Japan Travel Tips
Updated: Aug 28, 2023
International travel can always be an intimidating task especially when unfamiliar with the language or culture. But never let that discourage you from experiencing new things. Here are some Japan travel tips to help your experience go more smoothly.
1. Clothing
The Winter season can get a bit chilly so taking layers and a coat are highly recommend especially is traveling to any mountainous regions.
- Thick sweater, warm undergarments, long pants, warm coat, down jacket.
Spring sees the highest amount of tourists due to the cherry trees blossoming. Early spring will still some some chilly temperatures and progressively warms up. Tokyo, specifically, has varying temperatures between March and May, the monthly average sits at 60℉.
- Coat or down jacket, a warm inner layer such as a thermal undershirt, sweater, thick pants.
The rainiest season for Japan is Summer. Specifically the beginning of June to mid July. Japan has great compact umbrellas and though it will be raining the weather changes between hot and cold. Many get headaches and other ailments due to sudden drops in atmospheric pressure, so if you’re sensitive to such changes, medicine is recommended.
- Thin outerwear, short sleeve tops, thin long pants or jeans.
Autumn sees August and September, peak months for typhoon activity. Once typhoon season is over, October is actually a great time to visit Japan in respective to weather.
- Cardigan, jeans, shirt, thick dress, windbreaker, denim jacket.
2. Money
Japan is known for its technologically modern advancements but they still use cash at quite a bit of establishments. It is good to take a travel credit card(Visa or Mastercard) to use when possible but get some yen before you make your way to Japan. Airport currency rates are always higher so stop by your local bank or credit union to take with you, see here for more information. If you are wary about converting too much then look into a Charles Schwab debit card. The best debit card for travelers; no foreign transaction fees and no ATM fees. ATMs can be found easily around Japan, at convenience stores, train stations, etc.
3. Public Transportation
The public transportation is highly efficient and clean but can be a little confusing to navigate. Google Maps is extremely useful for finding your way around. It will tell you the approximate cost and the exact platforms to wait at, etc.
4. Culture
- Politeness is an integral part of Japanese culture. Learn to say please and thank you from tip number 7 and it will go a long way.
- There is not a prominent tipping culture, it may even be interpreted as rude. If you really want to show gratefulness take a candy or trinket from your to offer as a gift.
- The majority of Japanese people are still using masks. So make sure you wear yours, especially in indoor areas, it does not need to be a specific kind.
- Do not eat or drink while you are walking. You may even see signs reminding you of this. Always take a seat and properly enjoy your food or beverage.
“We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race” – Kofi Annan
5. Language
Japanese can be quite intimating to English speakers so downloading the Japanese library from Google Translate can prove to be quite useful. However, when traveling to most destinations locals value and appreciate a foreigner's attempt to learn at least some simple words and phrases from their language. Here are some basic words that you can use on your trip:
Hello - Konnichiwa
Excuse Me - Sumimasen
Thanks a lot - Arigato gozaimas
Please - Onegaishimasu
Goodbye - Sayonara
How much? - Inure
6. Temples vs Shrines
You will likely be visiting plenty of both so learning the difference can help your learning experience and appreciation. Dress conservatively for both and be wary this is an oversimplification of the main differences.
Temples are Buddhist. They contain buddhist statues and have large incense burners. You will also likely run into some monks; they live and train in the temples.
Shrines are Shinto. The entrances have sacred torii gates. Shintoism originated in ancient Japan. They hold the belief that there are thousands of different gods in the world. Some shrines prohibit photography inside so be vigilant of any signs stating so.
7. Food
Traveling is all about discovery so be open to new foods even if they don't sound initially appealing, you may be pleasantly surprised. I will provide a list of some foods you should try during your travels in Japan.
Buta-No-Shogayaki (Ginger Pork)
Fugu (Pufferfish)
Gyoza (Moon-Shaped Dumplings)
Gyudon (Beef Over Rice)
Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake)
If you have any allergies or sensitivities then taking a not of how to say it in Japanese can be essential. Here are some common allergens:
Peanuts - Pīnattsu ピーナッツ
Dairy - Gyūnyū 牛乳
Eggs - Tamago 卵
Gluten - Guruten グルテン
Fish - Sakana 魚
Shellfish - Kai 貝
8. WiFi
You can contact your phone service to see what they can offer you but many times this is not the most affordable option.
You can order portable WiFi and have WiFi wherever you are. Here is the link to ninjawifi. They offer drop off and pick up at many Japan airports for your convenience.
Another great option is getting a SIM card, you can order it to your home before your trip or pick it up in Japan, here is Mobal.
9. Outlets
The wall plugs are compatible with most of your device's plugs. If you take anything with 3 prongs then that is the only thing you will need a converter for.
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