Planning a trip to Japan? With its rich history, unique customs, and ultra-modern cities, Japan is a fascinating destination like no other. But to truly enjoy your adventure, it’s important to understand a few key aspects of Japanese culture and travel etiquette. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are 10 essential tips to help you navigate Japan like a pro and make the most of your journey.
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1. Choose the Best Season
Japan offers something special in every season, so deciding when to visit can be tricky. Spring (March to April) is undeniably popular due to the sakura blossoms painting the landscape in pink and white. Be ready for crowds, though—this is peak tourist season! On the flip side, autumn (September to November) gives you cooler temperatures and breathtaking views of crimson maple leaves, creating perfect conditions for hikes and temple visits.
If you’re a snow enthusiast, winter (December to February) is your go-to season. The northern regions, like Hokkaido, transform into magical snowy escapes, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, or simply soaking in a hot spring while surrounded by a snowy wonderland.
Summer (June to August), though hot and humid, has its hidden gems too. The hydrangea bloom in June is worth catching, and by July and August, places like Hokkaido and Karuizawa offer cool retreats away from the heat, perfect for outdoor activities. Plus, since domestic tourism drops in summer, you can snag great deals on flights and hotels.
Avoiding crowds? Steer clear of national holidays like Golden Week (early May) and Silver Week (mid-September), when locals flock to popular destinations.
2. Book Your Tickets in Advance
Japan’s popularity is skyrocketing, and with attractions like Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World drawing massive crowds, long queues are a given. To skip the disappointment (and hours in line), it’s best to purchase your tickets in advance—especially for popular spots like theme parks, museums, and famous landmarks. This is even more crucial during the high seasons (spring and autumn) when both international tourists and locals are on the move. Pre-booking not only secures your spot but also saves you time to enjoy more of what Japan has to offer.
3. Be Prepared to Pay in Cash
While Japan is gradually accepting cards, it’s still very much a cash-based society. Many places—like small restaurants, local shops, and even some taxis—either don’t accept cards or make the process cumbersome. For example, though some taxis now take credit cards, systems vary widely, with some needing to call in your card details. To avoid these situations, carry enough yen wherever you go.
Also, bring a coin purse! You’ll be surprised how often you’ll use coins, as the smallest bill in Japan is 1,000 yen (about £9). With coins for amounts as high as 500 yen, they add up quickly, so having a dedicated spot for them is handy. ATMs are widely available, but they often have service fees, and not all accept foreign cards.
4. The JR Pass: Is It Worth It?
Planning to hop between cities in Japan? The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is likely your best bet. Exclusively available to tourists, this pass offers unlimited rides on JR trains, including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains. If you’re covering long distances—say, Tokyo to Kyoto—the pass can save you a lot of money.
However, if you’re staying in one city or just exploring Tokyo and Kyoto, the pass might not be necessary. In Kyoto, buses are the main form of transportation, and in Tokyo, you may find cheaper alternatives like local metro lines.
LT Tip: Purchase your JR Pass before arriving in Japan. It’s significantly cheaper when bought online through services like Klook, and you can pick up the physical pass as soon as you land.
5. Bring Your Own Shopping Bag
Since 2020, Japan has enforced a law requiring retailers to charge for plastic bags, ranging from 3 to 10 yen. If you want to avoid the extra cost or are looking to minimise your environmental footprint, remember to pack a reusable shopping bag. Not only will it save you some yen, but it’s also handy for spontaneous purchases—after all, you never know when a cute souvenir or snack might catch your eye! Plus, walking around with an eco-friendly bag makes for a stylish and responsible traveller look.
6. Go Outside the City Limits: Discover Japan’s Hidden Gems
First-time visitors often stick to the bustling metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka, and while these cities are undeniably vibrant and exciting, Japan has so much more to offer beyond the bright lights and fast pace. To truly appreciate the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and slower rhythms of life, take some time to explore the countryside or smaller towns.
For instance, a short trip from Tokyo could take you to Nikko, home to stunning shrines and picturesque mountains. It’s the perfect place to escape the city’s buzz and immerse yourself in Japan’s cultural heritage. Or, head to Hakone, where you can relax in an outdoor hot spring with a view of Mount Fuji.
In addition, Nara offers a peaceful experience with its tranquil temples and free-roaming deer, while Kyoto delivers stunning traditional architecture and serene gardens. If you’re looking for breathtaking nature, consider a visit to Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps. The untouched scenery and serene hiking trails offer a completely different side of Japan.
Taking time to explore outside the major cities not only provides a change of pace but also offers a deeper understanding of Japan’s cultural and natural diversity.
7. Use a Luggage Forwarding Service
One of the biggest travel hassles is lugging your suitcase around from city to city, especially if you’re using public transport. Fortunately, Japan has a brilliant solution: luggage forwarding services. Companies like Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) make it incredibly easy to send your luggage ahead to your next destination. For instance, if you’re travelling from Tokyo to Osaka, your suitcase can be delivered in just one or two days, so you don’t have to worry about it while you explore.
This service is also helpful if you’re planning to stop at smaller destinations along the way, where navigating with a large suitcase would be a hassle. Many hotels can arrange the service for you, so all you need to do is drop your bags at the front desk. You can even forward your luggage to and from the airport, making your travels that much smoother.
LT Tip: If you’d rather keep your luggage with you but don’t want to drag it around while sightseeing, most major train stations have large coin lockers available. For around 700 yen, you can safely store even a 26-inch suitcase and enjoy your day hands-free!
8. Don’t Tip: A Cultural Courtesy
In Japan, tipping is not just unnecessary—it’s actually considered rude in many situations. Unlike in Western countries where tipping is customary for good service, in Japan, employees in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and other service industries take pride in providing excellent service as part of their job, without the expectation of additional compensation.
If you leave money behind after a meal, staff might even chase after you to return it! Instead of tipping, a simple ‘arigato gozaimasu’ (thank you) is more than enough to show your appreciation. This cultural norm allows you to enjoy the service without worrying about calculating tips, and it reflects Japan’s emphasis on politeness and professionalism.
9. Don’t Eat While Walking
In many cultures, grabbing food on the go is perfectly normal, but in Japan, eating while and cleanliness. Japanese people typically prefer to sit down and enjoy their food in designated areas, whether it’s in a restaurant, a park, or a bench near a convenience store.
Walking and eating can lead to littering or spilling food in public spaces, which are typically kept very clean. Instead, if you buy a snack or street food, take a moment to find a spot to sit and enjoy your food leisurely. Not only does this align with local customs, but it also allows you to fully savour the experience.
10. Learn Basic Japanese: A Key to Unlocking the Culture
While you can get by in Japan with English in larger cities, knowing a few basic phrases in Japanese will go a long way—and it’s more than just practical. Simple greetings, ordering food, or asking for directions in Japanese can open up interactions that otherwise might not happen, making your trip more rewarding. Locals deeply appreciate the effort, and it can make navigating restaurants, transportation, and shops much smoother.
For example, learning phrases like “Sumimasen” (excuse me) or “Arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much) can instantly make your interactions more pleasant and culturally respectful. Moreover, being able to ask “Eigo o hanashimasu ka?” (Do you speak English?) in Japanese can make things clearer when you’re in a bind.
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Interested in mastering more than just the basics? Language Trainers offers one-to-one Japanese lessons with native speakers, both online and in person. Whether you’re preparing for a trip or looking to immerse yourself in the language long-term, our expert teachers can help you build confidence and fluency. Contact Language Trainers now and let us help you make the most of your Japanese adventure.