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Japan

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Hi! I’m Susan, and I created Sake With Susan to help families with grown children experience the magic of Japan together. At this stage of life, your kids can truly appreciate Japan’s depth—the nuanced flavors of an omakase dinner, the peaceful contemplation of a Zen garden, the historical significance of ancient temples, and the vibrant energy of Tokyo’s neighborhoods.

What makes this different? Every article reveals hidden gems and insider travel tips specific to each region—local secrets like back-alley market stalls, crowd-free temple timing, and rooftop viewpoints that typical guidebooks miss. These are the details that transform a good trip into an unforgettable multi-generational journey through the real Japan

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About Susan

Hi! I’m Susan, a California native who spent three unforgettable years living in Japan—exploring from Hokkaido to Okinawa and everywhere in between. Along the way, I became a go-to Japan travel planner, helping others navigate everything from cultural etiquette to how to manage their Japan travel cost wisely. I absolutely fell in love with this incredible country, and I can’t wait to help you fall in love with it too.

Dreaming of visiting Japan?

What To Expect

Language: Japanese
Download a translator app like Google Translate. Just point your camera at signs or menus, and you’ll instantly see the English translation.

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Before your trip, get familiar with the Japan travel cost by setting up your phone’s calculator to convert yen to dollars on the go.

Spending: Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, but you’ll still need cash for temple entry fees, local markets, and more rural areas. Convenient ATMs are available at airports, post offices, and convenience stores.

Getting Around: Planes, trains, buses, taxis
Whether you’re building your Japan travel itinerary or already en route, Google Maps and a digital Suica card make getting around a breeze. Use your Uber app to call local taxis in Japan, no language skills needed.

Power Adapter Tip: Don’t forget a Japan travel power adapter—Japan uses Type A and B plugs with 100V voltage.

Japan Travel Visa: Be sure to check your Japan travel visa requirements well in advance, as they vary by nationality.

REMEMBER: Most Japanese people are incredibly helpful—don’t worry if you don’t speak the language!

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Japan's Sweet Spots:
Timing Your Perfect Visit

Planning your Japan vacation? The ideal times to explore this incredible destination are during Japan’s shoulder seasons: March through May and September through November.

During these Japan travel peak seasons, you’ll experience perfect weather conditions with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall – ideal for Japan sightseeing, from exploring Tokyo attractions to visiting ancient Kyoto temples.

Spring in Japan offers the iconic cherry blossom season (sakura), but plan your visit carefully. While late April brings beautiful blooms, avoid visiting during Golden Week (April 29 – May 5, 2025) when national holidays lead to massive crowds and surging prices at major attractions.

Find more details in my newsletter on Timing Your Perfect Visit to Japan

Sapporo

Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido, is celebrated for its snowy winters, delicious ramen, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Surrounded by natural beauty, it offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventures and urban charm.

Osaka

Osaka, Japan's vibrant culinary capital, is famed for its lively atmosphere and mouthwatering street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. With attractions like Osaka Castle and the bustling Dotonbori district, it’s a city full of energy and charm.