New Zealand
United States
Canada
Jess arrived in Japan thoroughly prepared. But Japan still taught her something new every single day. These are the tips she came home with.
Before I went to Japan on a recent Inspiring Vacations Japan tour, I’d read everything. Blogs, guidebooks, packing lists, Reddit threads, the lot. I still got off the plane at Narita slightly bewildered, completely unprepared for how often I’d reach for cash, and convinced I’d never figure out the trains.
Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international arrivals in 2025, and demand keeps climbing. Whether you’re exploring guided Japan tours or planning to travel independently, here are the Japan travel tips I wish someone had handed me before I went, drawn from the things I learnt on the ground, the cultural details that caught me off guard, and the practical things to know before going to Japan.
Getting around Japan: trains, IC cards, and the Shinkansen
I’ll start with what surprised me most: the rail network is even better than the hype suggests. Once you understand it, getting between cities becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip.
The Shinkansen (bullet train) runs at speeds of over 300 km/h (186 mph), connecting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima with extraordinary punctuality. The ride between Tokyo and Kyoto, with Mount Fuji framed in the window on a clear day, is one I’ll remember for years.
Before you leave home, look into the Japan Rail Pass, which covers most JR-operated Shinkansen lines and is purchased online through JR's official site or authorised agents before you depart, then activated at a JR ticket office in Japan. It's helpful to note that a significant price increase in 2023 means this pass doesn't automatically offer savings, so I'd recommend comparing it against point-to-point fares for your specific itinerary before buying.
For getting around cities, pick up an IC card (Suica and Pasmo are the most widely used) at any major train station. Tap in, tap out, top up as needed. It works across rail and subway networks throughout the country, regardless of which city issued it.
If you take the wrong line, don’t panic. I did that more times than I’ll admit. Station signage is bilingual, staff at major hubs are patient with international visitors, and Google Maps handles Japanese transit routes accurately.
Japan travel tips: what to eat and where
This is where Japan completely floored me. Here are seven dishes I’d say you have to try:
- Sushi. Fresh, precise, and nothing like the version back home.
- Ramen. Regional broths differ dramatically. Sapporo’s miso, Tokyo’s shoyu, and Kyushu’s rich tonkotsu are each their own experience.
- Tempura. Lightly battered seafood and vegetables, best eaten the moment they leave the oil.
- Okonomiyaki. A savoury pancake layered with cabbage, meat, or seafood. Osaka and Hiroshima each claim their own version, and locals feel strongly about the distinction.
- Sashimi. Raw fish sliced to order, served with wasabi and soy.
- Kaiseki. A multi-course meal centred on seasonal ingredients and refined presentation. Worth the splurge at least once.
- Takoyaki. Fried dough balls filled with octopus, sold from street stalls across Osaka. I’d never been an octopus fan before this trip. I came home a convert. Order them.
In Tokyo, the Tsukiji Outer Market was easily one of my favourite places to eat. The sushi, tamago (Japanese omelette), and donburi (seafood bowls) from the stalls are outstanding. Go early.
Japan travel advice: cultural tips to know before you arrive
A handful of cultural details caught me off guard. None of them are difficult, but they’re worth knowing before you arrive.
Cash still matters
I underestimated how much cash I’d need. Card acceptance is improving, particularly in cities, but many temples, small restaurants, and local shops remain cash-only. ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores accept most international cards and typically don’t charge a withdrawal fee. Keep yen on you.
Tipping is not expected
Japanese service culture is built on pride in excellent work, not incentivising it. If you leave change on a restaurant table, don’t be surprised if a staff member chases after you to return it.
Onsens and tattoos
Onsens (hot springs) were one of my favourite parts of the trip. Most public onsens require bathing without swimwear, and many restrict entry to travellers with visible tattoos. Private onsens are available at many ryokan (traditional inns), so it's worth asking about them when you book.
Shoes off
Many temples, traditional restaurants, and private homes require you to remove footwear at the entrance. Slip-on shoes make this significantly easier throughout the day.
Rubbish
Rubbish bins are rare in public spaces, so carry a small bag for wrappers and packaging.
A note on Hiroshima
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) was the most emotionally affecting place I visited. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and carries a quiet weight most travellers don’t anticipate. Give it more time than your itinerary suggests.
Beyond the guidebook: five places worth seeking out
Japan’s headline attractions deserve every bit of their reputation. I’ll never forget walking through the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto at dusk, or seeing the floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island at high tide. But some of my favourite moments happened away from the main path.
- Yanaka District, Tokyo. One of the few Tokyo neighbourhoods to survive the 1923 earthquake largely intact. Quiet lanes, traditional shops, and small temples offer a completely different pace to the rest of the city.
- Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. Vintage clothing stores, indie cafes, and live music venues. I spent a whole evening here with no plan, and it was one of my favourite nights of the trip.
- Kiyosumi Teien, Tokyo. A beautifully maintained Japanese garden that most tour buses miss entirely.
- Meguro River, Tokyo. A lovely stroll at any time of year, and one of the best cherry blossom walks in the city in spring.
- Rurikoin Temple, Kyoto. Far fewer visitors than Kyoto’s main sites, with a moss garden and maple-lined paths well worth seeking out. Note that it opens seasonally, so confirm access dates before visiting.
For more ideas across the country, our 101 things to do in Japan guide covers everything from sumo practice sessions to the country’s most unusual cafes.
Tips for solo travel in Japan
I travelled with a group, but I spent enough time wandering on my own to come back convinced: Japan is one of the easiest places in the world to travel solo. Tips for solo travel in Japan come up often online for good reason. The country genuinely makes independent travel easy.
Crime rates are extremely low, public spaces are orderly and well-lit, and locals are patient and willing to help even across a language barrier. Download Google Translate with the Japanese offline language pack before you leave. It handles signs, menus, and directions reliably, and it saved me from a wrong turn more than once.
Dining alone in Japan
Dining alone is culturally comfortable in Japan in a way that isn’t always the case elsewhere. Ramen bars, sushi counters, and conveyor belt restaurants are designed with single diners in mind. Counter seating is the norm, and many restaurants use picture menus or plastic food displays in the window, so ordering rarely requires a conversation.
Guided tours for solo travellers
For solo travellers who’d prefer company on the road, a small-group guided Japan tour is one of the most natural ways to travel. You meet like-minded travellers from day one, a dedicated tour leader handles transport, accommodation, and the logistical moments that can feel daunting alone, and free time is built into most itineraries so you can explore at your own pace.
What to pack for Japan
Japan involves a lot of walking. Across temple grounds, city streets, market laneways, and mountain paths. My packing list shifted a lot between what I thought I’d need and what I actually used.
- Easy-on, comfortable shoes. I cannot stress this enough. Many temples and traditional restaurants require you to remove your footwear. Slip-ons save you time at every entrance.
- Smart casual layers. Cover shoulders and knees for temple visits. Spring and autumn temperatures shift significantly between morning and evening.
- Swimwear. Useful for hotel pools and private onsens. Not required for traditional public onsens.
- A power bank. I used my phone constantly for navigation, translation, and transit. A power bank is not optional.
- A small daypack. For water, a jacket, my camera, and whatever I picked up along the way.
Planning your Japan tour
If you’re starting to plan a Japan trip, here’s what I’d think about first: how much time you have, what you most want to see, and how active you want the journey to feel.
- For first-time visitors: look for itineraries that combine Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and a Shinkansen day, ideally with Hiroshima or Mount Fuji. 10 to 14 days is enough to see the highlights without rushing.
- For repeat visitors: Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Okinawa offer entirely different experiences to Honshu’s main route.
- For a slower pace: small group tours move more flexibly than larger coach tours and allow more time at each destination.
Inspiring Vacations runs small group, independent, and tailormade tours through Japan. See the full range on our Japan tours page, or read our first-timer’s guide to Japan for more on planning your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan?
You don’t. I went with about ten phrases and got by easily. Major train stations have bilingual signage, most restaurants in tourist areas use picture menus or food display windows, and staff at airports and major attractions are generally accustomed to helping international visitors. Download Google Translate with the offline Japanese pack before you leave and learn a handful of phrases. Arigato gozaimasu (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me) open more doors than you might expect. Check out this handy Japanese Audio Guide to practice key phrases before you go.
Is Japan safe for solo travellers?
Japan is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world for solo travellers. Petty crime is rare, public transport is reliable and well-lit after dark, and the cultural emphasis on consideration for others creates a naturally safe environment. Standard precautions still apply: carry travel insurance and keep copies of important documents. Explore our Travel Safe Hub for more information.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Spring (late March to early May) is the most popular time to visit, centred on cherry blossom season. Autumn (September to November) is equally beautiful, with spectacular foliage across Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nikko. Both seasons can be busy at major sites, particularly around national holidays, so book early. Winter is increasingly popular for quieter temples, powder skiing in Nagano, and the snow monkeys at Jigokudani. For a full seasonal breakdown, read our guide on when is the best time to visit Japan.
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
Most visitors from Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK, Canada, and EU countries don’t need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. You’ll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay and a return or onward ticket. Always check your country’s official travel advisory before you book. See our Visa and Passport information page for more.
Can I use credit cards in Japan?
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, department stores, and larger restaurants in major cities, but Japan still leans more cash-friendly than most international visitors expect. Convenience store ATMs (particularly 7-Eleven) accept international cards reliably and typically don't charge a withdrawal fee from the ATM itself, though your home bank may apply its own international transaction fees. Carry enough yen for temples, small restaurants, taxis, and food stalls.
Inspired by Jess’s experience?
For a first trip, two of our most comprehensive and enriching options are the Unforgettable Japan Small Group tour, a fully escorted journey through Japan’s main highlights, and Inspiring Japan, a longer itinerary spanning three of the country’s islands.
Browse our full range of Japan tours to compare itineraries, or explore our wider Asia destinations if you’d like to combine Japan with Korea and Taiwan for a bumper trip.
