Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to Japan

Heading to Japan for the first time? Congrats! You’re about to have an amazing time!

Now’s when you’re probably starting to freak out about all the things you have to plan for. Not only are there cultural differences, a fairly big language barrier, and jet lag to get over, but you also need to plan quite a bit before you get there if you have specific tourist destinations and activities you want to do. Trying to figure it all out by yourself can be exhausting!

That’s where this guide comes in! I’ve put together the top 7 things you need to know before you go to Japan. My goal is to give you a quick overview of the most important things, so you can knock that off your list and focus on planning everything else. Plus, for some topics, I have more in-depth guides if you really want to be informed.

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1. Preparing for Your Trip

Coming from the US, with a US passport, means you only have to worry about a few things.

First thing to know is: US passport holders get 90 days in Japan, visa-free. That means you only have to think about the following:

• Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, and for 3 months afterwards.
• You’ll need at least one empty page in your passport. Japan puts a little sticker in there and then stamps it when you leave, so you’ll need room for that.
• Fill out the customs & immigration form online before you arrive.
• Make sure you’re not accidentally taking illegal medicines with you. Japan is strict about that stuff; many ADHD meds and such are banned in Japan, so double-check before you go (and/or get a doctor’s note).

Besides that, you’ll want to download some travel apps before you go. I’ve found Google Maps, Google Translate, and Navitime’s Japan Travel apps the most helpful. For a complete list of recommended travel apps, check out our guide here: 50+ BEST Phone Travel Apps for Digital Nomad Life

Packing Tips: Bring comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, and an international power adapter. Keep in mind that many places require you to remove your shoes, so slip-on styles are practical.

2. Navigating Japan’s Transit System

Japan’s public transit is incredibly efficient but can be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with it. The important thing to remember is that all the major stations have maps, including maps in English, and the signs will point you to the direction you need to go. Even the automated announcements are in Japanese AND English.

If you get lost, the big stations have Info Desks or Tourist Centers with English-speaking staff who can help.

Here’s a quick overview of what to know:

• JR Pass: A great option for long-distance travel, the JR Pass can save you money if you’re planning to visit multiple regions within a short amount of time. Buy it before your trip (IN the US) and activate it when you arrive.
• Suica/Pasmo Cards: These reloadable cards are a must-have for local trains, buses, and even convenience stores and vending machines. If you have an iPhone, you can get a digital Suica card and reload it directly on your phone. Super handy!
• Etiquette: Stay quiet on trains, avoid talking on the phone, and be mindful of priority seating.
• Google Maps works very well with all major cities’ transit systems.

PRO TIP: If you’re going long distances, but aren’t moving quickly enough between cities that a JR Pass would be worth it, try taking a highway bus! Check out our guide here for more info: Travel Japan for Cheap on Highway Buses

3. Money Matters

Japan has embraced cashless payment methods in recent years, with most places now accepting digital payment options and credit cards.

The only time you’ll need cash is for shopping at tiny stores, flea markets, or uber discount stores, eating at tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants, tipping tour guides, and for gachapon machines. Ichiran ramen shops have even switched to accepting credit cards, after years of being cash-only!

Here’s what you need to know about money in Japan:

• ATMs: You don’t need to bring cash with you because ATMs are everywhere. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post offices are your best bet for using U.S. cards for low fees. Get a debit card with a bank like Charles Schwab that refunds ATM fees and you’ll be good to go.
• Coins: Save your 100 yen coins for gachapon machines! Get a cute coin purse at Daiso and stash them away for when you go to a tourist destination and find a cute Hello Kitty gachapon machine (speaking from experience).
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan (except for tour guides). Instead, show your appreciation with a polite “thank you” (arigatou gozaimasu).

4. Dining and Food Etiquette

Japanese food is a highlight of any trip, but dining customs might be different from what you’re used to:

• Ordering: Don’t worry if there’s no English menu; use Google Translate’s photo option to figure out what you want, and then point to it. In some restaurants, you’ll order using a vending machine and hand the ticket to the staff. If you’re not sure how to order, watch what the locals do and then copy them.
• Chopstick Etiquette: Never stick chopsticks upright in rice or use them to pass food directly to someone else. If you’re not used to using chopsticks, most restaurants have other utensil options but you might want to bring a personal spork just in case.
• Loud Noises: Slurping soup loudly is totally fine and in fact you SHOULD do it– it shows the chef you enjoy their food!
• Dietary Needs: If you have dietary restrictions, consider using a translation app or pre-written cards to communicate your needs. Very important especially for allergies! Food in grocery stores and convenience stores all have detailed ingredients lists, but you may need to ask for clarification at restaurants.

5. Cultural Etiquette and Customs

Respecting local customs is crucial for a positive experience, but you don’t have to obsess over it. Locals know you’re a tourist and they’ll give you some leeway. In general, the idea is to not cause trouble for the people around you.

Here are some must-know basics so you don’t embarrass yourself:

• Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering homes, traditional accommodations, or certain restaurants. If you see a pile of shoes just inside or outside the doorway, take yours off too.
• Public Behavior: Always wait your turn in queues, take your trash with you (don’t litter), and try not to talk loudly in places where the locals are super quiet. On escalators, stand to one side. On trains, take your backpack off your back and hold it.
• Taking Photos: Ask before taking photos of people in traditional Japanese clothing, and don’t block them from walking just to take a photo! Tourists have gotten a bad rap for this recently, so it’s super important to be respectful.
• Useful Phrases: Learn a few Japanese phrases like “sumimasen” (excuse me) and “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you).

6. Staying Connected

Staying connected in Japan is easier than you might think:

• SIM Cards: SIMs and eSIMs are fairly cheap and very reliable. You’ll need to have an unlocked phone for this, or else you’ll have to purchase a roaming package from your home carrier.
• Pocket Wi-Fi: Rent a device for fast, reliable internet throughout your trip. This is great for groups, especially families where you might not want to buy SIM cards to every single person. Not necessary to have if you get a decent data package for your SIM card.
• Free Wi-Fi: Available in many tourist areas, but may be limited in rural regions. Basically all hotels and malls have wifi. Coffee shops are hit-or-miss, but Starbucks will always have it.

For more tips on staying connected, check out our detailed guide: SIM Cards & Wifi in Japan Guide.

7. Navigating Language Barriers

Don’t let the language differences between English and Japanese intimidate you!

It’s true, many people in Japan don’t speak English (or don’t feel confident enough to speak it with a native English speaker), but they can understand a lot. Even if they don’t respond to you in English, they may still be able to help.

Also, major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are totally prepared for English-speaking tourists. Many signs in train stations, bus stations, malls, etc. have English translations, and staff at the info desks and tourist centers are prepared to speak English. Chain restaurants also tend to have English menus!

You have other options as well:

• Non-Verbal Communication: Pointing, gestures, and showing photos can work wonders. It feels stupid at first, but you’ll quickly become an expert.
• Translation Apps: Google Translate’s camera feature is excellent for reading menus or signs. You can also use the conversation feature if you need to do a back and forth convo with someone.

Final Thoughts

Your first trip to Japan doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With these tips you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your adventure. Remember, part of the joy of travel is embracing the unexpected and learning as you go, so get out there and have fun!

What part of traveling to Japan excites or intimidates you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!