Practical Tips for Traveling to Japan

My daughter and I recently travelled to Japan. We both absolutely loved it, so much so that she is seriously pondering teaching there for a year or two. It is a magical country with an amazing combination of cultural tradition, modern innovation, and natural beauty. We were both completely charmed and awestruck. We can’t wait to return.

Japan is very accessible for English-speaking tourists, however there is a steep curve in learning how to navigate everything from busy trains to social etiquette. To help fellow first-time travelers, I have compiled a list of practical items that we found helpful. Hopefully, they will make your travel to this amazing country a little easier.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

These items are helpful to handle before you leave your home country:

• If you have an iPhone, download the Welcome Suica app.
  Welcome Suica can be used for most public transportation throughout Japan, including commuter trains, buses, subways, and trolleys. It allows you to just tap and go quickly at the turnstile. You can also use the Welcome Suica app to pay at any store where the Suica logo is displayed. It can be used to board the Shinkansen trains without a reservation on the Tōhoku, Hokuriku and Jōetsu lines (non-reserved seats only). It is easy to view your current balance and to add funds in Apple Pay. For folks without iPhones, a physical Suica card can be purchased at any train station.

• Complete your Japan Web Registration and Save Your QR code.
  https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/
  For ease at entry, it is strongly recommended that you register with Japan Web and then print and save your entry QR code. Each member of your party will need their own code.

• Download an E-Sim card.
  E-Sim is the most economical way to stay connected while in Japan. There are many excellent E-Sim providers. As we have used Airalo previously in other countries, we chose to go with them. Sakura Mobile and Saily are also highly recommended.

• Make Shinkansen Reservations.
  Before you book, please view the section below on taking the Shinkansen.

• Make dinner reservations if you have a special restaurant in mind.
  Especially at peak season, many of the most highly regarded restaurants book weeks to months in advance.

• Make Reservations for a cultural or food tour.

• Make advance reservations for Ghibli through a tour company.
  Ghibli tickets are VERY hard to acquire. They go on sale at 10:00 (JST) a month in advance on the 10th of every month. In my attempt to get tickets, I was in the digital queue as soon as they opened (which was an hour before the stated opening time), and I was 12,000th in line. I waited in line for four hours, to no avail. My experience is not uncommon. Given this, if Ghibli is high on your list, I encourage you to book a Ghibli tour at least two months in advance. Klook, Get your Guide, and Sunrise Tours all offer Ghibli tours of varying durations and with different add-ons.

• Order Yen
  While credit cards can be used at most hotels and stores, you will need cash for paying at temples and shrines, for many food vendors, and occasionally when taking a cab. If possible, ask for smaller denominations. For a nine-day trip, we exchanged $500 before we left. This was more than sufficient for our needs.

• Buy a Coin Purse
  Paying with coins is common, so be sure to bring a coin purse. You will use it frequently.

• Download Google Maps and Google Lens.
  Google Maps is critical for finding your way in Japan and is far superior to Apple Maps. Google Lens will allow you to translate any printed material. Both are invaluable.

WHAT TO PACK

• Travel light.
  Bring as little as possible. Can you carry your luggage up and down lots of stairs, load it quickly onto the Shinkansen, keep it out of the way of other passengers on the commuter trains? If not, size down.

• Layers are your friend.
  Weather in Japan changes rapidly. It can be sunny in the morning and snowing in the afternoon. Bring and carry layers.

• Footwear.
  Comforable shoes are a must. You will walk a ton. We averaged 10 miles a day even with daily travel on the commuter trains. Easy on and off is also helpful as you will be removing your shoes for going into temples, staying at ryokans, and entering people’s homes. Everyone wears tennis shoes, so your trainers will fit right in.

• You may appreciate a tiny packable umbrella.
  This can be used for rain or as a parasol. Sun protection is serious business in Japan, so it’s easy to find an SPF parasol if you choose not to bring your own.

• Wear muted colors.
  Black and cream are worn widely and bright colors are typically seen only on foreigners. Japanese clothing is also quite tailored and formal. Trench coats are very common. Puffy coats are not.

WHAT NOT TO PACK

• Low cut tops.
  Showing some leg is okay, but uncovered cleavage is frowned upon.

• Anything tight, tattered, or dirty.
  Yoga pants and sweats are rarely seen. Make sure your socks don’t have holes.

• Perfume.
  Leave the strong scents at home. This is especially important when going to sushi as strong odors will mask the delicate aroma of the fish. Try to bring unscented or very lightly scented hair and skin products. Within a few days, we could smell the strongly perfumed Americans from a mile away.

• Flip flops.
  We saw no open-toed shoes except on tourists. If you wish to blend in, keep your tootsies covered.

• Sunglasses (optional)
  I have very light-sensitive eyes, so I chose to wear these. However, they are not commonly worn in Japan and will clearly mark you as a tourist.

ARRIVAL INTO JAPAN

Upon Landing:

• Prepare for long entry lines at the airport.
  Expect a considerable wait at customs and schedule transfers and airport transportation accordingly. The wait can be an hour or more.

• Have your Japan Web QR code ready.
  Each traveller must show their own QR code. Your passport and QR code will be requested repeatedly when going through customs, so don’t be too hasty about putting these items away.

• Add money to your Welcome Suica app.
  This can only be done once you land in Japan. As the Welcome Suica funds are non-refundable, we found it helpful to add 1000 Yen at a time and to top up frequently.

• Don’t forget to turn on the data roaming for your E-sim.

TRAVEL WITHIN JAPAN

Commuter Trains:

• Using the Welcome Suica Mobile app.
  There is no need to double click as you do when using Apple Pay. Instead, just open Welcome Suica in your Apple Wallet, tap the automatic ticket gate, and head through. You will also need to tap out when you exit.

• Know how to queue.
  Lines form in an orderly fashion to the sides of the train doors. There are often demarkations on the floor to guide you. Passengers exit through the middle first and then onboarding passengers enter from the sides.

• Try to take up as little space as you can.
  When on the train, the goal is to be as small, quiet, and respectful as possible. Keep your feet on the ground and out of the aisles, watch that your belongings don’t touch other passengers, wear your backpack on your front, turn your phone to silent, speak quietly, don’t talk on your cell phone, and absolutely no manspreading. We found the trains to be a calm and restful oasis.

• There is no eating on commuter trains.

• Know both the number of your stop and your exit out of the train station.
  The commuter trains in Japan are a marvel. They are efficient, clean, and user-friendly, with all stops numbered and signage posted in a variety of languages including English. If you simply remember the number of your stop, it is easy to know when to disembark.

  Figuring out how to get out of the train station, now that is an entirely different story. For example, Shinjuku station has 3.6 million passengers daily and there are over 200 station exits. With the bustling crowds and a maze of corridors, it’s very easy to get lost. To maximize your chances of staying on track, take the following steps:

1. Open google maps.

2. Click layers and enable the “Transit” layer.

3. Enter your desired location, selecting transit as your mode of transportation.

4. Look for the “Exit Via” and highlighted yellow exit number.

   In the example below, you would exit the train at stop 08, follow the signage to the west gate, and then exit the station via exit A17.

   Without knowing your train station exit, you will almost certainly get lost.

SHINKANSEN

• If your budget allows, purchase reserved seating.
  Unless you are willing to risk standing in the aisle with your luggage for the entire trip, I strongly encourage you to make a seat reservation.

• Know where you will store your luggage.
  Measure your luggage dimensions before purchasing tickets (the width plus the height plus the depth in centimeters). If your luggage is between 160cm and 250cm, you will need to reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area or compartment. These seats are limited, so plan well in advance if traveling with extra large roller bags, skis, bikes, or other oversized items. Luggage exceeding 250cm cannot be brought onto the Shinkansen.

  If your luggage is under 160 cm (most medium-sized roller bags meet this specification), you can either store your bag above your seat on the provided rack or at your feet in front of you. There is no under-seat storage. If you don’t feel comfortable lifting your bag overhead and you want to store your medium-sized roller bag at your feet, be sure to book ticket for a regular reserved car. The premium Shinkansen green car seats typically have footrests, making it difficult to store luggage in the space in front of the seat.

• Consider Klook for booking Shinkansen tickets.
  Klook allows you to use a provided QR code to tap in at the automatic ticket gates. Klook also provides options for special features like “window seat with Mt. Fuji view” or for reserving seats with oversized luggage storage. We found it to be a breeze for booking our Shinkansen travel.

  Important - If tapping in with a Klook QR code or with your Welcome Suica app (for non-reserved seats), don’t forget to take the little paper ticket that will magically appear for you at the end of the ticket gate. You will need this for exiting at your destination.

• Don’t go through the automatic ticket gates too soon.
  While the Shinkansen train stations are often a warren of interesting shops and great restaurants, once you enter through the Shinkansen turnstiles the offerings are much more limited. If you arrive early to the station, it is better to enjoy your extra time outside of the ticket gates. Once you go through the turnstiles, it will also likely be quite crowded. If it becomes overly congested, it tends to be much less frenetic up on the tracks than in the holding area.

• If plant-based, consider bringing your own food. While there are many amazing Ekiben choices for omnivores at the Shinkansen stations, we found choices for plant-based eaters to be limited. We did better purchasing onigiri, soba noodle salads, green tea, and sweeties from 7-11 in advance. Please see the section on Konbini below for more details.

• Know how to tap out.
  To exit Shinkansen gates, insert your tiny paper ticket into the automatic turnstile. If you tapped in with a Klook QR code or with Welcome Suica, you will need to insert your paper ticket first and then to tap the ticket reader with your phone QR code or Suica app.

TAXIS

• Taxis are convenient, easy to use, and reasonably priced.

• Pull up your destination on your phone in both English and Japanese before entering the cab. Having this information ready for your taxi driver in advance is appreciated and will speed your travel.

• Have payment ready prior to arrival.
  Most taxis take credit cards but some may say “cash only” when you enter the cab. Place your payment on the provided tray.

• Don’t open your own door.
  Taxi doors open automatically in Japan and it is not appreciated when you try to open them yourself.

BASIC ETIQUETTE

• Speak quietly.

• Eat quickly.
  While there are high-end restaurants where lingering over a meal is appropriate, more typically other diners will be waiting for your seat. Eat and go at most restaurants.

• Carry a bag for garbage.
  Garbage cans are hard to come by in Japan. Be sure to carry a plastic bag for rubbish. Trash bins can be found at most train stations and on the Shinkansen.

• Bow to show respect and thanks.
  A head nod is considered polite for most exchanges. However, if someone has gone out of their way to be helpful, be sure to bow your gratitude. Bow from the waist with your hands held at your sides not steepled at your chest. Look at the floor, not at the person you are bowing to.

• No tipping.
  Tipping is not part of the cultural norm in Japan. In fact, tipping may create embarrassment or an uncomfortable social exchange.

• Place all payment on the provided tray.
  Do not hand your Yen or credit card directly to the cashier. Instead, place it on the provided tray.

• Receive items with both hands.
  It is considered polite to take an item that is offered with both hands if you have them free.

• Don’t eat as you walk.
  If you order something from a street vendor, either ask for a box or bag to carry it back to your hotel or consume it while standing at the food stall. It is considered very bad manners to eat while walking on the street.

LANGUAGE BARRIER

We did not find it overly challenging to move through the country with very limited Japanese. Most signage and loudspeaker recordings are in multiple languages, including English. Many restaurants have English menus or menu QR codes with translation available. Google Translate and Google Lens also both work beautifully.

We found any attempt on our part to speak Japanese was very much appreciated and warmly received. The following phrases were particularly helpful:

• Good Morning - Ohayou Gozaimasu

• Hello - Kon'nichiwa (use until about 5:00 pm)

• Good Evening - Konbanwa (use after 5:00 pm)

• Please - Onegaishimasu (formal and appropriate when receiving a service)

• Thank you - Arigatou Gozaimasu

• Excuse me - Sumimasen (This is useful when asking for help or directions, when trying to squeeze off a crowded train, or if you’ve accidentally bumped into someone.)

• Yes - Hai

• No - Īe

• I humbly receive (Said before a meal) - Itadakimasu

• Goodbye - Sayōnara or “Bye-Bye”

KONBINI

Konbinis (Japanese word for convenience stores) have most anything a traveler might need. They offer an amazing assortment of snacks and ready-to-eat items. We found many foods that were appropriate for plant-based eaters, which saved us on days when we had difficulty finding vegan restaurant offerings. You can also purchase toiletries, an umbrella, basic office supplies, a fantastic assortment of delicious Japanese candies, clean socks, and even a dress shirt, should you have the need. Lawson and 7-11 are typically open 24 hours a day.

Konbinis are also a great place to break your larger Yen denominations. Simply pay with cash by putting the Yen sideways into the payment slot and the register will give you change. Nearly all 7-11s and most Lawson stores also have ATMs for cash withdrawal.

ATTENDING TO YOUR NEEDS

Bathrooms are free, clean, and readily available. They can be found at any train station, most stores, and sometimes just randomly on a street corner. See the Tokyo Toilet Project for where you can find particularly special potties. Aside from their easy access and architectural design possibilities, the commodes themselves are magical. Their hygiene offerings put any standard European bidet to shame and make American toilets seem positively provincial. In some locations, the seat will be warm and toasty, the lid will lift of its own accord when it senses your presence, the bowl will be cleaned automatically after use, and it may even play you a little ditty or relax you with birdsong. The toilets in Japan are the best of any country anywhere hands down. They make a necessity an adventure!

Of note, not all bathrooms supply soap for handwashing. Small packets of hand soap paper can be purchased for under a dollar at most convenience and drug stores. Or you can purchase some like these before you depart.

TAX FREE PURCHASES

Foreigners can currently purchase items in Japan tax free. Items purchased must meet a minimum of ¥5,500 (including tax) and cannot exceed ¥500,000. As the value added tax rate in Japan is 10%, this can mean significant savings. At many stores there is a tax free check-out line. You must provide a passport and credit card with the same name to qualify for tax free purchases. This tax exemption at point-of-purchase is scheduled to end in November of 2026. After this, visitors will pay tax upfront and will be eligible for refund at the port of departure with proper documentation.

HEADING BACK TO THE AIRPORT

• Transfer at Shinagawa NOT Tokyo Station.
  If you are coming from Osaka or Kyoto, take the Shinkansen to Shinagawa Station instead of Tokyo Station en route to either the Narita or Haneda airports. At Shinagawa, the Narita Express and Haneda Express trains to the airport are an easy walk from the Shinkansen platforms. This is not the case in Tokyo Station, where you will have a long confusing walk from your Shinkansen train.

• Use up your remaining Welcome Suica funds.
  Be sure to spend any remaining Yen on your Welcome Suica app, as it is non-refundable.

We absolutely loved Japan and we are already dreaming of a return trip.
We are certain you will love it, too.

Journey far. Be well.

🌸