Japan Travel Tips: 25 Things to Know Before You Go (2025)

Japan travel tips from people who actually live here: get a Suica card at the airport, carry cash, download Google Maps offline before you land, and don't tip. Those four alone will save you hours of confusion.

Here are 25 more things worth knowing before you go.

Before You Fly

Get travel insurance. Japan's healthcare is excellent — and expensive for uninsured foreigners. Basic travel insurance covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage. Get it before you book flights.

Check your visa requirements. Citizens of 68 countries can enter Japan visa-free for 90 days (15 days for some). Most Western passport holders are fine. Check the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific country.

Book accommodation early. Especially for cherry blossom season (late March–early April) and autumn foliage (November). Ryokan in Kyoto and small hotels anywhere popular sell out months in advance.

Download Google Maps for offline use. Mobile data may be patchy in tunnels and rural areas. Save Tokyo, Kyoto, and anywhere you plan to explore before you leave.

Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) at the airport. This rechargeable card pays for trains, subways, buses, and convenience stores across Japan. It's the single most useful thing you can carry. Available at Narita and Haneda airport vending machines.

Money

Japan is still heavily cash-based. Many restaurants, especially smaller ones, are cash-only. Always carry ¥10,000–¥20,000 on you. ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores and Japan Post offices reliably accept foreign cards.

Don't tip. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can cause confusion or embarrassment. The service is excellent regardless. This is simply how the system works.

Currency: Japanese Yen (¥). As of 2025, exchange rates fluctuate, but rough conversions: ¥100 ≈ $0.65 USD / £0.50 GBP / €0.60 EUR. Keep a rough mental conversion ready.

Getting Around

The train system looks complicated — it isn't. Google Maps handles Japan's train network excellently. Input your destination, select transit, and follow the instructions exactly. The system is genuinely one of the world's best.

Trains are on time. A 30-second delay will be announced and apologized for. If your train is more than a few minutes late, something serious has happened. Plan your connections with this in mind.

Shinkansen (bullet train) for intercity travel. Tokyo to Kyoto: 2.5 hours. Tokyo to Osaka: 2.5 hours. Book reserved seats in advance for busy periods. Unreserved cars are available and fine for shorter journeys.

IC card covers most transit. Your Suica or Pasmo covers all Tokyo Metro, JR lines within Tokyo, and most buses. Only shinkansen and limited express trains require separate tickets.

Taxis exist but are expensive. Tokyo taxis start at around ¥730. Use them only when trains have stopped (after midnight, when subway service ends) or for very short trips with heavy luggage.

Etiquette

Bow when greeted. You don't need to bow deeply — a slight nod of the head is sufficient for most situations. Bowing is acknowledgment and respect; the depth varies with formality.

Keep your voice down on trains. Phone calls on the train are frowned upon. If you must take a call, keep it very brief and apologetic. Observe how quiet Japanese trains are — match the energy.

The right side of escalators is for standing, left for walking — in Tokyo. This is reversed in Osaka (stand left, walk right). Pay attention when you arrive.

Take off your shoes. At traditional restaurants (those where you sit on tatami), at temples, and always at people's homes. If you see a pile of shoes at an entrance, take yours off.

No eating while walking. Japan has strong norms against walking and eating simultaneously. The exception is food from festival stalls (matsuri) — that's expected. Convenience store food: eat near the store or inside, not while walking.

Food

Slurping noodles is correct. It aerates the broth and cools hot noodles. It's not rude — the absence of slurping is stranger in a ramen shop.

Point at what you want. If you can't read the menu, point at the plastic food display outside, the picture menu inside, or at what someone nearby is eating. Staff will understand.

Vending machines are everywhere and excellent. Hot and cold drinks, available 24 hours, at fixed prices. The hot coffee in a can (especially Boss Coffee) is a legitimate cultural experience.

Language

Learn ten words of Japanese. Irasshaimase means "welcome" (said to you; no response needed). Arigatou gozaimasu means "thank you." Sumimasen means "excuse me" and can open almost any interaction. Eigo wa hanasemasu ka means "do you speak English?" These will carry you further than you expect.

Google Translate's camera function translates menus in real time. Point your phone at a menu and it overlays translations. Works well for standard menus; less accurate for handwritten specials boards.

Health and Safety

Japan is very safe. Violent crime against tourists is exceptionally rare. You can walk anywhere in Tokyo at any hour with normal urban caution. The main risks are pickpocketing in very crowded tourist areas.

Pharmacies (yakkyoku) are everywhere. Staff may not speak English but can often understand written or translated descriptions of symptoms. Carry a translation of any chronic medication you take.

Earthquake preparedness. Japan has earthquakes. When one occurs: don't panic, get under a sturdy table, move away from windows, and follow local instructions. Your phone will receive an emergency alert (in Japanese) seconds before shaking begins.

FAQ

Do I need to speak Japanese to visit Japan? No. Major cities have English signage at train stations and tourist sites. Restaurants often have picture menus. Convenience stores, transit machines, and ATMs have English options. You'll manage fine without Japanese — though even ten words of the language will significantly improve your experience.

What is the best time to visit Japan? Spring (late March–early April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (November) for foliage are the most beautiful seasons — and the most crowded and expensive. May–June and September–October offer excellent weather with fewer crowds. Winter (December–February) is uncrowded and good for skiing and onsen.

Is Japan expensive to travel? Mid-range travel (decent hotel, eating local food, using public transport) costs roughly $100–$200 USD per day. Budget travel (capsule hotels, convenience store meals) can be done for $60–$80. Fine dining and ryokan add significant cost. As of 2025, the weak yen makes Japan more affordable for many foreign visitors.

Can I use credit cards in Japan? Increasingly, yes — but not universally. Major department stores, convenience stores, chain restaurants, and hotels accept credit cards. Many smaller restaurants, local cafes, and some attractions are still cash-only. Carry cash as backup.

What should I pack for Japan? Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk 15,000+ steps per day). A small day bag. Universal power adapter (Japan uses Type A plugs, same as the US, but lower voltage — check your electronics). Pocket wifi or SIM card (available at the airport). Basic medications — Japanese pharmacies may not carry your preferred brands.

How many days do I need in Japan? Minimum one week to see Tokyo properly. Two weeks for Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka or another region. A month to start scratching the surface. Japan rewards return visits — most serious Japan travelers go back multiple times.