How are the seasons?

Japan is known for having 4 distinct seasons, so it is important for you to first decide which type of year you would like to visit.  Seasons in Japan correspond with those in the United States, so if it is summer here, then it is summer in Japan.  Winters are relatively cold, but there is very little snow in Tokyo itself.  Spring is very nice and is known for the beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom all around Japan.  Summer is quite hot and humid and is the rainy season, but there are many fireworks, festivals, and rooftop beer gardens.  Fall is known for the autumn colors and turning from the intense summer heat to the colder winter.  Anytime you choose should be a unique experience, so do some research to see if specific festivals and events that pique your interest are only available at a specific time of year.

How are the hotels?

Although Japan is known for extremely expensive real estate, there are many reasonably priced hotel rooms even in the expensive cities such as Tokyo.  These hotels are known as “business hotels”, and they are generally clean and comfortable if a bit small for what some Westerners are accustomed to.  It should not be hard to find a room in the range of $90-$110 per night.  These are often located near to the train station, which provides a nice level of convenience if you are traveling around to tourist destinations.  Don’t worry about the language barrier as the hotels will have English speaking staff and notices for those who are not familiar with the Japanese language.

How can I get around?

From the Airport, it is best to take either a scheduled bus, or the Narita Express from the airport to central Tokyo.  Either way costs around $30, but the train is probably the quickest method.  The advantage of taking the bus comes when you have a large amount of luggage that you do not want to have to haul around on the trains.

After you have settled into your hotel and wish to explore the city itself, there are 3 main methods of transportation: trains, taxis, and buses.  Japan is known for its clean, punctual trains that can take you close to any destination.  If you want to pinpoint a really specific location, the subway is often the best route.  Taxis are not inexpensive, however, they may be the best if you feel finding a particular destination yourself is too difficult.  The driver should be able to help you pinpoint the desired location.  The final method is buses.  They are perhaps the cheapest route, and can take you to points in between the major train stations.  Combined with good old-fashioned exploration by foot, the public transportation around Japan should make for an amazing experience!