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Japan Travel Tips
Travelling to Japan is an unforgettable experience, but it can be a little overwhelming if it’s your first time. From understanding the transport system to navigating dining quirks and cultural etiquette, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here are practical Japan travel tips to help you make the most of your trip.
1. Transport and the JR Pass
Many travellers wonder whether a Japan Rail (JR) Pass is worth the money. Before purchasing, use the JR Pass Fare Calculator to compare the costs of your planned journeys. In some cases, buying individual tickets can actually be cheaper.
For the Shinkansen (bullet train), allow 20–30 minutes when transferring trains. Platforms are well organised, but it’s important to find the correct platform and carriage before boarding.
Pro tip for Apple users: you can load a digital IC card (e.g. Suica or PASMO) directly onto your iPhone. This makes topping up easier since you can load any amount, unlike station machines, which require a 1,000 yen minimum.
2. Arrival and Immigration
Once you’ve booked your accommodation, complete the Japan Immigration online form. This allows you to skip queues on arrival by pre-declaring goods and submitting your information in advance.
3. Everyday Essentials
- Coin purse/organiser: You’ll need one. Japan is still very cash-heavy, and coins accumulate quickly.
- Comfy shoes: Expect to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Stations and sightseeing areas involve a lot of walking.
4. Eating in Japan
Be prepared for unusual dining hours. Breakfast options can be tricky—most places open from 11 am. In Kyoto, many restaurants close by 6 pm. For late-night meals, malls and izakayas are reliable options.
When choosing where to eat, locals use Tabelog. Anything above three stars on this app is excellent. For higher-end dining, consult What Chefs Eat or the Michelin Guide. Ignore overhyped social media spots—the best food spots are usually the ones with Japanese-only menus, filled with salarymen and locals rather than tourists.
Follow the locals’ lead and you’ll be rewarded with authentic, delicious meals at great prices.
5. Apps Worth Downloading
- Navitime – for route finding and checking IC card balance
- Google Maps & Apple Maps – Apple Maps is often more reliable
- Citymapper – works well in Tokyo only
- Moovit – note stations may display in Japanese
- Duolingo – learn some language basics
- Papago – useful for translations
- Stamp Quest & Payke – handy for cultural exploration and product info
6. Booking in Advance
Japan has attractions that sell out quickly, so plan ahead:
- Ghibli Museum – book one month in advance, tickets released on the 10th at 10 am Japan time
- Shibuya Sky – book two weeks before, ideally for 3–4 pm to avoid evening crowds
- Nintendo Museum (Uji) – lottery-based; apply two months ahead
- TeamLabs (Tokyo) – book 1–2 months in advance as tickets sell out quickly
- Mount Fuji Tours – up to a month in advance
- Pokémon Café – one month ahead
- Universal Studios Japan – two months ahead
7. Language Learning Resources
It’s worth learning a little Japanese before you go. Two excellent (and free) resources are:
8. Etiquette and Customs
Escalators
- Tokyo: Stand on the left
- Osaka: Stand on the right
Shrine Etiquette
At shrines, stop by the temizuya (purification basin):
- Scoop water with the ladle into your left hand, then your right.
- Rinse your mouth using your left hand.
- Do not drink directly from the ladle.
When praying at a shrine:
- Toss a coin (five-yen is lucky).
- Ring the bell, clap twice, bow twice, make your prayer, then bow once more.
- You may also write wishes on ema (wooden plaques).
Amulets, Fortunes and Goshuin
- Omamori: Protective charms for good fortune.
- Omikuji: Paper fortunes. If you receive bad fortune, tie it to a tree branch to leave the bad luck behind.
- Goshuin: Calligraphy stamps collected in a goshuincho (stamp book). These often cost ¥300–¥500.
Final Thoughts
Travelling around Japan is a magical experience, but knowing what to expect will make it far smoother. With the right apps, comfy shoes, cultural awareness and a little pre-booking, you’ll save time and stress—and get to focus on enjoying everything Japan has to offer.
