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Japan For First Timers: 10 Crucial Tips for an Amazing Trip
Japan is truly unique, and visiting for the first time can feel like stepping into the future.
From high-tech toilet seats and umbrella dryers to advanced train systems and convenient 7-Eleven stores, Japan can be overwhelming for first-timers if you’re not prepared.
Figuring out whether to invest in the pricey Japan Rail Pass or booking tiny hotel rooms in Tokyo felt like solving a complex puzzle – I get you. Because we went through the same.
Having spent three weeks in Japan during December, we’ve gathered essential travel tips to guide you.
Our Japan travel guide is all about useful insights to avoid common pitfalls and manage your budget effectively.
Let’s plan your perfect trip to Japan, combining famous landmarks with hidden gems, and make sure your experience is memorable without breaking the bank.
Best Time to visit japan
The best time to visit Japan depends on what you want to see. If you want to experience cherry blossom season (sakura), plan your trip between the last week of March and early May (it’s the most expensive time for travellers).
For Japan’s autumn colours, the best time to visit is from September to November.
Which is the cheapest month to visit Japan?
From December 1st to the last week of the month, it’s both the cheapest and one of the best times to visit Japan. With winter approaching, prices for variety of Japanese accommodations and attractions are lower.
There are fewer crowds, so even popular spots like Fushimi Inari will be less busy. Plus, December is the ideal month to view Mount Fuji.
In our opinion, December is the ideal month for first-timers to travel to Japan.
What is Japan like in December?
December in Japan kicks off winter and the festive season, even though Christmas isn’t a major religious holiday there. The cities light up with winter illuminations, and you can still catch some colorful autumn leaves in the mornings.
By mid-December, snow begins to fall across most regions, adding to the holiday vibe. Universal Studios in Osaka is less crowded and cheaper during the first few weeks of the month.
Expect temps around 10°C in Tokyo early in the month, dropping to -10°C in colder northern areas like Shirakawa-go and Nagano by the end. Pack warm clothes and layers!
And if you’re hoping to see Mount Fuji, December gives you a 77% chance of clear views.
How Long Should I Spend in Japan on My First Trip
You need to spend a minimum of two weeks in Japan. You could easily spend a whole week in Tokyo alone, as we did.
There are coastal regions like Kamakura, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, and Nagano, where the famous snow monkeys are located.
The rural charm of places like Kawaguchi and Yamanaka at the foothill of Mount Fuji is a unique experience, especially for first-time visitors. Even after spending three weeks in Japan, we felt we could have stayed for at least another two weeks.
Best Places to Visit in Japan for First-Time
Undoubtedly, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are must-visit places in Japan for first-timers. These cities are the key highlights of any trip and are well-connected by trains, making it easy to get around in Japan.
If you’re worried that visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka might feel too touristy because everyone goes there, don’t be. You can easily escape the crowds and discover less crowded spots in each of these cities.
If you’re staying for more than two weeks, like we did, consider venturing out to Northern Japan and the southern coastal areas for a more diverse experience.
Ideal 3 week Japan Itinerary
Japan trip cost
Out of all the countries we’ve visited, Japan has been the most expensive for us as travellers, with Austria coming in second.
Japan’s public transport is excellent, possibly the best in the world, but it isn’t cheap. While Japanese food is among the healthiest, it’s not always budget-friendly.
The cost of your trip to Japan varies greatly depending on the season. For instance, what we spent in December, which is the off-season, could nearly double during the Sakura season.
What is the basic needs price in Japan for Tourists
- The cost of a metro train ride for 1 to 6 km in Japan is around 180 yen.
- A basic double room with an attached toilet at a business hotel in a non-touristy neighbourhood of Tokyo costs about 8000 yen per room during the off-season.
- A traditional Japanese breakfast at a restaurant typically costs around 1500 yen.
- If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, a latte with a packed breakfast at a 7/11 convenience store costs just 300 yen.
If you are traveling to Japan for the first time, you must read our detailed post on how to travel to Japan on a budget.
It’s got all the tips and tricks that actually work to help you save money, plus some mistakes we made so you don’t have to!
Budget for 3 weeks in Japan
A 3-week trip to Japan during the off-season in December costs around 1,050,000 yen (7,300 USD) for two people if you’re a mid-range budget traveller.
This includes:
- One-month tourist visa fees
- 2 SIM cards
- 20 nights stay at budget business hotel
- Breakfast and coffee at 7-Eleven
- Lunch and dinner at local food joints , street food
- Desserts at small shops and 7/11
- Luggage forwarding services
- 100% public transport via trains and buses
- 7-day JR Pass ( You really don’t need JR Pass for all the days you travel in Japan)
- One day at Universal Studios
- Experiences such as a sumo morning practice sessions , tuna auction tour, and entry fees to attractions
Excludes:
- International flights
- Shopping – You can find really cool and useful things in Japan beyond souvenirs
Activities and tours to book in Japan
Japan has plenty to offer all kinds of travellers. Beyond the famous spots, there are many cultural shows, unique museums, and food tours that should be part of your first trip to Japan.
Also, Japanese customs and rules are important to follow during cultural ceremonies or traditional rituals.
For example, attending the tuna fish auction in Tokyo requires prior permission and can only be done with a local guide.
So, booking a few tours is essential when travelling in Japan, especially on your first trip to Japan.
What is the best site to book activities in Japan?
Rakuten Travel Experience is the best site for booking activities and tours in Japan. From cultural experiences to Universal Studios tickets, you’ll find everything here.
You can easily book using your regular credit or debit card. Just be sure to switch the site to English, as it’s usually displayed in Japanese by default.
How to prepare for Japan trip for the first time
Japan Tourist Visa
Once you know where you want to go in Japan and have an idea of how long you’ll stay, it’s essential to check if you need a visa to travel to Japan.
Around 85 countries can enter Japan as tourists without needing to obtain a visa beforehand. Typically, travellers from these countries can stay in Japan for up to 90 days.
However, citizens from over 100 countries must obtain a visa before arrival. The type of visa required—whether an e-visa or sticker visa—depends on your nationality.
Indian tourists need to obtain a sticker visa before entering Japan. The process and required documents are similar to those for a Schengen visa, but the visa application process is faster.
How to Get to Japan?
The easiest way to get to Japan is by air, with plenty of direct and indirect flights from around the world. The main airports are Narita and Haneda in Tokyo, and Kansai in Osaka.
As a foreign traveller, you’ll most likely land in Tokyo.
Haneda International Airport is the closest to Tokyo, located about 20 km away, while Narita Airport is 70 km from the city centre.
Although both airports are well-connected to the city by metro and regular buses, I recommend checking flight connections to Haneda for a quicker journey.
Domestic flights in Japan
You typically won’t need domestic air transfers in Japan, as bullet trains connect almost all parts of the country at a similar cost to airfares.
However, you might consider a domestic flight if you’re travelling from the southernmost part, like Okinawa, to the northernmost region, such as Hokkaido.
Japan currency and Exchange
Yen is Japan’s currency. Paper currency is available in denominations of 1000, 5000, and 10,000 yen, while the rest—1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen—are in coins.
USD typically gets a better exchange rate than Euros in Japan.
Where can I exchange dollars for yen?
It’s best to exchange your money at airport exchange offices rather than using smart exchange machines in the city.
For example, I received 136 yen for 1 USD at the Haneda Airport exchange office, whereas a smart exchange machine in Hiroshima offered only 120 yen per dollar.
Does Japan prefer cash or card?
You might come across outdated information suggesting that Japan is a cash-based country, but that’s no longer accurate.
When we visited Japan in 2022, we brought a lot of USD to exchange, but it wasn’t needed. Our Master Credit Cards was accepted in 95% of places with minimal service fees.
If you prefer cash, get a prepaid IC card like Suica, now available as a digital wallet. You can top it up with cash at metro and train stations.
How to Travel in Japan
Roads and Driving
Japan drives on the left lane, like India and England. The road conditions are excellent. As you’d expect, the Japanese follow traffic rules 99% of the time—though we did see a few cars jumping signals at night.
Roadside parking is banned in Japan, so the narrow roads work like magic without creating congestion.
Are cabs expensive in Japan?
Cabs in Japan are very expensive—probably some of the most expensive in the world.
Each taxi company sets its own rates, but the prices generally end up being quite similar. Typically, the first two kilometers cost around 730 yen (5 USD).
In contrast, the same 2 km journey costs about 180 yen if you use the Metro. Bus and tram fares have a flat rate of 210 yen—whether you travel 1 km or 8 km, you pay the same 210 yen.
Renting cars in Japan
Renting a car in Japan is expensive, and there’s a significant shortage of parking areas, especially in busy cities like Tokyo and Nagoya.
Additionally, the International Driving Licence issued by your home country requires an additional certification from Japan.
So never think of renting cars, even it is your first time in Japan as a traveller.
Can I ride a bicycle in Japan?
Yes! You can easily go cycling in Japan, whether in the cities or rural areas.
The Japanese love cycling, and it’s one of their main modes of personal transportation. Pedestrians and cyclists share the same paths, but don’t worry—the paths are wider, and cyclists are patient.
They don’t ring bells at you or curse pedestrians like you might experience in Germany.
Public Transport Overview
The best part of Japan is its public transport. They are always on time, reliable, clean, well connected and easy to use with the help of apps built to track Japan Public transportation.
Local trains and buses connect cities to rural areas, While major cities are linked by bullet trains.
Trams and metros are plentiful in cities, making it easy to get around. Even the most rural areas have extensive bus networks.
In Japan, there’s no single pass that covers all public transport, not even the JR Pass. With over 140 private train companies and a mix of public and private buses, you’ll need different tickets depending on where you’re traveling.
If you’re a first-timer in Japan, the efficient yet complex public transport system might seem confusing. So, check out our post on how to use Japan’s public transport before you go!
Heads Up : Japan doesn’t have 24-hour public transport, even in Tokyo.
Trains generally run from 5 AM to midnight, but this can vary by city. In rural areas like Kawaguchi, buses stop as early as 7 PM, while in Kyoto, they run until midnight. The Shinkansen operates all day but less frequently late at night and early in the morning.
Japan Railways
Japan’s rail network is a mix of government and private operators, offering a variety of trains. You’ll find everything from local trains stopping at every station to express trains that skip stops for a quicker ride.
The Shinkansen, or bullet trains, are the fastest, reaching speeds up to 320 km/h. There are also limited express trains that are fast but not as quick as the Shinkansen.
For a fun twist, Japan has themed trains like the “Thomas the Train,” Hello Kitty Shinkansen, and the Pokémon Train. You could plan a whole trip around these unique trains!
Japan Metro
Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe, Hiroshima, and many more have extensive metro networks that connect different parts of the city.
These metro systems are highly efficient, making it easy to travel across the city, whether you’re commuting to work, visiting tourist spots, or just exploring.
Buses in Japan
In Japan, city buses usually have more single seats than double seats. You board the bus through the middle door and exit through the front door, paying the driver when you get off, not when you get on.
Japan’s highway buses are ideal for commuting distances of 100-300 km. They are comfortable, and many of these night buses even have en suite toilets. During peak seasons, it’s essential to pre-book these buses online to secure your seat.
What apps do I need to travel to Japan
- Jorudan Travel – A must-have and most useful Transit planner that shows you subway/metro/train/bus or bullet train.
- Google lens – Translate signboards at historical places and menus at local food joints.
- Google translator – Especially when you want to ask for pure vegetarian food.
- Google maps
- Grab and Didi – The taxi apps ( Taking a cab should be your Zth opinion – they are crazy expensive)
- Social media apps
Practical travel tips for Japan first timers
Mobile SIM and Internet
I recommend buying a SIM card over pocket wifi rental. So that you can have an actual Japanese number that allows you to make local calls.
We paid 7500 yen for one 31 days of unlimited Mobal SIM. You must pre-book the sim and collect it once in Japan at specific locations mentioned on their website. Or get it shipped to your home if you place the order early.
A simple activation process by activating the QR Code, SIM was ready to use within 30 minutes. The network coverage was excellent throughout.
Necessity of VPN in Japan
Using a VPN isn’t required in Japan since major websites and social media platforms remain accessible. So we never used a VPN during our 3 weeks Japan Trip.
However, you must be aware that Japan conducts extensive surveillance, even though there are no internet censorship laws in place.
Plug Sockets and Adapters
In Japan, power plugs and sockets of type A and type B are used, similar to those in the USA. So, if you’re from India, you’ll need to carry a travel adapter.
It’s a good idea to check if you need a plug adapter based on your country’s requirements. Personally, I always carry a universal adapter to stay prepared.
Japan Tipping Culture
Never tip anyone in Japan—it’s considered rude. In most Japanese restaurants, customers pay for their meals at the front register, so you’ll rarely hand money directly to the waitress.
Local guides who take you on cultural shows also never expect a tip. In fact, they might even reject it!
Essential Travel Tips for First Timers to Japan
Japanese language
In Japan, the primary language spoken, read, and written is Japanese. The Japanese writing system is unique with three scripts: Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana.
Japanese people typically read and write using a combination of these three scripts, making their written language complex. But Japanese says it is super efficient.
As a traveller in Japan, you can easily pick up the pronunciation of Japanese and learn some basic words. However, mastering the written Japanese language takes ages due to its complexity.
Is English widely spoken in Japan?
English isn’t widely spoken in Japan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t navigate on your own. All train and bus stations, as well as tourist spots, have signboards in both Japanese and English. Printed maps are also available in English.
Don’t expect many locals to speak English, even at tourist spots, but you can still get by.
Tourist centres usually have someone who speaks English, and locals often read English better than they speak it.
Using Google Translate or speaking slowly with a few basic Japanese phrases can go a long way. Just remember, Japanese pronunciation of English can sound different – it might take a bit to get used to “Japanglish”!
Are people friendly in Japan?
Japanese people are friendly towards foreigners, but they can be a bit shy. One barrier is the language, as not many speak anything other than Japanese.
It’s not just shopkeepers and cafe owners who are kind. If you look lost on the Tokyo Metro, a local might guide you to the right platform and wait with you, even if they’re in a rush.
They may seem serious at first, but a smile and a polite “Konichiwa” always follow. Many Japanese people do prefer their own space and often stay absorbed in their devices.
Their manners are exceptional—they help without being asked and never judge you for not knowing Japanese or using chopsticks.
Honestly, from their neat dressing to the way Japanese kids cross roads on their own and the patience they show while waiting in line, there’s so much we outsiders can learn from the Japanese manners and etiquettes.
What’s the main religion in Japan?
Japan’s indigenous religion is Shinto, which coexists with various sects of Buddhism and Christianity. As a result, there are thousands of temples scattered all over Japan.
As a first-timer in Japan, you may find Shinto and Buddhist temples similar.
The easiest way to differentiate them is to see if a temple has a “Tori gate”,- A traditional Japanese gate, usually saffron or maroon in colour is found only at Shinto shrine.
How is religion viewed in Japan?
The many temples in Japan might make you think the Japanese are strict about religion, but they’re actually quite relaxed!
While Shinto is part of their daily life, they also celebrate Christmas cheerfully. There’s no strict dress code for temples—you’ll even see people in short skirts.
However, they still cherish their traditions, like wearing kimonos around Kyoto. They love it when tourists join in, but they never impose their beliefs on others.
Is it safe to travel to Japan?
Japan is one of the safest nations for all kinds of travellers. The crime rate is low, and there are hardly any incidents where tourists are mugged or mistreated.
The streets are well-lit even at night. Whether you’re a solo female traveller or a couple, you can easily wander through Japan’s cities and towns after dark.
Pickpocketing is rare in Japan, so it’s unlikely you’ll lose anything.
For instance, I once dropped my wallet while running to catch a bus at Nagano station. To my surprise, someone ran after me just to return it.
As drinking and smoking are not allowed in public, you don’t find drunkards on the roads.
But on weekends, you will find some drunk people in areas like Shinjuku. Still, they are up to themselves and never bother tourists.
Tourist Scams in Japan
Apart from a few weird -themed cafes like “Maid Cafes” and some overpriced restaurants, you hardly come across any scams in Japan.
You can be carefree and fully enjoy your time without worrying about being cheated.
Just be mindful of your belongings and use common sense to avoid falling for things like “save orphans” or “sign this petition to save the earth” schemes.
Otherwise, there’s little to worry about in Japan.
Public amenities in japan
Using Japan Public Toilets
One of the hundred best things about Japan is its toilet. I never found even a single dirty public bathroom.
There are plenty of public toilets everywhere even in Shinkansen, free of cost, unlike in Belgium.
Japanese use bidet – fixtures that use water to clean your butt once your job is done. Plus, you have buttons to control the pressure and temperature of it!
They wipe toilet seats after use with tissue paper and sanitiser! So the busiest toilets also remain cleanest and smell fresh.
In winter, cold toilet seats are buzz killers. But most toilet seats in Japan are heated.
Some extra-ordinary toilet comes with a music option and a butt dryer! After you use the bidet, press the dryer button. Hot-air blows and dries your butt completely.
Cleanliness of japan
Japan is the cleanest nation I have ever visited.
You hardly find dustbins, yet no thrash anywhere. Of course, people go shopping often, and there are hundreds of street food carts.
Still, you find no trace of thrash on the streets. Smokers don’t throw cigarette buds. Sakae and beer tins directly go to the bin and never on the floor.
Why are Japanese people so clean?
Japan and Japanese are super clean because of their indigenous religion, Shinto, which greatly influences the culture. In Shintoism, to be clean is to be pure.
During our walking tour in Tokyo, we learned that Japanese students clean their classrooms and bathrooms for 15 minutes at the day’s end.
So cleanliness is taught as part of their culture and Japanese are obsessed with it.
Can you drink tap water in Japan?
Tap water in Japan is totally safe to drink, so it’s a great way to save some cash. Bottled water can cost 100-130 yen for just 250ml, so make sure to bring a reusable bottle and fill it up before heading out.
Japan food and drinking culture
Japanese food Overview
Back in 540 AD, Japan was actually a vegetarian country, thanks to a Zen Buddhist saint who promoted it widely. But these days, the Japanese love their meat, usually paired with either rice or noodles.
Rice is a staple, showing up in both breakfast and lunch too.
As a non-vegetarian, I enjoyed Japanese food for 3 weeks during my trip, trying more than just sushi. However, I wouldn’t call it the best in the world, though it’s definitely one of the healthiest.
As an Indian non-veg foodie, my favourite cuisine is still Turkish or Indian food.
Which meat is mostly eaten in Japan?
- Fish – Usually raw or steamed.
- Other seafood like octopus and eel – Typically steamed or fried.
- Pork – Often grilled.
- Beef – Also grilled.
- Chicken – Usually deep-fried.
As for lizards and insects like grasshoppers, we never dared to enter any restaurant that serves them! But food joints that serve insects and lizards are everywhere, especially in Osaka.
Is it easy to get vegetarian food in Japan?
Finding vegetarian food in Japan isn’t “Mission Impossible,” but it does take some effort.
Even most vegetarian ramen you find, including at 7/11, often has fish-based broth. Fruits are also crazy expensive—a single Japanese apple can cost around 300 yen.
My vegetarian spouse, Sahana, did find some ways to get local veg food in Japan, but vegetarians definitely won’t have a gastronomic feast with Japanese cuisine.
There are plenty of sweets and desserts in Japan – But most of them are egg based.
What do Japanese drink with meals?
Matcha, a healthy green tea, is often served unlimited with meals in traditional restaurants; there’s usually a pot on the table to pour as much as you like.
The Japanese also love their coffee, especially drip coffee, though it’s not everywhere. Lattes are common, but cappuccinos are rare, and iced coffee is popular even in freezing weather!
Nihonshu, or Sake, is a smooth rice-based alcohol, served like tequila shots. It’s great warm or cold, but we preferred it cold.
Japanese whiskeys, like Suntory’s Hibiki, are world-class, rivaling even the best Scotch whiskies.
What is the most popular beer in Japan?
- Sapporo – best
- Suntory – good
- Kirin – Not my favourite.
Can you drink alcohol anywhere in Japan?
You don’t find any signboards saying “No drinking alcohol here” except near temples. However, you rarely see Japanese people drinking in public.
When they do, it’s usually in parks where they sit with open containers.
Smoking in Japan
It’s hard to find smoking zones in Japanese cities. Many cities prohibit smoking on the streets in busy districts, except in designated smoking areas.
Smoking is also banned on the platforms of most major railway stations, except in designated smoking rooms. Surprisingly, the shinkansen (bullet trains)
even have a small enclosed space in one of their compartments as a smoking zone.
Indoor smoking is totally prohibited. Therefore, most accommodations are non-smoking rooms, with one small room designated as a smoking zone.
Found our Travel tips useful in planning your first trip to Japan? Let us know in the comment section below
