JAPAN | Essential Travel Tips
Get ready to fall in love with Japan….! Home to over 14,000 islands, Japan offers an extraordinary blend of rich traditions and innovative modernity. A place where traditions of a bygone past collude graciously with modern, cutting-edge technology, Japan has something for just about everyone. Japan’s ancient villages give way to futuristic skyscrapers and the world of anime coexists harmoniously with world-class cuisine. The country’s diverse landscapes range from tropical beaches, sacred, snow-capped mountain peaks and lush parks peppered by those gorgeous cherry blossoms. Japan truly is a dream destination offering a unique fusion of natural beauty, rich history, and cutting-edge culture for every traveler. We’re sure you’re super stoked to head off to this amazing country, but before you do, be sure to check our comprehensive list of essential Japan travel tips to help you travel like a local!
How to Prepare for Your First Trip to Japan
#1. Download free travel planners
Download our free Japan Travel Planners to help you getting some idea of your unforgettable Japan adventure today!
#2. Visas & Entry Requirements
Here’s the good news: as of April 2024, travelers from over 70 countries can enter Japan for up to three months with a free tourist visa. This generally applies to travelers visiting Japan from Australia, North America, and more. Citizens of non-visa-exempt countries may be asked to pay between 3,000 and 6,000 yen depending on whether they’re applying for a single or double-entry visa. We recommend that you check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website for the latest info about your trip to Japan.
#3. Traveling Around Japan
The first thing to know when planning a trip to Japan is that getting around is extremely easy. In fact, you’ll quickly find out that the public transportation network is known for its amazing service, efficiency, and punctuality. If visiting major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, we recommend signing up for a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) before your trip. This gives you unlimited access to the JR network system, including local, rapid, limited express, and shinkansen trains. But that’s not all: a JR Pass also includes access to both tourist and JR buses. Now, if you’re a first-time visitor to Japan, navigating the Tokyo or Osaka metro can seem daunting given the intricate network, but rest assured that you’ll find clear instructions in English at every station.
Download Japan Railway MAPS
#4. check short term travel sim cards
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, staying connected while exploring the country is essential. The Mobal SIM Card service offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for travelers who need reliable mobile data during their visit. With no contracts or hidden fees, the Mobal SIM Card allows you to stay connected to the internet, make local calls, and use maps and translation apps without the hassle of international roaming charges. Simply order the SIM card before your trip, and you’ll have it delivered to your doorstep, ready to use upon arrival in Japan. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo or exploring rural areas, Mobal ensures seamless connectivity, making your Japanese adventure stress-free and enjoyable.
#5. Japanese Language Tips
While virtually everyone in the major Japanese cities speak English, you may wish to learn some basic Japanese words and phrases, especially if you’ll be visiting remote areas. Not only will this enhance your traveling experience, but you’ll also be able to interact with the locals.
More importantly, this will show your respect for the local culture and language. In addition to basic greetings, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with different food-related terms, numbers, and polite expressions. To help you out, we’ve put together some basic Japanese vocabulary cards that you may wish to consult when mapping out your Japan itinerary.
#6. Currency & Payment Methods
Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world. As such, you can take advantage of the cashless payment options offered at major stores and restaurants. That being said, you’ll still find many places (including major cities) that only accept cash, so we recommend that you also carry some currency with you. It’s important to know that most vending machines and ticket machines only accept small denominations.
Speaking of, the official Japanese currency is the yen (symbol ¥ or currency code JPY). It’s pronounced as ‘en’. The Japanese yen is available in four banknotes and six coins. If you start running low on cash, you’ll be glad to learn that international ATMs are widely available across Japan. There may be some restrictions on the cards that the machine accepts though, so be sure to check the instructions on the ATM before inserting your card. 7-Eleven and Japan Post Bank ATMs are the most widely used. International ATMs usually have a daily cap on how much you can withdraw. There may also be an ATM usage fee. As far as cashless payments are concerned, you’ll find that Japan has plenty of digital options like PayPay and LinePay. QR code payments and IC travel cards like Suica are also popular forms of payments.
#7. Cultural Etiquette
It’s no secret that the Japanese are some of the kindest and most well-mannered people in the world. You’ll find that Japan has several cultural customs and manners to show respect. For example, taking a long and deep bow is a customary greeting in the country. Unless you’re in an exceptionally formal situation, it’s not really necessary to learn exactly when and how to bow. You can always make a courteous incline of the head or bow lightly from the waist when greeting someone or when entering a store.
An important cultural custom in Japan is to remove your shoes before entering someone’s house, school, temple, and some restaurants. When visiting an establishment, keep your eyes peeled for a sign that asks you to remove your shoes before entering. You may also wish to know that public transportation etiquette is very important in Japanese society. To avoid disrupting other commuters, we recommend that you keep your voice low on public buses or trains. If using headphones, it’s also important to keep your music at a low volume.
#8. Nature & Outdoor Adventures
As you can probably tell by now, Japan is a prime destination for nature and outdoor adventures. From hiking to skiing, or even indulging in an unforgettable nautical activity, fans of the great outdoors absolutely have it made!
If hiking is your thing, you can always hop over to Kamikochi, located in the Japanese Alps. With trails for all fitness levels, Kamikochi boasts lush valleys and crystalline rivers gurgling softly through the verdant landscape.
For the ideal blend of history and outdoor escapades, we also recommend a visit to Mount Misen on Miyajima Island. There’s even a ropeway that takes you up to an observation deck where you’ll be treated to unblemished views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Tokyo may be a sprawling metropolis with gleaming skyscrapers, but it’s peppered with verdant parks where you can relax over a picnic. The city’s neon-lit landscape also offers easy access to the Izu chain of islands where you can hike up to Mount Mihara or explore the black sands of Ura-Sabaku.
If visiting Japan in the winter, Gala Yuzawa is literally the only snow resort in the country that has its very own bullet train stop (seasonal), making it easy for you to hit those slopes! Of course, there’s the world-famous Niseko Village which is practically teeming with snow tubing, snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities – not to mention the best onsens in Japan where you can soothe your muscles after a day on the slopes!
#9. Traditional Japanese Festivals
Japanese festivals are known for bringing ancient rituals, parades, and performances to life. One such event is the July Gion Matsuri Festival which dates back to over 1,000 years ago. Held in Kyoto, this religious festival was originally held to appease the deities during times of famine. During the event, you’ll be able to enjoy classic parades punctuated by ornately decorated Yamabokos (traditional floats).
Of course, it wouldn’t quite be a trip to Japan without celebrating Hanami, also known as Cherry Blossom Festival. Celebrated during the spring, this festival takes place throughout the country but one of the best spots to experience it is in Tokyo’s Ueno Park. This place is an absolute sight to behold in the spring with thousands of trees in full bloom.
If you happen to be on Shikoku Island in August, be sure to check out the vibrant Awa Odori Festival. Locals dress up in folkloric hats and coats before dancing to the beats of flutes, shamisen music, and taiko drums as they parade down the street. This festival dates all the way back to the 16th century.
Another popular event in Tokyo is Sanja Matsuri, a Shinto festival that’s usually held at the Asakusa Shrine. This festival features a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) that are carried throughout the streets of the city.
If you happen to be in Asakusa, you might want to experience Japan’s traditional natural indigo dyeing !
#10. Japanese Food & Dining Tips
Japanese cuisine is exceptionally diverse, with an extensive variety of regional specialties. Sourced from fresh, nutritious ingredients, Japanese dishes boast great flavors thanks to seasonings like mirin, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, sugar, dashi, and sake. Staples include boiled or steamed rice as well as noodles like Udon and soba.
In fact, you’ll find that most meals are served with a bowl of rice, a culinary tradition that’s over 2,000 years old. In some parts of Japan, rice is mixed with soy sauce, natto, and a fresh raw egg for breakfast. You’ll find plenty of convenience stores serving Bentos (boxed meals) with rice, meats or fish, pickles, and vegetables.
By far the most popular Japanese dish is sushi and the local offerings are as diverse as you’d expect. From chirashi (sushi rice with raw fish), Makizushi (rolled sushi), and nigirizushi (hand shaped), the options are practically endless!
Owing to its proximity to the ocean, fresh seafood is another staple in Japanese cuisine. In some parts of Japan, grilled fish like salmon or mackerel are enjoyed at breakfast, providing some much-needed protein for the day.
Hotpots are quite popular in the winter. Typical ingredients include hakusai (Chinese cabbage), negi (leek), meat, safood, and mushrooms. Bear in mind that the ingredients often vary regionally as well as seasonally.
Don’t be afraid to slurp your noodles when eating in Japan since this shows that you’re enjoying the food. Many Japanese people also believe that slurping soup actually helps you taste the flavors better. If using chopsticks, be sure to place them down on the chopstick holder and avoid dragging or stabbing your food with them.
