My tips for Japan

Reading time: 2 minutes 

1. Always carry some cash

Many small shops, temples, or restaurants don't accept cards. ATMs in convenience stores accept foreign cards, so remember to stop by if needed. Personally, I brought some cash with me before leaving (around €300) just in case I had any card issues while I was there.

2. Download Google Translate offline in Japanese

Even though more and more Japanese people speak English, unfortunately that's not the case everywhere, especially outside the major cities. To be honest, even in Tokyo I sometimes struggled to find English-speaking people.

3. Public transport is incredibly punctual 

If your train leaves at 10:02, it will leave at exactly 10:02. Always arrive a little early. Personally, I didn't stress too much about trains because there are plenty of them, especially between major cities. The hardest part is figuring out where you are inside the station. 

4. Get a Suica or Pasmo card

They're rechargeable and super convenient for transport, convenience stores, and even vending machines. You can now add them directly to your phone, which is what I did. I still have about 3,000 yen left on mine, which must be a sign that I need to go back.

5. Respect the silence on public transport

It's sacred. No phone calls, no loud conversations. Even children are incredibly quiet (and often travel to school alone on the metro at a very young age, which shows just how different safety feels compared to Europe).

6. Queues are very organized

You'll notice lines marked on the ground at train and subway stations. Respect them: you queue here, you wait your turn, and you don't push ahead. Honestly, it creates a lot less chaos.

To help you visualize and organize your trip even better, I've created a map with all the places I visited: MY MAP JAPON

7. You'll often need to take your shoes off

At the entrance of ryokan, temples, some cafés, and sometimes even bathrooms. I even saw it once on a patio in a park. Bring clean socks with no holes in them. Also, wear shoes that are easy to take on and off. Or, if you're like me and carry a mini shoehorn in your bag, you're completely saved.

8. Google maps

Google Maps works extremely well in Japan. I even created my own Google My Maps, which I'm sharing for free below this article to help you organize your next trip.

If you'd like access to the map, it's completely free. I've included my hotels, some restaurants, temples, and points of interest. Feel free to take a look.

9. Try the convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)

You can find absolutely everything there: hot meals, snacks, umbrellas, shower gel, printers, or even socks if you only packed the ones with holes in them. So, which one is your favorite? (Personally, I'm team 7-Eleven.)

10.There are ultra-modern toilets... and very basic ones

Be prepared for everything: heated seats, music, ten different spray settings, but also traditional squat toilets. Don't panic, toilet paper is usually available if you don't end up converting to Japanese toilets (although I doubt that'll happen).

11. Vending machines are everywhere

They sell water, tea, hot coffee, cold coffee, and sometimes surprising things like soups or ice cream. They're more expensive than convenience stores or supermarkets, but honestly, they're hard to resist.

12. Be careful with tattoos in onsen

Tattoos are sometimes not allowed. Bring tattoo-covering patches or look for tattoo-friendly onsen. Personally, I always asked at reception to make sure I was respecting the rules. Patches are often provided at the entrance, but if not, you can easily buy them in stores like Don Quijote or Daiso.

13.Temples and shrines are free or inexpensive

It's a fantastic way to experience Japanese culture without blowing your budget. Walk down almost any street for a couple of minutes and you'll likely find a beautiful temple, or sometimes a tiny hidden shrine. That's part of what makes Japan so special.

14.Use a pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM

Internet coverage is excellent in Japan, but it's always better to be prepared. Personally, I used an eSIM through Revolut, which was also my travel card abroad and something I highly recommend.

15. You can ship your luggage between cities

With a service called Takkyubin. It's incredibly useful if you want to travel light for a few days. I actually used it throughout my trip. I'll be writing a full article about this service very soon, so stay tuned and subscribe to the newsletter. 

16. Never stick your chopsticks upright in rice

This gesture is associated with funerals. Always place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest instead. Of course, Japanese people understand that you're not Japanese and won't be offended, but it's always nice to respect a culture when you know the customs.

17. Overnight buses are a great option 

They're comfortable, affordable, and perfect for routes like Tokyo to Kyoto. I took them several times during my trip. If you have the time, they're much cheaper than other options.

18. Japanese people are incredibly polite

Don't hesitate to learn a few basic phrases. Personally, I do this every time I visit a new country: hello, thank you, please, and goodbye. It always goes a long way and shows a lot of respect.

19. Carry a small bag for your rubbish, but bins are easier to find than people say

There aren't many public bins in cities, but Japan is incredibly clean. You'll often keep your rubbish until you return to your hotel. That said, convenience stores and some shops usually have bins available, and trust me, you'll find a convenience store on almost every corner.

20. Book certain activities in advance

Some attractions sell out very quickly, so planning ahead is important to avoid disappointment. I'm thinking of places like Tokyo Skytree, which I booked in advance, as well as certain restaurants.

Find all of these places and many more directly on my interactive map here: MY MAP JAPON

Ana from New Escapade