Independent travel to Japan 2025 - Experience and conditions you need to know

1. What is independent travel in Japan and what are the current trends?

Independent travel is a form of travel in which you plan and coordinate your own trip – from booking flights, hotels, to eating, traveling and sightseeing. Without having to follow a group or be tied to a pre-designed tour schedule, you will have the opportunity to explore Japan in your own way.

Japanese summer is brilliant in traditional costumes

Trends in 2025: Young people and families today increasingly prefer self-sufficiency because:

• Freely experience "strange - unique - cool" locations.

• Be proactive about time and cost.

• Easily combine remote work and long-term travel.

2. Conditions for independent travel to Japan – Visa, costs and necessary documents

Peaceful corner at the foot of Mount Fuji

To start your independent travel journey to Japan, you need to ensure the following conditions:

• Japan tourist visa : Vietnamese people need to apply for a short-term visa (15 - 90 days). You can refer to the fees and paperwork on the website of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam . Or if you are afraid of making mistakes and want to save time, optimize your procedures with Japanese Visa experts.

• Average cost : Depending on time and travel style, the cost is about 25 - 40 million VND / 7 days, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, food, sightseeing tickets, JR Pass,... If you have time, you can refer to some of Tatinta's shares on the most economical travel experience in Japan .

• Documents to bring : Valid passport, visa, booking printout, travel insurance, sim/data, cash and international payment card.

3. Experience of independent travel to Japan – Notes, destinations and means of transport

3.1. Things you need to know when traveling to Japan.

In Japan, order begins with long patient lines.

• Prepare passport (at least 6 months in advance), full and valid visa.

• Prepare Japanese Yen and cash with you in advance.

• Be polite, keep order, speak softly, do not push in public places (especially the subway).

• Walk on the left (except in Osaka), and remove your shoes when entering homes and temples.

• Keep clean, do not litter, limit smoking outdoors (may be fined).

• Eat politely, don't eat while walking, use chopsticks properly.

• Bring a 4G SIM for convenient communication, save the number of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.

3.2. Must-see destinations

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park - one of the first national parks in Japan

• Mount Fuji: Japan's natural symbol, ideal for trekking or visiting Lake Kawaguchiko.

• Nikko or Hakone: Peaceful mountains, onsen hot springs, beautiful scenery.

• Nara: Sacred city with deer park, Todaiji temple.

• Hokkaido in summer: Furano lavender fields, cool air.

• Or some Japanese tourist destinations for top virtual check-in.

3.3. Convenient means of transportation

Suica Card - Multi-purpose payment card for trains and shopping in Japan

• JR Pass: Bullet train tickets for tourists, save up to 50% compared to buying individually.

• Suica/Pasmo Card: Payment card for Tokyo city trains and buses.

• Night bus: Economical solution for long journeys, where you can travel and rest at the same time.

• App supports: Google Maps, Japan Travel, Navitime, Tatinta Guide to look up trains, find routes and deals.

4. Prepare your luggage and manage your trip expenses

Packing your own suitcase is not difficult, let Tatinta Travel help you

• Clothing: Japan's summer is hot and humid, so bring light, airy clothes, hats, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Currency: Exchange Yen before going, always have cash as many places do not accept cards yet.

• Manage expenses: Use an app like Money Lover or Spendee to record your meals, entrance tickets, etc.

• 4G SIM or rented Wi-Fi: Indispensable for searching, locating and communicating.

• If you need a checklist to prepare for your trip including items, documents or money, let Tatinta's Travel Assistant give you a hand.

5. Suggestions for independent travel to Japan with Tatinta

Tatinta Guide is a Virtual Tour guide app that provides audio tours for tourist destinations around the world.

Do you love the initiative of independent travel but still want professional support? Tatinta Guide - a virtual tour guide application will accompany you anytime, anywhere:

• Suggest optimal itinerary by destination

• Automatically notify train times and tour times

• Suggestions for food, shopping, local experiences

• Discount codes for tours, JR tickets, hotels in Japan

🎯 Download the free app : https://tatinta.com/tour-guide-ao