1. Japan Tourist Visa Experience for Independent Travelers

Once you have decided on your Japan trip, it is recommended to prepare your documents and apply for a visa around 1.5–2 months in advance.

Applying early gives you more flexibility with timing and increases your chances of finding better prices for flights and hotels before costs rise closer to the departure date.

Many people feel nervous when hearing about a Japan visa, but in reality, Japan tourist visas are not overly difficult if your documents are clear and reasonable.

The Japanese Embassy usually reviews these factors carefully:

Whether your job is stable
(employment contract, social insurance, salary statements, etc.)

Your ties to Vietnam
(family, assets, work)

Previous travel history
(showing you traveled and returned on time)

A savings account does not need to contain an extremely large amount of money. Around 150 million VND is generally acceptable. What matters more is depositing the money early before your visa application date so your financial profile looks natural and reasonable.

Many people think having a large amount of money automatically guarantees approval, but in reality, a stable and logical application combined with a clear itinerary is much more important.

For first-time travelers to Japan with limited travel history, preparing documents carefully can significantly increase the visa approval rate.

Important Note

Japan visa applications must be submitted through authorized agencies, so using a visa support service can help make the process smoother and less stressful. The service fee is usually not too expensive.

Estimated Japan Visa Costs for Independent Travelers

Applications submitted in Hanoi: from 1,700,000 VND/application

Applications submitted in Ho Chi Minh City: from 2,100,000 VND/application

2. How to Plan a Japan Self-Guided Travel Itinerary

Japan has countless places worth visiting, so before planning your itinerary, it is best to list all destinations you want to visit and arrange them logically to avoid excessive travel and exhaustion.

Prioritize destinations based on your travel group:

Families with children

Consider:

Tokyo Disneyland (Tokyo)

Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)

Adults or elderly travelers

It is better to choose temples, shrines, old streets, and locations with lighter schedules and less walking.

A useful tip is to use ChatGPT beforehand to ask:

Does this destination require a lot of walking?

Is transportation convenient for children or elderly travelers?

This helps prepare appropriate shoes, timing, and travel pace.

Suggested 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Tokyo – 2 days

(If visiting Disneyland, it is recommended to spend 3 days in Tokyo)

Asakusa Temple

Shibuya Crossing

Odaiba

Tokyo Tower

Mount Fuji – 1 day

Lake Kawaguchi

Chureito Pagoda

Oshino Hakkai

Kyoto – 2 days

Gion Old Town

Kiyomizu Temple
(can rent kimono for photos)

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Osaka – 2 days

Osaka Castle

Dotonbori

Nara Park

With 7 days, this itinerary allows travelers to experience most of Japan’s famous highlights without feeling overly rushed.

Additional Notes

If booking services from Vietnamese providers in Japan such as airport transfers, local tours, or guides, you can ask them for itinerary support.

This makes the trip much easier, especially for:

Families with small children

Elderly travelers

First-time visitors unfamiliar with transportation in Japan

3. Tips for Booking Flights to Japan

Most travelers flying to Japan usually arrive at one of two major airports: Tokyo or Osaka.

Tokyo

Narita Airport (NRT): approximately 70 km from central Tokyo

Haneda Airport (HND): approximately 10–15 km from central Tokyo, much faster and more convenient

Osaka

Kansai Airport (KIX): approximately 50 km from central Osaka

When searching for flights, try combining different arrival and departure cities, for example:

Arrive in Tokyo – depart from Osaka

Arrive in Osaka – depart from Tokyo

This provides more pricing options, greater itinerary flexibility, and is often cheaper than round-trip flights using the same airport.

How to Find Affordable Flights

Booking through agencies

Suitable for travelers unfamiliar with websites or apps

Agencies assist with searching, booking, and issuing tickets

Booking directly yourself

You can visit the official websites of:

Vietnam Airlines

Vietjet Air

These are two of the most common airlines operating direct or connecting flights to Japan.

Using online booking platforms

Examples include:

Traveloka

Skyscanner

Google Flights

These platforms compare prices across multiple airlines to help you find the best deal.

Which Airline Should You Choose?

Vietjet Air

Usually cheaper and more flexible

International flights are less likely to be delayed

Suitable for travelers wanting to optimize costs

Vietnam Airlines

Stable service quality

Easier flight changes or rescheduling

Better for travelers seeking more comfort and flexibility

Additional Tips

Book flights early once your visa is approved to get the best prices

Flight schedules vary significantly between airlines, so compare multiple dates and times instead of limiting yourself to one fixed day

4. Tips for Choosing Hotels in Japan

One thing that surprises many first-time visitors to Japan is that hotel rooms are often much smaller than expected. Choosing the right hotel can greatly impact both comfort and convenience throughout the trip.

4.1. Prioritize Hotels Near Train Stations

Since transportation in Japan mainly relies on trains, staying near a station saves a significant amount of time and energy, especially after walking 15,000–20,000 steps per day.

However, not every “station nearby” hotel is truly convenient. Some stations like Shinjuku are extremely large, and inexperienced travelers may spend an extra 15–20 minutes just navigating inside the station.

When helping travelers plan itineraries, the usual priorities are:

Choosing hotels near the train line used most frequently

Prioritizing exits with elevators if traveling with children or elderly family members

Balancing room price, location, and transportation convenience

This helps save time and optimize independent travel itineraries.

4.2. Recommended Areas to Stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku

Suitable for travelers who enjoy nightlife, shopping, and lively city energy.

Advantages:

Plenty of restaurants and shopping areas

Convenient access to other districts

Vibrant atmosphere day and night

However:

Hotel prices are usually higher

The station can be confusing for first-time visitors

Ueno

Often recommended for first-time independent travelers because:

Hotel prices are more reasonable

Convenient transportation from Narita Airport

Many local restaurants and markets

Less “station maze” confusion compared to Shinjuku

Asakusa

Ideal for travelers who enjoy traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Quieter environment

Many beautiful hotels with reasonable prices

Great for experiencing classic old Tokyo

Current Support Services

Accommodation area consultation based on itinerary

Japan hotel booking assistance

Free recommendations for shopping, attractions, and dining for groups and families

Especially for first-time travelers to Japan, choosing the right hotel can make the entire trip much easier and more enjoyable.

5. Transportation Options: Train, JR Pass, or Private Car?

5.1. Traveling by Train

Using trains or the Shinkansen is extremely convenient because they are fast, punctual, and can reach almost everywhere.

However, Japan’s railway system, especially in Tokyo, is quite complicated with many train lines, so Google Maps is practically a must-have for checking routes, platforms, and directions.

Important Notes for Train Travel

Always check the final destination displayed on the train because the same line may operate in multiple directions

Large stations such as Shinjuku or Tokyo Station are massive, so first-time travelers should allow extra time for navigation

If traveling frequently by train, prepare an IC Card such as Suica or Icoca for quick payment on trains, buses, and convenience stores without buying individual tickets.

Physical cards can be purchased at airports or installed directly on smartphones and topped up with a credit card.

5.2. JR Pass

Many first-time visitors assume buying a JR Pass automatically saves money, but after price increases, it is no longer suitable for every itinerary.

For standard Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto routes, buying separate tickets or using regional passes is often much cheaper.

JR Pass is more suitable if:

Traveling long distances frequently by Shinkansen

Visiting multiple cities within a short time

Following routes such as Tokyo – Osaka – Hiroshima – Fukuoka

Before purchasing, calculate estimated train costs carefully to avoid paying for a pass you cannot fully utilize.

5.3. Renting a Private Car

For families with children, elderly travelers, or large groups, renting a private vehicle can be far more comfortable.

The biggest advantages include:

No need to drag luggage around

No constant train transfers

Greater flexibility with travel schedules

Especially for natural destinations like Mount Fuji, Hakone, or Kamikochi, private transportation often saves much more energy and time compared to train travel.

6. Online Declarations and Immigration Procedures in Japan

6.1. Online Declaration

One very important tip many first-time travelers forget is completing the Visit Japan Web declaration in advance to receive immigration and customs QR codes instead of filling out paper forms.

Official website:
https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/

You only need to:

Create an account

Enter passport information

Fill in flight and accommodation details

Complete online customs declaration

Once completed, the system generates QR codes for immigration procedures.

It is recommended to screenshot or save them offline on your phone before arriving at the airport.

6.2. Immigration Procedures

Upon arrival in Japan, simply follow the “Immigration” signs and present your passport and QR codes.

Staff will take fingerprints, photos, and stamp your passport as usual.

After collecting luggage, scan the customs QR code and the process is complete.

Japanese customs officers usually ask simple questions about:

Length of stay

Accommodation in Japan

Purpose of the trip

As long as your answers match your itinerary, there is generally no issue.

It is also recommended to save hotel names or accommodation addresses on your phone for convenience.

7. Realistic Food Experiences in Japan

Japanese cuisine is one of the main reasons many travelers return to Japan for a second or third time.

Not only is the food delicious, but the service and presentation are also extremely thoughtful and high-quality.

Preparing a food list in advance based on your itinerary can save a lot of time.

7.1. Convenience Stores – The “Lifesaver” of Japan Travel

7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart in Japan are truly incredible.

The food quality in Japanese convenience stores is far better than most Vietnamese travelers expect.

On early mornings or late nights after sightseeing, simply stopping by a convenience store for dinner is already a great option.

7.2. Must-Try Foods

Sushi

For first-time visitors, conveyor belt sushi is highly recommended because it is affordable, approachable, and fun.

Ramen

Each region has its own unique flavor.

Examples:

Tokyo: rich soy sauce-based shoyu ramen

Hokkaido: famous for miso ramen

Fukuoka: famous for tonkotsu ramen

Yakiniku

This is almost a “must-try” dish for Vietnamese travelers.

However, famous restaurants are usually crowded, require reservations, and often limit dining time to 90 or 120 minutes.

Without reservations, waiting times of 1–2 hours are common.

7.3. Practical Dining Tips

Many Japanese restaurants use automatic ordering machines

Some small restaurants do not have English menus

Peak dining hours often involve long queues

Many popular restaurants close earlier than expected

In Japan, tipping is not part of the culture, and travelers should avoid speaking loudly or eating while walking on the street.

7.4. Why Many Travelers Prepare Itineraries in Advance

In Japan:

Taking the wrong train line can waste an extra hour

Choosing the wrong dining area can mean extremely long queues

Some famous restaurants require reservations days in advance

Therefore, many travelers choose to:

Get restaurant recommendations by area

Optimize transportation schedules

Find local restaurants suitable for Vietnamese tastes

Receive restaurant booking assistance

Get dining recommendations based on budget

This saves a significant amount of time and creates a smoother travel experience instead of simply rushing between check-in spots.

8. Other Important Tips for Traveling in Japan

8.1. Currency Exchange and Payments

Exchange some cash in Vietnam before departure because many places in Japan still do not accept cards

Bring Visa or MasterCard for shopping malls, convenience stores, and hotels

ATMs at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart are very convenient for withdrawals

8.2. Internet and Communication

Rent Pocket Wifi or purchase an eSIM/SIM before flying for easier access to Google Maps, train schedules, and communication

Google Maps in Japan is extremely useful and practically essential

8.3. Luggage Delivery and Transportation

If traveling across multiple cities, consider luggage delivery services between hotels to avoid dragging heavy suitcases onto trains

Japanese train stations are large and involve extensive walking, so lighter luggage makes traveling much easier

8.4. Prepare Suitable Clothing and Essentials

Check weather forecasts before departure to prepare appropriate clothing

In summer, bring sun protection clothing and portable fans; in winter, thermal wear and non-slip shoes are important

Always carry a power bank because your phone will constantly be used for maps and transportation searches

8.5. Tax-Free Shopping

Purchases over 5,000¥ at many stores may qualify for Tax Free shopping

Remember to carry your passport for tax refund procedures

PBJP Travel specializes in designing private tours for families & small groups from 1 to 50 guests. Private car service with pick-up and drop-off in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Service:

• ・4~50-seat car in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.
• ・Guide living and working in the local country.
• ・Visa
• ・Book hotel upon request
• ・Book entertainment tickets
• ・Restaurant consultation, reservation