Are you traveling to Japan in 2024 or 2025? Then you’re in the right place! I just got back from a three week trip and couldn’t wait to share everything I’ve learned there, with you. Here are all the tips and things to know before visiting Japan!
Before diving deeper into the tips, ✨take a deep breath✨. Knowing how overwhelming it can feel before such a big trip, I’m here to help you out and make things easier and less overwhelming.
Without further-ado, let’s dive into the ESSENTIAL tips and things to know before visiting Japan!😍
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and buy with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊
Essential Tips & Everything to Know Before Visiting Japan
I. Communication and Navigation
1. Learn These Simple, but Important Words
One of the best ways to make small connections with the locals is to know some Japanese words. Japanese people, in my experience, have been very welcoming and always ready to help out when in need. Here are some words to know for your travels:
- Sumimasen – Excuse Me or I’m Sorry
- Arigato / Arigato Gozaimasu (formal) – Thank You
- Konnichiwa – Hello/Good Afternoon
- Doko desu ka? – Where is it?
- Oishi desu – It is Delicious or Tasty
2. Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it?
To buy, or not to buy, the JR Pass… that is the question.
Chances are, due to the prices skyrocketing, you do NOT need a JR Pass. The JR Pass would be beneficial only if you were traveling all over the country. If you’re mainly visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with a couple of day trips – you will not need this pass.
Here is everything you need to know about the JR Pass, and if you need it for your Japan travels!
3. Pasmo Passport and Suica Card
When you arrive at the Haneda Airport, you will be able to buy a physical Pasmo Passport. This, similarly to the Suica Card, is a rechargeable card you use for both transportation and shopping. These cards are not refundable, so I recommend using it mainly for transportation, but use it for shopping to clear out the card when/if needed!
I personally loved the physical Pasmo passport because it’s just too cute with the Sanroi characters.🥹😂 The only con about the physical card is that if you run out of Yen, both on the card and physically, you cannot recharge the card with your own credit card. You need to find an ATM within the train station, or subway.
4. Be ON Time
When it comes to transportation, everything is precise. If your train, or bus, is scheduled for 9:35 AM, it will arrive at 9:35:00 and leave at 9:35:50. While that’s not the confirmed timing, that’s what it always seemed like. In other words, you cannot be a minute late – or early.
5. Google Maps vs. Apple Maps
Google Maps and Apple Maps can be used in Japan, but it’s important to be aware that they are not always correct.
Something I found helpful, and I recommend you do too, is put the destination on both apps and see directions each map suggests. This is because one may give better instructions, or more important details, than the other.
As an overall, Google Maps was more trust worthy, but Apple Maps certainly saved me several times.
II. Planning and Preparation
6. Do NOT Plan/Book multiple activities in a Day
Repeating this tip as its own, because I know how tempting it is to book as many activities as you want before arriving to Japan. Unless it’s an activity that must be booked months in advance, like teamLab Planets, I wouldn’t book anything that can’t be cancelled or rescheduled.
Why? Because you’re in a completely new world, where things work differently, there’s language barrier, and so forth. To enjoy your trip and be as worry-free as possible, give yourself the space to get settled in
7. Book WELL in Advance for These Activities
There are some activities in Japan that you simply have to book well in advance. Here are some of them:
III. Money Money Money
8. Cash is King
While credit cards are accepted in many places, cash continues to be king.
Traveling with my boyfriend for 2 weeks, we used around somewhere around 260,000 yen, which is about 1,500 euros and 1,650 USD. This money was spent on several Shinkansen trains, food, public transportation, shopping, and activities – nothing luxurious.
If you’re in need of exchanging cash, the convenience stores always have ATMs – especially 7/11! What I loved about the 7/11 ATMs was the option to take out 10, 1,000 yen bills instead of always taking out a 10,000 yen bill only.
9. Coins are LOVED!
When it comes to the coins, those are all important and always appreciated – not change like cents and quarters. When paying for something, always look at the coins in your wallet and see what you can use!
10. This is the Best Place to Exchange your Money
In my personal experience, the best place in Japan to exchange money was World Currency Shop. Make sure you bring your passport!
11. Buy your SIM Card at BIC Camera!
The best SIM Card deals are found at the BIC Camera stores. If you are traveling with a second person, or more people, I recommend buying only one SIM Card at the airport. Then, once you’re in the city and settled in, go buy the other necessary SIM Cards at BIC Camera to get the best deals.
Make sure to buy a data-heavy SIM, because the internet will be your best friend on this trip. From translations, to maps, you will be using loads of data.
I personally haven’t used this product, but if you’re with people and want to avoid buying SIM Cards at the airport or simply want a convenient option, Airalo’s eSim card might be a good solution for you!
IV. Food and Dining
12. Tabelog | The platform Japan locals use to review restaurants
If you want to eat the most authentic food, Tabelog is the local’s favorite place for leaving and reading restaurant reviews.
Something important to note, is that the local’s are brutal with the reviews, so when you see a 3.5 star rating on Tabelog, it means that the restaurant is amazing.😂
13. Gluten Free in Japan
If you’re celiac or gluten intolerant, I’m here to say that it’s not the smoothest ride – but it is doable!
Despite the challenges, I was able to find a good amount of gluten free friendly restaurants in Tokyo – all concentrated in the Shibuya ward. Here is a quick summary of some crucial tips for traveling as, or with, a celiac in Japan:
- Bring food from home! Some days will be harder than others, so bringing some safe food from home will be important.
- Book stays with a kitchen, or hotels that are gluten free friendly.
- Join this Facebook group: Gluten-Free in Japan. Here you will find endless support and answers!
- Follow LauraDolciEats on Instagram.😉 This is my second page, specifically dedicated to gluten free travels, and soon enough a blog will follow.
V. Culture and Etiquette
14. How to Dress in Japan as a Tourist
When it comes to dress code, the Japanese have a modest and business formal style.
To be respectful and avoid certain attention, it’s best to avoid revealing tops and short* skirts/pants. If you’re visiting important places such as temples, you will not be allowed to enter if you’re not dressed modestly.
When choosing what to wear in Japan as a tourist, I recommend bringing essential basics that you can mix and match, business casual clothes, and clothes you’re comfortable walking long distances in.
While jeans are not common, you can certainly wear them. However, with all the walking, you definitely want to bring some comfortable pants or dresses and skirts! I personally loved wearing my flowy dress pants, with an occasional blazer, and dresses.
15. Tattoos and Onsens
Tattoos are forbidden in most Onsens due to the is historical association with crime. With that said, if you’re looking to visit an Onsen and have tattoos, you need to research tattoo-friendly Onsens.
As I’ve seen several locals comment, PLEASE respect the locals and do not try to sneak into an Onsen by hiding your tattoos.
16. How to Be Respectful and Behave
When traveling, we are guests in the city/country we’re visiting, and need to behave as such. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of disrespectful tourists throughout Japan that have been forcing Japan to take certain measures to protect its locals and local spaces.
To be the best tourist, it’s crucial to know the do’s and don’ts in Japan, along with their unspoken rules. Here are some quick cultural etiquette tips:
- Don’t be loud.
- Place money in money trays, don’t hand it directly.
- Wear a mask if sick.
- Don’t tip.
- If you’re occupying a seat dedicated for elderly, pregnant, or disabled people – PLEASE leave the seat for those people when they hop on the train.
VI. Japan Essentials | Things to Pack and More
17. Do You Need a Visa to visit Japan?
Here are all the countries that have a Visa exemption and can stay for a short stay, up to 90 days, in Japan. These are the countries that require Visas.
18. Always Carry Your Passport
Bringing your passport with you at all times in Japan is legal requirement. Always bring it with you – copies or photos do not count.
Another reason to always carry your passport is because you will need to buy essentials like SIM cards and Pasmo Passports, and to also enjoy Tax Free!🥳
As a general travel note, always double check when your passport expires…👀
19. Pack Light and Wear Comfy Shoes
The lighter you pack, the better! In Japan, most accommodations offer in-unit laundry and sometimes dryers. If your accommodation doesn’t offer them, there are endless Coin Laundries, aka public laundromats.
Why should you pack light? 1. Public Transportation. 2. Shopping.
- When at a subway, or train station, there will be times where you will not find escalators or elevators to use, and will need to carry your suitcase and belongings up a large flight of stairs, if not multiple flights. Be kind yourself and your body, and pack light to avoid straining yourself.
- By packing light, you will give yourself plenty of room for shopping! You can always buy a new suitcase if needed, but again – keep public transportation into consideration.😂
In terms of shoes, bring your comfiest pair of sneakers or street shoes. Average steps are usually around 20,000 to 30,000 so its also important that, if you buy new shoes, you break them in before the travels. Here are some of the most recommended shoes for Japan.
20. Ship your suitcases
Staying in hotels and don’t want to carry your suitcases? Then this will be music to your ears!
In Japan they have suitcase shipping services, such as Yamato, that allow you to travel hassle free. The service allows you to send your luggage from one hotel to the next, from the airport to your hotel, and there’s even luggage storage options.
If you’re staying in Airbnbs, like I did, you will most likely not be able to use this service as there won’t be a host to receive your luggage. However, you can always reach out and ask if it is possible with your specific host.
As someone who traveled with her suitcases, I can confirm that traveling with them was nothing short of tiring and an absolute pain. Especially when I was met with endless stairs in the subways and no elevators, or few escalators.😅 If you’re staying in hotels, this service is well worth considering!
VII. Miscellaneous
21. City Trash Cans are as Rare as…
After 2 weeks of traveling around Japan, I don’t recall EVER seeing a trash can in any city or town.🤯 And crazily enough, Japan is the cleanest and most spotless city one could ever visit.
In Japan, you are expected to keep your trash with you until you find a trash can or until you get home. So here are two tips to help you navigate a trash-free city:
- Konbini (Convenience) Stores – Family Mart, Lawson, and 7/11! These three convenience stores, which have endless locations in each city and town, tend to have trash cans. Simply look out for a convenience store and throw your trash there.
- Bring a plastic bag with you. By doing so, you can place your trash in it and easily carry it with you until you’re back home or you find a trash can.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I’ve unfortunately seen this too often, so PLEASE… pay attention to the instructions when it comes to disposing trash, and be respectful. In Japan, they separate the trash and have specific places for everything, so make sure throw your trash away in the correct way.
- For example, in the Konbini Stores, there’s often a place for you to pour drinks before you throw away bottles. DO NOT put ramen, food, or anything else in there.
22. Tokyo is HUGE*. It could be its own country
Saying that Tokyo is a huge city is a major understatement, and quite honestly – nothing could have prepared me for how big it would be. As a matter of fact, Tokyo isn’t a city – it is a prefecture made of 23 wards, 26 cities, and more.
Here are two crucial tips:
- Do NOT book multiple activities in a day!
- Plan out your days based on the 23 wards. For example, spend one day in Shibuya, one day in Shinjuku, and so forth.
Discover here how to spend the best 3 days, or more in Tokyo and the BEST area to stay in Tokyo! I personally recommend spending about a week in Tokyo, so here is the perfect 5 day Tokyo itinerary.
23. Earthquakes
It is no secret that Japan is earthquake prone, and while they’re usually fairly small, it’s important to know what to do.
In Japan, in whichever city or town you may be, you will usually come across maps showing designated evacuation sites and evacuation centers – such as parks. While these maps are very useful, I recommend searching the evacuation maps and plans for your destination on the internet – so that you always have the information available.
If ever in need, the locals are incredibly open to helping out so ask them for help and/or follow them to a safe zone. Furthermore, you can also download apps such as Yurekuru, which alert you about earthquakes when needed!
Need help preparing for Japan? Use my FREE e-Checklist!
This is your one-stop-shop in understanding everything you need – something I wish I had for my own travels. Here you’ll find what you need to do to prepare for your Japan travels, things to know, essentials like Travel Medical Insurance, eSims, and more. Enjoy!✨
Read more on Japan
- Do’s and Don’ts in Japan: Etiquette Guide for New Visitors
- Do I really need a JR Pass in? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
- Is Tokyo Friendly to Tourists? Answering Your Burning Questions
- The Ultimate 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary
- How to Spend the Best 3 Days in Tokyo
- Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? 14 Reasons Why it Is!
- Discover the Best Area to Stay in Tokyo Japan
- The Best Tokyo Street Food Tours | Foodie Heaven in Japan
- 9 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Tokyo | A Celiac’s Guide
- 10 teamLab Planets Visit Tips You Need to Know Of
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I have to ask…
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