Planning a trip to Japan? Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms, vibrant cityscapes, or serene temples, Japan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that captivates every traveler. However, navigating this fascinating country can be daunting for first-time visitors. From language barriers to cultural nuances, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable adventure. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips for traveling to Japan, based on our actual experiences.
Use a Japan Rail Pass
If you plan to explore multiple cities, the Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective option. This pass provides unlimited travel on Japan’s extensive rail network, including the Shinkansen (bullet train), allowing you to travel quickly and conveniently across the country. The JR Pass is valid for periods of 7, 14, and 21 days, and can end up saving you big time and make navigating the Japan Rail system so much easier.
For more information on Japan Rail Passes, click here.
When using the JR Pass to travel between city to city, make sure that you book your tickets in advance, as some seats can fill up quickly. Just go to one of the JR Ticket terminals at most train stations, and reserve your tickets a day or two in advance to make sure you are your travel partners can sit together.
Finding the right time to visit Japan
Before you embark on your journey, it’s crucial to plan ahead and find the best time that suits you and what you want to do. Research the best time to visit Japan, taking into consideration the weather, seasonal festivals, local events, and when you shouldn’t visit Japan to ensure that you visit in the time that suits you best. Book your flights and accommodations well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak tourist seasons.
If you can, avoid travelling during golden week to avoid the large crowds, and avoid late Summer to avoid the nasty typhoon season. Sakura or Cherry Blossom season is also really popular for tourists, so you may have a harder time getting around during this time.
Cash is widely used
While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in urban areas, carrying cash is a always good idea, especially in rural or traditional locations. Despite Japan being a tech-haven, cash is still king. Make sure that you have some cash on you at all times. Either arrive in Japan with cash in hand, or withdraw it from an ATM as needed. Japan is a safe country, and while theft does still occur, it is generally very safe to carry around large sums of money in wallets.
Convenience stores and major train stations are often where you can find ATM’s that accept international cards, making it easy to withdraw cash just about everywhere you go.While not every convenience store will accept international cards, we have found that 7-11 and FamilyMart ATM’s typically (but not always) will accept international cards. Simply experiment with your cards at the various ATMs to find one that works with your banking provider.
Learn a little bit of the language
While many Japanese locals are adept at English, it’s helpful to learn a few basic Japanese phrases. Greetings, polite phrases, and directions can go a long way in making connections and navigating the country. Consider downloading language apps or pocket phrasebooks to assist you during your trip.
Especially for those travelling to Japan for the first time, learn how to ask for directions for necessities (such as a toilet, hotels, train station etc.) and, as well learn how to read some basic street signs (such as entry, exit, and closed signs).
Knowing a little bit about the local customs
Respecting local customs is essential when visiting Japan. Learn about traditional etiquette, such as removing your shoes before entering homes and certain establishments, using both hands when giving and receiving items, and bowing as a sign of respect. Understanding and practicing these customs will earn you appreciation from the locals.
Here are some quick and easy customs to follow;
Remove your shoes indoors: It’s customary to take off your shoes when entering homes, traditional inns, temples, and even some restaurants. Look for provided slippers.
Bow as a greeting: Bowing is a traditional form of greeting, showing respect. A slight nod is usually fine for travelers.
Be quiet on public transport: Talking on the phone or speaking loudly is frowned upon in trains and buses. Keep noise to a minimum.
Don’t tip: Tipping is not expected and can even be considered rude. Good service is standard and built into the experience.
Stay connected to the internet
Staying connected is crucial for navigation and communication. Purchase a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device upon arrival, ensuring you can access maps, translation apps, and stay in touch with loved ones back home. Having access to the internet is essential when exploring Japan.
Staying connected to the Internet can easily be done with Sakura Mobile Sim card. Simply plug your sim card into your device upon landing, follow the simple connection instructions, and you will have access to the internet whenever and wherever you need it.
Come with comfortable shoes
In Japan, you can expect to be walking quite a bit, whether it around a temple, or around busy shopping centres, you can easily hit 10,000 steps in a day in Japan, with many tourists reaching over 25,000 steps in a day. But with that, comes the utmost importance to have good, comfortable shoes you can spend hours in. It also helps to have shoes that you can slip on and off easily, as some places it is customary to take off your shoes before entering.
Before you leave for Japan, make sure that you have comfortable walking shoes that are a little broken in. This will prevent you from getting blisters as easily.
Be Prepared for Stairs
Japan has…a lot of stairs. Further giving weight to need for good walking shoes. You’ll encounter stairs everywhere you go, there simply won’t be a day around it – especially if you plan on hitting some of them country’s most popular destinations.
This one definitely surprised me the most when I was travelling to Japan for the first time. While not every destination has stairs, and some of the more newer attractions certainly have elevators and escalators, you’ll be surprised at just how many steps you’ll be taking.
Store your luggage in lockers during the day
The gap between checking out of one hotel, and checking into your next hotel can sometimes be an awkward time for your luggage. Rather than carrying it around with you, find a convenient luggage locker at any major train station, drop your bags off, and explore unencumbered by heavy and bulky luggage. Most major JR stations will have luggage storage lockers in them, from small handbag sized lockers, to suitcase lockers. These can be rented for up to a day at a time usually, and are fairly cheap.
Book your hotels & experiences well in advance
If you want the best deals, or guarantee that you will get to see and do certain activities, then make sure you make your reservations online well in advance.
For booking hotels, we like to use Booking.com or Agoda, as they allow you to search dates, type of hotels, and find hotels that work within your budgets.
For experiences, passes, and tours, we recommend Klook. Klook has hundreds of unique activities all around Japan for you to Book. Whether it’s Tokyo Disneyland, to cultural experiences on Miyajima, Klook has just about everything.
