Ultimate Japan Travel Tips – Plan Your Perfect Trip
Planning a trip to Japan is exciting, but with so much to see and do, it can also feel overwhelming. Many travelers dive straight into researching beautiful places to visit—and while that’s understandable, setting up your travel conditions first can help avoid frustration later in the process.
This page will guide you with essential travel tips, helping you create a well-balanced itinerary, stay prepared with practical advice, and make the most of your time in Japan. Each week, we’ll add a new concrete tip, so check back regularly for fresh insights!
✈️ Planning & Booking in Advance
1. Book Accommodations Early During Peak Seasons
Hotels and ryokan fill up fast during cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and autumn. Secure your stay months in advance to get the best locations and prices.
2. Book Must-Do Activities in Advance
Popular attractions like TeamLab, Ghibli Park, or sumo tournaments often sell out. Pre-booking ensures you won’t miss out.
3. Order Your Japan Rail Pass Before You Arrive
The Japan Rail Pass must be purchased before arriving in Japan (for tourists). It saves money if you plan to travel across the country.
4. Don’t Miss the Seasonal Festivals
Check the festival calendar! From cherry blossoms to snow festivals, each season in Japan offers unique events worth planning around.
5. Public Holidays Can Affect Your Trip – Plan Around Them
Avoid national holidays like Golden Week, Obon, and New Year if you want to skip crowds and inflated prices.
6. Book Airport Transfers in Advance
Especially for late arrivals or early departures, pre-booked transfers save time and stress.
7. Check Visa Requirements Before You Travel
Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa for Japan. Always double-check before booking flights.
8. Buy Tickets for Theme Parks & Popular Attractions Early
Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disney Resort often reach capacity—purchase tickets online ahead of time.
🚆 Transportation Tips
1. Use Hyperdia or Google Maps for Train Planning
These apps help you find accurate train times, transfer routes, and ticket costs.
2. Public Transportation is Easy & Efficient
Japan’s buses and trains are reliable and clean—don’t be afraid to use them even if it’s your first visit.
3. Use Luggage Delivery Services
Travel light between cities by forwarding your luggage (takuhaibin) to your next hotel. It’s affordable and stress-free.
4. Get a Suica or Pasmo Card
These prepaid IC cards work for trains, buses, and even vending machines—convenient and time-saving.
5. Use Coin Lockers at Train Stations
Most stations have lockers for storing your bags while sightseeing. Perfect for short stopovers.
6. Understand Local Train Etiquette
Keep your phone on silent, don’t talk loudly, and give up seats for the elderly or disabled.
7. Learn How to Read Japanese Train Signs
Station names are in English too, but understanding kanji for exits and directions can be helpful.
8. Don’t Eat or Talk Loudly on Trains
Silent commuting is the norm. Avoid snacking and loud conversations to respect local culture.
9. Use Highway Buses for Budget Travel
If you’re traveling long distances on a budget, highway buses are cheaper than trains and surprisingly comfortable.
🛏️ Packing & Luggage
1. Pack Light – Japan Isn’t Built for Big Suitcases
Narrow streets, compact rooms, and station stairs make small luggage a lifesaver.
2. Bring Comfortable Shoes for Walking
You’ll walk a lot—temples, train stations, and city streets are easier to enjoy with good footwear.
3. Download Offline Maps & Translation Apps
Google Maps offline and apps like Google Translate or Papago will help you find your way and communicate on the go.
4. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
Japan has safe drinking water and refill stations. It’s eco-friendly and convenient.
5. Bring an Extra Bag for Souvenirs
You’ll likely return with more than you came with—an extra foldable bag will come in handy.
6. Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On
Trains and airports may cause delays—keep important items like medication and a change of clothes with you.
7. Dress in Layers – Weather Can Vary
Japanese seasons can change quickly. Layers help you adapt from chilly mornings to warm afternoons.
💬 Language & Etiquette
1. Learn Basic Japanese Phrases
Phrases like arigatou (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me) go a long way in showing respect.
2. Respect Local Etiquette
From bowing to standing in line, small gestures of politeness are highly valued.
3. Be Polite – Bowing is Customary
A small bow is a simple and respectful way to greet or thank someone.
4. Tipping Isn’t Expected – Don’t Worry About It
In Japan, tipping is not common and may even confuse staff. Exceptional service is already included.
5. Use Two Hands When Giving or Receiving Items
Whether handing a gift or paying at a shop, two hands show respect and care.
6. Don’t Speak Loudly in Public Places
Quietness is appreciated—especially on public transport or in restaurants.
7. Take Off Shoes Indoors
At temples, homes, and some accommodations, shoes must be removed. Look for signs or designated areas.
💴 Money & Payments
1. Carry Cash & Use ATMs
Not all places accept cards. Convenience stores and post office ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards.
2. Keep Small Coins for Vending Machines & Temples
You’ll need ¥100 and ¥10 coins for temple donations, coin lockers, and more.
3. Notify Your Bank of International Travel
Avoid getting your card blocked—let your bank know you’re heading to Japan.
4. Use Prepaid IC Cards for Convenience
Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca cards can also be used at convenience stores and vending machines.
5. Have a Currency Converter App Ready
Helpful for budgeting and knowing what you’re spending on the go.
6. Don’t Rely on Credit Cards in Rural Areas
Small towns and local eateries often only take cash—plan ahead.
🍣 Food & Dining
1. Try Local Japanese Street Food
From takoyaki in Osaka to crepes in Harajuku, don’t miss these cheap and tasty eats.
2. Use Plastic Food Displays to Order
Many restaurants display fake food models—use them to point and order if language is a barrier.
3. Look for Local Izakayas
Izakayas (Japanese pubs) offer an authentic, cozy dining experience. Try local dishes and drinks.
4. Try a Convenience Store Meal – They’re Surprisingly Good
7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart have delicious meals, snacks, and drinks at budget prices.
5. Make Reservations at Popular Restaurants
Some famous places book out weeks in advance—especially omakase and Michelin-starred venues.
6. Respect Dining Etiquette – Don’t Stick Chopsticks Upright in Rice
This mimics funeral rituals. Place chopsticks horizontally on a holder instead.
7. Say “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisousama”
Say these phrases before and after eating to show gratitude—locals appreciate the effort!
8. Be Aware of Meal Times – Some Restaurants Close Between Lunch and Dinner
Plan meals around typical service hours (11:30–14:00 and 17:00–20:00) to avoid closed doors.
🗺️ Sightseeing & Experiences
1. Don’t Miss the Seasonal Festivals
Matsuri (festivals) are vibrant and local—often involving costumes, parades, food stalls, and traditional performances.
2. Bring a Travel Journal or App to Document Your Trip
Capture your experiences while they’re fresh. It’ll help you remember details and share tips later.
3. Get Up Early to Avoid Crowds at Popular Spots
Arrive early at top sights like Fushimi Inari or Arashiyama to enjoy them without the crowds.
4. Explore Beyond Tokyo – Visit Rural Areas Too
Japan’s charm is found in hidden villages, nature trails, and local communities—take a detour!
5. Use Local Guides or Tours to Learn More
Guided experiences (like tea ceremonies or temple tours) offer deeper insight into culture and history.
6. Visit a Convenience Store for Unique Snacks
Every region has its own flavors—explore Japan through limited edition snacks and drinks.
7. Keep an Eye Out for Local Events & Pop-Ups
From anime cafes to night markets, there’s always something new happening around town.
8. Plan Some Downtime – Don’t Overfill Your Itinerary
Give yourself breathing room to enjoy unexpected discoveries or simply relax and soak it all in.