Update 2024
Japan is one of the top 3 of the most traveled country in Asia. This article covers every step of preparing for a trip to Japan. It also includes the emergency information you need to travel safely.
Japan Overview
Travel restriction: No
Current safety: No alert
Dress code to avoid: No
General information: Read the travel guide
Prepare a trip to Japan:
Travel requirements
Planning your stay
Book your flights or boat tickets
Pre-book activities & accommodation
Japanese culture & manners
Pack for Japan
Know how to adapt in all situation
What to bring from Japan
Leaving Japan
1. Travel requirements
Entry requirements for Japan
What documents are needed to visit Japan?
Your Passport
Visa (according to your country)
Approved immigration and customs application to Visit Japan Web
It is recommended to have your hotel and your country embassy’s address and phone number written on your phone or a piece of paper that you keep with you in case of emergency.
2. Planning your stay
Everything you need to know to plan your first trip to Japan
When is the best time to come to Japan?
This will depend on what you want to experience in the country and your travel budget. The cherry blossom season (from mid-March to mid-April) and autumn foliage (starting November) are the two busiest seasons in Japan for sightseeing tourism. It is also the period when flight tickets and hotel prices are at their highest. Wintertime, in general, is when prices are at their lowest, with natural hot springs, snow activities, renting a kimono, and shopping being the main attractions.
How to use public transportation in Japan?
Use local transportation in Japan by buying tickets at the stations or the bus driver when leaving the bus. Using a transportation card will save you time. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) can be purchased and recharged with cash at any big station.
Unfortunately, these cards cannot be used for every transportation company in Japan, which is why carrying cash is pretty useful. Also, you might consider buying a day pass rather than an IC card if you commute a lot within a day. It is more cost-efficient. To use the JR Railway for a long trip in Japan, it is recommended to buy the JR pass (read more below at point 4).
Itinerary for a first-timer Trip to Japan (2-week itinerary)
Tokyo (5 days)
with two-day trips and/or sleepovers to Kamakura and Kawaguchiko
What to see in Kamakura: Kōtoku-in (temple with giant Buddha) – Hasedera (temple with scenic views and gardens) – Yuigahama Beach
What to see in Kawaguchiko: Scenic bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station to Oishi Park – Kawaguchiko Lake (Mount Fuji from afar)
Tokyo Day 1: Akihabara (large street with game shops) – Accommodation check-in – Yoyogi Koen Park – Harajuku area & Takeshita-dori (recommend eating crepes!) – Shibuya area
Tokyo Day 2: Ghibli Museum (to pre-book) & visit the Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory (for their Totoro pastries!) – Shinjuku Gyoen Park – Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho (night bars street)
Tokyo Day 3: Tsukiji Market (fresh seafood street food) – Ginza area for shopping – Asakusa (if you want to rent a kimono, pre-book it) – Tokyo Skytree (viewpoint & many shops)
Osaka (3 days)
with a day trip and/or sleepover to Nara
Osaka Day 1: Arriving at Osaka Station – Accommodation check-in – Osaka Castle (pre-book tickets if you wish to visit the inside of the castle) – Dotonbori (street foods & restaurants)
Osaka Day 2: Universal Studio Japan (pre-book tickets) – Umeda Sky Building (viewpoint & shopping mall)
Nara Day 3: Arriving at Nara Station – Nakatanidou’s mochi – Tōdai-ji (Buddhist temple) – Nara deer park – Mount Wakakusa (go from the Mount Wakakusa base North Gate)
Kyoto (4 days)
Kyoto Day 1: Arriving at Kyoto Station – Accommodation check-in – Downtown Kyoto (Teramachi-Dori, Nishiki Market) – Kamo-gawa (Kyoto’s scenic river walk) – Fushimi Inari-Taisha (scenic walk under thousands of red gates in a forest)
Kyoto Day 2: Ginkaku-ji (to pre-book) & the Philosopher’s Path – Kiyomizu-dera (taking the old town roads of Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka) – Gion (walk along the Shirakawa canal)
Kyoto Day 3: Arashiyama (Arashiyama Station main area, Bamboo Grove, Kameyama Park) & Kinkaku-ji (to pre-book) – Kiyamachi-dori (walk along the Takase canal)
Kyoto Countryside Day 4: Some ideas for adventurous you from closest to farthest from downtown Kyoto – Kifune-jinja (temple with noodle restaurants on a river in the mountains), Enryaku-ji (temple with a view on Biwa Lake), Sewaritei (cherry blossom park with a local festival from end of march), Amanohashidata Viewland (family coastal trip), Funaya Village in Ine (bay fishery village)
Tokyo or Osaka (last days)
According to your departure tickets: have a stress-free day and venture into the city as you wish with a last Japanese restaurant and shopping mall visit!
Read more
First-timer Japan itinerary (10 to 14 days)
When is the best time to travel to Japan?
Hokan-ji in Ninenzaka area of Kyoto
3. Book your flight or boat tickets
There are two ways of entering Japan, by plane or by boat. Flying is the quickest way, and this is undeniable, even with adding the check-in and gates control time. On the other hand, taking the ferry is a long journey but allows you to bring more of your belongings, and the ticket price is usually lower than a plane ticket.
About booking a flight ticket:
Booking plane tickets & their prices: It is recommended to book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best deals & the most convenient departure/arrival time. Prices fluctuate a lot according to the period of your stay, but also will always inflate no matter the initial deal that hooked you to the flight company booking page. This is extremely annoying!
International Airports in Japan:
New Chitose Airport (CTS)
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Haneda Airport (HND)
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Naha Airport (OKA)
Flying perks: Fast, comfy seats, multiple destinations and airlines, and duty-free shopping at the airport or online/pick-up service on board
Map of International Airport & Ferry Terminal in Japan (adaysophie.com) – 2023
About booking a boat ticket:
Booking boat tickets & their prices: Boat ticket prices will vary depending on the ferry company, but it is practically a flat price at any time of the year.
Boat-ride perks: Comfy private rooms (additional charge) and duty-free shopping directly in shops on board or with online/pick-up service.
International Ports in Japan (see above map):
Wakkanai Ferry Terminal (Hokkaido – Korsakov)
Osaka Port International Ferry Terminal (Osaka – Shanghai/Busan)
Kobe Port Terminal (Kobe – Shanghai)
Hakatafutodai 1 Terminal, 2 Terminal (Fukuoka – Busan)
4. Pre-book activities & accommodation
Best way to save money from your trip to Japan
Pre-book your activities
To be cost & time-efficient, pre-book your entry tickets to popular attractions such as Ghibli Museum, Universal Studios Japan, and Tokyo Disneyland. It is advisable to book your visit when renting a kimono. And, if possible, reserve your train tickets in advance through train/bus companies’ websites.
What is the JR Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a transportation paper for foreign tourists allowing usage of the JR Group line in Japan. This pass is only delivered by pre-purchasing it through their website. The price depends on the validity period and the covered regions in Japan. For example, the JR East region pass connects central Tokyo with Haneda and Narita airports. There are also JR subway lines as the looping Yamanote line in Tokyo.
Since October 2023, the price of the JR pass has increased. It is no longer a blind buy for your trip to Japan. But, it is safe to say that if, within a week, you expect to use the bullet train more than twice, buying the JR pass could save you money. Otherwise, taking buses or planes can be more economical!
How to use the JR Pass?
JR pass holders do not need to pay for tickets using the JR network. It includes Shinkansens (Nozomi & Mizuho Shinkansens excluded), JR trains, JR subways, and JR buses. Show your pass to the person in charge at the JR station before passing the gates or JR bus drivers. Between cities, there is a train reserved seating system you can manage online or directly on-site at JR stations.
Should I rent a Pocket wifi?
There are public places with free wifi but not everywhere. If you were not able to unblock data usage abroad with your actual phone service provider, it is highly recommended to rent a pocket wifi. This can be pre-booked and delivered to an airport booth or your hotel, which is very convenient. It costs around 6 to 7 USD a day.
What are the best accommodations in Japan?
Hotels
Private rooms in a building with many facilities such as catering, laundry, and concierge services. A 5-star hotel provides large rooms, a buffet breakfast, a gym, a pool, etc. It is the most luxurious type of accommodation.
Ryokans
A Ryokan (旅館) is a traditional Japanese inn that local loves. The rooms are large, with single beds on a tatami floor. Japanese hospitality is at its peak with extra attention towards your bathtime, breakfast, and dinner. They even provide you with Japanese pajamas.
Japanese Inns
Similar to Ryokans, the rooms are traditional-looking with a space to take a bath. But, there are fewer amenities and no special attention. The prices are more affordable as well.
Capsule hotels
The concept of capsule hotels was created in Japan as a way to use minimal space for a better price. Rooms are stacked like bunker beds, and all other areas are shared with other guests. It is gender separated and for single guests only.
Private housing & shared rooms
These are houses similar to what you could get if you were a tenant. It is a good solution for people staying over a month in the same area. You could get a whole house, an apartment, a room, or a shared room.
5. Japanese culture & manners
Connect on a deeper level during your trip to Japan
Traveling to another country means understanding the culture and not disturbing the locals. Japanese people are well-known for their respectful manners. Hence, gathering some knowledge is essential to not appear as a rude tourist.
Japanese Culture
If you read about the Japanese public holidays in the Travel Guide, you might have caught up on how much the Japanese appreciate nature. Japan is one of the rare countries in Asia that have not been colonized, thus preserving their lands and most of their heritage. Maintaining the public space clean and not contaminating lakes, rivers, or other water points is a norm.
Surprisingly, despite Japanese politeness, saying hello or thank you to the shop worker or casually conversing with their neighbors is not a practice. But, as a tourist, you are allowed to do so. But don’t expect a positive response.
The culture of Japanese Tatemae consists of avoiding clashing opinions and directly managing conflicts. This is a difficult concept to understand as it exists only in Japan. And, when you want to learn more about your Japanese friend, you might feel difficulties learning more about that person’s opinions. It is a big cultural difference, but don’t focus on that if you feel the distance. Instead, focus on having fun and creating memories.
Daily Japanese manners
Avoid being noisy on public transportation or in residential areas. Be respectful of others and do not have inappropriate behaviors.
When people bow at you, you should bow back as a sign of politeness. There is a sense of hierarchy in this culture of bowing, but as tourists, a slight bow is enough and appropriate for daily matters.
React to what the Japanese instruct you by nodding. If you asked for some guidance in any matter, if you understand and appreciate the help, slightly nod as a response. You might as well respond by saying “Hai (はい)” as to say “Okay, yes”. To thank that person, bow and say “Thank you very much” or “Arigato Gozaimasu” (ありがとう ございます).
When entering your accommodation in Japan, it is expected that you don’t wear your shoes inside. Use the slippers that should be provided.
Must-know Don’ts in Japan
Don’t stick chopsticks in a bowl of rice.
Don’t take secretive pictures of people (private properties, geishas).
Don’t write a person’s name in red.
Don’t be loud in a quiet place.
Don’t litter anywhere.
Don’t wear your shoes in a house, wear slippers.
List of useful Japanese to learn before your trip
Saying “Hello, Goodbye, Thank you, Sorry, Yes, No” in English will be understood by anyone in Japan. But, it could be a plus to show your interest in speaking Japanese.
Hello! こんにちは！ Konnichiwa
Thank you very much! ありがとう ございます！ Arigato Gozaimasu
Excuse me! すみません！ Sumimasen
I am “Sophie”. I am “French”. (mixing with english words, not a direct translation) 私は”Sophie”です。 “France”人です。 Watashi wa “Sophie” desu. “France”-jin desu.
Do you understand English? 英語が分かりますか？ Ego ga wakari-masuka?
Where is this? ここはどこですか？ Koko wa doko-desuka?
Excuse me, I’d like to order, please! 注文お願いします。Jumon onegai-shimasu!
What do you recommend? おすすめは何ですか？ Osusume wa nan-desuka?
One of this, two of that, three of this one, four of that one. これが 1 つ、あれが 2 つ、これが 3 つ、あれが 4 つ。 Kore ga hito-tsu, are ga futa-tsu, kore ga mi-tsu, are ga yo-tsu.
Go to this address, please. ここに行ってください。 Koko ni ite-kudasai.
6. Pack for Japan
Everything you need to bring on your trip to Japan
9 Things to not forget to pack for Japan:
Your travel papers (transport tickets, passport, visa, vaccination proof & customs declaration if required)
The accommodation address & phone number In case of emergency, I recommend writing your country embassy address & phone number in Japan as well. Note 119 for fire & medical emergencies, and dial 110 for police intervention.
Prepare some cash in Japanese currency (Japanese Yen) & in your country’s currency to exchange at the airport.
Seasonal outfits to pair with comfortable shoes!
Japanese plug adapter Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat parallel pins). My tip would be to bring one worldwide adapter, then plug a multi-cord into it for the whole family devices.
Portable charger Keep your devices charged is essential. Especially using navigation apps all day, a portable charger and extra camera battery will be handy.
Your Japan guide If a specific guidebook has helped you plan your trip to Japan, it is a good idea to have quick and easy access to it!
Medications and personal hygiene items If you take any prescription medications, don’t forget to bring an adequate supply. Pack your toiletries, sunscreen, and any other items you may need. Japanese convenience stores are open 24/365. You can buy sanitizing sprays, bandages, cough & nasal sprays, and vitamins.
Gifts for your friends in Japan ♥
What weather to expect in Japan?
Japan has four seasons, with unpredictable weather in Okinawa and cooler temperatures in the north of the country in Hokkaido. It is generally hot and humid throughout July and August, with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F). June and July are known to be the rainy season in Japan, but it pours less than the monsoon in other parts of Asia. Winter season temperatures are around 0-10°C (32-50°F) with rare snowfall except for the Hokkaido region.
What to wear in Japan?
There is no restriction as to what to wear in Japan. But, out of respect for the local culture, when visiting temples, shrines, or traditional places, modest clothing is appreciated. Because Japan has four seasons, check the weather forecast for your travel dates and pack accordingly.
Traditional Japanese Clothing Wearing it is not disrespectful. Respecting cultural manners is more important, and Japanese people are more sensitive to misbehaviors!
Spring The weather can vary in a day with rain, then sudden warm sun. It is best to pack layering clothes such as a tee, a jacket, and a cardigan. The month of March still holds cold temperatures. Pack at least one knit if going in early March.
Summer As mentioned before, summer is hot and humid, so pack light clothes. The nights are as hot, but if you travel to cooler regions or go up a mountainous area, it is preferable to pack a light jacket. Also, if you plan many indoor activities, there is a high chance the air conditioning will be on. This means bringing an extra layer to accommodate the sudden cool indoor temperatures.
Autumn September has very mild temperatures, and wearing jeans with a long-sleeve top would go great throughout the day. Starting from the end of September to November, wearing warmer clothes such as knits and sweaters is preferable. Bring an extra coat with you because the breeze can get chilly.
Winter Pack warm clothes and a thick jacket. If you are the type to feel easily cold, pack warm gloves, a hat, and a scarf. If you intend to walk in the snow, wear comfortable shoes that don’t get your feet wet. And, in case the weather is colder than expected, go buy hot packs (pocket-sized sachets) in a convenience store, they will warm you for 6 hours!
What to gift to a Japanese friend?
There are gifts to avoid, such as white flowers, because of their association with funerals. The most appreciated gift will always be the one showing that you value your friendship. It could be something the other person talked about, a future day’s plan such as entry tickets, entertainment tickets, or something that reminds you both of a good time together.
But, your Japanese friend may prefer goods from your country, and you want to gift something safe. Some good ideas would be to bring an iconic gift from your home country, some local food, and offer to pay for a meal in Japan. The last one could be hard, but stay persistent!
7. Know how to adapt in all situation
Unexpected events during your trip to Japan
Lost your luggage in Japan?
If your airline loses checked-in baggage, it will be sent to your hotel address in a few days. Report the incident to the nearest airline booth at the airport directly after your landing, and check the missing baggage policy. If losses are involved, contact your travel insurance.
Need of cash, where to exchange currency in Japan?
Firstly, most Japanese businesses accept Visa cards and Mastercards, but the small local shops and restaurants might only take cash. It is essential to bring enough liquidity to cover your expenses or to have already prepared some Japanese currency, the Japanese Yen. You can exchange at the airport mainly.
Depending on the city you will stay at, there are some money exchange shops and banks doing it. If you need cash emergently, you will have to head to the nearest convenience store with an international ATM to withdraw some cash from your bank account. This will cost you an extra fee depending on your bank terms and services.
Lost in Japan?
A new area gets you confused, even by using a map. The easiest method to get back on track is to ask the locals the way. There is nothing to be shy about. Use minimal English, Japanese, and body language. You could also download your Google Maps for offline use.
If you are lost to get back to your accommodation, it is best to save your accommodation address on your phone with the nearest train station. By showing it to locals, you will find your way or take a direct taxi ride.
Where to sleep with no reservation?
In touristy areas, it is difficult to find accommodation last minute. Most people pre-book their accommodations. But, missing the last train can happen, you decide to stay the night elsewhere, or the accommodation you booked is not up to your standards.
If you need a last-minute bed or room, try the nearest hotel. Even if they are fully booked, they can contact an affiliate hotel if they have any vacancies. If there are no hotel rooms, ask for the nearest capsule hotel called “Kapuseru Hoteru” (カプセルホテル). You can also ask for the closest 24-hour manga cafe called “Manga Kissaten” (まんが喫茶). It is a place where you can at least get to sleep on a couch.
Where to buy clothes in Japan?
Sometimes the weather is unexpected, and we get our day clothes dirty and need to do some urgent clothing shopping. You can find basic tees, underwear, socks, and stockings at any convenience store in Japan. To get more choices of clothing at a reasonable price, head to the apparel section of Daiso. It is a dollar shop famous in Japan. In bigger cities, you might find a mall and a Uniqlo shop.
Sudden day plan change, what to do in the area?
Either you still visit the area, even with your main attraction closed, or you decide to visit another close-by neighborhood. Japan is a fascinating country full of extraordinary and uncommon places. Wandering around will be as stimulating as any activity you initially planned.
What to do in case of natural disasters?
Japan’s most common natural disasters are floods, earthquakes, and typhoons. You will receive a phone alert. It is best to take cover with a local and follow his guidance toward an evacuation center. Also, always carefully carry your passport, and grab a few survival items with you, such as water and food. Use the emergency exists to leave, and remain calm. Stay away from beaches as tsunami risks arise with typhoons and earthquakes.
How to get urgent health care in Japan?
In case of a serious medical emergency, dial 119 to contact an ambulance. For a medical consultation, go to the nearby hospital. In Japan, there are many 24/7 hospitals around the city. Contact your embassy to find guidance in searching for a translator. Lastly, if you are not severely wounded, you can find first-aid equipment at your nearby convenience store or drugstore.
For other problems, it is advisable to contact your country’s embassy in Japan.
Emergency numbers in Japan
Dial 119 for fire & medical emergencies, including serious injuries or illnesses.
Dial 110 for police intervention or to report crimes.
8. What to bring from Japan
Things you should buy on your trip to Japan
What to buy in Japan?
Japan is well-known for its traditional craftsmanship, kitchen appliances, sweets, confectionery, cute stationery, animation-related items, and green tea powder called matcha. To find fun and atypical souvenirs, head to a Don Quijote shop. You can find a variety of KitKat flavors and fun gadgets. If you are also interested in Japanese apparel, go to a mall, where you will find out what brands locals buy from.
What are good gifts from Japan?
Here are the top 3 of the most-buy items from tourists visiting Japan. First are Japanese traditional crafts and items such as items from souvenir shops, home decor, maneki-nekos that bring luck, and Japanese traditional clothes such as a Kimono or a Yukata. Second is Japanese electronic goods such as cameras, audio equipment, etc., because more models are accessible and at a cheaper price, compared to your home country. Lastly, the third place goes to Japanese food such as sweets, confectionery, and tea.
9. Leaving Japan
Ending your trip to Japan
Going back to the airport
This is the final step of your trip to Japan to not overlook! Take some time to pack your luggage before leaving the hotel, go to the airport early enough, and have all the documents required to visit the next country on you. That is a huge amount of stress you can avoid. So, take some time to think about that final step!
Check for travel requirements for the country you are visiting next
The travel requirements vary from one country to another. It is important to make your research about if your passport allows you to enter the territory without a visa. At sensitive times, you should also check the news about the geopolitical situation and natural disasters, if it is safe to land there, and your flight status before heading to the airport.
Some final words from the writer
I hope this guide is helpful and that you have a wonderful time in Japan. It is a beautiful country with easy access to many points of interest. There are also countless resources for travelers. More experienced travelers will find plenty of Japan’s off-the-beaten-path destinations for their trip to Japan. Whether it is your first time or your tenth, the cultural layers and scenic landscapes make Japan fascinating and one of the most visited countries in Asia. Please note for any emergency, always contact your embassy or visit the nearest embassy.
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