I've been to Japan 12 times over the past 8 years, and every trip teaches me something new. From my first confused arrival at Narita Airport to navigating Tokyo's subway like a local, Japan has become my second home. This guide covers everything I wish I knew before my first trip.
Visa Requirements
Good news for most travelers: Japan offers visa-free entry to citizens of 68 countries. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most European passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. However, you'll need to fill out a "Visit Japan Web" form before arrival - this replaced the old paper forms in 2023.
Use our Visa Requirements Checker to verify your specific situation based on your passport.
Power and Connectivity
Electrical Outlets
Japan uses Type A and B plugs (same as the US) with 100V electricity at 50/60Hz. If you're from the US, your plugs will fit but note the lower voltage. Most modern electronics handle 100-240V, but check your devices. Use our Plug Type Checker for details.
Staying Connected
Forget pocket WiFi - eSIMs are the way to go in 2025. I use Airalo's Japan plan ($13 for 3GB/7 days) and it works perfectly on NTT Docomo's network. Activation takes 2 minutes, and you're connected the moment you land.
Compare all eSIM options for Japan using our eSIM Price Comparison Tool.
Best Time to Visit
Japan has four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences:
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season. Peak bloom is late March to early April. Crowded but magical. Book hotels 6+ months ahead.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid. Rainy season in June. Great for festivals but prepare for 35°C+ temperatures.
- Fall (September-November): My favorite. Autumn foliage peaks in November. Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds than spring.
- Winter (December-February): Cold but beautiful. Perfect for skiing in Hokkaido or hot springs. Least crowded season.
Pro tip: Visit in late November for autumn colors, comfortable weather, and 40% fewer tourists than cherry blossom season.
Getting Around
JR Pass - Is It Worth It?
The Japan Rail Pass costs $280 for 7 days (2025 prices, up from $250 in 2023). It's worth it if you're doing Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka or any long-distance shinkansen trips. A single Tokyo-Kyoto round trip costs $260, so the pass pays for itself.
However, if you're staying in one city, skip it. Tokyo's subway isn't covered by JR Pass.
IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo)
Get a Suica or Pasmo card at any major station. Load it with ¥5,000-10,000 and use it for trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines. You can now add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay - game changer.
Cultural Etiquette
Tipping
Don't tip. Seriously, don't. It's considered rude. Service charges are included. I once tried to tip a taxi driver and he chased me down to return the money.
Other Important Rules
- Shoes off: Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants, temples, and ryokans. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance.
- Quiet on trains: No phone calls. Keep conversations low. It's eerily quiet compared to Western subways.
- Eating while walking: Generally frowned upon. Eat at the shop or find a bench.
- Chopstick etiquette: Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral ritual). Don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick.
Must-Visit Destinations
Tokyo
The megacity that never sleeps. Spend at least 4-5 days. Must-sees: Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing, Tsukiji Outer Market, teamLab Borderless, and a random walk through Shimokitazawa.
Kyoto
Ancient capital with 2,000+ temples. Allocate 3-4 days. Don't miss: Fushimi Inari (10,000 torii gates), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and Gion district at dusk.
Osaka
Food paradise. 2 days minimum. Eat takoyaki in Dotonbori, visit Osaka Castle, and experience the nightlife in Namba.
Off the Beaten Path
- Kanazawa: Beautiful gardens and traditional crafts. Less touristy than Kyoto.
- Takayama: Preserved Edo-period town in the mountains. Stunning in any season.
- Naoshima: Art island with museums by Tadao Ando. Requires planning but worth it.
Food Guide
Japan's food scene is incredible at every price point. Here's what to try:
- Ramen: Each region has its own style. Tokyo (shoyu), Sapporo (miso), Hakata (tonkotsu). Budget: ¥800-1,200.
- Sushi: Conveyor belt sushi (kaitenzushi) is cheap and good. Splurge once on omakase. Budget: ¥1,500-15,000+.
- Convenience store food: Lawson and 7-Eleven have surprisingly good onigiri, sandwiches, and fried chicken. Budget: ¥200-500.
- Izakaya: Japanese pub. Order small plates and drinks. Great for experiencing local culture. Budget: ¥3,000-5,000 per person.
Hidden gem: Department store food halls (depachika). High-quality prepared foods, perfect for train journeys or hotel dinners.
Budget Planning
Japan isn't as expensive as people think, but it's not cheap either. Here's my daily breakdown:
- Budget traveler: ¥8,000-12,000/day ($55-85) - Hostels, convenience store meals, free attractions
- Mid-range: ¥15,000-25,000/day ($105-175) - Business hotels, mix of cheap and nice meals, paid attractions
- Luxury: ¥35,000+/day ($245+) - Nice hotels, omakase dinners, taxis
Packing Essentials
Japan-specific items to pack:
- Cash: Many places still don't take cards. Withdraw from 7-Eleven ATMs (lowest fees).
- Portable WiFi or eSIM: Essential for navigation. I prefer eSIM for convenience.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You'll walk 15,000-25,000 steps daily.
- Light jacket: Even in summer, AC is aggressive indoors.
- Small towel: Public restrooms often lack paper towels.
Check our Packing Rules Tool for airline restrictions on what you can bring.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpacking your itinerary: Japan rewards slow travel. Don't try to see everything.
- Only visiting Tokyo: The countryside is equally amazing.
- Not making reservations: Popular restaurants book weeks ahead. Use Tabelog or ask your hotel.
- Expecting English everywhere: Learn basic Japanese phrases. Google Translate's camera feature is a lifesaver.
- Buying JR Pass without calculating: It's not always worth it. Do the math first.
Final Tips
Japan is one of the safest, cleanest, and most fascinating countries I've ever visited. The combination of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity creates an experience unlike anywhere else.
My advice: Plan the logistics (hotels, JR Pass, eSIM) but leave room for spontaneity. Some of my best memories are from random discoveries - a tiny ramen shop in a back alley, a local festival I stumbled upon, a conversation with a friendly stranger.
Before you go, use our tools to prepare: Check visa requirements, verify your power adapter needs, and compare eSIM prices. Then go explore this incredible country.