Japan Travel Made Simple: My 3-Hub Planning System Makes It Easy

Best Japanese Knife and Katana Experiences in Tokyo

In this guide we tackle the never-ending challenge of trip planning.

Feeling overwhelmed planning your trip to Japan?

You’re not alone.

That’s why I’ve organised all the guides here on therealjapan.com into three simple categories to make your journey planning easier, more efficient, and genuinely enjoyable.

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Why This 3-Hub System Will Transform Your Japan Trip Planning
PLANNING HUB: Turn Dreams into Reality
DESTINATIONS HUB: Where to Go in Japan
EXPERIENCES HUB: Things to Do That Create Lasting Memories
The Forgotten Stage of Travel
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Why This 3-Hub System Will Transform Your Japan Trip Planning

When planning a trip to Japan, it’s easy to get lost in endless research. As Benjamin Franklin supposedly said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.“

But preparation doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

With The Real Japan, I’ve developed a streamlined system that breaks down the 5 key stages of travel (Dreaming, Planning, Booking, Experiencing, and Reflecting) into 3 practical content hubs that will guide you through your journey:

PLANNING HUB: Turn Dreams into Reality

A Week In Kansai Koyasan The Real Japan Rob Dyer — *Konpon Daito (Great Pagoda) planned by Kobo Daishi as the centre of the monastic complex in Koyasan, Wakayama*

The foundation of any successful Japan adventure

The Planning Stage is often the longest and most challenging part of trip preparation. My Planning Hub helps you narrow down your options and organise your thoughts with these essential resources:

Travel Essentials: Must-know information before you book anything
Popular Planning Guides: My most-read articles to jumpstart your research
Accommodation Reviews: Honest feedback on places I’ve actually stayed
Japan Book Reviews: Recommended reading to deepen your understanding
Planning Videos: Visual guides to simplify complex topics

MOST POPULAR RESOURCE: Japan Rail Pass: The Ultimate Guide – Everything you need to know about this money-saving travel pass.

PRO TIP: Start your planning with clear goals. What do you want to experience most in Japan? Food? Culture? Nature? History? Having a focus will make filtering through options much easier.

Visit My Planning Hub

DESTINATIONS HUB: Where to Go in Japan

Things to do in Himeji Engyoji Temple The Real Japan Rob Dyer — *The three Mitsudo wooden buildings at the heart of Engyoji Temple im Himeji were completed in 966 AD*

Discover both iconic landmarks and hidden gems

After the dreaming phase, you’ll need to make concrete decisions about where to visit. My Destinations Hub helps you explore options beyond the usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route:

Discover Japan’s Islands: From Hokkaido to Okinawa and everything between
City Travel Guides: In-depth looks at Japan’s diverse urban centres
Top Recommendations: Must-visit spots that live up to the hype
Off The Beaten Path: Unique locations most tourists never see
Destination Videos: Visual tours of places you’re considering

MOST POPULAR RESOURCE: Himeji City Guide – Explore this stunning castle town that makes a perfect day trip

PRO TIP: Don’t try to see everything in one trip. Japan rewards slow travel. Consider choosing one region to explore deeply rather than rushing between distant locations.

Visit My Destinations Hub

EXPERIENCES HUB: Things to Do That Create Lasting Memories

Fukuoka sumo A-class seat ticket — *Attending a sumo tournament is an unforgettable experience combining tradition and spectacle*

Transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary

The Experiencing Stage is where your dreams finally become reality. My Experiences Hub helps you discover activities that will make your journey truly unforgettable:

Most Popular Experiences: Tried-and-tested activities my followers love
Cultural Experiences: Authentic ways to connect with Japanese traditions
Japan’s Incredible Food & Drink: Culinary adventures beyond sushi and ramen
Unique Experiences: One-of-a-kind activities you’ll be talking about for years
Experience Videos: See activities in action before you commit

MOST POPULAR RESOURCE: Universal Studios Japan: The Ultimate Guide (2025 Edition) – Everything you need to know for a magical visit

PRO TIP: Leave room in your itinerary for serendipity. Some of the most memorable experiences in Japan happen when you have the flexibility to explore unexpected opportunities.

Visit My Experiences Hub

The Forgotten Stage of Travel

Kabira Bay, Ishigaki, Yaeyama Islands, The Real Japan Rob Dyer — *Kabira Bay on Ishigaki, one of Japan’s southern Yaeyama Islands, is a world away from Tokyo*

Most travellers focus on planning and experiencing, but the “Reflecting” stage is equally important. After your trip:

Share your experiences with friends and family
Create photo galleries or videos of your favourite moments
Consider starting a travel blog to inspire others
Use your reflections to plan your next, even better trip to Japan

This reflection stage is where gratitude grows and future travel dreams begin.

I’ve written more about the Reflecting Stage in the context of trip planning in my guide How I Plan Trips To Japan.

The Reflecting Stage

Want Personalised Help?

Takahashi, Japan — *Bitchū* *Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi (Okayama Prefecture) is the highest castle in Japan*

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, or if you’d prefer personal assistance, check out my Travel Planning Services where I can help build your dream Japan itinerary.

Don’t forget to bookmark my Recommended Japan Travel Resources page for trusted services my wife and I personally use and recommend.

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