Drea I had been dreaming of a trip to Japan for so long. I’d go to sushi and think about eating it in Japan. When wandering through the Japanese Friendship Garden, I’d imagine I was really there. I’d fiend on photos and inspiration from other people’s trips. Rather than satiating my desire to go, it only made it stronger. But would I go? And if I did, were there essential Japan travel tips for first timers that I needed to know?
That’s when I knew, it was time to get serious. And when great Black Friday travel deals came along, I took it as a sign to take a leap. But once I shifted from inspiration to planning, I realized there were so many things to think about. The amount of Japan travel tips was astounding!
I need to book ahead for activities? I need to download things before I go? Do I need to become fluent in Japanese to get by there on my own? I was starting the trip solo, then joining up with a group, so knowing I was on my own made the pressure that much greater.
So, I read, scoured, and committed as much to memory as I could (the rest, I tagged, saved and religiously referred to). Some tips were overrated, but I’ve culled the ones that were definitely worth the hype. These are essential, whether it’s your first visit to Japan or your fiftieth.
For my full guide to planning and traveling through Japan, start here →
Want Your Own Custom Packing Checklist for Japan?
One of the key travel tips for Japan is to travel light so you can navigate trains and buses. My free 4-3-1 packing checklist, tested over 18 days solo in Japan, makes sure you have everything you need and nothing you don’t.
1. Stay in an Area You Want to Spend Time In, and Plan your Days Around Different Parts of the City
Travel time can add up, sometimes taking 40 minutes to get to another part of the city. Tokyo and Kyoto are big and there is a lot to see!! Wherever you can save time, do yourself a favor and do it! It’s also nice to be close to metro or bus stops, and to have restaurants and konbini (convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson) nearby for when you’re too tired to travel far for food.
Since maximizing time is key when there’s so much to do, I visit different parts of a city each day. In Tokyo I planned each day around one to two districts near each other. With this approach, I actually found myself with free time to just wander on a few of the days! It was also so nice not to feel rushed to make it to reservations, as I was already nearby. On the flip side, I did not do this in Kyoto and ended up spending a good chunk of a couple days transporting across the city. Lesson learned for next time – I now consider this travel tip an essential one!
Where you stay is especially important if you’re traveling solo. Check out my full guide to staying safe in Tokyo.
2. Book in Advance – to an extent
Yes, it’s true things sell out so definitely book ahead for the things you want to do. That being said, I don’t recommend booking your day to the max. Then you’re stressing about making it to your next rezzie and you’re taken out of the moment.Take it from me, I used to be this person! If I book, I try to limit to one booking a day, two most if they are near each other. Then I can plan the days itinerary around that location, so I know we’ll make it on time. I also found that for some places like the micro-pig café, you can show up at opening , and they easily got me in. I then was able to cancel my reservation and free up time later in my visit!
Things that I saw book up quickly in Tokyo: Pokeman Café (take a look as soon as you confirm your trip), teamLab Borderless and Planets, Shibuya Sky (especially sunset times), and Sumo Tournaments. I didn’t do the theme park thing, but if you do, make sure you get your Tokyo Disney, Harry Potter Café and Studio spots locked in early.
In Kyoto & Osaka: get your ticket to the Nintendo Museum and Pokeman café early, snag a spot on the romantic train (especially if during fall when the leaves are out in all their glory) and the Aoniyoshi Sightseeing Train to Nara.
Once you have your bookings sorted, my 5-day Tokyo itinerary shows how to build your days around them.
3. Get Ready to Walk
It’s true, there’s a lot of walking. I averaged 20k steps a day, or about 8 miles. Some days were more; some were less. But even with the buses and metro, the mileage still adds up. You can peel back your day,
especially in some of the smaller towns. And Taxis and Uber are readily available to save you walking from your location to the station to the hotel. In all though, be prepared with at least one but preferably two pairs of comfy shoes. And at the end of the day, if those dogs are barking, lay on the bed facing the headboard, and put your feet up the wall. Lay like that for 10 minutes or so to let the feet relax. Your feet will thank me!
4. Japan Travel Apps First-Timers Actually Need (Plus a Battery Pack)
With travel to Japan comes seeing things in a different language, navigating the streets of new cities, and making sure you can pay your restaurant tab (as much fun as doing the dishes would be). Technology makes it extremely easy to stay connected, with four simple apps that I found essential. And don’t forget to carry a battery pack for your phone – all that navigating and photogging really drained my battery! Here are the apps that I consider essential for travel to Japan:
eSim like Airalo
To power all of these apps you need connectivity! And your phone likely has that built in, but if you don’t pay close attention, it can cost you. I decided to forego my standard mobile phone plan, which would have cost me $12/day with limited and slow data. Wifi isn’t available when you’re out navigating the streets, so I couldn’t rely solely on that.
Instead, I got an eSim through Airolo. It was a lifesaver! I downloaded the app before I went, selected my plan, and activated it as soon as I landed. For about $26 ($23 with a discount!) I got 20GB of data to use over 30 days. Averaging about 1GB a day, this worked out great since I was there for 18 days. I would have paid more than that for two days with Verizon, so it was a no-brainer. Airalo gave me a referral code, so if you want $3 off your plan, use the code ANDREA68732 when you pay!
I cover this more in my Japan packing guide.
Google Maps
Great for street navigation, walking directions, and stellar on the trains. It will tell you which platform your train is arriving at, which car is best to board, and which exit to take from the station. A must-have! I also used Google maps for finding places to eat. Many suggest other apps, but I found Google Maps to work great. Remember that Japanese typically are more discerning with their ratings, so anything 3 stars or higher is actually great.
Google Translate or Papago
The bigger towns actually have quite a bit in English – the metro in Tokyo even calls out stops in English, and many restaurants have English versions. That said, I did find myself using my translation app quite a bit – whether dining, shopping or reminding myself of those key Japanese phrases that help me show respect in a country (hello, please, thank you, have a nice day, do you speak English, etc.), I used my translation apps A LOT. Google translate was easier to use, but when it translated something way off (eg, I’m pretty sure we’re not eating a painted mermaid shoe), I popped into Papago to get a clearer translation. It’s not a must-have to use both, but I found it useful (and fun) to compare.
Suica eCard or app
Think of the Suica card as your Japanese debit card. You load money on it and simply tap your phone everywhere you go to pay – from the metro to the bus stops, to convenience stores, to some restaurants and shops. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to spend too. I was able to use my remaining balance at the airport, and when I didn’t have quite enough, I simply added the exact amount I needed and used it all up. No extra yen coming home burning a hole in my pocket!
If you have an iPhone, you don’t even need the app. I added Suica in my Wallet app (click + -> Select Transit Card -> type Suica in the Search -> Select Suica -> Load the amount of Yen you want). If you have trouble loading before you arrive, no worries – just add funds when you land. I did that and it was seamless!
Physical vs eCard: some people prefer a physical SUICA card – it’s fun to have a card, they have a special one for tourists, etc. – but I saw too many people having to stop at the metro station and go to a machine to add money to their card. When it’s in your phone, you can top up at the touch of a button. Tourist cards also expire within 28 days, whereas the mobile app/eWallet card and physical normal card last for 10 years – this gives you peace of mind if you do end up with money left over. Plenty of time to use it on another trip!
5. Stop at 7-Eleven when you Land or the Next Morning for Yen and Yumminess – Konbinis are where it’s at!
Some people say to take out cash before you go, but really, it’s not necessary. 7-Eleven and other convenience stores have cash machines, and it was very easy for me to take out money there. While I mainly used Suica and my credit cards, it was good to have cash on hand for temples, food stalls, and some smaller restaurants and shops.
Once you get the technical part of the visit out of the way, go explore the store! While some Japanese people laugh at tourists for eating at the convenience stores, Japanese convenience store food is much better quality than in the US. Some of my favorites include the fresh fruit smoothie machine blended in front of you; the hot drink beverage case; the onigiri rice packets with yummy goodness inside, and all the gummy candies that make for a good energy boost during your day.
I wouldn’t make konbinis my sole source of japanese food – there’s too many fantastic restaurants and food options that you’d miss out on – but it does serve for the basics, and when you’re in a pinch. I found it most useful for breakfast. I’d visit the night before and have my brekkie in the room, or stop for a smoothie on the way to the metro so I could get out and see all the sights!
These were my go-to during my 3 weeks in Japan – here’s my full day-by-day itinerary (easily converted to 2 weeks if that’s all you have).
6. Create Unique Memories with a Shrine Book (Goshuin-Cho)
With so many temples and shrines to visit, there is a lot of culture and beauty to soak in. While several of these are free, they do offer the ability to buy charms for good luck, blessings, fortunes, and even a shrine book to collect stamps. Each temple or shrine has a unique stamp, often done in handwritten calligraphy identifying the shrine/temple name and date. I have to admit, I accidentally found myself in a line for a stamp without realizing it, and a kind person explained it to me. I ended up buying a book and proceeded to get a stamp at nearly every temple and shrine I visited. Now, it’s a cherished keepsake and unique memory of my trip – and one that I can bring with me on my next visit.
Read why this was one of my top travel moments of 2025.
7. Trash Cans will be Scarce, but Heavenly Toilets Abound
Japan is so very clean, even with a lack of trash cans. People don’t typically eat or drink while they’re walking around, so keep that in mind. I read a tip to get a little bag when I bought something at a convenience store, and I kept that in my purse for trash that I had throughout the day. I also carried a crossbody bag big enough for a bottle of water and a little snack. While not common for Japanese, I didn’t want to find myself getting hangry. When I had a hankering, I stepped off to the side, or near a food stall, had a sip or bite, and then put it away and kept moving.
What I did find easily available and oh so lovely were the Japanese toilets. The rumors are true; they are what bums dream of. Warm, clean, advanced with so many options. I’m seriously considering becoming one of those people that buys one at home because well, I’m a believer.
8. Get Out Early to Beat the Crowds
Surprisingly, not many places in Tokyo were too crowded – in fact, there were some districts where I felt like I was one of a handful of visitors. Kyoto and smaller towns on the other hand, can be very different. I found that starting off at 6 or 7am was helpful if you like to walk parks, temples or streets without people around. Convenience stores are open so a quick bite there can fuel you, and while most of the shops and restaurants don’t open until 9 or later, seeing the temples, shrines and parks was a lovely peaceful way to start the day.
We missed that one day and showed up to a temple in Kyoto at 10am, and it was so packed we could barely move. If you find yourself in those moments, as you likely might, stay calm, find your inner Zen, and focus on the place vs the people.
9. What to Pack for Japan as a First-Timer: Light Luggage, Smart Layers
This one is more helpful if you are taking a lot of trains. I went with a bigger carry-on size roller bag, and it was perfect for taking on trains and carrying up the stairs. I saw many people with a medium size bag, and they did just fine. They just had to find the elevators in the metro stations – they typically exist, just may be a bit out of the way.
On some crowded metro trains people still were polite and made room. And for shinkansen trains, make sure you reserve a seat so you can either put the luggage in front of your feet or over your head. If you want room at the back, you’ll have to reserve that separately. For me, while packing small was a stressful challenge, it was quite relieving to know I didn’t have huge bags to navigate through stations.
It also helped to have lots of layers. We encountered some surprisingly cold weather and even got some snow, so it helped that I had a packable down jacket alongside my trench coat. The weather varies based on the time of year, so check that before you go. And don’t make the mistake some of my travel companions did by only checking Tokyo wetaher – if you go to smaller towns like Nikko or Hakone, or go farther north, the weather can vary greatly. Better to be prepared so you can focus on the sights!
I go deep on this in my what to pack for Japan guide, including the 431 system that made packing way less stressful.
10. Don’t Expect to See it All
This is a tough pill to swallow! I think because it seems so far, and Japan has so many wonderful things to see and places to go, you really want to do it all. Some people may only go once and so want to make the most of it. I get it! But trying to cram it all in can take you out of the moment and make your trip less enjoyable.
Having a relaxed pace lets you wander, stop for a coffee, go off the path because you see something cool over there, etc. if you’re too scheduled, you’ll burn yourself out and maybe miss a highlight that you never could have planned for. In Tokyo I stumbled upon empty temples and lovely parks with sculptures all around, sans people. It was so peaceful, and I never would have found it had I not allowed myself the time to just roam aimlessly.
Ready to Visit? Have you Already Been and have Other Tips to Share?
I’d love to hear your feedback on what resonates and what doesn’t based on your travels, along with any other questions you’re thinking about while planning your trip. And once you’ve read these, check out what I think is overrated Japan travel advice – knowing what to skip is just as valuable.
Regardless of all the info out there, you will have the time of your life. The country is beautiful, the people are gracious, and the energy is electric. I found that being a respectful human goes a long way to correcting minor faux pauxs. Kindness is a universal language.
Wherever you go, however you do it, I want you to have a trip to remember.
Happy travels, kindreds!
RELATED POSTS
- For my full guide to planning and traveling through Japan, start here
- Now that you know the 10 essential tips, check out the the Japan advice I think is overrated
- Ready to visit? Check out my 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary – Solo Traveler Edition
- Only have 3 days to spare? Take a look at My Exact 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary
- Wondering if Tokyo is safe for female travelers? Read my honest opinion
- Want to extend your trip and see more of Japan? My 3 week itinerary is perfect, and can easily be modified to 2 weeks if that’s all you can spare.
- Kyoto is a great addition to any Japan itinerary. See how I spent 4 days there.
- I did the Tokyo part of this trip solo, and the rest with an Intrepid Group. For more info on traveling solo, check out 10 Reasons to Travel Solo.
- If group travel may be more your thing, take a look at 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Group Travel
HELPFUL LINKS
- Work With Me
- Need help planning your 2026 travel? Contact me here for personalized itinerary assistance!
- Want more information on the benefits of using a travel advisor? Learn more here
- Airalo eSim: https://www.airalo.com Promo code: ANDREA68732 for $3 off
- Favorite luggage: https://www.awaytravel.com
- Great app for Japanese events and booking (found a cool cherry blossom event here that I didn’t see anywhere else): https://www.klook.com
- Event and car bookings: https://www.viator.com
- Hotel and activity comparison: https://www.tripadvisor.com
- Intrepid Travel – I did part of this trip with Intrepid, a small group tour company, and highly recommend them! https://www.intrepidtravel.com
