Japan is almost the most comfortable country in Asia for a first independent trip. Safety is impeccable, public transport is obsessively punctual and signs in Latin letters are almost everywhere — it is hard to get lost even if you don't know a single character.
The basis of an independent trip is trains. With the Japan Rail Pass and the shinkansen you can cross the country from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka in hours. Round-the-clock konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) cover food, cash and small things 24/7.
Why independently
- Freedom of pace. Morning — Kyoto's temples, afternoon — an onsen near Fuji, evening — ramen in a Shinjuku alley: no groups and no buses.
- Cheaper than a package. Direct bookings of ryokan and capsule hotels + a JR Pass save noticeably against an organized tour.
- The real Japan. The towns of the Nakasendo road, fish markets at dawn, izakaya with no English menu.
The best windows are spring (cherry blossoms, late March–April) and autumn (momiji maples, November).
