First-Timer’s Guide to Japan: 20+ Travel Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Written By Matthew Cogossi

One Thousand Torii Gates

Planning a trip to Japan? We recently visited this amazing country back in March to see the Cherry and Plum blossoms, and quickly fell in love with the people, the culture, and its beauty. Get ready to fall head-over-heels for a country that balances ancient shrines and neon skylines, peaceful gardens and robot cafes, and deep-rooted tradition with futuristic flair. Before you hop on that flight, here are a few tips, cultural cues, and clever hacks to know that will make your trip smoother—and far more meaningful.

This guide is packed with everything we wish we knew before visiting Japan, from cash vs. card culture and where to find trash cans to how to ride trains like a local and what regions to consider for your itinerary. From Suica cards to social etiquette, here’s how to travel Japan with ease, confidence & joy.

We hope you enjoy this amazing country as much as we did!

Looking for Essential Apps you should download before heading to Japan?

Why Japan Steals Hearts: A Bit of History & Fun Facts

Japan is more than just a destination. Its a place that sticks with you and the type of place you daydream about long after you return home. It’s the big things like exploring the mega-city of Tokyo, but also the small things, a graceful bow, a steaming bowl of ramen while tucked into a street corner, or a quiet shrine tucked behind a skyscraper. Every corner holds a story and provides a new interesting perspective. Here are some things that we found interesting about Japan:

  • A land of contrast: Japan blends ancient tradition and cutting-edge tech with mind-blowing ease. Although their might be a slight learning curve, where else can you order ramen noodle soup that is heated up out of a vending machine, catapult 200 MPH on a bullet train, or sleep in a capsule, while also experiencing incredible customer service and ancient traditions (like the tea ceremonies!)

  • The oldest monarchy in the world: Japan’s imperial family dates back over 2,600 years!

  • 5.5 million vending machines that sell everything from hot drinks to umbrellas - the most vending machines in the world!

  • Tokyo is the most populous city on Earth, but it’s cleaner and more orderly than cities half its size (or 1/10th of its size)! Although it is a big city, it does not feel as overwhelming as some other large cities. This is what we found truly fascinating about Tokyo.

  • Omotenashi, the spirit of hospitality, is deeply ingrained in the culture. We experienced nothing but genuine warmth and care everywhere we went. Expect some of the most welcoming and friendly people.

Traveling Japan with Confidence (Even on Your First Visit)

Downtown Tokyo

Traveling to Japan can feel overwhelming—especially if it's your first time. But trust us, with a little prep and some curiosity, you'll quickly feel at ease. Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) is real—people go out of their way to help, even if they don’t speak English. Smile, bow, be polite, and embrace the adventure. Getting lost is part of the fun—and the discoveries you'll make along the way are often the most unforgettable.

Yes, the train maps can look overwhelming and like a big mess of spaghetti. Yes, you might feel a bit lost in translation. But here’s the truth: Japan is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel—once you learn the basics (you might just need a little learning curve before you feel fully comfortable).

Here’s how to feel calm, prepared, and ready to embrace the magic:

  • Don’t worry about the language. Smile, bow, gesture, and use translation apps. Try your best to learn a few phrases and words - these will go a long way, but when in doubt we would smile, gesture, bow, and use Google translate to get around.

  • Be respectfully observant. If everyone is quiet, follow suit. If shoes are off, take yours off too. We would say when in Rome… but in this case when in Japan, follow whatever the Japanese are doing. Also, expect restaurants, subways, and public places to be quiet - you will definitely stand out if you are noisy and loud. This is considered rude behavior, so be sure to be observant of your surroundings.

  • Ask for help. Locals are often incredibly kind, even if there's a language barrier. Be sure to be respectful and bow. Japan also does a great job of having help desk at major tourist attractions and around public transportation. It’s always good to double check just to make sure you are catching the correct train.

  • Plan your first few days so you have structure, then leave time to wander later. Give yourself some extra time the first few days to get used to using the train system, finding food options, and experiencing the culture if it your first time in Japan. We would generally recommend planning day trips or tours your first few days just to have some tour guide help when navigating around Japan. Also, we would strongly recommend booking a food tour your first night!

  • Stay open to surprises. Japan shines in the little moments such as trying a new and unique snack (Matcha Kit-Kats!), a peaceful garden, a vending machine selling hot soup, or jumping into a hole in the wall ramen place that ends up being one of your favorite meals. Check out the unique Japanese museums and stores like the Manga or anime stores. Be willing to try new experiences and new things and you will absoutely make the most of your Japanese experience and may make some friends along the way!

Which Regions of Japan Should You Visit?

View of Mount Fuji

View of Mount Fuji

Japan is much more than just Tokyo and Kyoto. Here's a breakdown of the most popular (and beginner-friendly) regions to consider for your itinerary:

Kanto Region – Tokyo, Hakone, Yokohama, Nikko

  • Bustling cities, cultural day trips, hot springs, and iconic views of Mt. Fuji.

  • Great for first-timers who want variety without long-distance travel.

Kansai Region – Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji, Kobe

  • Home to Japan’s historical heart: temples, geishas, matcha, and incredible food.

  • Easy to explore by train—great for a 3–5 day base in Kyoto or Osaka.

Kyoto

Chubu Region – Takayama, Kanazawa, the Japanese Alps

  • A mix of mountain towns, traditional ryokans, and old-world charm.

  • Great for escaping big cities and experiencing slower travel.

Tohoku Region – Sendai, Aomori, Akita

  • Off the beaten path, with seasonal beauty (like epic cherry blossoms and snowy onsens).

  • Perfect if you're returning to Japan or looking to avoid crowds.

Hokkaido – Sapporo, Niseko, Hakodate

  • Snowy winters, wild nature, and fresh seafood. A dream for skiers and nature lovers.

Kyushu & Okinawa – Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Naha

  • Warm weather, volcanic landscapes, and a distinct cultural vibe.

  • Ideal for beach lovers, history buffs, or long trips.

For your first time visiting Japan, you will most likely fly into Narita Airport in Tokyo. If this is your first time visiting Japan, you are probably wrestling with the question should I visit Tokyo? There are a ton of mixed reviews out there from Reddit, TripAdvisor, and other blog sites. Our personal opinion is that Tokyo was well worth the visit, but we are so glad we explored other areas of Japan. While you could easily spend a week (or more!) in Tokyo exploring all of the different prefectures, we would recommend splitting your time between two cities - such as Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka. If you are short on time (5-days or less) in that case, we would actually recommend skipping Tokyo (or only spending one day there) and heading straight to Kyoto or Osaka. Ultimately, it will come down to what you want to experience. Personally we liked the vibe of Kyoto because it felt like old world Japan, and the day trips from there were amazing - Osaka, Nara, and Uji. While you could certainly just ride the train all across Japan to see as much of the island as you can, we would recommend splitting your time between two large cities or regions to really get a feel for Japan for your first time.

We originally traveled to Japan to see the cherry blossoms, but were about a week too early. It was still an amazing time and we saw the plum blossoms which bloom a little earlier and were still amazing to see and photograph. If you are specifically coming to visit Japan during Cherry Blossom season, be sure to check the Japan tourism website to see the estimated times of the bloom.

We hope you find this guide helpful and helps you make the most of your Japan experience!

Essential Travel Tips for Japan

Wandering the bamboo forest in Kyoto

Getting Around Japan

  • Trains are your best friend. We found the trains to be fast, punctual, and everywhere. The public transit in general is outstanding. You can get almost everywhere you want to go via train and bus. We only needed to use taxis or Uber when we were a little late for something and needed to get there in a hurry.

  • Grab a Suica or PASMO card (IC cards) at the airport or a major station—they work on trains, buses, vending machines, even at 7-Eleven. You can also add the digital version of the Suica or PASMO card right on your iPhone. This made getting through the train stations and bus stations really easy! Plus, whenever you run low on funds you can always top up the card using Applepay. We didn’t learn this until halfway through our trip and it ended up being such an efficient lifesaver. Do yourself a favor and download the app before you go or on day one and add funds.

  • Use the Japan Transit Planner or Google Maps to navigate stations and transfer times.

  • Consider a Japan Rail Pass if you’re visiting multiple regions. It must be bought before arriving in Japan for most travelers. If you plan on doing extensive travel throughout Japan and want the flexibility, we would definitely recommend the Japan Rail Pass. Otherwise, you can use apps such as Klook to buy tickets in advance.

Money & Tipping

  • Cash is still king. While major cities accept cards, many local shops and restaurants don’t. We would strongly recommend taking out Yen. If you are planning to use card, we would recommend asking ahead of time if credit card is accepted, because we found that many stores and restaurants were cash only.

  • ATMs at 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Japan Post work with foreign cards. We had to make a few stops to our friendly 7-Eleven to pull out cash. Make sure you have a debit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees!

  • No tipping, ever. Great service is standard, and tipping can even cause confusion or be considered rude.

WiFi, SIM Cards & Pocket Internet

  • Rent a Pocket WiFi or buy an eSIM/data SIM to stay connected. We used Airalo (if you want $3 off, use referral code: MATTHE6398) while in Japan and it worked great for us.

  • SIM Cards and Pocket Wifi are both available at airports or through online pre-orders.

  • WiFi is available in hotels, some trains, and Starbucks—but not everywhere. If you’re relying on free WiFi instead of mobile data, Free WiFi Japan is an essential app. If you are looking for other essential apps for Japan check out our blog post.

Packing & Weather Tips by Season

  • Spring (Mar–May): Light jacket, layers, cherry blossom joy. Temperatures will vary by region, but overall expect some rain (and maybe some snow in March). While we were in Tokyo and Kyoto the temperatures hovered around 50F (10C) during the day and got quite cold at night down to 35-40F (2C)

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, humid—bring breathable clothes, sunscreen, and portable fans. Expect rain and temperatures between 85F-95F (30C - 35C).

  • Fall (Sep–Nov): Gorgeous foliage, cool and crisp. Perfect for outdoor exploring. Expect a lot of variable temperatures ranging from 50F - 80F (10C - 27C) depending on what time in Autumn you visit.

  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold in most regions—bring a warm coat and layers. Expect some snow and temperatures in the 40s (5C).

Be sure to bring an Umbrella! Umbrellas are widely used in Japan and there are plenty of covers available at local restaurants and shops to avoid soggy umbrellas and floors.

Consider Packing these Essential items:

Luggage Tips

  • Japan’s luggage forwarding services (like Yamato Transport) are amazing. Ship your suitcase to your next hotel and travel light.

  • Coin lockers are available at most stations, but large ones fill up fast. If you are returning somewhere later (like Tokyo station), take advantage of the lockers and store your larger suitcases or items you don’t need during certain legs of your trip. This can really help with tight hotel rooms and crowded subways.

    ProTip: Some of these services require at least a 24 hour advanced booking or have a cut-off time for next day delivery. If you plan on forwarding your luggage, be sure to book in advance or check with your hotel ahead of time to see if they have a cut-off time for reserving these services.

    ProTip #2: Make sure to have your hotel or accommodation address in both English and Japanese just to be safe and ensure your luggage arrives at the correct location. While English is understood and spoken, it is always best to have it in Japanese just to make sure.

Visas, Power, and Plug Info

  • Visa-free entry for up to 90 days for travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, UK, and EU. We thought immigration was a breeze.

  • Plugs are Type A/B, same as North America, with 100V voltage (most devices work fine).

  • Bring a universal travel adapter just in case or if visiting from the EU/UK.

Language Tips

Dotonbori in Osaka

  • English is limited outside tourist areas, but signage is often bilingual. We would recommend downloading a translation app (like Google translate, Apple translate, or iTranslate - you could even use ChatGPT to help with translation)

  • Download Google Translate and use the photo scan feature for menus or signs. We found this particularly helpful for also reading hisorical markers that were only in Japanese.

  • Learn a few words:

    • Hello: Konnichiwa

    • Thank you: Arigatou gozaimasu

    • Excuse me: Sumimasen

    • I don’t understand: Wakarimasen

    • Yes: Hai

    • No: Lie

🥢 Dining in Japan: What to Expect & Where to Eat

Eating in Japan isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. From quiet sushi counters to sizzling teppanyaki grills, knowing what kind of dining experience you’re walking into helps avoid awkward moments and lets you savor every bite.

🍣 Popular Types of Dining Experiences:

  • Omakase – A high-end, chef-curated tasting experience. Great for sushi lovers.
    💡 Check out Tableall to book your experience.

  • Izakaya – Casual, pub-style dining with small shareable dishes and drinks.
    🍢 Think grilled yakitori, karaage (fried chicken), and edamame.

  • Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi) – Affordable and fun. Plates are color-coded by price.

  • Ramen Shops – Counter-style, usually solo dining. Use vending machines to order.

  • Teppanyaki – Food cooked on an iron griddle in front of you—fun and theatrical.

  • Yakiniku – Japanese BBQ where you grill your own meats at the table.

  • Kaiseki – Multi-course traditional meal often found at ryokans or fine-dining spots.

  • Street Food & Depachika – Convenience stores, food stalls, or underground food halls under department stores (like Isetan or Daimaru).

Eating Out & Restaurant Tips

  • Reserve omakase and fine dining well in advance.

  • Some ryokans or hotels include meals in your stay—make sure to check!

  • Many restaurants use ticket machines and kiosks or plastic food models to help you order. When in doubt feel free to ask if you don’t know what something is (or a quick Google search can help).

  • Reservations are a must at popular or high-end spots. We used both TableCheck and Tabelog to make dinner reservations. If you are looking for more fine dining experiences check out Tableall. In some cases you can actually make dinner reservations directly through Google Maps. When in doubt, feel free to ask your hotel concierge to help you make dinner reservations.

  • Don’t eat while walking—finish food near where you bought it. A lot of places actually prohibit eating food in public places or on the streets. Also, you will find very few trash cans - so eat nearby where you bought the food and ask to use their trash can.

  • Slurping noodles is polite! It shows appreciation for the meal.

Street Food to Try

Taiyaki stand in Osaka

  • Try the Japanese streetfood - it is incredible! We especially enjoyed Taiyaki (all the Taiyaki!), Daigaku Imo (sweet potatoes with a honey and sesame glaze - so good!), mochi balls (strawberry mochi was unbelieveable), yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), ramen, and of course gyoza.

  • Honestly there are so many amazing street food dishes - be sure to explore and try them! If you are little squemash about new food, consider taking a street food tour!

    👉 Planning to try street food or local ramen spots? Carry cash! We recommend this travel-friendly money belt that is also RFID blocking.

Types of Accommodations in Japan (And What Each One Offers)

Where you stay in Japan shapes your travel experience. You could sleep on a tatami mat in a centuries-old inn or wake up to futuristic capsule tech or try a mix of different accommodations for the full Japanese experience. Here's how to choose the right stay for your style and budget.

Popular Types of Hotels & Stays:

  • Ryokan (Traditional Inn) – Includes tatami mats, futons, yukata robes, often meals. Ideal in hot spring towns like Hakone or Kyoto.
    💡 Check out Booking.com or Hotels.com to find your next place!

    Business Hotels – Efficient and budget-friendly. Great for solo travelers.

  • Capsule Hotels – Ultra-minimalist pods, often with shared bathrooms. Best for novelty or short stays.

  • Luxury Hotels – Think Park Hyatt Tokyo, Aman Kyoto, or Hoshinoya. Ideal for splurges and romantic stays.

  • Guesthouses & Hostels – Affordable and social. Some offer tatami-style rooms or shared kitchens.

  • Machiya – Traditional townhouses (especially in Kyoto) turned into Airbnb-style rentals.

  • Temple Lodging (Shukubo) – Stay overnight at a working temple in places like Koyasan. Includes vegetarian meals and morning rituals.

Etiquette & Social Customs

Feeding the deer in Nara

  • No shoes indoors at homes, temples, and some restaurants. Be sure to follow the signs or cues.

  • Be polite, patient, and observant—quiet on trains, bow when thanking, and never point.

  • Tipping is not a thing, and trying to tip can feel awkward or offensive.

  • Wear your backpack in front - space can be limited on subways, try to be respectful and make room.

  • Do not eat on Public Transit!

Trash Rules (Yes, Really!)

  • Public trash cans are rare, especially in parks or on the street. Trust us - we would often spend quite a bit of time wandering around and looking for trash cans. Expect to pack in your trash until you get back to your accommodation.

  • Carry a small bag for your trash, and sort it properly when you get the chance.

  • Separate garbage into burnables, plastics, and bottles. Look for labels or ask your hotel.

  • Trash cans may be rare - but this is no excuse to litter!

Is Japan Safe? (Yes—Incredibly)

  • Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, even for solo travelers.

  • Crime is rare, and lost items often find their way back to you. Traveling from the USA we were shocked to see people just leave their laptops, wallets, and phones unattended on tables at busy coffee shops- but this is one of the things that makes Japan amazing.

  • Use koban (police boxes) if you need help—they’re friendly and reliable.

  • Many Japanese trains also offer specific women only train cars - meant to make you feel more comfortable and at ease as a solo female traveler.

We hope this travel tips helped prepare you for an incredible journey to Japan!

What’s Next? Start Building Your Dream Itinerary

Osaka Castle

With these tips in your pocket, you're ready to explore Japan with confidence and joy. From Tokyo’s sensory overload to Kyoto’s tranquil shrines, every stop will surprise and delight you in new ways.

Book Your Japan Trip With Confidence

  1. Find a traditional ryokan on Booking.com or Hotels.com

  2. 🍣 Reserve your omakase experience with TableAll

  3. 📱 Grab a Pocket WiFi or eSIM from Airalo

  4. Don’t forget your JR Pass—book here through Klook to check out the Japan Rail Pass or other train passes

  5. Use Luggage Delivery services to travel hands-free (available via Klook)

  6. Book your flights through Expedia

  7. Find your perfect tour through GetYourGuide or Viator

Explore more with these destination-based guides:

If you are interested in what apps will help make your life easier when visiting Japan, check out our Essential Apps Guide!

Lastly, if you are coming or going to the USA from Japan, you can make a very easy stop over in Oahu, Hawaii on the way there or back! We did this to break up our trip and the 24 hour layover we had in Oahu was the perfect ending to an amazing Japanese adventure. If you are interested in learning more about Oahu, check out our Oahu travel guide!


If you still have questions about planning your trip feel free to send us a DM on Instagram @brokenwheeladv. We’d love to help you make the most of your Japan adventure!

Nintendo Kyoto

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✨ Ready to plan your own Japan escape?
Check prices for Japan hotels or browse tours  around Japan to get started!

Matthew Cogossi
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