Japan Travel Essentials: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Visit

Japan is a country that captivates visitors with its rich traditions, futuristic technology, breathtaking natural beauty, and impeccable hospitality. However, first-time travelers often find themselves both excited and slightly overwhelmed. Unlike many other destinations, Japan has its own unique customs, travel systems, and unspoken rules, which can be unfamiliar to newcomers.

This guide will equip you with everything you need to know before your trip—so you can navigate Japan with confidence, ease, and cultural awareness.

1. Visa & Entry Requirements: Do You Need a Visa?

Japan maintains visa exemption agreements with numerous countries, allowing travelers to visit for short-term stays without obtaining a visa. The duration of these visa-free stays typically ranges from 15 to 90 days, depending on the visitor’s nationality.

Key Points:

• Visa-Exempt Countries: Citizens from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many European nations can enter Japan without a visa for stays up to 90 days.
• Countries Requiring Visas: Nationals from countries including China, Russia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and several CIS countries are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Japan.
• eVisa System: Japan has introduced an eVisa system for certain countries to streamline the application process. For instance, nationals of China can apply for a short-term stay visa online.

 

Important Considerations:

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Japan.
• Proof of Return or Onward Travel: Be prepared to provide evidence of a return or onward ticket upon entry.
• Financial Means: Immigration officials may require proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Stay Within Permitted Duration: Adhering to the allowed duration of stay is crucial. Overstaying can lead to penalties or future entry bans.

Pro Tip: Visa regulations can change, so it’s essential to consult the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) website or contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country before making travel plans.

 

2. Best Time to Visit Japan: Choosing the Right Season

Japan is a fantastic year-round destination, but each season offers a unique experience. Whether you seek cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, snowy landscapes, or vibrant festivals, choosing the right time to visit can enhance your trip. However, travelers should also be mindful of Japan’s peak rainy and typhoon seasons, which can disrupt travel plans.

Seasonal Overview:

• Spring (March – May)
  • Cherry blossoms in full bloom, mild weather, and peak tourist crowds.
  • Best spots: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Fuji Five Lakes.
  • Peak travel season – book accommodations well in advance.
• Summer (June – August)
  • Festivals, fireworks, and Mt. Fuji climbing season.
  • Hot and humid, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto.
  • Best for: Matsuri lovers, adventure seekers, and hikers.
• Autumn (September – November)
  • Stunning fall foliage with comfortable temperatures.
  • Best spots: Nikko, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Fuji Five Lakes.
  • Less crowded than cherry blossom season but still popular.
• Winter (December – February)
  • Skiing in Hokkaido, snow monkeys in Nagano, and festive illuminations.
  • Best for: Snow lovers, onsen seekers, and winter sports enthusiasts.
• Mt. Fuji Climbing Season: July 1 – September 10
  • The only time of year when trails are officially open and safe to climb.
  • Plan for some disruption in climb in between July and early September due to unstable weather.

Weather Warnings:

• Peak Rainy Season: Mid-June to early July
  • Japan’s rainy season (Tsuyu 梅雨) brings persistent rain and high humidity.
  • Most affected areas: Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
  • Hokkaido is an exception – it remains relatively dry.
• Peak Typhoon Season: Late August to early October
  • Typhoons bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential travel disruptions.
  • Most affected areas: Okinawa, Kyushu, and coastal regions.
  • Flights and trains may experience delays or cancellations.

Pro Tip: Japan is travel-friendly year-round with the right choice of region. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, Hokkaido’s cool summers, autumn foliage in Kyoto and Nikko, and skiing or hot springs in winter, while avoiding peak rain (June) and typhoon season (late August–September).

 

3. Understanding Japan’s Public Transport System

Japan’s public transport system is one of the most efficient and well-connected in the world, but it can be complex for first-time travelers. It consists of metros for city travel, railways for suburban and intercity routes, and bullet trains for long-distance travel, with domestic flights as an alternative for remote areas.

Public Transport Structure:

• Metro & Local Trains: Best for inner-city travel, with extensive networks in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major cities. Operated by Tokyo Metro, Toei, Osaka Metro, and other local providers.
• JR & Private Railways: Used for suburban and medium-distance travel between cities and prefectures. JR (Japan Railways) operates regional trains, while private railway companies like Hankyu, Keikyu, and Kintetsu cover additional routes.
• Shinkansen (Bullet Trains): The fastest and most comfortable option for long-distance intercity travel, connecting cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Sapporo.
• Domestic Flights: Convenient for long-distance travel to remote areas like Hokkaido, Okinawa, or Kyushu, where train travel would take significantly longer. Budget airlines like Peach Aviation, Skymark, and ANA’s discount fares make flying a viable option.

Important Considerations:

• JR Pass is not always worth it – While the Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited train travel, it is expensive unless your itinerary includes multiple Shinkansen rides. Consider individual tickets for flexibility and cost savings.
• IC Card Availability is Back to Normal – Japan faced an IC card shortage (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) due to semiconductor supply issues in 2023-24, but as of September 2024, availability has returned to normal. These cards are essential for easy travel on trains, buses, and even for shopping at convenience stores.

Pro Tip: For city travel, IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) make payments seamless, and for long-distance travel, compare Shinkansen vs. domestic flights based on your itinerary—flights can be faster and cheaper for far-off destinations like Okinawa, Sapporo, or Fukuoka.

 

4. Cash or Card? Understanding Japan’s Payment Culture

Despite being a technological leader, Japan remains a cash-heavy society, and travelers should be prepared to use physical yen in many situations. While credit cards are accepted in major establishments, cash is still preferred, especially in rural areas, small businesses, and traditional locations.

Denominations of Japanese Currency

Japan’s currency is the Japanese Yen (¥, JPY), available in both coins and banknotes.

 

• Coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500
  • ¥1, ¥5 and ¥10 coins are lightweight and commonly used for small purchases.
  • ¥100 and ¥500 coins are frequently used for vending machines, lockers, and transport.
  • ¥5 and ¥50 coins have holes in the center and are considered lucky in Japanese culture.
• Banknotes: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000
  • ¥1,000 bills are most commonly used for everyday purchases.
  • ¥2,000 bills are rare and not always accepted in vending machines.
  • ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 bills are higher denominations, mostly used for large transactions.

Since Japan relies heavily on coins, carrying a small coin pouch can be convenient for buses, vending machines, and small purchases.

Cash is King

• Many small restaurants, shrines, temples, and local markets do not accept credit cards.
• Buses, coin lockers, and vending machines often require exact change, making coins essential.
• ATMs in convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) accept most foreign debit and credit cards for cash withdrawals.

Where Can You Use Credit/Debit Cards?

• Major hotels, department stores, supermarkets, and big restaurants accept Visa, MasterCard, and Amex.
• Prepaid IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) can be used instead of cash for public transport, vending machines, and purchases at convenience stores.
• Some stores now accept mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPay), but it’s not universal for foreign cards.

Pro Tip: Always carry around ¥10,000–¥20,000 in cash, as ATMs in Japan may not always be available late at night or in rural areas. A coin pouch makes handling yen coins easier, especially for buses, train fares, and vending machines.

 

5. Essential Japanese Etiquette: Do’s & Don’ts

Japan has a strong culture of respect and social etiquette, and understanding these unspoken rules will help you travel more respectfully and avoid unintentionally offending locals. The best approach is to observe and mimic the behavior of those around you—this allows you to “read the room” and adjust accordingly.

Do’s:

• Bow when greeting – A polite way to say hello, thank you, and goodbye. The depth of the bow varies depending on the level of formality.
• Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, traditional ryokan stays, and some restaurants. Slippers are often provided in indoor spaces.
• Stand on the left side of escalators to let others pass, except in Osaka, where people stand on the right.
• Slurp your noodles loudly – Unlike in many cultures, slurping ramen, udon, and soba is seen as a sign of enjoyment and is perfectly acceptable.

Don’ts:

• Do not talk loudly on trains or public transport – Japanese trains are usually quiet, and speaking loudly is considered rude.
• Avoid eating while walking – Eating on the go is generally discouraged unless at designated festival stalls or near convenience stores where standing areas are available.
• Do not tip in Japan – Tipping is not part of Japanese culture, as service charges are already included in the bill. Handing extra money can cause confusion or be seen as unnecessary.

Pro Tip: If you receive something, accept it with both hands and a slight bow as a sign of gratitude. This applies to business cards, gifts, and even small purchases. When in doubt, observe how locals behave and follow their lead. Japanese etiquette is often subtle, so adapting to your surroundings ensures a more respectful and enjoyable experience.

 

6. Essential Travel Apps for Japan

Having the right apps on your phone can make traveling in Japan significantly easier, whether it’s navigating public transport, translating menus, or finding great restaurants. Since free public WiFi is limited in many areas, having a mobile data plan is highly recommended.

Navigation & Transport

• Google Maps – The best app for navigation, offering detailed directions for walking, public transport, and driving routes. It provides real-time train schedules and alternative routes.
• Hyperdia – A highly useful app for checking train schedules, travel times, and fares for Shinkansen, JR, and private rail lines. Ideal for planning long-distance travel.
• JapanTaxi – Japan’s equivalent of Uber, as ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are not widely available. This app allows you to book taxis with ease, especially useful in smaller cities or late at night.

Language & Communication

• Google Translate – Essential for translating menus, signs, and conversations. The camera translation feature is particularly useful for reading Japanese text in restaurants and stores.
• VoiceTra – A speech translation app that converts spoken Japanese into multiple languages and vice versa, making it easier to communicate with locals.

Food & Dining

• Tabelog – Japan’s go-to platform for restaurant reviews and rankings, often more reliable than Google reviews for finding authentic local dining spots.
• Gurunavi – Another great restaurant guide that specializes in regional cuisines, izakayas, and fine dining recommendations.

Other Useful Apps

• Japan Official Travel App – A government-supported travel guide providing information on attractions, transportation, and emergency contacts.
• NAVITIME for Japan Travel – A comprehensive app for tourists, offering train maps, WiFi hotspots, currency exchange rates, and basic Japanese phrases.

Pro Tip: A portable WiFi device, SIM card, or eSIM is highly recommended to stay connected throughout your trip, as free WiFi is limited outside major cities.

 

7. Learn a Few Basic Japanese Phrases

While many Japanese people understand basic English, especially in major cities and tourist areas, learning a few essential Japanese phrases can greatly enhance your experience. Even a small effort to speak Japanese is highly appreciated by locals and can help in situations where English is not commonly spoken.

Basic Japanese for Travelers

• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon (used from late morning to early evening).
• ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you (for extra politeness, say Arigatou gozaimasu).
• すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry (used to get attention or apologize).
• いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?) – How much is this? (useful for shopping).
• 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) – Can you speak English?

Helpful Phrases for Restaurants & Shopping

• これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I’ll take this, please (pointing at an item in a shop).
• おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – What do you recommend?
• お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) – Check, please (when asking for the bill at a restaurant).

Emergency & Assistance Phrases

• 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) – Please help me.
• 病院はどこですか？ (Byouin wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the hospital?
• 警察を呼んでください (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai) – Please call the police.

Pro Tip: Even if you’re unsure about pronunciation, a simple effort with polite gestures—such as bowing slightly when thanking someone—goes a long way in Japan. Locals appreciate visitors who respect their culture and try to communicate in Japanese, even if only a few words.

 

Final Thoughts

Your First Trip to Japan Starts Here! 

With proper preparation, your first visit to Japan will be an unforgettable experience. From cherry blossoms and bullet trains to street food and ancient shrines, Japan offers a perfect blend of old and new.

At Nipponasia, we help travelers plan immersive Japan experiences with expert guidance. Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s neon streets or Kyoto’s ancient temples, Japan will leave you enchanted and longing to return.