Japan offers a diverse range of breathtaking sceneries that are worth exploring. From vibrant cities to serene countryside, there is something for everyone.
One of the must-visit destinations in Japan is Kyoto, known for its traditional …
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Backpacking Japan in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Japan with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Japan
Embark on a backpacking odyssey in Japan, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge modernity, creating a unique fusion for adventurous travelers. Pros? Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of historic temples, futuristic cities, and pristine natural beauty. Japan's safety, efficient public transportation, and cleanliness make it exceptionally backpacker-friendly. However, the cost of living can be higher compared to some Asian destinations. Yet, the rich cultural experiences, diverse landscapes, and the ease of navigation make Japan an unparalleled destination for backpackers seeking a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, where each moment unfolds as a cultural revelation.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Japan
Scenery
Mountains
One of the most popular and breathtaking mountain ranges to explore in Japan is the Japanese Alps. Stretching across the central part of the country, this range is known for its stunning peaks, picturesque landscapes, and diverse hiking trails. …
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Architecture
Japan is home to a variety of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the historic temples and shrines of Kyoto, such as the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. The ancient city of Nara is famous …
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Food
The food in Japan is so good because of the country’s dedication to high-quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a deep respect for culinary traditions. Japanese cuisine places a strong emphasis on using fresh, seasonal ingredients, which …
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Uniqueness
Exploring Japan is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. From the ancient temples of Kyoto to the futuristic streets of Tokyo, …
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People
Japanese people are incredibly hospitable, often going out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. They are known for their politeness, respect, and willingness to help others. Whether it’s offering a warm smile, providing …
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Japan is vibrant and diverse, with a mix of traditional and modern experiences. Backpackers can explore the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka, visit historic temples and shrines in Kyoto, and immerse themselves in the …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Japan
- Visit Tokyo: Tokyo is a bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. From historic temples and gardens to futuristic skyscrapers and high-tech shopping districts, Tokyo has something for everyone.
- Experience Kyoto: Known for its rich cultural heritage, Kyoto is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including stunning temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese gardens. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Japanese history and traditions.
- Explore Mount Fuji: As Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Whether you choose to hike to the summit or admire its beauty from afar, the majestic presence of Mount Fuji is truly awe-inspiring.
- Discover Hiroshima: Hiroshima is a city that bears witness to the devastating effects of the atomic bomb. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the history and resilience of the people of Hiroshima, and pay your respects at the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome.
- Relax in Okinawa: For a tropical getaway, head to Okinawa. With its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, Okinawa offers a paradise-like setting for snorkeling, diving, or simply unwinding by the sea.
But Japan offers more...
× Japan
Welcome to Japan: self-spraying toilets and 3 bows for a yoghurt
Japan | After Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and North Korea, Japan was quite a culture shock: the third largest economy in the world and in many ways the opposite of my previous countries. Japan felt like one big amusement park.Let‘s start with the toilets: after two months of squatting above piles of previous users‘ excrement and throwing toilet paper in a ...
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Climbing the Mount Everest in a T-shirt
Japan | A day later, I was in the Japanese Alps. And the Japanese take them seriously, very seriously. Although the mountains there had peaks just above 3000 meters with a few scattered patches of snow and perfectly maintained hiking trails, every Japanese person was prepared to climb Mount Everest: helmet on, walking stick in both hands, climbing shoes, a...
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€70 for a bunkbed, excluding electricity for charging your phone
Japan | The mountain hut was also different from what I was used to: a massive building with space for 500 people. Breakfast was served between 5:00 and 6:30 am, as is customary in the Himalayas, so that you can start your mountain hikes on time, even though the longest climb there takes no longer than 2 hours. For just 70 euros, you could get a mattress o...
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Climbing Mount Fuji in a record time to catch the bus
Japan | After the mountains, I visited Osaka and Kyoto. What took me 10 hours for 250 km in Mongolia, I covered here in 1 hour. And it‘s almost unbelievable that those bullet trains depart every 10 minutes and zoom past at 250 km/h. On my way to Mount Fuji, I could once again enjoy the absurdly efficient transportation system. I covered the first 360 km ...
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Drinking beer and eating frog with the son of the designer of the Nissan GTR
Japan | The last stop was Tokyo, the ultimate culture shock. Millions of people effortlessly maneuvering from their own point A to their own point B with the same Japanese politeness and orderliness that I had experienced so far. The weather, on the other hand, was chaotic. Due to two strong typhoons passing over Japan, there was constant rain. The second ...
Read more Traveled route: Nagoya, Tokio, Mount Fuji, Japanese Alps, Takayama, Kioto, Osaka
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Japan
The best time to visit Japan for backpacking depends on personal preferences and the activities you want to engage in. However, the following are some recommendations:
1. Spring (March to May): This is a popular time to visit Japan due to the cherry blossom season. The weather is mild, and you can witness stunning pink cherry blossoms across the country.
2. Autumn (September to November): The autumn foliage is breathtaking, especially in places like Kyoto and Nikko. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking.
3. Winter (December to February): If you enjoy winter sports, visiting Japan during this time is ideal. Places like Hokkaido offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Additionally, you can experience winter festivals and enjoy hot springs.
It's important to note that Japan can be crowded during peak tourist seasons. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn). Also, be mindful of holidays like Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon (mid-August), as they can impact travel availability and prices.
1. Spring (March to May): This is a popular time to visit Japan due to the cherry blossom season. The weather is mild, and you can witness stunning pink cherry blossoms across the country.
2. Autumn (September to November): The autumn foliage is breathtaking, especially in places like Kyoto and Nikko. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking.
3. Winter (December to February): If you enjoy winter sports, visiting Japan during this time is ideal. Places like Hokkaido offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Additionally, you can experience winter festivals and enjoy hot springs.
It's important to note that Japan can be crowded during peak tourist seasons. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn). Also, be mindful of holidays like Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon (mid-August), as they can impact travel availability and prices.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Japan
- Japan is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Japanese authorities have detailed plans to respond to natural disasters. In an earthquake, follow the advice of local authorities and emergency signage. Move to higher ground immediately if you're in a coastal region after a major earthquake. Check the Disaster Prevention Portal for more information.
- All major disaster warnings are published by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). We recommend downloading NHK’s smart phone application to keep up to date with a natural disaster or other emergency alerts.
- A series of earthquakes occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture in Central Japan on and after 1 January 2024. Some infrastructure may remain impacted. Follow the advice of local authorities if travelling to affected areas.
- Regional tensions and the security situation, including with North Korea, could worsen with little warning. Tensions, which may affect Japan, could arise because of missile tests by North Korea. For advice see Japan's Civil Protection Portal Site.
- Japan has a low crime rate. Petty theft can happen, like bag snatching at popular tourist attractions. There's a risk of crime in bars and nightclubs. Crimes include overcharging, credit card fraud, forced withdrawal of large amounts of cash at ATMs, drink spiking and assault. Avoid taking large amounts of money and be vigilant in carrying your debit/credit card) when in bars or clubs and at parties.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
JapanMy tips to get you on the way!Does Japan sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Japan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Japan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Japan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Japan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Japan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Japan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 27 September 2024