Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know for planning your Japan trip
What is Norigo?
Norigo is a free travel planning tool for Japan and Korea. Enter the tourist spots you want to visit, and we'll find the best hotel area with the shortest travel time to all of them using real transit data.
Where should I stay in Tokyo?
It depends on your itinerary. For first-timers, Shinjuku offers the best balance of access (11+ rail lines), hotel variety, and nightlife. For budget travelers, Ueno and Ikebukuro are 30-40% cheaper. For culture lovers, Asakusa puts you steps from Senso-ji. Use our hotel area finder to get a personalized recommendation based on your specific tourist spots.
How much does a trip to Japan cost?
A typical daily budget: Budget ¥8,000-12,000 ($55-80), Mid-range ¥15,000-25,000 ($100-170), Luxury ¥40,000+ ($270+). This includes accommodation, food, and transport. Flights from the US are typically $600-1,200 round trip. Japan is surprisingly affordable for food — excellent ramen costs ¥800-1,200 ($5-8).
What's the best time to visit Japan?
Spring (late March to mid-April) for cherry blossoms, Autumn (mid-November to early December) for fall foliage. These are peak seasons with higher prices. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid but has festivals. Winter (December-February) is mild in Tokyo, great for onsen trips, and the best season for clear Mt. Fuji views.
How do I get around Tokyo?
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card (tap-to-pay transit card) — it works on all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo. You can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay Suica. The JR Yamanote Line (loop line) connects all major stations. Taxis are clean and safe but expensive (¥700+ base fare).
Do I need a JR Pass?
Only if you're taking multiple long-distance Shinkansen trips (e.g., Tokyo→Kyoto→Hiroshima). For Tokyo-only trips, a Suica card is cheaper and more convenient. A 7-day JR Pass costs ¥50,000 — it pays off if you'd spend more than that on individual Shinkansen tickets.
Which regions does Norigo support?
Norigo currently supports hotel search in Tokyo (Kanto), Osaka/Kyoto (Kansai), Fukuoka (Kyushu), Seoul, and Busan. We're continuously expanding to more regions.