So you’re headed to Japan, lucky you! But you are a little nervous and have some concerns like most do before any holiday abroad. So before you pack, here are 9 things to know before going to Japan. These are the things I wish I knew before my trip to Japan.
People visit Japan in different ways. On a 3 day stopover in Tokyo or going on a 1 month Japan holiday. Perhaps heading to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ on a Japanese working holiday visa or Japan digital nomad visa for an extended stay. No matter how you are visiting Japan and for how long I’m sure my tips on things to know before you arrive in Japan will come in handy. So here they are.
Things to Know Before Going to Japan
1. Pre-book as much as possible
Book as much as you can beforehand like accommodation and transport so the money you take is for experiences like eating out, visiting tourist sites and doing things on the spur of the moment. Read my post on types of accommodation in Japan so you can choose the type of accommodation that suits you. If wanting to travel Japan by rail, I have a post on the JR Pass to help you decide if this is how you want to travel.
2. Stay Connected Anywhere
Staying connected in Japan can be extremely useful, particularly when you don’t speak the language. This is why I suggest you buy a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim before arriving in Japan. Check out this 7 day unlimited esim to be picked up in Osaka.
3. JR Pass or Not?
Pre-purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) before you arrive will depend on how long you are spending in Japan and how much travel you will be doing. They are great if you are travelling to many Japanese cities by train. Otherwise, there are local passes and tickets you can purchase in Japan. Read my JR Pass Guide to help you make your decision. If you have made up your mind you will be purchasing a JR pass check out these 7, 14 and 21 day options through GetYourGuide or these passes through JR Pass.
4. Master the IC Card
IC cards (integrated circuit) cards are used for convenient payment on public transport and at many shops across Japan. The three most popular are Suica (by JR East in Tokyo), Pasmo (by Tokyo transport operators) and ICOCA (by JR West in the Kansai region. They are interchangeable and work nationwide.
5. Cash and Cards Combo
I’ve just mention IC Cards but having a combo of cash and cards is king on your Japan holiday. Having both will see you covered. There are some small stores that are cash only while larger restaurants, stores and hotels will accept cards. So best to cover both bases.
knowing some customs like bowing can open doors
6. Convenience Stores Are a Lifeline
I know you go to Japan to experience the Japanese culture but convenience stores are great for times of uncertainty. Larges stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart have ATMs if you need cash and serve fresh food and coffee if you are feeling hungry. And yes, the locals use these convenience stores too!
7. Download Key Apps
Apps are very useful downloaded on our phones. Apps such as Japan Travel (Navitime), Translate and Tokyo Subway Map. Google Maps is great too as having a physical map helps you to stand out as a tourist. And if you don’t want to look like a tourist, even though you are one download the apps!
8. Learn Some Words
Last on my list of things to know before going to Japan is to learn some words. Knowing how to say and maybe write some Japanese words can open many doors. They could help you land that job in the Japanese ski fields or have your hotel room upgraded! Useful words to know include:
- Kon’nichiwa (hello), Pronunciation: kohn-nee-chee-wah
- Kudasai (please) Pronunciation: koo-dah-sigh
- Arigato (thank you) – informal
- Arigato gozaimasu (thank you) – formal Pronunciation: ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mahs
- Sumimasen (excuse me) Pronunciation: soo-mee-mah-sen
- Hai (yes) Pronunciation: hi
- Lie (no) Pronunciation: ee-eh
- Eigo hanasemasu ka (Do you speak English)
- Sayonara (Goodbye) Pronunciation: sah-yoh-nah-rah
9. Know Some Customs
- People in Japan greet one another with a bow. A bow can range from a modest nod of the head to a deep waist bend. A deeper, longer bow shows respect, while a short nod of the head is casual and informal.
- Take off shoes indoors
- Maintain quiet on public transport
- No eating while walking – why not learn to cook some typical Japanese dishes?
- Respecting escalator rules (stand left in Tokyo, right in Osaka)
There are plenty more but a big part of travel is discovering some things for yourself!
Now You Know Before You Go to Japan?
I hope you have found these tips helpful. Are there others I can add to this list?
I hadn’t heard of the escalator rules before. Is there a guideline outside of Tokyo and Osaka?
Yes, but can’t remember all of them. I’d suggest follow what the locals are doing!
Such a useful roundup! Japan has been on my bucket list for years, and tips like these make planning feel so much easier. I love the reminder to pre-book as much as possible and to sort out an IC card ahead of time — those little things make a big difference when you’re navigating a new place. . I also appreciate the section about customs, because understanding those small cultural details really helps you blend in and show respect while traveling. Saving this for when I finally make it to Japan!
Good to hear, glad the post was useful and helpful. Enjoy Japan when you finally get there.
Great list, thank you! The tip about balancing cash, cards and the IC card was really insightful and totally something I had not considered when i first travelled to Japan.
I think when visiting most countries nowadays a balance of cash and cards is a must as every town, city and area is different. And up to individual businesses in many cases.
This is such a good list. For me, it was buying the Suica card at the airport. We used that multiple times a day! And the convenience store food in Japan is inexpensive and delicious.
Thanks, if there’s anything else I can add to the list, please let me know.