17 Japan Travel Tips For An Unforgettable Adventure

Written by Marijim Dy Timkang | Edited by Bianca Versoza

Growing up watching anime, Japan has always been a dream destination for me. That dream came true when my family and I went to Tokyo in 2015, and I just fell even more in love with Japanese culture and people.

If you’re considering visiting the Land of the Rising Sun, take it from me. You should definitely look into flights to Japan. Here are 18 Japan travel tips you should know to help you plan an unforgettable adventure:

Planning for Your Japan Trip

Before you book that plane ticket, you should know the best times to visit Japan, where, and how long you’ll be staying. This way, you can make the most of your time and budget.

1. Know the Best Times to Visit

Japan is a country you can visit any time of year! Each season offers something special. Personally, I think the best time to visit Japan is during autumn, specifically during Halloween. It was such a magical experience seeing almost everyone get dressed up in costumes and just enjoy the holiday.

Spring, during the months of March to May, is also a popular time to visit for the cherry blossom season. Summer brings lively festivals and fireworks displays, although the weather can be hot, with an average of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).

Meanwhile, winter is the best time to go and see Mt. Fuji, when the mountain becomes a picturesque, snow-capped beauty. You can also visit Hokkaido and experience the wonderland of winter. No matter when you visit, you’ll find something amazing to see and do in Japan.

2. Decide How Long You’ll Stay

Honestly, it’s all about your budget. I’m someone who likes to see how people of other cultures live, so the ideal timeframe for me would be around one to two weeks.

If it seems too long, you can schedule four to five days in one city or prefecture. Then, just visit a different area when you’ve saved enough again.

On average, you can set a budget of $125 per day for a Japan trip. But I’m pretty sure you can spend even less by finding cheaper accommodation and food. This way, you can stretch your budget and stay longer.

3. Choose Among Top Japan Destinations

Japan has something for everyone. That’s why it’s one of the best places to travel in Asia. Tokyo is a favorite for first-time visitors, as you can go to the Shibuya Crossing, Akihabara, and the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

When you return, you can then go to other popular destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa. These cities offer a different side of Japan, with traditional temples and shrines that give you a glimpse into the country’s rich history.

Foodies can visit Osaka to indulge in delectable street food and local specialties, like okonomiyaki and takoyaki. For nature lovers, Nara is home to friendly deer, while Hokkaido offers stunning landscapes and world-class skiing. 

Preparing for Your Japanese Adventure

Once the dates are set and you know which part of Japan you’re visiting, you can prepare for your adventure. File your documents, learn basic words and sentences, and get your transportation passes. 

4. Brush Up on Japanese Etiquette and Customs

Japanese people place a high value on politeness, so you should follow basic etiquette during your trip. Bowing is a common way to show respect, whether you’re greeting someone or saying thank you. The depth of your bow can vary depending on the situation, but a slight bow is often enough for most casual interactions.

When entering someone’s home, traditional ryokans, or certain temples, it’s customary to remove your shoes. Be sure to wear clean socks and opt for easy-to-remove shoes to avoid the awkwardness of holding up the line.

In public spaces, it’s important to be mindful of noise. On trains, you’ll notice that most people either stay silent or speak in very low voices.

Speaking loudly or talking on the phone, especially on public transportation, is considered rude. If you need to make a call, step outside the train or wait until you’re in a more private area.

When dining out, take note that slurping your noodles is actually a sign that you’re enjoying the meal. However, avoid blowing your nose at the table or sticking your chopsticks vertically into your food, as these are considered poor table manners.

Finally, tipping is generally not expected in Japan, so you don’t need to worry about that. Just focus on being respectful and considerate during your time there.

5. File the Documents You Need

Make sure your passport is up-to-date, with at least six months left before it expires. You also need to check if you need a visa. If you’re from one of the 71 countries or regions eligible for visa exemption, you can visit Japan without a visa for up to 90 days.

These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, most European nations, and others. However, it’s important to check your country’s specific requirements to confirm if you qualify for the visa exemption.

If you’re visiting from one of the countries with shorter visa-exempt stays, such as Brunei (14 days) or Thailand (15 days), be sure to plan accordingly. Travelers from nations like Singapore, the United States, and Germany can enjoy a longer stay, while citizens of some countries, like Brazil and the United Arab Emirates, have different conditions.

Always double-check Japan’s Ministry of Affairs website or consult with your local authorities to verify the latest visa regulations before your trip.

6. Learn Language Basics

Knowing a few basic Japanese words and phrases can make your trip much smoother. Simple greetings like “konnichiwa” (hello) and “arigato” (thank you) show politeness and effort.

Another useful phrase is “sumimasen,” which means “excuse me” or “sorry.” This is great for getting someone’s attention or apologizing if you bump into someone.

While many people in Japan don’t speak fluent English, they appreciate it when travelers try to speak a little Japanese.

It shows respect for their culture and can help in situations like ordering food, asking for directions, or simply interacting with locals. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, your effort will be noticed and appreciated.

7. Get Transportation Passes

If you’re planning to travel between cities in Japan, getting a Japan Rail Pass (JRP) is a smart choice. This pass gives you unlimited travel on most trains, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains).

It’s a great way to save money, especially if you’re visiting multiple cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. You need to purchase the pass before you arrive in Japan, as it’s only available to tourists.

If the JRP doesn’t fit your travel plans, there are other great options for getting around Japan. For short-distance travel or if you’re staying within a specific city or region, you can use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo.

These refillable cards make it easy to ride trains, buses, and even pay for items at convenience stores and vending machines. Unlike the JRP, IC cards don’t offer unlimited travel, but they’re perfect for pay-as-you-go travel within major cities.

Another alternative is to buy regional passes that cover specific areas. For example, the Kansai Thru Pass is ideal for exploring Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, offering unlimited travel on non-JR trains and buses.

The Hakone Freepass is a great option if you plan to visit Hakone’s scenic areas, covering multiple transportation types like cable cars and boats. These regional passes can save you money and simplify travel if you’re sticking to one part of the country.

8. Prepare Lots of Cash

Even with its reputation as a super-advanced country, many small businesses in Japan still rely heavily on cash. You must always have a mix of small and large bills on hand during your trip.

Exchange your money before arriving in Japan. Make sure to check the exchange rate so that you get the best value.

Once in Japan, you can also withdraw cash from ATMs and 7-Elevens, which are widely available, especially in major cities. Just be mindful of any fees your bank may charge for international withdrawals. 

9. Figure Out What to Pack

When packing for Japan, it’s best to pack light since hotel rooms can be small, and managing large suitcases might be tricky. Focus on essentials like comfortable clothes, as you’ll likely walk a lot.

Also, keep in mind that Japan’s outlets use Type A plugs (two flat prongs), so if you’re coming from a country with different plugs, don’t forget to bring a universal power adapter.

A portable power bank is also a must-have. You’ll rely heavily on your phone for things like maps, translation, and train schedules, so having a backup battery will keep you from getting stranded with a dead phone during the day.

Make sure you pack efficiently and leave space for any souvenirs you might want to bring back!

10. Book Your Accommodation

As you look for hotels or hostels, try to find ones near a major train station. This way, you can get around easily since most stations are connected to subway lines, buses, and even shops.

While hotel rooms in Japan can be small, they’re typically clean and come with all the basics you’ll need, like toiletries and Wi-Fi.

For a special experience, you can stay at a traditional Japanese inn called a ryokan. Ryokans offer a chance to experience full Japanese hospitality, with tatami mat floors, futon bedding, and often a relaxing onsen (hot spring bath), which can make your trip more memorable.

11. Rent Pocket Wi-Fi Ahead

When we went to Japan, my brother rented a pocket Wi-Fi from our Airbnb host. As a result, we were able to connect to the Internet throughout our trip (for the ‘gram, right?). Seriously, it was incredibly helpful for looking up information, especially for directions and finding restaurants.

It’s also more secure, which is useful when you’re checking your bank accounts or other sensitive information on the go.

You can rent pocket Wi-Fi from various companies, such as Japan Wireless, Ninja Wi-Fi, or Global Advanced Communications. You can easily reserve your device online, and most services allow you to pick up the device at major airports in Japan or have it delivered to your hotel for added convenience.

12. Check Your Network’s Roaming Service

Before your trip, contact your phone provider to check if they offer international roaming services for Japan.

Some carriers have affordable travel packages that let you use data, calls, and texts abroad. However, international roaming can sometimes be expensive, so it’s important to compare options.

A local SIM card or renting a pocket Wi-Fi device might be more cost-effective and reliable for staying connected during your trip.

13. Download Useful Apps

Before your trip, download Google Maps for easy navigation and Google Translate to help with the language. These apps will be lifesavers when you need directions or can’t read signs or menus.

Another helpful app is HyperDia, which shows train schedules and routes, making it easier to plan your trips around Japan. If you want to explore restaurants, Tabelog is a great app to find the best places to eat.

You should also get a currency converter app like XE to check real-time exchange rates, and if you plan to use an IC card for public transport, downloading a transport app like Navitime can help you navigate subways and buses efficiently.

Arriving in the Land of the Rising Sun

As you arrive in Japan, you should be ready to explore the city you’re in. Getting your IC card, finding convenience stores, and buying a prepaid card or eSIM can help you get settled for your first full day in the country. 

14. Consider Getting an IC Card

An IC card is super handy when traveling around Japan. Cards like Suica or Pasmo work on trains, buses, and even in many stores or vending machines. You just tap and go, making them easy to use even for older tourists.

You can get one at any train station, and they come pre-loaded with credit to get you started. Recharging your IC card is simple, too. There are machines at stations where you can add more money as you need it. 

15. Locate Convenience Stores Near You

One of the first things you need to do is to find convenience stores near where you’re staying. More than just a place for eating, Japan’s convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, also have essentials like toiletries and phone chargers in case you forget something.

You can withdraw cash from ATMs, pay bills, or buy tickets for events and attractions as well. They’re open 24/7, making them a lifesaver anytime you need something during your trip.

16. Buy a Prepaid Card or eSIM

If you didn’t rent pocket Wi-Fi, getting a prepaid SIM card or eSIM is a great backup for staying connected. These options let you use the internet on your smartphone, so you can access maps, translations, and messaging apps while traveling in Japan.

You can buy prepaid SIM cards at the airport or in major electronic stores, and they usually come with a set amount of data for a certain number of days. eSIMs are even easier since you can set them up on your phone before you arrive without needing a physical card. 

17. Plan Your First Full-Day Itinerary

After you’ve settled in, you can mentally prepare yourself for your first full day in Japan. Check the spots you want to visit and go to Google Maps or HyperDia to find the train and bus schedules.

As you plan your itinerary, make sure to consider travel time and give yourself a bit of leeway for breaks or spontaneous stops. Remember to pack snacks, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable shoes to keep you going.

Don’t be afraid to adjust your plans if you discover something interesting along the way. The key is to be flexible and open to new experiences as you explore the wonders of Japan.

Your Japan Travel Essentials

With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable Japan trip. Remember to enjoy every moment and make the most of your time in this incredible country. Immerse yourself in its rich culture and vibrant cities, filling your bucket with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.