Most Basic Info Every Tourist Should Know About Travelling To Japan

Intro

There’s just something about Japan. A dream destination for millions of travellers around the world, Japan’s beautiful landscape, futuristic cities, proud history, and unique culture truly set it apart. Vibrant, dazzling, and different, it remains one of the most in-demand countries to visit and at the very top of the list for travellers looking to book a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. However, simply by virtue of being so unique and distinctive, Japan also feels like one of the countries you need to prepare the most for before visiting. In fact, there’s so much to think about, you might feel a little daunted about where to start. Thankfully, that’s where we come in at JapanDen. If you’re planning a trip to the unforgettable country of Japan and want a list of the most essential information that you need to know before you visit, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Key Facts About Japan

Let’s start with some key facts about this amazing country.

• Name: Japan

• Location: East Asia / Western North Pacific Ocean

• Capital: Tokyo - the world’s most populous city

• Language: Japanese

• Government: Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary government

• Geography: Japan is an archipelago (or string of islands) with four main islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and thousands of smaller islands 

• Currency: Japanese Yen (¥ JPY)

• Population: More than 120,000 million

• Religion: Buddhism and Shinto

• Electric sockets: Type A - two pins without ground / Type B - two pins with a grounding prong (100 V AC, 50 / 60 HZ)

• Timezone: UTC/GMT +9 hours

• Country Code: +81    

Top 20 Things To Know Before Visiting Japan

Let’s take a look at the most important basic information - and a few fun facts - every overseas visitor to Japan should know before arriving:

1. An Island Nation 

Japan is an archipelago, surrounded by seas, with four main islands arranged in an arc from northeast to southwest, stretching for more than 1,500 miles. It is beautiful, rugged, and geographically diverse. While more than four-fifths of Japan is mountainous, the country also boasts stunning coastlines and beaches, dense forests, and lakes, with subtropical temperatures in the south and winter resorts in snowy north and alpine regions. Japan’s main mountain range is the Japanese Alps, but it also has more than 200 volcanoes including the iconic Mount Fuji. Just as the northern and southern islands differ widely, Japan is a land of contrasts in other ways too. While the country is famous for having several of the biggest, most populated cities in the world such as Tokyo and Osaka, it has also preserved the past in the temples and shrines of Kyoto, Nara, and Nikko, as well as its many traditional rural villages such as the UNESCO-recognised Shirakawa-go. Japan is known for being safe, clean, family-friendly, fun, and exciting - a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. 

2. Japan’s Trains Are The Best Way To Travel

Japan’s railways - including its world-famous Shinkansen ‘bullet trains’ - are the single best way to get around the country, especially if you plan to visit more than one place i.e. you’re staying in Tokyo, but would also like to see Kyoto, Osaka, or Sapporo. Japan’s trains make this kind of city-hopping easy to do thanks to super fast, super efficient trains that run to almost every imaginable destination across the country. This is definitely information worth knowing before you visit so that you can plan ahead and book a Japan Rail Pass in advance for unlimited travel on the vast majority of trains. This is more cost effective and will save you time. We’ll have more on the JR Pass in our Useful Links section at the end of the article. The country’s extensive rail network and the ability to hop on and off trains with a Japan Rail Pass is also the perfect encouragement to get out of Tokyo (and other major cities) and explore the rest of Japan, which has a huge amount to offer overseas travellers. As incredible as the likes of Tokyo and Kyoto are, those who explore off the beaten path will be rewarded with unique travel experiences. 

Meanwhile, for inner city travel, a prepaid travel card is essential for public transportation such as Metros and subways. These IC cards - similar to London’s Oyster card system - are the easiest way and most cost-effective to get around Japanese cities. As such, you’ll definitely want to invest in a prepaid travel card such as an ICOCA, PASMO or Suica card. IC cards like these can be topped up and refunded as needed and they work by tapping or waving them over the card reader as you pass through the ticket gates. It’s also worth noting that the Metro system does not run 24/7 and stops for the night between 11.30pm and 1am depending on your location, so be sure to keep an eye on the time when you’re out late at night. 

3. From Konnichiwa to Kanpai

Making an effort to learn a few Japanese words and phrases can go a long way while visiting the country. Even if you are far from fluent, Japanese people will appreciate your efforts with their language. Here are a few examples to help you get started:

• Hello = Kon’nichiwa

• Excuse Me = Sumimasen

• Please = Onegaishimasu  

• Thank You = Arigatō gozaimasu

• Cheers = Kanpai

• Yes =  Hai

• I Don’t Understand = Wakarimasen

• Goodbye = Sayonara

• I Humbly Receive = Itadakimasu [To be said before a meal]

• Thank you for the meal = Gochisosama deshita

  Although it is helpful to try and learn a little Japanese, it’s not strictly necessary for tourists. In big cities, you’ll find that many Japanese people speak good English, although they will probably be modest about their fluency. To make life easier for yourself and especially if you’re struggling to learn basic phrases, have the Japanese dictionary in Google Translate downloaded for offline use, and write down place names in Japanese to show people where you want to go. Of course, if you can learn some of the phrases above then you’ll definitely charm the locals.

4. Good Manners Go Far

You’ll get a warm welcome from the friendly and polite people of Japan, especially if you show good manners. While Japanese etiquette is famous around the world, it's genuinely nothing to worry about or feel intimidated by. Every country has its own social customs and Japan is no different. Japanese people are also known for their patience and understanding with overseas visitors, so even if you get things wrong, it’s not a problem. At the same time, familiarising yourself with a few simple customs and good practice before you visit, will definitely be appreciated by the locals. Japan’s etiquette covers everything from eating out (more on this below) to bathing in an onsen (Japanese bathing facilities), visiting temples and shrines, to entering someone’s home, using public restrooms, travelling on public transport, and more. Here are some simple dos and don’ts:

• The number one rule is to be as respectful as possible. When in doubt, ask for clarification and be courteous. 

• Remove your shoes when entering homes and some businesses.

• Don’t tip at restaurants as it is not done in Japan.

• Cover tattoos so that they cannot be publicly viewed, especially at bathhouses and onsen (hot springs) as they are still associated with criminality.

• Bowing is a common sign of respect when meeting people. It’s worth looking up the correct way to bow in Japan as it is a key part of everyday life in Japan.

• Never eat while walking in public (and try to avoid eating in public generally except in certain situations - eating on the Shinkansen ‘bullet train’ or from a food stall at a festival is fine for example).

• Keep your voice down while talking on public transport, keep your phone on silent and try not to take calls, and listen to music through headphones.

• Stand on the left on escalators (except in Kansai and the west of Japan. where the custom is reversed and you stand on the right).

5. Dine Out in Style

One key area of Japanese etiquette involves eating out. Japan’s mouthwatering cuisine is among the best and most exciting in the world, and a big reason why people want to visit. From sushi to ramen, sake to tea ceremonies, you’re going to love dining out in Japan. Of course, the last thing you want to do is accidentally commit a cultural faux paus while sampling the country’s food and drink, so a little knowledge before you arrive can save a lot of awkwardness. Our quick guide to Japanese table manners 

• Never point with your chopsticks.

• Don’t stab your food with your chopsticks.

• When ordering food, remember to say ‘kudasai’ or ‘please’. If you’re not sure what to order, try using the word ‘Osusume’, which means ‘recommendation’, and ‘Omakase’ which is the ‘chef’s choice’. It can be seen as respectful to ask the chef and most restaurants offer a menu of chef’s recommendations.

• An oshibori is a towel specifically for cleaning your hands during a meal and is not for your face, neck or mouth. Using it for anything other than your hands is considered rude.

• Start a meal by saying ‘Itadaki-masu’ which means ‘I gratefully receive’ before you begin. Remember not to put too much on your plate as anything left uneaten could be seen as a sign of impoliteness. 

• When drinking at dinner, the number one rule is to never start drinking alone. Always wait until all of your guests have a drink before drinking yourself, then say ‘kanpai’ which means ‘cheers’.

• If you place your chopsticks on the table to the side of your dish it signifies you’re still eating, but if you place them together and sideways across the plate or bowl then this means you are finished.

• You can end a meal by saying ‘gochisōsama deshita’, which means ‘Thank you for the feast’. Crossing one finger over the other to create an ‘X’ can then also be used to signify you are ready for the bill. 

• Tipping is not necessary or expected in Japan. In fact, it’s best not to tip as it’s not part of Japanese dining culture and can cause confusion.  

  

• 6. Shoes On, Shoes Off

On the theme of customs, taking your shoes off is expected when entering Japanese homes, shrines and temples, traditional inns (more on these below), and even restrooms in restaurants and cafes. As such, it’s good advice to pack shoes that can be easily taken on and off. Many visitors also like to wear socks because you may be asked to change into communal slippers after taking your own footwear off. It’s a little bit like taking off your outdoor shoes and putting on your indoor shoes. As well as footwear that’s easy to slip on and off, it’s also worth packing shoes that are comfortable and hard-wearing as you can expect to cover plenty of ground on foot in Japan while exploring.  

7. Staying in a Ryokan 

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, complete with tatami mats, shoji (sliding paper doors), futon beds, and onsen (hot spring bathing facilities). If you’re looking for the most authentic, traditional Japanese accommodation, then this is it. Ryokan can also feature traditional culinary experiences, like multi-course meals and tea ceremonies. Of course, Japan has many other places to stay across the country. From luxury hotels to ski and beach resorts, meditation and spa retreats to camping and glamping, Buddhist monasteries to quirky capsule hotels, Japan has a huge variety of accommodation choices to suit every type of traveller and every budget. At JapanDen, we’re dedicated to finding the perfect accommodation for you. We also recommend booking your accommodation as far in advance of your trip as you can to get the best choice and rates. This is especially important if you plan to visit during popular times of year, such as cherry blossom viewing season, when both demand and prices are at their highest. On a related note, those seeking an authentic and traditional Japanese experience should also add izakayas to their list of places to try. These are essentially the Japanese equivalent of gastropubs where food and drink go hand in hand. Kanpai!  

8. Soak in an Onsen

Bathing facilities known as onsen are a major part of Japanese culture. As a volcanically active nation, Japan is home to hundreds of geothermal hot springs and over the centuries these have become home to traditional Japanese bathhouses and onsen resorts. Lowering your body into a warm onsen is a quintessential Japanese experience. If you are looking to get the full experience of Japan by diving deep into cultural norms, onsen should be included. Aside from the cultural ties, the geothermally heated springs offer potential benefits such as pain alleviation, clearing up skin, reduced fatigue, and overall stress reduction. As with other activities in Japan, you need to be aware of strict etiquette. The key rules are:

• Public onsen are separated by gender i.e. men bathe with men, women with women

• No clothing whatsoever (including swimwear) is worn in the onsen 

• Tattoos must be covered at all times

• You must wash and shower before you go in the onsen

• Tie your hair up and do not let it go in the onsen water

• No phones or cameras

• No alcohol

• Do not go under the water     

  

9. Just Book It

Japan is a very popular destination so it’s worth booking in advance for key attractions, train journeys, and even restaurants, to ensure you get to see and do everything you want to. While a Japan Rail Pass can be used to hop on and off trains, it also offers free seat reservations, which are highly recommended during busy periods. Japan’s biggest attractions meanwhile sometimes need to be booked up to six months in advance. These include the likes of: 

• Ghibli Park

• Sumo Tournaments

• TeamLab Borderless 

• Tokyo Disneyland and Sea resort

• Universal Studios Osaka (Including Super Nintendo World)

Even when dining out, it is often best to book ahead to make sure you get a table, especially at Michelin-starred restaurants and other fine-dining establishments. Japanese gastropubs, known as Izayaka, are famously small with a limited number of tables, and the country’s best restaurants are often the same. There are a few apps, which can help with making bookings, such as  GuruNavi Restaurant Guide, Tablelog, Sushi Dictionary / Ramen Beast, PocketConcierge, Tableall, and Omakase. It’s also worth noting that some restaurants are walk-in only and do not take bookings. As a bonus tip, if you’re out and about looking for somewhere to eat, keep an eye out for restaurants packed with local people inside (and patiently queuing outside) as this is usually a sign of a popular and respected establishment. In other words, good food!

10. Modern Technology Is Your Friend

From Google Maps for live travel updates and help with navigating your way around from A to B, to Google Translate for help with decoding the language and its handy camera feature for translating signs and even menus, modern technology is definitely your friend during a visit to Japan. Locating Japanese addresses can be notoriously challenging for overseas visitors due to the lack of street names, so apps such as Google Maps, which can plot easy-to-follow walking routes, are incredibly helpful. There are a huge number of useful apps out there, covering a wide range of topics, which you can research and download before travelling to Japan to make your life easier once you arrive. Alongside the essential Google Maps and Google Translate, some of our recommendations include Jorudan and NaviTime for travel updates, Imiwa and Learn Japanese for translation, the apps mentioned in the section above for restaurant bookings, Ecbo Cloak for luggage storage, and Japan Travel Guide Offline for sightseeing. 

11. Stay Connected

If you want to use travel apps like those above, stay in touch with family and friends while travelling, or post Instagrammable photos from your Japanese adventures, while on the go, then you’ll need a safe and reliable internet connection. While Japan does offer public Wifi hotspots, it’s not convenient to be constantly searching for a connection and you might struggle to find out when you most need it. You also run the risk of huge international mobile phone charges and using all your data. The answer? A portable router known as a PocketWifi device. This small device tucks in your pocket and helps you stay connected whenever you need Wifi and wherever you are. It can be used on up to five devices simultaneously, including phones, laptops, tablets, and more, and can even be shared with your travel companions if you’re travelling with your family or a group of friends. It’s easy to pick up at the start of your trip and return at the end and you can even use it on the train. In the Useful Links section below this article, you’ll find links to PocketWifi devices by Ninja Wifi.

12. Cash is King

It might surprise you to discover that cash is still extensively used across Japan and remains the primary method of paying for goods and services. So much so, we recommend every traveller carries a good quantity of cash while in Japan. While the country is becoming more open to the use of electronic payment methods such as credit cards and contactless, cash remains the most common method of payment and many retailers and services you come across could be cash only, especially in towns, villages, and more rural areas, so it definitely pays to have plenty of Japanese yen on you at all times. If you need to take out money while in Japan look for 7-Eleven branches with 24/7 ATMs.  

13. Budget Tips

On the subject of money, one vital piece of basic information to work out before you visit Japan is your travel budget. Like any holiday, it’s best to have as accurate an idea as possible of how much money you’ll need during your stay, from the cost of accommodation and transport to dining out and spending money. There are lots of free budget friendly activities you can do in Japan that will help your money go further and it is worth researching these before you travel. They include free entry to many of Japan’s beautiful temples and shrines, green spaces (both in the city and off the beaten path), access to the country’s National Parks with their walking and nature trails, famous sights such as the Shibuya Scramble intersection in Tokyo, and much more. Budgeting is important and you will need money, but there are also some brilliant free activities in Japan that are worth researching and making a list of beforehand. 

14. Reading material

It’s possible to become a mini-expert on Japan simply by reading about the country, its history, culture, and customs, before you visit. This article is a great starting point of course, but if you wanted to go in-depth on a particular topic then there are a number of brilliant books out there. As well as imparting knowledge, they can also give your inspiration and ideas for planning your dream Japan trip. Alongside books, you can also research using the wonders of modern technology, from virtual tours to apps like Google Street View, YouTube videos, and more. 

15. Get Ready For The Toilets of the Future

One of the many quirky differences you’ll discover in Japan is in the country’s bathrooms. While the country’s futuristic toilets have been featured in films and TV shows over the years, you might still be surprised to use one for the first time. Known as ‘washlets’, these electronic wonders will wash and dry you down below at the touch of a button. Just follow the easy to understand pictograms if you’re not clear on what to do. Some machines also have sound effects and other music to disguise any embarrassing noises. If you’re using a bathroom in a restaurant or other establishment, which requires you to take your shoes off then you will likely be given special slippers. You may also notice a lack of hand dryers or towels as Japanese people often carry small cloths with them so it might be a good idea to pack your own. Who knew going to the bathroom could be such a different experience?

16. Bin it to Win It

Japan is one of the cleanest countries in the world, but you might struggle to find public litter bins while out and about. You’ll most frequently find them next to vending machines. Japanese people are quite fastidious about cleaning up after themselves and keeping their public places absolutely pristine. As such, there aren’t a huge number of public litter bins around and visitors are expected to take their rubbish with them. When you do find a bin, remember to separate your rubbish into the correct receptacle too as this is another important rule in Japan. 

17. Attend a Festival

Japan has thousands of traditional festivals that take place at temples and shrines as well as in cities, towns, and villages. From the serious to the sublime, historic to contemporary, these festivals are known as matsuri in Japan and occupy a very important part of Japanese culture. From snow festivals to cherry blossom festivals, religious and spiritual festivals to harvest festivals, from music, food and beer festivals to computer games, cosplay and anime – Japan has festivals and celebrations for all of these and more with an estimated 300,000 matsuri across Japan each year. Traditional matsuri feature processions and decorated floats known as dashi, yatai, danjiri, and other regional variations. However, each matsuri is also slightly different, with its own unique personality and characteristics. While some are serene and peaceful, others are colourful, loud and energetic, and feature dancing and singing. Attending a festival is a brilliant opportunity for an overseas visitor to experience an authentic Japanese tradition first-hand. 

18. Try To Travel Light

You could find that space is at a premium when you’re staying in Japan, so it’s generally advisable to travel light and avoid taking huge suitcases that you’ll struggle to carry on public transport. If it’s impossible to avoid bring large, oversized luggage with you, for whatever reason, then it might be worth looking into the country’s luggage forwarding services, commonly known as Takuhaibin, which offer next day delivery and can send your suitcases on to your next destination within Japan, while you travel footloose and baggage-free. On a related note, remember to pack clothes and footwear that are suitable for the time of year you’re visiting Japan and the activities you plan on doing, such as waterproofs during the rainy season, UV blocking clothing for the height of summer, and don’t forget other essentials such as travel adaptors too.

19. Four Seasons in One Day

Japan’s diversity extends to its weather and seasons. Japan’s summers are hot and humid, with a rainy season that hits its peak in June, while its winters are generally cold and see high amounts of snowfall - some of the highest levels in the world in fact, which is one of the reasons why Japan is famed for its ski resorts and winter sports. Naturally, this varies by region - subtropical Okinawa in the south with its white sand beaches remains clement even in winter, while northern Hokkaido is typically cooler than elsewhere in Japan in the summer. Remember, Japan is a volcanically-active country located in the Ring of Fire. This accounts for its incredible and spectacular landscape, but also means the country has experienced earthquakes and tsunamis in recent times. Japan is incredibly well-equipped for dealing with these occurrences, but it’s still good to be aware of the possibility before you travel. 

20. Best Times To Visit

Japan is a great place to visit all year round, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, but there are definitely busier periods to be aware of, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and larger queues for attractions. These periods include New Year, Obon, and Golden Week, which are all popular holidays within Japan. The latter is the longest holiday in Japan with four public holidays in one week. Key dates to watch out for are 28 December - 6 January (New Year), 27 April - 6 May (Golden Week), and 11-20 August (Obon). The famous Cherry Blossom season, which takes place each spring, is another busy time of year in Japan for tourists. The same goes for the country’s major festivals, like the Gion Matsuri in July. Overall, the best time to visit Japan is what works best for your particular needs - think about the kind of travel experience you want to have in Japan, what you want to do, where you’d like to go, and your preferences as far as weather and crowds go, and use all of that as the basis for your decision. Japan has so much to offer that it’s spectacular all year round.  

Useful Links 

Here at JapanDen, we take a holistic approach to helping you plan the perfect trip to this incredible country. As well as providing guidance on where to stay, you’ll find expert travel advice, 24/7 support, portable WiFi devices, essential information, and in-depth articles on key topics such as Getting Around Japan, Japanese Cuisine, What To Pack For Japan, and more. At JapanDen, our mission is to bring together everything you could possibly want or need to know about Japan in one place to ensure the best possible travel experience. Find out more below: 

• For the perfect place to stay, visit our Hotels page and choose from more than 2,800 hotels and 1,800 traditional ryokans.

• Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about Japan’s regions and prefectures so you can decide the best area to visit, you should check out our Destinations page. 

• As we mentioned above, if you’re looking to explore Japan then the country’s famously efficient trains are the way to go. Japan’s railways are renowned as being the fastest, cleanest, and safest in the world. The country’s rail network is so vast and interconnected that it can help you reach almost any corner of Japan you’d like to visit. Furthermore, with a Japan Rail Pass you can enjoy unlimited travel on the majority of the country’s trains, including the famous Shinkansen ‘bullet trains’. The JR Pass is by far the most cost effective and flexible way to get around Japan. Find out more by visiting our partners at www.jrpass.com today.

• Want to use Google Translate to support your language skills? Or Google Maps for live train updates? What about posting photos to social media or keeping in touch with home? For all this and more, you’ll need a PocketWifi device like those from Ninja Wifi. With unlimited data, support for five devices simultaneously, the ability to share your Wifi with your travel companions, and more, renting a PocketWifi is highly recommended. Our Pocket WiFi guide has everything you need to know. 

• If you’re looking for information about Japan and want to speak with fellow travellers who have been there and done that, then you should join our Community. This welcoming and friendly forum is the place to go to share stories, knowledge, and experiences about Japan, ask questions, make new connections, and find travel inspiration.