Travel Tips
Japan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Cash, connectivity, etiquette, and planning habits that reduce friction on a first Japan trip.
Verify before you go: Confirm details with official sources.
Money and payments
Cards work in many urban shops, but cash remains useful at shrines, small restaurants, and some rural areas. Withdraw yen at airport ATMs compatible with international networks before remote travel.
Coins accumulate from IC card top-ups—use them at konbini or vending machines.
Tax-free shopping requires passport presentation at participating stores with minimum purchase rules—clerks explain process.
Connectivity
Pocket Wi-Fi routers or eSIM data plans simplify navigation and translation apps. Purchase from airport counters or reputable online vendors before arrival during peak seasons.
Download offline Google Maps areas and Papago or similar translation tools.
Public Wi-Fi exists but is inconsistent—do not rely on it for time-critical tickets.
Etiquette highlights
Remove shoes where indoor tatami or certain temples require it; follow others' lead.
Quiet phone use on trains; priority seats for elderly, injured, and pregnant passengers.
Trash responsibility: carry waste until you find proper bins; konbini often has recycling slots.
Onsen bathing requires thorough washing before entering shared tubs—read posted rules at sento or ryokan baths.
Planning habits
Book Ghibli Museum, teamLab, and popular restaurants early through official channels.
Check national holidays affecting crowds—Golden Week and Obon shift domestic travel.
Keep passport on you for tax-free and some hotel registration rules; police can request ID lawfully.