Asia
Japan travel guide for backpackers
Japan: quick facts, a map and notes from my own trips in 2022.
My route in Japan
My experience
Japan was the last stop of my three-month Asia trip in 2022. I started in Osaka, took a train day trip to Nara and its deer, climbed Mount Fuji in about four hours, slept at a Buddhist temple and visited the snow monkeys near Nagano.
Hitchhiking was slower than elsewhere in Asia, but drivers who stopped were generous. I lost my wallet on Fuji and got it back through the police, which says a lot about the country.
Places I went in Japan
- Osaka
- Nara
- Mount Fuji
- Nagano
Guides for Japan
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Japan?
The capital of Japan is Tokyo.
What currency is used in Japan?
Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY).
When is the best time to visit Japan?
March to May and October to November; the official Mount Fuji climbing season is in summer. This is general guidance, so check current conditions before you travel.
When did Francis travel in Japan?
Francis travelled in Japan in 2022.