Is Japan Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2026

Japan was definitely my favorite country I visited this year. And funny enough, at the beginning of the year, Japan wasn’t even properly on my radar. The trip was pretty spontaneous and wow, I’m so glad I went.

That alone probably already answers the question in the headline, but still, Japan has seen a massive rise in tourism lately and I completely understand why. It’s one of those places that just lives up to the hype.

Japan has an incredibly unique culture, some of the best food I’ve ever eaten, a fascinating history, and insanely diverse landscapes. One minute you’re in one of the world’s most futuristic cities, the next you’re surrounded by temples, forests, islands, or snow-covered mountains.

In this article, I want to properly answer the question is Japan worth visiting? based on my own experience. I’ll share what I loved about Japan, what surprised me, and also a few things I didn’t love quite as much, so you can decide if it’s the right destination for you. Let’s get into it.

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Is Japan Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2026

Is Japan Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

To get this out of the way quickly: yes. 100%. No doubt about it.

And that’s coming from someone who usually prefers going to new countries rather than returning to the same place over and over again. Japan is one of the very few exceptions. It’s right at the top of my list of countries I want to go back to, simply because I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface, even after spending a full month there.

In that month, I managed to see quite a lot: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Kanazawa. I ate some of the best food of my life (the ramen and sushi in Tokyo alone are worth the trip), explored countless shrines and temples, and then found myself in ultra-modern, almost futuristic cities the very same day. That contrast is what really got me.

So yes, if you’re even remotely interested in Japanese culture, curious to learn more about it, enjoy good food (and fair warning, Japanese food in Japan is quite different from what most of us are used to), and prefer a culture-heavy, sightseeing-focused trip over a pure beach vacation, then Japan is absolutely for you.

What is Japan Like to Visit?

I spent about a month in Japan, and from my own experience I’d describe visiting Japan as exciting, intense, and a little overwhelming at first. Pretty much everything felt different to me. The language, the food, the architecture, the way people behave in public, even compared to other Asian countries I’ve visited, Japan felt very foreign in the beginning. Not in a bad way at all, just very different and honestly kind of fascinating.

The first few days especially felt like constant sensory overload. Neon signs everywhere, trains running perfectly on time, vending machines on every corner, and rules I didn’t fully understand yet. But instead of fighting it, I quickly realised the best way to enjoy Japan is to just embrace it. I started trying foods I couldn’t read on the menu, walking into random local restaurants, and exploring without overthinking things too much.

What also stood out is that Japan is not a relaxing destination in the classic sense. I didn’t really have a single “do nothing” day. Everywhere I went, there was always something to see, a neighborhood to explore, a shrine or temple around the corner, or just an interesting street to walk down. I was out sightseeing almost every day, and time just flew by.

Overall, Japan genuinely feels like a different world. The people are incredibly respectful and considerate, public behavior matters a lot, and there are clear social rules that most people follow without question.

As a visitor, you don’t need to be perfect, but being observant, respectful, and willing to adapt makes the experience so much better. Once I got into that rhythm, Japan became an absolutely incredible place to travel through.

What I Loved About Japan

Food in Japan

This is always the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Japan. Before visiting, I liked Japanese food, but I wasn’t obsessed. That changed very quickly. The food in Japan is on another level, and I don’t say that lightly.

From sushi and ramen to grilled fish, steak, onigiri, and yes, even egg sandwiches from 7-Eleven, everything tasted better than what I was used to elsewhere. Eating in Japan became one of the highlights of my days, not just something I did because I had to.

Temples, Shrines & Palaces

I absolutely loved the historic side of Japan, especially the temples and shrines. Kyoto, in particular, was one of my favorite cities as far as shrines and temples go. I had visited temples in other countries before, like Thailand, but Japan felt very different.

Many of the shrines I visited felt incredibly peaceful and almost meditative, even when there were other people around. The architecture, the attention to detail, and the calm atmosphere were just so impressive. Surprisingly, I never felt “templed out” at all, which I honestly didn’t expect.

The Cities in Japan

Japan’s cities were another huge highlight for me. Tokyo, of course, lived up to all the hype. It feels futuristic, chaotic, and exciting all at once, with strong cyberpunk vibes in areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya. I spent days just walking around, passing giant neon signs, exploring tiny alleyways, and constantly discovering something new.

Kyoto, on the other hand, felt like a complete contrast. It was more traditional, calmer, and slower, with historic streets and shrines everywhere. Experiencing these two cities back to back really showed me how diverse Japan actually is.

Convenience in Japan

Japan is so convenient that it almost feels ridiculous. It genuinely feels like everything has been thought through. Public transport within cities is flawless, and traveling between cities on the Shinkansen (bullet trains) is fast, easy, and comfortable.

There are convenience stores everywhere, luggage storage at stations, and even luggage delivery services between cities so you don’t have to carry your bags yourself. Restaurants are open late, sometimes all night. Want a bowl of ramen at 3am? No problem.

Japan Feels Extremely Safe

I’ve traveled all over the world, from the US and Europe to Latin America and Asia, and I’ve never felt as safe as I did in Japan. I walked around cities late at night, often alone, and never once felt uncomfortable or on edge.

This is obviously just my personal experience and not based on statistics, but overall, Japan felt like a very safe and respectful place to travel. That alone made the trip even more enjoyable and relaxing.

What I Didn’t Like About Japan

Waiting in Line

This was honestly one of the most frustrating parts for me. In Japan, queuing isn’t just a tourist thing, locals do it too, and for pretty much everything. I waited in line for restaurants more times than I can count, sometimes for over an hour, and after a while it did get tiring, especially on days when I was already walking a lot.

Crowds of People

This isn’t an issue everywhere, but in Tokyo it’s very noticeable, especially in areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya. It took me a bit of time to adjust and accept that personal space is definitely more limited here. Once I did, it became manageable, but those first few days felt pretty intense.

Strict Social Norms and Rules

Some social rules felt a bit restrictive at first. Things like not eating or drinking while walking meant that whenever I grabbed a sandwich or coffee to go, I had to stop, finish it, and then continue walking. Public transport is also extremely quiet, no loud conversations, no phone calls. I understand the logic behind it, but it did take some getting used to.

Lack of Trash Cans

This one surprised and annoyed me the most. There are hardly any public trash cans, yet a lot of food comes wrapped in plastic. I often ended up carrying my trash around for hours until I found a bin or got back to my hotel. At some point I started carrying a small plastic bag in my backpack just to deal with it.

Overall, none of these were deal-breakers for me, but they are small frustrations worth knowing about before visiting Japan.

The Best Things to Do in Japan

There are so many incredible things to do in Japan across different regions and cities that it’s impossible to cover everything in one article. Instead, I want to share some of my personal highlights and favorite experiences from my time traveling around the country.

1. Visit Mount Fuji

I spent a weekend in the villages around Mount Fuji, and it was such a nice break from the intensity of Tokyo. Everything felt slower and more peaceful, and the views of Mount Fuji were honestly incredible, especially in the mornings when the mountain was clearly visible. If you want a bit of nature and calm during your Japan trip, this is a perfect escape.

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2. Eat Sushi at Tokyo’s Fish Market

I had amazing sushi all over Japan, but one of my most memorable food experiences was going to Tokyo’s fish market early in the morning. Eating incredibly fresh sushi for breakfast might sound strange at first, but it just works here. The quality is on another level, and it’s a very unique Tokyo experience.

3. Explore Temples and Shrines in Kyoto

Kyoto was my favorite place for traditional Japan. Visiting temples and shrines there never got old for me. Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari Taisha were two standouts, both very different but equally impressive. Kyoto is the place to really slow down and appreciate Japan’s history and spiritual side.

4. Take a History Tour in Hiroshima

Visiting Hiroshima felt important to me. Learning about what happened there is heavy, but also incredibly meaningful. The Peace Memorial Park and museum are powerful, and I’m very glad I took the time to go. It’s not an easy visit, but it’s one I’d strongly recommend.

5. Spend a Day at Universal Studios Japan

I’m not usually a big theme park person, but I had such a fun day at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. Harry Potter World and Super Nintendo World were the highlights for me, and the overall experience was way better than I expected. If you enjoy theme parks at all, this one is absolutely worth it.

Japan or South Korea, Which is Better?

I wanted to add this section at the very end because I’ve had so many of you ask me the same question: Japan or South Korea, which one is better?

I’ve been to both, and I actually visited them back to back. I flew straight from Tokyo to Seoul, so the comparison is still very fresh for me.

First of all, I really loved South Korea. Seoul is busy, loud, and full of energy, which I genuinely enjoyed. The palaces are impressive, the food is amazing, and visiting the DMZ (Border to North Korea) was a super cool and unique experience. I also loved Busan, especially the waterfront and the access to nature. Overall, I’m a big fan of South Korea.

That said, if this is an either-or decision and you can only pick one, I would recommend Japan. Japan just felt more packed with variety for a first trip: culture, cities, food, history, nature, and incredibly efficient transport all in one place. From my experience, it was also a bit easier to navigate and travel around, and it simply felt more iconic and has more to offer as a first-time destination.

So if you’re planning a 10–14 day trip and can only choose one, I’d say start with Japan. Then, if you loved the region and want more, South Korea makes for an amazing second trip the following year or whenever you have the time.

FAQs About Visiting Japan

Is Japan expensive to visit?

Overall, yes, Japan can be expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation and long-distance transport. Hotels in major cities add up quickly, and the Shinkansen (bullet trains) are amazing but not cheap. That said, daily costs like food, public transport within cities, and attractions are often more reasonable than people expect.

Is Japan safe?

Japan is one of the safest countries I’ve ever traveled to. I never felt uneasy, whether I was using public transport, walking around late at night, or grabbing ramen at midnight. That feeling of safety was consistent everywhere I went.

Is Japan worth it?

Absolutely. Japan is one of the most exciting and interesting countries I’ve ever visited. The mix of culture, nature, food, and cities is hard to beat, and I was so impressed that I’m already planning my next trip back.

Can I travel to Japan with kids?

Yes, 100%. I saw so many families traveling with kids, and there are endless child-friendly activities, from interactive museums to theme parks. Japan is very well set up for family travel.

Final Thoughts: Is Japan Worth Visiting?

All in all, Japan is one of the most impressive countries I’ve visited in a long time, and it easily sits in my personal top three of best countries EVER.

I loved the food in, the culture, the architecture, the history, and the sheer contrast between ancient traditions and ultra-modern cities. Everything felt unfamiliar and strange but in a good way, exciting rather than intimidating.

I genuinely can’t stop talking about Japan, and that alone probably answers the question. Is Japan worth visiting? Yes, absolutely. It deserves a spot on your bucket list, whether it’s this year or the next.

I hope this article gave you a clear idea of what traveling in Japan is actually like and helps you decide if it’s the right destination for you. Happy travels.