How to Plan a Japan Tour from USA?

Planning a tour of Japan from the United States is not the hardest thing to do, but you will need to know where to get your travel documents, which are the best flights to catch, the best routes to take, and what you will need to get into this stunning Asian country in the first place. Here, we have created a simple guide to help you plan your lifetime Japan tour with the minimum of stress.

How to Get to Japan from USA

Traveling to Japan from the United States is not hard. The internet is chock full of websites that can provide you with great flight deals to Japan, with multiple flight options from several American cities to major airports in Japan.

Taking a flight from USA to Japan is very convenient.

Flights run to Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports from Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Minneapolis, Washington DC, Houston, Denver, Portland, Atlanta, Dallas, Boston, San Jose, and Detroit; and prices range from as little as US$ 210.00 per person, one way.

And for those that want to travel to other destinations in Japan, flights from many major US airports run to Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo as well.

What Kind of Documents You Need to Prepare in Advance?

For all US citizens who are traveling to Japan as a tourist, there is no requirement to obtain a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. However, for travel in excess of 90 days, a standard visa must be obtained from the embassy in the United States before departure. Japan does not have Visa on Arrival, and does not yet have its e-Visa option open.

US citizens need to apply for a Japanese visa in advance.

You should have your onward travel documents prepared before arrival, either back home or to another destination. Your passport should also have at least 6 months validity remaining at the time of travel.

You will need to be able to show evidence of financial ability to cover your expected period of stay, and all foreign nationals will be required to submit to fingerprint scans and photographs at their port of entry.

As of May 2022, due to COVID-19 restriction in Japan, all travelers must obtain a Visa in Advance from a local embassy or consular office before departure. Travelers without a visa will be turned away and expected to pay for their return to the United States at their own expense.

How Many Days are Recommended for a Japan Tour?

For a short trip, 5-7 days is ideal for visiting the amazing cities of Tokyo and Kyoto together, and you can visit the major attractions around these two cities easily within that time, without having to rush around.

For a good trip around Honshu Island, the main island of Japan, at least ten days is needed in order to get a good experience of the region. This length of trip means you can get in most of the main attractions of Honshu, and is ideal for first-time travelers to the country.

If you are thinking of getting more in-depth and exploring further afield, then you should consider at least two weeks or more for your trip. This allows you to really immerse yourself in the country and culture, and to be able to see more of this amazing country in one trip. And it means you won’t have to rush around from place to place, and can really enjoy your time in Japan.

How to Visit Japan: by yourself, join-in a group tour, or organize a private tour?

If you are traveling solo, then Japan has everything you need in place for that perfect solo trip. However, the biggest problem for many US tourists to Japan is the language Barrier. And the best way to avoid this concern is to travel with a group of like-minded travelers in a tour package.

Join in a gropu tour to visit Japan

If you want to travel with a group, then you can book a tour through agents that will give you the best options on group tours to Japan. Tour packages are popular, and can make planning a lot simpler. These group tours usually include your accommodation, transport, and certain meals, but don’t include your air travel from the US to Japan.

If you are traveling as a family or groups of friends, a private tour can be a great option for a better Japan experience. These are booked and scheduled with a pre-arranged or custom itinerary just for your friends or family, making your trip extra-special. Prices usually include accommodation and transfers or local travel, but not air travel from the United States.

Top Things to Do in Japan

Japan is a country with a history and culture that goes back thousands of years. And there are some things to do that are an absolute MUST when in Japan.

Take a bath in “Onsen”

“Onsen” is Japanese for “hot springs”. Because of its volcanic location, Japan is home to thousands of hot springs, which are a great place to relax. Water temperatures are up to 40°C (104°F).

Japan is home to thousands of hot springs.

Visit the historically significant city of Hiroshima

The impact site for the world’s first Atomic Bomb, Hiroshima is a major tourist attraction, and many come to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Watch sumo wrestling live

Sumo is the national sport of Japan, where two huge opponents try to throw each other out of the ring. The biggest Sumo tournament is held annually in the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, in Tokyo’s Ryogoku district.

Explore amazing Kyoto

Once the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is an ancient city, and is famous for its renowned geishas. The most famous attraction is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a four-kilometer walking trail of astounding natural beauty.

Sacred Mount Fuji

Located on Honshu Island, Mount Fuji is a famous volcano whose peak is perpetually covered in snow. While it has not erupted for around 300 years, it is still considered active. One of three sacred mountains, Mount Fuji is an inspiration to many artists, and it is found in many paintings and souvenirs.

Discover Japan on the famous bullet trains

“Shinkansen” are the famous “bullet trains”, which are a major part of public transport in Japan. With nine Shinkansen lines that connect the most prominent cities, you can explore most of Japan from Tokyo to Kyoto, and Osaka to Fukuoka.

You are able to see the stunning Mt. Fuji on the bullet train.

Sleep in small “capsule” hotels

Considered “low-budget” hotels, the small capsule hotels are a fun and unique way to spend the night. Each capsule is equipped with a mattress, pillow and blanket, and has TV, radio, alarm clock, power outlets and wi-fi internet.

Taste the specialties of Japanese cuisine

The home of “sushi”, Japanese cuisine is not just about raw fish. Varied and tasteful, Japanese cuisine is unique, from ramen and katsudon to takoyaki, onigiri, and the delicious okonomiyaki.

How Much Does It Cost for a Japan tour?

The average cost of a tour in Japan varies depending on how long you are staying, the types of hotels you will stay in, where you are planning on visiting, and much more. If you budget well, plan your itinerary, and make the most of cheaper hotels and places to eat, you can manage to travel relatively cheaply, and it can be done for around US$ 1,300.00 for a one-week stay, up to as much as 4,000-5,000 dollars for a private tour package, per person. The cheapest times to travel in Japan are from January to mid-March and the tail end of August to early December. If you want rock-bottom prices, the best time is in September.

Conclusion

Overall, Japan is still one of the most inspiring places to visit in Asia, with a history and culture that dates back thousands of years. Travel is fast, and the pace of life appears to be quick, but never seems to be rushed. Renowned for its cuisine, Japan will get your gastric juices flowing, and bring out the adventurous foodie in everyone. And with a wealth of culture comes a plethora of temples, palaces, and castles that will astound and amaze. And if you have time, the local masked theater is a real eye-opener. And if you plan well enough, a trip to Japan will not break the bank.