These tips for visiting Japan will help you plan your first trip and avoid some of the most common mistakes first-time visitors make.
Japan is an exciting country to visit, but there are a few things worth learning before you arrive.
The good news is that you do not need to understand every Japanese custom or memorize Tokyo’s train network before getting on the plane.
These tips for visiting Japan cover the practical things that can make your first trip easier, including hotels, transportation, food, reservations, money, internet, basic Japanese, etiquette and visiting an onsen.
I have also included some smaller details that are easy to overlook during your Japan travel preparation.
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Book Your Hotels Early
Japan has accommodation for almost every budget, from capsule and business hotels to luxury properties and traditional ryokan.
Booking windows vary. Many hotels release rooms around six months ahead, while large international chains may open nine to twelve months in advance.
Some smaller hotels and ryokan only open reservations around three months before your stay.
If you cannot find availability far in advance, the hotel may simply not have released its rooms yet.
Prices also change with the season. Cherry blossom season is especially popular, and hotels in places like Tokyo and Kyoto can become more expensive and sell out faster.
Autumn foliage season and major Japanese holidays can also affect prices.
For something different, consider spending a night in a ryokan.
These traditional Japanese inns may have tatami rooms, futon beds on the floor, Japanese meals and onsen.
Just remember that the experience is different from a regular hotel, so check what is included before booking.
One of my most useful tips for visiting Japan is to prioritize location.
Check the nearest station, transportation options and room size before booking.
A cheaper hotel is not much of a bargain if you spend extra time crossing the city every day.
👉 More Japan Hotel Guides
Still deciding where to stay? I have more hotel guides to help you find the right area and accommodation for your trip:
- Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas and Hotels
- Where to Stay in Kyoto: Best Areas and Hotels
- Where to Stay in Osaka: Best Areas and Hotels
- Best Boutique Hotels in Shinjuku
- Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto Review
These guides include hotel recommendations for different budgets and travel styles, while my Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto review takes a closer look at a hotel where I actually stayed.
Learn the Basics of Japan’s Train System
Japan’s transportation system can look overwhelming at first, but you do not need to understand every train company or line.
Navigation apps make things much easier and can show you the train, platform, transfers and station exits you need.
One of my most important tips for visiting Japan is to reserve long-distance trains in advance when your itinerary is fixed.
I booked my Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo before my trip, even though I wasn’t traveling during peak season, and there were already very few seats available for the time I wanted.
Booking ahead becomes even more important during Japan’s busiest domestic travel periods.
Golden Week runs from late April into early May, Obon falls around mid-August, and the New Year holidays run from late December into early January.
Trains and hotels can become extremely busy as people travel around the country during these periods.
During major peak periods, JR Central also operates Nozomi trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen with reserved seating only, so leaving your plans until the last minute can limit your options.
If you already know when you need to travel between cities, I would not wait until you arrive in Japan to start looking for seats.
Some sightseeing and limited express trains may also require reservations, so check before assuming you can simply show up and board.
👉 If your trip includes Osaka and Kyoto, read my KIX to Osaka guide for three ways to get from Kansai Airport into the city, including my experience using the Limousine Bus, and my Osaka to Kyoto by Train guide.
Get an IC Card
An IC card makes getting around Japanese cities much easier.
Suica, PASMO and ICOCA are some of the best-known options. Instead of buying a separate ticket for every local train ride, you usually tap when entering and leaving the station.
IC cards can also be used on many buses and for purchases at convenience stores, vending machines and other businesses.
They do not replace every type of train ticket. The Shinkansen, limited express services and some special trains may still require separate tickets or reservations.
Physical and digital card availability can change, so check the current options for your arrival airport and phone before traveling.
Calculate Whether You Actually Need a Japan Rail Pass
Do not automatically buy a nationwide Japan Rail Pass because an old travel guide says every tourist needs one.
Prices and travel patterns matter.
Write down the long-distance journeys you expect to take, check their individual fares and compare the total with the current cost of the pass.
A regional pass may make more sense for some itineraries. For others, buying individual tickets can be simpler.
This is one area where doing 15 minutes of math before your trip could save you a decent amount of money.
Reserve Popular Attractions in Advance
Japan has plenty of attractions you can visit without planning weeks ahead, but some popular experiences have limited tickets or timed entry.
If there is an attraction you would be genuinely disappointed to miss, check its ticket release schedule before your trip.
I like separating attractions into three categories:
- Must book: Experiences you definitely want to do.
- Book if possible: Places you want to visit but could rearrange.
- Flexible: Temples, neighborhoods, parks, shopping areas and other places that normally do not require reservations.
The two booking sites I used the most during my trip were Klook and GetYourGuide. I found them useful for checking tours, attraction tickets and experiences in one place, especially when I wanted to book something before arriving in Japan.
Another of my practical tips for visiting Japan is to book the difficult attractions first and build your itinerary around them.
👉 If you are still planning what to book, I have detailed guides for some of Japan’s most popular attractions, including Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo DisneySea, and TeamLab Borderless.
If you are spending a few days in Osaka, my Osaka Amazing Pass guide can also help you decide if the sightseeing pass makes sense for your plans.
Do Not Try to Fit Everything Into Your Itinerary
Japan makes overplanning very easy.
Tokyo alone has observation decks, temples, museums, neighborhoods, shopping districts, parks, restaurants and dozens of possible day trips.
Kyoto can be even more dangerous when you start adding temples to your Google Maps list.
You do not need to collect temples like stamps. There are just way too many.
Choose the places that matter most to you and leave some free time between them.
Walking around smaller streets, finding a random store or stopping somewhere for food can be just as memorable as visiting another attraction from your checklist.
👉 Check my Tokyo 3–5 Day Itinerary, Kyoto 3–5 Day Travel Guide, 15 Things to Do in Osaka, and Osaka With Kids itinerary for more ideas.
Make Restaurant Reservations When They Matter
You do not need to reserve every restaurant in Japan. There are countless ramen shops, casual restaurants, izakaya and sushi restaurants where you can simply decide what you want to eat that day.
Reservations become more important for famous restaurants, fine dining, places with limited seating and restaurants you specifically do not want to miss.
Some restaurants still only accept reservations by phone, which can be difficult if you do not speak Japanese.
Some busy restaurants also use numbered tickets or waiting lists instead of a traditional line, so check how the queue works when you arrive.
We ran into this in Kyoto, and our tour guide helped us call the restaurant and make the reservation. If you have the same problem, ask the reception staff at your hotel. They may be able to call the restaurant for you.
One of my easiest tips for visiting Japan is to save a few restaurant options in each neighborhood. If your first choice is full or has a long line, you will already have alternatives nearby.
Explore Train Stations and Department Stores for Food
Japanese train stations are much more than places to catch trains.
Large stations can contain restaurants, bakeries, cafes, supermarkets and entire shopping centers.
Department store basement food halls, known as depachika, are also worth exploring. You can find bento, sushi, desserts, pastries, prepared dishes and beautifully packaged gifts.
Then there are convenience stores.
7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson are useful for breakfast, drinks, snacks and quick meals. They are especially convenient when you arrive late or need something before an early train.
Convenience store food is fun to try, but do not let social media convince you to eat every meal there. Japan has far too much good food outside the konbini.
Carry Cash and More Than One Card
Japan is much more card-friendly than its old cash-only reputation suggests, especially in large cities.
Still, cash remains useful.
Smaller restaurants, temples, local shops, ticket machines and businesses outside major tourist areas may not accept your preferred card.
Carry some yen and at least one backup payment method.
ATMs at major convenience stores can be useful for international travelers, but your own bank may charge withdrawal or foreign transaction fees.
One of the most practical tips for visiting Japan is to avoid relying on a single credit or debit card. A declined transaction is much less stressful when you have another card and some cash available.
Pay in Japanese Yen When Given the Choice
A card terminal or ATM may ask if you want to pay in Japanese yen or your home currency.
Pay attention before pressing a button.
When you choose your home currency, the merchant or ATM may handle the conversion using its own exchange rate. Choosing Japanese yen generally lets your card issuer handle the conversion instead.
Check your bank’s foreign transaction and currency conversion fees before traveling so you know what your card actually costs to use abroad.
Set Up Internet Access Before You Arrive
Mobile data makes traveling in Japan much easier.
You will probably use your phone constantly for directions, train schedules, translations, restaurant searches and reservations.
Your main options include an eSIM, physical SIM, pocket Wi-Fi or international roaming.
If you plan to use an eSIM or local SIM, check that your phone is unlocked before your trip.
An eSIM can be convenient if your phone supports one because you can often set it up before leaving home.
Pocket Wi-Fi can work well for couples, families or groups sharing a connection, although you have another device to carry and charge.
Whatever you choose, try to have it ready before arrival.
Reliable internet is one of those tips for visiting Japan that sounds boring until you are standing inside a massive train station trying to figure out which of the many exits you need.
Download important information before your trip too. Google maps, screenshots of hotel addresses, reservations and tickets can help if your connection fails.
Learn a Few Basic Japanese Phrases
You do not need to speak Japanese to visit Japan.
English signs are common in major transportation systems and tourist areas, and translation apps can help with more complicated conversations.
Still, learning a few basic phrases is useful.
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa): Hello
- ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu): Thank you
- すみません (Sumimasen): Excuse me or sorry
- お願いします (Onegaishimasu): Please
- 英語は話せますか？ (Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?): Do you speak English?
- これをください (Kore o kudasai): This one, please
- トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?): Where is the toilet?
I also recommend downloading Japanese in Google Translate before your trip so you can still use it when you do not have internet access.
You do not need perfect pronunciation. A few words, pointing and a translation app can get you surprisingly far.
👉 If you want to learn a few more useful phrases before your trip, check out my 30 Simple Japanese Phrases for Travelers You’ll Actually Use.
Learn Basic Japanese Etiquette
You do not need an entire etiquette course before visiting Japan.
Most situations simply require paying attention to the people around you and following posted signs.
Queue where indicated. Let passengers leave trains before boarding. Keep your voice relatively low on public transportation. Avoid blocking doors, sidewalks and escalators with luggage.
Phone calls are generally discouraged inside regular train cars, and playing music or videos through your phone speaker is best avoided.
Eating on local trains is also generally avoided, but eating on long-distance trains like the Shinkansen is much more common.
You may also notice that eating while walking is less common than in some other countries. There are exceptions, particularly around markets and designated food areas, so pay attention to the setting.
Tipping is also not generally expected in Japan. You do not need to add a tip at restaurants or in taxis.
Some of the most important tips for visiting Japan are really just about being aware of the space around you.
Know What to Do Before Visiting an Onsen
Visiting an onsen can be one of the most interesting experiences you have in Japan, but the bathing rules may be unfamiliar.
The most important rule is simple: wash before entering the bath.
The onsen is for soaking. Sit at the washing area, clean yourself thoroughly and rinse off before entering the water.
Swimsuits are normally not worn in traditional communal baths. Men and women are generally separated, although some facilities offer private baths.
You may receive a small towel, but do not put it in the bath water. Leave it beside the bath or place it on your head.
Tattoo policies vary between facilities. Some allow them, some require them to be covered, and others restrict entry. Check the rules for the specific onsen you plan to visit.
If an onsen is part of your itinerary, add these rules to your tips for visiting Japan checklist before going. Once you understand the basics, the experience is much less intimidating.
Consider Using Luggage Forwarding
Japan’s trains are excellent, but traveling with several large suitcases isn’t.
We started our trip in Osaka with three checked bags, and the idea of taking all of them with us through Kyoto and eventually to Tokyo was not practical.
Instead, we packed everything we needed for Kyoto into our carry-ons and asked our hotel in Osaka to send our larger luggage directly to our hotel in Tokyo.
It made traveling through Kyoto much easier. We could use the trains and move between hotels without dragging three large suitcases around with us.
Many hotels in Japan can help arrange luggage forwarding, so ask the front desk if this is something you want to do.
Just remember that your bags may not arrive the same day, so plan ahead and keep clothes, medication and anything else you will need in your carry-on.
Pack Lighter Than You Think
Packing light makes Japan much easier.
Hotel rooms can be compact, train stations can involve a lot of walking, and some stations still require stairs depending on the route and exit.
Many hotels have coin-operated laundry machines, which can reduce the amount of clothing you need to bring.
And leave some empty suitcase space.
Japan has an impressive ability to convince you that you suddenly need skincare, snacks, stationery, gachapon toys, souvenirs and six completely unnecessary things from Don Quijote.
Future you will appreciate the extra room.
Public Trash Cans Can Be Hard to Find
One of the small surprises for many visitors is the lack of public trash cans.
Japan’s streets are famously clean, but that does not mean there is a bin on every corner.
Train stations, convenience stores and some vending machine areas may have bins, but availability varies.
Keep a small bag with you for wrappers and other rubbish until you find somewhere appropriate to throw them away.
It is a tiny piece of travel information for Japan, but you will probably remember this tip the first time you walk around for 30 minutes carrying an empty coffee cup.
Convenience Stores Are Your Friend
Convenience stores were incredibly useful during our trip.
There were days when we came back exhausted and just wanted to get to the hotel, shower, organize our things and rest. On those nights, stopping at a konbini for something quick to eat was a lifesaver.
Sometimes an egg sando or a cup of instant ramen was exactly what we needed. It was cheap, easy and meant we did not have to look for a restaurant after a long day of sightseeing.
7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson also have rice balls, sandwiches, fried food, desserts, drinks and plenty of other quick options.
They are especially useful when you arrive late, leave early or simply do not feel like having another full restaurant meal.
Of course, Japan has an incredible food scene, so I would not recommend eating every meal at a convenience store. But after walking around all day, that late-night egg sando can feel like a blessing.
Check Japan’s Medication Rules Before You Pack
This should be part of your Japan travel preparation if you take prescription or regular medication.
Japan restricts some medicines that may be legal or commonly available in other countries. Depending on the medication and quantity, additional documentation or permission may be required.
I had to bring medication with me during my trip, so as an extra precaution, I also carried my prescription with my doctor’s signature and stamp. Luckily, I was never asked to show it, but having it with me gave me some extra peace of mind.
Do not assume that having a prescription automatically means you can bring any medication into Japan.
Check the current official Japanese requirements for your specific medication and quantity well before your trip.
Understand Tax-Free Shopping Before You Start Spending
When I traveled to Japan at the end of 2025, tax-free shopping was pretty simple. At participating stores, I could get the tax exemption while making the purchase.
That changes on November 1, 2026. Under the new system, you will pay the full price in the store and get the tax refunded after Customs confirms that you are taking the items out of Japan.
So yes, that is another good reason to arrive at the airport early.
There are some good changes too. You will no longer need those sealed tax-free bags for things like cosmetics and food, although you still cannot use or consume the items in Japan if you want the refund.
The old distinction between general goods and consumables is also disappearing, along with the ¥500,000 limit for consumables.
Wear Shoes That Are Easy to Remove
You may need to remove your shoes at ryokan, temples, traditional restaurants and some other places.
Shoes that are easy to take on and off can make life simpler. I wore slip-ons during my trip because they were quick to take off and put back on, with no laces to deal with.
Clean socks are also a good idea.
If a place provides slippers, pay attention to where you are supposed to use them. Bathrooms sometimes have separate toilet slippers.
Those slippers should stay in the bathroom.
Walking back into a traditional dining room wearing toilet slippers is probably not the cultural exchange you had planned.
Expect to Walk More Than You Think
Excellent public transportation does not mean less walking.
I was easily walking 20,000 to 30,000 steps a day during my trip. I even lost some weight despite not paying much attention to my diet. You really do walk a lot in Japan!
You will walk through stations, shopping centers, parks, temple grounds and neighborhoods. Some subway transfers involve long underground passages before you even reach the next platform.
Comfortable shoes are essential.
This is also worth remembering when building your itinerary. Three attractions may look close together on a map but still involve a lot of walking once you account for station entrances, hills and large complexes.
One of my simplest tips for visiting Japan is to check actual walking times instead of assuming everything near the same station is next door.
Avoid Rush Hour With Large Luggage
Tokyo’s trains can become extremely crowded during commuter periods.
If you are changing hotels with large suitcases, traveling outside the busiest hours can make things easier for both you and other passengers.
Keep bags out of doorways and avoid blocking narrow spaces.
Luggage forwarding can be particularly helpful on days when you would otherwise need to take a suitcase across a major city during a busy period.
Not Everything Opens Early
Japan has convenience stores that operate around the clock and trains that start early, but that does not mean every attraction, cafe or shop opens at 7 a.m.
Some stores and restaurants open later in the morning.
Check opening hours before planning an early start, particularly if breakfast at a specific cafe is part of your itinerary.
Early mornings can still be useful for visiting parks, temples and neighborhoods before the biggest crowds arrive, depending on their opening hours.
Check the Weather for Your Specific Destination and Month
Japan’s weather changes significantly by season and region.
Tokyo in August is a very different experience from Tokyo in November.
Hokkaido in the north and Okinawa in the far south can have completely different weather during the same month.
Summer can be extremely hot and humid. Winter weather depends heavily on where you travel. Spring and autumn can be pleasant, but temperatures still vary.
Rain can affect your plans too.
Instead of searching for generic Japan weather, look at typical conditions for the exact cities and month you plan to visit.
Save Your Hotel Address in Japanese
Save your hotel’s name and address on your phone in both English and Japanese. Taking a screenshot is also a good idea.
We learned this the hard way in Osaka. After arriving at the bus station, we ordered an Uber to our APA Hotel, but because we had not saved the exact address, we ended up at a different APA Hotel.
It is a huge hotel chain in Japan, so simply having the hotel name was not enough.
Luckily, our actual hotel was nearby and we could take another Uber. Save yourself the stress and extra fare by taking a screenshot of your hotel’s exact name and address before you arrive.
Keep Your Passport Accessible but Secure
You may need your passport for hotel check-in and tax-free shopping if you travel before November 2026, among other situations.
At the same time, do not carry it around unnecessarily. When I don’t need my passport, I always keep it in the hotel safe rather than leaving it somewhere in the room.
It is also a good idea to keep a secure digital copy of your passport, such as a clear, legible photo on your phone, in case something happens to the original.
Give Yourself Extra Time at Large Stations
A five-minute transfer can look easy on an app.
Then you arrive at Shinjuku Station.
Major Japanese stations can contain multiple train companies, underground shopping areas, dozens of exits and long passages between platforms.
Signs are generally helpful, but first-time visitors may still need extra time.
If you are catching a reserved Shinkansen or heading to the airport, arrive earlier than you think you need to.
This is one of those trip to Japan tips that becomes much more obvious once you experience a major station for yourself.
Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Japan can feel very organized, which sometimes makes visitors nervous about doing something incorrectly.
You probably will make a mistake at some point.
You may enter the wrong station gate, stand on the wrong platform or have no idea how a restaurant’s ticket machine works.
I had to ask for help at several stations during my trip. I usually looked for the information center, and the staff helped me figure things out.
Station staff deal with travelers every day, and hotel employees can often help with directions, luggage forwarding and other practical questions.
Translation apps can fill in the gaps when language becomes a problem.
Do Not Try to See Most of Japan in One Trip
This may be one of the most important tips for visiting Japan.
Japan looks manageable when you start placing pins on a map. On paper, you can fit just about anything into an itinerary.
Slow down.
Japan is a big country with way too many beautiful places to visit.
Choose a realistic route and give yourself enough time to enjoy each place.
You can always come back.
Final Tips for Visiting Japan
You do not need to arrive knowing every Japanese custom or understanding every train line.
Focus on the things that matter most.
These tips for visiting Japan should make the practical side of your trip much easier while still leaving room for spontaneous plans.
And leave some free space in your itinerary.
Walk down streets you did not save on Google Maps. Try something unfamiliar at a restaurant. Spend longer in a neighborhood you like instead of rushing to the next attraction.
You will not see everything Japan has to offer in one trip.
That is a pretty good reason to return.
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