tips for travel to japan

Planning a Trip to Japan: DOs & DON’Ts (2024)

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This post is based on an amazing guide our friend Amy Dunn-Cham compiled us full of her Japan tips on how to plan a trip to Japan years ago. We have since visited Japan five times and update this post regularly with what we’ve learnt.

Ah Japan, irasshaimase! Welcome to the land where everything just works. The land of convenience, the land of delicious food, paradox, naked strangers, and where respect permeates through every part of society and culture.

In Japan the food can be described as clean and minimalist, but never simple, which probably sums up Japan as a whole. It’s a place that both lives up to, and out does, any expectation you have upon arrival.

Uh-huh, they have the fastest, sleekest, most efficient trains (ever!), but they still have paper posters pegged up on their Tokyo subway. Yeah, they have amazing futuristic architecture, but they also have countless traditional wooden buildings in amongst it all. 

Yes, they have the busiest people crossing in the world (Shibuya), but at no point is it ever chaotic, no need for anyone to bang on a cab screaming, “Hey, I’m walking here!”. 

Yes, they have scores of scarily trendy, funkily clad young people who like to cosplay on weekends, but they also have evening family outings to sentos (public bathhouses).

In this Japan travel guide, we’ll help you make sense of it all and share our best tips for planning a trip to Japan.

2024 Update: No Japan Travel Restrictions

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Japan reopened to independent international tourists on 11 October 2022.

Remaining restrictions were dropped on 29 April 2023, so visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

The government also dropped the indoor masking recommendation. Many Japanese people still wear masks (on our late 2023 trip, I’d say about 30-40% of people wore them), but you are unlikely to be required to.

With the yen at the lowest it has been for decades, now is a great time to travel to Japan.

Health care is expensive in Japan, so I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers Covid-19 medical expenses.  SafetyWing Insurance  is an excellent budget option, especially for travellers on longer trips and families (as children under 10 are free). It’s available worldwide.

If you want a more comprehensive policy with cancellation cover, check out Heymondo travel insurance , which we used on our last Japan trip (it came in handy when Simon broke his foot!). It’s also available worldwide and offers 5% off for our readers.

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We’ve visited Japan in all four seasons and don’t think there’s a bad time to go. 

In winter , it’s chilly and gardens are a bit bare, but crowds are lower, you’ll find great deals on accommodation, and you’ll really appreciate those onsens (hot springs). You can also go skiing or snowboarding and have the best chance of seeing snow-capped Mount Fuji.  

In summer , it is steaming hot and humid (and June is the rainiest month), but there are fewer foreign tourists around and lots of local festivals to enjoy. It’s also the best time to visit the many beaches and the only time you can climb Mount Fuji. 

The most popular and best overall times to visit Japan are spring (March-April) and autumn (October – early December). This is when you can enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms (sakura) or autumn leaves (koyo). It’s more crowded and expensive, but the weather can be ideal and it is just stunning. 

See our guide to visiting the Kyoto cherry blossoms for more information on the popular sakura season. 

On our recent autumn trip, we had warm weather (up to 77ºF/25ºC) with very little rain from October until mid-November, when the temperature in Kyoto suddenly plummeted ahead of the leaves turning colour.

See our post on Kyoto in autumn for tips on where to find beautiful fall colour. The last week of November is usually the best time.

Shoulder seasons May and late-September/early October  are also good times to visit with warm weather and lower crowds.

Two times of year I would avoid for a vacation to Japan are:

Golden Week in early May – In 2025, Golden Week will be from 29 April – 6 May. This is a series of national holidays so many Japanese travel domestically, trains and hotels book up, and popular spots will be extra crowded.

New Year – Late December to early January. This is also a busy time with local travellers and most businesses close for up to four days.

How long do you need in Japan? As long as possible!

There is so much to see—we have spent months in the country and still have a long bucket list.

For first time visitors, I recommend visiting Japan for two weeks. This is enough time to see some highlights—Tokyo, Kyoto, and one or two smaller destinations. See our Japan two week itinerary for suggestions.

A week is the minimum time I recommend for a Japan trip. For a more relaxed Japan vacation, spend the whole week in Tokyo or Kyoto and take day trips. Or if you don’t mind rushing about, visit both major cities with an overnight stop on the way (such as Hakone).

Read our guide on the best places to visit in Japan to decide where interests you most and come up with an itinerary. You’ll find some suggestions at the end of this guide.

Watch this video for Japan trip ideas.

• Check if you need a visa . Visa-free travel is possible for citizens of 68 countries for stays of up to 90 days (including US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU). Do have a return or onward flight out of the country as they may grill you upon arrival. It was the nicest immigration interrogation we’ve ever had, though.
• Purchase your Japanese Rail Pass exchange order before you travel to Japan (if needed, more on that later).
• Learn some Japanese —numbers are especially useful! While you can get by with Google Translate, it’s much more fun to learn some Japanese (which isn’t as hard as you might think) and locals really appreciate it. We are currently learning with the comprehensive Rocket Japanese online course , which includes audio lessons with natural dialogue, grammar and culture tips, and voice recognition to test your pronunciation. It’s a little pricey but unlike most subscription-based courses, you get lifetime access and discounts are often available.
• Get an International Driving Permit . You’ll need this for go-karting on the real Tokyo roads dressed as your favourite character. Insanity but one of the most fun things we’ve done in Japan.
• Arrange travel insurance. Healthcare is expensive in Japan, so make sure you are covered in case the worst happens. We’ve used and recommend Heymondo and  SafetyWing (both available worldwide) and True Traveller for UK/EU residents.

• Apply for a Mastercard credit or debit card – If you don’t already have one. Some Japanese websites don’t work with Visa so it’s good to have a backup. We used a Starling Bank debit card (UK only), which has free international transactions and cash withdrawals.
• Walk as much as possible – You will walk a lot in Japan cities so it helps to get some training in beforehand (and wear in some comfy shoes).
• Practice using chopsticks – You’ll need them to eat in almost every restaurant (curry is the exception as it’s eaten with a spoon). Getting used to sitting on the floor is a good idea for some restaurants and experiences too.

• Buy a pre-paid transport IC card  for local trains, metro and buses. You just tap on and off and don’t have to worry about buying a ticket. In Kyoto and Osaka, it’ll be an ICOCA card, and in Tokyo, it’s a Suica or Pasmo, but you can use any of the cards all over the country. While physical Suica cards are now available again (after a shortage), you can also add Suica to Apple Wallet on your phone or watch. Visa doesn’t work as a payment method so use Apple Pay, Mastercard, or American Express to top up. We just tapped on transport with our Apple watch and didn’t even need to open the app. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work for Android phones bought outside Japan.
• Set up an Airalo eSIM – You’ll want affordable data on your phone as having access to maps and Google Translate makes life so much easier. A digital eSIM is simple to set up before you arrive and prices at Airalo start at just US$4.50. We used it on our last Japan trip and it worked great. If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, you can buy a physical Umobile SIM from a vending machine at Tokyo Narita Airport (make sure your phone is unlocked).
• Sign up to the Timeout Tokyo newsletter – To learn about special events during your stay.

• Buy tickets for Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park – If you are a Studio Ghibli fan, you might want to visit the museum in Tokyo or new park in Nagoya. It’s essential to book ahead. See below for details and our Ghibli Park review .
• Research what else to book in advance – Many attractions and restaurants in Japan require advance booking so decide what’s important to you (ideally at least three months ahead) and set reminders for when bookings are available. At the end of this post you can see the timescale for what we booked for our latest trip.

• Consider a Japan Rail Pass . The luxury of shinkansen (bullet train) hopping is exhilarating. No need to book seats in advance, just choose a train, wave your pass and hop on. These passes are only available to foreigners and you can order online from  JRailPass.com . Read our guide to whether a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for everything you need to know after the price increase in October 2023 (it’s still worth it for some trips if you are travelling a lot).

• Bow if you are being bowed to . If you can manage it too, don’t turn your back upon exit. Don’t overdo it though or you’ll be a total gaijin , no need to bow to the supermarket checkout person!
• Pre-book accommodation. Wise anyway as the more affordable accommodation fills up fast, but also in line with the whole respect thing, Japanese people like to be prepared for your arrival.  So don’t just randomly rock up at a ryokan for the night! Booking.com is our favourite site for finding hotels and guesthouses, and we also use AirBnb and Vrbo  to find apartments in the big cities (which are often cheaper than hotels). See our Japan accommodation guide for recommendations.

• Go onsening! You might want to skip this in summer as hot doesn’t even come close to describing the water temperatures! But soaking in a hot spring is one of the most typical things to do in Japan and is ultra relaxing once you get over your fears of public nudity (yep, no clothes allowed!). Best of all, visit an onsen town where you can onsen-hop dressed in a kimono. See our Kinosaki Onsen travel guide for details on this lovely onsen town as well as hot spring etiquette. 

• Stay in a ryokan (traditional inn). Pricey but worth it for at least a night or two for the unique experience and the amazing meals that are often included in the room rates (and many can cater for vegetarians/vegans). Our favourite ryokan is Tsukihitei in Nara, so traditional and with a magical forest setting. We also loved our private bath overlooking the scarlet maple trees at Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo in Kyoto (book a suite not a standard room). A more budget-friendly option is Morizuya Ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen, which is perfect for onsen-hopping.
• Stay in a traditional tatami mat room.  If you can’t stay in a ryokan, a much cheaper way to stay in one is a traditional room in K’s House hostels—they have branches in Hakone  (with onsen), Kyoto , Izu Peninsula (in a 100-year-old building with onsen), and all over the country. We never had a bad experience with this hostel chain in our budget travel days.

• Appreciate the zen-like calm on all modes of transport – no need for quiet only carriages here! Just remember that it’s rude to speak on your phone on trains in Japan.
• Use Google Translate . Many people don’t speak English, so the Google Translate app is helpful for communicating. Write what you want to say in English then show the Japanese translation to the person. Even more impressive is the feature to translate images—point your camera at a sign, menu, or food label and it translates the text instantly. It’s not perfect but when it works, it’s brilliant.
• Translate websites too – Many Japanese websites (especially restaurants) are only in Japanese so using Chrome or Safari, refresh the page and select the English option at the top. On Safari on my iPhone, I tend to select a block of text and tap translate from the popup.
• See some sumo . If you’re lucky enough to be in the country when one of the sumo tournaments is on, go! The pre/ post game rituals are fascinating to watch. If you aren’t there during a tournament, you can see a practice session at a sumo stable in Tokyo . It was one of our favourite experiences in Japan—it felt like such an honour to see these huge, impressive sumotori training so close.
• Expect bursts of freakery!

• Get your paper fortune at a Japanese Buddhist temple. Okay, we cheated and got an English one at the Golden Pavilion (see our guide on the best things do to in Kyoto ), but what the hell! You can also get one at the gorgeous Sensoji Temple in Tokyo . 
• Love the Japanese for their never-ending capacity to help you out , and they won’t stop until they do!
• Read these Japan books before you visit for a greater understanding of this weird and wonderful culture. 
• Have some sushi – Sushi is the essence of Japan, plus sushi-train/ sushi stand up bars are so much fun watching the chefs take your order, and all shout in unison, “samon!” or “tamago!” etc. Vegetarian sushi isn’t very common, but we did find some—see our vegetarian Japanese food guide .

• Appreciate the plastic food models as works of art!
• Pack slip-on shoes. You’ll be taking your shoes on and off a lot in temples and restaurants. I wear the comfy ballet flats Allbirds Tree Breezers in warmer weather and Allbirds Wool Runner sneakers (for men and women) in cooler weather—they keep your feet cosy but can be worn without socks and easily slipped off without untying the laces. See my detailed Allbirds review .
• Shop at the 100 Yen shops.  Like pound shops BUT BETTER! Daiso is a great one.
• Play in the arcades dotted around cities, the taiko drum game rocks! 
• Make use of the many vending machines EVERYWHERE . You will never go thirsty in Japan that’s for sure.  You can even get hot coffee…in a can! (Simon’s saviour when we had early morning trains to catch.) In fact, you can get friggin’ anything from vending machines from cheap 100 yen sake (yuk!) to hot chips (not surprisingly we did not try!) and SIM cards. In Tokyo you can use your Suica transport card to pay. 
• Press random buttons on the panel next to you on the loo . It will make you giggle ;o)!  Also, if it’s cold then appreciate the absolute miracle of heated toilet seats.
• Fall in love with seeing toriis (shrine gates) everywhere , especially small red ones in rows behind each other. Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is our favourite (but go early as it’s popular). 
• Love and appreciate the beautiful presentation of absolutely everything from the amazing architecture to the way bento boxes are wrapped in a napkin tied in a knot just so, to amazing manhole covers!
• Pack light.  It will be much easier to hop on and off trains while travelling around Japan if you pack light, and hotels have limited storage space for luggage. Best of all, travel with just carry-on luggage . The Away Bigger Carry-On was perfect for our trip and fit overhead in trains.

• Consider luggage shipping – We haven’t used this yet, but if you have large luggage, it’s common to send it between hotels (it takes a day, so pack essentials in an overnight bag).
• Withdraw cash from 7-11 ATMs.  They are the most reliable no-fee option for international cards and can be found everywhere. Make sure you always have cash on hand as many places don’t accept credit cards (although this is improving). Note that some 7-11 ATMs in popular spots (the airport, Gion), do now charge, so try to withdraw in less touristy areas.
• Use Navitime to check train times and prices (and to work out if a Japan Rail Pass is worth it for your itinerary ).
• Visit BIC Camera if you need any kind of electronics. These massive stores have everything you could imagine. Take your passport if you are making a large purchase (over 5000 yen) and get it tax free. I bought a camera here and ended up getting lots of extra discounts and free accessories. It’s also a good place to buy a SIM card if you didn’t pick one up at the airport.

DON’T:

• Rent a car – For most visitors the best way to travel Japan is by train. Elsewhere we love road trips, but renting a car in Japan is just not worth the hassle unless you are travelling far off the beaten track.
• Open the door if taking a taxi. They are either automated or the driver will open it for you. It’s also a good idea to have your destination’s address written down in Japanese to show the driver as most don’t speak English.
• Feel bad if you need to take a break from Japanese food – Japan isn’t always an easy destination and indulging in a comfort meal can be restorative (we’ve had some excellent pizza in Japan).

• Forget to check opening hours – Japanese restaurants aren’t usually open all day and both restaurants and attractions usually have a last order/entry 30 to 60 minutes before closing.
• Go whizzing around the country too much. It can save energy to base yourself in one place and take day trips as we did in Kyoto and Okayama .
• Wear holey socks. You’ll only be embarrassing yourself when you take your shoes on/ off constantly!
• Go into an onsen without washing first , that’s just dirty dude!  Also, don’t go into the bathing area with a towel wrapped around you, you’ll just look stupid. Embrace the nudity! Everyone’s naked so no-one cares. My Kinosaki Onsen guide has more etiquette tips for newbies.

Japan is a popular destination and many hotels, restaurants, and attractions book up in advance. While you can still have a wonderful last-minute trip, it’s worth researching what you’d like to do months in advance to see what needs reservations.

On our most recent trip to Japan (in the busy autumn October/November season), this is what we booked ahead:

5 Months Before

• Flights – This is personal preference and earlier or later could also work. Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), or Kansai International Airport in Osaka (KIX) are all good options to fly in to.
• Accommodation – Ryokans and hotels in smaller towns are most important to book ahead. Some hotels don’t take bookings more than 3 or 6 months in advance, though. We used Booking.com and almost all had free cancellation. See our posts on the best places to stay in Kyoto and Japan accommodation guide .

4 Months Before

• Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta – Our favourite place to stay in Japan is right inside the best Disney park in the world. Rooms go on sale 4 months in advance at 11am JST and sell out in minutes, so it’s essential to do some practice runs.

3 Months Before

• Harry Potter Studio Tour, Tokyo – We booked 7 weeks in advance and only got an afternoon slot, so earlier is a good idea. Check Klook and the Warner Bros Studio Tour website as they have different availability.

2 Months Before

• Ghibli Park , Nagoya – Tickets go on sale on the 10th of the month at 2pm JST for 2 months later (it changed recently from 3 months). So May tickets will be on sale on 10 March. These sell out quickly, so be prepared. See our Ghibli Park guide for how to secure your tickets.
• Teamlab Planets , Tokyo – Book early if you want a specific time for this interactive digital art exhibition (we wanted the first slot). We booked on Get Your Guide . The new TeamLab Borderless is also selling out fast (tickets available on Klook or direct ).
• Some Restaurants – We booked Monk in Kyoto exactly 2 months in advance at 12pm JST (after five attempts—see our Monk Kyoto review for how) and Shigetsu in Kyoto (as we were visiting during peak autumn colour). Creating a Tablecheck account is a good idea as quite a few restaurants use it for bookings.
• Saihoji (Moss Temple) , Kyoto – It’s expensive and might not be a priority with limited time in Kyoto, but it’s our favourite temple. Reservations open 2 months in advance. See our guide to visiting Kyoto Moss Temple for more details.
• Universal Studios Japan Express Passes – These are essential to skip the lines at this very busy park in Osaka, and they do sell out. We bought the Express Pass 7 on Klook (much easier than the official site which is in Japanese only). We bought our USJ entrance tickets on Klook at the same time. See our Universal Studios Japan guide for more tips.

1 Month Before

• Ghibli Museum , Tokyo – Available at 10am JST on the 10th of each month for the following month.
• Shibuya Sky , Tokyo – Bookings open 4 weeks in advance at midnight Japan time. Book fairly soon after that to get the peak slot (one hour before sunset).
• Tours – I booked a sumo stable visit (highly recommended) and Shinjuku bar hopping tour in Tokyo (not recommended unless you are a big drinker). Go-karting is another fun option we’ve done before. I used Get Your Guide for most tours. Klook is a good option for tickets and attractions too.
• Tea Ceremony Ju-an , Kyoto – Learn the traditions of tea in a temple. One of the highlights of our trip.
• Sakurai Tea Experience , Tokyo – If you love green tea, don’t miss the tea tasting at this modern tea room.
• More Restaurants – I booked Saido in Tokyo, Uzu Vegan Ramen in Kyoto (reservations essential), and Ristorante di Canaletto at DisneySea (one month in advance at 10am JST exactly).
• Tokyo DisneySea and Disneyland tickets – I booked on Klook. The parks probably won’t sell out, but we didn’t want to take the chance.
• Japan Rail Pass – If you decide to get one, allow plenty of time for your exchange order to arrive by post, just in case (you activate it on arrival).

2 Weeks Before

• Shinkansen Train Seat Reservations – We used the SmartEx website , which can be difficult to set up (use a Mastercard and keep trying to authenticate the payment method) but very handy. When booking a train from Tokyo to Kyoto, choose a seat on the right side of the train for Mt Fuji views (if clear). If you have large suitcases, you’ll also need to make an oversized baggage reservation .
• Airport Taxi Pickup – From Narita Airport we get the Narita Express train, but from Haneda Airport (which is closer to central Tokyo), we prefer a taxi for ease. We booked this Haneda airport pickup on Klook .
• More Tours and Restaurants – Book any more priorities as you finalise your itinerary.

Japan has so much to offer but here are a few places to get you started.

• Tokyo – The best of modern Japan. This huge city has incredible food, diverse neighbourhoods, and some unique experiences. Try these cool things to do in Tokyo and enjoy the best vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo . 
• Kyoto – The best of traditional Japan with many stunning temples to explore . Read the best things to do in Kyoto .
• Takayama – A smaller, quieter alternative for traditional Japan with a beautiful historic centre of preserved wooden houses. 
• Hakone – For the chance to see Mount Fuji, mountain scenery, lakes, onsens, and fun transport options (cable cars and pirate ships!). 
• Kawaguchiko – Even better views of Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko . 
• Nikko – Stunning temples in the forest. Could be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. 
• Hiroshima – Visit the moving peace memorial that commemorates the atomic bombing and don’t miss nearby Miyajima Island. 

See our Japan 2 Week Itinerary for a detailed guide to visiting many of these places including things to do, transport, and where to stay and eat.

Or our guide to the best places to go in Japan has more ideas.

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186 Comments

Hi, Planning trip to Japan in october 2024. Me and my wife retired (Age 62) fit couple would like to cover Japan in aprox 20 days . Please suggest city and places to cover and how to travel economically from one city to another , one trip we would like to experience Bullet train. We are vegetarian . From India Direct Air ticket is available to Tokyo only. Please help us to plan the trip. Thank you, Regards,

Reply ↓

I would travel the whole trip by train. I recommend looking at our 2 week itinerary and adding Hiroshima and Miyajima Island: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

Thanks for your article – I found it really interesting as my son (aged 17) and I are planning a trip to Japan in October. Unfortunately, we don’t have anywhere near as long to spend there as I would like! We arrive on the 21st and leave on the afternoon of the 30th. From the 23rd to the 25th inclusive I am at a work conference but the rest of the time is our own. We will have some time on the conference days to have a look around Osaka but are wondering if we have time to see a bit of both Kyoto and Tokyo in the days afterwards. I am concerned we may be trying to pack too much in with the result that we won’t see anything properly! I would appreciate any thoughts you may have!

Hi Cheryl, I think it’s worth spending a few days each in Kyoto and Tokyo after your conference. You can always spend more time in both those places but it will give you a taste. The shinkansen train journey between the two is easy and enjoyable too. Enjoy!

Hi Erin, Thank you for compiling all the tips. I have been reading your website for a few weeks now. I am planning a trip with my wife and teenage daughter in April 2025 ( 13th- 24th). I was going to stay in Tokyo for 5 nights( 1st night does not count as we arrive late), 3 nights in Tokyo and 3 nights in Osaka. I was planning a day trip to Hakone and Kawaguchiko from Tokyo( is it possible by a private car to get both places fully) and day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima from Osaka. Is this feasible? Friends who have visited Japan say I am spending too much time in Tokyo. Your input would be most valuable. I have booked a few places to stay but happy to change based on your input. I am based in the UAE so is it worthwhile getting the JR pass sent to the hotel in Tokyo or should it be sent to UAE before we travel. Thanks once again

I would choose either Hakone or Kawaguchiko and not try to do both in one day.

It is possible to day trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima from Osaka if you get an early start, but it’ll be a long day.

There’s loads to do in Tokyo so I wouldn’t say you are spending too long there. Although you might consider removing one night and spending it in a ryokan in Hakone on the way to Kyoto/Osaka for a different experience (and to avoid doing a day trip).

It would be easier to get the rail pass sent to you at home.

Great tips thank you! My husband, our 17 & 19 yr olds sons and I have 16 days in Jan/Feb 2025 so very helpful. We are visiting Tokyo, Osaka/Kyoto before skiing in Nozawa Onsen. I’m thinking we will base ourselves in either Osaka or Kyoto rather than moving in between. Given our son’s I’m thinking Osaka might be a more fun base – what do you think?

It really depends what you are looking for. I think Kyoto offers a different experience to Tokyo (Osaka is more similar) and there’s so much to do. If your sons won’t be interested in temples or historic streets or if they want to visit Universal Studios, then Osaka makes most sense.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy either though!

“It’s also a good idea to have your destination’s address written down in Japanese to show the driver as most don’t speak English.”

I absolutely second this. I had copied our destination in English from the website. Somehow we got part of the way, then the driver became completely at a loss. He couldn’t understand what I had written. I had no idea what to do, then was suddenly inspired to read it out to him phonetically. He burst into a beaming smile and we took off immediately, and arrived at our destination a few minutes later. Who knew that I could speak Japanese!!

Good job on improvising! It really helps to have it written down in Japanese unless you are going somewhere super well known (and even then you need to pronounce it right!).

My family is planning a 2 week celebratory trip to Japan in 2025. There will be 2 seniors (grandparents), 3 couples (two DIL’s speak some Japanese) with 6 children between them (ages infant to 8), and 1 adult with Down Syndrome. We are hoping to spend some time in the country and small towns as well as Tokyo and Kyoto. Is it crazy for the 15 of us to travel together as a group? I assume that we will spend the days in smaller groups as we search out what feeds our interests. But what about hotels/inns for the group? We would all prefer to stay in more traditional lodgings if possible. What about meeting up for a meal at the end of the day? What about traveling between towns/cities? Some of us in the group are great planners, so what should we be thinking about to make this a trip that everyone will fondly remember.

Hi Paul, we don’t have any experience travelling in a group, but I am sure you can make it work. Travelling by train will be fine – just book in advance although you’ll probably be fine even on the day (although you might not get seats all together).

Make sure to book restaurants if you want to eat together, and you’ll have to skip some of the smaller places that just seat a few people at the counter (or you could do those for lunch in smaller groups). Sushi Gonpachi in Tokyo is a good option for groups as they have plenty of space (branches in Shibuya and Roppongi).

I actually wouldn’t recommend traditional lodging (ryokans) for the whole trip. They are amazing experiences but are expensive and most involve sleeping on futons on the floor, which isn’t super comfortable for most Westerners.

I recommend spending 1-2 nights in a ryokan when you are visiting the smaller towns. They often include dinner and breakfast, so that’ll make it easier for your group, but you might want to look for ones with a dining room rather than those that serve meals in your room (so you can eat together). For example, we loved Iwaso Ryokan on Miyajima island. Book far in advance.

In Kyoto and Tokyo it makes more sense to stay in larger hotels. Our Japan places post has recommendations that would work for groups.

With advance planning and some time in smaller groups, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time. Enjoy Japan!

Thank you for this insightful site. My daughter (who is in the Navy) is taking me to Japan for one week at the end of September. She has already purchased the plane tickets and taken leave. We are flying into Narita, and wanted to spend some time in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka. Does that seem too ambitious for the time we have (Sept. 24 – Oct. 2)? Also, do you recommend getting first class tickets for the bullet train in order to be sure we can get reservations? I have to admit, planning this trip feels a bit overwhelming, so your site and help are appreciated more than you can know! Thank you!

I do think that’s a bit much in that time frame. I would skip Osaka or just visit on a day trip from Kyoto if you have the energy.

First class (called the Green Car) is a bit more comfortable and spacious and we sometimes like to book it for longer train trips. You aren’t more likely to get a reservation though – you can reserve the regular cars just as easily. You shouldn’t have a problem getting reservations at that time of year a few days in advance.

You can just go to the train station when you get to Tokyo and book them all at the counter (it helps to write down which trains you want). Queues can be long though. There are also self service machines but they can be confusing.

We now prefer to use the SmartEx website to book the shinkansen: https://smart-ex.jp/en/ It can be hard to get the credit card set up at the beginning but keep trying (Mastercard often works better than Visa on Japanese websites). Then once you’ve booked you can collect the tickets from machines at the station which is pretty easy.

Good luck with all the planning! Erin

Hi, Good Day! Great Information for people read this including me. Arigatou Gozaimasu. I wish i can go travel to Japan Its my Dreams when i was kid 7 years old when i already know and read Manga books Doraemon. Geertings from Indonesia.

THanks for your recommendation on hotels and restaurants, i know something about it.

Thank you for the lovely Japan Blogs – it is making our travel planning fun! It would be really helpful to understand the areas to stay in within the cities, especially first time travelers to Japan.

Thanks JK! Our Kyoto guide has tips on the best area to stay (Gion or downtown) and in Tokyo, we recommend Shinjuku for first time visitors. Enjoy Japan!

Thank you , your blog is miracke I was looking for while planning two weeks vacation for my friends and family

I’m glad it helped. Enjoy Japan!

Wow, an amazing blog, Erin. This is helping us so much plan our trip. It is great to see you updating it regularly too. It’s becoming a daily read.

Kind regards,

Thanks so much for this post! As is often the case I am following you around the world and now I’m going to Japan. Look forward to reading everything you’ve written on it!

Good to hear you are going to Japan, Ruth! I hope you enjoy it as much as we always do!

We are a very active retired couple and love exploring different cultures, sights, and exploring nature. We are planning on going to Japan for the first time for 3 -4 weeks, around the third week or so in Sept to mid October or later. We will travel with just carry on luggage and backpacks. We love touring on our own, or booking individual tours at the different places. We are open to basing in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima(?) plus other places and doing day trips from these places. What would be a good itinerary for our 21+ day trip? Thanks so much! We love your website! Bunny

Hi, I lost my comment somewhere on your blog 😅 So, me and my partner are going to Japan for 4-6 weeks in sept/october. We want to travel in a slow pace and want to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, hiking around Kiso Valley (and Kumano Kodo?), Nagano, Kanazawa? We also want to explore some nice nature, visit onsen, sleep at a roykan etc. Hokkaido would be cool but i don’t know if we will have time with that. Do you have any tips where we must go? I think our plan is to be at least 7 days each in Kyoto and Tokyo, we want to stay for minimum 2 nights at each place. Would you recommend to start in Tokyo? Is it worth to start a week in a busy town with jetlag? Should we go somewhere else (where?) for a nice start on the vacation?

Thank you! /Johanna

Hi Johanna!

I’m planning a solo trip from ~May 21-June 21, but i’m worried i’ll hit the rainy season and humidity. What to you advise? I’m limited to May 21st as my earliest trip start date due to school!

I think it makes sense to start with Tokyo if that’s where you are flying in to. That way you don’t have to worry about travelling elsewhere and you have enough time there that you can plan for the first few days to be pretty relaxed – wander some neighbourhoods, eat etc.

Sounds like you have plenty of time to do everything you want. You could easily use that time in central Japan, but you could add in Hokkaido if you really wanted (we still haven’t made it there). Enjoy!

Hi Erin, is it advisable to visit Lake Kawaguchiko in November? And, do you think it is possible to do a day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko having Tokyo as the base?

We haven’t been in November but we definitely would. You will likely see the autumn colours too (generally peak around mid-Nov), which would be beautiful.

It will likely be colder than Tokyo, but as long as you are prepared with warm clothes it should be enjoyable.

And yes, it is possible as a day trip from Tokyo – many people go by train or on bus tours. Just be aware that Mt Fuji is often hidden in cloud, so if you stay overnight you increase your chances to see it. But you could also try to choose a clear day for your day trip. Enjoy!

Our Lake Kawaguchiko travel guide has more details.

Thank you for creating this! I’m making my way through reading all of your posts. I will be visiting Japan for 14 days for the first weeks in April with my husband, a 7 year old, 10 year old and my two of my adult siblings. We’ll be a big group but I’m very excited as this is my first time and have always dreamed of going. Wondering if you have any advice for the younger kids or any kid entertainment? Thanks again!

Travelling with kids isn’t our area of expertise so I don’t have any specific recommendations except for Tokyo Disney, which we love. Tokyo DisneySea is our favourite park—it’s the only one in the world and has plenty to offer for kids and adults. Enjoy!

Absolutely love this perspective on travel! It beautifully captures the essence of what it means to explore the world. Travel isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s about slowing down, immersing yourself in new cultures, savoring moments, and absorbing the rich tapestry of life that the world has to offer. 🌍✈️🌏

Thank you so much for this! I have started notes and saved the page so that I can come back and check out all the links. :) I am wanting to take my 14 (would be 15 then) daughter alone (we do girl’s trips every year without dad) to Japan. She loves all things Cherry Blossoms! We try and do her spring break time (next year will be the first week of April), but I am concerned about that being too short of time period. Could we do it? If that is all the time you had, would you have a ‘base in Tokyo and then do some excursions from there (which is how we like to travel)? I am also worried about the language barrier and us being able to navigate since sometimes Google translate will not work. Thanks again!

Hi Jennifer, With one week I would focus on Kyoto, which is a better location for cherry blossoms and also has so many beautiful temples and gardens. It’s more traditional Japan (although there is a modern part too). Ideally, you’d fly into Kansai Airport which is closest.

If you have to fly into Tokyo, you could spend a few nights there before taking the shinkansen train to Kyoto (the quickest one is just over 2 hours).

If you really want to see the more modern side of Japan or don’t want to take the train, then Tokyo would be a great base. You can still see plenty of cherry blossoms there.

We don’t speak Japanese (although we are trying to learn this year) and have always managed. The Japanese are very helpful and will always try to help you out, even with a language barrier. And there are an increasing number of signs in English. Just make sure you have data on your phone as Google Translate and Maps are super helpful (you can download Japanese offline in Translate too).

Be sure to book accommodation far in advance for the cherry blossom season (ideally 6 months+).

Enjoy Japan! Erin

Hi Erin, My husband & I are travelling to Japan in August as he is competing in the world masters swimming competition. We have to be in Fukuoka for the competition and then he have 9 days to explore the country ending up in Tokyo for our flight home. Could you advise what we should do at this time of year. Do you think it is sensible to base ourselves in Kyoto and then take daily trips from there using the JR Pass, (do you recommend we get the Green pass). Your advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance.Pia

Hi Pia, that’s exciting!

If you don’t want to move around too much then I do think Kyoto is a great base. There’s so much to do (including festivals in August) and lots of possible day trips. You could finish up with a couple of nights in Tokyo.

If you want to add some extra places you could stop in Hiroshima on the way to Kyoto for the peace memorial and nearby Miyajima Island. It’s a quick journey on the bullet train from Fukuoka.

You’ll need to work out your route first to see whether a rail pass is worth it. It probably won’t be worth it for day trips but could work out worthwhile including the shinkansen up from Fukuoka and on to Tokyo.

We’ve never used a green pass but if you want a bit more space you could consider it.

Also bear in mind that around the Obon holiday (13-16 August) the trains will be busier than usual so book your seat in advance.

Enjoy Japan!

Hi Erin – great post, thanks for your comprehensive insight! My partner and I are heading to Tokyo for NYE and planning on heading from there to Kyoto around the 2nd for a couple of nights. I understand that Japan can be very quiet during the first week of January. Do you have any experience travelling at this time? If so, do you have any suggestions about how to make the most of the trip while the country is a bit quieter? Thanks in advance :)

Hi Sarah, We haven’t been to Japan at New Year. The important thing to bear in mind is that many businesses will be closed on some or all days between 29 Dec and 4 Jan. So make sure you look at the hours of any restaurants and attractions you want to visit and work around them.

I think Kyoto will be lovely at a quieter time of year especially as it does get so busy. There are so many temples and shrines to explore and they stay open over NY. Enjoy!

Wonderful website and tips. I know one of your dont´s is rent a car, but we are hoping to visit Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Takayama, and have found no easy way to get there from Tokyo or Kyoto on train. Do you have any recommendation on how to do that?

Many many thanks¡

Hi Natalia. You can get to Takayama from Kyoto or Tokyo easily by changing trains in Nagoya. The journey from Nagoya to Takayama is beautiful.

The other villages can be reached by bus from Takayama (Shirakawa-go is easiest), but yes, a car would give you more flexibility to explore the countryside around here.

Maybe look into renting a car for a few days in Takayama? Just remember you’ll need an international driving licence, which you’ll need to get in your home country.

While a car could be useful in the countryside, I wouldn’t want to drive in the cities and the train between cities is probably quicker.

I’ve written a bit about Takayama in our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

Have a wonderful trip to Japan! Erin

Hello Enrin, your tips makes me very enthousiatic to plan a 4week trip to Japan. Is that a good way to tour? (Will be half september-half oktober).

forgot to say ;-) we plan to travel with a campervan: is that a good way to tour?

That’s a great time to visit and a nice amount of time to explore. I don’t think a campervan or any rental car is the best way to travel though. Driving (and finding parking) in the cities is a challenge and it’s much easier to travel by train.

A campervan would only be advisable if you want to focus on rural areas like Hokkaido.

Remember you’ll need an international driving licence, which you’ll need to get in your home country.

Hello Great Blog. full of advices How do you suggest to travel the “alps” from Kanazawa that one can reach by train to takayama and around ? would that be the place where you rent a car?

You can visit places like Kamikochi by bus from Takayama so a car isn’t essential.

Hi Erin, would like to ask is hiring tour guide better or do it yourself to see all nice place in Japan?

It depends how you prefer to travel. I definitely think it’s possible to travel by yourself. A compromise might be to hire a guide for a day (or join a tour) in Kyoto and/or Tokyo.

Good Day Erin. Just doing beginning research for our yearly trip this year, and we are considering Japan. Your excellent article is the first I started with. We like to spend minimum of 2 weeks, usually longer at our destination. You suggest that using public transportation throughout the country and not to rent a car. My husand and I are seniors. My husband has difficulty (pain) after walking a short distance (100 yards). Would this destination be a wise choice for us? Before going further in my research an answer to this question is most appreciated. Regards

Hi Diane, yes, trains are definitely the best way to visit Japan’s cities. You could hire a private driver for day tours within places like Kyoto, though, which could minimise the need to walk as much when sightseeing.

It would probably be best to minimise the places you visit (such as Tokyo and Kyoto or even just Kyoto) as train stations are quite large and do involve walking. If you fly into Kansai airport you could take a taxi to Kyoto and see a lot based there.

Perhaps renting a wheelchair is worth considering. There is also an overnight luggage delivery service where you can send your bags between hotels to make train travel easier.

As we don’t have any experience of travelling Japan with mobility issues, I would look for advice from those who have. Here’s one post that might be useful: https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+132386

Diane: As someone who recently travelled to Japan having had double knee replacement surgery less than 12 months previously, I can offer a little insight! While I agree that travelling by train is a fantastic way to get around Japan (I covered a LOT of miles!) you should be aware that not all train stations have lifts or escalators. Many stations in Tokyo have quite long flights of stairs which can be a challenge to anyone less able or in pain, especially when you have luggage. Even when there is a lift, it’s typically right at the end of the platform (often the “wrong” end for where you want to be), so I would do some research before deciding how much urban train travel you will do; it’s less of an issue when taking the shinkansen to cover a reasonable distance. I much prefer trains to coaches, but I did use buses in places and that was fine. On the topic of car hire, I probably wouldn’t bother myself but I know someone who travels widely across Japan with a couple of kids and she swears by it, not least because they can easily reach locations that would otherwise be a hassle to get to. She doesn’t use one in the cities though. Lastly, I don’t think you should be put off going to Japan – it’s an amazing country and I found everyone to be unfailingly helpful. No problem is insurmountable!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Sue.

Hello Erin,

Would you recommend visiting Jaoan with a 1.5 year old? Do the onsens have babysitters?

We don’t have any experience travelling with kids but our friends took their toddler and loved it. The onsens don’t have babysitters as far as I know.

Thank so much for all the amazing info! Heading to Japan in June for two weeks with my daughter. It’s especially wonderful to know there are some great vegan/vegetarian options.

Hi Erin… I stumbled onto your website as I’ve started looking into planning for a trip in 2024 for my daughter’s High school Senior trip. Is Mid June a good time weather wise? Super hot? Also, are there food/restaurants that are gluten free for Celiacs? You mentioned beaches are those places more expensive than the cities? I will check out all your links too. TY for all the info, this will truly help.

It will be hot but if that’s the only time you can go, I wouldn’t let it stop you and it’s cooler than July and August.

I don’t have any experience being gluten free in Japan but our friend has written this guide: https://www.legalnomads.com/gluten-free/japan/

Beaches shouldn’t be more expensive than the cities but it depends where you go. We haven’t spent much time at the beaches.

Have a wonderful trip!

hi Erin, lovely website with a lot of good information. Do you list of places to visit / see – for a 4 week trip. We wanted to do the North part of the country as well. thanks for any tips and help. We are vegetarians as well but saw that you all managed to get delicious looking vegetarian food : ).

We haven’t actually made it very far north as there’s always so much to do in the central part. See our guide to the best places to visit in Japan for our favourite places: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/best-places-to-visit-in-japan/

And yes, vegetarian food in Japan is great if you plan in advance (use the Happy Cow app).

Thanks for the info Erin. Cultural.differences are amusing at least.

Thank you so much for this guide Erin! It’s really helpful. I’m planning a 2-3 week trip to Japan around September. However, I’ve read and seen a lot of people saying to avoid this time of year due to typhoon season. Would you recommend visiting Japan around this time despite the typhoons that might hit?

We’ve been in September and enjoyed it. We did get some rain but nothing that disrupted our trip. I wouldn’t let it stop you visiting.

Hello Erin! Great information. Thank you! What percentage of small businesses (resturants, clubs, rooms, etc) are open this month (March)? What percentage may be open in May? Should I wait until September to experience Japan? Take care,

Everything should be open now so any month this year is good to visit!

How easy is it to navigate in Tokyo and Kyoto with a group of 8? We’re concerned about everything from attractions to train travel to being able to eat together. This is a trip to celebrate our friends’ 40th birthday and logistics just seem to be overwhelming!

Hi Laurie We’ve only visited Japan as a couple, but I’d say it might be a bit challenging in a big group. Many restaurants are quite small and trains can be crowded (although you can book seats together for the longer trip between Kyoto and Tokyo).

I’m sure it would be possible if you plan in advance (book some restaurants etc) and maybe break into smaller groups for some of the time. Perhaps discuss what everyone definitely wants to do and do those things together, but then have some time doing your own thing.

Good luck with it and enjoy Japan!

I’ll be visiting Japan for 10 days in March! Could you give me a little insight on the paying methods there? How much cash should I bring/have on hand? Do they mostly accept cash or do most places accept credit cards?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Susan When we visited Japan previously we needed cash for most places. We just withdrew from an ATM (the ones at 7-11 were most reliable for foreign cards) when needed so we didn’t exchange any cash in advance. Just make sure you use a card that doesn’t charge international transaction fees (this will depend which country you are from).

But I have heard that since Covid more places accept credit cards and contactless payment methods, so I’m really hoping there’s less of a need for cash now. I would still recommend always having some with you just in case.

Hello . I want to visit Japan with my 13 year old granddaughter in June. I have never been in Japan, but have traveled widely. We plan to visit Kyoto and its environs mostly but want to spend couple days in Tokyo. We do not speak Japanese but will find a way to learn some. We are coming from the US, but my home country is Finland (very Japan friendly :)). We definitely want to get bullet train passes and need to learn about cell phone communication. And we are both into adventure and are looking forward to seeing Japan. Thank you for any advice you can give us.

I plan to visit Japan soon, spiritualy a home I have never been to yet. This is due to my work and my partners need for beach and sun. I’m hoping I can convince her soon to travel with me there. Or it’s over… the Japanese have a way of life with nature that we miss here in the UK….. I have so much respect for the people of Japan. We could learn a thing or two….. I plan to beg konami tsukamoto to mentor me in order I can preserve British trees as she does her native species…… much respect.

Excellent post Erin. You’ve included some great examples of things specific to Japan that it would be great to know in advance for new travellers.

I especially liked your recommendation not to try and cram too much in and whiz around the country. This is a common mistake people make when visiting Japan. Also, not wearing socks with holes in! Once you’ve done this in Japan, you’ll never do it again LOL!

Also, an upvote for your suggestion to visit Takayama – a wonderful place that has a charming historical district that’s like stepping back in time.

Good information given u

I’m doing a project on Japan for school, your posts on Japan were all SUPER helpful- thank you so much!

Glad it helped!

Hello We are looking to travel to Tokyo with out 2 year old in October. We were told that we would need to book travel guides for us to have a visa to enter in Japan. As great as that all sounds, it’s also more then we intend to spend for our trip. How true is needing the visa to enter Japan? Should we do a tour guide for a couple days? If that is allowed.

Hi Vee, As things currently stand, Japan’s borders are still closed to independent travellers. You can only enter the country as part of a package tour that is very restrictive (you can’t do any exploring alone), and, yes, it would be expensive. You would need a guide for the whole trip.

There is a chance borders will reopen by October but really there’s no way of knowing right now. If you decide to go ahead and book in the hope they do reopen, I would make sure everything has free cancellation.

So I’m trying to plan a trip to Japan with my family next year July (4kids) but I keep hearing super expensive, anyways nanny suggestions on where or how to plan n book.? Also my chance do you have any info on Tokyo Disneyland?

yes, japan can be quite expensive but if you plan your stay well and get a rail pass if you’re hopping between cities then you should be able to manage it :)

Should we rent a car or is public transportation the preferred mode of transportation for tourists?

Public transport is easier to deal with. I wouldn’t rent a car unless you are going somewhere remote.

Is it better to custom plan everything? Like book 2-3 week stay and go whichever places we want to visit ourselves or get a package that offer planned trips?

I think it’s best to book everything yourself, but it really depends on how much experience you have travelling and how much time you have to plan it all.

I’m going to Shinjuku. Next year in June this has really helped thank you

This helped so much, im going to Japan in 2 years with my dad (to film a documentary) and this helped so much

Thanks Lillee and have a great trip!

I’d love all the great tips, but should add make sure that you keep eyed out on your train timetable…I’d went to the Takayama Festival and didn’t watch my time. I’d miss my train and got stuck in Nagoya for six half hours trying to get back to Asakusa. (Never again?)…watch your JR Rail or Metro timetable. Japan trains are on point.

Oh no, what a nightmare!

Bravo, your article full of good advice with beautiful pictures. A small precision for foreigners who wish to drive in Japan, they have to translate their driving license at a JAF center.

Now this I call a detailed guide! We are hoping to visit Japan next year so I am gathering all the info I can before I start any serious planning. This post was really helpful!

Thanks Julia! Good luck with your planning!

Hi thanks for sharing this Me & my nephew are planning to visit japan for the 1st time this September can you pls recommend any place to stay or eat and should we do tour or should we go on our own ? We kinda nervous abt the trip .

You should be fine without a tour. The train system is very comfortable and efficient and if you buy a rail pass, you don’t even have to worry about buying tickets for each trip. If you ever get confused, the Japanese are very friendly and will help you out.

Here are a few posts that should give you some ideas on where to go with accommodation and restaurant recommendations: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/ https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/best-places-to-visit-in-japan/

Good luck and enjoy!

Wonderful and very Insightful Information.

I am a solo traveler from India, planning to travel to Japan for this first time, this summer for about 7-8 nights (June’2020), do you recommend going through some tour company or going on my own. How difficult is managing through Japan, without any knowing any Japaneses. Would you have a recommendation for a tour company.

I think Japan is fairly easy to manage without a tour company. The trains are a great way to travel and with a rail pass you don’t even need to worry about buying a ticket each time.

It helps to buy a local SIM card so you can use Google Translate on your phone. The Japanese are also usually very helpful even if they only speak a little English. We only speak a few words of Japanese are always manage fine.

Hello Erin, this is very useful. Thank you for sharing. Can you suggest us an 8 days itinerary for Japan. We’re visiting Japan for the first time and wish to enjoy the natural beauty and culture.

I would probably just focus on Kyoto and Tokyo in that time, perhaps with some day trips. Enjoy!

Hi! I’ve already been to Japan 2 times in the summer. The first time I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and the Island of Shôdoshima. The second time I browsed a bit more around Tokyo and in the countryside (mainly in the Gunma prefecture – gorgeous landscapes!). I am going back in February. Two places I will visit for sure are Yokohama (first stop) and Sendai (2nd stop). And I and am wondering if there are “musts” I should not miss at that time of year (are snow festivals worth it? Or anything else?) and if it would be worth it to go as far south as Hiroshima? I should have about 12 days for Sendai onwards. I haven’t decided yet if I am going to fly back to Canada out of Tokyo (I could fly out from elsewhere too). Many thanks for your help and for sharing all of this! You’re doing a tremendous job!

Honestly this guide is incredible. I’ve booked marked this as I’m currently planning my things to do for March/April 2020! Any website booking recommendations?

Thanks Alyssa! Spring is such a lovely time in Japan.

Do you mean websites for booking accommodation or tours? We use Booking.com for hotels, Airbnb for apartments (in the big cities like Tokyo), and Voyagin for tours. You might find this post helpful: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/things-to-do-in-japan/

Good afternoon! I’m planning a 1-month trip to japan in two years and would like to know how much money you think I should save up. I already have the places I wanna visit in mind and would just like some bit of info.

Thank you. :)

That’s a difficult question to answer as it depends so much on your travel style. Do you want to stay in hostels or fancy ryokan or a mix of both? Do you want to do expensive tours and activities or are you happy just wandering? Are you happy with cheap ramen or do you want to try a pricey kaiseki meal?

As a rough idea, on this two week itinerary ( https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/ ) we spent about US$120 per person a day which I’d say is a mid-range budget. There is more info in the itinerary post.

“Well there it is” I shouted as I scrolled through this fantastic information resource. An superb honest, unbiased view and answer to all, yes all, my questions. Except one…. Did you get to visit Okinawa? I desperate to get there… I will have 3-4 weeks….

Thank you so much Brian!

Unfortunately, we haven’t visited Okinawa yet. You’ll have plenty of time to add on a flight down there though. Enjoy Japan!

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work.

Thanks Brian!

Those photos of the dog pulling the mans underpants!?! My child was looking at this with me and now he is scarred for life!

Oh dear! You do find some very strange things in Japan.

I really enjoyed the detail you gave on your trip to Japan! This is 100% helpful as someone planning a trip there for the first time.

Thanks and enjoy Japan!

Hi Erin, thank you for taking the time to put all this great info together. One question I have is in regards to Takayama. Did you like it more than Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, if you went? We originally planned to stop for a night in each place, however, because of availability in Shirakawa-go, we had to switch up our itinerary a little bit. To adjust, we have considered skipping Takayama and just doing Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, but this makes me think twice. We also have the option of leaving Tokyo a day early (currently booked for 4 full days there) to keep all 3 places in the line-up. Would love to hear your input! Thank you!

I did like Takayama more than Kanazawa. It’s smaller and cuter and is surrounded by countryside. But then I do prefer small towns to big cities so it depends on your preferences. If you can fit it in I would.

We didn’t visit Shirakawa-go in the end. We were thinking of visiting as a day trip on the way between Takayama and Kanazawa but it would have meant having to use buses rather than take the train which we prefer (and we had a rail pass). If we had had time for a night’s stay there it would have been better I think.

Whatever you choose you’ll have an amazing time though!

Thank you so much for your post! It’s incredibly informative :)

I have one question, I am a woman traveling alone is there anything I need to consider? I have heard that Japan is a safe country, as you have the real-life experience, I’d love to hear what you think!

Thank you for your time, and excellent blog post!

I don’t think you need to worry – Japan is a very safe country. Have a great trip!

Nice list, and pretty accurate- thanks for sharing all the info!

I have to say though- DO try non-Japanese food. Things off the top of my head: bread from the local bakeries, 600¥ cake from fancy department stores, Starbucks (the seasonal things!). Pork buns in Yokohama, Pirozhki in Kamakura… The list is endless. Of course eat all the Japanese food too, because it’s amazing too.

But, I’m also so sorry you had such a bad experience (I’ve been there too)! The size of the nan though? Oh-my-god, right? :)

I do think non-Japanese food has improved a lot in recent years. We had some fantastic Italian food on our last trip (as vegetarians it’s a good backup option for us!).

Which places do you wish you would have stayed longer?

Kyoto (even though we had three weeks there!) and Tokyo.

Great list! It’s made me even more excited to get to Japan now!

I love saying ‘moshi moshi’ – i used to hear it when I worked in an international call centre – it’s so much better than plain old ‘hello’!

Excellent post – interesting, funny and very informative! Currently planning my Japan trip, this was a lot of help :)

Have an amazing trip to Japan!

I am visiting my daughter in Singapore and on the way back to the US my wife and I are visiting Japan (3Jun-8Jun). It is only for 5 days so unfortunately our time there will be very short. Originally I wanted to climb Fuji but the guided trip company I emailed claimed they only had a 1 day guided trips and crampons were required. Although we love to hike this may be too much for such a short trip. If anyone has hiked Fuji in crampons in 1 day I would love to hear about the experience. I still want to see Fuji up close, Kyoto, old family member used to live in Nagoya so would like to stop by there and perhaps Hakone. I just started looking for any special events that take place in the first week of June. Looking forward to this trip and a longer one next time.

Hi there :) Loved your post. I’m from Portugal but I’m a Japan fan. Went to Tokyo las year on March but this time I’m planning on 3 weeks travel around Japan. Can you help me? I already have the places to visti but I need help spliting the time… Oh and if yo see any of the plaes below that arenot woth to visit or less mportant please I’d aprreciate if you tell me: – Chiba – Nikko – Nagano and Matsumoto – Kawagoe – Kanagawa – Mt. Fuji (just planning on going near to have a view – Lake Kawaguchiko) – Magome – Takayama – Nagoya – Kyoto – Nara – Osak – Himeji – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Tokyo (and surroundings)

Thank you so much if you can help me.

Kind regards

Hi guys! I’m planning a trip to Japan in January with mum (I know it’s cold over there, but that’s the only break we’ve got!). We’re planning for a stay for around 8 days, any tips on where to go? I heard that an ideal short trip will consist of arriving at Tokyo and departing at Osaka, is that true? I really don’t know much about Japan so any advice is appreciated!

I would focus on Kyoto and Tokyo and take the train between them. Maybe include a day in Osaka if you can get a flight out from there.

We’ve written lots more about Japan: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-round-up/

Good advice. I hope to use this on my up come trip.

This is a great post! It is very helpful. I am planning to go to Tokyo this June. I will be staying in Shibuya/Shinjuku area. I don’t know which hotel to stay in and where to go first. Do you have any advice for the first time traveler? Thank you very much! :)

Hi Erin , thanks for all your advises .. anyway ,i would like to ask your opinion . I’m travelling with my husband and son in the late Jan to early of Feb next year but planning to visit Japan for 3 days only from Philippines due to our short vacation from US . Do you have any suggestions where and what to visit in that short period of time? or any travel tour guide you can recommend? Thank you .

I would choose just one city. Depending on where you can fly to – Tokyo or Kyoto (if you can fly to Kansai airport). Tokyo is best if you want more modern stuff and Kyoto if you want more temples and gardens. You’ll have a wonderful time in either though!

We haven’t used tour guides so don’t have specific recommendations.

Have a wonderful trip! Erin

I am planning a trip in March 2015. Reading your website has got me extra excited already

Hi Matthew, I’m planning to travel to Japan at the beginning of March 2015 as well. If you got any great idea, we can discuss. Thanks

I am planning a trip to Kyoto to see where Reiki was started, your insights are great. Thank you

Are you house sitting for a friend or do you use a website to find/sign up for sitting jobs?

We used mindmyhouse.com

Hi guys, great blogs-thank you for sharing it. We’re planning to do a trip in December 2013 14-27/12.

Could you advise which cities we should visit using the shinkansen. We have 14 days to spend with the first 3 days in Tokyo, so it’ll leave us with 11 days in other cities.

I am confused with the the shinkansen map and which one we should take and which cities we can visit that is on the way. We are targetting to return to Tokyo on the last 3 days to do some shopping.

It is basically that 8 days, we need to use to the cities that can be visited using the shinkansen line.

Thank you in advance for your help

Hi Hemmy. I wrote up an itinerary I followed with a one-week JR Pass that might be of some help. It includes other useful tips for planning as well. Find it at:

http://www.lengthytravel.com/saving-on-travel-in-japan-with-a-jr-rail-pass-my-itinerary-tips-and-cost-savings/

Hi Jeff, thank you for your prompt reply. I really appreciate it. You’re really helpful

This site is really helpful about Japan and shows a route map: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html

I would definitely recommend Kyoto and probably Hiroshima as well. These are the details of where we visited: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-round-up/ .

Have a great trip!

Hi I was wondering if you could help. Basically I want to pay my mum and dad back for being such brilliant parents and helping me bring up my little boy. My dad went to Japan about 40 yrs ago he has always wanted to go back. I want to plan a surprise trip next year to Japan. I’m planning about 10 or 14 days away but not too much travelling maybe a few days in 3 places and ending up in Tokyo for 4 days to finish . Can you recommend anywhere that would be a must. I am completely lost as am not familiar with hotels or places etc. Any help would be brilliant Thanks nadya :)

It really depends what you are interested in but I’d definitely recommend Kyoto as well as Tokyo. Have a read through our Japan posts and see what you like the sound of. Good luck with it.

Thanks had a look and they’re into history so definitely Kyoto . Cheers for ur help Nadya

I going to Japan next year and through out my researches I always came across those dos an don’ts and I have to say this is really nice and short one but has a lot of information in it, which is something I really like! Keep up the good work ;D

Thanks and have a great trip.

Hello, i am starting a trip around the world in february. I start in Tokio and end in Canada in december. How many days do i need to see Tokyo and are there some real good hidden secrets? Gr. Bert

That’s a difficult question. There is so much to do in Tokyo you could spend a few days or months. We didn’t spend that much time there so can’t really advise.

Hello, with one of your Dos its not mushy mushy its moshi moshi aka (もしもし). I’ve been leaning japanese for about 9 years now i was wondering id you could correct it please

ありがとうございます　（＾＿＾）

Done. Thanks for letting us know.

Your topic is amazing, I learned a lot but can you tell me what money should i required for 1 month to travel in Japan.

It’s hard to say but you can see our budget post for an idea of what we spent: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-japan/

Very nice and interesting article plus points. Japan is a place I really have wanted to go forever!

I am planning a 10 day trip with my two teenage girls. We really want to see Tokyo well. I keep hearing about Kyoto is it worth seeing, it seems far from Tokyo (8hrs) and expensive to get to?

I don’t think it’s that far if you get the bullet train. You can look up train times and prices on this website: http://www.hyperdia.com/ . You might also want to consider a rail pass if you are planning to visit other places. Compare the prices on that site with the rail pass.

Great Post. I lived in Japan for a few years and loved it. I would suggest going to any matsuri (festival) that are going on during your stay. There is lots of culture to be seen at those events. Plus there is good food. Depending on the location you’re at in Japan, during August or September, there are festivals for Obon.

In the planning stages for 9 days in Japan during June 2012 (flights booked). Can anyone help me with how long to see Hiroshima/Miyajima and whether we should base in Osaka or Kyoto to do the Osaka / Kyoto / Nara and possibly Takayama?

Hi Leonie, Two days would be enough for Hiroshima/Miyajima. I would chose Kyoto as a base as we much preferred it to Osaka and there’s more to see there. You can easily visit Osaka and Nara as day trips. We didn’t go to Takayama but it is quite a bit further away so it’s up to you how much you want to rush around. You could definitely find enough to do in Kyoto with a week.

Very useful! I wish I could go soon!!! Do you recommend any specific time in the year?

We were there in summer which suited us as we like hot weather. It is more scenic in the spring or autumn as you have the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. The spring is peak season though. My friend went in the winter and loved it as the snow is beautiful, you can ski, and you can warm up in onsens (it was too hot for those when we were there). It really depends what you are looking for but anytime has something to offer.

I think Japan is going to be my next trip abroad, and this list is extremely helpful. I love that it addresses those smaller opportunities and moments and not just the big sites to see. Bookmarking right now!

Glad you found it helpful. Yes, for us travel is always more than just about the big sites. So far we are really enjoying Japan and soaking up the cultural differences.

Oh I forgot one of the highlights of Kyoto (besides the monkey park) is a trip on a little train that takes you outside of Kyoto and up into the mountains to Kurama and Kibune. You can then do a walk up over the hills from one village through to one of the big shrines at the other village. There are onsens at the end to rest in. A really lovely walk out in the countryside and the train trip is so much fun.

Sounds wonderful!

We stayed in Kyoto in 2008 for a week and went back there last year for a quick day during a week long trip to Osaka. The best thing about Kyoto is it’s location to other places for day trips – Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himiji (although the castle is covered in scaffolding). You can get a cheaper Kansai Japan rail pass for four days (about $80?) to get to all these places.

Make sure you get to the Nishiki Market for fresh food – our post at is a big band width one with loads of pictures and we have more posts on our trip last year. Also, the rice burger at MOS burger is vegetarian and yum.

We will be in Tokyo from Sep 23 for a week of exploring Tokyo and surrounds. Thanks for the onsen tips nearby, will be looking for some there.

Thanks for all your tips Alison. Your post on the Nishiki market is fantastic – we will definitely visit although I’m not sure I’ll know what most of the things are! Looks like we’ll be in Tokyo around the same time as you!

Oh yeah, JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) has an excellent series of booklets on different topics. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to have Kindle versions, but probably worth the price to pick up one or two. For example: http://www.amazon.com/Look-into-Japan-Your-Pocket/dp/4533013813/ref=pd_sim_b_1

I love Kyoto though it has been years since I was in Japan and longer since I was specifically in Kyoto. My recollection is that it was easier to find English speakers there, though I tend to agree the not speaking the local language is harder in Japan than many places. To make up for that though, the people are probably more willing to be helpful than anywhere else I have ever traveled. Anyway, the number of incredible temples in Kyoto is impressive. Also, if you will be there for the fall foliage (Kouyou in Japanese) you will indeed be fortunate as it is incredible in Kyoto.

I would also point out that Japan is definitely one of the safest places in the world to visit.

Also worth mentioning is that Japan is a country where many towns and cities are famous for something very specific (knives, a certain type of food, pottery, etc.) so always try to find out what a place you are visiting is famous for.

I can’t recall how far away it is from Kyoto, but I think not too far is a place called Takayama which is one of my favorites. Especially if you can make it to the Fall festival which is one of the most impressive festivals in all of Japan, though there are many all around the country and throughout the year. Good festival street food is always available too, though I can’t recall if any of it is vegetarian friendly.

Many famous things in Japan come in 3s – 3 famous gardens, 3 famous shrines, etc. One of the 3 famous shrines is Ise Jingu which is a bit south of Nagoya and one of my favorites if you get a chance to see it. Nara is also quite special and not too far from Kyoto.

Speaking of food, you’ll have no trouble satisfying a sweet tooth as there are many good bakeries to be found, especially in the train stations. And, a popular chain of restaurants called Mister Donut is good and ubiquitous. You may also be surprised by how many people get a quick meal at the local convenience store.

If I think of anything else I’ll add it later. Ganbatte ne! (“good luck”)

Thanks so much for the advice Jeff! Unfortunately we are only in Japan until the end of September so I think we’ll miss the foliage. I had been considering Takayama though so glad to hear you like it.

Great post and very informative. The Japan Rail pass is a must if you plan to to a lot of traveling and the 100 yen shops are great for souvenirs.

Japan Australia

Am really hoping to make it to Japan sometime in the next 12 months – bookmarking this!

Hopefully we’ll have lots more posts about Japan when we get there next month.

Hi, it’s Mariko, came to check out your blog. Interesting article but I can’t keep my mouth shut on a few things. Please DO try non-Japanese food in Kyoto… we have such a great selection of Brazilian, Nepalese, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian restaurants it would be a shame if you stuck to only Japanese food. Also, Kyoto is probably the vegetarian capital of Japan if there ever was one. There are a lot of veggie and vegan places as well as a special kind of buddhist vegan meal that you have to pre-book, but is very nice.

A lot of people speak English here (not necessarily GOOD English, but…) . Almost everywhere in Japan there are English translations of Japanese signs (subway, trains, buses etc. ).

….I swear I’m not a jerk! I just want your information (and the info for anyone else who reads this) to be up to date. Don’t hate me, Amy!

It sounds like Kyoto is a lot more cosmopolitan than other parts of Japan. We are really looking forward to trying the vegetarian food, especially the Buddhist meals.

Thanks for your comment and of course you’re not being a jerk, :o)! The post is based on our 3 week experiences in Japan so obviously would never be definitive in anyway. I’m sure that other non-japanese food is great (apart from the Indian curry we had in Fukuoka!) but I guess my point for fellow travellers is that Japanese food is so delicious why waste your stomach and yen on other food during your stay!

I’m sure too that many people do speak english, in our encounters this was rare even in Tokyo, but again Japanese is such a beautiful language why not go ahead and dive in and try to speak it!

Lastly too, in our 3 weeks there were indeed occasional english transport signage to be found, but we also had many experiences standing at a bus/ subway terminals not having any clue as to where to go or what to pay. Again though, this isn’t a bad thing, sometimes the best thing about being intrepid travellers is being able to figure things out!

I certainly don’t hate you (!), in fact I apologise if you found anything in the article to be of offence. I certainly did not mean to, and again after only 3 weeks in your amazing country, the list was only ever meant to be a broad guide to anyone else going to visit.

All the best,

Totally agree about the non-Japanese food!! I loved Japanese pizza so much I would go back just for that :D

Awesome Amy my husband and I who have never been overseas before have chosen Japan as our first overseas destination for our honeymoon and soaking up any information we can get ?

Glad everyone likes the post! Love your story too Erin! I remember our friend Noriko said that, after living in Manchester for awhile, she was glad to return to her homeland of convenience!

Oh, how I want to see Kyoto! Bamboo grove, old temples, aaaah…

I know about this website: http://www.vegietokyo.com/info4vegie/articles/article2.html Though it’s for Tokyo mostly. Hope it’s helpful :) Have fun on your trip!

Thanks for that – the article is really useful.

100 Yen shops are soooooo brilliant. Get some tabbi socks too. Shinkansen, though expensive, are so worth it – you can travel vast distances so quickly and it is a breath of fresh air to use any Japanese public transportation after the British version! Gavin and I were due at Tokyo airport one cold wintery day. Woke up at 4.30am to catch our bus to Tokyo (4 hours away) to find snow knee deep. Freaked out, how would we get to Tokyo now? Needn’t have worried – Japanese workers were all out clearing the roads and our bus rolled in right on time.

Really good post, Amy you sure squeezed a lot into your 3 weeks! Erin x

I love that story! I can’t wait to try the bullet trains and enjoy everything being super-efficient and on time.

Really great posts, I have been to Japan several times and you are spot on!

Oh I love Japan so much and I haven’t even been there yet! This is a great list – it solidified everything I was thinking about our upcoming trip to Japan. My 3 years of Japan in college might finally pay off…haha.

I’m excited to hear about your 3 weeks in Kyoto too!

When will you be in Japan Ashley? We can’t wait for our trip too. Kyoto seems like the perfect place to base ourselves.

Won’t be there until January! But super excited cause I’ve wanted to visit fooooorever.

Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

GREAT post – you’ve got a little bit of everything here =) Let me know if you need any ideas on Tokyo – I spent about 10 days in and around that area last year =)

Any highlights of your trip in Japan that you can share would be much appreciated!

Toni, I am going to Japan for 10 days at the end of June. Can you give me the scoop of MUST SEE sites that you really liked?

I DO :) would love some recommendations if still relevant

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75+ Japan Travel Tips for 1st Time Visitors from the USA (2024)

After returning from two weeks in Japan , I was bombarded with questions from readers, friends, and family who were curious about our trip or considering planning their own Japan trip. I get it, planning a trip to Japan can be intimidating with concerns about culture shock or language barriers. To help those planning their first trip to Japan, I put together these Japan travel tips for first time visitors to bring together everything we learned and things we really wished we knew before we went.

To make it easier to digest, I’ve broken these travel tips for Japan into categories including before you go, things to know on arrival, money matters, getting around, eating in Japan, what to wear in Japan, and general information about the Japanese culture.

Before we jump in, let me assure you that Japan is a fabulous country to visit, even for those from the USA or another Western country. The Japanese people are extremely polite, the cities are the cleanest you have ever seen, and the language barrier is really minimal. For these reasons and more, Japan makes an excellent first country to visit in Asia.

If you are planning a trip, be sure to also check out my very detailed itineraries for Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka , or my article about how much a trip to Japan costs .

Japan Travel Tips: Before You Leave

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Luckily, visiting Japan is quite easy. However, there are still a few things to do before you leave:

• Decide if you want to purchase a Japan Rail Pass for use in Japan. This pass is only available to overseas tourists and must be purchased before you arrive. Keep in mind that the JR Pass is ONLY valid on JR Trains (not Metro systems or private train lines) and there are different passes offered, depending on if you are traveling just within one region or throughout multiple regions (when you need a National Pass.) Prices have gone up recently so you really want to calculate how much you will use the Pass versus the cost of buying individual train tickets to see if it is worth the trouble.
• Prefill all required immigration and customs information on the Visit Japan Web site before you leave so that all you need to do upon arrival is show your QR codes for each person in your party.
• If you have prescription medications, be sure to research what medications are prohibited in Japan, as many common over-the-counter medications and prescriptions are illegal in Japan.
• Book all of your accommodations well in advance, especially if you are visiting during the busy springtime Cherry Blossom Season or Golden Week in early May. Keep in mind that Japanese hotel rooms are pretty small so if you want more space you may want to spend a bit more on an American brand. You can also consider staying one to two nights in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms and communal baths known as onsens. To save money, you may want to consider an Airbnb or capsule hotel.
• Book as many restaurant reservations as possible a few weeks in advance, especially if you are looking to experience some of Japan’s many renowned Michelin Star or fine dining options. Not all restaurants offer online booking but this is where a hotel concierge can help, or there are paid restaurant booking services (that I’ll discuss more below.)
• Buy timed-entry tickets to popular attractions that sell out, especially TeamLab Planets Tokyo or Sumo practice .
• Reserve a mobile WiFi hot spot that you will pick up at the airport, or look into an international eSIM provider , as this will typically be cheaper than an international data plan on most cellular carriers.

What to do when you arrive in Japan

If you fly into Tokyo, you will arrive at either at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo. Narita is over one hour from the city center, while Haneda is a lot closer. In either instance, taxis from the airport will be quite expensive and it pays to look into alternative transportation options.

Since we flew on Delta, we arrived at Haneda Airport, which is connected to Tokyo via a monorail or train options. We didn’t want to deal with transferring trains and metros with our large luggage after a full day of travel, so I booked the Airport Limousine Bus , which provided door-to-door transfers from Haneda airport to our hotel (the Hilton Tokyo) at a very affordable rate.

Before you leave the airport, there are a few important things you need to do first!

• Go to an ATM and withdraw about 50,000 Yen to start. Remember you want to withdraw as much as you think you might need in one chunk versus multiple smaller withdrawals to avoid extra fees. While Japan has moved to be more contactless post-Covid, there are still many smaller restaurants, shops, and food stalls that only take cash. And even the high-tech machines you use to get your IC Cards only take cash (bizarre, I know!)
• Purchase an IC Card. An IC Card is a rechargeable, prepaid travel card that is used to access public transportation including metros, busses, and some ferries throughout Japan. Many vending machines also accept IC cards as payment and you can also use them to rent lockers in train stations. There are different flavors of IC cards such as the Pasmo or Suica card. Some require a 500 Yen deposit. However, at the airport, you can use a touch-screen machine (with an English option) to purchase a Welcome Suica card, which does not require a deposit. You must pay cash to load money onto your IC card. I’d recommend putting about 3,000-5,000 Yen on each card to start for a 14-day trip. Because of a chip shortage, it is now harder to get a physical IC card, but you should still be able to purchase the Welcome Suica card at the airport or large train stations. You can also try to load a digital IC card if you have an Apple iPhone with either a Mastercard, American Express, or Apple Card connected to your Apple Pay.
• Keep in mind that each person in your party needs their own card . You cannot use the same card to swipe multiple people through a turnstile. When you go to use the card, you tap it on the reader at the turnstile and then tap again to exit the station. On a bus, you typically only tap it to exit. If you are able to load a digital IC card, you can just tap your phone at the readers.
• Pick up a mobile hotspot or international SIM . Unless you are using an eSim , you may want to reserve a mobile hotspot or purchase an international SIM card for your two weeks in Japan. These work out to be cheaper than paying for most international calling plans. For example, Verizon charges me $10/day for data and throttles the speed after a certain threshold is met. But, we rented a mobile hotspot from Ninja WiFi for $98 for unlimited data for 14 days. This allowed all three of our devices to stay connected for much less than we would pay for one phone’s international plan. There are many shops to rent a hotspot or purchase a SIM card at the airport and you just drop it off before your flight home.
• Exchange your JR Pass vouchers . If you plan on using a Japan Rail Pass, you need to purchase it online before you leave home. You will be sent a voucher that you exchange upon arrival in Japan at certain JR ticket offices. The ticket offices in the airports will exchange your voucher for a pass, but you may need to visit a JR ticket office at one of the major train stations to make seat reservations (depending on which level pass you purchase.)
• Also keep in mind that if you are traveling with checked luggage size bags, you will need a luggage reservation on the bullet trains (and these are limited), or you can arrange to ship your luggage ahead.
• Depending on the JR ticket office, they may also make train reservations for you (if you purchased a pass that includes seat reservations such as a Green JR Pass.) If not, you can do this at the ticket offices in the major train stations, such as Tokyo Train Station, Shinjuku Train Station, etc.
• Arrange a transfer to your hotel. Taxis are very expensive in Japan, especially if you are traveling all the way into center Tokyo from Narita airport. It is cheapest to use public transportation. However, another option, depending on where you are staying, is the Airport Limosuine Bus, which connects the airports with central train stations and hotels for door-to-door service. It is nice to not have to navigate the trains on your first day in Japan (when you are still tired and jetlagged.) I booked our bus in advance and gave too much time to get through customs and the other steps at the airport and had to switch to an earlier bus when I got there. You may want to just wait until you clear immigration/customs before you book your bus transfer from the desk at the airport.
• When you get to your hotel, don’t lock your passport away in your hotel safe. It is required that you carry your passport with you when you are out and about in Japan. I’d suggest keeping hard copies in a safe space in your hotel just in case it gets lost (and a picture of it on your phone.)

Japan Money & Shopping Tips

• The local currency is the Japanese Yen. The current exchange rate is $1.00 = ~ 156 Japanese Yen. You can check the current exchange rate using XE.com .
• Always keep some cash on you, including some change, as many businesses and attractions still do not accept credit cards. Change is used especially when visiting temples or shrines to make an offering, purchase a charm, or receive a fortune.
• While many establishments now accept credit cards, not many support Apple Pay (they have a local digital contactless payment system). You will generally need to insert your credit card and sign a receipt. Don’t be surprised when the clerk hands you both the original receipt and the credit card receipt for each transaction.
• Not many businesses accept American Express and some also don’t accept MasterCard. To be safe, carry a couple of cards and make at least one of them a Visa.
• To reduce the use of plastic, shops now charge a small amount for a shopping bag (typically about 20 Yen). To avoid this fee or excess packaging, carry a packable reusable shopping bag such as these .
• Some shops advertise Tax-Free Shopping. If you see this sign, give them your passport and they will take the tax off your purchase on-site, without any forms to drop off at the airport. This saves around 10% for purchases over a certain amount. Other shops participate in the Global Blue tax refund, but for those you will need to fill out paperwork and bring it to a Global Blue location at the airport or in the shopping center with the goods you purchased.
• Tipping is NOT customary in Japan. Honestly, after the creep of the tipping culture in the U.S. in the last few years, it is such a pleasure to not tip in Japan and to know it is not expected. Some restaurants may charge a cover charge but that is it.

Tips for Getting Around Japan

Getting around Japan is very easy with its efficient and usually prompt train and public transportation system. However, there are a few things that will make getting around the cities a little easier:

• Travel between cities is easiest using the Shinkansen bullet train. Just keep in mind that the fastest bullet trains, the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains, are not included in the JR Pass.
• If you take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, try to get a seat on the right hand side of the train and on a clear day, you will get a great view of Mount Fuji.
• Most trains do not require reservations, but purchasing a ticket with a reserved seat or a JR Pass that includes reservations, is much more pleasant as you know you will have a seat, even on busy trains. The platform will indicate which train cars are reserved versus non-reserved.
• You need a luggage reservation when bringing large checked bags onto a Shinkansen train. Keep in mind that there is very limited luggage rack space and otherwise only the seats in the last row also offer a luggage reservation in the space behind the seats. If you plan on bringing your bags on the train, I recommend stopping at the JR ticket office in one of the large train stations and getting help reserving seats and luggage spaces.
• Smaller carry-on size bags can fit on the rack over the seats. Just keep in mind that bringing any bags through the metro at rush hour is near impossible on the busy lines.
• You may want to consider shipping your luggage ahead to your next hotel. Depending on the location and season, this can typically be done in 24 hours, so that you can travel with just a backpack or small bag with your things and reunite with your luggage at your next hotel or the shipping office in the next city. Most of the hotels will arrange for your luggage shipping at the concierge or bell desk. However, if you are staying at an Airbnb, you can look into using a shipper such as Yamato Transport . We did this between Tokyo and Kyoto and Kyoto and Osaka and it made getting around so much easier. It cost less than $20 per bag for our ~50 lb. checked-luggage sized bags.
• In most cities, in addition to Japan Rail (JR) trains, there are also private trains and local metro or subway systems. Google Maps is extremely helpful in determining the best route, but you may want to do a little more research if you are trying to use JR trains. The route search on the official Japan Travel App from the Japan National Tourism Organization or the Japan Travel app from Navitime are helpful if you want to find the best routes for specific types of tourist passes.
• To use your JR Pass, simply insert your JR Pass at the turnstile and take it back after you walk through. You will need to do the same when you exit the station.
• If you are using your IC Card, tap the card at the turnstile when you enter the station and tap again when you exit. Keep an eye on your balance. Most stations have machines where you can easily reload your IC card (with an English menu.)
• If you have any trouble, the staff at the train stations are very helpful in providing directions.
• When it comes to using the trains and subways, Google Maps offers invaluable information regarding which platform the train will be on, when it is leaving (and when the next trains are expected), what car is best to board if you are transferring, the length of the trip and the number of stops, the stop name, the cost with an IC Card, and the best exit to use at the train station (trust me that this is so, so helpful.)
• On trains and subways in major cities, all the train signage both on the platform and in the train cars, is offered in Japanese and English, as are the announcements on the train letting you know the next stop, etc.
• Once you are on the train platform, you will need to line up behind the yellow line at one of the spots indicated by a number that corresponds with the car number. In Japan, it is customary to line up single file.
• When the train arrives, let those exiting to get off the train before boarding.
• Note that on some trains, certain cars indicated with pink on the platform are for women only during certain hours.
• The only time you might see pushing in Japan is people squeezing themselves onto a subway train. Rush hour on certain lines such as the Maranouchi line in the Tokyo Metro that goes through Shinjuku station, which is the busiest station in the world they claim, is an absolute crush and best to avoid, especially with small children.
• Once on the train, follow the local customs and silence your phone and if you talk, do so quietly. The trains and subways in Japan are very quiet and surprisingly clean. People do not talk or eat on the train. Many nap, others read or play games. I saw plenty of people reading manga comics on their phones and even one guy reading sheet music for “Moon River.”
• Note that while walking through busy train stations and on the street, people typically walk on the left. Except in Osaka, where it is customary to walk on the right. Many stations have arrows on the floors.
• On escalators, stand on the left to let those in a rush go by on the right. Except in Osaka, then stand on the right.
• If you are using a maps app for walking directions and you are using a mobile hotspot, we found Apple Maps to offer better turn-by-turn walking directions that were easier to follow. The arrow on Google Maps used to indicate your location would often spin in a confusing way and it wasn’t as clear about when to go up steps, across bridges, etc.
• Most train stations offer lockers if you want to store your belongings and go out and explore. There are small, medium and large lockers and the medium and large will fit a suitcase or multiple smaller bags. The price ranges from 300 to 500 Yen.

Japanese Food & Restaurant Tips

Japanese cuisine is incredible and no, you don’t have to eat sushi every day. Each shop specializes in a specific dish and does it well. You will eat ramen, soba noodles, tempura, shabu shabu, street food, sushi, and so much more. There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting restaurants though, including:

• Japanese people love to line up for good food. There are many small restaurants with less than a dozen seats and people will line up for two hours or more to eat there. It is hard to do this as a tourist who is tired from walking and doesn’t want to spend precious vacation time in line. But it is part of the experience. Also, this is most common at the cheaper places. If you want to spend more, it is easier to get a reservation. If a restaurant opens at 5:00 pm, expect a line to start forming by 4:30 pm if not earlier.
• Luckily, these restaurants turn over seats very quickly as people are encouraged to eat and go. Japan is not a place where people linger over meals. They eat quickly and quietly and leave.
• You will find a wealth of inexpensive restaurants in Japan. However, you will also find a large number of very expensive (e.g. $200-500 per person) restaurants. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot in the middle. So it is either get in line and eat cheap or make a reservation and spend an arm and a leg (there are exceptions of course.)
• If you want to try a special restaurant, there are number of restaurant reservation services that will help you make reservations. Trust me that many book up weeks in advance and even if you set an alert to make a reservation when they open the calendar, you may still miss it. Some of these services include: Pocket Concierge, Omakase, JPneazy.com, MyConcierge Japan, Table All, and Table Check.
• Keiseki is a traditional Japanese meal with multiple small courses. These are typically served at ryokans and traditional tea houses.
• Omakase is chef’s choice sushi, which is typically offered at different levels or numbers of pieces with different price points.
• It is impolite to be loud in restaurants, but slurping in a noodle place is accepted and expected.
• Each restaurant will provide either a hot towel (washcloth) or a disposable wet towel to clean your hands before eating. However, what we consider napkins or serviettes are not provided.
• Do not rub your chopsticks together in Japan, it is considered rude. Likewise, don’t stab with your chopsticks and don’t rest them on your bowl.
• To reduce waste, bring your own reusable chopstick set . I saw someone with these on our last day of our trip and I really wish I had thought of it sooner.
• You don’t dip your sushi in soy sauce in Japan as the chef prepares it as it should be eaten.
• Don’t walk and eat in Japan. If you purchase food at a convenience store or food stall, you can eat out front and then bring them back the trash.
• Garbage cans are very scarce in Japan!! Be prepared to carry around your trash until you find a bin (typically at the train station.) But don’t worry, the streets in Japan are very clean. Littering is not part of the culture.
• You will find vending machines everywhere selling various drinks and many take the IC card for payment, although some require cash or other digital payment systems.
• Unfortunately, there are not many public bottle refill stations or drinking fountains.
• Avoid eating on the metro or local trains, but it is acceptable to eat on the longer, Shinkansen trains, and there are many shops in the train station selling bento boxes that are packaged perfectly for this purpose.
• Many higher end restaurants speak English. However, many others offer either an English menu or a menu with pictures. At others, you order from a vending machine with photos. This can be a little tricky to understand but generally just select the photo of the item you want to order, insert your cash, take your ticket and hand that to someone behind the counter.
• Google Translate with the camera function / Google Lens can be very helpful for menu translation. I’d recommend downloading the Japanese dictionary for offline use.
• Some restaurants offer a tablet at the table for ordering or a button to call the server to place an order.
• At many restaurants, you take the bill to the front to pay at the cashier.
• Don’t leave your chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice (this is a funeral ritual).
• When receiving a drink, cup it with two hands to show gratitude.
• Japanese convenience stores such as 7 Eleven, Lawsons, and Family Mart all offer surprisingly good food, which is an inexpensive way to eat while in Japan.
• Many department stores also have a floor with food stalls that offer prepared foods to purchase and bring home to eat including bento boxes, sweets, and other foods that can be reheated easily.
• Taking a food tour is a great way to learn about the local cuisine. We took a food tour in Osaka with Arigato Travel and definitely recommend them.

What to Wear in Japan

Japan is a fairly conservative society when it comes to dress, with the exception of the “kawaii culture” amongst the youth. To fit in and show the proper respect, it is important to keep a few tips in mind:

• When visiting temples and shrines, it is appropriate to make sure the knees and shoulders are covered, although it isn’t policed as strictly as some churches in Italy.
• Shorts are rarely worn by locals. You are more apt to see shorts on international tourists in Kyoto than in the big working cities like Tokyo.
• Women wear a lot of loose fitting, wide leg pants and long skirts, paired with a t-shirt under a sweater or flowy button-up shirt or light jacket.
• Men are often in suits or business attire, or slacks and a golf shirt. Younger teen boys will likely wear jeans and t-shirts.
• If you are visiting temples and shrines, or traditional restaurants, it is helpful to wear shoes that can easily be slipped off, as required upon entry.
• When visiting Japan, it is important to wear comfortable shoes, as you will do a lot of walking.

Japanese Culture Tips

The Japanese culture values politeness, cleanliness, order, following the rules, and beautiful presentation. You will see these reflected during your visit and it is important to show respect by observing cultural norms.

• Konnichiwa – hello
• Arigatou gozaimasu – thank you very much
• Sumimasen – excuse me
• Dō itashimashite – you’re welcome
• Hai – yes
• Lie – no
• Gomen’nasai – I’m sorry
• Ohayō – good morning
• Konbanwa – good evening
• O-yasumi nasai – good night
• Japanese packaging may seem excessive or wasteful, but it is very culturally important to present things beautifully. Your purchases will be wrapped and bags sealed with stickers to keep them closed. If you purchase a pastry at a shop, it is often individually boxed with small ice packs to keep it fresh until you can enjoy it at home.
• If you are invited to someone’s home, remember to bring a gift that is nicely packaged.
• A slight bow is a show of respect when meeting someone or thanking them.
• If someone hands you a business card or a gift, except it with two hands and a slight bow.
• Do not blow your nose in public.
• Wear a face mask if you aren’t feeling well.
• Wait to cross the street only when the light is green, even if no one is coming.
• Be on time!! No one is late in Japan, they are usually early. On one tour, our tour guide was being generous by agreeing to wait until 2 minutes after the meeting time for someone that hadn’t yet showed up.
• In Japan, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines often sit side by side. When visiting, remember to remove your shoes before entering the inside of a temple or shrine (there are usually cubbies provided). At a shinto shrine, it is appropriate to wash your hands first. If you want to offer a prayer, first you bow, then give an offering of small change, bow deeply twice, ring the bell, clap twice, offer your prayer, then bow once more. See a full description of temple and shrine etiquette .
• Remove your shoes when entering a shrine, temple, restaurant with tatami mats, or someone’s home.
• In Japan, public restrooms are widely available and they are very clean. Japanese toilets are also the best, offering features like heated seats, privacy sounds, and washing options. Many public restrooms also offer baby seats in some stalls, along with family bathrooms, changing tables, and nursing rooms.
• Japan is one of the safest countries to visit and even if you are traveling solo, you will feel very comfortable walking around even at night.

I hope these Japan travel tips are helpful. As a travel blogger, I have visited many countries but I found Japan one of the safest, most comfortable, and most orderly place I have been to. It suited my type A personality perfectly and I loved the blend of ultra modern and traditional culture.

Still Dreaming of Japan?

If you want a taste of Japan at home or a fun way to surprise and excite the family for an upcoming trip, consider ordering a Tokyo Treat box . TokyoTreat is a monthly pop Japanese snack subscription box, you will get up to 20 exclusive, limited edition, and seasonal flavored Japanese snacks and Japanese candy that are only available in Japan for a limited time.

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: May 27, 2024

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25 Things To Know Before Traveling to Japan

See recent posts by Katherine Alex Beaven

Simply put, Japan is a fascinating destination. You’ll find a seamless blend of old traditions and new technology here. You’ll also discover gorgeous natural landscapes just a short train ride from sparkling, sprawling cities and loud, jarring outlets a short distance from quiet areas full of nuanced rules. It’s the kind of place where people will wait patiently in line for water after a natural disaster but socially ghost you if you accidentally offend them. With a distinct culture and language, it’s tough to list all the things you should know before heading to Japan. We could spend hours describing the country’s spectacular cuisine, listing the top spots to get ramen, sharing all the hidden gems, and explaining how you’re likely to offend someone accidentally. However, for now, we’re sticking to the basics: everything you need to know to help make sure your trip to Nippon is fun and only full of good surprises. We’ll help you save some money along the way, too. 

1. Safety in Japan is high.

One of the best things about Japan is that it is safe. Repeatedly shining on the top ten lists of the world’s safest countries, Japan is also a great place for solo female travelers. That doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the wind. As with any destination, you’ll need to be vigilant as a foreigner, stay out of shady areas, avoid flaunting your cash, and don’t provoke anyone.

2. Cash in Japan rules.

Cash is king in Japan. Workers are usually paid in cash, and most businesses and services, including restaurants and shops, accept only cash. Your hotel and some big department stores will usually take credit but always check first. That said, always have plenty of yen in your wallet to avoid awkward conversations that can easily get lost in translation. Tip: If you find yourself without cash, head to 7-Eleven to use the ATM. Not only is your bank card guaranteed to work every time, but it’s also open 24/7.

3. Buying a Rail Pass in Japan is worth it.

A Japan Rail Pass can help save you plenty of money, especially if you plan to travel around a particular region or the whole country. You can buy an unlimited pass valid for a specific region or country-wide. This will give you access to the bullet train (Shinkansen) and JR-branded commuter trains, buses, and ferries, often for about the same price as two individual train tickets. Remember that passes are valid for a certain number of days within a seven, 14, or 21-day period and cannot be used on the Nozomi trains. JR passes should also be bought before you arrive in Japan, though you’ll still have to validate them at a JR office with your passport and voucher in-hand. If you visit Japan before March 2018, you can buy a pass in Japan, but beware, as it will cost between 10 and 20 percent more and is only sold in certain stations .

4. The metro in Japan is not 24 hours.

It may seem shocking that a country filled with so many conveniences doesn’t have a 24-hour train system, but it’s true — even in the glittering, well-oiled Tokyo . When planning your night out, expect to make a mad dash for the last train. Depending on where you are, you’ll have to be through the doors anywhere between 11:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Missing the train can be an expensive (though adventurous) mistake, leaving you to rely on a pricey cab. (Ensure your hotel or destination address is clearly printed or written before you go out.) Another option? Head to one of the all-night karaoke joints and sing into the early morning. It’s often cheaper than a cab.

5. You’ll likely see many drunk businessmen on trains in Japan.

It’s not the most becoming part of their culture, but it happens — frequently. While the majority of Japanese society is mild-mannered, you’re likely to come across drunk Japanese businessmen. Part of the diehard Japanese work culture is businessmen going out for drinks after work and booze. That said, don’t be surprised if you walk on a train around 7 p.m. and are hit with the smell of booze and visibly intoxicated men in suits. We’ve even seen a few passed out (picture one shoe off, shirt untucked, and briefcase a few feet away on the train station floor).

6. Learn a few Japanese phrases and how to recognize keywords.

We always recommend learning a few basic phrases in the local language whenever you travel, but this is especially important in Japan, where etiquette is held in the highest esteem. Make sure you are familiar with how to say “thank you,” “please,” and “excuse me,” even if you have to write them down phonetically. You may also want to write down a few translations for your own reference, including the words for bathroom, ramen, karaoke, exit (trust us), and certain toiletries.

7. Tattoos in Japan are considered taboo.

While your tattoos may be an artistic way to express yourself, in Japan, they tend to be associated with criminals — namely, members of the Yakuza gang. This is especially important to consider if you are interested in visiting a traditional Japanese onsen . They will most likely ask if you have any tattoos before you’re allowed entry. And don’t think about fibbing — most onsens require bathers to be in the buff.

Related: The Best Travel Gifts Under $25

8. Most Japanese people love Americans and American culture.

Considering some of our dark history with Japan, it may come as a surprise that Japanese locals are taken with Americans and American culture. Not only do they get excited to meet folks from the U.S., but you’ll also find a handful of American-themed bars and plenty of Japanese versions of American items, especially food. A word to the wise: They don’t often get the recipe right, so it’s not uncommon to find sandwiches with cheese, strawberries, and whipped cream or pizza with mayonnaise and sweet brown sauce or shell-on clams.

9. Keeping your shoes on in certain places is highly offensive.

Leaving your shoes on when entering someone’s house is a major sign of disrespect. Like many other parts of Asia, removing your shoes when entering a home is a must. This is also the norm for several restaurants , so be sure to check whether you should slip your shoes off. Oh, and you’ll have to take off your shoes before entering most dressing rooms, too.

10. You don’t have to tip in Japan.

Speaking of restaurant etiquette, you don’t need to tip in Japan. If you do, there’s a big chance your server will run after you to give you the money you accidentally left behind. Waiters get paid a living wage in Japan, so don’t feel guilty. This rule is also true for hotel and other service staff you’ll encounter during your trip.

11. Don’t expect to find any hibachi restaurants in Japan.

We have some bad news for lovers of flashy Japanese restaurants where they cook in front of you, juggle knives, and set stacks of onions on fire. Hibachi restaurants are a Westernized invention. The closest thing you’ll find here is a teppanyaki restaurant, but there’s no chef slicing and dicing for you. In Japan, you’ll be cooking up your own food table side, which, for us, is half the fun.

12. You won’t always find an English translation.

Speaking of eating out, be prepared to encounter menus and signs with no English translations. If you are in tourist-heavy spots, especially in Tokyo, this won’t be a problem. However, once you venture outside of the major tourist hot spots, it’s common to see solely Japanese. This is where your list of Japanese words will come in handy, especially in restaurants. While many places will attempt to rectify this with pictures, it’s still hard to tell what a miso-katsu is. If you don’t have a list and there are no pictures, you can always pick a place with plastic versions of the menu items displayed in the window and at the very least, point to what you want.

13. Most Japanese locals speak English better than they admit.

You can politely ask for help by finding someone who speaks English. And even if your new best friend says they don’t speak much English, it’s likely better than they say it is. Tip: Speak slowly.

14. Don’t flag down your waiter in Japan — there’s a buzzer for that.

You don’t have to impatiently flag down your waiter in Japan. Many restaurant tables have a small black box with a black button so that customers can summon the waiter without calling attention to themselves or creating disruptive noises. Better yet, some spots don’t even have waiters. Instead, guests order from a screen in their booth, and the food arrives in a little slot.

Related: Always Print Your Boarding Pass (And Other Plane Travel Check-In Advice)

15. Department store sushi is pretty good.

There’s no doubt sushi in Japan is expensive. Thankfully, if your budget doesn’t allow for a chirashi splurge every day, you can still get your fix at a depachika, a food hall in the basement of a department store. Here, you can find a wide range of foods, including high-quality sushi, all prepped and ready to be carried out by tourists.

16. The underground malls in Japan are huge.

Japan’s cities are covered — no, stacked — with buildings. It’s easy to get stuck looking up, but you’d miss all the action taking place underground. Like South Korea, Japan has utilized its underground space by building huge shopping centers full of stores and restaurants.

17. Skip the animal cafes in Japan.

We’ve all seen the adorable videos of the cat, owl, and other animal cafes found all over Japan. However, these spots are hardly more than petting zoos for animals that would otherwise not receive any attention. If you must go, research your spot first and make sure they are animal-friendly.

18. Get in on the nomihodai in Japan.

What if we told you there’s a way to save big on drinks in Japan? Enter nomihodai — the Japanese all-you-can-drink special you should experience at least once while visiting.  The price for a beer or two in New York City will allow you to drink for one or two hours. This deal is often found at izakayas , and they might even offer a food-related all-you-can-eat special too. There are a few rules, though. You’ll need to finish your first drink before ordering your next, and there’s sometimes an entrance charge. When the time runs out, you’ll have to abandon all the drinks you haven’t finished.

19. Speak quietly in public in Japan.

Watching the volume of your voice — and the content of your conversation — is extremely important in Japan. Everyone in Japan is aware of the fact that they are sharing space with others, so keeping conversations to a minimum and voice levels at a low volume in public is always appreciated.

20. A small gift in Japan can say a lot.

While you can’t tip in Japan, you can still offer a small token of appreciation if you want to thank someone for their help or service. This could be in the form of a trinket, such as a keychain or a souvenir from your hometown. No matter what it is, be sure to say thank you and bow as you hand it over. However, don’t make too big a deal out of it, or they might feel ashamed that they have nothing to offer you in return.

21. Pointing at people and things in Japan is considered rude.

Pointing at people or things with your finger, greeting strangers on the street with a friendly “hello,” eating or drinking in public, and snapping photos of people without their permission are big no-nos in Japan. It’s also impolite to raise your voice or lose your temper in Japan, so be careful of how you handle situations that don’t turn out the way you planned.

Plus, Japanese people are constantly worried about offending people, so consider this when asking for favors. They often say “yes” to something when they mean “no.” This indirect communication requires you to read between the lines a little. Look for context clues, like if they go grab a manager or aren’t fully committed to the “yes.” It’s a big deal for them to say no, so if they do, do not push it.

Related: Holiday Gift Guide for Women

22. You can smoke in most restaurants in Japan, but there are designated spots to do so outside.

It’s worth noting that nearly every restaurant in Japan has a smoking section, though it is much more common in izakayas. Some will even let you smoke anywhere inside. It’s funny when you consider that there are several designated smoking stations outside, too.

23. Those surgical masks aren’t what you think.

If you think the people wearing surgical masks are germaphobes trying to avoid getting sick, you’d be wrong. It’s the other way around. People don a mask when they aren’t feeling well to help stop the spread of germs to their friends, family, and colleagues. Others wear it to block exposure to pollen.

24. Try a ryokan for a traditional Japanese hotel experience.

If you want a unique Japanese hotel experience, check into a traditional ryokan for a night or two (or more). Originating in the early 17th century Edo period, ryokans are Japanese inns where you’ll sleep on tatami mats rolled onto the floor, sample a traditional Japanese set breakfast, and probably have communal bathing facilities. The latter isn’t for the shy or modest; it’s a fully naked locker room experience where you sit on a stool in front of a vanity and bathe with a shower nozzle. We highly recommend this experience for at least a night in Nippon.

Our Pick for a Japanese Ryokan: Hiiragiya

Established in 1818, this historic ryokan has been family-run for six generations, though it still offers a high-end experience. Rooms are minimal, with sliding wooden doors, floor mats, low furniture, and bathtubs made of umbrella pine. There are, however, many modern amenities, such as minibars and free Wi-Fi. If you’re looking for Western-style facilities, this is not the place for you, but for a slice of history and tradition, Hiiragiya is a solid choice.

25. Hotel rates are high during cherry blossom season in Japan.

In the spring, cherry blossom season in Japan lures locals and travelers from around the world. In addition to contending with crowds, expect competitive hotel rates during this time of year. With that in mind, book your hotel, flight, and even trains ahead of time to avoid exorbitant prices.

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Japan travel tips: 13 things to know before you go

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written by Freya Godfrey

updated 27.06.2019

With its glittering royal palaces, ancient temples and sacred shrines as well as sandy beaches, some of the world’s best skiing and beautiful national parks, Japan is a country you'll want to return to again and again.

• 1. Make sure you're wearing the right shoes

2. Visit during cherry blossom season

3. there’s no need to tip, 4. be polite, 5. ride the shinkansen, 6. buy a suica or pasmo card, 7. get used to the face masks, 8. check your drugs, 9. if you’re visiting tokyo, fly to haneda airport, 10. write down addresses, or print the kanji, 11. bring cash, 12.make use of konbinis, 13. prepare to come back.

It's also a very traditional place with a strict etiquette; if you're visiting for the first time, follow our tips to make sure you don't get caught out, with more insights in our round-up of fascinating facts about Japan.

Travel ideas for Japan, created by local experts

Small Group Tour: Splendours of Japan

Discover the allure of Japan on our small group tour (max 16 guests). Unveil Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama through guided explorations. Immerse in tea ceremonies and relish in the captivating beauty of these iconic destinations. Regular departures ensure an unforgettable journey.

Small Group Tour: Secrets of Japan

Embark on an exceptional small-group tour, available monthly, unveiling Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond. Uncover Japan's hidden gems, from serene shrines to bustling cities, and immerse in enchanting forests.

Small Group Tour: Highlights of Japan

Exciting small-group tour with monthly departures. Immerse in Japanese culture, challenge a pro in a sumo suit, wander Arashiyama's bamboo groves in Kyoto, and relish a kaiseki feast with Maiko entertainment - all included in this fascinating small group tour.

Japan highlights: Tokyo to Osaka

From Tokyo to Osaka, this Japan trip features fantastic experiences. View a sumo session, visit ancient temples, and climb the Tokyo Skytree tower. Explore the resort town of Hakone in Mt Fuji’s shadow, savor a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and see cherry blossoms, in season, to complete a wonderful trip.

Self-Guided Adventure Tour in Japan

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty, history, enchanting culture and warmhearted people of Japan, with our self-guided tour of Japan. Walk-through a bamboo forest, see how sake is made, join Samurai lesson, go bar-hopping in Tokyo and Osaka and extend your journey to Hiroshima

Culinary tour across Japan

This trip takes you from Tokyo to Kyoto, where you will experience authentic Japanese foods, visit morning markets in the local cities, learn how to make Japanese food and enjoy a unique stay at a monastery. A once in a lifetime experience.

1. Make sure you're wearing the right shoes

Always ensure that you take off your “outdoor” shoes before entering a temple or someone's house, where you'll find “indoor” shoes to change into.

You'll need to take these off, though, to walk on tatami mats (often in temples and traditional houses).

And, if you go to the toilet in a temple, restaurant or home, make sure you switch into the toilet slippers.

Geta sandals © ZulAzri Zainal/Shutterstock

You might be surprised to learn that the glorious cherry blossom, seen adorning postcards and tourist brochures from across Japan, actually only blooms in the country during sakura (cherry blossom) season.

Running roughly from the end of March to early May, it can be the most expensive time to visit, but it’s also when Japan is at its most enchanting and vibrant.

Sakura is so prized that there’s even a word for enjoying looking at it (and other flowers): hanami . Walking through parks, you’ll notice crowds gathered for hanami parties, picnicking under trees.

In fact, it can be seen as rude, and if you do tip, you may find yourself being chased by a waiter, thinking you've left your change by mistake. An alternative, if you take a guided tour or cookery class for example, is to bring a small present from your country as a token of your appreciation.

Foreigners have a reputation for being noisy in Japan, especially on public transport, so be respectful; it’s impolite to answer your phone, and, if you’re listening to music, turn the volume down low. It’s ruder in Japan to blow your nose in public than sniff, and avoid eating on the go.

Facing difficulties when planning your trip to Japan? Our detailed plan answers all the questions you need to consider to make your trip go smoothly.

Related articles from the blog

Japan’s bullet trains are an experience in their own right. They glide smoothly through the country and, incredibly fast and always perfectly on time, they’re the best way to get around.

Organise a JR Pass before you go, which can be used on all Japan railways. Be aware that, while most people will be racing through the ticket barriers on prepaid cards, you’ll need to wait at ticket barriers for someone in the station to check your pass.

In our list of the best things to do in Japan find other things that need to be experienced in this fascinating country.

These prepaid cards are similar to London ’s Oyster card, and can be used on most metros and bus services and topped up in stations. You’ll have to pay a small deposit, but you’ll get most of it back if you hand your card in at the end of your trip.

The Rough Guides to Japan and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

The cards can prove cheaper than paper tickets, particularly on journeys involving a change of lines. Not to mention, with a card you won’t have to stop and queue to print a ticket every time you board a train.

Japanese people often wear paper face masks, and while this might look odd to you, it’s perfectly logical. It’s to keep them, and you, healthy. During cherry blossom season they’re also worn to keep allergies away.

If you need to take medication on your travels, you may also be required to take your prescription, a letter from your doctor, or even an import certificate ( Yakkan Shoumei ). To avoid getting caught out without your medication, check uk.emb-japan.go.jp.

It’s likely to work out easier and cheaper to reach central Tokyo and your accommodation from Haneda airport than Narita airport.

Make sure you have any addresses you’ll need to locate written in Japanese. This will make it far easier for people to point you in the right direction, or for a taxi driver to understand where you want to go (although, be aware that taxis can be expensive).

Indeed, you may also want to download a map app that you can use offline, or buy a Japanese-English map.

© taffpixture/Shutterstock

It can prove fairly difficult to find ATMs in Japan, so it’s a good idea to exchange money before you go, or to take reasonably large amounts out at a time. When you do need to take more out, head to a post office, or to a 7-Eleven or Citibank ATM.

Konbinis , or convenience stores, tend to have many of the things that visitors will need, as well as delicious steamed buns. Familymart, 7-Eleven and Lawson are the big names, and you’ll find them everywhere you go.

From gadgets and gizmos for things you didn’t even realise you needed (a chopstick-held fan for your noodles, anyone?) to the bright, brash lights of Osaka and Tokyo, plus some of the most awe-inspiring architecture and peaceful temples you’ll find in the world – Japan will have you hooked.

Explore more of Japan with The Rough Guide to Japan . Compare flights , find tours , book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

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• Getting around Japan: Transportation Tips
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• Travel Tips Japan for planning and on the go
• When's the best time to visit Japan?

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Boutique Japan

Japan Travel Tips: Expert Advice for an Amazing Trip

Thanks to years of planning Japan trips for our clients (and ourselves ), we’ve amassed a wealth of invaluable experience and essential travel tips.

Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time, or planning a return visit, these Japan travel tips will help you prepare for your trip and get the most out of your time in the country.

This is a long article, featuring 39 of our best pieces of Japan travel advice. If you have the time and interest, we hope you’ll read all the way through. Or, refer to the table of contents below and skip ahead to the section most relevant to you!

Japan Travel Tips: Table of Contents

Planning your trip to japan, pre-departure: preparing for your visit to japan, you’ve arrived: tips for your time in japan, japanese etiquette tips.

• Eating and Drinking in Japan

We hope our tips help you in planning your Japan adventure!

First things first: if you’re in the early planning stages, this section will help you decide when to visit, where to go, and what to do during your Japan adventure!

1. Decide When to Visit to Japan

Japan is truly a year-round destination. Each season brings its own highlights, from cherry blossoms in spring and festivals in summer, to the stunning foliage of autumn and epic skiing in winter. Any time you visit, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

The best time of year to visit Japan depends on your preferences for weather and crowds, and which experiences you most desire.

The dramatic differences between seasons require that you plan and pack appropriately for the weather – whether you’re hitting the beaches or the ski slopes! Bear in mind that the temperature can vary significantly depending on which part of the country you visit, so be sure to check the forecast for your specific destinations.

2. Where to Go: Japan’s Best Destinations

Japan has a remarkable number of destinations to choose from and an equally impressive number of things to do in each one.

To get the most out of your trip, we recommend sorting out your itinerary well in advance. Things like accommodation and event tickets often sell out quickly – especially during peak travel seasons – so planning ahead means avoiding disappointment.

If you’re after some inspiration, check out our sample itinerary for two weeks in Japan , and the rest of our unique and immersive sample Japan itineraries .

3. Unique Japanese Experiences

Visiting Japan is an opportunity to enjoy some truly unique and memorable experiences. There are, of course, far too many to fit into a single trip.

You’ll find inspiration in some of our top recommended experiences below. For even more ideas, see our article on 25 Japan experiences to add to your bucket list .

4. Venture Outside the Big Cities

When you think of Japan, the first places you think of are probably the big-name cities of Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka . These are amazing places to visit, but by no means everything the country has to offer.

To gain a deeper understanding of Japan, try exploring some of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations – especially if this is not your first trip. Head north to the wilds of Hokkaido, visit the peaceful villages of Shikoku, or explore some of Okinawa’s achingly beautiful islands. Not only will you escape the crowds, but you’ll also get a glimpse of some of the most authentic and memorable parts of Japanese culture.

5. Spend a Night in a Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional, Japanese-style inn, and we highly recommend staying a night or two in one during your trip. Ryokan are very different from regular hotels, and a quintessential part of the Japanese experience.

The majority are located in the countryside, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy the very best of Japanese hospitality. Complete with minimalist tatami mat rooms, yukata robes, kaiseki meals, onsen baths, and futon bedding, you’re guaranteed to find it an experience like no other!

To get a more detailed picture, take a virtual tour of a ryokan .

6. Discover True Relaxation at an Onsen

Japanese onsen (hot springs) resorts provide the ultimate in luxury and relaxation. Whether you choose a historic indoor bath or a remote outdoor location surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, they are a sublime, authentic cultural experience that you won’t encounter anywhere else.

We have even more info about the onsen experience in the virtual ryokan tour mentioned above, but here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind:

• Wash yourself thoroughly before entering the onsen itself, to keep the water sparkly clean.
• Keep towels, toiletries, and clothing (everything but yourself!) out of the water.
• Don’t stay in hot water too long if you’re not used to it – and be careful getting out. The high temperatures can make you feel lightheaded.
• If you’re nervous about being naked in front of other people, consider renting a private onsen instead. Many high-end ryokan provide private baths attached to the rooms, and others offer hourly rentals.

7. Stay in a Buddhist Temple

For even more of an escape from everyday life, a spiritual retreat at a Buddhist temple is just the ticket.

Visitors can get a taste of Buddhist life by staying at a shukubo (temple lodging), where you can take part in early morning prayers, meditation classes, and traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Some stays will also give you the option to help out with work around the temple as a form of active meditation.

One of the best places to experience temple life is on the mystical Mount Koya . Home to over 100 Buddhist temples and the otherworldly Okunoin Cemetery, it’s one of the most sacred destinations in Japan and the ideal location to immerse yourself in Zen.

8. Attend a Matsuri (Festival)

Japan’s matsuri (festivals) are nothing short of spectacular. Rich in tradition and bursting with color and energy, they showcase the country at its most dynamic and lively.

Attending a festival during your trip will be an unforgettable experience: a chance to try authentic and seasonal street food, witness unique traditions, and immerse yourself in an important part of Japanese life.

Festivals take place throughout the year all across the country, so regardless of your travel dates and itinerary, you should be able to find at least one to attend. Our list of Japan’s best festivals is a great place to start.

9. Cheer at a Ball Game or Sumo Tournament

To get an insight into a very different side of Japanese culture, consider attending a sporting event such as baseball or sumo – even if you’re not a sports fan.

Sumo tournaments are all-day events steeped in ancient tradition — and they take place just six times a year. If you can’t make it to a tournament, there’s also the option to go to a sumo exhibition or morning practice. All the details you need are in our guide to sumo in Japan .

Baseball is an altogether more modern affair. A Japanese take on an American classic, the games are lively but very friendly, with enthusiastic fans singing and cheering in unison virtually non-stop from beginning to end. Players often have personal fight songs, and each team has unique celebrations involving props such as balloons and mini umbrellas.

Games happen several days a week during the season, and tickets can be purchased online, at the stadium, or from convenience stores.

10. Take a Walk in the Woods

It may come as a bit of a surprise, but Japan is roughly 68% forested and 73% mountainous – making it very easy to escape the noise and lights of the city to spend quality time in nature. So grab your hiking shoes and a bento box lunch, and get out there!

Japanese culture emphasizes harmony with and appreciation for the natural world, and hiking is a popular pastime for people of all ages. In pretty much any city, you’ll find easily accessible and scenic trails to explore. From challenging mountain peaks – including the iconic Fuji-san – to stunning riverside walks, there’s something to suit all abilities and preferences. Plus it’s a great way to burn off the calories from all the delicious food you’ll be eating!

Next up, it’s time to prepare for your trip! Here are a few key things to think about before you leave home, from necessities like passports and currency, to packing advice and more.

11. Check Passports and Visas

A crucial part of any overseas travel!

Your passport should have at least six months’ validity from the end date of your visit, and two to four blank visa pages are recommended.

When it comes to visas, you might not need one – citizens of these countries can enter Japan without a tourist visa, usually for 90 days. Always check with the Japanese Embassy for the most up-to-date information before you travel.

We also recommend getting comprehensive travel insurance for your trip, to plan for the unexpected.

12. Learn Some Key Japanese Phrases 

First of all – don’t panic! It’s entirely possible to travel around Japan without knowing the language. Most Japanese people speak a little bit of English, and you’ll find plenty of English-language signage in big cities and popular tourist locations.

Having said that, learning a few Japanese phrases can significantly enhance your overall travel experience in Japan. It’s a rich and fascinating language, and Japanese people really appreciate tourists making an effort to learn it – even if only the most basic of phrases!

Download the Boutique Japan Tiny Phrasebook to get started with some carefully-selected words and phrases.

13. Decide Whether to Buy a Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass is a discounted train pass offered exclusively to tourists. It gives you unlimited travel on most JR trains – including the shinkansen (bullet train) – for periods of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days.

It sounds like a great deal, and if you’re making multiple long-distance journeys it may save you money on travel. However, depending on your itinerary and preferences, it might not be the best option. Our short guide to the Japan Rail Pass can help you decide.

14. Travel with Plenty of Yen

Despite its hi-tech reputation, Japan is a very cash-oriented society – so bring plenty with you!

Many bars, markets, small shops, and local restaurants only accept payment in cash, particularly in rural areas. You will probably need to carry more hard currency than you’re used to. Luckily, Japan is very safe, so you can feel comfortable doing so.

Ideally, you should purchase yen in your home country, but you can also exchange money in Japan at the airport, and at currency exchanges in any big city. Alternatively, more and more ATMs are starting to accept international cards – especially those in convenience stores. Before you go, get the complete lowdown on cash, cards, and ATMs in Japan .

Don’t forget to let your bank and credit/debit card provider know that you’ll be abroad to help ensure you can use your cards while you’re away. If you’re not sure exactly how much yen to bring, check out our article: Is Japan expensive ?

15. Pack Light

Navigating Japan is much easier when you only have a small, easily portable bag or suitcase to contend with, particularly if you’re visiting a number of different destinations.

Can’t pack light? Skip ahead to the Luggage Forwarding section below .

Most trains have only a small amount of space for luggage, and even on the shinkansen there is no guarantee that you’ll find a space for a massive suitcase. Besides, stations are often crowded, making it awkward to navigate with large bags. You may even find yourself dragging bags up and down stairs if you can’t find an elevator or escalator.

If possible, limit yourself to a backpack and a small rolling suitcase – and remember to save room for souvenirs, because Japan is truly a shopper’s paradise!

16. Remember the Essentials!

We’ve already mentioned passports, yen, and weather-appropriate clothing, but there are a few more essentials you don’t want to forget:

• A small towel and some hand sanitizer: Some public bathrooms in Japan don’t have soap, hand towels, or dryers.
• Travel adaptors: Most of Japan’s electrical outlets are 2-pronged “Type A” (100 Volt, 50-60 Hz), so if your devices have a different style of plug, make sure you bring an appropriate adaptor.
• Small gifts from home: These are wonderful for giving to guides and other people you meet during your travels in Japan. Local specialties are ideal!

Check out our complete guide to packing for Japan for more advice on what to bring and what to leave at home.

17. Rent Pocket Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is not as readily available in Japan as you might expect, so we strongly recommend getting a pocket Wi-Fi device for the duration of your stay. Pocket Wi-Fi is a small, mobile hotspot that allows you to connect to the internet from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone pretty much anywhere in the country.

It’s best to order one well in advance, and either collect it at the airport or have it sent to your first hotel. Most companies will also give you the option to rent a Japanese mobile phone or SIM card for your existing phone (if it’s unlocked), which can save you from paying exorbitant prices if you need to make local calls.

For more information and recommended providers, take a look at our Wi-Fi and Mobile in Japan page.

18. Download Some Useful Apps

If you’re opting for Pocket Wi-Fi, you may as well use it to make your trip go smoothly!

Numerous apps can be helpful during your time in Japan, but here are a few to get you started:

• Google Translate : It won’t always give you perfect translations, but it’s useful when trying to negotiate the language barrier.
• Japanese-English dictionary apps: There are plenty to choose from, including Imiwa? and Japanese . A dictionary app can be useful for looking up individual words quickly.
• Hyperdia : This app (and the associated website) enable you to search Japanese train routes and timetables across the country in English. Combined with specific transportation apps for the cities you’re visiting (like a Tokyo subway app), you’ll have no trouble getting around.
• Google Maps : This is invaluable for navigating your way through Japan’s sometimes labyrinthine streets. The general lack of road names can make finding restaurants and bars by address difficult, whereas Google Maps will lead you straight to the door.

Now that you’re all prepared, here are some things to keep in mind once you arrive in Japan. A mix of travel hacks and insider advice, they’ll help ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible:

19. Get an IC Card

If there’s one thing that will add convenience to your time in Japan, this is it.

IC cards are rechargeable credit-card-sized passes that can be used to pay fares on various public transport networks with a single tap (like London’s Oyster card and New York City’s MetroCard). With one of these, you won’t have to worry about which ticket to buy or how much the fare will be — just tap and go.

Be aware that you will need to purchase paper tickets for the shinkansen and limited express/special express trains. For more information, here’s a dedicated article on train travel in Japan .

What’s great about Japan’s IC cards is that they can be used in other cities, besides the one where you purchased it. For example, Tokyo’s PASMO card can also be used in Kyoto. Plus you can use them to pay for drinks and snacks at most convenience stores and vending machines – it doesn’t get much more convenient!

20. Forward or Store Your Luggage

If you haven’t managed to pack light – or if you’ve purchased many souvenirs – you might find traveling around Japan with a large suitcase a bit awkward.

Luckily, Japan has an answer to your problem: ship your bags separately with the wonderful takuhaibin luggage forwarding service . This overnight service (longer if you’re shipping to airports or far-flung destinations like Okinawa and Hokkaido where ferry travel is involved) will have your bags ready and waiting for you when you arrive. Your hotel or ryokan will be happy to make arrangements for you.

Alternatively, if you only need somewhere to store your bags for a few hours, you can make use of Japan’s numerous coin lockers. Commonly found at train stations and shopping malls, coin lockers are safe, affordable, and convenient places to leave your bags during a day of sightseeing.

21. Take Advantage of Conbini (Convenience Stores)

Japan’s legendary convenience stores – known locally as conbini – make life for travelers and locals really, well, convenient!

In conbini , you can find ATMs to withdraw cash using your overseas credit or debit card, and arrange luggage forwarding if you’re staying somewhere like an AirBnB rather than a hotel. They offer a surprising array of food, drinks, and snacks, including reasonably priced coffee. On top of this, they sell a fantastic range of travel goods and toiletries in case you forget something.

You can also buy tickets for events like baseball games, and attractions such as Universal Studios Japan in conbini . You can even pay for domestic flights and bus tickets, although not always in English.

The best bit – there’s one on pretty much every corner.

22. Take Your Litter Home

For such a clean country, Japan has surprisingly few rubbish bins.

You’ll find them in places like convenience stores and train stations, but there are hardly any on the street. Apart from sometimes next to vending machines or in public areas like parks, you won’t see many places to dispose of trash. You may find yourself holding on to your litter for much longer than you expect – perhaps even until you get back to your hotel.

You can prepare for this by bringing a plastic bag or reusable tote with you to store rubbish while you’re out and about. It’s a small tip, but can make all the difference when you’ve got a handful of litter and nowhere to put it!

Incidentally, more and more Japanese supermarkets are starting to charge a couple of yen for grocery bags, so bringing your own can save you some cash – and the environment.

23. Avoid Crowds by Timing Your Sightseeing Right

It’s no secret that many of Japan’s top sightseeing spots can get pretty crowded. Kyoto , in particular, is known for attracting huge numbers of tourists to its most famous locations, including the stunning Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji.

To avoid the worst of the crowds, consider timing your visit to coincide with quieter times of day, namely early morning or late evening. The sights are just as stunning, but you’ll have to share them with far fewer people. Perfect!

Japanese people don’t expect travelers to know all of their customs inside out — don’t sweat it too much. As long as you’re respectful, you’ll be forgiven for making an etiquette mistake or two! However, a little effort goes a long way, so here are some Japanese etiquette pointers .

24. Think Before You Tip

Tipping is pretty much unheard of in Japan, despite the phenomenal level of customer service. In fact, if you try to leave a tip, it will almost definitely be turned down – making for a potentially awkward moment.

If you want to show your appreciation to someone like a private guide or interpreter, one alternative is to bring a small gift from your home country. If you feel strongly about offering a monetary tip, be sure to do so in a manner that matches Japan’s tipping etiquette to avoid causing embarrassment or appearing crass.

25. Take Off Your Shoes

Before entering homes, ryokan , certain temples, traditional restaurants, and any area with tatami matting, you will need to take off your shoes. It’s advisable to wear shoes that slip on and off easily because you’ll be doing this a lot!

Some places provide indoor slippers for you to wear, but this won’t always be the case. For instance, on tatami it’s generally best to wear socks in order to protect the matting. As such, it’s a good idea to wear decent, hole-free socks – or bring a pair with you if you’re not wearing any.

Generally speaking, it will be obvious when you need to remove your shoes: look for indicators like a lower entrance hall, tatami flooring, slippers laid out on the floor, and shoe storage shelves. If in doubt, just ask.

26. Watch Out For Bathroom Slippers

During your travels in Japan, you may notice that certain places, like homes and ryokan, have slippers exclusively for use in the bathroom.

When you enter the bathroom, leave your regular slippers outside the door and switch to the bathroom slippers. These should only be worn in the bathroom, so don’t forget to change back when you leave. This common faux pas might result in you being greeted by (friendly) laughter from the locals!

27. Familiarize Yourself with the Toilet Buttons!

Speaking of bathrooms, Japan is well known for its fancy toilets, which have an array of buttons to control various features. These functions can include small and large flushes, a bidet, a dryer, and an automatic lid opener.

Sometimes the controls are labeled in English as well as Japanese, but more often than not, you’ll be left to decipher the pictures and kanji characters yourself. The icons should be reasonably self-explanatory, but if you’re feeling nervous about it, you can search for a sample image online.

28. Taxi Doors

Japan is famous for technology and efficiency, so it should come as no surprise that taxi doors open automatically.

When you hail a taxi, the driver will pull up, and the rear door will automatically open for you to get in. Once inside, it will close again automatically behind you.

It’s just a tiny thing to be aware of, but one that might save you a bit of a surprise!

29. To Bow or Not to Bow

Bowing is one of the most commonly seen Japanese customs, and it’s used in a wide variety of situations, including greeting people, thanking someone, and apologizing. As a general rule of thumb, the deeper the bow, the more respectful it is.

Don’t worry if you feel uncomfortable at first. Most Japanese people know that bowing is uncommon in the west, and they won’t be scrutinizing your efforts! If you’d prefer to shake hands instead, that will most likely be fine too.

30. Smoking in Japan

If you’re a smoker, you’ll probably find that Japan is more lenient than your home country when it comes to cigarettes. Many traditional restaurants and bars still permit smoking inside. Train stations and other public areas often have an indoor smoking room where you can go to light up. Be careful on the street though, as smoking is usually not permitted on busy sidewalks – instead, you’ll need to look for a designated smoking area.

If you’re a non-smoker, you may well find the situation in Japan a little frustrating. However, an increasing number of bars and restaurants are thankfully choosing to make their premises smoke-free. A quick check of their website or signs in the window should help you find non-smoking establishments.

31. Cover Your Tattoos

In Japan, there is still an association between tattoos and organized crime. As a foreigner, you’re unlikely to be mistaken for a member of the yakuza. However, you might need to cover up your tattoos if you want to use public facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, and onsen (hot spring baths).

If your tattoos are too big or awkward to cover, don’t worry. You can always use a private onsen or search online for a tattoo-friendly one. These are becoming more common nowadays, particularly among establishments looking to cater to overseas visitors.

32. Be Respectful on Public Transport

Japanese society is known for its emphasis on politeness, and one of the places this is most apparent is the train network. Conductors bow to you, carriages are spotlessly clean, and departures are so punctual you can set your watch by them.

Keep these simple pointers in mind, and you’ll fit right in:

• Don’t talk on your phone on public transport. If you need to make or answer a call on the train, you can do so in the small compartments between carriages.
• Queue in the designated areas. On the train platform, you will usually see painted lines, numbers, and symbols on the ground indicating where to wait. And of course, let people off the train before trying to board.
• Enjoy it! Take photos out the window, recline your seat on the shinkansen , grab a delicious bento box lunch from the station or beverage cart. Trains are a great place to relax as you glide seamlessly to your next destination.

33. Use the Money Tray

In Japan, money is rarely passed directly from hand to hand.

When you’re purchasing something in a shop, restaurant, or bar, you’ll often notice a small tray next to the cash register. It might be on the counter or attached to the cash register itself. You should place your money or credit/debit card in the tray, instead of handing it to the cashier.

The cashier will usually place your change in the money tray after completing the transaction. The same system operates when paying for services in places like hotels, cinemas, and onsen.

Another common practice for exchanging money is to place cash in an envelope, rather than passing it openly, and using both hands to pass it.

Japan Travel Tips: Eating and drinking

Japan really is a foodie’s paradise. From Michelin-standard delights to authentic local cuisine, it more than deserves its reputation as a top culinary mecca. Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of Japan’s edible delights during your trip:

34. Try All the Food!

This may seem like a bit of an obvious point, but it’s still one travel tip worth making.

For a truly high-end experience, you’ll want to splurge on a multi-course, seasonal kaiseki meal – or the vegan/vegetarian version known as shojin ryori . To sample an eclectic variety of Japanese food in one place, head to an izakaya . These casual Japanese-style gastropubs are a must-visit, and one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in local culture.

From well-known classics such as sushi and ramen to lesser-known but no less delicious dishes like soba and karaage there is a wealth of mouthwatering Japanese foods to try .

On top of this, there are countless local specialties to enjoy as you visit different cities. So if your itinerary includes several destinations, be sure to investigate! To get you started, check out our recommendations for must-eat foods in Kyoto , foods in Osaka , and foods in Fukuoka .

35. Brush Up on Your Chopstick Etiquette

Even if you consider yourself an expert with chopsticks, you might not be aware of some etiquette to keep in mind while using them:

A must for all the food you’re going to be trying!

• Never point your chopsticks at another person, wave them in the air, or spear food with them.
• Don’t stick your chopsticks into a bowl of rice, or pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks, as this is reminiscent of funeral rites.
• When serving yourself from a communal dish, use the opposite end of your chopsticks (not the end you put in your mouth) to serve yourself.

If you can’t use chopsticks don’t worry – you can always ask for a knife and fork.

36. Plan Ahead if You Have Dietary Requirements

Contrary to popular belief, traveling through Japan with special dietary requirements is definitely possible – if you plan ahead.

It is, unfortunately, true that dietary restrictions are not as well understood in Japan as in some other countries, and they cannot always be accommodated. However, following this advice will make your life much easier:

• To prevent misunderstandings, convey what you can and can’t eat specifically (rather than just stating that you are vegan or gluten-free, for example).
• Give plenty of advance notice when asking a restaurant or ryokan to alter their menu, as it will take time and preparation.
• ‘I’m allergic to ___.’
• ‘I can’t eat ___.’
• ‘Does this contain ___?’
• Research, research, research! The internet is a goldmine of information and advice for travelers with dietary requirements in Japan . There is an ever-increasing number of websites about being vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free/etc. in Japan, which can be absolute life-savers.

37. Go Sake Tasting

No list of Japan travel tips would be complete without a little sake!

If you’re not an expert, the best way to gain an appreciation for sake is quite simply to drink it. If you’re unsure of where to start, try a sake tasting experience or go on a brewery tour for a crash course. Another option is to ask the bar or restaurant staff for their recommendations.

One thing to bear in mind is that in Japanese, the word ‘sake’ refers to all alcoholic drinks in general. Use the word ‘nihonshu’ when you order, and you’re sure to impress! If you’re drinking with a group, always fill up other people’s glasses, not your own – and they’ll do the same for you.

For a longer primer on Japan’s national tipple, take a look at our Sake 101 guide. For something a little different, consider branching out into shochu .

Incidentally, while Japan might be best known for sake, it also has an internationally-acclaimed whisky industry . There are several Japanese whisky distilleries across the country that you can visit for a glimpse behind the scenes and a tasting, as well as a plethora of specialty whisky bars.

38. Attend a Tea Ceremony

Japan is home to one of the world’s most venerable tea cultures, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the traditional tea ceremony.

Participating in tea ceremonies is a wonderfully Japanese experience. Conducted using matcha – a high-quality, finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea plants – it is not simply a way to learn more about preparing and serving tea. The ceremony is also a chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy authentic Japanese hospitality.

You won’t be expected to know the etiquette of the tea ceremony – after all, that’s part of what you’re there to learn! Just remember to wear nice socks and comfortable clothes, as you’ll likely be in a tatami room and therefore have to remove your shoes and sit on the floor.

39. Don’t Restrict Yourself to Just Matcha!

Matcha might be the most famous, but it’s certainly not the only tea in Japan that you can explore.

If you’re a tea lover, be sure to take the opportunity to try all the varieties of tea on offer. From grassy sencha and top quality gyokuro , to roasted hojicha and brown rice-laden genmaicha , Japan has a tea for every taste and occasion. Besides tea ceremonies, you can visit tea houses for tastings, and even tea plantations for tours.

Tea leaves also make an ideal souvenir, enabling you to bring a taste of Japan back home with you.

Not a fan of tea? Japan also has a booming specialty coffee scene , so be sure to check it out if a cup of joe is more your style.

Looking for More Authentic Japanese Experiences?

Hopefully, these Japan travel tips have helped you in planning and preparing for your trip.

Whether you usually plan your own trips, or normally work with a destination expert, planning a trip to Japan can seem overwhelming at times.

At Boutique Japan, our specialty is crafting completely customized trips for travelers seeking unique, authentic experiences.

If you are interested in learning more about working with us, please feel free to explore our trip planning process .

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• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
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First-Time Visitor Info

• Plan Your Trip

Smooth your way with a little forward planning

It is easy to feel a little overwhelmed and disoriented when you visit Japan for the first time, so find out the basics before you fly and get acquainted with the country through our helping you plan guide.

Learn a little more about Japan's customs, culture and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as its seasonal weather, geography and luggage delivery options. Many of the questions first-time travelers might have are answered here, along with insider tips and practical advice to help you navigate the country with confidence.

Japan's official language is Japanese, but English is generally understood in major cities and designated tourist sites.

All of Japan sits within the same time zone, and no daylight saving is practiced. The country is nine hours ahead of GMT.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

Wireless hotspots are popping up all over major cities in Japan, so you should never be too far from a Wi-Fi connection.

Plugs & Electricity

Japan uses two flat parallel prong plugs. For guaranteed charging of your electrical necessities, purchase a plug adapter beforehand.

The Japanese yen is used throughout the country and you can exchange foreign currency at the airports and most major banks.

Tax-Free Shopping

Visitors to Japan are eligible for tax exemption on many consumer goods. The process of receiving your tax back can vary from store to store.

Tipping is not practiced in Japan. In fact, it can cause discomfort and confusion if you do. A service charge is generally added on to the final bill in restaurants.

Credit Cards

Even though Japan is a cash-centric country, credit cards are usually accepted in most shops, restaurants and taxis in major cities.

Weather (When to Visit)

The weather in Japan can vary wildly depending on where you are traveling to. Find out the best times to visit and what to pack.

Please check the latest information on Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website or contact the Japanese embassy/consulate in your country/region of residence.

International Tourist Tax

Visitors to Japan pay a 1,000 yen departure tax to expand and enhance the country’s tourist infrastructure—a small tax that will make a significant difference.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a visitor hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Customs & Duty

The Japan Customs official page is your most trustworthy source to answer any questions or queries related to Japanese customs and duty.

IC Travel Cards

Make your journeys as smooth as the public transportation you will ride on by purchasing a chargeable IC travel card.

Drinking Water

While bottled water is readily available all over Japan—including in the infinite vending machines—the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

Luggage Storage & Delivery

If you don't wish to haul your luggage around with you, drop your bags and cases off at the delivery service kiosks located at the airports.

Tips for Budget Travels

To stretch your yen as far as possible, research into discounted travel and accommodation, as well as eating options that won't break the bank.

Staying Safe in Japan

If you do find yourself in a situation that requires serious help, dial 110 for an urgent call to the police and 119 for fire or ambulance.

Your embassy is there to help and support you if you should need it. Make sure you know how to get in touch.

Custom & Manners

Following a general travelers code of respect for the people you meet and places you visit will stand you in good stead.

Make sure you are aware of the local laws in Japan as ignorance is not accepted as a valid line of defense.

Business Hours & Holidays

Avoid closed doors and fully-booked hotels by finding out the Japanese business hours for major businesses, services, and facilities, and the dates of the major holidays.

Download a selection of apps to make your trip to Japan run even smoother. Choose from a list of all-round, navigation, sightseeing and accommodation applications.

Postal Services

Instead of just an email, send a postcard back home to let friends and family know about your Japanese adventure.

Telephone Calls

While modern technology enables you to connect with friends and family around the world from the palm of your hand, there still might be times when you need to make use of public telephones.

Book your stay in Japan through one of these useful sites offering a wide range of accommodation options.

At major train stations, airports, and hotels, as well as in most newer shopping centers and theaters in the city, the disabled traveler or wheelchair user should have little trouble getting from place to place.

Traveling With Children

Traveling to Japan with children may seem like a daunting prospect and something best avoided, however, the country is surprisingly accessible.

Japan continues to enhance its hospitality for Muslim travelers through the introduction of Muslim-friendly facilities.

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9 Tips for Your First Trip to Japan

Rail passes, airport choices, accommodation info, & more

Traveling somewhere new comes with a wide mix of emotions – there's often excitement and anticipation of what's to come, combined with some trepidation or anxiousness about being in a completely different country.

Often, that trepidation or anxiety can be eased when you know what to expect, so we've put together a beginners guide to Japan. The goal of this compilation is to answer some of the questions we regularly receive via our social media channels, plus some things our own staff would have liked to know when they first came to Japan!

Where to fly into?

One of the first things to consider when heading to Japan is where you'll be flying into. Many first timers opt to head to Tokyo, which is served by two international airports – Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). Something that visitors aren't often aware of is the difference in distance between them. Haneda is located under 20 kilometers from popular tourist areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya, whereas Narita is located in Chiba Prefecture about 80 kilometers away from the heart of Tokyo. Factor this in when you book your flights!

Transport Tips

A question we receive quite regularly is "should I get a JR Rail Pass or not?", and the answer really comes down to how much ground you plan on covering. At the time of writing, the price of a 7 day rail pass is close to 30,000 JPY, and the 14 day pass is just over 47,000 JPY. When you compare the price to a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto at 13,320 JPY for an unreserved seat, you can see that the pass pays for itself fairly quickly if you're chalking up some kilometers.

If you're basing your stay in Tokyo, one economical way to get around is the Tokyo Metro one-day pass. Priced at ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children, the pass includes unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro lines for 24 hours from its first use. The passes can be purchased in advance or on the day, with on the day tickets available via ticket machines at all Tokyo Metro stations.

Getting yourself a PASMO or Suica card is another good option if you're predominantly staying in the one locale. These tap-and-go electronic money cards can be used on train and bus networks, plus they can be used as a means of payment at convenience stores, many vending machines, and even some retail outlets. You can find more information about PASMO cards here, and more information about Suica cards here.

Something to note when you disembark at a train station is which exit you should head out from. Many stations have numerous exits, and heading out the wrong one can put you on the opposite side of where you need to be. We recommend checking a map before randomly picking any exit, so you can be closest to your intended destination.

Some people opt to rent a car for their Japan travels, and this guide on our site covers some of the basics you need to know if you're intending to do that. It's also helpful to know how to fuel up a vehicle, and we've got an instruction guide for that here.

Cash or Card?

Unlike some destinations, Japan still has many stores and restaurants that don't offer card payment facilities. Because of this, it's useful to keep some cash on you to avoid being caught out.

While on the topic of cash, Japan doesn't have a culture or custom of tipping. If you do leave cash on a cafe or restaurant table as a tip, it's likely you'll have a staff member chase you down the street to return your money!

Which accommodation option to choose?

Accommodation options in Japan run the gamut, from size to price. Some types to consider include:

• Capsule Hotels: these are small, pod-like structures that basically fit a bed mattress and not much else. At these hotels, bathroom facilities are communal, so keep that in mind if you would prefer more privacy. Capsule hotels can be a great option for solo travelers on a budget, and there are capsule hotel chains who offer male-only or female-only lodging if you would prefer that.
• Business Hotels: There are several different business hotel chains in Japan, including the likes of APA, Route Inn, and Dormy Inn to name just a few. They are typically small in size but clean and conveniently located near stations to cater to their business clientele.
• Love Hotels: Despite their reputation for being places for some *ahem* quality time, love hotels can serve as an inexpensive, clean, and convenient place to stay. Many love hotels offer automated self check-in and check-out options, which is great if you intend to arrive or leave outside standard hours. Some also have quirky decor themes which can be fun if you're looking for something unique.
• Minshuku: Often referred to as Japan's bed and breakfast option, minshuku are a way to enjoy an authentic Japanese experience with your stay. Something to note about minshuku is that it's common for bathroom facilities to be shared between others staying there, so be sure to check when booking if this is something that would bother you.
• International Hotel Chains: There are also numerous international hotel chains to choose from, including the likes of Hilton, Marriott, and Westin to name just a few. If you're after familiarity when it comes to your accommodation, these chains can be a good option.
• Ryokan: these are traditional Japanese inns, and usually come with meals (primarily breakfast and dinner) included with the room rate. If you have allergies or intolerances, it's recommended to advise your ryokan of this ahead of time so they can work to accommodate your preferences.

Best time of year to visit

It's important to mention that the best time of year is going to be different for everyone based on their own personal interests. For instance, one person may hate the cold, another may adore skiing and snowboarding – so winter might be great for one traveler and not so much for others!

Weather-wise, two of the most pleasant times of year to visit are spring and autumn. They're also two times of year with some stunning natural beauty to enjoy in the form of cherry blossoms and changing leaves respectively.

Something to keep in mind when planning your visit is Japan's schedule of national holidays. One time of year that can present challenges for travelers is Golden Week , a string of public holidays running from April 29th until May 5th annually. During this period, many people travel to visit family or plan their own getaways, meaning that roads are congested, trains and flights are often booked well in advance, and accommodation options are often more expensive during this peak timeframe.

What does Japan think about ink? Long story short, tattoos have associations with yakuza (organized crime syndicate members) here, and tattoos are often still prohibited at places like onsen (hot springs), water parks, and even some public beaches.

If you do have tattoos, there are a couple of options. First, if your tattoos are small, some people opt to cover them with waterproof band-aids and try their luck. A safer approach is to visit places that have a more open mindset regarding tattoos, and using a website like Tattoo Friendly Japan to help narrow down those destinations is useful.

If you are particularly enthusiastic about visiting an onsen, opting for a private one can be a stress-free approach with respect to both tattoos and then idea of being naked around a bunch of strangers – the latter is quite an adjustment for visitors from certain countries.

What to do if you're an early riser

One thing becomes apparent in Japan very quickly – many places (cafes, restaurants, supermarkets) don't open until 10am or later. This is where convenience stores come in handy! Three of the major convenience store chains here are 7-11, Lawson, and Family Mart, and they're places where you can grab a morning coffee or tea, full meals and snacks, toiletries, and plenty more.

Once you're fueled up for the day, temples, shrines, and parks are good options to explore bright and early. These places are often open 24 hours (although not in all cases, so be sure to Google your intended destination to double check!) and can provide a serene and culture-filled start to your morning.

Helpful apps and websites

With most of us traveling with smartphones in our pockets, downloading a few apps ahead of time can be particularly handy. Some that we'd recommend include:

• Google Maps – a must for getting from A to B, pinning spots you'd like to visit, and even working out which trains to catch. Pop your departing station and arriving station into the app, tap the transit icon, and voilà – you've got the routes right in front of you.
• Google Translate – this comes in super handy for things like deciphering restaurant menus or being able to ask someone for help if you don't speak Japanese. If you download the offline version ahead of time you'll still be able to translate things without an internet connection.
• Gurunavi – this website makes picking somewhere to eat a breeze. You can filter by the area you're visiting and the type of cuisine you're seeking, and it will provide a variety of results. There is also an app version, but at the time of writing it is only available in Japanese.
• Halal Friendly Japan – if you're Muslim and looking for halal eateries during your visit, download Halal Friendly Japan. The app helps you find halal restaurants and cafes based on your destination.
• Happy Cow – This website (also available in app form) is useful for vegan and vegetarian travelers looking for plant-based places to eat.

Staying connected on your visit

Another regular question we get asked is how to stay connected during your travels. There are two main options – SIM cards or portable WiFi devices – and there are several companies that provide those services. For sim cards, Mobal is one convenient choice, and they offer various plan lengths with different features.

Portable WiFi is another popular way to stay online, and there are numerous companies that offer these devices. Checking the website of the airport you're flying into can be helpful in establishing where to find either SIM card providers or portable WiFi devices, for instance:

• Tokyo Haneda SIM + Portable Wifi Services
• Tokyo Narita SIM + Portable Wifi Services
• Kansai Airport SIM + Portable Wifi Services
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19 Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan

This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there are definitely some things to know before traveling to Japan that will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. After spending an unforgettable 10 days in Japan , I’ve gathered some essential tips to help you navigate your trip. Whether it’s navigating the train system or brushing up on Japanese etiquette, here’s everything we wish we knew before we landed. Get ready to make the most out of your trip to Japan!

Table of Contents

Things to know before traveling to Japan

1. chances are, you won’t need a jr pass.

Buying a Japan Rail Pass in advance used to be a great way to save money, but since the price hike in October 2023 (around a 70% increase), it’s no longer the steal it once was. For most visitors, the cost of the JR Pass now outweighs the benefits. If you’re sticking to one or two regions or mainly staying within a city like Tokyo, you’ll find other options much more affordable and convenient.

2. Transportation in Japan is super efficient—grab a Suica card

Getting around Japan is pretty easy thanks to its incredibly efficient public transportation system. Whether you’re using trains, buses, or even taxis, everything runs on time and is easy to navigate. Your best friend will be a Suica card . You can load it with money and use it on public transport, at vending machines, and even in convenience stores—making your travels stress-free and cash-free!

If you have an iPhone, you can add the Suica card directly to your Apple Wallet, making it incredibly easy to use and reload—just tap your phone at the train gates (the card doesn’t even have to be up on your screen!)!

For Android users, picking up a physical Suica card at a train station is the way to go. It’s super convenient not just for subways and buses, but also at some vending machines and convenience stores.

3. Download an eSIM for easy connectivity

Staying connected in Japan is easier than ever with eSIMs . You can download them before you arrive, and once you land, you’re instantly connected—no need to hunt for a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi. We found it super convenient for navigating and staying in touch while hopping between different cities. No hassle, no interruptions!

📱Grab your eSIM in advance📱

Choose from various options for duration and data amounts to find the perfect eSIM plan for your needs.

4. Book things in advance—even if it’s not your style

I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of booking things too far ahead—I prefer some flexibility. But in Japan booking in advance is a must for popular attractions. Some things can book up weeks ahead. If you want to do things like Shibuya Sky or a tea ceremony in Kyoto , make sure to plan ahead!

5. Trash cans are rare—be prepared

One surprising thing about Japan: trash cans are hard to come by. Most people carry their trash with them until they find a place to throw it away, like their hotel or a convenience store. Keep a little space in your bag for any wrappers or bottles until you spot a Family Mart or 7-Eleven where you can dispose of them.

6. Convenience stores are a must-visit

Speaking of 7-Eleven and Family Mart , these convenience stores are a total treasure trove of unique snacks you won’t find back home. From savory rice balls (onigiri) to peach-flavored everything , you’ll find yourself popping in just to try something new. My personal favorites were the peach ice cream balls and sour peach gummies —seriously, I stocked up every chance I got.

And of course, you can’t skip out on the iconic fruit sandwiches . Made with fluffy white bread, whipped cream, and fresh seasonal fruit, they’re a perfect blend of light and sweet. Grab one for a quick snack while exploring—you won’t regret it! And yes, your Suica card works here too!

7. Enjoy the bidet life!

Prepare yourself for a delightful surprise in Japanese restrooms—almost every toilet is equipped with a bidet! It’s a treat you didn’t know you needed, complete with options for warm water and sometimes even music to keep you entertained.

8. Be prepared for the weather

Japan’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly! Layers are key, as temperatures can fluctuate, and a raincoat is a must if you’re traveling during the rainy season (June-July). I didn’t bring an umbrella, but many hotels offer them for free, and I picked one up for just $3 at a local shop.

You’ll also find convenient umbrella racks outside stores and restaurants where you can leave your umbrella while you shop or dine.

9. Cash is still king—but cards are widely accepted

While credit cards are commonly accepted, especially in cities, having some cash on hand is essential. Many local restaurants, markets, and smaller shops prefer cash. Tipping is not customary in Japan, so don’t worry about leaving extra. It’s all part of the culture and ensures a straightforward dining and shopping experience.

10. Cultural etiquette

Japanese etiquette is an important part of the travel experience. Eating while walking or on public transportation, like subways, is generally frowned upon. The public spaces are typically quiet, and people tend to keep conversations low. However, you can enjoy food on trains like the Shinkansen (bullet train) or reserved-seat limited-express trains. Respecting these norms helps you blend in and enjoy a more authentic experience.

Also, always take off your shoes before entering someone’s home or certain traditional accommodations, like ryokan. Familiarize yourself with these customs to avoid any faux pas!

11. Embrace the food

Japan is a food lover’s paradise . It even has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world ! But you don’t need to splurge on a star-studded meal to experience the country’s culinary excellence.

Dive into local markets, where you can sample a mind-blowing variety of dishes—often including unique creations you might never have imagined yourself trying. From street food stalls to bustling food markets, let your taste buds be your guide and enjoy all of the rich and diverse flavors that make Japan’s food scene truly extraordinary.

12. Use Klook for easy bookings

For a hassle-free experience, consider using Klook for booking tickets and activities . While I usually use Viator or GetYourGuide, Klook is incredibly popular in Asia, and it was my go-to for booking activities in Japan. As I mentioned earlier, I even used  Klook to get my eSIM , which was super easy and convenient! 

13. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen

Japan’s climate can be quite diverse depending on the season and region, but it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated and use sunscreen. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters might be chilly, so adjusting your hydration and sun protection routines is crucial.

14. Book accommodation near a train station

When choosing where to stay, aim for a hotel close to a train station. This strategic choice will make navigating the city much easier, saving you time and simplifying your travels (nobody wants to be dragging their luggage for blocks).

15. Traveling with family? Consider room size and booking challenges

Traveling with a family can come with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to booking accommodations. For example, when we traveled as a family of four, we found that most hotels accommodated three guests per room, often with a king bed, which meant booking two rooms was usually necessary.

This can limit your options and make planning a bit trickier. Additionally, rooms in Japan tend to be on the smaller side, so it might be best to have separate rooms, as it’s a bit more comfortable than squeezing everyone into one space. Keep these considerations in mind when planning your stay!

16. Pack light, but smart

Japan’s train stations and streets can be a maze of stairs, and lugging around a heavy suitcase is no fun. Packing light is key! Consider using a small suitcase or a backpack for city-to-city travel. Remember, you can always pick up toiletries and other essentials in the country’s countless convenience stores.

I was beyond impressed with myself when I was able to pack for 10 days in Japan and 3 days in Seoul with just a carry-on and personal item! I swear this backpack has been an absolute game-changer in my travels.

17. Learn basic Japanese phrases

While many people in Japan speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can go a long way. Simple greetings like “Konnichiwa” (Hello) or “Arigatou” (Thank you) will be appreciated and can make interactions smoother. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, making an effort to speak Japanese can enhance your travel experience and show respect for the local culture.

18. Use train station lockers for convenience

Many train stations in Japan offer lockers where you can securely store your belongings for the day. This is especially handy if you’re traveling between accommodations or simply don’t want to carry all your luggage around while exploring. It’s a great way to travel light and enjoy your day without the hassle of dragging your bags with you.

Lockers came in handy for us when we spent a night in Fujikawaguchiko . Our check-out was at 11 AM and we wanted to spend more time in the charming town, so the lockers definitely came in handy.

We actually went down a street or two from the train station and found even cheaper lockers.

19. Plan Shinkansen bookings wisely

For peak seasons like cherry blossom season or Golden Week, booking your inter-city Shinkansen tickets in advance is essential. Outside of these busy times, it’s often okay to book a day before or even on the day of travel.

We spent the summer in Japan and were fine booking all of our Shinkansen tickets on the day of.

Are you ready for your amazing trip to Japan?!

And there you have it—19 things to know before traveling to Japan! I hope this blog post has helped you feel more prepared for your trip to Japan and excited about all the incredible experiences awaiting you. Did any of these tips surprise you, or is there something I might have missed? Drop me a comment and let me know your thoughts!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Japan blog posts:

2 days in Tokyo

3 day Tokyo itinerary

Destiny Snyder is a passionate travel blogger and content creator based in the Tampa Bay area. Originally from a small town near Toledo, Ohio, Destiny's love for exploring new places began when she moved to Florida in 2017. She enjoys uncovering hidden gems, sharing insider tips on the best things to do, places to eat, and coffee shops to visit in every destination. With her blog Guided by Destiny and niche sites Sunkissed in Tampa and Sunkissed in St. Pete, Destiny aims to make trip planning stress-free and fun for her readers.

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The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

I’ve yet to meet a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan . It’s just one of those countries that everyone loves. How can you not? The food is carefully crafted and delicious; the history and culture are both rich and long; the landscape breathtaking; and the people super friendly and polite.

Japan remains one of my favorite countries. No matter how long I visit, it’s never enough. I always leave wanting more.

But the country always seems forbidding to many travelers. It definitely still has that “exotic” stereotype that makes people think it’s hard to travel around.

Where should you go? What should you include in your Japan itinerary? Should you buy a JR Pass to help you get around?

To help you out, here are a few suggested itineraries based on my years of visiting that will ensure you see the best sites on your Japan trip — as well as get off the beaten path and get a real sense of Japanese culture!

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary: Know Before You Go

Japan itinerary: one week, japan itinerary: two weeks, japan itinerary: three weeks.

Just be sure to get one BEFORE you go as you cannot purchase them on arrival. For more information on the pass, including how much they cost and how you can get one, read this blog post . It has everything you need to know!

Mobile Data in Japan In Japan, English isn’t widely spoken (especially outside of the major cities) so having access to the internet is vital for checking addresses, using translation apps, and looking up things to see and do. The easiest way to get data is through an international eSIM for Japan .

An eSIM allows you to access mobile data via a QR code so you can have internet wherever you are, without worrying about physical SIM cards or roaming charges. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when using apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, Instagram, and YouTube. It will also come in handy for checking menus at restaurants (since they are rarely in english).  

Day 1 & 2: Tokyo Chances are you’ll be starting your trip in Tokyo , since it’s home to the country’s biggest international airport. If your trip is seven days long, activate your JR Pass right away, so that you can take advantage of the free JR trains that run through the city.

While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and not get bored, here are some of the highlights:

Visit the fish market – In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the size of the old one, Tsukiji, making it the largest in the world. While a lot of good restaurants moved too (Sushi Dai being the most famous), I find the place itself very stale, since you can no longer wander the floor (you look down via a walkway above; you also need a visitor’s pass to enter).

The old outer market in Tsukiji is still great though, and you can still find food and stores there too. You can wander alone and just eat and shop until you can’t anymore! Most businesses open at 6am, so it’s a perfect place to go in the morning when you wake up early because of jet lag. Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 13,500 JPY.

See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a five-story pagoda and the famous Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s always busy but is worth seeing with your own eyes. The temple is free to visit.

Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a lively place to drink at night and has a bit of a red-light-district feel to it. It is not to be missed. Even if you don’t drink, be sure to wander about. Arigato Tours offers tours of the area where you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. Tours are 23,900 JPY and include a drink and dishes at four food stops.

Visit the Imperial Palace – When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new residence and renamed it Tokyo. Though you can’t go inside (or get very close), the building is amazing. It is surrounded by lovely grounds and a park, and there’s a moat around the stone walls. You can also see the changing of the guard, though it’s a relatively low-key and unassuming ceremony.

Watch a sumo match – Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo arena, hosts tournaments three times each year. The wrestling that we see today dates to the 17th century, though its origins go back even further, and it’s still one of the most popular traditions in the country. If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-do! Tickets sell out quickly, so act fast. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Kamakura to see the giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is over 13 meters (42 feet) tall and dates back to the 13th century. The journey is around 90 minutes each way — and free with the JR Pass !

For delicious food, some of my favorite bars and restaurants include: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO : Hostel Chapter Two – A small, family-run hostel not far from Skytree Station in Asakusa. I really like the shared kitchen and common room, as there’s a real social feel to them.

With its beauty come lots of crowds though, so try to visit outside of the busy summer months. Even with lots of tourists, though, the city is still magnificent and has a lot to offer. Some things to see and do that you shouldn’t miss are the following:

Visit the Golden Pavilion – This famous (and picturesque) temple dates to the 1950s, when a monk burned down the previous temple (from the 14th century) while trying to commit suicide. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited destinations in the country!

Explore Gion – Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

Wander in the Bamboo Forest – For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Admire Ryoan-ji temple – This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

For a half-day trip, you can also visit Nara. It’s a small city just one hour from Kyoto. Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to fires, as well as World War II). But the real draw in Nara are the deer.

Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree. A guided half-day walking tour that includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch is 11,500 JPY.

While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest wooden building and is home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is 600 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO : Backpacker Hostel K’s House – A fun, social backpacker hostel in a great central location. The rooftop terrace is a cool spot to hangout and meet other travelers after a day of exploring.

Don’t miss Osaka Castle though. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.

And be sure to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night), the main street, which is lined with restaurants, stores, and tons of neon lights and signs. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Today, Hiroshima is thriving . Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the history of the city before and after that fateful day. It has photos, artifacts, videos, and information about the effect of radiation on the population. It’s a sobering experience but one that should not be missed.

If you feel like getting out of town afterward, head to Miyajima , an island that offers a place to hike and enjoy nature. You can also take a cable car to the peak of the mountain to take in the view. A one-way ferry ride to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Pass holders.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA : Roku Hostel – A cozy, small hostel with a rustic atmosphere and design. It feels like you’re staying with a friend here, and the beds are super comfy too.

If you like history, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, home to a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses that you can enter to further immerse yourself in the country’s past.

This city (and region, really) is famous for its Hida beef, a high-fat variety that’s even better than any A5 Wagyu you might have. It just melts in your mouth. Be sure to have some while you are here!

The Japanese Alps are not far from here as well, so if you love hiking and want to extend your time in the region, head to Kamikochi for a day hike or overnight trip. It’s just an hour away and has both easy and moderate trails, which are open from April to November. Hiking trails can also be found in Hakusan National Park (also just one hour away by car).

One of the more unique temples in Japan is here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. While the temple wasn’t home to actual ninjas, Myoryuji was built as a defensive structure (strict laws forbade local lords from building defenses, so they were hidden in the temple to circumvent the rules). These include hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

If you need a break from exploring cities, Hakusan National Park, home to Mount Haku, one of the three holy mountains, is just an hour south of town.

If you’re here in April, there are incredible cherry blossom displays that are famous in the region. And, just like Takayama, Matsumoto is close to the Japanese Alps, so you’re just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking in the country.

There are tons of hotels (both modern and traditional) that have their own hot springs (often both indoors and outdoors). It’s the perfect place to wrap up a trip, relax, and take in the views.

In addition to getting a copious amount of R&R, be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain for even more amazing views. The area is surrounded by craters from an inactive volcano that erupted 80,000 years ago (not to be confused with nearby Mount Fuji, which is an active volcano), and you’ll find lots of vendors at the top selling eggs cooked in the sulfurous waters. It’s said the eggs prolong one’s life by seven years, so feel free to give them a try!

If you prefer to hike up instead, the trail is open between July and September, with the trek taking anywhere from 5 to 12 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Typically, hikers leave at night in order to arrive at the summit by dawn. There are little shops along the way that sell food and even beds you can rent in advance if you want to split your journey up. Just make sure you do your research and prepare in advance as it’s a tough hike!

If you really want to play tourist, you can also ride a mock pirate ship around the lake for more views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji in particular.

Full-day tours around Hakone that include all the main sights cost 14,800 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAKONE : Hotel Green Plaza – With gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, a huge buffet dinner (with both Western and Japanese options), and a private onsen where you can relax and enjoy the view, this is one of the best places to stay in Hakone if you want value but don’t want to break the bank.  

Using the suggestions above, here’s how I would organize your itinerary:

• Days 1-3 : Tokyo
• Day 4 : Mount Fuji or Hakone
• Day 5 : Takayama
• Days 6 & 7 : Kanazawa
• Days 8 & 9 : Matsumoto
• Days 10-12 : Kyoto
• Days 13 & 14 : Osaka
• Days 15 & 16 : Hiroshima

If you do want to spend a few hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, where you can find lots of fresh seafood. You can also visit Fort Goryokaku, the first “Western”-style fort in the country.

Be sure to stop in at the local Beer Museum too, owned by Sapporo Breweries (the oldest beer company in the country). It showcases the history of beer in Japan and how the business got its start. If you’re a whiskey fan, stop by The Bow Bar, home to some rare (and expensive) whiskeys and considered one of the best such bars in the world.

What I love about the city is its location. This region has some of the best hiking in the country. There are plenty of hills and mountains, offering options for both day hikes as well as overnight trips. Some highlights include Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the best views of the city, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s just a 30-60-minute hike to the top, though there is a cable car you can take as well.

And if you’re visiting in the winter, hit the slopes! There are over a hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can rent skis (or a snowboard) for around 10,000-18,000 JPY. Lift prices are usually 4,000-6,000 JPY per day. In the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s held every February and draws over two million visitors. There are ice sculptures, igloos, live music, and delicious local foods on offer.

Additionally, be sure to take a day trip to Otaru, where you’ll find some of the freshest uni in the whole country (this is the main area where the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and visit the markets, stalls, and shops around there.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO : Waya Hostel – This is a laid-back, colorful hostel with a social atmosphere that makes meeting people a breeze. It has a homey, DIY feel and is perfect for budget travelers looking for a no-frills place to crash.

There is a ton to see and do in Japan , and you could easily spend another month here and still just scratch the surface (we didn’t even get to Okinawa and the islands!). And while these itineraries are a bit fast-paced, Japan isn’t cheap, so budget travelers need to move around the country quickly to avoid breaking the bank.

But no matter how long you visit, you won’t be disappointed. Japan is an amazing, beautiful, and unique destination that I never get tired of visiting. While it’s not as affordable as its neighbors, there are still plenty of ways to save money , and it’s definitely worth spending the time (and money) visiting. You won’t be disappointed!

Just make sure to get your Japan Rail Pass before you go!  

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money; information on costs; tips on what to see and do; suggested itineraries, reading, and packing lists; and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Home » Budget Travel » 27 Japan Travel Tips You NEED to Know! • 2024

27 Japan Travel Tips You NEED to Know! • 2024

Japan! With over 14,000 islands, the Land of the Rising Sun is truly a place of mystery. This is where the traditions of the past gone ages graciously dance with the bustling craziness of the present.

Here you’ll find ancient villages living in harmony with skyscrapers and futuristic tech. This is the birthplace of anime, home to sushi perfection, and a land of mystical mountains and tropical island dreams.

What truly makes Japan special is its culture – it stands strong and is utterly unique, drawing travelers from far and wide. But, for first-time travelers, Japan can be a tad perplexing, occasionally intimidating, and even rather overwhelming.

In October 2023, I spent over a month backpacking and hitchhiking across this wonderful country, so fear not, friends… I’ve compiled the ULTIMATE list of 27 Japan travel tips that I wish I’d known before setting foot in this enchanting world.

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1. Think About Hitchhiking

2. get an ic card – godsend, 3. try staying at k’s house hostels, 4. your ultimate japan travel tip: don’t tip, 5. trash disposal, 6. carry cash, 7. be prepared to walk…. a lot, 8. invest in a cultural experience, 9. before you go, get familiar with the language, 10. shhh-inkansen, 11. travel during off-season, 12. chopstick etiquette: pro japan travel tip, 13. don’t order too much food, 14. eat your breakfast at the convenience stores, 15. japan is not all sushi and ramen, 16. being vegan is difficult in japan, 17. try to make it to one of japan’s festivals, 18. get a japan rail pass, 19. understand japanese religions, 20. always travel with insurance, 21. head to the ocean, 22. and don’t forget about the mountains, 23. you can drink the tap water, 24. amazingggg public bathrooms, 25. onsen etiquette, 26. get pocket wi-fi or a sim card.

• Buy Us a Coffee!

We all know something that holds people back from traveling to Japan is the cost . But the main cost of backpacking in Japan is actually the transportation. So why not make it free, stick it to your thumb, and see how it goes?

I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth it was to hitchhike as a woman here. I made new friends, learned more of the language, and saw places public transport never could have taken me. Even more remarkable is how my perspective on the Japanese people has deepened.

Japan is a very safe place to travel, which makes it a wonderful place to begin your hitchhiking journey.

This Japan travel tip is a GAME-CHANGER. I can’t believe I spent a week backpacking in Japan without one, grappling with the confusing ticket machines EVERY TIME I tried to take the subway. 

Trust me, grab an IC card like Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca. 

You can add them to your Apple Wallet in a matter of seconds. Just tap when you enter and tap again when you exit, and your fare is automatically deducted. 

You can use them at convenience stores and some grocery stores too which is great if your debit card has foreign transaction fees.

K’s House Hostel is a hostel chain in Japan. Unlike other hostel chains, where they’re exact replicas of each other just in different locations, this hostel chain caters to each hostel’s surroundings and local culture.

Some are renovated 150-year-old Japanese buildings, while others are normal homes in lakeside neighborhoods.

But one thing they all have in common is a very friendly atmosphere, freshly brewed coffee in the mornings, and clean shared kitchens. 

If you stay at K’s house repetitively, you get a 10% discount, which really adds up for budget travelers looking for where to stay in Japan !

Tipping is generally not practiced or expected in Japan, it can actually be seen as unusual, awkward, or even rude. 

The reason behind this is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where service is considered an integral part of the job and employees take pride in providing excellent service as part of their duty.

Tipping could imply that the staff isn’t paid well enough. Instead, expressing gratitude with a simple “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) is appreciated.

Japan’s limited public trash disposal system can be a bit puzzling for newcomers, especially for me when I started my journey backpacking in Tokyo and couldn’t find a bin for the life of me…

The reason for this? Well, it’s largely due to the Japanese culture of personal responsibility.

People are expected to take their trash home with them and sort it meticulously into categories like burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables.

Then wash it before putting it in the relevant trashcan. It’s all about minimizing waste and maintaining clean public spaces.

So, while you might struggle to find public trash bins, remember that it’s a shared commitment to environmental cleanliness, and it’s a small price to pay for Japan’s pristine streets and parks.

My perspective on this changed from annoyance and frustration to respect and gratitude when I learned about the reason behind having no trash cans on the streets.

If you really need to throw away the trash, there are normally bins in 7/11 or Lawson’s . Keep this Japan travel tip for future reference. 🙂

Japan is a very cash-centric place. Always carry some cash with you, as some restaurants and shops don’t accept cards. While in bigger cities like Tokyo, this is changing quickly, rural areas seldom accept cards.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Whilst there is public transport in Japan, bring a good pair of walking shoes because you’ll be walking everywhere. I walked AT LEAST 5-10 km a day. Even walking to and from subway stations or bus stops can add an extra 1-2 km.

I also HIGHLY recommend bringing a foldable day pack. I traveled with the Nomatic packable daypack #1, and it was perfect for wandering around with.

This is good, though, as you’ll work up an appetite and have room for more sushi. Japan travel hack, guys!

An absolute HIGHLIGHT of my time in Japan was spending a couple of hours learning all about Samurai culture!

MANY dojos offer touristic samurai experiences, however, only a handful are the real deal, and I strongly recommend doing your research. The school we went to was amazing, I trained with a Samurai master with over 20 years of experience.

You’ll learn the fascinating history of the samurai as well as the proper techniques to hold the sword, attack your foes, and defend yourself.

At the end of the class, you’ll have the chance to slash and decapitate some rolled-up reed mats; a really thrilling ending. As a girl who isn’t always as stoked on swords as my guy friends, I wasn’t sure if I would particularly enjoy this, but it was a really powerful experience, and I highly recommend it.

Japan can be one of the trickiest places to travel in terms of the language barrier. Japanese people generally don’t speak much English and also tend to speak Japanese pretty quickly!

Learning some of the language before you arrive in Japan is a good idea . Not only will this lessen the number of awkward Google translate exchanges, but it will also allow you to experience the country much more INTIMATELY. 

Here are some of my favorite/most useful words I picked up while in Japan:

• Gochisousama deshita (Goh-chee-soh-sah-mah deh-shee-tah) is a Japanese phrase used after finishing a meal to express gratitude. It’s a way to say, “Thank you for the meal” or “It was a feast.” It’s a polite way to acknowledge the person who prepared the food and the restaurant staff.
• Itadakimasu (Ee-tah-dah-kee-mahs) is said before beginning a meal in Japan to express gratitude for the food, the animals who were sacrificed to make the food, and the people who prepared it.
• Arigatou gozaimasu (Ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs) = Thank you
• Onegaishimasu (Oh-neh-gah-ee-shee-mahs) = Please
• Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-sen) = Excuse me/Sorry
• Osusume? (Oh-soo-sue-meh) = What’s your recommended dish? ( Perfect for when you can’t read the menu and have no idea what order to place )

Japanese public transport is insanely quiet, especially the Shinkansen bullet trains. Even when the trains are packed shoulder-to-shoulder full of people, it’s still dead silent.

Guys, take note of this Japan travel tip: DO NOT answer phone calls on a bus or train, and do not speak and laugh super loudly with your friends . There is signage in most stations and inside trains to remind passengers of this.

Japan is well known for its cherry blossoms and fall foliage. It’s beautiful! But if you want a more budget adventure , try traveling during the summer or winter, as there are far fewer crowds and prices decrease significantly.

In the summer, there are vibrant festivals throughout the country, such as Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and Tanabata festivals.

December, January, and February are the absolute best times to explore the country. In winter, you can check out skiing and snowboarding in a region like Nagano . Warm up in traditional hot spring baths (onsens) while surrounded by snow and secure your stay in one of Nagano’s finest accommodations during this magical season!

In Japan, it’s a good idea to avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl while chowin’ down . Now, that’s one chopstick etiquette I wish I knew before travelling to Japan.

This practice has some eerie ties to funeral rituals and can give off an uncomfortable vibe for those around you.  It’s about more than just etiquette; it can also come across as a lack of respect for the chef who prepared your meal.

Even Shintoism, which has its say in these matters, frowns upon this practice. It can be seen as disrespecting the spirits who inhabit the rice.

To keep things cool and culturally sensitive, just pop your chopsticks flat on a rest or the edge of your plate when you’re not using them. It’s a simple Japan travel tip that goes a long way, and I wish I’d known sooner.

Archive this Japan travel tip for later: Order with your stomach, not your eyes! 

Not finishing your food is looked down upon in Japan. It implies wastefulness, a lack of appreciation for the chef’s efforts, and a disregard for portion sizes.

To show cultural sensitivity, it’s best to try to finish your food. Even if you can’t, make sure you still express gratitude for the meal’s deliciousness. Remember, you can always order more!

One of the things to know when traveling to Japan is that stores like 7/11 and Lawson have very yummy and budget-friendly options for breakfast.

You can have egg sandwiches and onigiri (Japanese rice balls). They also have coffee machines with lattes, which cost only $1.00.

Many budget travelers choose this as an easy and convenient breakfast. I was so surprised at the delicious quality of the food at these stores compared to the ones in the US or Europe.

I thought I would be eating sushi and ramen every day in Japan, but I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of food Japan offers. 

Make sure to eat other noodle dishes like Soba or Udon. Or try the yummy Yakitori, famous meat skewers in Tokyo, if you’re looking for something quick.

If you are looking for things to do in Osaka , try taking a street food tour and eating some Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki !

For vegans, Japan can present some challenges, as the country’s traditional foods rely heavily on seafood and meat. Even seemingly plant-based dishes can often contain hidden animal ingredients, like fish stock or bonito flakes.

Ingrained in Japanese culture is a strong emphasis on hospitality and tradition, making it sometimes tricky to request special considerations. 

While exploring places like Kyoto or Tokyo, they may have more vegan-friendly options. But they will still be more limited compared to Western countries, although this is improving as time goes on.

Attending a Japanese festival can be an amazing way to experience the culture more intimately, get a glimpse into the past, eat amazing food, and see parts of Japan you never normally would.

Try to see if you can incorporate any of these incredible festivals in Japan into your itinerary.

• Cherry Blossom Festivals: Celebrated in spring all over the country, these festivals honor the cherry blossoms with picnics and light-up events.
• Gion Matsuri: This is one of Japan’s most famous and grandest annual festivals. It is held in Kyoto in July and features a beautiful parade of traditional floats
• Tanabata (Star Festival): Celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month every year, locals decorate bamboo trees with strips of paper, with wishes written on them.
• Gion Kobu Geiko and Maiko Dances : Here you can see Geishas perform beautiful dances all around Kyoto, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Sapporo Snow Festival: For a whole week, Hokkaido becomes decorated with crazy, elaborate snow and ice sculptures 
• Takayama Festival: Stay in Takayama – a Japanese town in the mountains that is full of floats, music, and food and celebrates the coming of spring and autumn.

The Japan Rail Pass can be the ultimate budget hack for traveling around Japan. With this, you get unlimited access to all JR lines for 1, 2, or even 3 weeks, depending on what you choose.

Armed with your trusted JR Pass, you can crisscross the entire country and use it to navigate big cities like Tokyo as well.

However, be sure to crunch the numbers and see if it’s cost-effective for the journeys you have planned, especially with the recent price hike (up by 70%!) in October 2023 .

If you plan on making multiple longer journeys, it’s likely a money-saver. You should try to order one ahead of time, and it will get shipped to your house.

But if you’re like me and don’t really have an address to ship to, you can pick it up at a JR ticket office at bigger stations across the country.

It’s important to educate yourself on the difference between shrines and temples , as it’s easy to group them together or assume they are the same. 

Shrines, known as “jinja,” are places of Shinto worship and often have a Torii gate at their entrance. They are associated with Japan’s indigenous Shinto religion which focuses on kami (spirits).

They normally have the word “shrine” at the end of the name, which is an easy way to identify them. Temples tend to utilize the suffixes “ji,” “in,” “tera” or “dera” at the end instead.

Some good examples of these are Asakusa’s Senso-ji, Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera, and Miyajima’s Daisho-in. Knowing this difference can help you appreciate the rituals and customs at each site, from clapping at shrines to bowing at temples. 

When backpacking, you never know what can happen. While travelling, I’ve had several unfortunate accidents where travel insurance would have saved me so much anxiety and trouble.

From motorbike crashes, food poisoning, ear infections, and broken bones. Take it from me, make your Japan trip anxiety-free and get solid travel insurance .

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

When people think of Japan, the first thing they think of is definitely not amazing waves or pristine beaches. But trust me, the ocean in Japan is MDMAmazing.

Head to the IZU peninsula just south of Tokyo for amazing waves, cute surf towns, some of the best beaches in Japan , or CRAZY scuba diving experiences with hammerhead sharks.

Of course, you can also head to Okinawa , a group of islands in the southern part of Japan known for its coral reefs, unique culture and food, and amazing people.

A lot of people spend their Japanese travels in hostels in Tokyo , Kyoto, and Osaka and call it good. But oh boy, they are missing out.

The mountains in Japan attract people far and wide. Whether you’re looking for amazing skiing in the winter, trekking in the summer, amazing fall foliage, or adorable mountain towns, they’ve really got it all.

You can take day trips to the mountains easily from Tokyo to places like Hakone or Nikko , or if you’re feeling more adventurous, head to the Japanese Alps and explore.

You can also trek one of the top 10 pilgrimage routes in the world , the Kumano Kodo, located in the ancient forests of the Kansai regions. This is truly a spiritual experience.

I’m sure everyone knows the dreadful feeling of having to purchase plastic water bottles in places like Southeast Asia, where you cannot drink tap water. 

Japan is amazing for this reason, as you can bring your reusable water bottle with you everywhere and just refill it in bathrooms or your hotel room sink .

Environmentally friendly, convenient, and free! Can’t get much better than that.

Here at The Broke Backpacker, we are big fans of Grayl filtration water bottles . You can drink tap water from ANYWHERE when traveling; you can even drink water from puddles… The filter takes care of it.

Speaking of convenience and free, EVERYWHERE you go in Japan, you’ll find clean and lavender-smelling public restrooms. They’re sometimes even adorned with fresh flowers or air fresheners.

It’s incredibly surprising to walk into a bathroom in the middle of the busiest areas of Tokyo, or the most remote areas of the countryside, and be met with a SPOTLESS restroom. One of the few places I’ve been in the world with this luxury, it certainly differs from backpacking in the USA !

Chances are, while you’re in Japan, you’ll at some point find yourself relaxing in an onsen, a traditional Japanese hotspring. But the first time can be a bit intimidating. So here are some pro Japan travel tips and etiquette, so you won’t be as lost as I was.

• Wash Up First: Before getting in the hot spring, make sure to thoroughly clean yourself in the washing area.
• No Swimsuits: Yep, you heard it right – no swimsuits allowed. Embrace your birthday suit.
• Respect Quiet: Keep it hushed. Onsen time is a peaceful time.
• Towels: The Onsen staff or your hostel will give you a small white hand towel. Don’t put it in the hot water; it’s for dabbing your face, not for dunking. You’ll see the locals balancing it on top of their heads as they soak.
• Tattoos: Some places might not allow tattoos. Check ahead if you’re inked up.

While there are some countries you can skate by without the internet, Japan is NOT one of them.

You’ll be using Google Translate…a lot! You’ll also need Google Maps to navigate the extensive public transport systems.

Having a SIM card is literally a life-saving Japan travel tip! I recommend getting an international SIM ahead of time; there’s some good info on how to pick up a SIM card for Japan in this post.

The people of Japan are a diverse and interesting bunch. And whilst the vibe is not the MOST friendly in the hectic urban metropolis, real rural Japan has truly lovely people.

I found that by smiling, being curious, and trying to speak a few words in Japanese, I had many really special experiences where it was just me and the locals…

I had great success hitchhiking in Japan and making friends on hikes. What’s more, I’ve learned a lot about Japanese culture from the people who picked me up or invited me to hang out with them.

So embrace these Japan travel tips, venture out with a smile, be curious, and you’ll find the best side of Japan waiting to embrace you.

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Audy Another amazing captivating story. I can’t wait for your next adventure!!!!

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Japan Travel Tips: 34 Things to Know In 2024

Japan is a fascinating and unique country, so there is a lot to wonder about when planning a trip. These Japan travel tips are bound to give you extra peace of mind on your travels.

Learn how to behave on certain occasions and to respect the local Japanese culture. What to order in restaurants. How to move around efficiently. And many other practicalities of the modern traveler to Nippon . These are 34 Japan travel tips to help you make the best out of your stay!

• Use 7-Bank.
• Public transportation is super efficient.
• A JR Pass can be a great buy.
• Pick the best areas to stay in cities strategically.
• Why do Japanese wear surgical masks on the streets?
• Try all the foods!
• Convenience stores are really convenient.
• Do not tip.
• Indulge in sushi.
• You can’t smoke everywhere.
• It’s an unique place to shop.
• Hold on to your garbage.
• Stay in a ryokan.
• Tattoos are not welcomed.
• Get a IC Card.
• You won’t hear a no as an answer.
• Almost any time is a good time to go.
• Grab some food in an izakaya.
• Venture out of the cities and find amazing nature.
• The best ramen of your life is here.
• A trip to Japan won’t necessarily break your budget.
• Learn the basic etiquette and customs.
• Cities are incredibly crowded…
• You can get away with English.
• Learn some basic Japanese words.
• Explore the underground world.
• You can get templed out.
• Make use of luggage forwarding services.
• Japanese gardens are something else.
• Get lost in a 100-yen store.
• Think twice before going to an animal café.
• Going to the toilet is a life-changing experience.

Let’s go into more detail of each one of these now. 👇

1 Use 7-Bank.

Japan is still far from being a cashless society, so the first thing to worry about is money.

Exchanging currency doesn’t yield the best rates, especially on those sketchy airport booths. Withdrawing money from ATMs directly is a better option, but not any bank. I found the one with the best rates/fees to be 7-Bank (7-Eleven’s bank).

If you’re arriving at Narita Airport in Tokyo, you can find a 7-Bank ATM inside a 7-Eleven store on the departure floor (4F), next to the restaurant’s area.

Pro tip: An IC Card can technically be used as a debit card in many stores, vending machines and restaurants throughout Japan. Also make sure you have a Revolut card , saves money on payments and withdrawals.

2 Public transportation is super efficient.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with metro and train systems in Japan . There are spider webs less complex: we’re talking about 150 lines and 2,000 stations of overground and underground rail in Tokyo alone! The good news is once you figure it out how to get around, it’s amazingly efficient.

For journeys inside the cities, the fare is calculated depending on the length of your trip. I recommend getting an IC Card (Suica, Pasmo, etc) to avoid these calculations every time you board the subway. Instead, the fare is discounted automatically once you tap the card on the reader when you’re going out of each station.

If you’re traveling long distances with the incredible country’s rail network, JR Pass can be a time and money saver . Make sure you also download Japan Travel for your phone. This app is not exactly a UI delight , but has detailed train schedules and even a useful filter “JR Pass” to find the best trains that fit your itinerary.

3 Consider a JR Pass.

Emphasis on the can . Every travel blogger out there will tell you to buy a JR Pass through their affiliate link no matter what. The reality is: it depends .

If you’re planning to travel around the country, a 2 or 3-week JR Pass can save you time and money. It’s super convenient and will give you unlimited access to (some types of) Shinkansen and JR-branded trains, buses, and ferries.

However, if you’re staying in one region of Japan only or planning to visit just a few places, a region-specific pass or even individual tickets can be more than enough. This tool can help you understand in what cases does it pay off .

Japan Rail Pass Tips

A Japan Rail Pass is a pass available for travelers only that allows you to move around Japan hassle-free in trains, buses, and even ferries. Choose between a 7, 14 or 21-day pass.

The passes are costly and have spiked 70% in cost after the pandemic, but if you look at prices of individual train tickets you’ll understand they can still save you money with just a couple of trips.

Also, you can buy your JR Pass in some stations in Japan but it will be more expensive. Buy it online before your trip and get them delivered to your home address or hotel in Japan. In either case, you’ll need to activate it in a train station when you arrive in the country.

4 Pick the best areas to stay in cities strategically.

Picking a smart location to stay can literally save hours in getting from point A to point B.

Best areas to stay in Tokyo

To be honest, anywhere on the circular JR Yamamote Line is a good bet, as you can get to any area of the city rather quickly.

Shinjuku and Shibuya are popular areas to stay in, with a lot to see, eat and do. Ginza and Tokyo Station are extremely convenient transport-wise but lack the fun factor in my opinion.

Check out this pre-filtered list of the highest-rated places to stay in Shinjuku area in Tokyo.

Looking for an experience straight out of a sci-fi movie. This is it.

Best areas to stay in Kyoto

The area around Nishiki Market is definitely the most convenient to get to the major attractions of Kyoto . You’ll also be in walking distance to hundreds of malls, bars, shops, and restaurants.

However, if you want a much more unique experience amongst well-preserved architecture and century-old traditions, Gion – the famous Geisha district – is the place. Plus, it’s not every day you get the chance to bump into an authentic geisha and her maiko on the way to your hotel.

Check out this pre-filtered list of the highest-rated places to stay in the Gion district, Kyoto.

Best areas to stay in Osaka

There are 2 main “city centers” in Osaka – Umeda and Namba – which correspond to the main transport hubs.

Namba is superior in nightlife and food, it’s bright, busy and loud unlike the rest of Japan .

Umeda is more business-y, but with great food options too. It’s also close to some sights and it’s more strategic for shopping.

5 Wear a mask.

Before COVID hit, seeing people with surgical masks made me a bit uneasy. Eeewww, poor people! They need to wear masks because of the intense pollution and diseases, what a terrible place to visit!

Turns out it’s quite the opposite: Japanese wear these masks to prevent allergies (i.e. pollen) or to avoid that their germs infect others when they’re sick. Do the same when riding public transport.

6 Try all the foods!

I might be biased here because Japanese food was already amongst my favorites in the world, but I’ve found eating out in Japan to be an absolute wonder.

Firstly, the amount of restaurants is in-cre-di-ble. Customer service is top-notch, the quality of ingredients and the way they’re prepared is something they care about a lot and let’s not even talk about clean they are.

The standards are so high I honestly think it’s hard to have a “bad meal” in Japan.

What to eat in Japan 🍜

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of the foods to try in Japan .

• Gyozas – Crispy and golden brown on the outside, juicy on the inside. Pork is the standard, but shrimp and veggy are my favorites.
• Japanese Curry – tried this in Coco Ichibanya in Tokyo. Delicious going in, not so pleasant going out.
• Okonomiyaki – typical from Hiroshima, where is served with noodles, this is a Japanese savory pancake with many different ingredients.
• Ramen – wheat noodles served with toppings like seaweed, menma and green onions in a meat or fish-based broth. Can be flavored with miso or soy sauce.
• Soba – thin noodles made from buckwheat or wheat flour. Served either in hot broth (as a soup) or cold, with a dipping sauce.
• Sushi – pretty sure you know what this is.
• Takoyaki – deep-fried dough in shape of a ball with minced octopus inside. Usually served with bonito flakes on top.
• Tempura – deep-fried vegetables or seafood. Did you know this technique has Portuguese origin?
• Tonkatsu – deep-fried breaded pork cutlet.
• Udon – the thick version of wheat noodles, usually served as hot noodle soup.

7 Convenience stores are really convenient.

This is one of the things I love about Asia: there’s always a convenience store nearby, open 24 hours/day for whatever random item you’re in need during your stay.

There are three main stores in Japan : Lawson, Family Mart, and 7-Eleven. 31% of the worldwide stores of the latter are here. They’re incredibly varied on the inside, selling everything from cookies to face masks, from cookies to underwear.

The highlight here is the food though: from small snacks to delicious ready-to-eat meals and everything in between. Sushi, onigiri (rice balls) and full bento boxes although I personally recommend the egg salad sandwiches.

8 Do not tip.

Guys, this one is important. Do not – under any circumstances – tip in Japan. Not only it’s not a common practice, it’s actually considered rude. No matter how great the food or exceptionally good the customer service is.

To ask for your bill, simply make an “X” sign with your index fingers.

9 Indulge in sushi.

Sushi is NOT the most common food you can find in Japan. That would be ramen . Especially if you get out of the big cities, sushi is really not that common and treated as a more premium meal.

The major difference of sushi in Japan is in 1) how fresh are the ingredients 2) the experience you can get. The fish-to-rice ratio is quite big, with several different types of tuna to choose from. Plus – and this is what I think it makes it special – you can find places where sushi chefs make the rolls per order, right in front of you. All for the price of an average meal in Europe or US.

Tips to eat sushi in Japan 🍣

• Unless you have money to spend in a luxury high-end experience, the best sushi places are tiny, with limited seating where you ask directly the chefs what you want and they make the pieces in front of you. Case in point: Standing Sushi Bar in Tokyo.
• Try a conveyor belt sushi. These are some levels below in the quality scale, but still very acceptable for western standards. You grab your items directly or order through a tablet and the food comes in cute train platforms. It’s incredibly cheap.
• There are many different types of tuna, but fatty tuna ( maguro ) will rock your world.
• Sashimi is only eaten with chopsticks but it’s acceptable to eat nigiri with your hands. Only the fish part should be dipped in the soy sauce.
• Green tea – cold or hot – is often complimentary in sushi restaurants.

First time in Japan? Know where to go and let me help planning a memorable trip!

10 You can’t smoke everywhere.

Like in other places in Asia, smoking on the streets is forbidden . When you’re outside, make sure you go to a designated smoking area, usually next to big buildings, shops or train stations. Smoking outside these areas is extremely disrespectful and one of the biggest offenses you can do in Japan.

On the other hand, in some places smoking inside is allowed , such as bars, specific cars of bullet trains or even restaurants.

11 It’s an unique place to shop.

Let’s put it this way: there’s no shortage of ideas to buy cool souvenirs in Japan . Gadgets – particularly DSLR cameras or anything related to video games – are excellent buys too. And don’t miss a 100-yen store !

Shops worth going as a traveler 🛍️

• Don Quijote – the wackiest department store I’ve been. Anything you can imagine, from drones and gardening supplies to sweets and phone cases. Great place to find weird Kit-Kat flavors.
• Muji – house supplies and furniture with the slick and minimal Japanese style.
• Tokyu Hands – a more sophisticated version of Don Quijote, with the same random assortment of items.
• Bic Camera – massive department store dedicated to all sorts of electronics and gadgets.
• Super Potato – a heaven for lovers of retro games in the Akihabara district in Tokyo .
• Uniqlo – simple and slick clothing for men, women and kids. As a foreigner, you can apply for a direct VAT refund (8%).

12 Hold on to your garbage.

Japan is a SUPER clean country. And when I say clean, I mean immaculate (ok maybe apart from Osaka). Thus it’s counter-intuitive that such impeccable cities have so few trash cans. But it’s true – I found myself holding trash with me for hours before I found a place to put it.

This happens because there’s little garbage in the first place. When locals are walking, they don’t smoke or eat so there’s no need for bins. If you find yourself with the odd piece of paper or plastic, the quickest way to get rid of it is inside a convenience store.

13 Stay in a ryokan.

Heading back to the 17th century, when Japan was enclosed in the Edo period, ryokans are traditionally Japanese inns where guests sleep on tatami mats rolled onto the floor. Most ryokans serve a Japanese set breakfast and/or dinner and have communal bath facilities, including private onsen (hot spring baths) where you’re enter fully naked.

Staying in a ryokan for at least one night is a must-have experience in Japan . I stayed in charming Sumiyoshi Ryokan in Takayama and it was one of my most memorable experiences of the whole trip.

This pre-selection contains the best traditional ryokans with hot spring baths in the entire country.

14 Tattoos are not welcomed.

Across Japan, tattoos are strongly associated with criminal gangs like the Yakuza . Although this is (allegedly) changing with increasing tourism, foreigners with tattoos are not particularly welcomed by some. You can expect to be denied entry in some places, especially onsen (hot springs), saunas and pools.

15 Get an IC Card.

IC cards like Suica, Pasmo and Icoca are the easiest way to pay not only for public transportation but for nearly everything in Japan. These work like prepaid rechargeable cards that work on convenience stores, vending machines and even game arcades.

• They also work in vending machines, convenience stores, and even some shops and restaurants, making it an effective debit card.
• If you’re traveling across Japan you can use your Suica card in other cities too. In 2013, the different systems were made compatible so you can use it as an additional debit card to pay for your travels.
• It works on your Apple Wallet and in fact you can add it and charge it even before you land in Japan.

Getting an IC Card

Even though physical IC cards are becoming less common, you can get yours at ticket machines and ticket counters of any major train or metro station in Japan. There is a refundable deposit of 500 yen. However the easiest would be the Wallet app in your phone. Simply add a new transportation card, charge it and you’re ready to go.

Using an IC Card

Once you have preloaded money onto your IC Card, the card works with a simple tap. In train stations, you’ll have to do it on the ticket gates on both the way in and out (fares are not fixed and depend on the length of the journey). You can check the remaining balance on your card as you pass through the gate.

Returning an IC Card

You can bring your physical IC card to a station attendant, who can return you ¥500 deposit and the remaining balance on your card. You can’t get your money back upon leaving Japan.

Explore the essential mobile apps when traveling Japan that set you up to a (even more) memorable time.

16 You won’t hear a no as an answer.

Japanese have a really hard time to say “no” to strangers. When you ask something, many times the answer is “no” but they will say “yes” anyway. This is a way for them to avoid offending people. 🤷

Keep this in mind when you ask something – look out for clues on nonsensical behavior or uneasy body language.

17 Almost any time is a good time to go.

In case you’re still deciding when to go to Japan , rest assured every season has something to wonder about.

The weather will obviously depend on where you’re going – the southern islands of Okinawa are very different from the northern tip of Hokkaido – but there’s a lot to see and do no matter when you go.

• Spring (March-June) : a magical season in Japan where flowers bloom and weather is neither too hot or cold. Prices can be (crazily) inflated in hanami season, when everyone goes crazy for the cherry blossoms all around the country.
• Summer (June-September) : brings out the hot sunny weather and the green foliage. Mount Fuji is open for hiking.
• Fall (September-December) : foliage acquires all sorts of colors of the rainbow. During this season, Kyoto is especially beautiful.
• Winter (December-March) : snow covers the highest lands, but in Tokyo there’s minimal rain and snow. Best time to visit the snow monkeys in Jigokudani .

18 Grab some food in an izakaya.

Work culture is intense in Japan. It’s common for people – particularly men – to devote their time, sweat and tears to their company, even more than to their families. And this doesn’t stop at 6. After work or even during weekends, they head to an izakaya , sort of a Japanese version of a gastropub, to drink and grab something to eat.

You can visit one of these tiny and cozy places too and have small dishes like yakitori made in front of you.

Best areas for izakayas in Tokyo 🍻

• Omoide Yokocho – this narrow alley near Shinjuku station is very popular amongst tourists.
• Ameyoko/Ameya Yokocho – located near Ueno station, it’s an open-air market style.
• Yurakucho – many cheap izakaya places right under the railway.

19 Venture out of the cities to find amazing nature.

When we think of Japan we normally think of futuristic tech, Blade Runner alleys, and massive skyscrapers. That certainly corresponds to the reality of the big cities.

What you might not be aware of is that 2/3 of the country is covered in forest. Nature – at least an orderly version of it – is highly appreciated and if you venture out a bit into remote Japan , you’ll find incredible waterfalls, monkeys, lakes, hiking trails, bears, and mountains.

Japanese people are extremely polite – that’s one of the foundations of their society – and bowing is the way to show respect when you meet someone. But this gets complex when you realize there are different types of bows depending on who you’re greeting.

• 30-degree bow (quick):
• 70-degree bow (quick):
• 90-degree bow (long): usually reserved for high authorities, like the CEO of a company or a president.

However, if you don’t feel confident to control this bowing technique, don’t worry. Japanese people are understanding and most likely you’ll get some chuckles.

21 The best ramen of your life is here.

I’m not the biggest fan of ramen , but if I had to describe it in Japan it would be: OH MY GAWD. The depth of flavor of ramen in Japan is unlike anything I’ve tasted before and now I get why it’s considered to be the ultimate comfort food.

There are over 200,000 (!) ramen places across Japan and every single one of them is perfect to go for dinner after a cold day traveling around. It’s a hearty and very affordable meal – very rarely surpassing 1000 yen per bowl.

I could recommend many different places to eat ramen in Japan , but from an experience perspective, try Ichiran . It’s a chain present in Kyoto , Fukuoka , Tokyo , and now even New York City and Hong Kong too.

22 A Japan trip won’t necessarily break your budget.

A top concern for many travelers going to Japan : the budget. Well, I have to say I was surprised with how inexpensive it can be!

Entrance fees to attractions are rarely prohibitive. Passes can reduce the cost of public transportation. For every expensive restaurant, there are 10 low-cost ramen and ikazaya spots. And for the ultra-budget traveler, food in convenience stores is actually much better than you think.

Flights and accommodation will likely take the biggest chunk of your budget.

But there are workarounds in that department too. Guesthouses with futon beds are cheaper and the unique capsule hotels are all across Japan . The latter can be a problem for the more claustrophobic, but with TV, earbuds, air conditioning and a full kit with PJs, toothbrush, towels, and slippers, it can actually be a very comfy night.

I stayed in a capsule hotel in Tokyo and turned out to be a fun and memorable experience for under $30/night. Highly recommend it!

More than a budget saver, staying in a capsule hotel is an experience . The best capsule hotel experiences in Japan are in this list.

23 Learn the basic etiquette and customs.

I can’t stress how important politeness and an orderly way of behaving is to Japanese people. And this is only the tip of the iceberg as regards to their fascinating unique culture.

Some of the things that are a big no-no in Japan are:

What you should not do in Japan 🙅

• Eating in the streets (do it inside the stores or restaurants)
• Smoking in the streets outside the designated areas
• Taking photos of people
• Pointing at people or things
• Speaking loud outside, including in public transportation (although in Osaka this didn’t seem to be an issue)
• Saying “no” aggressively or abruptly
• Entering someone’s house with shoes on (sometimes applies to guesthouses and restaurants too!)

If you wish to know more, I recommend reading a book. I devoured Hitching Rides With Buddha and A Geek In Japan – both written by expats in the country – during my trip and it definitely helped to gain a lot of insider knowledge on Japanese culture.

24 Cities are incredibly crowded…

… but efficient. Despite being the largest and more populous city in the world, Tokyo is so well connected that it doesn’t feel that big. The train network is excellent, led by the circle JR Yamamote Line which stops at every main area of the city.

Masses move quickly and everything is designed to flow as efficient as possible. So make sure you go with that flow. When awaiting your train, queue up next to one of the doors. Check which carriage it’s closer to the exit you want to take. When riding escalators, stand on the right (except in Osaka where for some reason you should stand on the left).

I used Citymapper to help me get around. Bottom line is don’t even think about renting a car in Tokyo , it’s not needed at all.

Find a deal in Tokyo, Japan!

25 you can get away with english..

Even though it won’t look like it, Japanese are good in English. They can understand almost anything you say, but they’re usually too shy to answer back because their domain of the language is not perfect. To increase your chances of getting an answer, smile, be polite and speak slowly.

That said, the above is true for big cities like Kyoto , Tokyo , and Osaka , where it’s common to find menu and signs in English. If you explore other more remote areas of the country, don’t be surprised by the lack of any translations in signs and menus. This is where the next tip becomes even more important.

26 Learn some basic Japanese words.

Regardless of where you go, I always suggest learning a few words in the local language when you travel. It’s fun and it can really go a long way!

In a country where respect and etiquette are so important, learning some Japanese is even more important. It may be overwhelming at first to look at the symbols, but the good thing about Japanese is that sounds exactly the way it’s written in Rōmaji (Latin alphabet version).

Here’s some important words and expressions I’ve used:

Basic Japanese for travelers 🗣

• 🗣 Hello – こんにちわ (konnichiwa)
• 🗣 Yes – はい (hai)
• 🗣 No – いいえ (iie) – hardly used.
• 🗣 Thank you (close friends) – ありがとう (arigatō, for close friends)
• 🗣 Thank you (everyone else) – ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu)
• 🗣 Please – ください (kudasai)
• 🗣 Excuse me/Sorry – すみません (sumimasen)<

27 Explore the underground world.

I consider myself to have a strong sense of direction and I rarely get lost. Still, I’ve got lost several times in the underground malls in both Tokyo and Osaka. They link each subway station to the next via DOZENS of restaurants, shops, and different exits to the surface.

Department stores are another world to explore. Even if you’re not in the mood for a shopping spree, head to the ground floor or basement – depachika – to find very good quality restaurants at affordable prices. Easy meals for those in a budget.

28 You can get templed out.

Despite being architectural wonders and spiritual landmarks, Japanese temples and shrines are like churches and cathedrals in Europe – after a while, they will all start to look the same. If you don’t know anything about Buddhism, all the statues, shrines, and temples will look dull.

But I don’t want to sound too uncultured, so I will also say that it depends on your knowledge of Japanese culture and religion. Once you dig into it a bit – more than travel guides, I recommend reading a book! – visiting a temple will be fascinating and the longer it will take to get bored.

For standard travelers though and especially in Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto – which alone has over 1,600 temples – it’s easy to get “templed out” so study the places to visit beforehand .

29 It’s safe.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, where people go out of their way to avoid any kind of conflict or upset. It’s one of those places you can leave your laptop or phone on the table when you’re going to the WC.

Stemming from Shinto beliefs, Japanese people believe physical objects carry a part of the spirit of the owner, so they don’t have much interest in stealing it from you.

The country is so safe we, as travelers, face the opposite problem: for locals, every gaijin (foreigner) can potentially be dangerous! There’s a barrier to overcome before Japanese trust a foreigner completely.

30 Make use of luggage forwarding services.

One thing you’ll quickly understand in Japan is that for every problem there is a solution. So for instance, if you decide to bring one of those massive bags or trolleys, let me tell you it won’t be easy to navigate the public transportation system.

That’s why they invented Yamato . This luggage-forwarding service available at many hotels or convenience stores (again, mega convenient) works like a parcel delivery, taking your bags to another hotel or city in Japan . It’s not that expensive and can save you a lot of hassle.

An alternative is the train station lockers (that I used a lot). For about 500-700 yen/day, you can store a large bag. These were particularly useful when we had to check-out in the morning but didn’t want to carry our luggage for the rest of the day.

31 Japanese gardens are something else.

The best compliment I can give gardens in Japan is that every garden I go seems like a subpar experience now. But you must be wondering – what the heck, aren’t gardens in the world all the same? No.

There is a zen feeling when you visit a Japanese garden. No rock is out of place. Everything makes sense and is beautiful from every angle or perspective.

Japanese gardens are planned thoroughly from the start and need to follow 6 features to produce true beauty. These are grouped into contrasting pairs: spaciousness & seclusion, artifice & antiquity, water flow & panorama. Don’t miss one.

32 Get lost in a 100-yen store.

One of the most fun and budget-friendly activities you can do on a gloomy day. Head to a 100-yen store like Daiso – you’ve guessed it – everything costs 100 yen! It’s a golden opportunity to dive in into the wackiest products you can think of, as well as cute souvenirs or interesting items for a bargain.

Amongst the absolutely random items I’ve bought there is a couple of miso soup bowls, kitchen glass paper, cable holders, insoles for my sports shoes, and chopsticks with intricate designs.

33 Think twice before going to an animal café.

Full disclosure here: I have been to animal cafés. These are very tempting in Japan as you can find cafés with many different animals – owls, porcupines, bunnies and even otters and what can I say, I have a sweet spot for cats. But I don’t recommend it.

Not only it was a deflating experience but also most of these places are authentic petting zoos where the animals are constantly being picked up for selfies, pets, and even drugged to behave. Do your research beforehand. If the animals are not up for adoption it’s usually a red flag.

34 Going to the toilet is a life-changing experience.

Germophobics will like this one. Public toilets can be a nightmare for some in the West… but not here! Japanese people take cleanliness very seriously anywhere so toilets are as germ-free and comfortable as you never seen before.

Oh and expect technology too. Even in the tiniest restaurants of the more remote places, expect a keypad with different functions. From seat heating to extra sounds for privacy (usually ambiance music or waterfalls).

• おしり (oshiri) – releases a spray of water
• ビデ (bidet) – same as oshiri , but for women
• 乾燥 (kansou) – releases a burst of air
• 小 – tiny flush
• 大 – big flush

Note: in some (rare) bathrooms the toilet paper has to be purchased from a vending machine before you go in.

Which other Japan travel tips do you think are important and that a traveler should know? Let me know in the comments 👇

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25 Japan travel tips for first time visitors

09/09/2024 By Traveling Canucks 3 Comments Categories: Japan Popular Tokyo Travel Stories Trip Ideas

Japan travel tips for first time visitors 

Japan can be a culture shock to the senses for first time visitors. There’s a lot of things to know before traveling to Japan, so today’s blog post shares a few useful Japan travel trips. 

Japan is easily one of our favourite travel destinations in the world. It’s unlike anywhere else. The people, the food, the culture, the quirkiness, the architecture, the history, the World Heritage Sites.

Simply put, Japan has everything you want in travel destination.

Japan travel tips for first timers

To give you a little context, the purpose for us traveling to Japan was to attend the Rugby World Cup . We spent a total of 15 days in Japan, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, and Shizuoka.

We visited Japan 10 years ago, before having kids, so this trip included a few new destinations and activities, like visiting Tokyo Disneyland . Read about our experience at Tokyo Disney Resort .

On our previous trip, we visited the aforementioned cities plus Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Yokohama and Narita, which is a lot of travel for two weeks. Too much, actually. This recent trip was much slower. We enjoy the slower pace and find it’s more suitable for family travel.

More posts from our trips to Japan:

• Beginners Guide to Food in Japan for first time visitors
• 50 Photos of Kyoto that will inspire you to visit  
• 15 Things to do in Kobe, Japan
• How to spend 3 days in Tokyo: Travel guide for first time visitors
• Staying at Tokyo Disney Resort – what you need to know
• 100 Photos of Tokyo Disneyland, Japan

This Japan travel blog shares what you need to know before your Japan vacation. We share practical travel tips for your first trip to Japan, including the dos and don’ts for tourists in Japan. 

1. Cash is still king in Japan

Surprisingly, cash is still the preferred method of payment in japan..

Most convenience stores, like Family Mart, 7 Eleven and Lawson, accept debit and credit cards. And most restaurants in touristy areas will also accept credit cards, but many restaurants, cafes and shops still only accept cash.

Before you sit down at a restaurant, it’s wise to ask if they accepts debit or credit cards. If the restaurant does accept plastic, use your cards and save your cash for later. You’ll be glad you did.

You will find ATM’s scattered throughout the cities. They are relatively easy to find. We typically got cash from the ATM’s at the 7 Eleven convenience stores and at the train stations. 

Most ATM machines will limit your withdrawal to 50,000 Yen, which is approx. $600 CAD or $460 USD. We took the max withdrawal each time to avoid unnecessary international bank charge. Bank fees range from $2 CAD to as high as $20 CAD per transaction, plus the ATM fee.

It’s wise to bring at least 50,000 Yen with you. Your bank may need to order Yen, as it’s not widely held at Canadian banks, so it’s best to do this a few weeks before your departure date.

Avoid converting your currency at the airport. The conversion rates are terrible.

2. Soy Sauce is not widely used 

Our first lost-in-translation moment in japan happened at a restaurant when we tried to order soy sauce..

Our boys love white rice. They also love to dump soy sauce all over their rice. We assumed soy sauce was widely used in Japan and that we’d find it at most restaurants.

This was an incorrect assumption. 

When we ordered soy sauce at a restaurant (to be clear, this was NOT a sushi restaurant), the server looked very confused. We did the typical hand gestures and talked slower, but she was not picking up what we were putting down.

I Googled soy sauce images on my phone and showed them to her. She smiled and nodded.

Yes, we did it! We navigated our first awkward language encounter.

Nope. Wrong again.

She brought us Worcestershire shire sauce instead. I assumed the black sauce was soy sauce, so I put it all over the rice. Both boys made funny faces and said the rice was bad. They were not impressed.

Confused, I tried the rice. This is when I realized the error. 

Have you ever tried rice with Worcestershire sauce all over it? It’s really, really bad. Don’t do it. 

That said, you will find soy sauce at sushi restaurants.

We eat sushi all the time in Vancouver . At least once per week, for years. We thought we knew the correct way to eat sushi, but we were wrong. How did we not know this before going going to Japan? 

Here’s an etiquette guide for how to eat sushi the correct way . 

Apparently, the golden rules are: (1) don’t stick your chopsticks upright in the rice; (2) don’t cut a piece of sushi in half with your chopsticks; and (3) don’t mix wasabi in your soy sauce.

There are a lot of things to know about Japanese culture. Most people will forgive foreigners for not knowing proper Japanese customs and etiquette, so long as you’re respectful, quiet and polite.

Related reading – Quick guide to eating in Japan  

Above – Nigiri sushi at a conveyor best sushi restaurant in Tokyo.

3. Download the Google translate app 

The soy sauce fail mentioned above could have easily been avoided.

The answer = Google Translate. 

We can usually navigate language barriers by learning a few basic words. But here’s the challenge with Japan – we can’t read the characters. We can’t see patterns or memorize words because we only see shapes and lines. 

If you don’t already use Google translate when you travel, you should. 

When we tweeted about our lost in translation moment , a few people sent us messages saying, “Why aren’t you using Google Translate?” Great question! We felt a little dumb.

It’s free, it’s easy and it works like a charm. If you’re nervous about visiting Tokyo without knowing Japanese, Google Translate will act as your Japan tourist guide.

Download the app from Google Play or Apple Store .

4. Save time – get a Suica Card 

The Suica Card is a prepaid smart card that allows you to use most public transport (metro, trains, buses, monorail). Initially, these convenient transit cards could only be used in Tokyo; however, Suica cards are now usable at most train stations in Japan. Using a Suica Card is the best way to travel in Tokyo.

Here’s a map of where you can use Suica Cards .

You can purchase Suica Cards at most train stations using the electronic vending machines pictured above. Suica Cards allow you to avoid purchasing tickets from machines before each ride.  

You can also order Suica Cards online and have them mailed to your house prior to your trip. That’s what we did. We were unsure about the process to purchase Suica cards at train stations, so we decided to get them ahead of time, to avoid confusion.

In hindsight, this was unnecessary. It’s just as easy to buy Suica cards when you get to Japan.

How to use Suica Card in Japan

Once you purchase your Suica Card, and add money to the card, head to the turnstiles that say IC Card or Suica Card. You simply tap the Suica Card at the turnstile and pass through the gate once it opens – see photo below.

When you arrive at your destination, you tap the card again to exit the station. Suica automatically calculates and deducts the fare owed for the trip. 

Things to know about Suica Card

• Prices include a deposit of 500 yen. The difference between the adult’s card and child’s card is the amount deducted when using transportation.
• Suica Cards can be loaded up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Fare Adjustment Machines displaying the Suica mark.
• Only yen may be used to load a card. A credit card cannot be used to load a Suica.
• Suica card does not work on express trains, shinkansen, long distance buses (highway buses) or airport shuttles.
• You can use your Suica to make purchases onboard trains as well as from vending machines, to rent coin lockers and for spending at convenience stores and restaurants.

Credit source – the above bullet points were copied directly from the JR East website .

Children under 5 years old travel for free when accompanied by an adult. 

This is not widely advertised to foreigners. We purchased 4 x Suica Cards and used them for a few days before it was time to reload (we spent 2,000 yen per card – which is about $25 CAD). A friendly ticket agent at the train station informed us that Connor, who was 5 years old at the time, was able to ride for free.

Children 6 to 11 years old pay 50% of the adult fare. 

Related –  Our experience at 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan

5. You don’t have to get a JR Pass

Almost every japan travel tips post we’ve read states you should get a japan rail pass..

We’re not convinced the JR Pass is an essential purchase for first time visitors. While the JR Rail Pass (Japan Rail Pass) does have many benefits, especially if you plan to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time, it might not actually be the right fit for your Japan trip.

If you plan to travel slow and spend time in big cities, like Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Tokyo, it might make more sense to skip the JR Pass and opt for one way train tickets. 

For shorter distances, like Kyoto to Osaka, you don’t actually need to take the Shinkansen train . Instead, you can take local trains, which are cheaper and not that much longer. 

Research Shinkansen ticket prices here .

We mapped out our Japan itinerary and priced out each segment. Trains are the best way to get around Japan, so we did the math and realized it was cheaper for us to purchase one way tickets.

Our Japan trip was 15 days, so we would need to purchase the 14 day JR Rail Pass. The price for the 14 day JR Pass is $576 per adult and $288 per child, as of October 2019. By purchasing individual segments, we saved about $100 per adult and $50 per child.

Not huge savings, but enough to make us skip the JR Pass.

Most of our time was spent visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Kobe, so we used our Suica Card to ride subways and local trains (most subways are not covered by the JR Pass). 

If you’re only spending one week in Japan, the JR Pass might make sense for your Japan vacation. 

Research the JR Pass here and use the Japan Rail itinerary planner. 

Shinkansen seat reservations

To make Shinkansen seat reservations, which is recommended during busy travel times, you must see a ticket agent at the train station. So, you’re not really saving time by having the JR Pass. 

Now, keep in mind, we were traveling with 2 young boys, so it’s important that our seats are side by side. If you’re traveling solo or you don’t mind sitting alone, you likely won’t need reservations and you can wing it. That was not an option for us. 

6. Taxis are expensive. Avoid if you can.

Taxis in Japan are expensive. We knew this before arriving, but it still surprised us when we took an airport taxi from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Sheraton Tokyo Bay Hotel at Tokyo Disneyland .

The distance from the airport to hotel is 25 km and it takes about 30 minutes.

After currency conversion from Japanese yen to Canadian dollar, the price was almost $100 CAD. That felt expensive to us. For perspective, a similar distance in Vancouver costs around $50-$60 CAD, depending on traffic. Vancouver is also an expensive city, so it’s a relative comparison.

Now, to give the taxi experience some credit, the cars are impeccably clean and comfortable. Taxi drivers are helpful and they even wear clean white gloves. So, while taxis are an expensive option, they do offer a comfortable and convenient white glove treatment – literally. 

Traveling to Tokyo? Read: How to spend 3 days in Tokyo

7. There is Uber in Japan – but it’s different

Yes, japan has uber, but it’s mostly limited to big cities, like tokyo and kyoto..

However, it’s not widely used by locals because the train system is so convenient. Most people use Uber for airport pickup and dropoff, rather than for intercity transportation. 

We took an Uber in Tokyo and Kyoto.

The Uber app syncs just like it does in North America, so you don’t need to worry about downloading a different app. This means you can input your destination in English, which avoids confusion and language barriers (many taxi drivers do not speak English).

Uber rides in Japan are basically like taxis. The cars actually look like taxis, too.

We like that fares are automatically paid for with the credit card on our account, so we don’t have to use cash or wait for change. Uber fares are generally cheaper than taxis and the app gives a maximum fare for the trip. We like this feature – it gives us peace of mind that we’re not being overcharged. 

A downside to Uber in Japan is that there aren’t as many drivers (when compared to North America), so you end up waiting longer than if you flagged a taxi. In Kyoto, it took 20 minutes for our driver to pick us up. To be fair, it was during rush hour and the traffic was bad, but we saw dozens of taxis pass us by while we were waiting.

If you don’t like Uber, or you’re having problems with the app, you can also use the JapanTaxi App . We’re told this platform is relatively new and it connects with multiple taxi companies. 

Related – Staying a Tokyo Disney Resort? Read our review .

8. Most restaurants have plastic food displays

You don’t have to worry about ordering food from restaurant menus that are in Japanese. Most restaurants in Japan have plastic replicas of their food on display, especially restaurants located near train stations, shopping areas and tourist zones. 

We love this! It takes away the confusion about what you’re ordering and removes language barriers. When in doubt, just point to the dish you want.

Most restaurant menus also have photos of the available dishes. 

Related – Beginner’s Guide to Eating Food in Japan

Do you have Japan travel tips? Leave us a comment below.

9. Don’t walk and eat in Japan

In Japan, it is considered rude to walk and eat at the same time. If you purchase food to go, the expectation is that you will NOT walk down the street while eating your food.

This applies to food purchased at convenient stores, like 7 Eleven and Family Mart, as well as food purchased from street vendors or yatai stalls . 

It is acceptable to eat at the place of purchase (see photo below) or just outside the store. There’s usually a designated area for eating. Benches or seats in parks or public spaces are generally okay to eat on, but avoid eating messy or strong smelling foods.

Eating on public transit is not allowed. Don’t be that tourist. 

Above – a yatai selling quick bites at the Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

10. Do NOT tip at restaurants

One of the most common questions for first time visitors is – do you tip in Japan?

Tipping is not expected in Japan. In some cases, it’s actually considered to be rude.

We made this mistake on our first trip to Tokyo. We left a generous tip and the server chased us down the street to give us back our change. He was not impressed, either.

This is one of the best Japan travel tips we can give – do NOT tip in Japan.

Related:  50 Photos of Kyoto that will inspire you to visit

11. Order your lunch from a vending machine

One of the things we love about Japan is that everything is efficient and convenient. A perfect example of this efficiency is the electronic vending machines located outside many restaurants.

The touch screen machines often have photos of each dish, which is convenient and avoids the potential language barrier that may arise if you had to order from a server who does not speak English.

The process is simple. You select the food you want from the touch screen machines, pay with cash or credit card, grab your receipt and head inside. Your food is then delivered to your table or your number is called and you pick it up from the counter. 

Once you’re finished eating, you leave. No need to wait for a server to bring your bill. 

12. Pack your trash. Garbage bins are hard to find.

This one still confuses me. .

How on earth does a country not supply garbage bins in public areas? And, even more baffling, how does Japan stay so clean and garbage free without offering garbage bins?

It makes no sense. Yet, it makes perfect sense. 

First of all, if you’re practicing travel tip #9, you shouldn’t be walking and eating, therefore you shouldn’t have garbage in public. If you do bring snacks and drinks with you, the expectation is that you will bring your garbage home with you. 

It’s a counter-intuitive approach to littering, but it appears to work very well in Japan.

Without question, Japan is the cleanest country we’ve visited.

13. No smoking in public areas

Not only is Japan the cleanest country we’ve visited, it’s also the most smoke free. Most city streets and public areas are designated as smoke free. Even sidewalks have no smoking signs on them (see photo above – these signs are found in most heavily trafficked areas).

Now, you may be asking, where do smokers smoke?

There are designated smoking areas scattered throughout the city (see photo below). These designated smoking areas are typically located on side streets and away from people. 

The best part about this system is that people actually follow the rules and only smoke in designated areas. Imagine that. 

14. Train and subway stations have storage lockers 

Most train and subway stations have storage lockers available for temporary use.

This comes in handy if you plan to do some sightseeing and you don’t want to drag your luggage around.

For example – you check out of your hotel at 11:00 AM but you still want to visit a few temples before you catch a train. Simply drop off your luggage at these storage lockers and your free to explore without your luggage. 

The above photo was taken at Tokyo Station . As you can see, there’s a variety of sizes to choose from. You pay for the locker using cash or credit card. Price depends on the size, but it’s generally around 500 yen.

15. Japanese toilets are fancy

You will always remember the first time you try a japanese toilet..

Japanese toilets are next level, when compared to toilets in North America. Public washrooms in Japan are also very clean and organized. 

Toilets in Japan typically look like the one pictured above. Toilet seats are often heated and they have a control system that allows you to spray water at varying speeds.

Some toilets even have sounds and music for privacy. I used one that makes a fake flushing sound, so it drowns out the sound of you doing your business.

BUT – Not all toilets are high tech

We feel it’s important to highlight the other types of toilets in Japan. Though not as common in Japan, you may come across a toilet that looks like the one pictured above. 

This hole-in-the-floor toilet is commonly found in Asia. If your trip to Japan is also the first time visiting Asia, the sight of this toilet will no doubt rattle you.

I remember my first encounter with this toilet in Thailand. It takes some getting used to.

16. Eat at convenience stores

We rarely pick up ready-to-eat food at convenience stores in Canada, unless we’re on a road trip or there aren’t other food options available. 

Ready-to-eat food at convenience stores is common in Japan.

Convenience stores actually have a good selection of prepared food, from sandwiches to bento boxes to baked goods. We often grabbed prepackaged sandwiches (picture above) and pastries for breakfast each morning. You can purchase beer and wine from these convenience stores. Eating at convenience stores is one of the easiest ways to travel cheap in Japan.

The main stores in Japan are 7 Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson. Most are open 24 hours.

 Related – Quick Guide to Japanese Cuisine for Tourists

17. Kimonos in Kyoto is a thing

When you visit Kyoto for this first time, you will see hundreds of people wearing kimonos as they wander the old streets of Gion and Higashiyama.

At first, we assumed it was common dress attire for residents. However, we later learned that most people were dressing up in kimonos to take photos at traditional Kyoto landmarks, like  Kiyomizu-dera , Hōkan-ji Temple  and  Yasaka Shrine .

Many of the people wearing kimonos are not residents of Kyoto. They are visitors from other Japanese cities or they’re foreign tourists. It’s popular to rent kimonos and hire a photographer for a few hours.

You will find several kimono rental stores in the old Higashiyama District of Kyoto. 

Look at the advertisement to the right. Then, look at the woman on the right. Coincidence? 

18. Toy stores have interesting figures on display

Alright, let me start by reminding you that we visited Japan with our two young boys.

Like most boys, they want toys. They both like Pokemon right now, so they were constantly on the lookout for Pokemon cards and toys.

As you’d expect, we came across a few toy stores on this trip to Japan. 

What we didn’t expect to find was half-naked stripper dolls on display right beside the Pokemon toys. Some of these figurines were quite provocative, too. 

Now, I don’t want to sound like a prude, but be aware of this should you decide to bring your kids to toy stores that sell animated figures. I wasn’t prepared for the questions that followed. 

Some of the figures and posters are quite suggestive – and disproportionate. 

19. Craft beer is available, but it’s not popular

You will find craft beer in Japan but it’s not as popular as North America or Europe. We don’t often associate Japan with craft beer, it’s an ongoing evolution ; however, the scene has experienced growth in recent years.

While exploring Kyoto’s Nishiki Market , we stumbled across Spring Valley Brewery . We ordered a flight of beer, pictured above, and it came with 8 varieties of beer in 4 oz glasses.

Most restaurants in Japan serve the big three – Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo.

We don’t normally drink lagers or pilsners, we prefer pale ales. However, we often found ourselves craving a frosty pint of Sapporo during our time in Japan. It reminded us of drinking Guinness in Ireland – it tastes so much better when consumed in its home country.  

Here’s a list of the best craft breweries in Japan.

Spring Valley Brewery in Kyoto.

20. McDonald’s menus are basically the same 

Sometimes, you just need an egg mcmuffin for breakfast. am i right .

Our boys love Chicken McNuggets and French fries from McDonald’s. After days of trying new food in Tokyo, unsuccessfully at times, they were excited to see the familiar Golden Arches. 

We like to visit McDonald’s when we travel overseas. Not because we enjoy the food, but because we like to see how McDonald’s has adapted its menu to appeal to local audiences.

The McDonald’s menu in Japan is basically the same as Canada.

You will find Big Macs, McChicken sandwiches, Egg McMuffins and Chicken McNuggets. However, it does offer some unique sandwiches and burgers. I tried the Teriyaki Burger and Shrimp Burger. They were okay. Not great. The main difference is the sauce.

Here’s a list of McDonald’s menu items found only in Japan . I only saw a handful of these menu items, so I’m not sure how accurate or up-to-date this list is. The menu is also regional and seasonal.

McDonald’s is a good place to get free WiFi in Japan. 

Share YOUR Japan travel tips in the comments below.

21. Choose your themed cafe wisely

Tokyo is known for it’s unusual and quirky themed cafes..

Most Japan travel tips blog posts will tell you to visit a themed cafe in Tokyo – and we agree. But here’s the thing – many of these cafes are tourist traps and they exploit the people and pets involved.

It’s important to do a little research and choose your cafe experience carefully. 

We decided to visit the Hedgehog Cafe in Harajuku , Tokyo.

Our oldest boy recently got a hamster, so he was excited to play with hedgehogs. We like that HARRY Hedgehog Cafe has separate resting areas, so they’re not being handled constantly. It can be stressful for the hedgehogs. This cafe sells the hedgehogs, so its goal is to also find a home for them.

HARRY hedgehog cafe is located 2 minutes from the Harajuku Station . It’s on the 4th floor.

Read more Japan blog posts here .

22. Stay at a traditional Japanese Ryokan 

Staying at a ryokan is a unique japanese experience that first time visitors should try – at least once..

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms and communal baths. Basically, the hotel rooms do not have beds. Instead, each guest is provided a Japanese futon mattress and bedding.

Here’s a video about how to make a futon bed at a traditional Japanese Ryokan. 

Our boys had fun sleeping together on the tatami-matted floor. They said it felt like camping indoors. We’re used to sleeping on a mattress, so our backs were pretty sore and stiff in the morning. It’s a fun experience, but after a few nights sleeping on the floor, we were thankful for a bed.

Another unique feature of a Ryokan is the shared baths.

This traditional bath experience is quite different from Western culture. Spoiler alert – you will be naked with other guests. You do not share baths with the opposite gender (ie. men with men, women with women). 

Many Canadians will find this public nudity to be uncomfortable. What can I say, that’s just how some of us are hardwired. 

Communal baths will vary depending on the Ryokan, but typically you shower while sitting on a plastic stool. See photo below. After your shower you can soak in shallow hot tub. Some ryokans also have saunas. 

Above – shared bath and shower at a ryokan hotel in Japan.

23. Cover up. Tattoos are not well received.

If you stay at a ryokan, or visit an onsen (japanese hot spring), you will likely be told to cover your tattoos..

If you’re covered in tattoos, you might be denied access to the bath or onsen. In Japan, tattoos are not socially acceptable and they’re often associated with criminals and gang members. 

This happened to us in Kobe City. The hotel we stayed at has a nice spa and bath on its top floor. 

When we arrived, we were handed the letter you see pictured above. If you look at the 3rd item, in the middle of ‘forbidden actions’, you will read ‘Individuals with tattoos is not allowed into the Skyspa’. 

We both have a tattoo, so we asked the front desk if were allowed to use the Skyspa. They handed us a stack of bandages and said we had to cover our tattoos with the bandages. It seemed excessive, but we followed the rules and covered up. 

If you have tattoos, keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

24. You can communicate with English 

Contrary to what we read prior to visiting Japan, most train stations, hotels and shopping centers have English signs. We did not have trouble navigating Japan without speaking Japanese. 

Japan hosts many world events, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics , so the country has adapted to the global language. 

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that over 28.7 million tourists visited Japan in 2017 ( source ). And that number is expected to rise by 6% each year. 

It’s recommended you learn a few basic Japanese words. Even if your pronunciation is off, people will appreciate you making an effort to learn the language.

When in doubt, revisit #3 on this list of Japan travel tips.

25. Japan is very safe

Yes, it is safe to travel to japan. .

Japan is a great family travel destination. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest nations in the world. We found the people of Japan to be very friendly, respectful and accommodating.

We did not feel unsafe at any point during our trip.

How safe is it to travel in Japan?

Japan ranks in the top 10 in the Global Peace Index ( source ). Violent crime is rare. The general crime rate in Japan is ranked well below the national average of the United States. 

Of course, like anywhere in the world, you still need to use common sense. For example, don’t walk down dark alleys in the middle of the night, be careful when taking money out of ATMs and don’t engage in criminal activity.  

Before you travel to Japan, check travel advisories here . Japan is prone to typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides and tsunamis. 

More Japan travel tips you should know 

• Take off your shoes when entering a home, hotel room or onsen.
• Don’t point directly at people – it’s rude.
• Wait your turn. Japanese respect the queue. Don’t skip the line.
• Japanese people often wear paper face masks to keep them, and you, healthy.
• Don’t be loud in public areas. No talking on phones or playing music, shows or games without using headphones (see above photo).
• Be polite and respectful to everyone. 
• When paying for things, place your money on the tray instead of handing it directly to the cashier.
• Don’t blow your nose in public. 
• Bring a portable multi charging adaptor with USB outlets.
• Get a portable Wifi device so you can stay connected during your travels.
• Tourists are not always welcome. While the Japanese are very friendly and helpful towards foreigners, there are some establishments where tourist aren’t welcome (eg. high-end restaurants in Ginza).
• Everything is tiny. Hotel rooms are tiny (like capsule hotels ), restaurants are tiny, cars and vans are tiny – everything in Japan feels smaller. Have you heard of the Kei Car vehicle class ?
• Most standard hotel rooms have twin beds. Consider this before booking your hotels. Search for cheap Japan hotels here .

Read more posts from Japan:

• 100 Photos of Tokyo Disneyland
• Guide to eating Japanese Food in Japan for travellers

Have you visited Japan? What did we miss?

What would you add to these japan travel tips.

Share your Japan travel tips in the comments section below.

Related posts:

03/18/2020 at 9:20 pm

Great to read your info on ‘current’ aspects of visiting Japan. I had many business visits there in the 1970s and always tried to spent an extra day or weekend there to enjoy the interesting country and their cleanliness and civility. I even went to a wedding there after lunch at a country ryokan. One final comment – their English translations on posters etc seems to have improved in the last 40-50 years!

05/20/2024 at 8:48 pm

Hi Cam and Nicole I am a Canadian living in Ontario. I am going to Japan for the first time in August.. and then will travel through various countries all the way to PNG and in to Australia. I have been to 47 countries so far in 5 continents. I hope I will able to travel to Japan and all other countries without Compromising my home comfort as in Canada. I am not a foodie guy. So I like to stick with what I know. Never like the street foods. And I don’t tip even in Canada or US. But hope I could find hotel like in Canada, propèr bed and washroom. I am retired single traveler, like my comfort at night and love to explore the nature mountains river volcanos I hope I will find the comfort in Japan and in other Southasian countries. BAny comments will be appreciated. Thanks

05/24/2024 at 11:13 am

Thanks for your reply, Tony. I hope you enjoy your trip to Japan! It’s one of our favourite travel destinations

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• Japan Shore Excursions, Day Trips & Activities from Cruise Ports

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Top onsen experiences in japan | 10 hot springs destinations to visit.

In a country that’s become a premier destination for global travelers, visitors to Japan are now searching for unique experiences that go beyond social media appeal or typical tourist attractions. Why not explore an Onsen or Japanese bathhouse nestled in a natural hot spring setting?

Japanese hot spring baths, known as “Onsen” (温泉 meaning “hot spring”), are rich in tradition and set against stunning natural landscapes. These baths offer travelers a chance for deep relaxation and renewal.

In this edition of the Japanese Taste blog, we present the Top 10 Onsen Experiences in Japan. From the northern reaches of Hokkaido to the southern regions of Kyushu, and through the main island of Honshu, we’ll guide you to the finest Japanese hot spring baths for your next visit to Japan.

What Is an Onsen? Why Experience a Japanese Hot Spring Bath?

Before diving into our Top 10 list of Japanese onsens, let’s explore what makes a Japanese hot spring bath so special and why it holds significance for both locals and visitors.

An Onsen is more than just a bathhouse; it is a retreat where natural hot spring waters, enriched with minerals from deep within the earth, offer both physical and spiritual renewal. The tradition of bathing in Japan is deeply ingrained in daily life, from home baths to communal bathhouses, and has been a cherished practice for centuries.

Onsen experiences elevate this tradition by incorporating natural hot springs. In Japan’s mountainous and geologically active landscape, hot springs are a natural gift. Bathing in an Onsen is not just about relaxation; it’s a way to connect with Japan’s geological essence and honor the long-standing appreciation for the therapeutic benefits of these waters.

Most Japanese people will enthusiastically affirm their love for onsens and share their experiences of the healing and soothing effects these hot springs provide.

Best Time to Visit Onsen in Japan

When planning your trip, consider Japan’s high and low seasons and potential weather challenges. First, outline your travel itinerary, then find the nearest onsens to your destinations.

Spring and Autumn – Ideal Onsen Seasons

The mild temperatures of spring and autumn make these seasons perfect for onsen visits. Picture yourself relaxing in outdoor baths amid cherry blossoms or colorful fall leaves.

Winter Onsen – A Cozy Escape

Winter turns onsens into warm retreats amidst snow-covered scenery. The contrast between the hot water and chilly air creates a magical experience, making winter a popular time for onsen visits.

Summer Onsen – A Refreshing Escape

Japan’s summers are typically hot and humid. While it might seem unusual to visit an onsen during this season, it’s actually a great way to cool off and rejuvenate during your travels in Japan.

Japanese Onsen Etiquette

Before stepping into the serene onsen in Japan, it’s crucial to understand and follow onsen etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience. The onsen ritual begins with a thorough washing and rinsing before entering the communal bath. Once you’re in the onsen, avoid bringing towels into the water and refrain from swimming or splashing. The tranquil atmosphere of an onsen requires a quiet and respectful demeanor to maintain a serene environment for everyone.

Tattoos, which were once a barrier to accessing onsen due to their association with organized crime, are becoming less of an issue at many establishments. If you or someone you’re traveling with has tattoos, it’s advisable to check for onsen that are tattoo-friendly or have specific times when tattoos are permitted.

Why You Should Experience an Onsen in Japan

While most visitors to Japan focus on cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, adding an onsen visit to your itinerary can offer a deeper connection to Japanese culture and history. Thanks to Japan’s excellent transportation system, you can easily integrate a visit to an onsen without significantly altering your travel plans. Experiencing an onsen not only provides relaxation and rejuvenation but also enriches your travel adventure by immersing you in a traditional aspect of Japanese life.

Physical and Spiritual Renewal at an Onsen

Onsen waters, rich in minerals, offer therapeutic benefits for both the body and mind. They are known to ease aches, enhance circulation, and cleanse the skin. Soaking in an onsen is more than a physical experience; it’s a chance to meditate, reflect, and find peace in a serene setting. Visitors often leave feeling not just physically refreshed but also spiritually uplifted, carrying a renewed energy that enhances the rest of their journey in Japan.

Top 10 Japanese Onsen to Enjoy During Your Trip to Japan

Exploring Japan’s top onsens offers a variety of exceptional hot spring bath experiences, each earning its spot among the finest. If your schedule and budget permit, consider visiting one or more of these premier onsen destinations. These standout spots in Japan are well worth an overnight stay or even a weekend visit, especially with nearby attractions and activities to enhance your trip.

1. Kusatsu Onsen – Premium Hot Springs 

Located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Kusatsu Onsen is renowned for its Yubatake, a central hot water field that defines the town. The sulfur-rich waters are celebrated for their healing qualities, making Kusatsu a top destination among Japan’s onsens. Japanese locals will often respond enthusiastically if you mention you’re visiting Kusatsu, reflecting its esteemed status in the onsen world.

The town’s traditional allure is showcased through the Yumomi performance, where women rhythmically stir the hot spring water to cool it down. For an authentic experience of Japanese hot spring culture, Kusatsu Onsen is a must-visit during your trip to Japan.

How to Get to Kusatsu Onsen

Despite its picturesque setting, Kusatsu Onsen is easily accessible. From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Karuizawa, then transfer to a bus bound for Kusatsu. If you’re touring the Hokuriku region, this onsen is a must-see!

2. Noboribetsu Onsen – Hokkaido’s “Hell Valley”

Nestled in the volcanic terrain of Hokkaido, Noboribetsu Onsen stands out with its Hell Valley (Jigokudani) and mineral-rich waters, offering a distinct onsen experience. The geothermal features around the area enhance the appeal of this remarkable destination. The hot springs from Hell Valley reveal the earth’s raw energy, and the annual Hell Festival adds a mystical touch to the experience, creating a unique atmosphere.

A visit to Noboribetsu will leave a lasting impression, not only for the onsen experience but also for the stunning landscapes. While the scenery is indeed social media-worthy, it’s the memorable experience that truly stands out for those who visit.

How to Get to Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu is easily accessible for a day trip by bus or rental car from Sapporo or nearby ski resorts. An overnight stay is also recommended, with plenty of dining and accommodation options available. As part of a trip to Hokkaido, Noboribetsu is a highlight worth including in your Japanese itinerary.

3. Ginzan Onsen – A Taisho Era Retreat in Yamagata Prefecture

Situated in a picturesque valley in Yamagata, part of northern Japan’s Tohoku region, Ginzan Onsen offers a step back to the Taisho era. The historic ryokans along the charming river create a nostalgic atmosphere, making Ginzan a hidden gem among Japanese onsens. The area’s timeless allure comes from its preservation of Taisho-era charm, with visitors enjoying serene strolls by the river, accompanied by the sound of flowing water and the glow of lanterns, evoking a bygone era. Ginzan’s ability to retain its historical character amidst modernity adds to its enchanting appeal.

How to Get to Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen is best enjoyed as an overnight stay, especially for those exploring the Tohoku region of northern Honshu. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Sendai, then drive to Ginzan Onsen, about two hours away. Be mindful that the Tohoku region is known for its winter snowfall, which enhances its natural beauty but requires checking weather conditions depending on the season.

4. Kinosaki Onsen – Soothing Hot Springs by the Japan Sea

If you’re visiting the Kansai area, such as Kyoto or Osaka, consider adding Kinosaki Onsen to your itinerary. With its seven public baths and charming canals, Kinosaki Onsen offers a serene escape. The town’s unique atmosphere and variety of bathing options make it a standout destination among Japanese onsens. Kinosaki Onsen provides relaxation throughout the year. In winter, enjoy the snowy landscapes, while summer visitors can refresh themselves in some of Japan’s finest hot spring baths.

How to Get to Kinosaki Onsen

Although it may be slightly off the beaten path, Kinosaki Onsen is well worth an overnight or weekend stay. It’s best to book a ryokan and travel by train (great for JR Pass holders) from Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe.

5. Gero Onsen – Gifu’s Charming Hot Springs

Gero Onsen stands out with its three distinct public baths and delightful ryokan inns. Set by the Hida River in Gifu Prefecture, its tranquil riverside location and therapeutic waters create a perfect retreat for onsen lovers. The scenic beauty of Gero Onsen, combined with its three unique hot spring baths, offers a variety of experiences. Traditional Gassho-zukuri style ryokans further enrich the visit, highlighting Japan’s architectural and cultural heritage.

How to Get to Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen is conveniently reached by train from Nagoya, making it accessible with a JR Pass. It’s a manageable trip from both the Kanto (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto) regions.

6. Hakone Onsen – A Relaxing Retreat Near Tokyo

Just a short trip from Tokyo, Hakone Onsen offers a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle with its natural hot spring baths. Set amidst lush forests and with views of Lake Ashi, Hakone provides a peaceful getaway with stunning scenery. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, adding a touch of grandeur to your onsen experience. However, it’s best to keep expectations in check and be pleasantly surprised if the mountain appears.

How to Get to Hakone

You can reach Hakone quickly by taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara in under an hour, and then a 15-minute ride to Hakone Yumoto station. It’s ideal for a day trip from Tokyo, but even better as an overnight stay in one of the many ryokan inns in the Hakone area.

7. Dogo Onsen – Shikoku’s Historic Hot Springs

Dogo Onsen, with its historic three-story wooden bathhouse, offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich onsen tradition. The setting is perfect for those looking to experience authentic Japanese culture. As dusk falls over Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen takes on an enchanting atmosphere. The Dogo Onsen Honkan, illuminated against the night sky, stands as a symbol of timeless elegance. The blend of architectural beauty and historical significance makes Dogo Onsen a quintessential onsen experience.

How to Get to Dogo Onsen

Located on Shikoku Island, Dogo Onsen is somewhat off the beaten path but offers unique experiences not found in Tokyo or Kyoto. The nearest city, Matsuyama, is about 30 minutes away and provides train and flight connections from Tokyo, Osaka, and other destinations on your Japan travel itinerary.

8. Beppu Hatto Onsen – Explore Kyushu’s Hot Springs

Located on Kyushu’s southern island in Oita Prefecture, Beppu is renowned for its wide variety of onsen experiences, including mud baths and sand baths. The Hatto Onsen, a collection of eight distinct hot spring baths in the Beppu area, adds to the city’s allure. Beppu’s diverse onsen offerings make it a fascinating destination for enthusiasts. Additionally, Oita Prefecture is known for its exceptional food, ensuring a rewarding visit.

How to Get to Beppu

Beppu is easily accessible as a day trip from Fukuoka (great news for JR Pass holders) or can be explored as an overnight destination. Consider visiting nearby onsen towns like Yufuin or the Mount Aso region for a more comprehensive hot spring experience.

9. Kurokawa Onsen – A Hidden Gem in Kyushu

Discover Kurokawa Onsen, a serene retreat nestled in the mountains of Kyushu. Enjoy a variety of over 20 unique hot springs, with each ryokan providing a perfect escape into relaxation. Wander through the picturesque streets, lined with traditional yukata-wearing visitors, ryokan inns, bathhouses, and charming shops. The town’s compact size enhances its peaceful atmosphere, inviting you to relax and rejuvenate. Here, you won’t find high-rise hotels or neon lights—just natural beauty and traditional wooden buildings along a gentle river. Kurokawa Onsen maintains its authentic character, offering a quintessential Japanese hot spring experience.

How to Get to Kurokawa Onsen

Travel by Shinkansen to Kumamoto, then continue by rental car or bus to Kurokawa Onsen. Consider a regional pass that also covers other onsen destinations.

10. Ibusuki Onsen – Southern Kyushu’s Unique Hot Springs

Located at the southern tip of Kyushu in Kagoshima Prefecture, Ibusuki Onsen offers a distinctive hot spring experience. Here, visitors are treated to “sunamushi,” a unique therapy where they are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand. This unusual practice, combined with the seaside location, provides a sensory experience that transcends traditional onsen bathing. The coastal setting enhances the tranquility of this unconventional yet therapeutic onsen.

How to Get to Ibusuki Onsen

To reach Ibusuki, take a train from the end of the Kyushu Shinkansen line. It’s advisable to stay overnight to fully enjoy the area. Alternatively, you can fly domestically into Kagoshima from Tokyo or Osaka and start your Kyushu exploration from there.

From the timeless allure of Dogo Onsen to the stunning scenery of Kusatsu, and from the scenic beauty of Hakone to the dramatic landscapes of Noboribetsu, Japanese Onsen offer a unique blend of historical charm, natural splendor, and cultural immersion. Experience the mineral-rich waters and tranquil settings of Japan’s hot springs with Japan Shore Excursions , and let these serene landscapes transport you to a place of profound peace and cultural richness.

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Best eSIM Options for Travelers in Japan: Stay Connected Seamlessly

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

If you're a traveler visiting Japan, staying connected is essential for navigation, translation, and staying in touch. While traditional SIM cards have been the go-to option, eSIM offers a superior solution that’s perfect for international travelers.

eSIM vs SIM cards

With a physical SIM card, you need to visit a store or kiosk to purchase one, then manually insert it into your phone. This can be time-consuming, especially after a long flight. On the other hand, eSIM allows you to activate a data plan without leaving your hotel or even before you arrive in Japan. Many carriers offer eSIM plans that can be activated with just a QR code, saving you the hassle of finding a physical SIM card.

eSIM also lets you store multiple carrier profiles on your device, so if you're traveling to multiple countries during your trip, you can easily switch between local carriers. This flexibility is a major advantage, as you can enjoy seamless connectivity no matter where you go. Plus, since eSIM doesn’t require a physical card slot, your device remains more secure and you reduce the risk of losing or damaging a SIM card.

For travelers who value convenience and efficiency, eSIM is the perfect choice when visiting Japan.

5 recommended eSIM services

Here are some useful eSIM services for travelers visiting Japan:

1. NAVITIME eSIM

NAVITIME eSIM is designed specifically for travelers to Japan, which offers access to Japan’s local 5G network without the need for roaming, ensuring you benefit from the highest-quality local connections. Additionally, it provides unlimited data usage with no throttling, meaning you can enjoy consistently fast and reliable 5G speeds throughout your trip. This is ideal for travelers who need seamless high-speed internet for navigation, streaming, or staying connected, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience while exploring Japan. NAVITIME is particularly beneficial for travelers as it integrates with their popular navigation and travel information app Japan Travel by NAVITIME, providing you with reliable directions and real-time travel updates throughout your journey in Japan. Purchase from here

Klook (Airhub App)

Klook partners with the Airhub app to provide an easy-to-use eSIM service for travelers traveling worldwide including Japan. The service offers high-speed internet and can be activated instantly through a QR code. This makes it especially convenient for those who want to skip the process of buying and inserting a physical SIM card. Klook’s eSIM plan allows you to stay connected without interruptions, providing an ideal solution for frequent internet users who need reliable access for navigation, translations, or social media. The service is competitively priced, and you can purchase the eSIM through Klook’s platform, offering both convenience and flexibility during your trip. Purchase from here

Holafly is a popular choice among international travelers for its straightforward eSIM service. Offering a range of data plans tailored to different travel needs, Holafly allows you to purchase and activate your eSIM for Japan before you even board your flight. The activation process is simple—just scan a QR code, and your eSIM is ready to use. This eliminates the need to search for a SIM card vendor upon arrival, saving you time and effort. Holafly’s plans offer reliable internet access, ensuring that you can navigate, check maps, and stay in touch with ease. Their service is particularly beneficial for those who value seamless connectivity without worrying about roaming charges. Purchase from here

Yesim offers an affordable and user-friendly eSIM option for travelers to Japan. With Yesim, there’s no need to handle a physical SIM card or visit local shops. The entire process, from purchase to activation, is done digitally through a simple QR code scan. Once activated, travelers can immediately access high-speed internet, making it an excellent choice for those who rely on constant connectivity. Yesim offers various data plans depending on the length of your stay and data needs, allowing for flexibility in managing your internet usage. Whether you're staying for a short trip or a longer visit, Yesim provides a hassle-free solution to staying online in Japan. Purchase from here

Airalo’s "Moshi Moshi" eSIM plan is designed specifically for travelers visiting Japan, offering a range of flexible data packages to suit different needs. The eSIM can be activated instantly via a QR code, providing high-speed internet as soon as you arrive. Airalo’s service is particularly appealing for those who travel frequently or plan to visit multiple countries, as it supports seamless switching between local networks. The "Moshi Moshi" plan offers various data options, making it ideal for both light and heavy internet users. With Airalo, you can stay connected for navigation, social media, and streaming, ensuring a smooth travel experience throughout Japan. Purchase from here

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Experience the Best of Osaka in a Day: Ultimate Day Use Guide to Osaka

Welcome to Osaka, Japan’s vibrant and bustling metropolis where tradition meets modernity! Even if you only have a day to explore this fascinating city, our ultimate day use guide has you covered. From majestic castles to mouth-watering street food and lively shopping districts, let’s dive into the best of Osaka you can experience in just one day.

Morning: Historical and Cultural Wonders

Osaka castle.

Kickstart your day bright and early at Osaka Castle , a symbol of the city with abundant history. This impressive structure, surrounded by beautiful gardens, offers visitors a deep dive into Japan’s feudal past. Make sure to climb to the top floor of the castle for a panoramic view of Osaka city, a sight that’s both breathtaking and educational.

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Shitennoji Temple

A short ride from Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s oldest temples, Shitennoji Temple . This serene and spiritual place offers a glimpse into the architectural prowess of ancient Japan. The temple’s grounds are vast, with beautiful halls and pagodas that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Midday: Explore Local Flavors

As the morning transitions into afternoon, make your way to Dotonbori , the vibrant heart of Osaka’s food and entertainment district. Famous for its giant mechanical signs and lively atmosphere, Dotonbori perfectly captures the essence of Osaka’s modern culture. Be sure to snap a selfie with the iconic Glico Running Man sign!

Afternoon & Evening: Unique Attraction and Stunning Views

Osaka aquarium kaiyukan.

After a hearty meal, head towards the bay to visit one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan . Marvel at the diverse marine life, from majestic whale sharks to playful penguins. This attraction is particularly great for families and anyone interested in marine biology.

Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Umeda Sky Building

Take a train to the Umeda Sky Building in the Kita district. This architectural marvel features a rooftop observatory known as the “Floating Garden Observatory,” which offers panoramic views of Osaka. The unique design and breathtaking vistas make it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan Opening Hours: 09:30 AM – 10:30 PM

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Where Kamala Harris Stands on the Issues: Abortion, Immigration and More

She wants to protect the right to abortion nationally. Here’s what else to know about her positions.

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By Maggie Astor

• Published July 21, 2024 Updated Sept. 11, 2024

Follow along with live updates and debate analysis on the Trump and Harris campaigns .

With Vice President Kamala Harris having replaced President Biden on the Democratic ticket, her stances on key issues will be scrutinized by both parties and the nation’s voters.

She has a long record in politics: as district attorney of San Francisco, as attorney general of California, as a senator, as a presidential candidate and as vice president.

Here is an overview of where she stands.

Ms. Harris supports legislation that would protect the right to abortion nationally, as Roe v. Wade did before it was overturned in 2022, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

After the Dobbs ruling, she became central to the Biden campaign’s efforts to keep the spotlight on abortion, given that Mr. Biden — with his personal discomfort with abortion and his support for restrictions earlier in his career — was a flawed messenger. In March, she made what was believed to be the first official visit to an abortion clinic by a president or vice president.

She consistently supported abortion rights during her time in the Senate, including cosponsoring legislation that would have banned common state-level restrictions, like requiring doctors to perform specific tests or have hospital admitting privileges in order to provide abortions.

As a presidential candidate in 2019, she argued that states with a history of restricting abortion rights in violation of Roe should be subject to what is known as pre-clearance for new abortion laws — those laws would have to be federally approved before they could take effect. That proposal is not viable now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe.

Climate change

Ms. Harris has supported the Biden administration’s climate efforts , including legislation that provided hundreds of billions of dollars in tax credits and rebates for renewable energy and electric vehicles.

“It is clear the clock is not just ticking, it is banging,” she said in a speech last year , referring to increasingly severe and frequent disasters spurred by climate change. “And that is why, one year ago, President Biden and I made the largest climate investment in America’s history.”

During her 2020 presidential campaign, she emphasized the need for environmental justice , a framework that calls for policies to address the adverse effects that climate change has on poor communities and people of color. She has emphasized that as vice president as well.

In 2019, Ms. Harris, then a senator, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, introduced legislation that would have evaluated environmental rules and laws by how they affected low-income communities. It would have also established an independent Office of Climate and Environmental Justice Accountability and created a “senior adviser on climate justice” within several federal agencies. In 2020, Ms. Harris introduced a more sweeping version of the bill. None of the legislation was passed.

Ms. Harris was tasked with leading the Biden administration’s efforts to secure voting rights legislation, a job she asked for . The legislation — which went through several iterations but was ultimately blocked in the Senate — would have countered voting restrictions in Republican-led states, limited gerrymandering and regulated campaign finance more strictly.

This year, she met with voting rights advocates and described a strategy that included creating a task force on threats to election workers and challenging state voting restrictions in court.

She has condemned former President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. In a speech in 2022 marking the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, she said that day had showed “what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful.” She added, “What was at stake then, and now, is the right to have our future decided the way the Constitution prescribes it: by we the people, all the people.”

Economic policy

In campaign events this year, Ms. Harris has promoted the Biden administration’s economic policies, including the infrastructure bill that Mr. Biden signed, funding for small businesses, a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that capped the cost of insulin for people on Medicare and student debt forgiveness.

She indicated at an event in May that the administration’s policies to combat climate change would also bring economic benefits by creating jobs in the renewable energy industry. At another event , she promoted more than $100 million in Energy Department grants for auto parts manufacturers to pivot to electric vehicles, which she said would “help to keep our auto supply chains here in America.”

As a senator, she introduced legislation that would have provided a tax credit of up to $6,000 for middle- and low-income families, a proposal she emphasized during her presidential campaign as a way to address income inequality.

Immigration

One of Ms. Harris’s mandates as vice president has been to address the root causes of migration from Latin America, like poverty and violence in migrants’ home countries. Last year, she announced $950 million in pledges from private companies to support Central American communities. Similar commitments made previously totaled about $3 billion.

In 2021, she visited the U.S.-Mexico border and said : “This issue cannot be reduced to a political issue. We’re talking about children, we’re talking about families, we are talking about suffering.”

More recently, she backed a bipartisan border security deal that Mr. Biden endorsed but Mr. Trump, by urging Republican lawmakers to kill it , effectively torpedoed. The legislation would have closed the border if crossings reached a set threshold, and it would have funded thousands of new border security agents and asylum officers. “We are very clear, and I think most Americans are clear, that we have a broken immigration system and we need to fix it,” Ms. Harris said in March .

Israel and Gaza

Ms. Harris called in March for an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza and described the situation there as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” She said that “the threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated” but also that “too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.”

In an interview later that month , she emphasized her opposition to an Israeli invasion of Rafah, the city in southern Gaza to which more than a million people had fled. “I have studied the maps,” she said. “There’s nowhere for those folks to go, and we’re looking at about 1.5 million people in Rafah who are there because they were told to go there, most of them.”

She has said on multiple occasions that she supports a two-state solution.

Racial justice

Racial justice was a theme of Ms. Harris’s presidential campaign. In a memorable debate exchange in 2019 , she denounced Mr. Biden’s past work with segregationist senators and opposition to school busing mandates.

She has called for ending mandatory minimum sentences, cash bail and the death penalty, which disproportionately affect people of color.

Amid the protests that followed the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, she was one of the senators who introduced the Justice in Policing Act, which would have made it easier to prosecute police officers, created a national registry of police misconduct and required officers to complete training on racial profiling. It was not passed.

Her record as a prosecutor also came into play during her presidential campaign. Critics noted that as attorney general of California, she had generally avoided stepping in to investigate police killings.

Maggie Astor covers politics for The New York Times, focusing on breaking news, policies, campaigns and how underrepresented or marginalized groups are affected by political systems. More about Maggie Astor