CitiesTokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
Mega-city Tokyo, the temples and geisha streets of Kyoto, and Osaka's legendary street food.
Japan
Flight + Hotel & Guided Tours · 11 cities & regions · Flights from Canada
Destination
At a glance
Everything you need to know about Japan
From the neon energy of Tokyo to the temples of Kyoto, the food streets of Osaka and the snow country of Hokkaido, Japan blends ancient tradition with bullet-train modernity. Cherry blossom in spring and fiery maple colours in autumn are the signature seasons, and the JR Pass makes the whole country easy to explore.
JapanClimate
Climate
Four seasons; spring & autumn best
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Cherry blossom in late Mar–Apr, fiery autumn colours in Nov, hot humid summers and snowy northern winters.
Currency
Japanese Yen
1 CAD ≈ 110 JPY · IC transit cards widely used
Entry
Visa-free
Short tourist stays for Canadians
Time zone
JST (13–14h ahead of Toronto)
Top Experiences in Japan
Cities
Bullet trainsShinkansen & JR Pass
Glide between cities at 300 km/h — the JR Pass makes hopping across Japan simple and fast.
Ryokan & onsenHot springs & Mt Fuji
Soak in an onsen and stay in a traditional ryokan in Hakone beneath the slopes of Mt Fuji.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — Japan is visa-free for short tourist stays.
Getting around: The Shinkansen bullet trains link the major cities; a JR Pass can be great value for multi-city trips. IC cards (Suica/ICOCA/PASMO) tap on to local trains and buses.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans don't cover medical care in Japan. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Japan uses 100V with Type A/B plugs — Canadian plugs fit, though the voltage is slightly lower.
Money: The Japanese Yen (¥). Cash is still common, so carry some; IC cards and credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
Time zone: Japan runs on Japan Standard Time (JST) — about 13–14 hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit Japan
Late Mar – AprCherry blossom season
Sakura in bloom — the most beautiful and busiest time. Book far ahead.
NovAutumn colours
Fiery maple foliage across temples, gardens and mountains. Peak demand.
May & OctShoulder season
Mild, comfortable weather with fewer crowds and better value.
Jun – AugRainy & hot season
Humid summers with the June rainy season. Cheaper but sticky — great for Hokkaido and beaches.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Japan
Japan's regions each have a distinct character — here's how to choose the right base for your trip.
Kanto & Tokyo
Tokyo · Hakone · Mt Fuji
Japan's capital region — neon districts, world-class dining, and easy escapes to Hakone's onsen and Mt Fuji.
Best for
- First-timers
- City
- Food
Kansai
Kyoto · Osaka · Nara
The historic heart of Japan — Kyoto's temples, Osaka's street food and the deer and Great Buddha of Nara.
Best for
- Culture
- Temples
- Food
Hokkaido
Sapporo · Niseko
Japan's northern island — powder snow and skiing in winter, wildflowers and cool escapes in summer.
Best for
- Ski
- Nature
- Food
Kyushu
Fukuoka · Beppu
The southwestern island known for hot-spring towns, volcanoes, ramen and a warmer climate.
Best for
- Onsen
- Food
- Relaxed pace
Okinawa
Naha · Southern islands
Japan's tropical south — white-sand beaches, coral reefs and a distinct Ryukyu island culture.
Best for
- Beach
- Diving
- Relaxation
● Book with confidence
Your Japan adventure awaits
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Good to know
Japan travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Japan?
No. Canadians can visit Japan visa-free for short tourist stays with a valid passport.
How long is the flight from Canada to Japan?
Air Canada flies Toronto (YYZ) nonstop to Tokyo (HND/NRT) in about 13 hours. Other cities are reached with a short domestic connection or by Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Late March to April for cherry blossom and November for autumn colours are the most beautiful — and busiest. May and October offer great weather with fewer crowds.
How do I get around Japan?
The Shinkansen bullet trains connect the major cities, and a Japan Rail (JR) Pass can be great value for multi-city trips. In cities, tap an IC card (Suica/ICOCA/PASMO) on to local trains and buses.
What currency should I bring?
The Japanese Yen (¥). Cash is still common, so carry some, though IC cards and credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes — it's strongly recommended. Provincial health plans don't cover medical care in Japan, which can be costly.