Japan for first-timers: where to stay, what to book and when to go. Real prices, real dates, verified against official sources. No drama.https://japanprep.com/en-ushttps://japanprep.com/seasons/japan-in-august/https://japanprep.com/seasons/japan-in-august/August is Japan's hottest, stormiest, most festive month — and for five days around Obon (Aug 13–16, 2026), its most crowded. Here's the week-by-week play.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:50:00 GMTSeasonshttps://japanprep.com/logistics/best-esim-japan-airalo-ubigi/https://japanprep.com/logistics/best-esim-japan-airalo-ubigi/Every Japan eSIM resells the same three networks, so price decides. We compared Airalo and Ubigi plan by plan for 2026 — 10GB, unlimited, tethering and setup.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:45:00 GMTLogisticshttps://japanprep.com/seasons/japan-in-july/https://japanprep.com/seasons/japan-in-july/July in Japan means 30°C average highs, 76% humidity and the tail of rainy season — but also Gion Matsuri, the Fuji climbing window and thinner crowds. The numbers, then the verdict.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:40:00 GMTSeasonshttps://japanprep.com/logistics/japan-booking-timeline/https://japanprep.com/logistics/japan-booking-timeline/Ghibli tickets drop on the 10th of each month. Shinkansen seats now open a year ahead. The 2026 cheat sheet of every booking window that sells out — and what to skip.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:35:00 GMTLogisticshttps://japanprep.com/logistics/regional-jr-pass-itinerary/https://japanprep.com/logistics/regional-jr-pass-itinerary/The national JR Pass rarely pays off anymore — but the right regional pass often does. Our 2026 matrix matches real itineraries to the pass (or no pass) that wins.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMTLogisticshttps://japanprep.com/where-to-stay/shibuya-vs-shinjuku/https://japanprep.com/where-to-stay/shibuya-vs-shinjuku/Shibuya or Shinjuku for your first Tokyo trip? We compared 2026 hotel prices, airport times, train lines and night noise — with a clear verdict for each type of traveler.Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:40:00 GMTWhere to Stay