10 Japan Travel Tips to Know Before You Go | JAPAN and more
Book Confidently with our Flexible Booking Policy. LEARN MORE
Book Confidently with our Flexible Booking Policy.

LEARN MORE

JAPAN and more
  • Japan Tours
  • Services
  • CONTACT
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Travel Tips

Home > Travel Tips

When planning a trip to Japan, there are many things to consider. When should you go? How much money should you take? Do you need a visa? This list of Japan travel tips is here to help you make the necessary preparations before going to Japan.

10 Japan Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

Cellular Service & Wi-Fi

Cellular Service & Wi-Fi

1. Cellular Service & Wi-Fi

Unlike some other countries, it’s not easy to buy SIM cards that allow cellular voice calling in Japan. You may want to contact your cellular service provider before going to Japan and ask about international roaming packages.

If making phone calls is not important, you can buy SIM cards for Wi-Fi data service. There is also Free Wi-Fi service throughout Japan at most airports, train stations, and hotels.

Japan Rail Pass

Japan Rail Pass

2. Rail Pass & Transport

If you are going to do any traveling in Japan, it pays to get the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). Basically, if you travel from Tokyo to Osaka and back, then it’s a better deal to get the rail pass. It’s cheaper to buy the pass outside Japan, so it’s best to plan ahead if you are thinking about getting one.

It’s not necessary to rent a car in Japan because the trains and buses are comfortable and reliable. But if you do, you must have an international driver’s license.

Yukata (Japanese Robe)

Yukata (Japanese Robe)

3. Types of Hotels & Accommodation

Japan has a range of accommodation depending on your budget. You can choose from luxury hotels (large rooms), business hotels (very small rooms), ryokan (Japanese style with shared bath), or youth hostels.

Business hotels are a popular option because they are centrally located near stations and reasonably priced. The rooms are very small, but they are clean, modern, and usually include breakfast.

Subway Map of Tokyo

Subway Map of Tokyo

4. Useful Apps

Download any apps and updates you need before you go in order to avoid any verification complications. It’s good to have information for weather, train timetables, Japanese dictionary, maps, and free Wi-Fi areas.

Japan Visa

Japan Visa

5. Visa

Most nationalities can enter Japan as a tourist without a visa. However, if you are planning to work, you must get a visa before entering the country.

It’s best to check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to find out whether you need to apply for a visa.

Japanese Money

Japanese Money

6. Costs & Budgets

Cost of travel in Japan is not as expensive as most people think. You can expect to spend around $3,500 for two people for one week, not including the cost of air tickets.

Generally, the price you see is the price you pay. The consumption tax and service charge are included in the prices, so there is no need to tip.

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines

7. Flights

Most visitors book air travel into Tokyo because it offers the best rates and is centrally located. But also check fares into Osaka and Nagoya.

Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are both excellent airlines. The food and service are top-notch and the newer planes feature more legroom. Also, they offer complimentary beer and wine in all classes on international flights.

Train Etiquette in Japan

Train Etiquette in Japan

8. Etiquette

The people in Japan are very kind and always willing to help foreigners. As long as you smile and approach everything with an open mind, you will not have any problems. In general, people follow a strict social conduct. Rules are followed. Everything is on time. People don’t lose their cool. So, just follow this way of thinking. It’s also good to familiarize yourself with Japanese etiquette before you go.

Money Exchange

Money Exchange

9. Money Exchange

Do not exchange money in the United States before you leave. It’s best to exchange your cash at the airport when you arrive in Japan.

You can use ATM cards at 7-Eleven convenience store ATMs and Japan Post ATMs, but check with your bank regarding international withdrawal fees. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, but it’s always good to have cash on hand.

Celebrating Children’s Day in Japan

Japan Holidays and Annual Events

10. Holidays in Japan

There are certain times of the year that company employees get off from work. Try to avoid traveling during the three big Japan holidays because it is difficult to book hotels and rates skyrocket.

You may also want to avoid school holidays because families take vacation at this time.

Ready for the Trip of a Lifetime?

Experience Japanese culture, travel like a local and get to know the real Japan on one of our Small Group Tours.

See Tours
Share this article
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this article. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We have no association with the companies or the products reviewed. These are our own opinions of top travel products.

  • Air Travel
  • Cellular Service & Wi-Fi
  • Cost of Travel
  • Etiquette
  • Exchanging Money
  • Holidays
  • Hotels
    • Hotels in Kyoto
    • Hotels in Tokyo
  • Japan Rail Pass
  • Useful Apps
  • Visas

ABOUT

Bex and Shawn in Nara

Becki & Shawn
Japan Travel Specialist

Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!

SEE OUR JAPAN TOURS
jrpass
Learn Japanese with JapanesePod101.com

SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW

Travel Japan Like a Pro

Get a FREE Checklist to help you plan your trip.
Plus, get email updates with Japan Travel Tips.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

About

Becki & Shawn in Nara, Japan

Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists

Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!

Accreditations

Japan Travel Specialist Advanced Certificate
ARC Verified Travel Consultant Certification
State of California Seller of Travel Certificate of Registration
JATA Membership Certification

SERVICES

  • Japan Tours
  • Services
  • About
  • Contact
  • Partners

JAPAN INFO

  • Destinations
  • Experiences
  • Travel Tips
  • Blog

Reviews & Recommendations

See our TripAdvisor Reviews
See our Google Reviews
See our Facebook Reviews
Copyright - © 2016 - 2025,  JAPAN and more  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclosure  |  Website Services by Weldon Websites
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Mail
Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Close

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Privacy Policy

Travel Japan Like a Pro

Get our FREE Checklist to help you plan your trip.
Plus, get email updates with Japan Travel Tips.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
No spam, ever. You can unsubscribe any time.

Travel Japan Like a Pro Checlist