights to Japan well in advance too, as tickets to Japan for travel during cherry blossom season can dramatically increase as the flowering dates are forecasted. For travellers wanting to escape the crowds or save even more money in addition to already cheap flights to Japan, consider travelling during autumn or winter. You'll be able to explore the country's famous sites with fewer tourists, and prices are lower than the peak summer months. The cooler weather also means you can experience Japan's famous Takayama Festival, held in October. If you're planning on visiting Mount Fuji in Hakone, the best time to visit is from October to February. The colder weather means you'll have a higher chance of visibility and little rain. Plus, you can plan your visit around the cherry blossoms to get an iconic photo of the two together. Another important factor to keep in mind when booking tickets to Japan is the national holidays. During the days around Obon, New Year and the "Golden Week", last minute accommodation is impossible to find. If you're around during any of these holidays, book your transport, flights and public transportation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
What Are the Best Cities in Japan?
Kyoto
The city of Kyoto attracts more than 10 million visitors each year. Spared from the devastation of WWII, little has changed in this ancient city in the past 1,000 years. Once the imperial capital of Japan, the "City of 10,000 Shrines" boasts more temples than anywhere else in the country. It's the perfect destination for travellers on flights to Japan who want to immerse themselves in the Japanese culture and marvel at Kyoto's architectural wonders. Some of the city's top sites include the 14th-century Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and holds the title as the world's most populous metropolis. It's a city that's constantly on the move, and it's impossible to be bored. With an almost unlimited choice of things to do and see, your itinerary in Tokyo will never be dull. Foodies that have booked return flights to Japan will be thrilled to know that Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city, plus the Japanese capital is also home to the world's tallest tower and a wild nightlife scene sure to keep you entertained into the wee hours of the morning.
Osaka
Once known as Naniwa, Osaka was Japan's first-ever capital city. Today, it's the second largest city in Japan and one of the hottest foodie destinations. Known as the "Nation's Kitchen", it's one of the best places in the country to take a cooking class. Learn how to craft iconic Japanese dishes such as miso soup or delicious comfort food like pork on rice. Once you're done eating your fill, there's plenty of other things to do in the area. Visit the famous Osaka Castle, go to the Sumiyoshi-Taisha Shrine or take a cruise on the Osaka River.
Nara
Nara is an incredible destination for travellers interested in Japanese – and the heritage of this city is within even easier reach once you book an airfare to Japan with Webjet. The city is filled with historic buildings, 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national treasures and exceptional pieces of art. The best part about Nara is that most of its monasteries and shrines are close together, making it easy to explore this ancient city on foot. Make sure you visit the Seven Great Temples of Nara, the 8th-century Todaiji Temple, and the world’s largest wooden building, home to Japan’s largest Buddha.
Hiroshima
Once a place of tragedy, Hiroshima is now a centre for global peace. If you want to learn more about the Japan's involvement in WWII, head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It's locked in Peace Park, across from the sight of the A-Bomb Dome. Besides its sobering history, the city is famous for its local speciality, okonomiyaki. And you'll be only a short ferry ride away from the Island Shrine of Itsukushima.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Japan?
Mount Fuji
Standing at 3,776 metres, Mount Fuji is the highest peak in Japan. It's so tall that the active volcano can be seen in Tokyo more than 100 kilometres away. Situated inside Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, it's one of the most popular attractions with visitors travelling on flights to Japan; more than one million people climb the mountain every year. The mountain’s near perfect symmetrical cone has inspired Japanese artists and writers for centuries. In 2013, it was officially recognised by UNESCO as a sacred place and source of artistic inspiration. Whether you choose to attempt the three to eight-hour ascent or admire it from below, Mount Fuji is a sight that deserves a spot on the itinerary of anyone headed away with cheap flights to Japan.
Osaka Castle Park
In 1586, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous warrior and politician, built the Osaka Castle. During its heyday, it was the most important fortress in the country and played a huge role in unifying Japan. Today, it attracts history buffs from all over (and who have all snapped up cheap flights to Japan) who want to marvel at its architectural design and learn more about Japan's past. Besides the castle, there are other important sights to see inside the park. The Japanese government has designated 13 structures as important cultural assets, such as the Ote-mon Gate and Kin Meisui Well. You can also visit the Hokoku Shrine or spend some time wandering around the lush urban oasis of the Nishinomaru garden.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Tokyo's most famous landmark is the Imperial Palace. Surrounded by traditional 17th-century Japanese gardens, it's the official residence of the Imperial family. Don't give this place a skip because the majority of the palace is closed off to the public. There is plenty to see here by strolling through the castle grounds. Visit the Nijubashi Bridge, famous for its watery reflection, or spend an afternoon in the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden. It's one of the few areas open to the public and covers an area of 210,000 square metres. If you're keen to see more of the palace thanks to your airfare to Japan, plan your visit around the January 2 or December 23. During these two occasions, you'll be allowed to enter the inner palace grounds and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Imperial Family.
The Island Shrine of Itsukushima
Dating back to the eighth century, a visit to the UNESCO Itsukushima Shrine is a must if you find yourself near Hiroshima once your flights to Japan have touched down. Located just off the mainland, the island is famous around the world for its Great Floating Gate. During high tide, the Shinto temples dedicated to the daughters of Susanoo, the wind god, give off the illusion of floating on water. Visitors from all over flock to the island to witness this architectural wonder, but it's not all the island offers. Before leaving, explore the grounds home to wild deer and stay for the traditional dances held on the shrine's stage.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani, commonly known as Hell's Valley, is surrounded by freezing forests, cliffs and bubbling hot springs. But besides its natural beauty, the park is well-known for its population of wild Japanese macaque or snow monkey. During the winter, the Japanese macaque monkeys descend from the forests to spend the day bathing in the warm hot springs. While the park is open all year round, the best time to see the monkeys is from January to February when the area is covered in snow. But with temperatures dropping as low as -15°C during these winter months, make sure you don’t leave on flights to Japan without packing enough warm clothes for your visit.
What Are the Majore International Airports in Japan?
- Haneda Airport (HND)
- Narita International Airport (NRT)
- Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
- Central Japan Airport (NGO)
