Japan Travel Tips: Everything to Know Before Traveling to Japan for the First Time

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, congratulations! You’re about to experience one of the most unique and amazing countries in the world. From its stunning natural beauty to its fascinating culture and history, there’s so much to see and do in Japan.

When you’re planning your first trip to Japan, you’ll probably have tons of questions. This is especially true if your trip to Japan will be your first time internationally! This guide is full of information to help you plan your first trip to Japan and to ensure that your trip goes smoothly.

Are you ready to plan your perfect first trip to Japan? Keep reading for an in-depth guide with helpful Japan travel tips, including how to get around Japan, information on the currency, safety tips, and more!

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.

Japan Travel Tips: Planning Your First Trip to Japan

Getting Cheap Flights to Japan

When you’re planning your first trip to Japan, one of the first things you’ll do is book your flight.

This may also be one of the most expensive parts of your trip, but finding great flight deals can help keep your trip budget-friendly.

My favorite resource for cheap flights to Japan is Scott’s Cheap Flights, an email newsletter that sends the best flight deals to destinations around the world. You can sign up for the free newsletter, or opt for the premium subscription at $49/year to receive more deals.

Thanks to Scott’s Cheap Flights, I flew from Chicago to Tokyo for just $650! Because flight deals to Japan are no guarantee, Scott’s Cheap Flights is best used when your travel dates are flexible.

If you’re looking for flights for specific dates, check out a website like Google Flights to find the best prices for your dates and departure airports.

Do I need a visa to visit Japan?

Whether or not you need a visa to visit Japan depends on the nationality of your passport.

Most nationalities, including US citizens, are issued visas upon arrival allowing you to spend 90 days in the country.

If you’re from the US and planning on staying in Japan for more than 90 days (such as to study abroad), consult the US Embassy of Japan. If you’re from a different country and you’re wondering whether or not you’ll need a visa to visit Japan, consult this handy visa search.

Of course, you will need to have a valid passport in order to visit Japan. If you don’t already have a passport, or need to renew yours, make sure to apply at least 4-6 months before you plan to travel. Typically it only takes a few weeks to get a passport, but you don’t want to take any risks.

If you’re a US citizen, you can find the most accurate info on passport processing on the US State Department website.

What is the best time to visit Japan?

The weather in Japan can vary widely depending on the time of year. The country has four distinct seasons, and each has its own unique charms.

Spring is a popular time to visit Japan, as that’s when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Summer can be hot and humid, but it’s also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

Autumn is another beautiful time of year, with crisp weather and stunning foliage.

Winter brings its own special brand of magic, with snow-covered mountains and festive holiday lights.

The best time to visit Japan really depends on what you want to see and do. Be sure to do some research on the weather and activities available before you book your trip.

For example, if you want to ski in Hokkaido, winter will be your best choice. If you want to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms, plan a trip in the spring.

To save money, consider planning your Japan trip in the off-season (between November-March). Traveling in the off-season can lead to huge savings on hotels, flights, and other expenses.

Essential Japan Travel Tips

Learn some basic Japanese phrases.

Even if you don’t plan on speaking Japanese during your trip, learning a few basic phrases will be appreciated by the locals. And it can come in handy if you find yourself in a situation where you don’t speak the language.

Some helpful Japanese phrases to know include:

• Hello/Goodbye: Konnichiwa/Sayonara
• Please: Onegai shimasu
• Thank you: Arigato
• Excuse me: Sumimasen
• Eigo o hanasemasu ka?: Do you speak English?

Make sure to download Google Translate before your trip. You can even download English/Japanese translations for offline use. The photo-to-translate feature is really helpful for translating menus and signs.

Prep your phone by downloading helpful Japan travel apps.

Before you hop on the plane for your vacation to Japan, download a few apps to help your trip go smoothly.

For navigating the complex public transit system, I found that Google Maps worked better than Apple Maps. You can also download maps on Google for offline use!

Hyperdia is another must for getting around Japan. It’s an app that lets you plan your train routes. You can also filter to show routes that you can use with a JR Pass.

The Google Translate app was a lifesaver a few times. The handy photo-to-translate feature allows you to take a photo of Japanese text, which is then translated to English. This was great when eating at restaurants that didn’t have English menus!

Get familiar with Japanese etiquette.

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to etiquette in Japan.

For example, it’s considered impolite to blow your nose in public, and you should always take your shoes off before entering a home or temple.

Eating or drinking while walking is also considered rude. If you buy a drink or snack from a vending machine, enjoy it while standing around the machine. You’ll see many locals doing the same, and most vending machines also have recycling bins nearby where you can toss your trash.

Japan is a left-side driving country, which is also typically followed when walking or riding escalators. Walk on the left side of the street or sidewalk to keep traffic flowing. Most subway stations’ floors are also labeled with which side to walk on!

There are also special considerations for etiquette when eating and riding trains or buses, which will be covered below.

Take off your shoes when entering certain establishments.

In Japan, it’s customary to take your shoes off when entering a home or certain businesses, such as temples, shrines, and some restaurants.

In some cases, you’ll be provided slippers, but this isn’t always the case. It’s a good idea to wear socks (or bring a pair along) if you don’t want to go barefoot.

Usually, it will be obvious when you need to take off your shoes. Follow the lead of the locals, or keep an eye out for things like shoe shelves or slippers near the entrance. If in doubt, just ask!

Understand Japan’s public transportation system.

Getting around Japan is relatively easy, thanks to an extensive public transportation system. In cities, you can get around by riding efficient subways and buses. High-speed bullet trains (or shinkansen) are great for getting from city to city.

As soon as you arrive in Japan, pick up a Suica Card. It is a rechargeable card that can be used on trains, buses, and even some vending machines and restaurants. You can get one at the airports or most train stations.

After loading your Suica Card with some yen, you simply tap the card to pay when boarding buses or entering train stations. Using a Suica Card to pay saves you a few yen each time you ride, and you can easily top up the card once you run out of yen.

When riding trains and buses, keep in mind that it’s considered rude to eat or drink on public transportation. It’s also considered rude to speak loudly on trains. Keep your food put away and your conversations on the down-low!

In cities like Tokyo, many trains also feature women-only carriages. If you’re male, make sure to not accidentally board one of these. The carriages are marked on the platform (usually with pink signs).

On my trip to Japan, I found that the Google Maps app was the best for accurate transit info and directions. It made getting around Tokyo and other cities a breeze!

The JR Pass is a great way to get around Japan. It allows you unlimited rides on JR trains and buses for a set period of time. The passes are pricey, but if you’re planning on doing a lot of travel around the country, they can save you a lot of money.

Consider purchasing a JR Pass

The JR Pass is a great way to save money on transportation while in Japan.

The JR Pass (or Japan Rail Pass) is a prepaid ticket that allows you to ride all JR trains (including the Shinkansen) and buses for a fixed price.

You can purchase a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day pass. JR Passes are only available for foreigners visiting Japan for tourism.

The cost of the JR Pass varies depending on the length of the ticket. First Class JR Passes are also available, but I don’t think they’re worth it as the standard seats on the shinkansen are super comfortable.

If you’re planning on visiting multiple cities in Japan, it’s likely that you’ll save money by purchasing the pass versus individual tickets. I used a JR Pass to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Japan, and it was well worth it when pricing out the tickets individually!

The JR Pass is also convenient, as you can hop on any JR train or bus without having to worry about paying.

You can purchase a JR Pass in Japan, but it’s easier to purchase one online in advance of your visit. You can purchase a JR Pass up to 6 months in advance.

After purchasing your pass, you’ll be sent an “Exchange Order.” When you arrive in Japan, you can bring this to a Japan Rail office to exchange it for your actual JR Pass.

When receiving your pass, you’ll fill out a form stating your Activation Day, which is the day you’ll be able to start using your pass. This can be the day of your arrival or a later day when you want to start using your pass.

Beginning on your activation day, you’ll be able to use your JR Pass at JR train stations and on buses. Simply show your pass to the attendant and they will let you through!

Click here to purchase your JR Pass.

Make sure to have cash (but don’t worry – ATMs are plentiful!)

Japan’s official currency is the yen. While credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and retailers, Japan is still very much a cash-based society. Many shops and restaurants you’ll visit will likely only accept cash, so it’s important to always have some yen on you.

Before heading to Japan, you’ll have to decide how you’ll want to obtain your currency. The easiest and cheapest way to get yen is using a debit card at an ATM to get cash.

Before your trip, I recommend getting a debit card that refunds ATM fees and doesn’t charge for foreign transactions. I use and love the Charles Schwab debit card – perks include no foreign transaction fees and unlimited worldwide ATM fee rebates!

In all of Japan’s major cities (which you’ll most likely be visiting on your first trip to Japan), ATMs that accept international cards are easy to find – just look for a conbini or convenience store!

7-11, Family Mart, and Lawson convenience stores are everywhere, and they all have international ATMs. You can also find international ATMs in the airport, post offices, and some banks.

Before traveling, make sure to let your bank know that you’ll be in Japan so that they don’t block your card! For most banks, you can easily add a travel notice through your banking app or website.

Don’t tip in restaurants.

Tipping is not customary in Japan, and in fact, it may even be considered rude.

So when you’re dining out or taking a taxi, there’s no need to leave a tip. Exceptions to this include if you take a free walking tour – in those cases, it’s customary to tip your tour guide.

Japanese toilets are high-tech.

Japanese toilets are notoriously high-tech, and they can be confusing for first-time visitors. But don’t worry, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Toilets in Japan tend to have way more features than western toilets, like bidets (with warm or cool water), heated seats, noise machines, air fresheners, and more!

The buttons are often labeled in English (or have illustrations depicting their function), so you shouldn’t have any trouble figuring out how to use them.

One great thing about Japan is that it’s pretty easy to find clean public restrooms. If you need to go, head for a train station or a department store.

Learn the basics of chopstick etiquette.

If you’re not used to eating with chopsticks, it can be a bit of a challenge at first. But don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it looks.

To use chopsticks, hold one like a pencil and rest it against your ring finger. Then, use your thumb and index finger to grip the other chopstick. To pick up food, simply place the chopsticks around the food, squeeze the sticks together on the food, and lift up. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it, but you’ll get there eventually.

When eating with others, avoid sticking your chopsticks in food, as this is considered bad manners. Also, avoid passing food from one set of chopsticks to another, as this is considered unlucky.

If you need to set your chopsticks down, place them on the provided chopstick rest or on a small plate. And when you’re finished eating, place your chopsticks parallel to each other on the chopstick rest.

Stay connected with Airalo.

When traveling around Japan, you’ll definitely want to access the internet. It’s so nice being able to use your phone to navigate public transportation or look up restaurant reviews.

Many Japan travelers opt for pocket WiFi, which is a popular way to stay connected in Japan. But, if you’re looking for a cheaper and easier option, consider picking up an eSIM from Airalo.

With Airalo, you can purchase an eSIM (essentially a digital SIM card) that can be installed directly onto your phone (as long as it is eSIM-compatible). Once it’s installed, you’ll be connected through a local Japanese mobile service provider.

Airalo eSIMs for Japan start at just $6 for 7 days and 1 GB of data. There’s a 30-day, 3 GB eSIM as well for $16. If you run out of data, you can also top up your eSIM.

eSIMs are a cheap and easy way to get internet access while exploring Japan – plus you don’t have to worry about carrying around a pocket WiFi device!

You can read my full Airalo review here, or purchase your Japan eSIM on Airalo’s website.

Wake up early to miss the crowds!

If you’ve ever scrolled through a travel account on Instagram, you’ve probably seen picturesque shots of a bright green bamboo forest or the never-ending trail of orange torii gates.

These spots, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto (along with TONS of other tourist spots in Japan) have become extremely popular over the past few years. This, of course, means more crowds.

To skip the crowds (and get the perfect shot for IG), wake up early to head to these famous destinations. You’ll be able to explore without having to navigate a sea of people. Plus, there’s something really special about walking a quiet Japanese street in the early hours of the morning.

What to Pack for Your First Trip to Japan

Bring comfortable shoes.

You’ll do a lot of walking when you’re in Japan, so it’s important to bring comfortable shoes that are broken in.

I recommend bringing a couple of pairs to rotate through – a good pair of sneakers as well as either boots or comfortable sandals (depending on the weather during your visit).

Avoid bringing new shoes that haven’t been broken in yet, or any shoes that give you blisters. There’s nothing worse than walking around with foot pain!

Pack a raincoat and umbrella.

The weather in Japan can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to bring a raincoat (or umbrella).

You’ll especially want to have these essentials if you’re visiting during the rainy season (early June-mid July).

It’s also a good idea to pack a sweater or jacket, even if you’re visiting during the summer months. That way you’ll be prepared for an unexpectedly chilly day.

Don’t forget a power adapter.

Japan uses Type A and B outlets, which are the same as the US.

Type A outlets are ungrounded, with two flat prongs, while Type B outlets are grounded, with the two flat prongs and a third hole at the bottom.

Type A outlets are the most common, so plan on finding those outlets across the country. If your devices don’t have Type A plugs, you’ll need to have an adapter.

If you’re a frequent traveler, I recommend picking up a universal travel adapter so that you’re covered all over the world. I have a couple of these cheap universal adapters that have worked great, and I also have this Apple World Traveler set that makes traveling with my iPhone and MacBook a breeze.

Tips for Saving Money when Traveling in Japan

Keep your accommodation costs low.

Hotels in Japan can be expensive, so consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse instead. These accommodations are typically much cheaper than hotels, and you’ll get to meet other travelers from all over the world.

If you prefer a hotel, look into staying at a Business hotel. These hotels are catered to business travelers, with small rooms perfect for one or two guests.

It’s easy to find a business hotel in Japan. APA is a popular chain of business hotels that has locations all across the country.

The rooms in business hotels are really small, but the bed is comfy and it has everything you’d need, including a desk, a TV, and a bathroom with a fancy toilet. Plus, you’re in Japan – you’ll be so busy exploring that you’ll just be in your hotel room for sleeping!

Another unique accommodation option in Japan is staying at a capsule hotel. These hotels are perfect for budget-minded travelers who don’t mind spending the night in a small space.

Fill your Japan itinerary with free activities.

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy in Japan, from exploring temples and shrines to taking part in hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Many museums and attractions also offer free admission, so make sure to do your research before you go!

Free walking tours are another perfect way to explore a city while learning more about its history. Just make sure to tip your tour guide (one of the only exceptions to the “No Tipping in Japan” rule!)

Check out a tourist information center when you arrive in Japan to find out about free events and activities nearby.

Eat like a local.

Eating out can be expensive, so try to eat like a local when you’re in Japan. You can easily do this by eating at affordable restaurants, such as ramen shops and izakayas (Japanese pubs).

In Japan, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing food quality when eating street food or at cheap restaurants. Japan has some of the best food in the world, and even budget-friendly restaurants take pride in serving up a quality meal.

If you’re in a hurry, or really want to eat on the cheap, hit up a convenience store (or a conbini). These quick-stop shops are everywhere in Japan – you’ll find a 7-11, a Lawson Station, or a Family Mart on nearly every corner.

Japanese convenience stores sell more than just prepackaged snacks. You’ll find hot food, cold sandwiches, desserts, unique snacks, and so much more at the convenience stores. For a few hundred yen, you can easily put together a tasty and cheap meal to enjoy as a picnic lunch.

Eating in local spots also gives you the opportunity to try new foods, which is one of the most fun parts of traveling! When visiting Japan, make sure to step outside your comfort zone and be open to trying new things.

Japan Travel Tips: Make your trip planning a breeze!

These tips are just a few of the many things that you should know before traveling to Japan for the first time.

Japan is a fascinating country with a rich culture that deserves to be explored. These practical tips will help you make the most of your time in Japan and ensure that you have a pleasant and safe trip.

Want to read more? Check out these Japan travel posts:

• Unique Experiences to Add to Your Japan Bucket List
• The Best Cities to Visit in Japan
• The Ultimate Tokyo Bucket List
• Epic Day Trips from Tokyo
• Free Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan
• Everything to Know Before Hiking the Yoshida Trail on Mt. Fuji

Save this post to Pinterest for future Japan travel planning!