Japan Travel Tips

We’ve been to Japan twice. On our most recent trip, we spent a month in Tokyo and had the chance to dive deeper into the culture, daily life, and what it takes to navigate and assimilate into the country. In this post, I’ll share some practical tips we picked up along the way.

Contents

• Walking and Street Etiquette
• Public Transit
• Shopping Tips
• Food and Groceries
• Language and Communication
• Money and Payments
• Toilets and Hygiene
• Connectivity
• Convenience Stores (Konbini)
• Luggage and Travel
• Seasonal Advice
• Helpful Apps

Walking and Street Etiquette

• Walk on the left side of the street.
• There are no trash cans on the street, but you’ll usually find some in train stations.
• Many people still wear masks—for health reasons, to cover makeup, or for privacy.
• Japanese people generally keep to themselves and avoid getting into others' business.
• Rules and social norms are followed strictly, even if unspoken—watch what others do and follow suit.
• Don’t eat while walking—it’s considered rude. Find a place to sit before enjoying snacks.

Public Transit

• Use the Suica mobile app—it’s extremely convenient and works with Apple Wallet. Just tap your phone at the gate to enter and exit.
• You can top up Suica in the app or through Apple Wallet, but ticket machines only accept cash.
• Kids get half-price fares with Suica, but you must register their cards in person at a station info office using a passport.
• Eki stamps (station stamps, pronounced "eki stampu" in Japanese) are great collectibles! For JR stations, they’re usually outside the gates; for private railways, they may be inside. (See more tips about Eki stamps here)
• No loud talking on trains—keep your phone on silent and avoid calls.
• Trains are on time to the minute, so plan accordingly.
• Always line up at designated spots on the platform before boarding.

Shopping Tips

• Some stores like Uniqlo accept QR codes for tax-free shopping, but smaller shops may require your passport.
• Many restaurants and small shops don’t accept credit cards, so carry cash.
• At grocery stores, you pay first, then bag your own groceries at a separate counter.
• Don’t be surprised if some businesses refuse service due to language barriers (e.g. a BJJ gym we visited).
• Prices are usually tax-inclusive, but some places will show the pre-tax price too.

Food and Groceries

• Supermarkets often offer beef tallow for free near the meat section—perfect for frying.
• Plastic bags are not free, but they’re cheap. Bring your own if you can.
• Food at convenience stores (konbini) is convenient but often ultra-processed and not the healthiest.
• Most meat in supermarkets is thinly sliced, ideal for grilling. It's hard to find large chunks or bone-in cuts.
• At restaurants, tipping is not expected—and may even be politely refused.
• Try department store food basements (depachika) for high-quality takeout meals.
• Drink vending machines are everywhere and incredibly convenient.

Language and Communication

• Learn a few key phrases:
  • Konnichiwa = Hello
  • Arigatou gozaimasu = Thank you
  • Sumimasen = Excuse me / Sorry
  • Eigo o hanasemasu ka? = Do you speak English?
• Most people don’t speak fluent English, especially outside major cities.
• Use translation apps like Google Translate (download offline Japanese!) or Papago.
• Pointing and body language are useful when communication is difficult.

Money and Payments

• Japan is still cash-heavy, especially in small towns and local eateries.
• Use 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Japan Post ATMs for international cards.
• Always carry coins for vending machines, lockers, and older ticket gates.
• IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo) can also be used at some vending machines, konbini, and even some restaurants.

Toilets and Hygiene

• Public toilets are clean, free, and everywhere—even in parks and stations.
• Toilets may have many buttons—look for the one that says “flush” or has a pictogram.
• Some restrooms don’t have soap or hand dryers, so bring hand sanitizer and pocket tissues just in case.

Connectivity

• Rent a portable Wi-Fi device or buy a SIM card at the airport to stay connected. (Honestly, we rent a portable Wi-Fi device once but found it very slow and often throttled. We bought roaming package from our carrier and it works much better.)
• Free Wi-Fi is available at many train stations, convenience stores, and cafés—but it can be spotty.
• Download offline maps and translation tools ahead of time, just in case.

Convenience Stores (Konbini)

• Open 24/7 and super reliable: you can buy food, pay bills, ship packages, print documents, and withdraw cash.
• Great for snacks, quick meals, toiletries, and even umbrellas.
• They’re everywhere—you’ll never be far from a 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart.

Luggage and Travel

• Consider using Takuhaibin (luggage forwarding services) to send your bags between hotels. It’s affordable and reliable.
• Coin lockers are widely available in train stations for short-term luggage storage.
• Travel light—many trains, elevators, and accommodations have limited space for large suitcases.

Seasonal Advice

• Spring (Mar–Apr): Cherry blossoms, mild weather, high tourist traffic.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid—carry water, use sunscreen, and plan indoor breaks.
• Autumn (Oct–Nov): Gorgeous foliage and comfortable weather.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but cozy—layer up, especially in northern regions and mountain towns.

Helpful Apps

• Google Maps / Navitime – best for public transportation.
• Suica / Pasmo – recharge IC cards and check balances.
• Google Translate / Papago – for instant translation.
• TableLog – restaurant reviews and reservations.
• Japan Official Travel App – official tourism info and emergency tips.
• HappyCow – for vegetarians and special diets.
• Gurunavi – restaurant finder, including English menus.