First Time in Japan? Everything You Need to Know (2026 Edition)

Japan can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. But with the right preparation, it's one of the most rewarding travel destinations on Earth. Here's everything you need to know.

Before You Go

Visa Requirements

Most Western countries don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days.

Check your specific country on the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

When to Go

My recommendation for first-timers: Late March to mid-April (cherry blossoms) or mid-October to late November (autumn leaves).

What to Book in Advance

Must book ahead:

• Flights — especially during peak seasons
• Hotels — popular areas fill up fast
• JR Pass — order online before arrival
• Restaurant reservations — for popular spots (use Tabelog or Omakase)

Can book later:

• Day trips — trains run frequently
• Activities — most can be booked on arrival
• Accommodation in smaller cities — easier to find

What to Pack

Essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes — you'll walk 15,000-20,000 steps daily
• Small daypack — for daily essentials
• Portable charger — for your phone
• Cash — Japan is still cash-heavy
• Passport — you'll need it for tax-free shopping

Nice to have:

• Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card — rent at airport
• Universal adapter — Japan uses Type A (US-style plugs)
• Light rain jacket — weather changes quickly
• Reusable water bottle — tap water is safe

Don't pack:

• Too many clothes — laundromats are everywhere
• Large suitcases — trains have limited space
• Expectations — let Japan surprise you

Arriving in Japan

Airports

Getting from Airport to City

From Narita:

From Haneda:

From Kansai:

Getting Around Japan

Trains

Japan's train system is the best in the world.

Key lines to know:

• JR Yamanote Line — loops around central Tokyo
• Tokyo Metro — subway system
• JR Tokaido Shinkansen — Tokyo to Osaka
• JR Sanyo Shinkansen — Osaka to Hiroshima

How to use:

1. Buy a Suica/Pasmo card — tap in and out at gates
2. Or use IC card — works on most trains and buses
3. Check Hyperdia or Google Maps — for route planning
4. Stand on the left — walk on the right (in Tokyo)

IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)

Your magic ticket for Japanese trains.

Tip: You can also use IC cards at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants.

Buses

Useful for areas not covered by trains.

• City buses: ¥210-230 per ride
• Highway buses: For long-distance travel (budget option)
• Local buses: For temples and rural areas

Taxis

Expensive but convenient.

• Starting fare: ¥500-710
• Per km: ¥100-150
• Door opens automatically — don't try to open it
• Sit in back — front seat is for the driver
• Pay at end — through the window

Renting a Car

Only for rural areas.

• International driving permit required
• Drive on the left — opposite of most countries
• Highway tolls are expensive
• Parking is expensive in cities
• Best for: Hokkaido, Tohoku, rural Kyushu

Money in Japan

Currency

• Yen (¥) — the only currency accepted
• Bills: ¥1,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000
• Coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500

Cash vs Card

Japan is more cash-heavy than you'd expect.

Tip: Carry ¥10,000-20,000 in cash at all times.

ATMs

• 7-Eleven ATMs — best for foreign cards
• Japan Post ATMs — also reliable
• Airport ATMs — always available
• Fees: ¥110-220 per withdrawal

Budget Breakdown

Food in Japan

Types of Restaurants

Must-Try Foods

1. Ramen — every region has its own style
2. Sushi — from conveyor belt to Michelin-starred
3. Tempura — light, crispy perfection
4. Okonomiyaki — savory pancake
5. Yakitori — grilled chicken skewers
6. Tonkatsu — breaded pork cutlet
7. Udon — thick wheat noodles
8. Soba — buckwheat noodles
9. Matcha — green tea everything
10. Wagashi — traditional sweets

Food Etiquette

Do's:

• Say "itadakimasu" before eating
• Use chopsticks — ask for fork if needed
• Slurp noodles — it's polite!
• Say "gochisousama" after eating

Don'ts:

• Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral tradition)
• Don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick (funeral tradition)
• Don't tip — it's not expected
• Don't pour your own drink — pour for others

Etiquette & Culture

Basic Etiquette

The Golden Rules:

1. Bow — a slight nod shows respect
2. Remove shoes — when entering homes, temples, some restaurants
3. Be quiet — on trains, in public
4. Queue properly —日本人 love orderly lines
5. No eating while walking — find a spot to stand

Onsen (Hot Springs) Etiquette

1. Wash thoroughly before entering the bath
2. No swimsuits — nude bathing only
3. Small towel — place on your head, not in the water
4. Tattoos — some onsen don't allow them (check first)
5. Be quiet — onsen are for relaxation

Shrine & Temple Etiquette

1. Bow at the torii gate (shrine) or entrance (temple)
2. Wash hands at the temizuya (water pavilion)
3. Clap twice at shrines (not temples)
4. Make a wish after clapping
5. Don't walk in the center of the path (that's for the gods)

Shopping Etiquette

1. Don't touch items unless you're buying
2. Don't haggle — fixed prices
3. Say "sumimasen" to get attention
4. Tax-free shopping — bring your passport
5. Bags are extra — bring your own

Essential Japanese Phrases

Survival Phrases

Numbers

Apps to Download

Essential Apps

Optional Apps

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overplanning — leave room for spontaneity
2. Not enough cash — ATMs aren't everywhere
3. Too much luggage — use takkyubin (luggage forwarding)
4. Skipping smaller cities — Kyoto and Tokyo aren't all of Japan
5. Not trying convenience store food — 7-Eleven is delicious
6. Being afraid to get lost — it's part of the adventure
7. Not saying "sumimasen" — the most useful word in Japanese

Sample First-Timer Itinerary

7 Days: Classic Japan

10 Days: Extended Japan

Final Tips

1. Be polite — Japanese culture values courtesy above all
2. Be patient — things work differently here
3. Be curious — try everything, even if you don't know what it is
4. Be respectful — you're a guest in their country
5. Have fun — Japan is amazing, and you're going to love it

Welcome to Japan

Japan is a country that rewards curiosity. The more you explore, the more you discover. The more you learn, the more you realize how much there is to learn.

Your first trip will be unforgettable. And you'll already be planning your second before you leave.

Welcome to Japan. You're going to love it here.