11 Tips for Your Trip to Japan

Your trip to the land of the rising sun can be breathtaking — if you come prepared. Spend your days at the themed cafes and bars that Japan has on offer, or experience the more traditional shrines and karesansui. These Japan travel tips will take the turbulence out of your journey and insure that you have smooth trip all the way through.

1. Apply For A Visa

Before visiting Japan, you’ll need to check whether you need a visitor’s visa. Many countries have a visa-waiver agreement with Japan, and if you are a national or citizen of one of these countries, you won’t need to apply before visiting.

If you’re interested in longer trips or working in Japan, a visa is required before you can travel.
As soon as you’re clear on your visa circumstance check if you need a Yakkan Shoumei (drug office certificate).

Japan allows you to bring one month’s supply of prescription medicine. However, if you need more than a month’s supply or are bringing in narcotics, you must complete a Yakkan Shoumei.
The drug certificate process can be done online through email, and usually takes two weeks.

2. Things You Should Pack

Once you have your travel documents, you’re ready to start packing — exciting!
Don’t toss any old t-shirt in your luggage, though. Those of you travelling across the equator could be moving from summer into winter and vice versa.

If you’re travelling during the hotter months (June to August) expect temperatures to range from 79°F (26°C) or more. For those travelling in winter (December to February) expect cold winds and snow, as well as temperatures averaging 41°F (5°C).

During the summer months, make sure to come well-equipped with light clothing and a backpack that’s easy to carry. Pack sunscreen, hats, and mosquito repellent. You’ll be glad to know that you can buy most of this at convenience stores (konbini), where you can also buy a 2L bottle of water for as little as 100 yen.

Two quick travel tips for Japan during summer:
Shops, food places, and trains will be well air-conditioned.
Save walk intensive events for the afternoon when possible, especially if travelling in August.

The most practical advice when travelling in winter is to wear layers. Many people rely on heat-tech, a thermal undergarment that keeps heat in.

You’ll want to pack jackets and thick socks, and to make sure your accommodation comes with good heating facilities. There is a lack of insulation in most Japanese apartments, so heating is essential information.

Those travelling between summer and winter should pack for whichever season their dates lean toward.

Once you’re all packed, you can focus on the adventurous stuff, like talking to locals.

3. Learning the Language

Amongst these must know Japan tips, language ranks as one of the most important on the list.
In Japan, you’ll be forced to navigate the cultural landscape using a mixture of broken English and hand signals. This is especially true when travelling anywhere outside of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Translation apps available on smartphones will help you along the way. And if you can learn Hiragana, Katakana, and some Kanji, you’ll be fine.

Make sure to learn these key phrases, prior to travel:

Konnichiwa (Hello)

Onegaishimasu/Kudasai (very formal please/please)

Arigato gozaimasu (Thank you)

Hai (Yes)

iie (No)

Sumimasen (Excuse me)

Gommenasai (I’m sorry)

Daijobu (that’s okay/it’s okay)

Nihongo ga wakarimasen (I don’t understand Japanese)

Sumimasen, ima nanji desu ka? (Excuse me, what time is it now?)

Ekki wa doko desu ka? (Where is the train station?)

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as the chances are you’ll be loved for your efforts.

It also helps to keep a notebook or a section of notes on your iPhone with key words and things to know —especially money words.

4. A Cash Society

Japan is a cash based society, and while there has been some growth in regards to other payments, the majority of businesses will expect cold hard cash.

Coins are handled in 1, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen. Bills are handled in 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen.

Exchange your money at a personal bank or airport. Sometimes, exchanging upon arrival can fetch you a better rate.

If you’re ever strapped for cash and need to withdraw, all convenience stores have foreigner friendly ATMs that support international cards. Japan Post Bank is a great alternative. However, both ATMs charge a small exchange fee per transaction.

Budgeting well could reduce your number of transactions and save you money.

In regards to best exchange rates, there are online calculators that can help with this. When trying to decide how much money to bring, plan around the destinations you want to visit, or according to your itinerary.

5. How to Make an Itinerary

Whether you’re travelling independently or with a partner an itinerary is key when establishing a reliable budget and day plan.

There are websites online dedicated to itinerary planning, but if you’d like to go through the process yourself, just make sure to note the major attractions in each area and their operating hours.

Once you know where you’re going, map out routes and great food places nearby. There’s nothing worse than having a fun outing, only to get frustrated as you attempt to navigate the endless number of eating options.

In Japan, food is especially unique, and there are a few cuisines you must try during your trip.

6. Japanese Cuisine

If you visited Japan just for the food, the trip might be worth it.

Japan has a number of affordable yet unique options that all foreigners should try at least once. The all you can eat spots are especially popular, and they’ll give you an experience you’ll want to talk about long after.

• Yakitori
  Yakitori are a selection of delicious chicken on bamboo skewers. Most places also serve vegetable skewers and other sides, but the appeal of Yakitori is the flavor you get once the chicken is grilled over a charcoal fire and served.

• Yakiniku
  This mouth-watering option will leave you wanting more. Yakiniku is grilled meat, which you order and cook on your own hot stove. This is a great place to go with friends, as the cuts are simply delicious, and some restaurants are so prestigious that you’ll have to book in advance just to get a seat.

• Shabu-Shabu
  The word Shabu-shabu comes from the swishing of the pot as the meat and vegetables are stirred. Here you dip thinly sliced meat in a boiling broth, and watch as it cooks in mere seconds, ready to be eaten with your favorite sauce.

There are many other Japanese options for dining out. Travelers who enjoy nightlife might be interested in the nomihodai bars that offer all you can drink specials for a set price.

Those interested in more specialized cuisine will also have no trouble in finding world-class chefs, especially in Tokyo. Be warned that the booking list can be as steep as the price.

7. Transport

When exploring the many attractions and food places, Japan’s rail system is going to get you around at an affordable rate.

A JR pass is your sightseeing ticket, and it’s only available for foreigners. This ticket must be bought while in your home country.

The passes range from 7 - 21 days, and will activate after their first use. These JR passes give you access to the trains that compromise the JR line. And while cars and buses are definitely alternatives, neither is as dependable, flexible, and as cheap as travelling by train.

In most cases, you’d be surprised if the trains are ever more than a minute late. So make sure you download the Hyperdia app, in order to track up-to-date train times and platform numbers.

8. Wi-Fi

In order to navigate around Japan, you’re going to need to stay connected. Wi-Fi and mobile data are a must, even for the experienced traveler who has some level of Japanese fluency. It’s that important!

The good news is that both of these connections are easy to set up at the airport. If you’re not interested in carrying a Wi-Fi router in your pocket, you could make do with mobile data sim. However, if service drops for whatever reason, things could get tricky. Make sure to check company reviews online.

9. Reliable Insurance

While carrying around money, phones, and other expensive belongings, you’re going to need insurance. With the fast paced environment of catching trains and visiting new environments, you never know when you might forget something somewhere.

Japan is known for its low crime rate, but mistakes happen. Choose an insurance company you can rely on, this might be number one of all travel tips Japan.

10. Cultural Etiquette

When it comes to formalities, no one does it better than Japan. As a visitor, try and be as prepared as possible, as if you’re visiting another person’s home.

If you’re sightseeing at shrines, keep in mind that photographs are sometimes prohibited. Most places have signs showing no cameras allowed, and all shrines require that you take your shoes off before entering.

Chopsticks shoulder never be pushed and left standing in food. At funerals, chopsticks are pushed into rice in this manner. Therefore, when you’re out, place your chopsticks on the napkin next to your bowl or lay them down in front of you with the tips pointing left.

Whether you’re at a shrine, enjoying lunch, or in the hotel lobby, bowing is a formality that is much like the western handshake. Keep your back straight, and lean into a 45 degree angle with your hands by your sides and eyes on the ground. Bows occur both at the beginning of a conversation and at the end.

These formalities are the same everywhere in Japan.

11. The Best Time to Visit

While there are many places to visit, there might only be one best time.

The coming of Cherry Blossoms symbolizes a new beginning for the nation, as the previous school and work year come to a close with the start of spring. For many, it is a chance to leave the past behind and to focus on new ventures.

During this time, people picnic under the Cherry Blossom trees throughout the country, partaking in Hanami.

As you travel Japan during the beginning of April, you will see the Blossoms bloom and bring with them a certain excitement. And then, as the blossoms slowly disappear, people return to their daily lives.

There is nothing quite like Hanami, and it only occurs once each year.

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Don’t let that stop you from going to Japan at any other time, though. Because no matter the week or the weather Japan always has something exciting to offer. Take these tips for planning travel to Japan and let them guide your adventure, so that you can make the most of a wonderful and memorable experience.