8 Must-know tips for your trip to Japan

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Traveling to Japan is an unforgettable adventure, where ancient traditions meet futuristic modernity. But to truly make the most of your trip, it's best to be well prepared! After my own journey through Japan, I've gathered 8 practical tips to help you avoid common pitfalls, save time, and make your experience even more magical. From using Suica cards to traveling light, not to mention kombini essentials and transport hacks, here's everything I wish I had known before going.

Ready to discover my best tips for a successful trip to Japan? Let's go! 

1. Onsen: A way of life

Visiting an onsen (hot spring bath) is an absolute must in Japan. But before you dive in, here are a few key tips to make the most of the experience:

• Respect the rules: Cleanliness is taken very seriously. You'll need to wash thoroughly at the showers before entering the water. Tattoos can be an issue in some onsen, so it's best to check in advance if they allow tattooed guests.

• Don't be afraid of nudity: Yes, you'll be completely naked! But don't worry, it's totally normal. Onsens are usually separated by gender, and no one pays attention to others. The Japanese are discreet and respectful, so you'll have full privacy. It's all about relaxation, so embrace the experience.

• No diving or head under water: An onsen is for soaking and relaxing, not swimming. Submerging your head is considered impolite in many places.

• About tattoos: Some onsen still ban tattoos due to cultural associations. To avoid disappointment, check beforehand. At certain hotels you may request or buy tattoo covers (for example at Don Quijote stores) to be able to enter the baths.

2. Kombini

You'll find kombini (convenience stores) everywhere in Japan,  they're practically social media stars in their own right!

• Grab-and-go meals: From bentos and fresh sushi to soups, sandwiches, and the iconic onigiri (triangular rice balls wrapped in seaweed), konbini are perfect when you're hungry and need a quick, tasty meal. You'll also find plenty of unique snacks worth trying. Sure, some people say supermarkets are cheaper, but konbini are part of the experience, and honestly, with one on almost every corner, it's hard to resist. Tell me in the comments which konbini is your favorite (mine is 7/11!).

• Easy payments & services: Beyond food, you can also buy train tickets, concert passes, or even print documents. And the best part? They're open 24/7, ideal for a late-night snack when jet lag kicks in.

3. Transports : Getting around made easy

Japan's public transportation system is incredibly efficient, but here are a couple of tips to make your journey even smoother:

• Punctuality is key: Japanese trains are famous for their precision. If a train is more than 5 minutes late, expect a public apology! The system is highly reliable, but make sure to respect departure times.

• The JR Pass: Personally, I didn't get the JR Pass because it was too expensive for my itinerary, and I hadn't booked any trains in advance, I hate feeling tied down by strict schedules. It really depends on your travel plans, so weigh the pros and cons before deciding!

4. Suica: The must-have transport card

• Travel cards: To avoid juggling with cash, get a Suica card (or Pasmo in Tokyo). These rechargeable cards make it easy to travel on trains, subways, and buses. You can buy them at train stations, and they also work in konbini for quick food purchases.

• Wallet app: Some travelers say it's tricky to find physical cards nowadays. Personally, I recommend adding Suica directly to your phone's wallet app, super convenient, easy to recharge, and always with you 24/7.

5. Cash is still king

Japan still relies heavily on cash, so it's a good idea to keep some on hand, even though most places now accept cards. Cash is essential for gashapon (capsule toy machines), claw machines, photobooths, and other small purchases.

6. Go: the alternative to Uber

If you're looking for a local alternative to Uber, download the Go app. It works the same way, but is usually cheaper and just as convenient for city rides.

7. Luggage: A practical tip

Here's something I wish I'd known before my trip: in Japan, you can ship your luggage directly from one hotel to another, or even to the airport! This service is called takuhaibin.

• Takuhaibin service: Available at hotels and dedicated drop-off points, it's extremely efficient. We sent our suitcase from Tokyo and picked it up in Osaka without a hitch (it even arrived before us, thank you, AirTags!).

• Cost: Around €20 per bag, and you can send luggage up to 7 days in advance. This is a lifesaver if you're spending just a couple of days in small towns and don't want to drag heavy suitcases on trains. A huge time-saver!

8. Book Off: Second-hand heaven

If you're into second-hand shopping like me, Book Off is a must. These stores specialize in used books, manga, CDs, DVDs, and even video games, a treasure trove for bargain hunters and pop culture fans.

• Books in Japanese (and English): While most titles are in Japanese, some locations also offer books in English. Manga is huge here, with entire shelves dedicated to it.

• Figurines & video games: You'll also find figurines and video games (just double-check consoles for region locks before buying).

• Great prices: Whether you're into literature, music, or pop culture, Book Off is a fantastic spot to pick up affordable souvenirs.