The first trip to Japan and especially Tokyo can be a bit overwhelming, but with some planning, it doesn’t have to be. Prior to our trip to Tokyo, I did a ton of research and though that helped with our trip, there were some tips I didn’t figure out until I was in Japan. Below is my list of helpful travel tips for first time Japan travelers.
1. Internet Access is a must
Unless you speak fluent Japanese, you will need to have access to the internet at all times. Whether it be to look up directions, train schedules, translating Japanese or simply to show your taxi driver the address of your hotel you will need to be able to get online. While I have seen other blogs recommend getting portable Wifi, I found the best option was to get a Japanese SIM card. I ordered mine from www.mobal.com about a week before leaving. They have different plan options, but I chose the 30 day unlimited data, talk and text. The SIM card shipped to my house within 2 days of ordering for free and I activated 24 hours before our trip. Right before landing in Tokyo, I switched out SIM cards and had internet ready to go on my phone once I was in the airport. I chose this option because you never know when you might need to call your hotel or a restaurant for reservations. For $69 roughly this was way cheaper than any foreign data plans through my service provider and I can’t imagine being in Japan without it.
2. Google Translate and Google Maps are you friend
Trust me you will need these. I used both on daily basis to translate Japanese characters at convenience stores and I used google maps to figure out train times and directions everywhere. The Japanese are super friendly and willing to help, but with the language barrier both these apps save you time and a ton of frustration.
3. Get a Portable Battery Charger
Since you will be relying on your phone almost all the time, if yours is like mine, the battery will drain very quickly. I have never used a portable battery charger before but it is life changing. Its lightweight and I just had my phone plugged in at all times in my purse. I would charge both my phone and the charger overnight and was never worried about being without the internet!
4. Learn a couple of words
This tip applies to any country you travel to, but especially Japan. If you can say a simple hello (konichiwa) or thank you (arigato) in Japanese, trust me you will get treated a heck of a lot better and people will be even more willing to help you.
5. Get a Suica Card
What is a Suica card? It is a prepaid smart card that can be used for public transportation, vending machines, convenience stores and even some taxis in Japan. What is great about it is, that it takes the hassle out of having to think about what station you are getting on and which one you need to get off at. In Japan, the ticket fare is charged by distance travelled (you scan your ticket when getting in and out of stations, so don’t lose your tickets or cards). When we arrived in Tokyo, we were so tired from our travel that we did not buy it right away and went a couple of days without one. Seriously, was life changing when we got it. When we were in Japan they came out with a new tourist friendly version (Welcome Suica) that is good for 30 days and you put however much you want on it. There is a regular one that you can also buy, but that one requires a deposit that is refundable, but only at JR ticket offices. I found this be annoying, so I prefer the tourist one. You can buy it at the train station office at the airport or any JR ticket office in Tokyo. The initial purchase can be made with a credit card, but any top offs have to be done in cash. It can not be used on the bullet trains and any money left over is not refundable. For the 10 days we were in Japan both my husband and I got Suica cards with $40 on them each. We did have money left over but we just goodies at the convenience stores and drinks at the vending machines at the airport to use it up. Here is the link for more info: Suica
6. Buy your NEX tickets round trip
I mentioned this in one of previous posts. When you arrive in Tokyo and specifically Narita, my recommendation is to take the Narita Express train into Tokyo. Travel time is about 50min and we went straight into the Tokyo Train Station and from there it was a 5min cab ride to our hotel. Once you collect your luggage and leave the customs area, there will be workers pointing tourists to the train ticket windows. Buy your ticket roundtrip and you will save about 30%. You do not need to know your return time right away as it can be confirmed 24hrs beforehand. Simply go to a JR office nearest you and show them the receipt and the attendant will help you pick your return time. Link: NEX
7. Carry Cash
Prior to traveling to Japan I read everywhere that Japan is a cash society and that not all Japanese ATMs take foreign ATM cards. The main ATMs that will accept foreign cards are 7-Bank (owned by 7-11!) and Japan Post Bank. As you can imagine I was really worried that we wouldn’t have money. DO NOT WORRY! Most places in Tokyo and even Kyoto took foreign credit cards. Your really just need cash at the temples for souvenirs, entrance fees, street food vendors, some taxis or to top off your Suica card. 7-11 ATMs are super easy to find and really everywhere. I was worried that at Narita they would have like one ATM you could take money out of, but the Japanese are so organized, that there was a whole area of ATMs accepting foreign credit cards once you clear customs. You can’t miss it!
8. Japanese Toilets are heaven
I am still not over these. The toilet seats are heated, some come with soothing music, they clean and dry you out, and are motion sensitive, so you don’t even have to touch them. What more can you ask for!
9. Japan Railpass is not the end all be all
Every single blog I read recommended getting a Japan Railpass. The more I read the more I got confused. So what is it? Its a pass that lets you travel for 7, 14 and 21 consecutive days on the JR trains (trains that run throughout the country), including the Shinkansen (bullet train). It is only offered to tourists and has to be purchased outside of Japan. It is very expensive and I found it only make sense to purchase it if you plan on traveling a lot throughout Japan. We only went to Kyoto and the rest to he trip stayed in Tokyo, so buying a round trip ticket was actually cheaper than the pass.
10. Respect the local rules
Japan is a country of rules and order. When traveling one should be respectful of the traditions and rules of the country you are in. This is especially true in Japan. There is a reason why certain neighborhoods have “members only” signs on their establishments, obnoxious tourists not respecting local traditions. I have listed out some of the main ones in this list.
11. Don’t be loud
I made the mistake of FaceTiming with my Mom while walking the streets of Tokyo. Do not be like me! I had people staring at me with not so happy faces. The Japanese are very quiet people and don’t talk loud in public and especially on public transportation. When riding the trains you will notice it is very quiet and the only loud people are tourists (they tend to keep to themselves and don’t really talk on trains, this includes cell phones!). Just be respectful.
12. Don’t tip
There is no tipping in Japan. It is considered rude and insulting. You might however notice that there are cover charges ranging from $10 to $20 at bars. At first I was annoyed, but considering you don’t need to tip, it evens out.
13. Don’t walk and eat
Coming from the U.S. where grabbing a bite to go is life, this one took some getting used to. There are fast food and street food spots in Japan, but you will never see the Japanese walking and eating. It is considered rude and against their culture. It is more customary to stand, enjoy your food and then continue about your day.
14. Do not open the taxi doors
In Japan, the more modern taxis have doors that open on their own. With older taxis, the driver will open the door for you. Nothing upsets a taxi driver more is a person pulling the door handle. Just don’t do it. It is rude.
15. Do not take pictures without permission
The Japanese are private people and don’t generally like to have their pictures taken or being on video. It’s ok if you happen to capture them in the background, but don’t intentionally take their pictures without permission.
16. Left is for standing, right is for walking
Japan is a country of rules and order. Most stairs have arrows to show you which side is up and which side is down. When it comes to escalators, the left side is for standing and the right is for walking if you need to hurry. Try to follow the rules or you will stick out and be that annoying tourist.
17. Convenience Stores
Family Mart, Lawson, and 7-11 (my favorite) are everywhere and carry very high quality hot and cold food, coffee, drinks, packaged Michelin ramen, and snacks. They accept credit and suica cards, are budget friendly, and almost guaranteed to have an ATM. You will find yourself walking into them just for fun to look around and are also a safe bet for public restrooms.
18. Vending Machines
They are everywhere and carry anything from food, fish sauce, snacks to drinks. The drink ones are most common and carry coffee, water, soda, beer, and tea. Red is for warm, blue is for cold. Drinks are cheap and you can find them just walking the streets, in the airport, or departments stores. I really wish we had these in the U.S.
19. Discount Stores
The best places for souvenirs and goodies like green tea, kit-kats, beauty products and housewares are Daiso (100 Yen Store) and Don Quijote (Donki). When going to Donki give yourself plenty of time and patience (between the language barrier and the sheer volume of products, you will need it). The prices here are really good, but I also found that if you venture into more local neighborhoods, you will also find good prices.
20. Book in advance
For as big of a city as Tokyo is, with an abundance of hotels and restaurants, places book up fast. Actually, Kyoto was no different. If you have a hotel or restaurant in mind, book way in advance (depending on the time of the year, I would give myself 2-3 months). Same applies to museums and activities, like go carting. Although, these you can probably book a couple of weeks out. I also touched on this in my Tokyo guide, try to have a plan on where you want to go and what you want to do. Tokyo is big and even Kyoto was spread out, so to make the best use of your time, you need to have a plan.
21. Always have a pair of socks
You might run into places that require you to take off your shoes, like restaurants or fitting rooms. If you don’t normally wear socks, its good to have a pair with you.
22. Getting Around
