First Time To Japan: 45 Insider Tips (+Personal Exp!)

First time to Japan trip planning can be overwhelming at times, especially if you are from a place that has a completely different culture. 

Chances are you might find the transportation system in Japan particularly the train system to be a tad confusing. 

Or the local etiquettes that are best followed and applied when you are in this fascinating foreign land. 

In short, you want to fully prepare for your first trip to Japan by learning at least the basic essential knowledge about Japanese travel. 

But if you have a tight personal life schedule with minimal time to spare, spending hours researching Japan’s travel tips for first time visitors seems to be out of reach. 

Fret not, I have got your back!  

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So let’s dive in!

TLDR: Japan Useful Travel Tips & Things to Know

1. Finding cheap flights to Japan
2. Book accommodations early
3. Bring your travel adaptor
4. English is not widely spoken in Japan
5. Learn some simple Japanese phrases
6. Wear slip-on shoes
7. Buy Japan Rail Pass (if needed)
8. Download important Japan travel apps
9. Rent a Wifi device or get an e-Sim
10. Buy a Suica card
11. Only pay the bus fare when alighting
12. Stand on the left wherever you go
13. Renting cars tips in Japan
14. Visit the non-viral local eateries
15. Don’t talk on the phone in public
16. Luggage storage in train 
17. Wear comfortably or accordingly
18. Take screenshot of Japanese address
19. Keep the trash with you
20. Experience the lively Japanese cities’ nightlife
21. Buy attraction tickets online fuss-free
22. Arrive at popular attractions early in the morning
23. Get a travel insurance
24. Deliver your heavy luggage to hotels using Takuhaibin service
25. Bring enough cash
26. Save money through tourist tax refund
27. Place your money on the tray
28. Bring several debit cards
29. Opt for at least a night’s stay in a ryokan
30. Cover your tattoos
31. Learn onsen etiquette
32. Do not point using fingers
33. Allow enough time to explore
34. Smoke at designated areas
35. Refrain from eating while walking
36. Indulge in cheap food in convenience stores
37. Brace for long queues
38. Menus are mainly in Japanese
39. Make a hearty slurp sound while eating noodles
40. Indoor smoking is allowed in certain restaurants
41. Do not stick the chopsticks upright into the meal
42. Tipping is not needed
43. Futuristic Japanese toilets
44. Bring along hand sanitizer
45. Safety in Japan

1. Finding Cheap Flights To Japan

Flights to Japan can be expensive at times, especially during peak seasons. 

To get your hands on cheaper flight tickets to Japan, you can check out Skyscanner.

This handy website compares the prices, flight duration, and operators on the same page, making the hunt for low-cost Japan flight tickets a total breeze!

2. Book Your Accommodations Early

Among the top things to do for people who travel to Japan for the first time is getting their accommodation in Japan sorted earlier. 

You can easily do so through Booking.com or Agoda. 

Spring and autumn are peak travel seasons in Japan thanks to the beautiful cherry blossoms and fiery autumn foliage. 

The accommodation rooms can be fully booked as early as two months before the individual season commences!

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In summer, most local families will travel to different parts of Japan as it is also the school holiday season. 

And during the winter season, popular onsen resorts such as Hakone are filled with tourists looking for an enjoyable onsen session with a charming snowy view. 

So to avoid disappointment and last-minute plan change, make sure to get your accommodation booked earlier. 

3. Bring Along Travel Adaptor

In Japan, most electrical outlets are Type A which have only two flat pins. 

This Universal Travel Adaptor is a great travel buddy to have wherever you go, including Japan!

4. English Is Not Widely Spoken

Though most road signages and ticketing machines in bigger cities come in both English and Japanese, most urban locals do not usually converse in English. 

You might even face some difficulties in communicating with the residents as you venture into the smaller outskirt towns. 

But that’s okay!

Japanese are very kind and polite and go all out to help international travelers when being approached nicely. 

I went to some of the hidden gems places like Takayama and Kanazawa during my first trip to Japan and I did not face any inconvenience or much hardship speaking to the locals!

Or you can easily use online translation apps to speak with them 😉

5. Learn Simple Japanese Phrases

It helps to learn several simple Japanese phrases before visiting Japan for the first time. 

When you greet the locals with these phrases, they will appreciate your effort and might even give you some additional travel tips to better explore the local region!

Here are some of the Japanese greetings to practice on: 

• Hello – Konnichiwa
• Good morning – Ohayou gozaimasu
• How are you – O genki des ka
• Excuse me – Sumimasen
• Thank you – Arigato gozaimasu

This is the recommended phrase book to get if you want to impress the locals:

6. Wear Slip-On Shoes

In Japan, visitors are often expected to remove their shoes before entering certain establishments.

These places include shrines, temples, private homes, and even some restaurants. 

To prevent yourself from developing backache due to the constant tying up of shoelaces, your best bet is to get yourself a pair of good slip-on shoes before reaching Japan!

Slip-on shoes offer easy shoe removal and putting on and hence more time to squeeze additional activities in the itinerary. 

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7. Buy Japan Rail Pass (If Needed)

JR Pass price has increased significantly since October 2023.

Previously, getting the 2-week JR Pass would be worth it if you are planning for a 3-week itinerary.

As of now, I recommend getting the individual ticket or specific rail pass instead for the bullet train rides.

For convenience and skipping the (insane) long queue at the ticketing booths, you can reserve your seat or buy the pass online via Klook!

You can also check if the JR Pass would pay off for your Japan itinerary by using this FREE calculator!

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8. Download Helpful Japan Travel Apps

Traveling to Japan for the first time can be overwhelming, particularly when you are surrounded by a foreign language, culture, and system. 

Hence to make your first trip to this country a memorable one, it is best to download some helpful Japan travel apps before your flight. 

You can check out my best apps for travel to Japan article so that you can better plan for the trip!

9. Get an e-SIM

I think one of the most important things you can get for your Japan trip is an eSIM!

This is especially true if you’re visiting Japan for the first time, as you’ll definitely need travel apps to navigate and translate Japanese text.

Personally, I used this eSIM, and the connection was fast and stable throughout my trip!

If you’re traveling in a group, you might want to consider getting a Wi-Fi device instead.

10. Buy A Suica Card

If you prefer convenience when boarding the public trains, subways, and buses for the first time trip in Japan, make sure to get yourself a prepaid rechargeable card like Suica at the train stations. 

Instead of getting individual train tickets when reaching different stations, you can just tap the Suica card at the train entrance gate to get in. 

The Suica card can also be used in certain stores, most vending machines, or even restaurants for payment!

11. Pay The Bus Fare When Alighting

There are two ways of paying the bus fare in Japan; either using coins or using a rechargeable card such as Suica. 

If you are using a Suica Card, you can just tap the card machine when boarding the bus via the rear entrance. 

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For coin payers, take a numbered bus ticket from the machine next to the door as you board. 

And before you alight, compare the ticket number with numbers on the bus display board to determine the fare. 

Prepare the exact fare amount and drop it into the box located near to the driver as you alight through the front door. 

Travel tip: If you are taking a city bus service with flat fare instead, pay the fare as you board through the front door and alight via the back door.  

12. Stand On The Left Wherever You Go

Another stare-invoking behavior that a first time traveler to Japan should not do is standing on the wrong side of the escalator. 

This is particularly important when you are in Tokyo train stations during rush hours. 

So make sure to stand on the left wherever you go and those in a hurry can bypass you without any hard feelings!

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Travel tip: In Osaka, its escalator culture is to stand on the right. So it is recommended to take note and observe the local region’s culture and just follow accordingly 😉

13. Renting Cars Tips In Japan

As a starter, you can rely on Japanese public transportation systems when exploring the major cities. 

But if you plan to get to rural towns like Izu Peninsula with a group of people during your first time traveling to Japan, renting a car might be the better alternative. 

Here are some useful tips to know: 

• Driver to have a valid International Driving Permit
• Vehicles drive on the left side
• GPS systems in certain rental companies are not available in English
• Gas stations are either full or self-service
• Parking is typically free in small town

Rentalcars is one of the best online platforms to rent a car from in Japan!

14. Visit The Non-Viral Local Eateries

I bet you have seen viral food videos at some famous eateries in Japan where you will need to make a table reservation at least 1 or 2 months in advance due to overwhelming demand 👀

But if you really want to learn about the locals’ way of life and everyday lives, I think you can always start by asking for their recommended food places and actually going there.

Or if you can’t find someone to ask, you can always observe the places that most locals will visit during peak dining hours.

That was what I did when I was in Japan and every “oh let’s get in there” decision turned out to be all good and memorable and so damn tasty😉

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15. Refrain From Speaking On Phone In Public

As you read along with this article, you will find out that Japan is indeed a beautiful cultural country with many unique etiquettes. 

One of them is to not to speak on the phone in public. 

You can sense the lack of noise on public transport even when the locals rush in and out during the rush hours in big metropolitan cities.

That’s because the Japanese are a big advocate of not invading people’s privacy or creating disturbance to the public. 

Get yourself a brand new Bluetooth earbuds to listen to your fav playlist while travelling from one place to another via the train or bus services in Japan.

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16. Luggage Storage In The Train

In Japan, most trains do not have a dedicated space for storing big luggage. 

While smaller bags can be placed on the overhead rail, you can shift the bigger ones to the last row of each train carriage. 

Alternatively, some train stations offer luggage storage lockers so you can store yours before hopping onto the train for a day trip or two in other cities!

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17. Wear Comfortably or Accordingly

I know sometimes we want to dress well to take a nice photo for the ‘gram, especially when we are in Japan!

Well, we gotta dress to impress, right?

Not exactly.

Depending on your itinerary, most of the time you will need to walk thousands of steps a day, hopping from one attraction to another just to make the most of your time in this country.

So, I recommend choosing comfort over fashion for a more enjoyable travel experience.

And if you are planning to hike up some hilly trails here, make sure to dress accordingly for your own safety!

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18. Take Screenshot Of Japanese Address

Japanese addresses can be slightly complicated at times.

So to reach to your intended address as soon as possible, it is best to save a screenshot of the building names or addresses and show to the driver instead. 

Or you can consider keeping the hotel or hostel’s business card before going out.

This tip works very well on getting back to your hotel room when each street that you pass by in Japan looks too identical to you. 

Bring along a portable charger to ensure your phone does not run out of battery from snapping pictures while you are exploring the country!

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19. Keep The Trash With You

Trash bins are a rare sight in Japan. 

You can hardly find a trash bin even while exploring the country, including Tokyo. 

So the best way to handle the trash is to keep it in a plastic bag and bring it back to your hotel room for disposal!

Travel tip: If you are lucky, you might stumble upon a trash bin in certain convenience stores. 

20. Experience The Lively Japanese Cities’ Nightlife

Though some of the Japanese major highlights are best visited during the day, you can still find plenty of interesting things to do to experience the cities’ nightlife. 

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Some of the popular things to do among international tourists include: 

• Bar crawl
• Local food tasting tour
• Attending Japanese cooking class

And if you are staying in Osaka and Kyoto, check out my detailed articles on Osaka and Kyoto unmissable night activities for a fun night out!

21. Buy Attraction Tickets Online Fuss-Free

As mentioned in the previous tip, there are so many interesting things to do in Japan. 

These activities range from temple-hopping, skyline admiring, theme park adventures, museum-visiting, and so much more!

So save you some time from queuing at the ticketing booth, it is best to buy the tickets online.

22. Arrive At Popular Attractions Early In The Morning

Japan attracts millions of visitors each year, thanks to its many beautiful and fascinating attractions.

With this in mind, your best bet is to arrive at popular spots and attractions early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

This is especially true if you’re planning to visit Instagrammable photo spots in Kyoto and want to snap Instaworthy pictures!

Alternatively, you can explore Japan’s rural towns and hidden gems for a more off-the-beaten-path experience 😉

Get yourself a camera bundle to take nice, high-quality pictures in Japan as memento!

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23. Get a Travel Insurance

I can’t emphasize how important it is to get a travel insurance before going abroad for vacation.

Accidents can happen without notice and it can cost a fortune to get treatment at the local clinics or hospitals especially when you are a foreigner.

I actually slipped and hurt my knee when I was walking up the slippery trail at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto😥 (see point #17)

It could have turned bad but for my case, I bought an antiseptic cream from the pharmacy and applied twice a day on the wound.

So don’t forget to get a travel insurance before you fly to Japan!

24. Deliver Your Heavy Luggage to Hotels using Takuhaibin Service

My friend once told me that he rolled his heavy luggage down the stairs at one of Tokyo’s train stations because he was sick of hauling it up and down 🫨

If you didn’t know, most train stations in Japan have only a limited number of escalators. And if there’s an elevator, chances are you will have to walk to the other side of the station to find it.

That’s how you can easily rack up 10k to 20k steps a day in Japan!

To make things easier, you can use the Takuhaibin service to have your heavy bags delivered from one hotel to another.

Just ask your hotel reception about the service, or drop off your luggage at a convenience store that offers it.

I personally used Takuhaibin service when I was in Kanazawa to send my large suitcase from the train station to Ryokan Hatori.

The process was seamless, and I got to explore the city without dragging my bag around! 😄

25. Bring Enough Cash

Not all establishments in Japan accept card payment. 

So it is recommended to have cash with you at all times, especially when you are visiting the rustic parts of the country!

Get yourself a travel wallet where you can keep ample cards and cash together for convenience.

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26. Save Money Through Tourist Tax Refund

As a foreign traveler, you can save some money via tourist tax refund at eligible stores!

Though you will need to spend a minimum of 5000 yen in the same store. 

Then visit the tax refund counter and hand over your passport with the receipt to the receptionist. 

Travel tip: Make sure to get a copy of the receipt of purchase from the counter. The receipt will be collected by the immigration officer before leaving Japan.

27. Place Your Money On The Tray

You might come across a small tray placed on the counter while you are in the store or restaurant. 

The tray allows the cashier to have a contactless transaction with the customer. 

Besides, this minimizes the chance of coins dropping to the floor while passing over the money hand-to-hand and inevitably causing a long queue for the next customer.

28. Bring Several Debit Cards

You can withdraw local money from the ATMs using foreign debit cards located in most convenience stores and post offices in Japan. 

However, there are times when certain cards are not accepted by the machines. 

So it is good to have several debit cards with you when traveling to Japan for the first time. 

29. Opt For At Least A Night’s Stay In Ryokan

If you have the budget to splurge for at least a night’s stay in a ryokan, make sure it is on your top to-do list. 

Ryokan is a Japanese traditional style inn that offers a chance for visitors to experience the truly authentic way of living of the Japanese. 

With traditional components ranging from tatami floor, futon bed, delicious kaiseki meal, and onsen, you are bound to have a wonderful first time Japan adventure!

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• I also share the best onsen ryokan in each places around Japan so you can skip the research part and make booking directly 😉:

30. Cover Your Tattoos

Tattoos are still pretty much a big taboo in Japan. 

You might receive raised eyebrows from the Japanese if your tattoo is visible while exploring the country. 

If you are inked, it is recommended to have it covered with a bandage or an additional layer of cover-up sleeve.  

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31. Learn Onsen Etiquette

Japan is known for its relaxing onsen or hot spring bath.

This uniquely Japanese experience is a must-try activity especially for first time travelers!

However, there are several unnegotiable onsen etiquettes to follow before dipping into the mineral-rich water. 

The major onsen etiquette that can make your eyes go big and your heart go wild is that you must be completely naked to enjoy the session 😅

If you are up for the intriguing experience, make sure to go through the onsen etiquette manual and follow it religiously. 

Travel tip: Some onsens deny entry to inked visitors so it is best to check the onsen policy first before getting there. 

32. Do Not Point Using Fingers

In Japan, finger-pointing is considered a rude and unpleasant gesture. 

If you want to ask for directions or inquire about something, you can wave your hand instead 😉 

33. Allow Enough Time to Explore

The first time I went to Japan, I allocated four days to explore Tokyo’s main sights.

I thought that would be enough.

But it turned out I mainly explored just two wards and didn’t even get to visit all the places I wanted to go! 😅

I have an another friend who spent a whole week in Tokyo and only stayed in Shinjuku—yet there were still plenty of things he didn’t get to do!

Hence chances are, you will need more time than expected to truly explore the cities.

So make sure to factor that into your itinerary for a more relaxed travel experience instead of rushing through a checklist! 😏

34. Smoke At Designated Areas

If you are looking to have some nicotine puffs for a break from sightseeing activity, make sure to head over to designated areas to do so. 

In Tokyo, smoking while walking or out of the designated smoking area is punishable with hefty fines by the local authorities. 

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35. Refrain From Eating While Walking

You can find many food-related local etiquettes that are best followed while you are in Japan. 

When you are wandering along the shotengai (covered arcade) or streets to have your local food fare craving fixed, it is recommended to refrain from eating while continuing to walk around.

Apart from reducing the mess caused by eating while walking, this behavior is frowned upon by the Japanese as it is considered as bad manners.

So get your food, step aside, and pick a spot to indulge before resuming your sightseeing or food-hunting activity!

36. Indulge On Cheap Food In Convenience Stores

Convenience stores in Japan like 7 Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart are on another leve 🤯

You can find a variety of affordable yet fulfilling meals with a wide range of drinks options available in the stores!

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Apart from these, there are also many visually-catching Japanese snacks to munch on for a stay-in night. 

37. Brace For Long Queue

Long queues are a normal occurrence in Japan. 

You can expect to see this scene especially at popular eatery establishments in Tokyo and Osaka or in major international events like Comiket. 

And to show respect to other people, the Japanese stay in line and wait for their turn patiently even if the queue spans several blocks away.  

38. Menus Are Mainly In Japanese

You will realize most menus in the eatery establishments are mainly in Japanese words with limited English translation. 

Nevertheless, most food items come with photos so you can still identify the general ingredients used in the meal visually before placing the order. 

Or you can utilize phone apps such as Google Translate to translate the food name and description into your preferred language for additional clarity!

39. Make A Hearty Slurp Sound While Eating Noodle

Feel free to make a hearty slurp sound while indulging in a bowl of noodle soup in Japan.

This yet another unique Japanese culture might sound weird to most foreign visitors. 

To the locals, the slurping action makes the noodle tastier and to enjoy the food before it turns soggy!

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40. Indoor Smoking Is Allowed In Certain Restaurants

Though Japan has started to implement indoor smoking bans in most establishments, there are some restaurants allowing customers to smoke indoors. 

You can easily differentiate them by looking at the smoking sign at the store entrance. 

41. Do Not Stick The Chopstick Upright Into The Meal

One of the most crucial table manners that a first time traveler to Japan needs to know is the Japanese chopsticks etiquette. 

The most common etiquette is not sticking the chopstick upright into the meal. 

That’s because the Japanese typically stick the chopstick into a bowl of rice as an offering to the dead on the altar 😲

Travel tip: You can lay down the chopsticks on their holder. Most restaurants provide chopstick holders for their patrons. 

42. Tipping Is Not Needed

Tipping culture might be a norm in Western countries but definitely not in Japan. 

Japanese take pride in performing their jobs well and sometimes, tipping can be considered as an insult by some. 

43. Futuristic Japanese Toilets

If you are flying for the first time to Japan, this brilliant Japanese invention needs to be on your to-use list. 

The Western-style Japanese toilets might look and sound complicated to some, (especially the international travelers) but they come with some cool functions. 

Apart from having a built-in bidet to wash your backside, the high-tech toilet also has a music button aiming to conceal any noise in the cubicle. 

Travel tip: You can also find Japanese-style (squatting required) toilets mostly in the rural parts of Japan. 

44. Bring Along Hand Sanitizer 

The majority of public toilets in Japan do not provide soap to the users. 

So if you fall into the hygiene-prioritized group of first time travelers to Japan, make sure to get yourself a hand sanitizer. 

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Travel tip: You can hardly find paper towels in the public toilets too. Hence, bring some pocket tissues with you before leaving your hotel room. 

45. Safety In Japan

As a first time traveler to Japan, you will be glad that Japan is a relatively safe country to visit. 

Nevertheless, it is always a good practice to be alert to your surroundings and explore with precaution. 

Make sure to always keep your belongings at sight, especially in crowded places!

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FAQ: First Time In Japan

1. How long does it take to go to Japan for the first time?

Japan is a beautiful country with lots of charming attractions to offer to fellow visitors. 

Hence, we recommend that you stay at least two weeks for your first trip to Japan. 

With this, you will have ample time to explore the country at your pace including those must-visit cities and also some rustic towns. 

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2. Where should I go first time in Japan?

For first time travelers to Japan, you can include Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto into your itinerary. 

These cities are easily reachable with shinkansen (bullet train), making them among the popular spots to visit whenever one is in Japan. 

Check out my Japan 3 Week Itinerary to have some ideas on Japanese cities to explore, things to do, and mouth-watering cuisine that you should not miss!

3. What is the best time to visit Japan?

The best time to visit Japan is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). 

In spring, you will get to enjoy the lovely view of cherry blossoms and in autumn the vibrant fall foliage scenery. 

Nevertheless, it is also worth noting that these peak seasons attract large tourist crowds; both local and international.  

Additional Resources Before Traveling To Japan

If you want to learn more about planning your first time to Japan trip and Japanese culture in general, make sure to check out these books: 

• Fodor’s Essential Japan Travel Guide
• Japan: Highlights of a Fascinating Country
• Japan’s World Heritage Sites: Unique Culture, Unique Nature
• Japan: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
• Be More Japan: The Arts Of Japanese Living

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First Time To Japan: Final Thoughts

Here you go—the 45 best travel tips that you can rely on for your first time in Japan!

Do you have any other travel tips to share with me? Let me know; I would love to hear from you!

If you find this article useful, I will be very appreciative if you can share it with your family members and friends. 

Or if you are planning to travel to Japan for the first time soon, make sure to save this helpful Japanese travel tip article for easy reference.