Going to Japan for the first time? Exciting!
Knowing a few things beforehand can make your trip much smoother. This guide covers the practical stuff you need to know.
Basic Information
Language: Japanese. English works in tourist areas, but not so much elsewhere. Currency: Yen (JPY). Japan is still a cash society, so bring cash. Time difference: 9 hours ahead of the UK (8 hours during British Summer Time). Voltage: 100V. British devices need a converter plug. Tipping: Not expected. It can even be considered rude.
Before You Arrive
1. Register on Visit Japan Web
This speeds up immigration and customs. Complete it online before your flight. You’ll get a QR code — screenshot it.
2. Decide on Transport
JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass): If you’re visiting multiple cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, a JR Pass can save money. However, prices went up in 2023, so it doesn’t always pay off. Calculate your specific routes to check. Available for 7, 14, or 21 days.
IC Cards (Suica / Pasmo): Rechargeable cards for trains, buses, and convenience stores. Buy one at the airport. There’s a smartphone version (Mobile Suica), but it doesn’t always work with cards issued overseas. A physical card is more reliable.
3. Pocket WiFi or SIM
Japan doesn’t have much free WiFi. Rent a pocket WiFi or buy a SIM card. Airport pickup services are convenient.
eSIM is also an option now. Buy online before you go, and it works as soon as you land.
4. Book Accommodation
Popular seasons (cherry blossom, Golden Week, autumn leaves) book up fast. Especially Kyoto — it gets very crowded.
Bring Cash
Japan is still a cash society. Many places, especially small restaurants and shops outside major cities, don’t accept cards.
Guideline: 10,000-15,000 yen per day is comfortable.
ATMs at post offices (JP Bank) and 7-Eleven accept foreign cards. Fees can add up, so withdraw larger amounts at once.
Manners and Culture
“Reading the Air”
In Japan, people are expected to pick up on unspoken cues. Watch what others do and follow along.
Taking Off Shoes
Homes, ryokan, some restaurants, and temples require removing shoes. If there’s a step up at the entrance, that’s your cue. Line up your shoes neatly.
Bowing
Greetings involve bowing. The depth depends on the situation. For foreigners, a slight nod is enough. Don’t overthink it.
On Trains
- No phone calls
- Keep conversations quiet
- Give up priority seats when needed
- Wear backpacks on your front
Tokyo rush hour is brutal. Avoid it if you can, or brace yourself.
Dining Etiquette
- Say “itadakimasu” before eating, “gochisousama” after
- Slurping noodles is fine (it’s actually a sign you’re enjoying them)
- Don’t stab food with chopsticks
- Don’t pass food chopstick to chopstick (associated with funerals)
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice (also funeral-related)
Tipping
No tipping. Service charge is included. Tipping can cause confusion.
The Language Barrier
English isn’t widely spoken. But you’ll manage.
Helpful tools:
- Google Translate (camera feature reads menus)
- Pointing (just point at photos on menus)
- Show your translation app while speaking
Useful phrases:
| Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| すみません | Excuse me / Sorry |
| ありがとうございます | Thank you |
| これをください | I’ll have this, please |
| いくらですか | How much? |
| トイレはどこですか | Where is the toilet? |
| 大丈夫です | I’m fine / No thank you |
Even trying a little Japanese makes a good impression.
Getting Around
Trains
Japanese trains run on time. A one-minute delay gets an apology announcement.
Know this:
- Rush hour (7:30-9:30, 17:30-19:30) is seriously crowded
- Women-only carriages exist (during morning rush)
- Navigation apps (Google Maps, Navitime) are essential
- Last trains are earlier than you’d expect (around 23:00-24:00)
Shinkansen
Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Comfortable and scenic. Mount Fuji is visible on the right side (E seat, heading west).
Taxis
Doors open automatically. Don’t try to open them yourself. Fares start around 500 yen and go up from there.
Buses
Some are front-entry rear-exit, others the opposite. Depends on the region. Watch what others do. IC cards make it easy.
Food
Convenience Stores Are Amazing
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson. Open 24 hours. Onigiri, sandwiches, hot snacks, desserts, everything. And it’s actually good.
Bento, oden, nikuman, sweets. When in doubt, hit a konbini.
Finding Restaurants
- Tabelog (Japan’s Yelp — 3.5+ is solid)
- Google Maps
- Plastic food samples outside restaurants
- Queues usually mean it’s good
Reservations
Many Japanese restaurants require reservations, even ones that aren’t famous. Especially for dinner, booking ahead is safer.
Small places have few seats. “We’re fully booked” happens. Hotel concierges can sometimes make reservations for you.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
Allergen labelling is required on packaged foods in Japan. However, restaurants rarely ask about allergies — you need to tell them yourself.
Vegetarian and vegan options are limited. Dashi (stock) often contains bonito flakes, so even vegetable dishes may have fish-derived ingredients. Research ahead or prepare an allergy card.
Accommodation
Hotels
Western-style hotels work as expected. Amenities (toothbrush, shampoo, pyjamas) are comprehensive.
Business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotel, etc.) are cheap and clean. Rooms are small but fine for sleeping.
Ryokan
Traditional Japanese inns are worth experiencing. Tatami rooms, futons, kaiseki meals, onsen baths.
Ryokan have rules. Wash before entering the bath. Don’t put towels in the water. Some onsen don’t allow tattoos.
Capsule Hotels
Small but cheap. Fun for one night as an experience. Travel light.
Airbnb
Regulations tightened, so there are fewer options. Make sure it’s properly registered.
Shopping
Tax and Tax-Free
Sales tax is 10%. Many stores offer tax-free for purchases over 5,000 yen. Bring your passport.
Look for “Tax Free” signs. Show your passport at checkout and the tax is deducted on the spot.
Souvenirs
Department store basements (depachika) have better variety and prices than airports. You can also sample things.
Individually wrapped snacks make great gifts — easy to share.
Safety
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. You can walk around at night. Lost wallets often get returned.
However:
- Earthquakes happen. Check evacuation routes when you arrive at your hotel.
- Typhoon season (August-October) can disrupt transport. Check forecasts.
- Summer heat is genuinely dangerous. Watch out for heatstroke.
Itinerary Tips
One Week
Tokyo (3 nights) → Kyoto (2 nights) → Osaka (2 nights)
The classic route. Travel by shinkansen.
Tokyo: Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tsukiji/Toyosu, Akihabara Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Gion Osaka: Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, eating everything
Two Weeks
Add Hiroshima (Miyajima), Nara (deer), Kanazawa, or Hokkaido.
Don’t Over-Schedule
Japan has so much to see that you’ll want to cram it all in. But you’ll exhaust yourself travelling. Leave some breathing room.
When to Avoid
- Summer (July-August) — Brutally hot. 35°C+, 80% humidity. You’ll suffer.
- Golden Week (late April to early May)
- Obon (mid-August)
- New Year
GW, Obon, and New Year are when Japanese people travel too. Everything is crowded, expensive, and booked up.
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (late March to early April) — Cherry blossoms. Crowded, but beautiful.
- Autumn (late October to November) — Fall colours. Pleasant weather.
- Winter (December to February) — Cold but less crowded. Great for onsen.
Summary
Japan is unique, but preparation makes it easy.
- Register on Visit Japan Web
- Bring cash
- Get an IC card
- Know basic manners
- Download Google Translate
- Make restaurant reservations
Then just enjoy.
Related Articles
- Japan in Spring: Cherry Blossoms and Hanami Guide
- What Is Golden Week?
- How Long Does It Take to Learn Japanese?
Written by Ayaka Uchida – CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.