Darker cells are stronger weather or travel-fit months. The second row is crowd pressure.
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Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
When is the best time to go?
Start with March, April, May, October & November. Choose August only with a written reason.
Is this a good honeymoon pick?
Romance score 90/100 sits next to crowd 86/100 — read both.
How crowded does it get?
On red months, empty midday or change region.
What should I budget per day?
Use bands in JPY. Mid is the baseline. Not a live fare.
Do I need a visa?
Many passports enter visa-free for a short stay — verify yours.
How many days do I need?
Countries breathe at 7–12 days, honeymoon islands at 5–8. Continents: pick one region.
The table starts at ramen.
A short phrase (sumimasen) is the door to etiquette.
Food
- ramen — ramen is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- sushi — sushi is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- kaiseki — kaiseki is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- okonomiyaki — okonomiyaki is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- onigiri — onigiri is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
Etiquette
- Greeting — sumimasen — excuse me
- Sacred sites — Cover shoulders and knees; read no-photo signs before the caption.
- Tipping — Tipping customs differ; read whether service is already on the bill.
- Queues — Skipping a queue is not a time save; it is a scene you cannot unshoot.
Festival notes
- Hanami — Hanami lands in March — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Golden Week — Golden Week lands in May — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Gion Matsuri — Gion Matsuri lands in July — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Koyo peak — Koyo peak lands in November — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
Phrases
- sumimasen — sumimasen: excuse me. Timing beats accent.
- iccard — iccard: prepaid rail card. Timing beats accent.
- onsen — onsen: hot-spring bath. Timing beats accent.
- shinkansen — shinkansen: bullet train. Timing beats accent.
Culture is a speed, not a checklist. Slow is more accurate.
When to goPlacesHow to travelCultureCostHoneymoon notesToday