Ultimate Japan Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go

🛫 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:
  1. 💴 Budget: ¥8,000–13,000/day
  2. 🧳 Mid-range: ¥15,000–25,000/day
  3. 🍣 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:
  1. Tokyo – Shinjuku, Asakusa, Ueno
  2. Kyoto – Gion, Kawaramachi
  3. 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:
  1. Hello – こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
  2. Thank you – ありがとう (Arigatou)
  3. 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:
  1. 🍜 Ramen
  2. 🍱 Bento
  3. 🍢 Takoyaki
  4. 🍣 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 🎆

👉 Related: [Best Time to Visit Japan – Weather & Monthly Guide]

🧳 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:
• Japan National Tourism Website
• Hyperdia Train Schedule
• Klook: Tickets & Rail Passes
• Japan Guide