Complete Japan Travel Guide for First-Timers

Planning your first trip to Japan? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to make your journey smooth, affordable, and unforgettable.

Before You Go

Visa Requirements

Citizens of 68 countries can visit Japan visa-free for tourism (15-90 days depending on nationality)
Check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific requirements
Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May)

Cherry blossom season (late March to early April)
Pleasant weather
Very crowded and expensive during peak bloom
Book accommodation 3-6 months in advance

Summer (June-August)

Hot and humid
Rainy season in June
Festival season (matsuri)
Mountain climbing season

Autumn (September-November)

Fall foliage (mid-November)
Comfortable temperatures
Second-most popular season
Typhoon season (September)

Winter (December-February)

Skiing and snowboarding
Fewer tourists (except New Year)
Cold but usually dry
Best time for budget travelers

Budget Planning

Daily budget per person:

Budget traveler: $50-80

Hostel: $25-35
Meals: $15-25
Transport: $10-15
Activities: Free to $10

Mid-range traveler: $150-250

Business hotel: $60-100
Meals: $40-80
Transport: $20-30
Activities: $30-40

Luxury traveler: $400+

High-end hotel: $200+
Meals: $100+
Private transport: $50+
Activities: $50+

Getting There & Around

Flights

Best booking practices:

Book 2-3 months in advance
Tuesday/Wednesday flights are often cheaper
Consider flying into Osaka and out of Tokyo (or vice versa)
Budget airlines: Peach, Jetstar Japan, Spring Airlines

JR Pass - Worth It?

The Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on JR trains, including most shinkansen (bullet trains).

7-day pass: ¥29,650 (~~$200) 14-day pass: ¥47,250 (~~$320) 21-day pass: ¥60,450 (~$410)

Worth it if:

Making a Tokyo-Kyoto round trip (¥28,000)
Visiting multiple cities
Taking day trips

Not worth it if:

Staying in one city
Only going to nearby destinations
Traveling slowly

Pro tip: Activate your pass on the day of your first long-distance journey, not on arrival day.

IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)

Rechargeable transit cards
Work on trains, buses, vending machines, convenience stores
Buy at any major station
Get a “Welcome Suica” for tourists (no deposit required)
Load ¥3,000-5,000 to start

Pocket WiFi vs SIM Card

Pocket WiFi:

Pros: Multiple devices, unlimited data
Cons: Extra device to carry, needs charging
Cost: ¥800-1,200/day

SIM Card:

Pros: Convenient, no extra device
Cons: One device only
Cost: ¥2,000-4,000 for 7-30 days

Recommendation: Get a SIM card for convenience. Data is usually sufficient for maps and translation.

Accommodation

Types

Capsule Hotels (¥2,500-4,000)

Unique experience
Very basic
Sometimes gender-segregated floors
Good for solo travelers on budget

Hostels (¥2,000-4,500)

Social atmosphere
Often have private rooms
Kitchen facilities
Best for meeting travelers

Business Hotels (¥6,000-12,000)

Clean, compact rooms
Reliable chains: APA, Toyoko Inn, Route Inn
Often include breakfast
Good value for couples

Ryokan (¥15,000-50,000+ per person with meals)

Traditional Japanese inn
Usually includes dinner and breakfast
Tatami rooms, futons
Often has onsen (hot spring)
Worth splurging for at least one night

Love Hotels (¥5,000-15,000)

Despite the name, perfectly acceptable accommodation
Hourly or nightly rates
Themed rooms
Very clean and private

Booking Tips

Book early for cherry blossom and autumn seasons
Consider staying in less central neighborhoods (still great train access)
Booking.com and Agoda often have good deals
Check hotel’s direct website for better rates

Food

Where to Eat

Convenience Stores (Konbini)

7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart
Surprisingly good food
Perfect for breakfast or quick meals
¥500-1,000 per meal

Food Courts (Depachika)

Basement floors of department stores
High-quality prepared foods
Great for bento boxes
¥800-2,000

Ramen Shops (¥800-1,500)

Often use ticket machines
Fast service
Sit at counter

Izakaya (¥2,000-4,000)

Japanese pub
Small plates for sharing
Lively atmosphere
Order multiple dishes

Conveyor Belt Sushi (¥1,500-3,000)

Fun and affordable
Color-coded plates by price
Fresh and delicious

Must-Try Foods

Ramen (各地域のスタイル)
Sushi and sashimi
Tempura
Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)
Takoyaki (octopus balls)
Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet)
Udon and soba noodles
Wagyu beef
Matcha desserts

Dining Etiquette

Say “itadakimasu” before eating (I humbly receive)
Say “gochisousama deshita” after eating (Thank you for the meal)
Don’t tip - it’s considered rude
Slurping noodles is okay (shows appreciation)
Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice
Don’t pass food chopstick-to-chopstick
Many restaurants have plastic food displays - point if you can’t read Japanese

Essential Apps

Google Maps - Best for train navigation Hyperdia - Train schedules and route planning Google Translate - Camera translation for menus Tabelog - Restaurant reviews (Japanese Yelp) Japan Official Travel App - Useful travel info PayPay - Mobile payment (increasingly common)

Money Matters

Currency: Japanese Yen (¥)
Cash is king: Many places still don’t accept cards
7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards
Withdraw at airport: Get ¥20,000-30,000 upon arrival
Credit cards: Increasingly accepted in cities
No tipping: Ever. For anything.

Cultural Tips

Do’s

Bow when greeting
Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants, temples
Be quiet on trains
Stand on the left on escalators (right in Osaka)
Carry your trash (few public bins)
Learn basic phrases (greatly appreciated)

Don’ts

Don’t eat while walking
Don’t talk loudly on trains
Don’t blow your nose in public
Don’t take photos of people without permission
Don’t wear shoes on tatami mats
Don’t be late - punctuality is very important

Suggested Itineraries

7 Days: Tokyo & Kyoto

Days 1-3: Tokyo
Day 4: Travel to Kyoto
Days 5-6: Kyoto
Day 7: Return to Tokyo, depart

10 Days: Classic Route

Days 1-3: Tokyo
Day 4: Hakone or Nikko day trip
Days 5-7: Kyoto
Day 8: Nara day trip
Days 9-10: Osaka, depart

14 Days: Extended Tour

Days 1-4: Tokyo
Day 5: Hakone
Days 6-8: Kyoto
Day 9: Nara
Days 10-11: Osaka
Days 12-13: Hiroshima & Miyajima
Day 14: Return, depart

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll walk a LOT
Modest clothing: For temple visits
Cash wallet: Separate wallet for coins (you’ll get many)
Portable charger: Long sightseeing days
Reusable water bottle: Free water at most hotels
Small towel: For onsen visits
Medicine: Bring any prescriptions (with documentation)
Adapters: Type A/B plugs (same as North America)

Language Tips

Essential Phrases

Konnichiwa - Hello
Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you
Sumimasen - Excuse me / Sorry
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka? - Do you speak English?
Kore wa nan desu ka? - What is this?
Ikura desu ka? - How much?
Oishii - Delicious
Kampai - Cheers!

Most signs in major cities have English translations. Young people often speak some English. Don’t be afraid to use translation apps!

Emergency Information

Emergency number: 110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)
Tourist hotline: Japan Visitor Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (English, 24/7)
Embassy: Know your embassy location
Insurance: Get comprehensive travel insurance

Final Tips

Book accommodation early for popular seasons
Start days early - many attractions open at 8-9 AM
Be flexible - some of the best experiences are unplanned
Try everything - Food, onsen, karaoke, temples
Learn basic phrases - Locals appreciate the effort
Respect the culture - When in doubt, observe what locals do
Use coin lockers - Available at all major stations
Stay connected - WiFi/SIM makes everything easier

Japan is incredibly welcoming to tourists while maintaining its unique culture. With some preparation and an open mind, your first trip to Japan will be one of the most memorable journeys of your life.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to help fellow travelers plan their Japan adventure!