Japan is a brilliant mix of ultra-modern cities, quiet temples, delicious food, and flawless public transport. Below is a compact, practical guide of what every tourist should know before and while visiting.

Before you go

Check visa/entry rules: Many nationalities can enter Japan visa-free for short stays, but rules (allowed length, e-visa options, required documents) change—always confirm with the official ministry or your embassy before travel.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Passport & documents: Passport valid for your full stay, printed/train/hotel reservations, travel insurance (strongly recommended), and copies of important documents.

Plan peak seasons: Cherry blossom (spring) and autumn foliage are beautiful but busy. Book trains and hotels early.

Money & cards

Cash is still important — smaller shops, rural areas, shrines, some ryokan, and many vending machines prefer cash.

Useful ATMs: 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept many overseas cards; airports also have international ATMs. Have some cash on arrival.

Transport & getting around

Trains are the best way to travel between cities — frequent, punctual, and extensive.

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass): A cost-saving option for foreign temporary visitors if you plan long intercity travel (7/14/21 days; some trains like Nozomi/Mizuho aren’t covered). Confirm eligibility and how to activate before or shortly after arriving.

IC cards (Suica / PASMO / ICOCA): Prepaid tap-and-go cards for city trains, buses, vending machines, and small shops — super handy for short city travel.

Rakuten Travel

Subways vs JR: Subways (Tokyo, Osaka) are run by non-JR companies — the JR Pass usually doesn’t cover them.

Culture & etiquette (musts)

No tipping culture: Tipping is generally not expected and can cause embarrassment—exceptional cases (private guides, some tour contexts) are handled discreetly. When in doubt, follow local cues.

Japan Travel

Remove shoes where requested (homes, some ryokan, temples, small restaurants). Carry socks or thin indoor slippers.

Be quiet on public transport: Keep phones silent, speak softly, and avoid eating on crowded local trains.

Queue politely: People line up for trains, elevators, and attractions — join the queue and wait your turn.

Respect shrines/temples: Bow, follow purification rituals if present, and be discreet when photographing worshippers.

Onsen (hot spring) basics

Wash before entering and never enter with clothing. Most onsen require full nudity and have separate areas by gender; tattoos are still sometimes restricted — check rules in advance or use tattoo-friendly facilities or cover small tattoos with a sticker. Follow local onsen rules carefully.

Food & dining

Try local specialties: ramen, sushi, tempura, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kaiseki, and regional dishes. Many restaurants have plastic-food displays or picture menus.

If you’re unsure about allergens: carry a simple allergy card in Japanese explaining what you cannot eat (nuts, shellfish, dairy, etc.).

Connectivity

Pocket Wi-Fi / eSIM / prepaid SIM: Options to stay online — renting pocket Wi-Fi or buying an eSIM is easy and popular; book ahead for peak seasons.

Practical tips

Power plugs: Japan uses Type A (two flat pins); many hotels provide adapters or check before you go.

Toilets: Modern washlet toilets are common (but some rural public toilets are basic).

Convenience stores (konbini): 24/7 lifesavers — food, ATMs, tickets, toiletries, and more.

Garbage sorting: Public bins are rare and recycling rules are strict — carry a small bag for trash until you find the correct disposal point.

Smoking: Rules vary by city; many streets are smoke-free and designated smoking areas are provided.

Safety & emergencies

Japan is very safe, but know emergency numbers: 110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance. For traveler assistance, Japan Visitor Hotline provides multi-language help. Keep emergency contacts and your embassy info handy.

Accommodation choices

Hotels vs ryokan: Hotels are practical and ubiquitous; ryokan (traditional inns) offer tatami rooms, kaiseki meals, and onsen access — great for a cultural night or two (book in advance).

Capsule hotels & hostels: Affordable options for solo travelers (note the rules about luggage and quiet hours).

Final checklist (before you leave)

Passport, visa (if required), return ticket, travel insurance

Some yen cash + international ATM card, credit card (Visa/Mastercard widely used in cities)

IC card (Suica/PASMO) or plan to buy at the station

Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM if you need constant connectivity

Copies of reservations and an emergency contact list

Respectful attitude — learn a few simple Japanese phrases: arigatō (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me/sorry), onegai shimasu (please) — locals appreciate effort

Japan: A brief must-know guide for first-time tourists