PLANNING
Whether you're planning your first trip to Japan or your tenth, this hub will get you up and running.
Save time and money by using our free travel planning guides and resources.
Want to skip all the hard work? Use one of my planning services. Let's Get Started!
Plan Your Trip
Guides
How to plan travel to Japan. Essentials you need before you come. Etiquette tips, how to prepare, checklists and guides.
Resources
Flights, accommodation, experiences, and tour booking, Japan Rail Pass, Wi-Fi, SIM card rental, Japan guide books, guides and checklists.
Accommodation
Accommodation guides, hotel reviews, the best ryokan and onsen. Ultra-modern city hotels, luxury retreats, hostels and cheap Tokyo.
Ready to Begin Planning Your Trip? Start Here...
Anyone can plan a trip... just choose 2 or 3 destinations and hope for the best. Right?
Well, only if you want to return home regretting all the things you could have done but missed entirely.
If you're starting to plan your trip to Japan, this is the place to learn everything from the basics – from the travel essentials and helpful planning resources, through to the specifics of building your perfect itinerary.
Below you'll find my most popular tips and advice on planning a unique and unforgettable trip to Japan. Let's get started!
Planning Info
Popular Features
Whatever your budget, I have the best accommodation and prices for you.
Videos To Help You Plan
SkySpa, Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba
The Kyoto Hotel That’s Also An Art Gallery
Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan:
Ninja Wi-Fi Guide
Top 7 Etiquette Tips
For Travel in Japan
My List Of Recommended Japan Travel Resources
Whether you’re thinking about your first trip to Japan, or you're a seasoned multi-tripper looking for some fresh inspiration, all the travel advice and resources out there can be overwhelming.
That’s why I've compiled my Recommended Japan Travel Resources for you.
This list is filled with carefully selected travel resources. And I only include the best services and products. Those I use myself or recommend to my clients.
discover
Japan Travel Planning Hacks
Never miss an update about trip planning by subscribing to my Japan Travel Bulletin:
About Me
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s 6,800 islands since 2000.
He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities.
He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
What Others Are Saying
Excellent Advice and Guidance
I needed advice regarding travelling around Japan and the various options available over my self planned 3 1/2 week trip.
Rob gave me excellent advice and guidance around the best ways to use my JR pass, suica card and costs for additional day trips I want to do.
I feel much more organised and confident about my upcoming trip.
I also used the Facebook Group for advice of things to do whilst in Fukuoka which was great!
Your Guide Is Awesome!
I just suscribed to your blog and received your "5 Amazing Adventures to experience The Real Japan" free guide.
Your. Guide. Is. Awesome!!!
I love Japan. I love its language and its culture and its people.
Your guide really brings us to the core of the real Japan, the one below the surface, the one where true encounters with people and culture are possible. This is definitely how I want to travel to Japan.
