Japan Travel Blog to Help You "Blend In"

Travelling to Japan for the first time? Or wanting to head back again for more? My detailed travel blog to Japan helps you blend in! Explore Japan off the beaten path, participate in authentic cultural experiences as well as enjoy popular destinations in a sustainable way with my super-detailed Japan travel blog that covers all the bases.

As one of the first Japan bloggers back in 2017, my obsession with visiting this country spans over a decade — enjoying regular trips during different seasons each year. Collectively I’ve spent nine months exploring The Land of the Rising Sun, and now I share all my exclusive Japan travel tips with you from my unique perspective!

On this page you’ll find my personal, tried-and-tested Japan itineraries and travel guides in detail to simplify your Japan trip planning. Find out costs, things to do, where to stay, options to get around and more. Dotted throughout you’ll learn Japanese etiquette, culture and customs to help you better blend in to ease the tourism burden on local communities.

I’m always sharing many new Japan travel destinations as I visit up to 4 times annually from Australia, making The Invisible Tourist one of the most up-to-date travel blogs about Japan on the internet. So stay tuned and learn how to be an Invisible Tourist when you travel in Japan to make the most of your visit!

JUMP TO JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDES BY REGION

Golden Route:

Off the Beaten Path:

Offline Japan Itinerary PDFs

AD-FREE versions of my Japan itineraries are now available in PDF format for offline use, perfect for when you’re on the go. Be prepared and organised ahead of your future trip!

What to Pack for Japan? 19 Things You Haven’t Thought Of (& What NOT to Bring)

Wondering what things to pack for Japan? My pacing list covers what to wear in Japan (plus what NOT to wear and bring!) It also includes items for how to be a responsible tourist to minimise your environmental footprint as well as things to make the flight more comfortable. Use the handy travel checklist for reference later!

Discover More of Japan

Whether you’re planning to visit Japan’s Golden Route (Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima) or wander off the beaten path, my Japan travel guides cover all the bases. Create your own Japan travel story by exploring lesser-known cities, enjoying cultural experiences and discovering hidden gems to enrich your trip.

Planning a trip to Japan? 20+ Essential Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

When is the best time to visit Japan? Just the thought of planning a Japan trip may seem overwhelming at first. For a seemingly small island nation, there is so much to see! Where do you start?

No need to worry as I’ve done all the ground work for you and shared my best advice from my 10+ visits to this incredible country – and not just for autumn color or cherry blossom season.

Find out exactly how to prepare for a trip to Japan, common tourist mistakes, what to book in advance, how to avoid crowds and so much more!

Latest from my Japan Blog

I pour my heart into my work, creating one of the best Japan travel blogs to help you discover the latest in cultural experiences, hidden gems, off the beaten path destinations and more.

KANTŌ REGION

Including Tokyo, Kamakura, Kawagoe, Nikko, Yokohama. Click to read all Kanto Region articles here →

Honest Advice for Where to Stay in Tokyo For First Time & Repeat Travellers

Shibuya Sky: Tickets & Tips for the Perfect Experience Above Tokyo

27 Unreal & Exciting Things to do in Shibuya During the Day + Night

Is teamLab Borderless Worth It in Tokyo? Essential Tips for Visiting

The Best Street Food in Shibuya According to Locals: 5 Hidden Spots

How to Find Underrated Shibuya Ramen Shops Adored by Locals

Sumo Training in Tokyo Review: Join In the Super-Sized Fun

17 Iconic Streets in Tokyo You Must See to Believe

20+ Scrumptious Food Tours in Tokyo You’ll Absolutely Love

How to Eat Your Way Through Old Town Tokyo: Yanaka Ginza

How to Create Your Own Fake Japanese Food Souvenir in Tokyo

Learning Japanese Culture from a Geisha in Tokyo Experience

Tokyo Tea Ceremony & Fun Wagashi Making Experience Review

10 (Almost) Secret Tokyo Hidden Gems You’ve Never Heard Of

Exciting Places to Go in Tokyo: Complete Neighbourhood Guide

How to Find Hidden Pubs in Shibuya at Night Only Locals Know About

16 Underrated Day Trips from Tokyo You Haven’t Thought Of

An Unforgettable Kawagoe Day Trip Itinerary from Tokyo

Remarkable Things to Do in Yokohama During the Day + Night

Extraordinary Day Trip to Nikko from Tokyo: Itinerary Ideas + Lesser-Known Spots

Tobu World Square Review: Hop Around the Globe in a Day in Nikko

Delightful Kamakura Day Trip Itinerary from Tokyo to Decode Ancient Secrets

CHŪBU REGION

Including Izu Peninsula, Fuji Five Lakes & Kawaguchiko, Fujinomiya, Gala Yuzawa, Nagano, Nagoya, Shuzenji Onsen, Takayama & Gifu.
Click to read all Chūbu Region articles here →

Shuzenji Onsen Itinerary: Overnight in Izu’s Best Hot Spring Town

Izu Peninsula Hotels & Onsen: Honest Advice for Where to Stay

Kawazu Seven Waterfalls: Guide to Hiking Izu’s Nanadaru

18 Things to Do in Fujinomiya: The Unseen Side of Mountt Fuji

Snowy Day Trip to Gala Yuzawa from Tokyo (for Non-Skiers)

The Best Tokyo to Mount Fuji Day Trip: Lakes, Sacred Sites (& Shopping)

Unforgettable Things to Do in Toyama: Lesser-Known Gateway to the Alps

Gujo Hachiman Day Trip Itinerary: Japan’s Preserved Water City

Is Nagoya Worth Visiting? 7 Lesser-Known Reasons to Go

Legoland Nagoya Review: Fun with Fewer Crowds in Japan

6 Unique Experiences in Takayama Old Town Revealed by a Local

Hida no Sato Folk Village, Takayama’s Delightful Hidden Jewel

Matsumoto Day Trip Itinerary: Castle & Town

2 Days in Nagano Itinerary: Snow Monkeys & Ancient Zen

What No One Tells You About Visiting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Summer

2 Day in Gero Onsen Itinerary: Gifu’s Finest Hot Spring Town

KANSAI + CHŪGOKU REGIONS

Including Himeji, Kurashiki, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Uji. Click to read all Kansai Region articles here → and all Chūgoku Region articles here →

Ryokans & Hotels in Gion, Kyoto: Honest Advice for Where to Stay

How to Avoid Crowds at Fushimi Inari Shrine [Daytime Hike]

Unforgettable Dinner with a Maiko in Kyoto: Review of What to Expect

Meditation in Kyoto Review: What to Expect at a Zazen Class

Here’s What to Expect at a Traditional Kyoto Tea Ceremony

How to Find Hidden Pubs in Kyoto at Night Only Locals Know About

What’s it Really Like Taking an Authentic Kyoto Cooking Class?

Stunning Kyoto Hidden Gems You Won’t Want to Miss

15 Underrated Things to Do in Uji: Ancient Cultural Centre

Uji Day Trip Itinerary from Kyoto: Ancient Treasures, Matcha & Nature

Best Osaka Street Food According to Locals: 5 Hidden Spots

Inspiring & Best Day Trips from Osaka to Enrich Your Visit

Omihachiman Day Trip Itinerary: Overlooked “Little Kyoto” of Shiga

Onomichi One Day Itinerary: Japan’s Overlooked Port Town

The Venice of Japan: Things to Do in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

KYŪSHŪ REGION

Including Nagasaki, Arita, Huis Ten Bosch, Takachiho, Yanagawa & more. Click to read all Kyūshū Region articles here →

2 Days in Nagasaki Itinerary: City of Million Dollar Views

Takachiho Gorge Day Trip: Kyushu’s Mythological Gem

9 Charming Things to Do in Arita, Japan’s Porcelain Capital

Huis Ten Bosch Japan: Review of Visiting “Little Holland” in Kyushu

Yanagawa Day Trip Itinerary: Fukuoka’s Hidden Canals

19 Unique Things to Do in Okinawa, Japan’s Paradise Islands

REST OF JAPAN

Lesser-Known Alternatives to Kyoto Without the Crowds

Spring Flowers in Japan that Aren’t Sakura to Avoid Crowds

Essential Tips for Driving in Japan as a Tourist

Unique & Best Places to Visit in Japan for All Types of Travellers

Stunning Places to Discover in Japan Off the Beaten Path

Japan Train Symbol Meanings Explained: When to Use IC Card or JR Pass?

Best Onsen in Japan: 7 Hot Spring Towns for Ultimate Relaxation

11 Unusual Things No One Tells You About Winter in Japan

9 Surprising Things No One Tells You About Spring in Japan

19 Things No One Tells You About Visiting Japan in Summer

How to Rent Portable Wifi in Japan: Complete User’s Guide

What is Japan Famous For? 29 Remarkable Things to Enrich Your Trip

24 Famous & Lesser-Known Japanese Landmarks You Won’t Want to Miss

Modern & Traditional Japan Cultural Experiences to Enjoy

Do's and Don'ts in Japan

Japan is an incredible country quite like no other. In saying that, there are a few cultural differences compared to Western countries you may not have thought of!

So what can you do to “be invisible?” How can you not look like a tourist in Japan, avoid contributing to overtourism and make the most of your visit? You don’t have to soley rely on Google Translate…

Learn where to go to escape crowds, discover more about traditional Japanese culture through exciting experiences and more travel tips for your visit!

Japan Travel Tips

Wondering what traditional souvenirs from Japan to buy? Worried about the language barrier? Overwhelmed with where to start planning a Japan trip? Curious about what tickets to buy in advance? Don’t be! Here on my Japan trip blog you’ll find everything you need to know about preparing for an unforgettable trip, every time.

19 Beautiful Japanese Words to Bring Meaning to the Ordinary

These beautiful Japanese words help bring more meaning into life by highlighting things you didn’t notice before. Learn about Japanese culture through language & the beauty of appreciating the small things from a fresh perspective!

Bring Japan to You

Like Japanese sweets, snacks and candies? Can’t get to Japan right now but want to satisfy your curiosity? No worries – You’re going to love having them delivered directly to your door, anywhere in the world with TokyoTreat and Sakuraco!

My detailed reviews for these Japanese subscription boxes cover first impressions, notes about delivery, featured snacks and more to help you be an Invisible Tourist at home.

Overtourism in Japan

With a boom visitors in recent years, Japan has been facing a host of issues related to overtourism.

The influx of tourists has caused problems with local infrastructure, damage to significant historical sites and had negative impacts on locals’ quality of life.

Many creators are now covering travel to Japan, but The Invisible Tourist was the first, and now one of the few blogs about Japan travel that shares what you need to know about overtourism with actionable tips to avoid contributing during your visit.

Japan Travel Blog to Help You "Blend In"

JUMP TO JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDES BY REGION

Golden Route:

Off the Beaten Path:

Offline Japan Itinerary PDFs

What to Pack for Japan? 19 Things You Haven’t Thought Of (& What NOT to Bring)

Discover More of Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? 20+ Essential Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

Latest from my Japan Blog

KANTŌ REGION

CHŪBU REGION

KANSAI + CHŪGOKU REGIONS

KYŪSHŪ REGION

REST OF JAPAN

Do's and Don'ts in Japan

Japan Travel Tips

19 Beautiful Japanese Words to Bring Meaning to the Ordinary

Bring Japan to You

Overtourism in Japan

Blend In Anywhere

JAPAN TRAVEL

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