Japan Travel Essentials
JR Pass strategy, IC cards, cash culture, onsen etiquette, temple manners, pocket WiFi, and the cultural rules that make Japan unforgettable.
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Japan runs on a completely different operating system than the West. The trains are impossibly punctual, the convenience stores are better than most restaurants, you can't find a trash can anywhere, and tipping will genuinely offend people. Once you understand how things work, everything clicks and you realize it's the most seamlessly organized country you've ever visited. This guide is the user manual I wish I'd had.
— Scott
Visa & Entry Requirements
4 tips90-Day Visa Exemption
US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, and 60+ other nationalities can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. You need a passport valid for the duration of your stay and a return or onward ticket. Immigration at Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) is efficient — expect 30-60 minutes.
Visit Japan Web
Complete your Visit Japan Web registration before arrival at vjw.digital.go.jp. This covers immigration, customs, and quarantine in one form. You'll receive QR codes to scan at arrival — much faster than paper forms. Fill it out 2-3 days before your flight.
Airport Options
Tokyo has two airports: Narita (NRT, 60-90 min from central Tokyo) and Haneda (HND, 20-30 min, much more convenient). Always try for Haneda if available. Kansai International (KIX) serves Osaka/Kyoto. Chubu Centrair (NGO) serves Nagoya. Budget carriers (Peach, Jetstar Japan) often use secondary terminals.
Immigration Tips
Japan takes immigration seriously. Have your hotel address written down (they'll ask). Fingerprinting and photo at the immigration counter is standard for all foreign visitors. Dress neatly — it shouldn't matter but first impressions are important in Japan. Re-entry permits are automatic for 90-day stays.
Money & ATMs
6 tipsCash-Heavy Society
Japan is still remarkably cash-dependent. Many restaurants, small shops, temples, shrines, vending machines, and local businesses are cash-only. Always carry at least yen10,000-20,000 ($65-130 USD) in cash. This is the single biggest adjustment for Western travelers — your card won't work at more places than you expect.
ATM Strategy
Most Japanese bank ATMs don't accept foreign cards. Use 7-Eleven ATMs (7Bank) or Japan Post ATMs — they're everywhere and accept international Visa/Mastercard. Withdrawal limits are typically yen50,000-100,000 per transaction. Fees are yen110-220 per withdrawal. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees.
IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card immediately upon arrival — at any JR station ticket machine or via the Suica app (iPhone). These work on all trains, buses, and convenience stores across Japan. Load yen3,000-5,000 to start. Tap to ride, tap to pay at konbini. They're interchangeable between regions despite the different names. The mobile Suica app on iPhone is the most convenient option.
Currency & Exchange
Japanese yen (JPY/yen). As of 2026, yen150-155 per USD makes Japan excellent value for Western tourists. Exchange cash at the airport (rates are fair at Japanese airports, unlike most countries) or withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs. Avoid exchanging at hotels. Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are increasingly accepted at chain restaurants and department stores but don't rely on them.
Daily Budget Ranges
Budget: yen8,000-12,000/day ($52-78 USD) — hostels, konbini meals, local trains. Mid-range: yen20,000-35,000/day ($130-230 USD) — business hotels, restaurants, JR Pass travel. Luxury: yen50,000+/day ($325+ USD) — ryokans, kaiseki dining, shinkansen green car. Japan is genuinely affordable for mid-range travelers at current exchange rates.
Tipping Is NOT Done
Do not tip in Japan — ever. Not at restaurants, not at hotels, not in taxis, not to tour guides. Tipping is considered rude and confusing. If you leave money on the table, the server will chase you down the street to return it. Service in Japan is exceptional without tips — it's baked into the culture. A sincere "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you very much) is the appropriate gesture.
Getting Around
6 tipsJapan Rail Pass
The JR Pass covers all JR trains nationwide including most shinkansen (bullet trains). A 7-day pass costs yen50,000 ($325 USD) and pays for itself with just one Tokyo-Kyoto round trip (yen28,000 each way). Buy through the official JR Pass website before arrival. Activate at any JR ticket office with your passport. Not valid on Nozomi or Mizuho (fastest) shinkansen — use Hikari or Sakura instead.
Shinkansen Tips
Reserve seats for free at any JR ticket office or use the SmartEX app. Unreserved cars are fine for short trips but popular routes (Tokyo-Kyoto, Tokyo-Osaka) fill up on weekends and holidays. Eat your ekiben (station bento box) on the train — it's a Japanese tradition. No phone calls in the car. Keep luggage in overhead racks or designated areas. The train leaves exactly on time — be on the platform 5 minutes early.
City Transit
Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway cover central Tokyo comprehensively. Osaka Metro is equally efficient. Google Maps is the essential navigation tool — it shows real-time train schedules, platform numbers, and walking transfers. Station signage is in Japanese and English. Rush hour (7:30-9:30am, 5:30-8pm) on Tokyo trains is legendary — avoid if possible. Trains stop around midnight.
Buses & Taxis
City buses are useful in Kyoto (extensive bus network, yen230 flat fare) and smaller cities. Enter from the rear, exit from the front, and pay with IC card or exact change. Taxis are safe but expensive — yen700 base fare, increasing quickly. Taxi doors open and close automatically (don't touch them). Taxis are the only realistic option after midnight when trains stop.
Domestic Flights
For distances beyond the shinkansen network (Hokkaido, Okinawa, Kyushu), domestic flights are affordable. ANA, JAL, Peach, and Jetstar Japan offer frequent service. ANA/JAL "Visit Japan" fares for foreign tourists start at yen5,500-7,700 ($36-50 USD) per flight — exceptional value. Book through the airline websites after entering Japan.
Google Maps Is Essential
Google Maps in Japan is incredibly accurate — it shows train schedules down to the minute, walking directions inside stations, and bus routes. Download offline maps for areas with poor coverage. Japan's address system is notoriously confusing (buildings don't follow sequential numbering), so GPS navigation is more important here than almost anywhere else in the world.
Connectivity
4 tipsPocket WiFi vs eSIM
Two good options: rent a pocket WiFi device (yen500-1,000/day, unlimited data, share with travel companions) from providers like Global Advanced Communications or WiFi Rental Japan — pick up at the airport, return by mail. Or get an eSIM (Ubigi, Airalo, IIJmio) for yen1,500-3,000 for 15-30 days. eSIM is simpler; pocket WiFi is better for groups.
Free WiFi
Japan has improved its WiFi dramatically. All convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson), most train stations, Starbucks, and many restaurants offer free WiFi. Shinkansen has onboard WiFi (register once). Japan Connected-free WiFi app consolidates access to 200,000+ hotspots. Hotel WiFi is standard and usually fast.
Coverage
4G/LTE coverage is excellent across populated Japan — even in rural areas and on trains. 5G is expanding in major cities. You'll have signal on most shinkansen routes (brief drops in tunnels). Mountain hiking areas and remote islands may have gaps. Download offline Google Maps for any off-the-beaten-path areas.
Essential Apps
Google Maps (navigation), Google Translate (camera translation for menus and signs), Suica app (IC card on iPhone), Tabelog (restaurant reviews — Japan's Yelp but better), Hyperdia (detailed train schedules), Navitime (alternative to Google Maps for transit). Japan Taxi app for booking cabs.
Safety & Health
5 tipsSafest Country on Earth
Japan is consistently ranked among the safest countries for travelers. Violent crime against tourists is virtually nonexistent. You can walk any city street at any hour. Lost wallets are returned with cash intact. Children ride the subway alone. That said, basic awareness applies everywhere — don't leave bags unattended and watch for pickpockets in very crowded tourist areas.
Earthquakes
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes. Most are minor and barely noticeable. Hotels are built to withstand major seismic events. If a strong quake hits: take cover under a table, stay away from windows, and do not use elevators. The Japan Meteorological Agency sends earthquake alerts to all phones (loud alarm, even foreign phones). After shaking stops, follow hotel staff instructions.
Typhoon Season
June through October is typhoon season, with August-September being peak months. Typhoons can disrupt flights, trains, and outdoor activities for 1-2 days. Monitor weather via the JMA website. If a typhoon is approaching, stock up on water and snacks (konbini shelves empty fast), and expect shinkansen and flights to be suspended. Okinawa gets hit most frequently.
Healthcare
Japanese hospitals and clinics are excellent. Many hospitals in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies (yakkyoku) carry most common medications, though formulations differ from Western brands. Travel insurance is strongly recommended — while affordable by US standards, medical costs add up without insurance. AMDA International Medical Information Center (03-5285-8088) provides English medical referrals.
Heat in Summer
Japanese summers (July-August) are brutally hot and humid — 35C (95F) with 80%+ humidity. Heatstroke is a real risk. Carry a water bottle, use cooling towels, and duck into air-conditioned konbini regularly. Convenience stores sell cooling packs, sports drinks, and salt tablets. Department store basements (depachika) are air-conditioned oases.
Packing Essentials
6 tipsComfortable Walking Shoes
You will walk 10-15 miles per day in Japan — more than you've ever walked on a trip. Tokyo, Kyoto, and every city involves extensive walking between stations, through neighborhoods, up temple steps, and around gardens. Bring your most comfortable broken-in walking shoes. Slip-ons are a plus because you'll be removing shoes constantly (temples, restaurants, ryokans, some shops).
Shoe Removal Culture
You remove shoes when entering: traditional restaurants, ryokans, temples, some shops, fitting rooms, and most homes. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off — no complicated laces or buckles. Always wear clean, hole-free socks. Carry a small bag for your shoes if you need to (some temples provide shoe bags). This is a daily occurrence, multiple times per day.
Pack Light
Japanese hotel rooms, train aisles, and sidewalks are smaller than you're used to. A carry-on-sized bag is ideal. Use Japan's incredible luggage forwarding service (takkyubin/kuroneko) to send your bag between hotels for yen2,000-3,000 ($13-20) — it arrives the next day. This frees you to travel between cities with just a day bag. Seven-Eleven and convenience stores accept luggage shipments.
Carry Your Trash
Public trash cans are extremely rare in Japan — there are almost none on streets. You're expected to carry your trash and dispose of it at convenience stores, train stations, or at home. Bring a small plastic bag in your day pack for this purpose. It sounds inconvenient but the result is the cleanest streets you've ever seen.
Layers for All Seasons
Spring (March-May): light layers, rain jacket for cherry blossom season showers. Summer (June-August): light, breathable clothing, hat, towel for sweat, umbrella for sudden rain. Fall (September-November): layers, light jacket for cool evenings. Winter (December-February): warm coat, gloves, scarf — Japanese buildings can be poorly heated. Always carry a compact umbrella.
Day Bag Essentials
Small crossbody bag or backpack with: portable charger (you'll use Google Maps all day), small towel/handkerchief (Japanese bathrooms often lack hand dryers/paper towels), cash in a small wallet, IC card, pocket WiFi or phone with eSIM, trash bag, and a folding umbrella. Optional: Japanese phrasebook or translation app downloaded offline.
Cultural Etiquette
6 tipsOnsen Etiquette
Hot spring baths (onsen) are a highlight of Japan but have strict rules: wash thoroughly at the shower station BEFORE entering the bath. No swimsuits — you bathe naked. Tie long hair up. Don't put your towel in the water. No phones or photos. Tattoos: some onsen ban them, though this is relaxing in tourist areas. Private onsen (kashikiri) are available if you're uncomfortable with communal bathing.
Temple & Shrine Etiquette
At shrines (Shinto): bow at the torii gate, walk to the side (the center path is for gods), purify hands and mouth at the temizuya, toss a coin, bow twice, clap twice, make a wish, bow once more. At temples (Buddhist): remove shoes if entering, bow at the gate, light incense if available, pray silently. Photos are usually fine outside but ask before photographing inside.
Konbini Culture
Japanese convenience stores (konbini) are a way of life. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson offer incredible food (onigiri, bento boxes, pastries), ATMs, printing services, event tickets, and more. Onigiri rice balls (yen100-150) are a perfect cheap meal. Konbini bento boxes rival restaurant quality. Hot food (fried chicken, nikuman steamed buns) available 24/7. You'll eat at a konbini more than you expect.
Quiet Culture
Japan values quiet in public spaces. Don't talk on your phone on trains (put it on silent — manner mode). Speak quietly in restaurants and on sidewalks. Don't eat while walking (it's considered rude). No blowing your nose in public (step away). Queues are orderly and silent — cutting is extremely taboo. These rules seem strict but they create an incredibly pleasant environment.
Peak Seasons
Cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) and fall foliage (mid-November to early December) are the most popular — and crowded — times to visit. Book hotels 3-6 months ahead for Kyoto during these periods. Golden Week (April 29 to May 5) and Obon (mid-August) are major Japanese holidays — everything is packed and prices surge. Consider shoulder seasons for a better experience.
Basic Japanese Phrases
"Sumimasen" (excuse me/sorry — the most useful word in Japan), "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you very much), "konnichiwa" (hello), "kudasai" (please — point at item + say kudasai), "ikura desu ka" (how much?), "eigo" (English — "eigo menu arimasu ka?" for English menu), "oishii" (delicious — say it to the chef). Even basic attempts earn genuine appreciation.
Gear We Recommend
🎒 Gear We Recommend for Japan
15,000–20,000 steps daily is normal in Japan. Your feet will quit before your curiosity does if you're wearing the wrong shoes.
Station lockers are small and fill fast. A 20L bag that folds to nothing lets you check your luggage and explore all day without dragging a suitcase.
Japan uses 100V — the only country in the world at that voltage. Most modern devices handle it, but check first. An adapter is cheap insurance.
Packed trains in Tokyo and Osaka. IC cards, cash, and your passport all in one slim, secure holder. Peace of mind costs $20.
Public restrooms in Japan rarely have hand dryers or paper towels. Locals always carry a small towel. Looks like you've been before.
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Start Planning →Frequently Asked Questions
Most Western nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) get 90 days visa-free for tourism. You need a passport valid for the duration of your stay and a return ticket. Complete the Visit Japan Web form before arrival for faster immigration processing.
Yes, if you're traveling between cities. A 7-day JR Pass (yen50,000/$325 USD) pays for itself with a single Tokyo-Kyoto round trip. It covers all JR trains including most shinkansen, JR buses, and the Miyajima ferry. Not worth it if you're staying in one city. Buy through the official JR Pass website before arrival.
Always carry yen10,000-20,000 ($65-130 USD). Many restaurants, temples, small shops, and local businesses are cash-only. Use 7-Eleven ATMs (7Bank) for withdrawals with international cards. Credit cards are increasingly accepted at chains and department stores but cash remains essential for daily life.
Cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) and fall foliage (mid-November to early December) are the most spectacular but also the most crowded and expensive. May-June (before rainy season) and October are excellent shoulder seasons with good weather and fewer crowds. Winter is great for skiing and onsen. Avoid Golden Week (late April/early May) and Obon (mid-August).
No, but it helps enormously. English signage exists at all major train stations, airports, and tourist areas. Many restaurant menus have photos or plastic food displays. Google Translate's camera feature reads Japanese text in real-time. Learning basic phrases (sumimasen, arigatou, kudasai) shows respect and opens doors.
Less than you think, especially at the current yen rate. Budget travelers can manage on yen8,000-12,000/day ($52-78 USD) with hostels and konbini meals. Mid-range comfort runs yen20,000-35,000/day ($130-230 USD). Japan is generally cheaper than comparable European destinations for food and transport, though accommodation in Tokyo and Kyoto during peak season is expensive.