First Time in Japan: 15 Things You Need to Know Before You Go

Japan is unlike anywhere else you've traveled. It's a place where thousand-year-old temples sit alongside neon-lit skyscrapers, where convenience stores serve surprisingly high-quality meals, and where the trains are famously punctual — even short delays are announced clearly and often come with a written delay certificate.

But Japan also has its own set of customs, rules, and quirks that can catch first-time visitors off guard. This guide covers the 15 most important things you need to know before you go — from the practical (visa rules, cash, connectivity) to the cultural (temple etiquette, onsen rules, tipping).

1. Visa Requirements

Good news: Japan has visa exemption arrangements with around 70 countries and regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations.

Most short-term visa-exempt visitors can stay up to 90 days, but the allowed period depends on your nationality:

• 90 days: US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU
• 30 days: UAE, Qatar, Brunei (and a few others)
• 15 days: Indonesia, Thailand (some passport types)

Here's what you need:

• A passport valid for the duration of your stay
• A return or onward ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds (rarely asked, but technically required)

Visit Japan Web (Strongly Recommended)

Visit Japan Web is the official government platform for completing immigration and customs procedures online before you land. It is strongly recommended but not required — you can still fill out paper forms on the plane. However, completing Visit Japan Web lets you use the airport's electronic gates and skip the paper-form line, which can save significant time at busy airports.

We have a full walkthrough in our Visit Japan Web step-by-step guide, but here's the quick version:

1. Create an account at the official Visit Japan Web site (vjw.digital.go.jp)
2. Register your trip details and passport information
3. Fill in both the immigration and customs sections
4. Receive a unified 2D code to show at the airport

2. Best Time to Visit

Japan has four distinct seasons, each with its own appeal. But some periods are significantly better than others for a first visit.

Spring (March - May) — The most popular time, and for good reason. Cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka, slightly later in the north) is magical. Temperatures are mild (10-20°C / 50-68°F), and the entire country feels alive with hanami (flower viewing) parties.

Autumn (October - November) — The other golden season. Japan's fall foliage (koyo) is spectacular, but timing varies by region: northern Japan and mountain areas peak in mid-to-late October, while Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka typically peak from mid-November to early December. Comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and fewer crowds than spring.

Winter (December - February) — Cold but beautiful. Great for skiing in Hokkaido and Nagano, seeing snow-covered temples, and enjoying onsen (hot springs). Winter illuminations in Tokyo and Osaka are stunning.

Summer (June - August) — Hot and humid. In major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, July and August can feel extremely hot, with daytime highs sometimes reaching 35°C / 95°F or more. Hokkaido and highland areas stay cooler. June is rainy season (tsuyu) in most of Japan. The upside: fireworks festivals, summer festivals (matsuri), and Obon celebrations.

Our recommendation for first-timers: Visit in late March to mid-April (cherry blossoms) or mid-November to early December (autumn leaves in major cities). Book accommodation 3-6 months in advance for these periods. Not sure what to pack? Check our month-by-month clothing guide for exactly what to wear.

3. Cash Is Still Important

While cashless payments are growing rapidly in Japan, many smaller businesses still only accept cash. You'll want to carry some yen for situations where cards won't work.

Places that are often cash-only:

• Small ramen shops and local restaurants
• Shrines and temples (admission fees, charms)
• Street food vendors and market stalls
• Some small shops in rural areas

How to Get Cash

The most reliable option is 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs, which broadly accept international Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, UnionPay, and other foreign cards. In major cities, 7-Eleven stores are very easy to find. In rural areas they're less common, so plan ahead.

Other reliable options:

• Japan Post (JP) ATMs — found at post offices across the country, including small towns
• Lawson ATMs — convenience store chain with international card support
• Airport currency exchange — convenient but rates are usually less favorable than withdrawing from a 7-Eleven ATM. If you can, withdraw cash on arrival instead.

How much cash to carry: Keep around ¥10,000-20,000 in your wallet as a daily backup — for cash-only meals, shrine entrance fees, and small purchases. Withdraw more as needed. Daily spending budget (excluding accommodation) for a mid-range trip is roughly ¥8,000-15,000 per person.

4. Get an IC Card

An IC card is a rechargeable transit card that works on virtually all trains, buses, and subways across Japan. It's also accepted at convenience stores, vending machines, coin lockers, and many restaurants. Think of it as your everyday payment card in Japan.

The main IC cards are:

• Suica — JR East (Tokyo area)
• PASMO — Tokyo Metro and other private railways
• ICOCA — JR West (Osaka/Kyoto area)

The major IC cards are widely interoperable: Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, and others can be used across most major transit areas nationwide. However, IC cards do not work for long-distance travel across separate IC card areas (e.g., you can't ride from the Tokyo area to the Sendai area on a single IC tap), and they cannot be used to pay for Shinkansen tickets with a standard tap (separate ticketing required).

Welcome Suica Mobile App (Best Option for iPhone Users, 2025+)

Launched in March 2025, the Welcome Suica Mobile app is the easiest IC card option for foreign visitors with iPhones:

• iPhone only (iPhone 8 and newer)
• Valid 180 days from issue (much longer than the 28-day physical Welcome Suica)
• Top up with foreign credit cards via Apple Pay
• Works across Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, and other interoperable areas

If you have an iPhone, this is the best choice for most first-time visitors. No deposit, no card pickup, no expiration before your trip ends.

Mobile Suica (For Residents and Some Visitors)

A standard Mobile Suica can also be added to Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Wallet (Android, only on FeliCa-equipped Japanese-market phones — most international Android phones cannot use Mobile Suica). Foreign credit card top-up has historically been limited; the Welcome Suica Mobile app is more visitor-friendly.

Physical IC Cards

Sales of unregistered (non-personalized) Suica and PASMO cards resumed in March 2025 after a chip-shortage pause from 2023-2024. They are again available at major stations.

For short-term visitors, the Welcome Suica physical card is purpose-built:

• No deposit required (regular Suica requires ¥500 deposit; Welcome Suica does not)
• 28-day validity from purchase
• Remaining balance is not refundable at expiry — load conservatively
• Available at major airports (Narita, Haneda) and JR East stations

Note: PASMO Passport (the tourist version of PASMO) was discontinued in August 2024, so Welcome Suica is currently the main tourist-targeted physical IC card.

How much to load: Start with ¥3,000-5,000 for a few days of travel. You can reload at any station ticket machine or convenience store.

Essential

Suica IC Card (Welcome Suica)

Pre-loaded physical Welcome Suica with no deposit and 28-day validity. Pickup at major airports and stations.

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5. Learn Basic Japanese Phrases

You don't need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan — most tourist areas have English signage, and Google Translate works wonders. But learning a handful of phrases will make your experience significantly better. Japanese people deeply appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.

Essential phrases:

Tip: "Sumimasen" is arguably the most useful word in Japan. Use it to get someone's attention, apologize for bumping into someone, call a waiter, or ask for help. It covers about 80% of social interactions.

6. Download Essential Apps

Get these apps on your phone before you land:

Navigation:

• Google Maps — Works extremely well in Japan. Gives accurate train schedules, walking directions, and even indoor navigation in large stations.
• Navitime for Japan Travel — More detailed transit info than Google Maps, with real-time delay notifications and platform numbers.

Translation:

• Google Translate — Download the Japanese language pack for offline use. The camera mode is a game-changer: point your phone camera at any Japanese text (menus, signs, labels) and get instant translations on screen.

Food:

• Tabelog — One of Japan's most widely used restaurant review sites. Ratings above 3.5 are considered excellent (unlike Western sites where anything below 4.0 seems bad). Available in English, but the Japanese version has more reviews.
• Google Maps reviews — Also reliable for restaurant discovery in Japan.

Safety:

• Safety tips (JNTO official) — An essential disaster information app for travelers. It pushes real-time alerts for earthquakes, tsunami warnings, and severe weather in multiple languages.
• Japan Official Travel App (JNTO) — General practical info and tourist support, including English-speaking medical contacts.

Optional / Not essential for short-term visitors:

• PayPay — Japan's most popular mobile payment app, but registration typically requires a Japanese phone number, making it impractical for short-term tourists. For most visitors, an IC card + credit card + cash is more than enough.

7. Connectivity: Get an eSIM or Pocket WiFi

Staying connected in Japan is essential for navigation, translation, and keeping in touch. You have three main options:

1. eSIM (recommended) — The easiest and most affordable option. Install before you leave home and have data ready when you land. Plans start from around ¥1,000 for a short trip.
2. Pocket WiFi — A portable hotspot you rent at the airport. Good for groups of 3+, heavy laptop use, or if your phone doesn't support eSIM.
3. International roaming — Convenient but typically the most expensive option.

Free WiFi exists in Japan but is unreliable for primary use. You'll find it at some airports, major stations, hotels, cafes (Starbucks, Tully's, McDonald's), and tourist information centers, but it often requires re-authentication and is slow at peak times. Don't rely on convenience store WiFi — 7-Eleven's 7SPOT and FamilyMart's Famima_Wi-Fi both ended in 2022. Lawson still offers it, but with limits (5 sessions × 60 minutes per day, email registration required).

Recommended

Japan Travel eSIM

Unlimited data eSIM for Japan. Install before you fly and stay connected from the moment you arrive. Works with most modern smartphones.

View eSIM Options* Affiliate link - we may earn a commission

For a detailed comparison of eSIM providers with pricing, networks, and hotspot rules, check out our complete eSIM guide for Japan.

8. Train System Basics

Japan's rail network is the backbone of travel in the country. Here's what you need to know at a high level:

• Shinkansen (bullet trains) connect major cities at speeds up to 320 km/h on the fastest routes (Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa). The most popular Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka) runs at up to 285 km/h. Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours 15 minutes on Nozomi, or about 2 hours 40 minutes on Hikari.
• Local trains, rapid trains, and subways handle city and suburban travel.
• IC cards (see section 4) are the easiest way to pay for most rides.
• Trains run from about 5:00 AM to midnight. There are no 24-hour train services.
• Trains are almost always on time. If a train is more than a few minutes late, you can get a delay certificate (遅延証明書) from station staff.

The Japan Rail Pass — Read Before Buying

Since the October 2023 price hike (~70% increase), the JR Pass is no longer automatically worth it for every first-time visitor:

• 7-day Ordinary: ¥50,000
• 14-day Ordinary: ¥80,000
• 21-day Ordinary: ¥100,000

Two important rules many first-time buyers miss:

1. Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen are NOT included in the standard JR Pass. You can pay a supplementary fare to use them, but if you ride the included Hikari/Sakura instead, your Tokyo–Kyoto journey takes ~25 minutes longer than the advertised "2:15."
2. Pricing can change: JR Group has indicated further price changes are possible. Always check the official site before purchase.

For a Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka loop alone, individual Shinkansen tickets are usually cheaper than a JR Pass. The pass really shines for fast-paced multi-city tours (e.g., Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Tokyo in one week).

Use our free JR Pass Calculator to check your specific itinerary before buying.

For a complete breakdown of how to navigate the system, see our complete guide to Japan's train system and is the JR Pass worth it in 2026?.

Multi-City

Japan Rail Pass (7-Day)

Unlimited rides on JR trains nationwide, including Hikari/Sakura Shinkansen (Nozomi/Mizuho excluded without supplement). Best for fast-paced multi-city itineraries.

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9. Accommodation Types

Japan offers a range of unique accommodation options beyond standard hotels. Note: prices below are typical 2026 ranges for major cities. Expect higher rates during cherry blossom season, autumn foliage, Golden Week, and on weekends.

Hotels

Western-style hotels are widely available in all price ranges. Business hotels (like Toyoko Inn, APA Hotel, and Dormy Inn) offer clean, compact rooms — typically ¥7,000-15,000/night in major cities, though prices vary by season, location, and room size. Dormy Inn is a standout: most locations include a free onsen bath and a late-night ramen service.

Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inns)

A ryokan experience is a must for first-time visitors. You'll sleep on a futon on tatami floors, wear a yukata (light robe), and often enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Expect to pay ¥15,000-50,000+ per person per night, including meals.

Hostels

Japan's hostels are among the cleanest in the world. Dorm beds typically run ¥3,000-6,000/night in major cities, depending on season and location. Many have excellent communal areas and organize social events. Great for solo travelers.

Capsule Hotels

A uniquely Japanese experience. You sleep in a small pod with a curtain or door, equipped with a light, outlet, and sometimes a TV. Prices are commonly ¥4,000-8,000/night in major cities. Many have excellent bath facilities. Not recommended if you're claustrophobic.

10. Eating Etiquette and Food Tips

Japanese food is a major highlight of any trip, and there are a few customs to be aware of:

Chopstick Etiquette

• Never stick chopsticks upright in rice — this resembles a funeral ritual and is considered very rude.
• Don't pass food from chopstick to chopstick — another funeral association.
• It's fine to use the opposite end of your chopsticks to take food from shared plates, or ask for serving chopsticks (取り箸 / toribashi).
• If you struggle with chopsticks, it's perfectly acceptable to ask for a fork. Most restaurants have them.

Ordering at Restaurants

• Many restaurants use a ticket machine (食券機 / shokkenki) at the entrance. Select your meal, insert money, get a ticket, and hand it to the staff. Google Translate camera mode is your best friend here.
• Say "sumimasen" while lightly raising your hand to get a waiter's attention. Some restaurants also have a call button at the table.
• Water or tea is usually provided for free at casual restaurants. At cafes, bars, and upscale venues this isn't guaranteed.
• Set meals (定食 / teishoku) are excellent value — typically ¥800-1,500 for a main dish with rice, miso soup, and pickles.

Slurping Is Fine

Slurping noodles (ramen, soba, udon) is not only acceptable but expected. It cools the noodles down and is considered a sign of enjoyment. Don't be shy.

Restaurant Discovery

• Lunch is significantly cheaper than dinner at many restaurants. A place that charges ¥5,000 for dinner might have a lunch set for ¥1,000-1,500.
• Department store basements (depachika) are food paradises. Visit Isetan in Shinjuku or Daimaru in Tokyo Station for incredible prepared foods and bento boxes.
• Convenience store food (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) is genuinely excellent — onigiri, sandwiches, bento boxes, and seasonal treats are all surprisingly high quality.

11. Temple and Shrine Etiquette

Japan has thousands of temples (寺 / tera, Buddhist) and shrines (神社 / jinja, Shinto). Here's how to visit respectfully:

At Shrines (Torii Gates)

1. Bow slightly before passing through the torii gate.
2. Walk to the side of the main path — the center is for the deity.
3. Purify your hands at the water basin (手水舎 / temizuya): rinse left hand, then right, then cup water in your left hand to rinse your mouth, then rinse the left hand again.
4. At the offering hall: throw a coin (¥5 coins are considered lucky), bow twice, clap twice, make a wish, then bow once more.

At Temples

1. Bow at the gate before entering.
2. You may light incense and wave the smoke toward you (believed to heal ailments).
3. Put your hands together and bow once (don't clap — clapping is for shrines, not temples).

General Rules

• Remove shoes when entering indoor areas of temples and shrines (and many traditional buildings). There will usually be a shelf or shoe box at the entrance.
• Photography is usually fine in outdoor areas, but check for signs in indoor halls and sacred areas.
• Dress modestly — you don't need to cover up completely, but avoid very revealing clothing at religious sites.

12. Onsen (Hot Spring) Rules

Visiting an onsen is one of Japan's most relaxing experiences, but it comes with strict rules:

The Basics

1. Wash thoroughly before entering the bath. Every onsen has a shower area with stools, showerheads, soap, and shampoo. Sit on the stool and clean your entire body before going anywhere near the communal bath. This is non-negotiable.
2. You must be fully naked. Swimsuits are not allowed in traditional onsen (with very rare exceptions at resort-style facilities).
3. Bring a small towel but do NOT put it in the water. Most people fold it and place it on their head or set it on the edge of the bath.
4. Tie long hair up so it doesn't touch the water.
5. Enter slowly — the water is usually 40-44°C (104-111°F).

Tattoo Policies

Historically, tattoos are associated with yakuza in Japan, and many onsen and public baths have "no tattoo" policies. This is evolving, but it's still common. Options for tattooed visitors:

• Cover small tattoos with bandages or special concealer patches (sold at some drug stores)
• Look for tattoo-friendly onsen — these are becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. The website Tattoo Friendly lists participating facilities.
• Book a private onsen (貸切風呂 / kashikiri buro) — many ryokan and onsen facilities offer private baths you can reserve by the hour.

Gender Separation

Most onsen have separate bathing areas for men (男 / otoko) and women (女 / onna). Mixed bathing (混浴 / konyoku) exists but is very rare and typically found only at rural traditional hot springs.

13. Trash Disposal

One of the most surprising things about Japan: there are almost no public trash cans, yet the streets are immaculate. Japanese people carry their trash with them and dispose of it at home or at designated spots.

How to Deal with Trash

• Carry a small plastic bag in your daypack for wrappers and other trash.
• Some convenience stores still have trash bins, generally intended for items purchased there. If you bought a drink at that store, it's fine to dispose of the can/bottle there. Otherwise, carry your trash with you until you find a proper bin.
• Train stations sometimes have bins near the ticket gates or on the platform (though many have been removed for security reasons).
• Vending machines have recycling bins right next to them — but only for cans and bottles, not general trash.

Recycling

When you do find bins, Japan separates waste meticulously:

• Burnable (燃えるゴミ) — food waste, paper, tissues
• Non-burnable (燃えないゴミ) — plastics, metals
• Cans (缶)
• Bottles (ビン)
• PET bottles (ペットボトル) — remove the cap and label

14. Tipping Is Not Customary

This is one of the simplest rules to follow: do not tip in Japan. Not at restaurants, not at hotels, not in taxis, not anywhere.

Tipping is not just unnecessary — it can cause genuine confusion. Staff may chase you down the street thinking you forgot your change. In some cases, it can be perceived as condescending, implying that the person needs extra help or that their standard wages aren't sufficient.

The price on the menu is the price you pay (plus 10% consumption tax for dining in; takeout food items are taxed at 8%). Speaking of that 10% tax — as a tourist, you can get it refunded on most retail purchases through Japan's tax-free shopping system. Service in Japan is consistently excellent because it's considered a professional standard, not something that needs to be incentivized with tips.

The only exception: at high-end ryokan, you may give a small gift or tip (called kokorozuke) placed in a decorative envelope and presented before service begins — but this is rare and not expected.

15. Safety and Emergency Information

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. Violent crime is exceedingly rare, and you can walk alone at night in virtually any neighborhood without concern. People routinely leave bags unattended at cafe tables, and lost wallets are frequently returned to police boxes with all the cash still inside.

Emergency Numbers

• 110 — Police
• 119 — Ambulance and Fire

Operators may not speak fluent English, but stay calm and state your location. You can also ask your hotel or a nearby convenience store for help.

Police Boxes (交番 / Koban)

Small police stations located throughout cities and near major stations. Officers can help with:

• Directions (they often have detailed area maps)
• Lost property
• Emergencies
• General assistance for tourists

Natural Disasters

Japan is prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and (rarely) tsunamis. Important things to know:

• Small earthquakes happen frequently and are usually harmless. If you feel one, stay calm.
• For strong earthquakes, follow Drop, Cover, and Hold On:
  1. Drop to your hands and knees
  2. Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table if possible, away from windows, shelves, and falling objects
  3. Hold on until the shaking stops Modern Japanese guidance no longer recommends standing in a doorframe — most doorframes are not stronger than surrounding walls in current construction. Do not rush outside during the shaking.
• Typhoon season runs from June to October, with September being the peak month. Flights and trains may be disrupted.
• Download the Safety tips app (JNTO official) for real-time disaster alerts in multiple languages.

Health

• Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Japan.
• Pharmacies (薬局 / yakkyoku) are easy to find. Look for the green cross sign. Staff at larger chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Welcia may speak some English.
• No special vaccinations are required for Japan.
• If you need to see a doctor, ask your hotel reception for help finding an English-speaking clinic. Major cities have hospitals with international departments.

Bonus: Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Final Thoughts

Japan rewards the prepared traveler. By understanding these 15 essential things before you go, you'll avoid common mistakes, save money, and have a much smoother experience from day one.

The most important thing to remember: Japanese culture values respect, consideration for others, and attention to detail. If you approach your trip with genuine curiosity and a willingness to follow local customs, you'll find that Japan is one of the most welcoming and rewarding travel destinations on earth.

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Last verified: 2026-05-13. This guide is updated quarterly to reflect changes in visa rules, IC card systems, JR Pass pricing, and travel regulations. Primary sources include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, JNTO, JR Group, JR East, and the Digital Agency (Visit Japan Web). For time-sensitive details like prices and exchange rates, please confirm with official sources before your trip.