Experience the Magic of Japan: Planning Your Dream Vacation

Introduction

Our dream vacation to Japan is just around the corner! It’s been on our bucket list for a long time, and finally, we decided to plan and book it. Let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy. Our planning process started almost a year ago, and here’s our experience on how we prepared for this exciting adventure.

1. Choose the Perfect Time to Visit

Japan experiences distinct seasons, each with its own magic. Here’s what you need to know:

Spring (March to May): This is cherry blossom season, when the country is adorned with beautiful pink blooms. It’s a magical time to visit.
Autumn (September to November): During this period, Japan dazzles with colourful foliage. The fall leaves create picturesque landscapes.
Summer: While summer can be hot and humid, it also coincides with lively festivals and firework displays. We’re hoping to catch some of those!
Winter: If you love snowy landscapes, winter in Japan is perfect. The snow-capped mountains and serene temples are truly enchanting.

Tip: Avoid traveling during Golden Week (late April to early May) when many Japanese take holidays. It can get crowded, and accommodations may be scarce.

2. Create a Realistic Budget

Japan can be expensive, but fear not! With careful planning, you can make the most of your budget. Consider the next:

Flights:
- Prices vary based on your departure location. From the UK, we budgeted £800 – £1200 (US$ 1100 – US$1500 / € 950 – € 1350) per person.
- Look for flight deals and be flexible with dates to find better prices.
- Check both direct and indirect flight options.
- We managed to snag tickets during a sale, paying around £850 each.
Accommodation:
- Budget between ¥30,000 – ¥55,000 per night for hotels.
- Tokyo tends to be pricier, so estimate an extra ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 per night.
- Keep in mind that Japanese hotel rooms are often compact. For a family of four, you need to book two separate rooms or explore alternatives like Airbnb, ryokans, or capsule hotels.
- Booking in advance is crucial, especially during peak seasons.
Train and Transportation:
- Plan your itinerary and decide how many JR (Japan Rail) or long-distance trains you’ll need. Use the JR Pass calculator on Japan Guide website.
- Rough estimates (based on standard class):
  - Tokyo – Osaka: ¥18,000
  - Tokyo – Kyoto: ¥17,000
  - Osaka – Kyoto: ¥500 – ¥900
  - Osaka – Himeji: ¥3300
- Additionally, budget ¥1000 – 2000 per person per day for local trains, buses, metro, or taxis.
Meals
- Things to consider when budgeting for meal:
  - Consider whether your hotel includes breakfast.
  - Decide if you prefer theme restaurants or fancy dining options.
  - Be open to street food, supermarket meals, or convenience store (konbini) snacks.
- For our family, we allocated ¥15,000 per day, considering that our kids opt for McDonald’s or supermarket food.
Activities
- Plan your itinerary and choose the attractions and experiences you want to visit.
- Explore our blog for activity recommendations in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to help you budget effectively.
- You can book some of your activities with Klook or GetYourGuide

3. Craft Your Itinerary Around Must-See Experiences

Research attractions that resonate with your family. Explore historical sites, traditional temples, and local cruises.
Our kids were fascinated by Pokemon and Hello Kitty. Stay tuned for our blog focusing on specific interests, including the Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli.

4. Explore Beyond the Cities

While Tokyo and Kyoto are must-visit cities, consider day trips to nearby gems:

Nikko: Explore ancient shrines and lush landscapes.
Nara: Interact with friendly deer and visit historic temples.
Hiroshima: Show its poignant history.

Our trip is based in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, but we’ve planned day trips to Nara, Himeji, and Mt. Fuji.

Now you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey. Share your experiences, and your family’s memories will blossom like Sakura petals.

For more detailed itineraries, look out for our blog on our 2-week trip to Japan or check out our posts on the must-visit places in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Conclusion

Planning a trip to Japan requires careful consideration, but the rewards are immense. From historic temples to bustling city streets, Japan promises an unforgettable experience. Here are our final tips:

Money-Saving Tips:

Opt for local eateries to experience authentic Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank.
Use public transportation – it’s efficient and cost-effective.
Look for package deals or city passes that bundle attractions and transportation.