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Backpacker's Guide to Japan: Essential Tips for Your Adventure
Japan is an amazing place to go backpacking. From its volcanic mountains and dense jungles to futuristic buildings and vibrant cultures, the country has everything a backpacker could wish for in a destination. If you’ve decided to backpack to Japan, this guide contains everything you need to know to ensure that you have a fantastic adventure. We’ll cover planning, budgeting, top destinations, fun-filled itineraries, transportation, and lots more!
Introduction to Backpacking in Japan
People have been backpacking in Japan for centuries. The country is one of the best places to travel to anytime of the year, thanks to the various perks that make it an ideal destination. No matter your interest, Japan always has a place for you to indulge.
Japanese cities like Kyoto and Nara are perfect for exploring a mix of ancient cultures through temples and shrines. Then there’s Tokyo, a modern city filled with futuristic buildings, bright lights, and cozy transports. Each region has its own unique natural beauty, such as Okinawa’s tropical beaches and Sapporo’s snowy peaks. Don’t even get us started on the gourmet delights of places like Fukuoka and Osaka.
The best part is that all of these cities are interconnected by a network of trains and ferries that offer exceptional public transportation. If you’ve backpacked in other countries, trust us when we say that backpacking in Japan will be unlike any adventure you’ve ever experienced.
Planning Your Trip: When to Go
So, what is the best time of year to backpack Japan? This is often the first question most backpackers ask before making plans to visit Japan. According to interviews we conducted and our own research, the best time to backpack to Japan is between March and May or September and November.
From March to May is cherry blossom season, and most of Japan turns into a hiker’s spring paradise. September to November is a popular tourist season because of the autumn foliage. Most importantly, both options offer mild weather with lots of available outdoor activities and festivals, which is perfect for backpacking.
Essential Gear for Backpacking in Japan
Of course, if you’re going to be backpacking in a foreign country, you need to travel prepared with all of the essentials. Get ready with the help of the following checklist of essential gear:
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Versatile clothing: With clothes, you want to follow a minimalist approach by bringing interchangeable and washable clothing. We recommend 2 pairs of shorts or skirts (trousers in winter), 3-5 t-shirts, a winter jacket (raincoat in the June-July rainy season), and 4 pairs of socks.
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Reliable backpack: You don’t want to carry heavy luggage because of the restrictions on Japanese bullet trains. Plus, let’s face it, that defeats the purpose of backpacking. One large and sturdy backpack is all you need.
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Adaptor: The nationwide voltage in Japanese outlets is 100 volts, which is most likely different from what you have in your country. A plug adaptor should allow you to charge your devices easily.
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Comfy shoes: You can expect to do a lot of walking in Japan, so get comfortable hiking shoes for outdoors and a pair of flip-flops for when you’re in your accommodation.
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eSIM: Your SIM may not work in a foreign country. Get an eSIM when you arrive in Japan.
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Portable charger: Carry a portable charger so your phone, camera, and other devices never run out of power, even while exploring a remote location.
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Sunscreen: Some Japanese sunscreens include a whitening agent. If that isn’t what you want, it may be best to bring your own.
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Tampons: Sanitary pads are more common than tampons in Japan and you might have a hard time reading the inscriptions on the products at the pharmacy. It’s much easier to bring your own tampons.
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Camera: If your phone has a high-enough-resolution camera, you can ignore this tip. However, cameras can help you capture the special moments of your trip.
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Card game: Take your favorite card game to play with others on the trip. Monopoly Deal is popular worldwide so it's easy to find other players in Japan.
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Water bottle: Always carry a water bottle to help keep you hydrated!
Budgeting Tips for Backpackers
The only problem you may face when you backpack in Japan is the high cost of travel. If you’re not mindful, your costs could run up to over $100 a day. Ideally, you want to keep things to around $75 a day to allow yourself fine dining, hot springs, and some luxury experiences. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can get costs down to $30 a day (or less, if possible) by following some of the tips we’ll provide in this section. It will require some sacrifice, but not so much that it will ruin the backpacking experience for you.
Accommodation in Japan costs around $55 a day on average. However, you can get a place to sleep in a ten-bed dorm for $30 a night. If you want to save entirely on accommodation, we recommend combining hitchhiking with wild camping. There are a lot of forests and parks in Japan that are safe for overnight camping. Nevertheless, be mindful of wild animals.
Without a doubt, the best way to save on transportation costs is to get a Japan Rail Pass. This gives you unlimited train rides on routes covered by the pass. We recommend that you get a 7, 14, or 21-day pass that covers as much of your itinerary as possible. If you plan to take domestic flights, you can save money by booking your tickets in advance. Buses are cheaper than other means of transport, and they get even cheaper when you book them in advance.
Saving on food costs shouldn't be a problem. Unless you’re eating high-end sushi, which costs north of $50 a meal, you shouldn’t have a problem. The abundant cheap pre-cooked and fresh food options include pizza, rice balls (mochi), bento boxes, ramen, udon, and kimchi (also popular in South Korea). Lower costs by getting cheap food at convenience stores (konbini), food stands, and train stations rather than restaurants. You might end up spending less than $10 a day on food.
Popular attractions in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and most major cities can be quite pricey. If you must visit any of these attractions or partake in expensive activities, be sure to prioritize and stick to your budget.
Must-Visit Destinations for Backpackers
Japan is filled with must-visit destinations that are particularly appealing to backpackers. We’ve curated a list of the top places to explore when you get to Japan.
Tokyo: Backpacking in Tokyo is awesome. The city is a treasure trove of cultural attractions, modern technology, serene parks, and bustling markets. If you arrive in spring, parktake in hanami (cherry blossom viewing) festivals at Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, or Sumida Park. The year-round view of Mount Fuji from Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree is a sight every backpacker deserves to see. If you love anime and pop culture, you’ll adore Tokyo Disneyland and the Studio Ghibli museum. Tokyo is also home to a bunch of themed restaurants and cafes, including eateries dedicated to robots, fictional characters, cosplay, and animals.
Kyoto: With enough planning, Kyoto can be your cheapest destination yet. There are many affordable hotels, guesthouses, and ryokans in the city. Almost all of the Shinto and Buddhist sites, which are the city’s main attractions, are free to visit. You might have to pay to explore some of the inner chambers, however. We recommend Sekizanzenin Temple, Myoshinji Temple, Hirano Shrine, and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. You should spend most of your time in Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. If you can afford it, visit Kinkaku-ji to see the famous Golden Pavilion and Japanese gardens.
Osaka: Spending time in Osaka will reveal how much fun Japan can be. Your first stop should be Osaka Castle, where you’ll learn about life in the era of the samurai and shogunate. The best temples in the city are clustered in the same region, which should make transportation easier and cheaper for you.
Sapporo: If your main interest lies in mountains and wildlife, look no further than Sapporo. Green forests and mountains line the horizon in the summer. However, winter is when Sapporo really reaches its full scenic potential. You shouldn’t go there in the winter if you hate the cold. However, if you don’t mind it, you’ll love the ski resorts and winter festivals in the city.
Shikoku: The island of Shikoku is one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path places to backpack in Japan. It’s just as beautiful as some of the more popular destinations. During your stay, you should explore Ritsurin Park, Iya Valley, and Uchiko village. Kochi has a spectacular culinary scene that’s ideal for backpackers. When you’re done exploring, take a warm bath in the waters of Dogo Onsen.
Kyushu: Despite being only the third-largest island in Japan, Kyushu offers endless attractions for tourists and a peek at traditional Japan. Partake in the street food culture in Fukuoka, experience life by the waterside in Nagasaki, and relax in the famous hot springs of Beppu.
Backpacking Itineraries and Tips
With so many awesome places to visit in Japan, it may be hard to fit all of your favorite destinations into a two- or three-week itinerary. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. Check out our sample itineraries below.
2-Week Backpacking Itinerary to Japan
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Tokyo (4 days)
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Kyoto (3 days)
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Osaka (2 days)
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Hiroshima (3 days)
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Fukuoka (2 days)
Start off the journey by staying in Tokyo over the weekend and a couple of weekdays. While you enjoy the local attractions, map out time to enjoy a day trip to Nikko, Hakone, and Mount Fuji. Next, head to Kyoto and spend time visiting the various temples and shrines. You can take the short train ride to Osaka after three days. While in Osaka, fill your belly with the local street cuisine and have as much fun as you can. Two days should be ample time for exploring its main attractions. Next, travel to Hiroshima and spend three days there. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a must-see. Be sure to spend a night on nearby Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To round up your itinerary, take a trip to Fukuoka on Kyushu Island and spend two days there.
3-Week Backpacking Itinerary to Japan
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Tokyo (4 days)
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Kawaguchiko (1 day)
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Kyoto (3 days)
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Osaka (2 days)
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Hiroshima (3 days)
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Matsuyama (2)
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Fukuoka (2 days)
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Nagasaki (2 days)
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Okinawa (2 days)
Begin your adventure by spending four days in Tokyo. You can make it five days if you turn your next visit to Kawaguchiko into a day trip. Otherwise, spend a night in Kawaguchiko after seeing the Fuji Five Lakes and exploring Mount Fuji. Next, travel to Kyoto for a three-day stay. The trip to Osaka from there shouldn’t take long by train. In Osaka, stay for two nights before moving to Hiroshima. During your three-day exploration of Hiroshima, be sure to spend a night on Miyajima Island. Your next stop is Matsuyama on Shikoku Island, where you’ll stay for two days before transferring to Fukuoka. After two days there, travel to Nagasaki on Kyushu Island. Two more days there and you should be ready for a trip outside of mainland Japan. Explore the World War II memorials of the Okinawa Islands for a couple of days.
Navigating Transportation in Japan
One of the main reasons backpacking Japan is so appealing is the country’s impressive transportation system., which makes traveling easy. However, Japan can be a very expensive country to travel in. The Shinkansen (bullet train) is the best way to move around. To enjoy unlimited use of bullet trains without exceeding your budget, get a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). There are options for fixed periods of 7, 14, and 21 days that cover specific regions or nationwide travel. Make sure you buy the JR Pass before arriving in Japan.
Buses are an alternative way to travel long distances at lower prices. However, they’re not as fast as bullet trains. Domestic flights are also available, but we only recommend them for reaching remote islands. You may not need boats as much as you think. Long bridges connect most of the major islands. Some of them even have an underwater subway system.
Accommodation Options for Backpackers
Japan has more than enough accommodation options that cater to backpackers. The cheapest of them all has to be the homestay experience, which allows you to stay with a local family. Use services like Couchsurfing to book these homestays. Capsule hotels also provide a cheap option and shouldn't cost more than $20 a night. The beds in these types of hostels face inward rather than along the wall. Some of the larger hostels have kitchens, where you can make your own food and take a break from fast food. For more luxurious accommodation, Japan has many affordable ryokans and AirBnBs.
Conclusion:
Exploring Japan with a backpack has the potential to become the biggest adventure you’ve ever had. We urge you to embrace the opportunity to enhance your personal growth and make unforgettable memories that such a journey can offer. For the best experience, remember to constantly refer to our backpacking Japan travel guide.
Bring Japan to your doorstep by enjoying snacks and sweets from different regions of the country. Get a Bokksu Snack Box subscription today, and you can expect a monthly supply of a box filled with treats from Japan.
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