Over 30 million tourists flocked to Japan in 2024, and the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be even busier. Let’s be honest—you don’t want your dream Japan itinerary derailed by last-minute bookings, overbooked events, or unexpected cancellations. Whether you’re heading to Osaka for the much-anticipated 2025 Expo or eyeing that free domestic flight deal within Japan, a little planning goes a long way. Not only will it save you from the chaos of a last minute scramble, but it’ll also leave you with plenty of time to wander through quirky museums, hunt for vintage treasures, and sip on your matcha concoction while the scent of freshly blooming cherry blossoms lingers in the air. Here are five things to keep in mind before locking in your summer 2025 Japan plans:
Be prepared for an increase in Mount Fuji’s hiking fees
If summiting Mt. Fuji is on your Japan bucket list, be prepared to pay a little extra this year. As of 2025, a mandatory hiking fee of ¥4,000 (Rs2,339) has been introduced for all four trails—not just the Yoshida Trail, which previously had a ¥2,000 fee. The climbing season runs from early July to early September, but with new restrictions in place, only 4,000 visitors can ascend daily. The mountain is also off-limits from 2pm to 3am, meaning those planning to stay overnight must book a mountain hut in advance. Climbers must secure a permit via Mt. Fuji’s online system (opening in April) to pay the hiking fee.
Check for a free domestic flight with Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines’ free domestic flight scheme, which first ran from September to November 2024, is back as of March 2025, with no confirmed end date yet. If you book an international flight with JAL, you can snag a free domestic flight within Japan, provided both flights are part of the same itinerary. However, if your Japan plans involve multiple domestic flights, the JAL Japan Explorer Pass might be a better deal. This pass offers discounted fares for international travellers on over 30 domestic routes. The fare applies to economy class only, and once booked, domestic flight reservations cannot be changed. Read more here
Expect crowds during Kanda Matsuri 2025
Held once every two years, Kanda Matsuri is making its return to Tokyo’s neighbourhoods from 8-15 May, with the weekend packing in the biggest celebrations. Centred around the Kanda Myoujin Shrine in Chiyoda, the festival runs from 8am to 7pm, bringing with it a massive parade of portable shrines, elaborate floats, and festival music. The streets will be alive with people dressed in traditional attire, and the scent of takoyaki, yakisoba, and kakigori will fill the air as food stalls line the lanes. If you’re visiting Japan in May, this is your chance to experience one of the country’s three great Shinto festivals. Just expect crowds. Lots of them.
Book your seats in advance on the shinkansen
Travellers planning to ride the popular Nozomi Shinkansen should book their seats in advance, as all seats are going to be operating as reserved seats during the peak season. In summer 2025, these peak periods are from 25 April to 6 May and 8 to 17 August, 2025. Due to high demand on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines, booking your seat is the best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey on Japan’s fastest bullet train. Whether you’re zipping between Tokyo and Osaka or exploring Hiroshima, securing a reservation will help you avoid last-minute hassle. Book your seat here
Check out Osaka Expo 2025
Set to open on 13 April 2025 and run until 13 October, Osaka Expo 2025 is shaping to be the event of the season. With the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the expo will showcase cultural and technological innovations aimed at protecting and preserving our environment and well-being. The event calendar features 408 scheduled programs, including National Day celebrations and special themed days, with more to be added. Taking place in Yumeshima along the Osaka waterfront, the expo will be open daily from 9am to 10pm. Tickets range from ¥4,000 (Rs2,339) for a one-day pass to ¥30,000 (Rs17,540) for a season pass, with discounted rates for juniors (starting at ¥2,200) and children (starting at ¥1,000), while kids under four get in free. Tickets are available through the official website, so if you’re planning to visit, it’s best to book in advance.
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