61 Japan Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

When it comes to planning a Japan trip for the first time, at some point you realize that there is, in fact, more to it than just wistful daydreams about slurping noodles in slow motion.

And since you’ve clicked onto this post, I assume that point is now. Welcome, stressed traveller.

Having been in those stressed first-timer shoes rather recently, I know just how overwhelming Japlanning can feel. After all, how do you pick one lunch spot in a city with thousands? How do you choose where to stay when there’s everything from robo-dinosaur budget hotels to ultra luxe hot spring retreats? And also: are all those rumours about fancy toilets true?!

The answer is yes, and I promise, you’ll get to slurp all that ramen soon… but first – research! Luckily, I’ve done it all for you.

So, in this guide, I’m going to be sharing the most important (and weirdly specific) tips and must-knows for Japan that every first timer should know, from how to score free domestic flights (!!!) and save money shopping, to super niche things like the best snacks to get from the country’s iconic convenience stores.

… I hope this comprehensive list helps make you feel much more ready.

1. Japan has lots to see – accept now that you won’t see everything

First – let’s get our bearings. You need to realize that Japan, though it looks small on a map, has LOADS to see and do, with all sorts of enticing musts scattered across 47 prefectures and 8 regions.

In other words, one trip will definitely not be enough. So, my best advice is to make peace now with the fact that you won’t get to see everything.

To help you get a grasp of the country’s diversity though (and allow you to more knowledgeably nurse your FOMO), the 8 regions are (from North to South):

• Hokkaido, known for its nature and outdoors (especially snow sports in the winter)… and their milk which is weirdly amazing
• Tohoku, known for its beautiful landscapes and hot springs
• Kanto, where you’ll find the country’s capital of Tokyo
• Chubu, known for its dramatic mountainscapes including the iconic Mt Fuji
• Kansai, famous for its mix of natural and cultural offerings, as well as the major cities of Kyoto and Osaka
• Chugoku, home to a number of unique natural and historic sites, including Hiroshima
• Shikoku, known for its 88 temple pilgrimage route, feudal castles and unspoiled nature
• Kyushu, known for its epic nature from volcanos to hot springs, and the island chain of Okinawa, which some consider a distinct region of its own

The most common trip for most first timers is a mixture of sights in Kanto and Kansai, namely Tokyo and Kyoto, sometimes Osaka as well. And don’t worry – I’m not going to be snobby about going “off the beaten path”. This is the itinerary I stuck with on my trip, along with a pre-airport jaunt to Nara to feed some cookies to deer. All in all, it was perfect for a first time, and I’m glad I didn’t stress myself out trying to cram too much in.

2. It’s better to explore a handful of destinations thoroughly

Following on from that last point, a better strategy for your first Japan trip is to explore a few places in-depth, rather than try to speed through everything at once.

Japan is not a country that can be rushed, because there is so much to do! It’s far better to take some time to properly see what you want in one or two regions and then hopefully, you can come back again another time to see other parts of the country.

So make sure to give your itinerary some room to breathe and your future self will thank you.

3. There are programs for FREE/discounted domestic flights!

Another reason the Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka combo is so popular is, of course, that the main international airports are in those cities. But here’s a wildly wonderful important tip most people don’t know – you can actually get free or discounted domestic flights if you want them.

I know! It sounds too good to be true, but long story short, in 2024, both national airlines in Japan (JAL Japan Airlines and ANA All Nippon Airways) introduced special programs where you can add extra domestic flights to your journey for FREE or for a heavy discount.

This is to incentivize people to explore beyond just the main cities, so it’s definitely something to take advantage of if you have the time.

4. Prioritize staying in hotels near transport hubs

Now, apart from flights, accommodation will be your biggest cost, and honestly, in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto the prices are craaaaazy.

So you want to make sure your money is well spent. Well… a few tips on that!

First – I’d recommend choosing a hotel over an Airbnb in Japan, since there are many perks that a hotel can offer like being able to coordinate things like luggage delivery or storing bags before/after your stay.

Second – if affordability is an issue, I recommend looking into big business-traveler oriented chains. There are tons of these in Japan that cater to business budgets, and can therefore offer great reliable value. Some big ones include…

• Smile Hotel
• Daiwa Roynet
• Dormy Inn, beloved for their perks like on-site sentos (which are hot spa baths), and free ice cream, yogurt and noodles
• Mimaru Hotel Apartments if you need more space

An honourable mention goes to Henn Na Hotels, which tend to be super affordable but that’s because they’re mainly staffed by robots, often dressed up as dinosaurs. And yes, that is real.

And one that you’ll see everywhere as a cheap option is APA though I would probably not book with them for tons of different reasons – you may of heard of them recently in the news…. but I’ll let you decide for yourself.

Finally – if you are trying to decide what factors to prioritize, definitely go for hotels that are close to transport hubs like subway stations. You’ll be doing tons of walking throughout your trip, and having an easy journey back to the hotel will make you almost forget how swollen and weird your feet have gotten.

5. Don’t forget about the special accommodation types unique to Japan

If you have the budget for a more unique stay, then the good news is Japan is full of them.

For instance, you can book a stay in a Ryokan, which are a Japanese-style inns known for their tatami mat rooms where you sleep on roll-out futon pads… but also enjoy fun perks like multi course dinners and breakfasts with your stay. Granted, these can be pricier than a regular hotel, but are definitely worth putting on your radar, especially when there’s cool perks like private onsen baths involved.

And there are, of course, also the infamous love hotels which provide short stays starting by the hour that are designed for people seeking a bit of uhhh… private time. There are actually said to be over 20,000 of these in Japan and I have heard many stories of tourists unknowingly booking them because they were cheap, not realizing their main intended purpose. In any case, now you know!

Finally, for a budget stay, there are also Japan’s famous capsule hotels, popular in big cities like Tokyo. These are basically micro hotel rooms (or ultra-private hostel bunks) where you get your own tiny pods, with shared common areas.

6. Always triple check the time and date differences when you’re booking

Regardless of whether you’re booking hotels or flights though, a very crucial thing to keep in mind if you’re coming from overseas is you should be mindful of both the time and date differences when making reservations.

For instance, coming from Vancouver, Tokyo was 16 hours ahead, so I arrived a day later than my departure date. I’ve heard lots of horror stories from people accidentally booking hotels for the wrong days, or missing their flights because they forgot to account for the difference, so make sure that’s not you.

7. Know that Japan has very distinct seasons with their own set of pros & cons

In terms of when to visit, there are many factors to consider… though between you and me, there’s never a bad time to visit Japan. Still, it’s good to consider the pros and cons before you choose your trip dates.

Generally, peak peak seasons include…

• Cherry blossom season, generally mid March to early April
• Autumn foliage season, generally mid October to end of November
• And the period known as Golden Week, which refers to a period from late April to early May where there’s four national holidays stacked up in close succession which makes it a very, very popular time for locals to travel around the country, and so it’s not advised that you try to fight them for space

While crowds CAN be thinner in between these periods, the reality is Japan is always busy and most in between periods all have their own issues.

June for instance is rainy season, something I personally experienced first hand. July to August is known for its stifling heat and, of course, in the winter, days are short and the iconic gardens of the country are pretty dead.

So just keep all those factors in mind when choosing when to go.

8. Know which apps to download in advance to make your life 1000 times easier

First, it’s not an app, but the Visit Japan Web is the portal where you can make an account and fill out your customs declaration digitally so you don’t have to do the paper version. I’d recommend doing this in advance. You can also enter your info to get a QR code you can scan for tax-free shopping, to save you a bit of extra hassle and time when you go to tax-free shops.

Another one you’ll need is Google Maps – more on this later, but you’ll be using it SO much.

As well as Google Translate, which you can use to translate signs and menus super easily. I’d advise downloading Japanese for offline use as well, just in case, so you can use it whenever.

There’s also a VERY cool app called Payke that lets you scan a bar code and then it’ll pull up the product description in English for you, which is super helpful when shopping around.

And finally, there’s this super random app with no reviews I downloaded from the App Store that nobody ever talks about but it was exactly what I needed, so let me share it with you! It’s called Travel Japan Phrase and it’s basically a Japanese phrase book that has the most important phrases for different situations organized in a really clean way.

9. Make sure you have data access available to you as soon as you land in Japan

Next, to use all these apps, in advance of your trip, something super important is that you are able to access the internet as soon as you arrive.

And I do mean the moment you arrive, because you’ll need internet for all sorts of things almost immediately, from translating signs to filling out customs forms to save time. This is why I far prefer an eSIM over waiting to buy a physical SIM card or pocket WiFi.

My go-to for eSIMS is always Airalo, which you can find out more about here. You can also use the code
CHRIST99027 for $3 off.

10. Try to find a Japanese ‘thing’ to become obsessed with before you go on your trip

Fan culture is massive in Japan and trust me, it enhances the experience a million times if you have a particular anime or character or pop culture thing that you love. Luckily, I grew up with Sanrio and Pokémon, so I had an amazing time seeing all the stuff related to them in shops, on vending machines, everywhere.

Let me know in the comments if you have any Japanese things you’re completely obsessed with!

11. Pack your own deodorant and common over-the-counter pills you might need

Finally, when deciding what to pack, this is one time when I do think it’s better to bring the basic things you will need like deodorant or (in the case of my sad hay fevery nose) allergy pills.

Sure, Japan is the land of convenience, but you might run into issues trying to find certain things if you have a specific brand or medication you prefer.

PS: I’ve actually released a video all about how to pack for Japan though, so be sure to check that out here.

12. Take advantage of the rail system in Japan

In terms of getting around from city to city, Japan is probably best known for its extensive rail system, especially its incredible Shinkansen, which is the local term for bullet train.

These high speed trains can get you from Tokyo to Kyoto in just over 2 hours so this is usually the best way to travel within the country (if you haven’t taken advantage of the free/cheap domestic flights I mentioned earlier). And honestly, riding a Japanese bullet train is often a travel bucket list item in and of itself!

13. Train prices in Japan are generally fixed

Now, a lot of first timers wonder the best way to get tickets, so you should first know that since the prices are usually fixed, buying individual tickets is usually the best option.

Many people wonder about passes like the JR Pass that give you unlimited train travel for a set price, but due to recent price increases this is very rarely worth it. Instead, buying tickets as you need them works well, even once you arrive since the price doesn’t go up closer to the date like it does in many other countries.

14. Reserving train tickets in advance isn’t usually needed

Because of how many trains there are running all the time, it’s very rare that a failure to book in advance will leave you stranded with no options between Point A and Point B. There are just too many trains for that to happen, especially since there are almost always cars with unreserved seats that are first come, first served.

But, if you want to guarantee a specific seating arrangement – let’s say you want to make sure you sit with your travel buddies, or you want a window seat facing Mt Fuji, or you want a seat that includes space for large suitcases – it’s best to book those in advance.

I’ve heard people use apps like SmartEX, Ekinet, and JR West to buy tickets in advance, though I haven’t tried these personally. Some discounted ticket counters outside of stations supposedly also offer small discounts if you want to look into that.

15. Know that the Shinkansen isn’t always the best option

Shinkansen trains are, of course, the fastest ones and therefore the most famous, but there are lots of other great trains in Japan that are more cost-effective, and (depending on your route and priorities) might even make more sense… so always look out for different options rather than opting for the Shinkansen automatically.

As a quick briefer, local trains will make every stop along the route, while others like express, semi-express, rapid and limited express will only stop at certain ones. So, sometimes express trains can be much cheaper but not take too much longer, depending on the route.

There are also special tourist trains like the Aaoniyoshi Sightseeing Limited Express that offers an elegant atmosphere and special tourist perks like extra luggage space.

… plus lots of fun privately owned trains that don’t necessarily show up on Google Maps, like the Sagano Romantic Train and the Pikachu train! So, you should make sure you do some extra research.

16. Download a digital IC card to use on your phone for quick payments

Now to make travel seamless, I highly recommend you use a digital IC card during your trip.

IC cards are super popular in Japan, and are basically prepaid cards you can use for contactless payments in a variety of places including public transport, vending machines, convenience stores and even claw machines – which I learned was very, very dangerous for me!

Having a card like this allows you to just tap in and out of public transport without needing to worry about getting the right ticket, so it really makes life a lot easier… especially if you can get one downloaded on your phone!

Suica Cards are some of the most popular IC cards, and these days, you can actually just load one directly onto your Apple Wallet, which makes topping up a breeze.

Alternatively, there are other IC cards you can get too – though the best one may depend on where exactly in Japan you’re going.

And if digital cards aren’t possible, as is often the case with non-Japanese Android phones, you can always just get a physical Suica card to use instead. While it may not be as convenient as a digital one, it’s still much better than getting new paper tickets every time.

NOTE: A regular physical Suica card does require a 500 yen deposit that you get back when you return it, minus a handling fee of 220 yen. There are also restrictions on where you can return the card.

So, for those who are in Japan for less than 28 days, you can opt for a Welcome Suica Card instead, which has no deposit required. The catch is that the card does expire after 28 days and you can’t get a refund on any stored value in the card, so do plan accordingly.

You should be able to get physical Suica cards even at the airport, but this depends on supply. When in doubt, just ask and staff can point you towards the best option.

17. Tickets for some trains require a base fare + supplement fees

Do note though that some trains like the Shinkansen & Ltd Express have extra supplemental fees on top of your main fare.

This is super confusing to first timers because what do you mean your ticket is comprised of two tickets?!

But to put things simply, some train tickets in Japan are actually composed of multiple layers, usually a base fare – which is charged based on distance – then any supplementary fees for things like seat reservations, seating in a nicer class, or seats on an express train that makes fewer stops.

When you buy tickets, there is usually the option to combine all these fees onto one physical ticket, but some first timers don’t realize there’s different components so end up just buying the express supplement without the basic fare, which is when tickets seem suspiciously cheap.

There’s a lot of other nuances here, like some people choose to pay the base fare on an IC card, then the supplementary fees separately, but what you need to know is that tickets for some trains are made up of different components, so you want to make sure you buy all the necessary components for the train you want to avoid disappointment.

18. Beware that stations are huge and confusing, so plan to arrive early

Now in terms of taking trains in Japan, there are certain things that first timers might not be used to. I feel like this topic could be a whole post in itself so let me know in the comments if you’d like a full train guide to Japan, but first, do know that stations are massive and pretty difficult to navigate as a a first timer.

After all, different lines are housed in different parts of the station which can be a nightmare to navigate when you’re stressed and have a lot of luggage. So give yourself lots of extra buffer time to figure things out.

19. Trains in Japan are super punctual and there are many, so don’t board early

… At least not until you double check the train number!

I’ve heard lots of stories of first timers boarding what they thought was their train, but it was actually one departing earlier than theirs from the same platform, and before they knew it, they were halfway to Kyoto.

(I guess there can be a downside to a super efficient system?!)

Either way, always verify you are getting on the correct train before you board. You’ve been warned.

20. Do double check station names – most cities will have multiple stations

Another thing that often trips up first time visitors in not realizing that some cities have more than one train station, e.g. Shin-Osaka vs Osaka.

Shin is a word you’ll encounter a lot – in Japanese it basically means the newer version of, so Shin-Osaka would be the new Osaka station. It’s important to keep in mind that these are in fact different stations.

And wherever you are going, make sure to check how many different stations there are and which one you need, to ensure you go to the correct one.

21. Keep walking along the platform to cars further down to avoid the crowds

Of course, the trains in Japan can get incredibly crowded, especially if you’re traveling during peak hours (which I’d recommend you avoid). I’m sure you’ve seen videos of people being crammed in!

Outside of rush hour, usually if you keep walking to the end of the platform, nobody makes it that far so you can often have a car all to yourself.

22. Japan offers reliable luggage delivery services to save you from bringing it all with you

I should say as well, if luggage is a stressor for you, you don’t need to always hoist it around yourself.

Instead, because Japan is the land of convenience, you can actually get your luggage delivered, meaning no need to bring all your bags with you on the train.

Yamato is a very popular company for this, but most hotels will have specific couriers they work with.

23. Every journey will take at least 10 mins more than Google Maps tells you

If not more. This is because Japanese train stations can be huge, so finding the right exit can be a challenge in itself, but also places can often be really hard to find because in larger cities, many businesses are stacked on top of each other on multiple floors in malls and buildings, so following the blue dot on Google Maps might not be all that helpful.

So, allow for more time, and if you are looking for a specific business, look in the address for a bit that ends in F, which will usually tell you which floor it’s on.

24. Taxis are pricey but can be worth it

Now I do have to say, while you’ll no doubt do your share of walking in Japan, and public transport in most major cities is excellent, sometimes it is worth it to just pay for a taxi.

I found this to be especially true in Kyoto where the public transport system is less robust than say, Tokyo. In Japan, you can use Uber to call yourself a taxi, so this can be very easy to do and helps make sure you get to your destination correctly in spite of any language barriers.

Do be aware that these are taxis though that’ll just charge the metered fare, so prices can and do go beyond the Uber estimates.

And just FYI – taxi doors open automatically for the most part, so don’t try to open the door yourself.

25. Japan has tons of great places to eat everywhere, so try not to over-plan

When it comes to planning where to eat while you’re in Japan, many first timers get caught up in trying places that they’ve seen go viral on social media or ones that have really high ratings on Google Maps…

But honestly? I think this is a huge mistake.

Food quality in Japan is incredible. There are truly excellent options everywhere… and so really, there’s no such thing as “THE best ramen in Tokyo” or “THE best matcha in Kyoto”.

So, I would prioritize the sights I want to see, and find food close by rather than plan the whole itinerary around famous food spots… which is a sure recipe for rotting in a long line-up with your fellow tourist brethren.

Plus, especially in large cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, this strategy can really mess up the flow of your sightseeing. I’m not joking when I say every meal I had in Japan was delicious, and I didn’t go to anyyy of the viral places… so just know that there are more options out there than what all the TikTokers are praising.

26. Beware that Japanese reviewers can be harsh

Speaking of finding places to eat though, there’s a quirk of Japanese culture that many first time visitors don’t know about… and that’s the fact that locals can be notoriously harsh in their reviews.

People often say that anything a 3.5 and above by Japanese standards is actually very good, so don’t stress too much about finding 4.8s or whatever your usual standard is.

PS: If you want to get local input on local spots, the go-to app for restaurant reviews in Japan is called Tabelog.

27. Japanese convenience stores have tons of tasty & affordable options

Next, you have probably heard the rumours and I am here to confirm that convenience stores in Japan (AKA konbini) are literally around every corner… and have some excellent food and drink options if you’re on a budget (or if you’re feeling snacky after a nice dinner, which I assure you does happen).

The main ones that you’ll find nationwide are…

• 7-Eleven
• Family Mart
• Lawson

All of them sell a similar assortment of to-go food options like onigiri, buns, snacks, and drinks, even hot bottled ones to go, which I’ve never experienced before… as well as to-go meals that you can get heated up on-site.

In any case, it’s fun to scope out each one to see which you prefer and what’s different. 7/11, for instance, I love because they have these great affordable smoothie cups that you buy and get blended on site – perfect for getting some fruit and veggies in. And Family Mart is quite well known for its Famichiki, which is a surprisingly delicious and juicy piece of fried chicken.

You hear about people doing all sorts of great hacks with their Famichikis, like adding them to sandwiches and stuff so go crazy!

These stores are also known for their weirdly nice quality apparel, like Family Mart branded socks.

28. Use Google Translate to double check what things are before you buy them

Now while you’re enjoying the wonders of Japanese convenience stores, I would advise you to always use Google Translate on your phone just to make sure you are buying what you think you’re buying.

In these stores, the alcohol section is often side by side with soft drinks, and sometimes the photos alone won’t give you a good sense of what a product is… like that time I tried to buy a nice tin of tea but found out it was actually seaweed flakes.

So never assume, always double check.

29. Be sure to try a wide variety of Japanese dining experiences and styles

In terms of types of food places, you’ll honestly find all kinds of establishments for every price point, so make sure you take advantage and try lots of different things while you’re in the country.

Some terms to familiarize yourself with include….

• Izakaya – these are Japanese pubs that serve alcohol along with a menu of tasty snacks and smaller dishes, like skewers and sashimi
• Omakase – a style of dining that translates to “I’ll leave it up to you” and gives the chef full control over what you’re having
• Yakinikiu – Japanese BBQ where the meat is usually cooked to your liking at table grills
• Teppanyaki – where your meal is prepared by chefs in front of you on a hot griddle… though in Japan it’s less of a fun entertainment experience with tricks like you see in North American Teppanyaki places

30. Familiarize yourself with the most common Japanese must-try foods

In any case, Japanese food is absolutely incredible and honestly there are way too many good things to list, but you should definitely find out what the most well-known must-try things are and try them!

Some non-negotiable things for me personally include…

• Ramen – THE go-to affordable noodle soup dish that’s perfectly rich and comforting, often served quickly as well which is ideal for tourists. There are lots of different kinds of soup bases like shio, which is salt, shoyu which is soy sauce, miso which is fermented bean paste and tonkotsu, which is made with pork bones, but there are tons of different variations depending on where you go.
• Noodles – of all kinds honestly, like udon, which are thick and chewy wheat flour noodles, or soba, which is made with buckwheat. Both come in infinite varieties, often in broth and you just have to try them all.
• Sushi – of course, though the options might be different from what you’re used to! Sushi in Japan tends to be simpler because they prioritize fresh ingredients so you want to actually be able to taste them. Sashimi, which is just raw seafood or nigiri, which is raw seafood on a ball of sushi rice, are usually the most common.
• Japanese curry – a rich sauce base made with curry powder along with your protein of choice and rice – an absolute must-have comfort food.
• Curry bread – a stuffed bread pocket with curry inside that’s coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried – so good!
• Onigiri – readily available rice balls with different fillings and usually a layer of crispy seaweed outside – even the ones from convenience stores are amazing
• Okonomiyaki – a savoury omelette pancake made of eggs, flour, cabbage and all sorts of different fillings and toppings
• Grilled skewers– e.g. Yakitori, which is made with chicken, and other grilled meats

In terms of sweet treats, I can definitely recommend…

• Daifuku – stuffed mochi or glutinous rice cake that comes with different fillings, with red bean paste being a popular one, though I’m partial to the custard ones. Many places will serve them with a strawberry on top which is so cute.
• Taiyaki – crispy filled griddle cakes, usually in the shape of a fish but sometimes you get other fun ones like Snoopy.
• Anything with Hokkaido Milk – which is milk from Japan’s Hokkaido region, known for its distinctive creaminess and rich flavour. Ice cream or cakes made with it are so good.
• And anything Matcha-flavoured – from ice cream to pastries.
• And just all the amazing sweet buns that you’ll find in convenience stores and bakeries all over – my favourite being Melon Pan which isn’t flavoured like melon, but is named that way because it’s a sweet bun with a crackly crust on top that kind of looks like a melon.

31. Be sure to try local specialties depending on where you are

All that said, those recommendations are just scraping the surface. On top of these general ones, Japan has quite a varied food scene and there will be different local spins and must-tries depending on where you go, so try to eat based on what the place is known for as well.

This might be regional specialties like the famous puffer fish sashimi from Yamaguchi Prefecture or more specific city-based ones like takoyaki from Osaka. Do a bit of research before you go on what the area you’re visiting is known for and enjoy!

32. Some places will require you to buy a drink per person (or dish per person)

Now when you’re dining out, something you’ll often encounter is that sometimes you will need to order something to eat or drink for every person in your group, or you have to order a drink along with your food, you can’t just have some food.

In my experience, this will be written somewhere on the menu or they will disclose it to you as you sit down. Apparently, many smaller restaurants don’t profit much off of food so the drink minimum just helps them ensure they actually make money, which I personally think is fair.

33. Many bars and izakayas will charge a cover fee of a few hundred yen

Related to the order minimum, some places will instead charge a cover fee, to ensure they make enough money from each person/group that comes in.

Known as otoshi, this charge will usually include a small appetizer of some kind, though you truly never know what you’ll get. It’s kind of like a table charge or a service charge, but it also means you’ll have something to snack on with your drinks, and ensures the establishment makes enough money. So a win win I guess?

34. There are actually many “all you can drink” places in Japan, so keep an eye out

Another interesting thing in Japan are the beverage services known as nomihodai, where you can order and drink as much as you want for a set price within a certain time frame, usually around two hours.

Many of these places will make it a requirement to order food as well so that you can manage the alcohol a little better or there will also be an otoshi.

NOTE: Unsurprisingly, you will get kicked out if you become disruptive, so think of this more as a way to have some drinks on a budget rather than an excuse to get wasted!

35. Get familiar with the fun and unique drinks that are commonly served in Japan

Speaking of drinks though, don’t stick to just water. Pleaaase. Everyone always raves about the food in Japan, but I’m here to advocate for its drink culture too, which is so fun.

On the non-alcoholic front, tea is obviously huge. Matcha, which is powdered green tea, might be known now worldwide but I also really like Sencha, which is the usual green tea they serve in restaurants, and hojicha, which is roasted green tea.

But there are lots of types to try and you can easily get both hot and cold bottled ones in any convenience store, so be sure to try them.

Other great soft drinks to try include sports drinks like Pocari Sweat, which sounds gross but really helps you stay hydrated. And then there are fermented dairy drinks like Yakult and Calpis that are weirdly refreshing and delicious.

In terms of alcoholic drinks, most places are big on beer and, of course, sake, which is rice wine, but another one that’s quite unique are sours, specifically lemon sours which are these super refreshing cocktails made with shochu, soda water and fresh lemon juice. They’ll also do all sorts of other flavoured fruit sours which are amazing on a hot day.

Plum wine, or Umeshu is also a popular one that’s delicious on its own or mixed with soda water.

And whiskey is also huge in Japan, with highballs being another popular mixed drink, combining whiskey and soda water.

Finally, if you want to be hardcore, you can head to any convenience store and pick up a Strong Zero, which have like 9% alcohol and really set you up for the night. Just don’t accidentally buy a tomato one like Sean did and immediately regret your life decisions.

36. Check out local chains for an affordable and casual meal option on-the go

Now, I get it… if you’re travelling to Japan, you want to eat the best food possible.

But a lot of first timers get caught up wanting to dine exclusively at small mom & pop restaurants, and forget about the wonders of the Japanese chain restaurant, AKA where most locals will go to grab a quick bite.

So, at some point, do try a chain! They’re beloved nationwide for a reason. Some popular ones to try include…

• Coco Ichibanya, Japan’s most beloved curry chain
• Yayoi Ken, which specializes in home style teishoku set meals, with bottomless rice refills
• Marugame Seimen, for inexpensive udon

37. Book ahead for popular attractions & spots to avoid disappointment

Of course, there are so many incredibly popular attractions and famous spots to see in Japan, that you definitely need to book ahead for so that you don’t miss out on seeing them.

The new Nintendo Museum, for instance, requires you to put your name into the draw 3 months before your desired visit! Other big ones include any of the TeamLabs installations, which you should book a few days in advance at minimum.

Popular viewpoints like Shibuya Sky also need to be reserved, especially at peak times like sunset.

And lots of ultra popular food spots like the Pokémon Café or any other viral places.

38. Some places will have last minute slots open up if you keep checking

If you didn’t manage to book ahead though, you can sometimes snag a spot last-minute due to other people cancelling.

For instance, I saw lots of Pokémon Café reservation slots open up the day before because cancelling is free. So even if you think you may have missed out, make sure you check closer to when you want to go in case you get lucky!

39. Do know there are plenty of activities outside of the main suggested “must dos”

So, be sure to look beyond the ultra popular spots and find quieter alternatives, which is very easy to do for things like temples or shrines, of which there are thousands across the country.

Sometimes just going for a wander and ‘getting lost’ might also lead you to somewhere amazing, so make sure to keep an open mind and leave room for discovering things beyond the lists of must dos.

40. Know there are many differences between temples and shrines

While the two are often lumped together in sightseeing itineraries, there are some big differences to be mindful of; the big ones being that temples are linked to Buddhism while shrines are linked to Shintoism. Shintoism is a religion indigenous to Japan that believes in sacred spirits called Kami that inhabit the nature, people and objects that make up our world. Interestingly, a lot of Japanese people participate in rituals of both, so it’s not like a one or the other type situation.

Now, how can you tell the difference between temples and shrines? Well, usually Shinto shrines are the ones that are marked by a torii gate. The expected etiquette is that you bow once before entering through the gate, usually not in the direct center.

You then cleanse your hands and mouth at the shrine’s water pavilion and in terms of praying to the deity, you go to the altar, then throw a coin into a box for offerings. Then ring the bell and bow twice before clapping twice, then say your prayer and end with a final bow.

At Buddhist temples, however, the protocol is a little different and definitely not as strict… though you’ll often have to remove your shoes if entering inside temple buildings. Prayer here is often preceded only by a monetary offering, though sometimes lighting incense is a popular ritual.

41. Japan is full of free stamps you can collect at attractions & train stations

This might be my favourite tip of all because it is so fun, but just FYI, I’d recommend you bring a notebook or buy a special stamp book from a local stationary store to collect Japans’ famous Eki stamps – free stamps that can be found at main train stations, museums, attractions, and tourist info centres. When in doubt, ask. The staff on site tend to be happy to help.

WARNING: If you’re anything like me you’ll become obsessed with collecting them and before no time you’ll be downloading apps like Stamp Quest and joining Facebook groups like Japan Stamp Rally to find locations!

I should also say that these stamps are not to be confused with Goshuin, which are official seal stamps from places of worship that mark your visit as a sign of devotion. These are also a very unique souvenir, but they require special Goshuin books intended for this purpose only, not to be mixed with those other fun stamps… and usually they come at a cost of a few hundred Yen each.

Depending on the place, some will give you a paper Goshuin to stick in your book, but many also add the stamp and calligraphy manually, which is super cool to witness.

42. Respect and consideration for others is huge in Japan, so behave accordingly

This is a big one because I know many first timers worry about coming across as rude on their trip, so here are some things to keep in mind:

• Make sure you’re not blocking peoples pathways with your luggage
• Adhere to signs that tell you where to stand or walk on escalators
• Respectfully line up for things without cutting in line by accident
• Clean up after yourself in public spaces.

Respect is so huge in Japan that chefs and bartenders will literally follow you out of the establishment to bow and say goodbye, so make sure to throw that kind and respectful energy right back at them.

43. Don’t stress too much about making locals angry

All this said, yes, respect and etiquette are important in Japan, but you don’t need to worry too much about accidentally making a faux-pas as locals tend to be painfully kind and understanding.

Truth be told: I think there is a lot of fear mongering these days in terms of what is considered rude or offensive in Japan. Trust me, unless you are being super blatantly disrespectful, odds are, locals will give you a pass because they recognize that you’re a tourist.

This isn’t to say you should forget adapting to customs altogether, but just know that the occasional misstep isn’t the end of the world, and they will most likely be incredibly nice about it.

44. Do learn some basics in Japanese before your trip (e.g. thank you)

In many cases around tourist areas, most staff ranging from train stations to convenience stores are well equipped with signs in English that help with communication, so they’ll point to a sign and ask if you need a bag, etc.

BUT, knowing a bit of Japanese is still nice, and can help you navigate more confidently.

So, some basics…

• Arigato gozaimasu – thank you very much, you’ll be saying this a lot
• Sumimasen – which means excuse me in the context of getting someone’s attention, but also saying sorry for bumping into them
• And for greetings, Konichiwa for the day time and Konbanwa for the evenings

In a pinch, Google Translate works very well. Often local people will use it to communicate in English when they don’t know how to speak it, which I think is so nice of them. So, don’t be afraid to Google translate back.

45. Keep in mind that tipping is not expected when you’re in Japan

Say it with me: you do NOT have to leave a tip for anything in Japan. I have found some exceptions to this in very touristy situations but in these cases, they’ll make it very clear that “tips are accepted.”

Otherwise, there is no expectation of tips and some might even consider it rude as it’s just not part of the culture. So save your money for more fun stuff instead!

46. Refrain from eating while walking or taking most forms of public transport

This is kind of an unwritten social norm and there’s also very few public garbage cans, so you’d be holding onto your trash for a while.

While some locals will say it’s fine depending on the context, like so long as it’s not a messy snack and you’re not walking in a crowded place, I would just avoid it altogether because better safe than sorry.

And this applies especially in places like food markets, which I know sounds crazy but you’ll see tons of signs reminding you of this, so make sure you find a perch to eat your food on the premises before you start walking again. In most popular markets there’s usually a small area with a perching area in the back or sometimes in front of the stall.

NOTE: The Shinkansen seems to be an exception to this unwritten rule and people do eat and drink often on these trains.

47. Beware of unspoken chopstick and eating etiquette

Honestly, tourists largely get a free pass on this and nobody is going to kick you out of a restaurant because you used your chopsticks wrong but some things to keep in mind include:

• Generally, you’ll be given moist napkins or towels at the start of your meal. Use these to wipe your hands, not your face.
• In terms of shared dishes, you shouldn’t use your personal chopsticks to grab things off a shared plate – opt instead for a separate set or in a pinch, the other end of your chopsticks.
• And refrain from passing things from one set of chopsticks to another or putting your chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice.

48. Avoid speaking too loudly on public transport and just generally out in public

Because loud, obnoxious tourists are the worst… and you’ll notice especially on trains and public spaces in Japan that speaking loudly is not common.

Again, this is part of the cultural thing of being respectful, as Japanese people generally don’t want to disrupt others by being loud. So just follow their lead and try to keep any conversations you’re having in public at an ‘inside voice’ level.

49. Obey the different signs that say what is prohibited

Now, this one sounds like common sense, but do make sure you are always paying attention to signs around you that may say what activities are specifically prohibited in certain areas, e.g., photography or eating. If it’s in English, odds are they reaaaally want tourists to know exaclty what they’re saying.

That said, even when there aren’t signs – use your common sense as to when photography might be inappropriate. Locals tend to value their privacy, for instance, so think twice before photographing or videoing people close-up without consent.

50. Remember to take off your shoes inside & make use of slippers

Cleanliness is huge in Japan and wearing shoes inside homes and certain restaurants or temple areas is a huge no no.

Even in public bathrooms in restaurants, sometimes there will be signs asking you remove your shoes and use the slippers available instead. When in doubt, always look out for signs that outline the protocol or check what other people are doing.

51. Japanese toilets come with a number of cool features

We have to talk about Japanese toilets because they are truly high tech and incredible, but if you’re not used to them then you should try and familiarise yourself with some of their features before you go, so you’re not totally lost as soon as you encounter one!

These days, especially in touristy areas, most of the toilet buttons do come with English translations but you will encounter a few that are entirely in Japanese so to save you the awkwardness of using Google Translate on the toilet here are some main symbols to look out for:

• The flush is usually depicted by a whirlpool symbol – sometimes there’s a light flush and heavy flush option. Though some toilets will have a separate flush that’s motion detected or manual, so have a look around if you don’t see a flush button.
• Buttons with little dots will activate the bidet – usually one showing a person with dots going up will do the front and one just showing a butt symbol with dots going up will do the back. Press the stop button (usually a square) when you’re done.
• A button with wavy lines activates the dryer, though don’t worry, toilet paper usually is available too.
• And some toilets will also have a privacy button that will play music and sound effects so that you can cover up any awkward bathroom noises. Amazing.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you might find in some public spaces that Japanese style squat toilets are still a thing. I personally only saw this in a few places though and there were always Western style toilets available too, just be aware that this might come up.

52. Some public toilets in Japan will not have soap, paper towels or a hand dryer

And all that said, though toilets are usually high tech in Japan, you might find that they don’t actually provide much around the hand cleaning part, with no soap, paper towels or hand dryer available.

This is why I’d advise you carry a bit of hand sanitizer with you at all times, and if you like dry hands, you can do as the locals do and buy yourself a small towel (known as tenugui) to dry your hands with. These are available in the most adorable designs in pretty much every gift shop you can find.

53. Always have some cash on you

While some parts of Japan are incredibly high-tech, there are still some cash-only businesses and attractions out there, so you want to have some cash on you just in case.

And just as an FYI, when you pay for something in Japan, there is usually a small tray where you can put your cash or card rather than hand it directly to the cashier, as it’s not considered polite to just pass money from hand to hand. They’ll also put your change on that tray most of the time.

Finally, be ready for a lot more interactions in general throughout the purchase process. Usually, they will confirm the price with you or sometimes the expiration date of things to make sure you fully understand what you’re buying.

54. Consider a coin purse with organizers for all your coins

Related to the whole cash thing, you should probably make sure you bring a coin purse with organizers on your trip as well, which I know you may not usually do at home with the rise of contactless payments everywhere.

Japanese yen coins can quickly become a confusing mess. It’s scarily easy to accumulate a bunch of coins, so save yourself some stress and familiarize yourself with their values in advance.

If you have an opportunity to spend the smaller ones like 1 or 5 yen, by paying exact change at a grocery store, for instance, definitely go for it because even most vending machines ask for 10 yen as a minimum. This can be especially easy at convenience stores where they have payment machines that you can put a bunch of coins into.

55. Carry your passport around with you at all times (it’s the law)

Next, if you want to be compliant with Japanese law, yes you do in fact need to have your passport with you ALL THE TIME.

And you can fact check this with loads of different sources, including your own government’s website, that this is, in fact, true.

Practically speaking though, it sounds like it’s incredibly rare that authorities do ever ask to see it, so I’ll leave it up to you which risk you’d rather take – losing your passport from carrying it around or not having it on you in case of an inspection.

If you’re a goody two shoes like me, bring that passport around. Especially if you plan to do any tax free shopping, because they will ask to see your passport at checkout.

56. Understand how tax free shopping works and the different rules around it

Do note that many changes are coming into effect in November 2026 but for now, as of June 2025, this is how it all works.

In Japan, temporary visitors can qualify for tax-free purchases. This saves you from paying the local consumption tax, which is 8% for food goods and 10% for everything else, so long as they meet the following criteria:

1. Your total exceeds 5000 yen before tax
2. The tax-free items will be leaving the country with you
3. And in the case of consumable items (meaning anything you can use part of like food, beverages, medicine and cosmetics), you keep the goods inside their special packaging and do not use them while in the country… and you can’t get more than 500,000 yen tax-free for those

There are two main ways you can get your tax-free rate – some stores will take it off directly at the till once you show your passport, and other places will make you pay full price, then give you a cash refund if you bring your receipt to a Tax Refund counter somewhere else.

On paper, they also say that you may need to present your tax-free goods at Customs when you leave Japan, so they advise you put these items in your carry-on or let them know before you check the bags so a customs officer can come verify. In practice, it sounds like a lot of travellers skip this step and turn out just fine, but just FYI if you want to be on the safe side.

As a final note on this topic, do be aware that not all stores will offer tax-free shopping, so look out for a sign out front that says Japan Tax-Free Shop.

And if you want to save more money, you can also usually find extra coupons and discounts that you can stack on top for the best deal when you go to big department stores and things.

57. If you see something you like, buy it there & then

This is a very niche tip, but if you see something cute that you’re not sure about, or think you might come back later to buy it, just get it then and there as you probably won’t come back.

There are many things I kept thinking I’d go back and get… but didn’t have a chance to. So yes, remember to just buy something you like when you see it instead of regretting it later.

58. Know that Don Quijote is actually quite pricey (and overstimulating!)

The main benefit of Don Quijote (or Donki as it’s affectionately known) is that you have lots of stuff concentrated in one place and they are very familiar with the tax free system. But in terms of prices, I did notice it was quite a bit pricier than some other stores for the same stuff… so if you want to save money, definitely shop around.

Also fair warning, time just disappears in there. You’ll be singing the theme song non-stop, I promise.

59. You can place a duty-free order online in advance to save time (and money)

And if you want to do any duty free shopping at Tokyo airport, just know there’s a stress-free way to do that.

Instead of spending ages wandering around looking at everything, you can actually get online ahead of time to browse and then order anything that you want to pick up when you get there. This is especially useful if, for example, something you wanted to buy was only available in a different terminal from your departure point.

You can also save an extra 5% on some items and it’s a very easy way to make sure you get any particular souvenirs that you might not have managed to snag during your trip. Check out this guide for more information.

60. Beware there are very few public trash cans, so prepare to carry your trash

I kind of mentioned this before, but you will notice that there aren’t many public trash cans out on the streets or even in shopping malls, etc., in Japan. But that doesn’t mean the streets are dirty at all, and you’ll often see completely spotless streets because everyone takes their trash with them.

This is why I recommend having a plastic bag inside your day bag for this purpose, so you can bring any trash back to your accommodation with you, or hold onto it until you do find one of the rare public trash cans.

61. Do beware that some bars, restaurants, and cafes still allow smoking indoors

Finally, smoking isn’t banned indoors everywhere in Japan, so you may encounter some places where patrons are just puffing away happily inside, which can be a bit of a shock if you’re from somewhere that this no longer occurs.

Usually, you should be able to see a sign or something to warn you but don’t be too caught off guard by that! And obviously, if you don’t want to be around smoke, you might like to find somewhere else to go instead.

I hope this list of Japan travel tips was helpful!

Let me know in the comments if you have any more to add.