Planning your first trip to Japan? This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know—from transportation and etiquette to budgeting and seasonal tips.
1. Entry Requirements & Visa 🛫
- Most nationalities get 90-day visa-free entry
- Bring a return ticket & proof of stay (hotel address)
- Carry your passport at all times (required by law)
2. Money & Budgeting 💱
- Japan is mostly cash-based (though contactless is growing)
- Use 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs for international cards
- Budget daily:
- 💴 Budget: ¥8,000–13,000/day
- 🧳 Mid-range: ¥15,000–25,000/day
- 🍣 Luxury: ¥30,000+/day
3. Transport & Getting Around 🚉
- Japan Rail Pass for long-distance travel (consider cost vs days)
- Get IC Cards like Suica/PASMO for metro & convenience stores
- Trains are always on time. Be early ⏱
4. Where to Stay 🏨
- Best areas:
- Tokyo – Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ueno
- Kyoto – Gion, Kawaramachi
- Osaka – Namba, Umeda
- Book early in cherry blossom or autumn season
- Capsule hotels & ryokans: fun experiences
5. Culture & Etiquette 🗣️
- 🤫 Be quiet on public transport
- 🙇 Bowing is common (no handshake needed)
- ♻️ No public trash bins – carry your garbage
- 👟 Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, ryokans
- 💬 Learn basic Japanese:
- Hello – こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
- Thank you – ありがとう (Arigatou)
- Excuse me – すみません (Sumimasen)
6. Internet, SIM Cards, Wi-Fi 📶
- Buy SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi at the airport or buy eSIM in the internet
- Airport or Amazon Japan for better pricing
- Free Wi-Fi available at most train stations & 7-Eleven
7. What to Eat 🍣
- Must-try:
- 🍜 Ramen
- 🍱 Bento
- 🍢 Takoyaki
- 🍣 Conveyor-belt sushi
- Use Google Maps for reviews — and look for long lines (always a good sign!)
8. Best Time to Visit ☀️
- Spring (Mar–Apr) – Cherry blossoms 🌸
- Autumn (Oct–Nov) – Fall foliage 🍁
- Winter (Dec–Feb) – Snow festivals, onsen ❄️
- Summer (Jul–Aug) – Festivals & fireworks 🎆
☃️ For a full cold-weather adventure, use our “Japan Winter Itinerary” for snow, hot springs, and ski ideas.
9. Packing Tips 🧳
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable bag (for shopping)
- Power adapter (Type A/B, same as US)
- Small gifts if staying with locals
10. Safety & Travel Insurance 🚨
- Japan is one of the safest countries in the world
- Still, buy travel insurance to cover health or lost items
- Emergency number: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire)
💡 Bonus Tips
- Download Google Translate & offline maps
- Don’t tip – it’s not expected and can be confusing
- Plan some cash-only meals (many ramen shops are)
🔗 Useful Links:
💡 Final Tips Before You Go:
Make the most of your time by planning ahead and staying flexible.
Already planned the basics? Now explore “Hidden Gems in Japan“ most tourists miss!
— Joy