Are you planning a trip to Japan and worried about etiquette, the best time to go, what to pack, and other must-know tips? If so, this Japan travel guide is for you!
Japan is an incredibly safe and welcoming country. You can make the most of your adventure with some planning and research. Based on my experiences, I’ve put together this guide, with 15 Japan travel tips to help you have a stress-free and unforgettable trip.
1. Get a Japanese e-sim
This is probably the most important of my Japan travel tips. A Japanese eSIM is a life-saver for navigating. You can use Google Maps to get around and check train schedules, lines, and routes without worrying about finding Wi-Fi.
I used Sakura Mobile, which offers excellent coverage. My unlimited data e-sim for 18 days cost ¥7810 and was well worth the money.
You can buy the e-sim online in advance and activate it upon arrival. This way, you’re ready to go as soon as you land!
2. Book accommodation in advance
Hotels can book up quickly, especially if you’re travelling during peak seasons like cherry blossom season (March-April) and autumn (October-November). To get the best rates and availability, I recommend booking in advance via platforms like booking.com or hotels.com. Both allow free cancellation until the day before arrival, so you can still have some flexibility.
Why not try out a traditional Ryokan for a complete Japanese cultural experience.
3. Carry enough cash
While Japan is becoming more card-friendly, many restaurants, temples, and small shops still only accept cash. Some train station ticket machines also require cash. The best places to withdraw money are 7-Eleven ATMs and Family Mart ATMs, which accept many foreign debit cards without extra fees.
When paying, place your cash or card on the tray at the counter rather than handing it directly to the cashier. Also, there is no need to tip; it is not expected or part of Japanese culture.
4. Use Japan Rail Passes
The Japanese rail network is second to none and you will use it a lot! The National Japan Rail Pass doubled in price in October 2023, so it may not be the best option. However, you can purchase a variety of regional rail passes that save money and are convenient.
Check Japan-Guide for an extensive guide to all the passes available. I’ve covered detailed itineraries using the Japan West All Area Pass and Fuji Hakone Pass.
5. Convenience stores in Japan
7-Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson are the 3 main convenience stores. They are dotted around most places and in all major train stations. You’ll never be too far from one of them.
They are great for cash withdrawals, snacks, and drinks. Onigiri (stuffed rice balls) are the most delicious and effortless on-the-go lunch. Even the ready meals are great for dinner if you are tired from walking all day and just want to chill at the hotel. They are cheap but taste amazing!
6. Don’t expect public bins
Japan’s streets are spotless, yet you’ll hardly find any public bins. This is because Japanese culture strongly emphasises personal responsibility and respect for public spaces. This encourages people to carry their waste and dispose of it at home. Keep this in mind when you are out and about.
7. Eating whilst walking in Japan is generally a no-no
In Japan, it’s impolite to eat while walking. If you buy street food (like from Kyoto’s Nishiki Market), eat beside the stall before moving on. The only exceptions are designated areas or near vending machines.
Eating on trains is frowned upon unless you’re on a Shinkansen bullet train, where it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a bento box.
8. Respect the queue culture
Japanese people are extremely orderly, and queuing is taken seriously. In train stations, you will see marks on the ground indicating where to queue to get on the train. It’s also fairly common to queue to get into restaurants. Make sure to join the back of the queue, and don’t cut in!
9. Be prepared for Japan’s weather
Depending on which region you visit and the time of year, the weather can be very different. Be prepared by checking the forecast before you travel.
Generally, the best months to visit Japan are March to April or October to November, when the weather is sunny and dry.
The weather is very hot and humid from May to September, with heavy rains in June and July. September to October is typhoon season, which can cause severe travel disruptions. And the winter tends to be cold and crisp with heavy snow in the north.
If you get stuck in a downpour, grab a cheap umbrella from 7-Eleven (¥700)!
10. Bring comfortable shoes
Expect to walk a lot! Whether you’re exploring castles and temples, mooching around cities and towns or hiking through forests and mountains, comfortable shoes are essential.
You’ll also have to take your shoes off at religious sites, traditional inns, and some restaurants. So, having shoes that are also easy to slip on and off can make things easier.
11. Learn the Japanese language basics
Google Translate is brilliant when you need to converse complicated messages, and English is relatively common in major cities. However, learning the basics can go a long way.
Hello – Konnichiwa (Pronunciation: kohn-nee-chee-wah)
Good morning – Ohayou gozaimasu (Pronunciation: oh-ha-yo goh-zai-mahs)
Good evening – Konbanwa (Pronunciation: kohn-bahn-wah)
Thank you – Arigatou Gozaimasu (Pronunciation: ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs)
Please – kudasai (Pronunciation: koo-dah-sigh)
Excuse me/I’m sorry – Sumimasen (Pronunciation: soo-mee-mah-sen)
Yes – Hai (Pronunciation: hi)
No – Īe (Pronunciation: ee-eh)
Goodbye – Sayōnara (Pronunciation: sah-yoh-nah-rah)
Tasty – Oishii (Pronunciation: oi-shee)
Bowing is also a sign of respect. When bowing, remember to keep your back straight, feet together, and look down.
12. Get used to Japanese toilets
Most Japanese toilets have electronic toilet seats, known as washlets or bidets. They have heated seats and cleansing functions. The handy pictograms will help you figure out what’s what! Some even have motion-activated sounds for privacy.
One thing to note is that the public restrooms often lack hand-drying facilities. For this reason, locals usually carry a small cloth with them.
13. Pack light
Japan’s hotel rooms are small, and lugging huge suitcases on public transport is a hassle. A large rucksack, around 70L, is ideal and easier to use on stairs than a wheeled case.
Most hotels have laundry facilities, and coin laundry places are common in the cities. They are also cheap at around ¥200 for a wash and ¥100 per dry cycle.
14. Make use of coin lockers
If you are planning a trip to Japan that involves moving around a lot, this is a great tip. All major train stations have coin lockers. They range in price and size from as little as ¥200 per day for a small locker to ¥1000 for the largest locker. You will receive a receipt with a code to open your locker. Take a photo of the receipt in case you lose it!
You can usually use them for a maximum of 72 hours. I used the coin locker in Shinjuku station for 3 days to do a side trip to the Hakone/Fuji area. You can read more about how to make this trip in my Fuji Hake Pass guide.
15. Consider luggage forwarding services
Japan’s luggage forwarding services (like Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express) let you send your bags between airports, hotels, and designated drop-off points. Prices range from ¥2,500-¥5,000, depending on the delivery location, and your bags will usually arrive the next day. This is an excellent option if you’re travelling between cities and want to avoid carrying heavy luggage.
That’s the end of my Japan travel guide. Now you know these Japan travel tips, you can start planning a trip to Japan!
Check out these posts for Japan itinerary ideas
15 Days In Japan: Best Japan Itinerary For First Timers.
The Shimanami Kaido: Taking On Japan’s Famous Cycle Route.
How To Spend 4 Days In Kyoto: The Ultimate Kyoto Itinerary.
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