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Travelling to Japan: what to know before you go

Japan pairs neon megacities with quiet temples, hot springs and some of the best food on earth, all joined by trains that run to the minute. It suits first-time visitors as well as anyone coming back for a tenth trip: it's safe, spotless and easy to get around, even without a word of Japanese.

Where to go

• Tokyo. A city of neighbourhoods rather than one centre: Shibuya's scramble crossing, old-world Asakusa around Sensō-ji temple, the backstreet bars of Shinjuku's Golden Gai and the calm of Meiji Jingū shrine, all a short train ride apart.
• Kyoto. The former imperial capital has well over a thousand temples and shrines.
• Mount Fuji and Hakone. Japan's highest peak is visible on clear days from Tokyo itself.
• Osaka. Japan's kitchen: street food along the Dōtonbori canal, takoyaki and okonomiyaki on every corner, and a louder, friendlier energy than Tokyo.

Best time to visit

Spring (late March to early May) brings cherry blossom season and is the most popular — and most expensive — time to visit. Autumn (October to November) is just as beautiful, with red maple leaves and comfortable temperatures.

Staying online in Japan

Free public Wi-Fi exists in stations, convenience stores and many cafés, but it often needs a sign-up and is unreliable on the move. Mobile coverage is excellent in cities, along rail lines and in most rural areas, including inside many subway tunnels. Most visitors used to rent pocket Wi-Fi devices at the airport; an eSIM does the same job inside your own phone, without collecting, charging or returning a device. Install it at home before you fly, and switch it on when you land so maps and translation work from the airport onwards.