Japan Travel Advice: 16 Things You Need To Know Before Planning A Trip To Japan

Best Time to Go Japan

Japan is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire which makes it vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons, but it remains a popular year-round destination due to its distinct seasons. The best time to visit depends on what you’re after: cherry blossoms, festivals, autumn leaves, or winter sports, though weather conditions can vary by region.

Best times to visit Japan by Region

• Spring (March – May): Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka for beautiful cherry blossoms.
  • If you’re going for the sole purpose of seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom, I suggest that your plans are flexible as sometimes they do not bloom as expected. E.g. In 2024 they appeared a week later than anticipated.
• Summer (June – August): Hokkaido for cooler temperatures and vibrant summer festivals.
  • I would heavily advise against going to Japan during summer as Japan’s summer heat and humidity can be intense, especially in the southern regions. August and September also mark the peak of typhoon season.
• Autumn (September to November): Kyoto, Nikko, and Hokkai for vibrant autumn foliage.
  • Autumn is arguably the best time to visit Japan, with pleasant temperatures, gorgeous landscapes, and fewer crowds. Typhoon season typically winds down by this period.
• Winter (December to February): Hokkaido for snow sports and winter festivals.
  • Winter in Japan’s northern regions can be harsh with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, but it’s ideal for those looking to ski or enjoy the country’s quieter side with fewer tourists.

Visa Requirements

Japan offers visa exemptions to citizens of many countries, allowing short-term stays for tourism, business, or visiting family without the need for a visa. Most visitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, the European Union, and several others can stay in Japan for up to 90 days visa-free.

However, some nationalities still require a visa prior to entry. For those who do need a visa, Japan typically offers tourist visas for stays of up to 90 days. Longer stays, such as for work or study, require applying for a specific visa in advance. Click here to apply for a Visa for Japan, this site will also give you all the information you need to know to apply for one. Ensure that your visa is approved before you book your flight to Japan.

Health & Safety (Travel Insurance)

Getting travel insurance for Japan is highly recommended due to the country’s high cost of healthcare, high potential for natural disasters, and other unforeseen circumstances. Japan’s medical expenses can be quite expensive for foreigners, so having travel insurance ensures you’re covered in case of illness or injury. Additionally, Japan is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic activity, which could lead to unexpected disruptions in your travel plans.

Travel insurance can also protect against issues like flight cancellations, lost luggage, and theft, providing peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip without worry. No one likes to pay for travel insurance so that’s why I highly recommend SafetyWing as they offer reliable basic insurance without breaking the bank for people all over the world starting with only $2.01 USD per day (minimum purchase of 5 days). Select the “specific travel dates button” to insert your travel dates to get the cost calculations.

Suica/Pasmo Card for Public Transport

In Japan, Suica and Pasmo cards are highly convenient rechargeable smart cards used for public transportation, including trains, buses, and even making small purchases at convenience stores. Both cards work across most regions in Japan, eliminating the need to buy individual tickets for each trip, making them essential for navigating the country’s extensive transit network.

The main difference between Suica and Pasmo is their issuing companies: Suica is issued by JR East (Japan Rail), while Pasmo is issued by private railway and bus operators in Tokyo. However, they function almost identically and are accepted interchangeably. When deciding which to get, it usually comes down to convenience: if you’re arriving at a JR station (like Narita Airport), Suica is easier to purchase; if you’re closer to a metro or private rail station, Pasmo may be more accessible. This advice is applicable if you want the physical card but I think it’s way easily to just download it onto your phone. I personally used Suica for my Japan trip and it works smoothly, so I can’t say much about Pasmo.

If you use an iPhone, you can also download the Suica app onto your Apple Wallet before your Japan trip:

• 1. Open the Wallet app and tap the “+” icon to add a new card.
• 2. Select “Transit Card” and then “Suica” from the list of option.
• 3. You can now add funds to your Suica card directly through the Wallet app using your credit or debit card.
  • Note: If you reload using your normal debit/credit card, it may charge you a 3% international fee, therefore make sure you’re reloading it with your travel card or a card that does not charge foreign fees.

Once added, you can use your iPhone to tap and pay at transit gates, convenience stores, and other locations where Suica is accepted. This digital solution eliminates the need to carry a physical card, making your travel experience more convenient and streamlined.

Should You Get the JR Pass?

The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a special discounted travel pass available to foreign tourists, allowing unlimited rides on the JR bullet trains, local trains, and some buses and ferries operated by JR. It can be purchased for periods of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, offering a convenient way to travel long distances across Japan.

Whether the JR Pass is worth it depends on your travel plans. If you’re doing extensive travel between major cities everyday, then the pass can save you a significant amount of money – otherwise it is probably not worth it. You can put in your journey into the JR Fare Calculator and it will compare the cost of buying individual train tickers versus a JR Pass. Keep in mind that the pass doesn’t cover certain shinkansen lines, such as the Nozomi and Mizuho, so plan your routes accordingly.

You can purchase the JR Pass directly on the Japan Rail Pass website or on Klook – both are roughly the same price. Klook does offer another type of JR Pass called “Value Rail Pass (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto edition),” which is worth checking out where you get round trip ticket of Narita airport and Tokyo center, unlimited rides for 3 days in Tokyo Metro, 2x shinkansen tickets for Tokyo and Osaka, and unlimited rides for 3 days in the Kansai region for 409 AUD. This means you save 505 – 409 = 96 AUD if you choose this pass over the 7-day JR Pass.

Pocket Wifi vs eSIM vs SIM Card

When traveling to Japan, you have several options for staying connected: pocket Wi-Fi, eSIMs, or traditional SIM cards. I highly recommend opting for an eSIM, a convenient digital solution you can set up in seconds just by scanning a QR code and it saves the environment by not wasting more plastic on a physical SIM card!

• Pocket Wi-Fi: Is a portable device that creates a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing multiple devices to connect at once. To obtain one, you can rent it online before your trip and pick it up at the airport or have it delivered to your accommodation. Many companies offer this service, and it’s wise to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. It’s great for groups as it might add up to be cheaper when you split the costs, but can be bulky to carry and requires charging.
• eSIMs: Provides the ultimate convenience of instant activation without the need for a physical card. You can purchase it through apps or websites like Airalo or Ubigi. Once purchased, you simply scan a QR code and activate the eSIM on your phone before you even arrive in Japan. Be sure your phone supports eSIM technology, as not all devices do. I highly recommend Airalo, click on my link here for a 10% discount auto-applied for you!
• Traditional SIM cards: It requires a physical card and a phone that’s unlocked and compatible with Japanese networks. You can buy these at airports, electronic stores, or convenience stores in Japan. It’s also possible to pre-order them online and pick them up upon arrival. SIM cards typically come with a certain amount of data and are available for different durations, making them a flexible choice for travelers.

Currency & Money Exchange

Japan’s official currency is the Japanese yen (¥), and while cash is still widely used, especially in rural areas, big cities are increasingly accepting credit cards and mobile payments. ATMs and currency exchange services are available at airports, train stations, and convenience stores, but not all ATMs accept international cards. ATMs at 7-11’s are the most reliable for foreign withdrawals and the fees are the lowest too. I recommend holding at least 15,000 YEN cash on you at all times.

To maximize your money, using travel-friendly financial products is key. Cards like Up or ING offer no foreign transaction fees, allowing you to make purchases and ATM withdrawals without hidden charges such as the 3% international fee. Wise is another excellent option, it allows you to exchange money at real market rates before your trip and hold YEN on the card, avoiding inflated exchange rates and additional fees.

Booking Accomodation

I highly recommend booking accomodation on Booking.com, however there are some good Airbnb options if you’re going in a group. Prices go up quick so book as soon as possible.

• Hotel & Hostels: Japan offers regular hotels and hostels like any other countries. Be wary at hotels in Japan, especially Tokyo, can be extremely small so double check the floor dimensions before you book your accomodation.
• Ryokan: Be sure to experience a ryokan for a night, where you can sleep on tatami mats and enjoy traditional Japanese baths – I highly recommend doing this in Kyoto or Hakone.
• Capsule Hotels: These small, futuristic hotels offer budget-friendly stays for solo travelers. Do keep in mind these capsule hotels are mostly used by business men who do not make the last train so it is respectful to be quite at all times.

Booking Attractions & Activities

Japan is a super popular destination so things gets booked out quick. For certain activities and attractions, you will need to be ready to secure your spot as soon as booking opens such as the sunset slot for Shibuya sky. Below is a list of when bookings are open for popular attractions and activities in Japan:

• Ghibli Museum: The 10th of each month for the subsequent month at 10 am (JST). E.g. If you want tickets any day in September, then you will need to book on the 10th August.
• Pokemon cafe: 31 days prior to the date you want at 6 pm (JST).
• Shibuya Sky: 28 days prior to the date you want at 12 am (JST).
• TeamLabs Borderless: Typically released on the 2nd of each month, for dates two months ahead.
• TeamLabs Planets: Typically released on the 2nd of each month, for dates two months ahead.
• Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass: Typically several months in advance but you’ll need to check their website for specific dates as it varies.
• Universal Studios Japan Express Pass: Typically several months in advance but you’ll need to check their website for specific dates as it varies. I highly recommend to start looking at least 1-2 months in advance because we weren’t able to choose the package that we originally wanted.

Essential Apps in Japan

The 4 non-negotiable apps in my opinion for Japan are: Suica, Google Maps, Google Translate or Papago, and Klook. However the other apps that I have listed below are also super useful to have so if you have the storage on your phone, definitely download all these apps!

Suica: A prepaid rechargeable contactless smart card and electronic money system used as a fare card on train lines and buses in Japan.

Google Maps: For public transit navigations, it will tell you exactly what platform to go to and also show the price estimation. Note: Apple maps does NOT work in Japan.

Klook: Best place to book all your activities and attractions. They also have subway/regional passes which also saves money.

SmartEX: To book your bullet train tickets, you can select your seats and also get a discount if you book 21 days in advance. Easy to refund tickets if anything comes up too.

Google Translate: Good enough to help communicate with locals.

Papago: In my opinion this app works better than good translate as the sentences flow better and makes more sense but Google Translate is also fine.

GO Taxi: Even though you may use public transport only, it’s good to have this app in case you need to book a taxi in a pinch.

TabeLog: Don’t trust Google Reviews for food, always check on this app because reviews are given by locals.

Airalo: For your eSIM where it can be get up instantly by scanning a QR code: no need the hassle of getting a physical SIM, etc.

My Mizu: App that shows you where you can get filtered water to refill your bottle instead of buying a new one every time at the convenience store (also save the environment).

Shopping & Tax Free (Money Saving Tips!!)

• Tax-Free Shopping: As a tourist, you can shop tax-free at participating stores if you spend over a certain amount, usually 5,500 YEN. You’ll need to have your passport on hand, however I highly recommend you bring your passport with you everywhere regardless. Note: Did you know if you somehow get yourself involved in a crime and if you don’t have your passport on you when the police approach you, you can be fined up to 100,000 YEN which is ~1000 AUD!
• Shop smart: Don Quijote is convenient but often more expensive. Buy snacks at Niki no Kashi and beauty products at drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Daikoku Drug.
• Shop at 100 YEN shops: Shops like Daiso and Seria offer a wide range of goods—from snacks to souvenirs and daily necessities—all for just 100 YEN (~1.50 AUD), a great way to grab essentials and small gifts.

Cultural etiquette

• 1. Avoid pointing at people or objects with your finger. Instead, gesture with an open hand.
• 2. Always remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, traditional accommodations (ryokan), temples, and some restaurants. Look for provided slippers.
• 3. Bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect. A slight bow is often sufficient for tourists. Do not put your hands together and pray when you’re doing it.
• 4. Japanese culture values orderliness. Always stand in line when waiting for public transportation or in stores. Note: On escalators, Tokyo people stand on the left and Osaka people stand on the right,
• 5. Japan is very clean, and you’ll notice the lack of trash bins. Don’t litter, always carry your trash with you until you find a bin or you can go into a 7-11 and ask them to kindly dispose you rubbish.
• 6. When using public baths (onsen) or hot springs, always wash thoroughly before entering the communal bath. Tattoos are often not allowed, so check beforehand if it’s acceptable.
• 7. Dress modestly, be quiet, and observe rules about photography – don’t photograph the Geisha’s in Kyoto!

Metro Etiquette

• 1. Keep your voice down on public transportation and in shared spaces. Don’t talk loudly on the phone as it is generally considered impolite on trains.
• 2. No eating or drinking on the local subway but it is fine to eat on the bullet train.
• 3. When waiting for the metro, line up neatly behind the marked lines on the platform. Allow passengers to exit before boarding.
• 4. Priority seats are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and those with young children. It’s polite to give up your seat if someone in need boards.
• 5. Japanese trains can get crowded, especially during rush hour. Try to minimize the space you take up, and avoid blocking doors or spreading out. If you have a backpack, wear it in front of you so you’ll take up less space.

Dining Etiquette

• 1. Don’t be late for reservations, it is disrespectful when you’re not on time.
• 2. Never stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual. Also, avoid passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks.
• 3. It’s generally polite to eat quietly, though slurping noodles is considered acceptable and shows appreciation for the meal.
• 4. It is respectful to finish your food because they don’t really do take aways.
• 5. When paying, place the money in the tray provided rather than handing it directly to the cashier.
• 6. Tipping is not customary in Japan and may even be considered rude. Instead, thank your host or server verbally – “a-ri-ga-tou go-za-i-masu.“

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 110
• Ambulance & Fire: 119
• Embassy: Have your embassy’s contact information on hand for emergencies.

Language

English is widely spoken in big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka but less common in rural region, nonetheless Japanese is the official language so I recommend learning basic phrases and to have Google Translate or Papago downloaded. The locals really appreciate it when you try to speak even just basic Japanese, so practice before you come!

• Hello: こんにちは (kon-ni-chi-wa)
• Thank you (formal): ありがとうございます (a-ri-ga-tou go-za-i-masu)
  • Note: If you’re talking to someone who’s not a friend, you must add the “gozaimasu” at the end to be polite.
• Sorry: ごめんなさい (go-men-na-sai)
• Excuse me: すみません (su-mi-ma-sen)
• How much?: いくらですか (i-ku-ra de-su-ka)