Things to know before visiting Japan

1. Cash is essential

Cash is king in Japan. Despite how modern Japan might seem with its neon-tinged streets, robotic-like toilets, and being a hub for technology innovation, cash is still a must-have in your wallet. While digital payment methods have certainly been more widely adopted since the pandemic, there are still plenty of cash-only situations in Japan.

From street markets to mum-and-pop shops, small cafes, and restaurants, there are definitely times you will need cash available. Having a mix of denominations is useful, and coins are handy for vending machines and gachapons. It also means you can provide exchange change in some situations, especially since tipping isn’t the done thing in Japan (more on this later).

Some ATMs don’t support withdrawals from foreign cards. We’ve always found 7-Eleven bank ATMs and most other cash machines at convenience stores to work. The great thing is they are also usually 24/7 which means you can get cash out anytime.

2. Arrange a data SIM when you arrive

Don’t get caught out with no data, trying to find free wifi, or racking up huge international roaming fees. From navigating with Google Maps to sharing the highlights of your trip on social media, you’ll want to have easy access to the internet when you travel in Japan.

The most cost-effective way to do this is by arranging a local data sim or pocket wifi at the airport on your arrival.

A data-heavy sim for 16 days in November 2022 cost us around ¥10,000 each for unlimited data. We were limited to 6GB of data per day, after which the connection would be slow but reset at midnight. We used Google maps a lot and I was uploading content to Instagram throughout the day and never reached the daily limit.

Another option is pocket wifi. This is a small device you carry with you that acts as a portable wifi device. The reason we prefer a data sim to pocket wifi is that you need to charge the portable device, and you need to switch it on and off when you want to use it, or risk using all the battery before the day is through.

3. Google translate will be extremely useful

While in larger cities and tourist areas you’re likely to find an English translation for key messages, the more rural you go, as well as in local establishments like restaurants and shops, English can be hard to come by.

While most Japanese people can speak better English than they tend to admit, Google translate is super handy to have. In particular, the camera feature is useful when translating everything from menus to signs. Despite speaking a very little bit of Japanese, emphasis on the little, we found ourselves using the app every day.

4. Venture Outside the Big Cities

When you think of Japan, the first places you think of are probably the big-name cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. These are amazing places to visit, but by no means everything the country has to offer.

To gain a deeper understanding of Japan, try exploring some of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations – especially if this is not your first trip. Head north to the wilds of Hokkaido, visit the peaceful villages of Shikoku, or explore some of Okinawa’s achingly beautiful islands. Not only will you escape the crowds, but you’ll also get a glimpse of some of the most authentic and memorable parts of Japanese culture.

5. Spend a Night in a Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional, Japanese-style inn, and we highly recommend staying a night or two in one during your trip. Ryokan are very different from regular hotels, and a quintessential part of the Japanese experience.

The majority are located in the countryside, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy the very best of Japanese hospitality. Complete with minimalist tatami mat rooms, yukata robes, kaiseki meals, onsen baths, and futon bedding, you’re guaranteed to find it an experience like no other!

6. Attend a Matsuri (Festival)

Japan’s matsuri (festivals) are nothing short of spectacular. Rich in tradition and bursting with color and energy, they showcase the country at its most dynamic and lively.

Attending a festival during your trip will be an unforgettable experience: a chance to try authentic and seasonal street food, witness unique traditions, and immerse yourself in an important part of Japanese life.

Festivals take place throughout the year all across the country, so regardless of your travel dates and itinerary, you should be able to find at least one to attend.

7. Cheer at a Ball Game or Sumo Tournament

To get an insight into a very different side of Japanese culture, consider attending a sporting event such as baseball or sumo – even if you’re not a sports fan.

Sumo tournaments are all-day events steeped in ancient tradition — and they take place just six times a year. If you can’t make it to a tournament, there’s also the option to go to a sumo exhibition or morning practice.

Baseball is an altogether more modern affair. A Japanese take on an American classic, the games are lively but very friendly, with enthusiastic fans singing and cheering in unison virtually non-stop from beginning to end. Players often have personal fight songs, and each team has unique celebrations involving props such as balloons and mini umbrellas.

Games happen several days a week during the season, and tickets can be purchased online, at the stadium, or from convenience stores.

8. Take a Walk in the Woods

It may come as a bit of a surprise, but Japan is roughly 68% forested and 73% mountainous – making it very easy to escape the noise and lights of the city to spend quality time in nature. So grab your hiking shoes and a bento box lunch, and get out there!

Japanese culture emphasizes harmony with and appreciation for the natural world, and hiking is a popular pastime for people of all ages. In pretty much any city, you’ll find easily accessible and scenic trails to explore. From challenging mountain peaks – including the iconic Fuji-san – to stunning riverside walks, there’s something to suit all abilities and preferences. Plus it’s a great way to burn off the calories from all the delicious food you’ll be eating!

9. Trains are the best way to get around the country

Japan is famous for its bullet trains, the shinkansen. The country’s high-speed rail network means you can reach destinations in record time, all while watching the views pass by your window.

Tickets for the shinkansen are expensive though. If you are planning to move around a lot, rather than sticking to one city, the JR Rail Pass might be the best value for money. Available in 7, 14, and 21-day options, you can save significantly as the cost of the pass gives you unlimited use of the trains for the duration.

10. Understand dining etiquette

While you might be used to the old rule of ‘no elbows on the table’, when it comes to dining in Japan, there are a few rules to be aware of to help avoid any dining faux pas. Many relate to the use of chopsticks, but there are others to be aware of too. The most important are:

• Don’t use your chopsticks to point.

• Don’t rest your chopsticks on the side of your plate or bowl, instead use the chopstick rest, or if none is provided, use the wrapper that your chopsticks came in.

• Don’t stab your food with chopsticks.

• Don’t pass food with your chopsticks.

• Use the wet towel you’re given to clean your hands before you eat.

• Dip your sushi in soy sauce in the dish provided, don’t pour it on your food.

• Don’t drink alone, wait until everyone receives their drink and Kanpai (cheers) is declared.

• Slurping is actually a good thing, slurp away at your soup as a sign of appreciation.

• When it comes to paying, place money or your card directly on the small tray provided and accept change and receipts with two hands.

11. Don't leave a tip

Unlike many countries across Europe and the Americas, tipping isn’t customary in Japan. In fact, leaving something extra may just cause some unintentional embarrassment. Some bars and restaurants add a sort of cover charge, usually between ¥200-¥500 per person which will also include a small appetiser or bar snack instead. Keep the change and save it for grabbing a drink from the vending machines.

12. You'll need to take your shoes off a lot

Removing your shoes can be quite common in Japan and not doing so can cause offence in some situations. Whether you’re visiting someone's home, entering certain accommodation, like a ryokan, dining at certain restaurants, visiting temples, or using a changing room, you’ll likely need to remove your shoes. Save yourself the hassle and wear shoes that are easy to slide on and off.

13. Don't eat while walking

Eating and walking is a no-no in Japan. Considered especially rude, this is the reason you’ll often see people consume a drink right beside the vending machine they just bought it from, or snacking directly out the front of the konbini (convenience store) they purchased it from.

There are expectations, like around certain street market stalls, ice creams, or a resealable drink such as a bottle of water. A similar rule applies to smoking. You can only smoke in designated areas, and in 2020 it was banned in restaurants, which might seem very recent for those of us from countries where bans have been in place for a decade or more.

14. Tattoos are still taboo

Tattoos still aren’t commonplace in Japan like they are in many other countries. Especially among older generations, they remain taboo, mostly because in Japan they are associated with the Yakuza. If you have tattoos you may find yourself restricted in places like gyms, public bath houses or onsens.

While attitudes are shifting, in more traditional places you may be asked to cover up. In other places, you may not be allowed to enter, such as certain hot springs and public baths.

15. Speak quietly in public

This one is all about awareness of shared spaces. Be mindful of the level and content of your conversations and don’t speak overly loudly or out of tone. This goes for when dining out at restaurants, commuting on the train, or in the street or your hotel.

16. Understand metro etiquette

Like many cultural norms in Japan, there’s some unspoken rules for riding the metro. Want to blend in like one of the locals? Then follow this guidance:

• Don’t speak loudly and keep conversation to a minimum.

• Keep your phone on silent and don’t take calls on the metro.

• When services are busy, move your backpack to the front.

• Don’t eat or drink on the metro, this is only acceptable on the shinkansen.

• It’s also worth noting that some trains have women-only carriages, so be aware.

17. Be prepared for an onsen experience

Onsens are one of the most wonderful places and a way to truly unwind after a long day of walking. Before your sink in and soak though, it’s useful to know a few key things:

• Wash before you enter the water at the showers provided.

• Onsen are usually separated by gender.

• You cannot wear swimsuits or clothing in it, it’s nude bathing. If you aren’t comfortable with this, consider a private onsen experience instead.

• Don’t put your hair in the water, make sure it’s tied up.

• Don’t dip your head under the water, this is to keep germs away from the healing hot spring water.

18. Book accomodation well in advance

Japan is a popular destination and is poised to be one of the most sought-after travel hotspots in 2023. Booking in advance will help you secure accommodation in the locations you desire and give you more choice within your budget. Generally, I aim to book my accommodation for 6-9 months in advance.

Booking a hotel room early is especially important during peak travel times like cherry blossom season, Golden Week (early May), and autumn.

19. Be prepared for smart toilets

Japan is renowned for its robotic toilets or electronic bidets known as ‘washlets’. They are found everywhere from shopping malls and hotels to restaurants and in people’s homes. A much welcome feature is the seat warmer which makes for a much comfier visit to the loo in winter.

You’ll also find them equipped with other high-tech features ranging from automatic open/close seats, automatic flushing, and ‘musical’ features for privacy. Some even have a basin on top that provides a more eco-friendly approach where the water you wash your hands with is then used to fill in preparation for the next flush.

20. Earthquakes are common

Japan experiences around 1,500 earthquakes per year due to its positioning where four tectonic plates converge. Add to this that approximately 10% of the world’s volcanoes are located in Japan and you can expect a lot of movement. The majority of these are smaller tremors and not large earthquakes. Japan is also well-equipped for earthquakes so it’s not something to worry about when visiting.