Japan is a top tourist destination, attracting millions yearly with its exceptional infrastructure, innovative technologies, and cohesive blend of traditional culture and modernity. Given its popularity, the internet is absolutely flooded with countless Japan travel tips.
Brian and I scoured all kinds of resources to piece together our trip to Japan. Social media, travel sites, and online forums have a ton of advice and insights into Japan’s many attractions. From packing guides to first-time pointers and day trip ideas, the wealth of information can be overwhelming and redundant. I mean, how many times do you really need to see ‘Don’t tip’ or ‘No walking while eating’?
Japan Travel Tips: Beyond the Basics
Being prepared and learning customs and etiquette is essential for any trip. But as we dug deeper, we found that our favorite tips are the ones that go beyond the basics. They come from unconventional advice gained from real-world experiences.
That’s why Brian and I are excited to share our own take on Japan travel tips. In today’s post, we’ll be sharing our personal favorite tips that helped us explore the country with a relaxed sense of freedom and flexibility, creating a truly mindful and affordable adventure.
Pre-Trip Considerations
Set flight price alerts or manually track prices.
Flight tracking tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak are great for monitoring prices. For our trip, I set alerts on Kayak and manually checked prices, which helped me save over 50% on flights.
Consider airlines with multiple daily flights to your destination for more flexibility in case of delays.
If you have a set timeframe to reach your destination or head home, fly with an airline that has multiple daily flights. Our round-trip flights had a single layover. Unfortunately, our return flight departed Japan more than two hours late, causing us to miss our connecting flight by a few minutes! Luckily, the airline placed us on the next flight out just a few hours later.
Check the in-flight menu in advance to plan your meal options.
Boy, I wish I had done this! I figured we’d be fine with the provided economy meals, but if I could do it all over again, I’d bring other options on board. Sure, Brian and I had a few snacks, but I would have preferred a nice, healthy-sized salad!
Unfortunately, the airplane food didn’t agree with me. The processed, over-salted options left me feeling bloated and hungry, so I chose not to finish my meals and looked forward to something light and fresh once we landed.
Stay comfortable on long-haul flights with a few simple accessories and habits.
Economy long-haul flights can be really tough on the body. With a few preparations, you can create a pleasant flight experience and arrive refreshed.
The day before our flight, Brian and I scheduled a deep tissue and Thai massage. Not only was it a fantastic pre-trip treat, but it also made for a more relaxed flight. To make for an even more comfortable travel experience, we wore compression socks, dressed in layers, stocked up on water, and packed a “refresh bag.” This refresh bag contained antibacterial wipes, facial cleansing and hydrating wipes, eye drops, moisturizer, toothbrushes, and mints.
With the exception of eating the in-flight meals, we made decisions that kept us relaxed and hydrated throughout our flight. We drank water instead of alcohol and other beverages, frequented the bathroom, and split our time watching movies and resting.
Research and select accommodations that fit your budget, values, and needs.
Brian and I could have easily blown our budget on pricey accommodations, especially since our visit coincided with cherry blossom season. Instead, we chose to stay outside city centers, which made it easier to find affordable options.
In addition to free stays and point bookings through our hotel loyalty programs, we balanced luxury accommodations with apartment-style options that featured full kitchens, laundry facilities, and comfortable living spaces. This allowed us to keep our clothes clean and prepare meals at home.
Some prefer to stay in hotels for their entire trip, while others enjoy mixing it up with more tailored, spacious accommodations. We spent time researching places with good reviews that fit our values and preferences.
For instance, APA Hotels is one of Japan’s largest hotel chains, but I had absolutely no interest in staying there. After looking into the hotel, I discovered its owners support Japanese right-wing nationalism and actively spread revisionist propaganda. They deny the 1937 Nanjing massacre and the occurrence of comfort women, or the hundreds of thousands of women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese in WWII. That’s a no for me.
Explore your route to determine if pre-booking transportation is beneficial.
Many Japan travel tips cover transportation, often focusing on train systems, payment options, and etiquette. However, I found few resources discussing the level of necessity and benefits of pre-booking transportation, so I wanted to include this important tip.
Once you’ve determined your trip itinerary, consider if you’d like to hire a private driver, rent a vehicle, or use public transportation to reach your destinations. Of course, hiring a driver or renting a vehicle would require advanced booking.
Don’t forget that an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is required if you plan on driving during your visit!
Brian and I chose to rent a vehicle through Toyota Rent a Car. After we researched a pick-up and drop-off location, booking a reservation online was a straightforward process.
We also pre-booked our Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets. This isn’t necessary or even recommended since travelers can purchase tickets directly at the train station. However, we liked the convenience and peace of mind of having our tickets taken care of before arriving. Also, purchasing tickets via SmartEX, Japan’s Shinkansen online reservation system, allowed us to take advantage of discount tickets and select reserved seats prior to arrival.
Word to the wise, however: SmartEX online payments are only accepted during Japanese business hours and processed using 3D Secure v2.0-enabled credit cards. The website wouldn’t accept our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, but it did take our IHG One Rewards Premier credit card!
Mindful Exploration
Opt for tailored experiences that appeal to your interests.
We skipped plenty of things we ultimately had no interest in seeing. Brian and I aren’t into anime, animal cafes, or attractions with notoriously long lines. Why force yourself to see sights just because they’re the sights to see?
For an intentional visit, I recommend experiences that align with your interests. We prefer adventures off the beaten path, which ended up being the most loved and exciting part of our trip.
| In case you missed it: Visit our last post, Japan Off the Beaten Path, to discover seven of our favorite spots! |
Pay attention to seasonal events and holidays.
Be aware of public holidays, like Golden Week, a collection of four national holidays within seven days. During this time, many locals travel, making popular destinations exceptionally crowded and much less enjoyable.
Additionally, consider the impact of Japan’s summer season, which can be stiflingly hot and humid. If you’re planning to visit during these months, be prepared for sweltering weather and remember to stay hydrated.
Another significant seasonal event to keep in mind is the cherry blossom season during spring. Brian and I happened to visit during this time, hoping to catch a few glimpses of sakura (cherry blossoms) in full bloom. Though we didn’t necessarily plan around cherry blossom viewings, we were pleasantly surprised to find them in bloom in nearly every city we visited, adding a scenic backdrop to our adventures.
If you hope to plan your trip around the peak bloom period, keep an eye on the cherry blossom forecast. You’ll also want to keep in mind that popular viewing spots can become extremely crowded. It’s best to make reservations for popular accommodations and attractions in advance, as well as explore scenic areas during off-peak hours to fully enjoy the views.
Take advantage of off-peak visiting hours.
Speaking of off-peak hours, visiting popular attractions early in the morning or later in the evening allows for a more relaxed atmosphere and provides stunning, unobstructed views. Brian and I took advantage of early mornings to quietly explore iconic sights, ranging from Sensō-ji Temple and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to Chureito Pagoda and Fushimi Inari.
At times, it was so early in the morning that it felt as though we had the whole city to ourselves. It was incredible!
Tokyo Ventures
Fuji Five Lakes Region
Early Morning in Kyoto
Create room for downtime and rest.
Don’t forget to schedule time to rest! Taking a night off or simply taking breaks throughout your day allows you to recharge before the next adventure. You don’t want to float through your trip hovering just above “E” the entire time. What fun is that?
Leave space for spontaneity.
Embrace unplanned excursions that can lead to unexpected adventures. Whether it was hiking random side trails or dealing with food poisoning (true story!), Brian and I adjusted our plans on the fly!
Check for restaurant seating availability and make reservations in advance.
Tokyo, Japan, is home to the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. If you are keen on visiting some of the city’s most esteemed restaurants, be sure to check for seating availability and reservations. Many restaurants offer limited seating, some allowing for only 5 to 10 guests at a time. Additionally, they also have age requirements, which is an important factor to consider if you’re traveling with children.
Popular dining establishments throughout the country often require advanced reservations, with some requiring bookings two months in advance. Brian and I had no intention of visiting restaurants that required reservations, nor were we interested in waiting in the long lines outside many of the popular restaurants. As such, it was difficult at times to find restaurants last-minute near city centers that would seat us. Also, we did come across businesses in more rural areas that had signs reading “No foreigners allowed.”
Simplify your travel plans with guided tours and experiences.
Guided tours and experiences can be incredibly helpful for navigating major cities. If you find it easier for someone else to take the reins for travel planning and exploration, you might just prefer the convenience and expertise of a local guide.
Trip planning isn’t for everyone! While I enjoy independent exploration, it can overwhelm some travelers. In those cases, guided tours can offer a more enjoyable and mindful experience by reducing logistical stress.
Affordable Adventure
Grocery shop for the most affordable eats.
Shopping for groceries was the most affordable way to manage our food budget. We stocked up on veggies since I read that fiber-rich foods are often hard to find in Japan. Fortunately, half of our stays featured fully equipped kitchens, which made it easy to store food and prepare meals!
Buy wagyu steaks from Costco.
If you’re at all curious about trying wagyu beef and don’t already have a membership, definitely think about getting one from Costco ahead of time. Of course, this is assuming you also have access to a kitchen or grill! Anyway, buying wagyu from Costco can easily offset the membership cost.
Brian and I bought 4 small bites of A5 Wagyu from a food stall in Kyoto, which cost us about $20 USD. A5 is the highest grade of Wagyu, celebrated for its marbling and tenderness. However, we learned that for cooking at home, many prefer A4 Wagyu for a better balance of richness and bite.
We went to Costco and picked up A4 Wagyu steak for $24 USD per pound! Now, if you were to buy authentic Japanese A4 Wagyu in the US from either a butcher or an online retailer, it would cost more than $200 USD per pound.
Wow. You better believe we cooked Wagyu a few times during our stay. We’re never going to see those prices again, unless we’re back in Japan!
Visit food markets for easy sampling.
You may not want to splurge on a ton of seafood or meat at the grocery store, especially if you’re only looking to sample. In this case, grabbing a few bites at a local food market can be more cost-efficient. Brian and I snacked on crab, eel, sushi, pastries, and even fried chicken while we ventured through different markets.
Utilize hiking apps to locate nearby trails.
AllTrails and Yamap are two popular hiking apps that feature a variety of local trails, offline maps, and user-generated photos and reviews. We used AllTrails for our trip, but others have had better success with Yamap, a Japanese app. Yamap, however, is mostly in Japanese, with about 30% of presented information recognizable to English-only speakers.
Check Google Maps to determine transit and/or toll costs.
As long as Google Maps is connected to the internet, it will display live data on train schedules, ticket prices, and tolls before you hit the road. We appreciated the ease of checking Google Maps before our outings and on the go. It helped us calculate the costs of multiple transfers, as well as determine whether toll roads were worth the fee, saving us both time and frustration!
Save money by filling up your tank at Costco instead of other gas stations.
To maximize our overall budget, we regularly refuel at Sam’s Club or Costco, both at home and on the road. Their prices are consistently lower than those at other gas stations, helping us keep our costs in check wherever we go. We were happy to find Costco in Japan, especially since we found their gas prices to be cheaper than other stations.
Enjoy the fresh air by choosing to walk rather than take public transport.
Brian and I found incredible value in exploring on foot rather than solely relying on public transport. Walking allowed us to take in the streets, appreciate the architecture, and soak in the beautiful views. Occasionally ditching public transportation not only saved us some yen but also provided an opportunity to experience our surroundings more closely.
Practical Good-to-Knows
Be aware that common OTC medications may not be readily available.
Before we left for Japan, I did a bit of research and learned that common OTC meds aren’t as easily available in Japan as in other countries. For example, medications like NyQuil are actually illegal! To curb the possibility of needing medication, I took vitamins every day for two months before we left for Japan.
Unfortunately, Brian wasn’t able to maintain the same routine and caught a cold for the first 6 days of our trip! After visiting 3 different grocery stores, we finally found some vitamin C tablets—I don’t know how much they helped with his cold, but at least we had something.
Another interesting difference we came across was when we picked up an empty 6-tablet box of what was essentially Pepto-Bismol. Brian was confronted with an in-depth questionnaire and read the instructions and side effects before a final approval. Once approved, the pharmacist unlocked a case to deliver the medication to him.
Use Google Translate for quick translations and conversations.
When it comes to translating quickly, Google Translate is invaluable. From deciphering menus and signs to brief interactions, the app is a lifesaver.
Pay attention to the space your luggage occupies in crowded places.
In Japan’s bustling cities, you’ll face crowded trains and narrow streets. Being mindful of your luggage’s space is crucial for a smooth, stress-free experience for
Between the two of us, Brian and I only carried a single tote bag and one backpack each. Even so, the rush hour crowds proved that every inch mattered. We maneuvered our bags carefully to keep our footprint as minimal as possible.
If you plan to travel with anything more, we recommend exploring private transportation options or luggage forwarding. I was unfamiliar with luggage forwarding, but while researching, I learned that it’s consistently one of the top recommended Japan travel tips and is a very popular service among travelers.
Ensure seamless internet connectivity with a pocket Wi-Fi rental, eSIM, or data plan.
Navigating Japan is much easier with seamless internet connectivity. Our Google Fi Unlimited Plus plan kept us connected to friends and family, maps, and all kinds of other helpful tools.
Carry hand sanitizer for general use and specifically for public toilets.
While hand sanitizer has been a long-time travel essential, we quickly learned how necessary it is for exploring Japan. Of course it’s handy for public transport and restaurant visits, but it was a must-have after using public toilets. More often than not, these did not have soap, paper towels, or electric dryers.
Bring a daypack for easy carrying of essentials and any trash you accumulate as you explore.
Investing in a daypack turned out to be one of our best choices! Brian and I quickly discovered that it made our adventures much more relaxed and enjoyable. It was the perfect way to store our snacks, water bottles, and even jackets during our outings.
Also, since Japan is known to have limited public trash bins, having a daypack allowed us to easily carry any trash until we could find a place to responsibly dispose of it.
Keep cash on you.
Many smaller restaurants and shops don’t accept credit cards, particularly in rural areas. We found that having a stash of yen helped us explore more freely and spontaneously. ATMs are readily available and can be found at airports, convenience stores, and post offices.
An Intentional Collection
If you’ve ever been curious enough to Google traveling in Japan or, specifically, Japan travel tips, you might discover just how much advice exists out there. Within this endless stream of tips, my goal was to put together a useful collection that highlights how we mindfully and affordably explored Japan.
Brian and I learned quite a bit on our trip. Between secluded early morning outings and dealing with sickness to cooking wagyu beef and trekking ancient trails, we felt our way through Japan and, ultimately, the adventures of travel. I hope that by sharing our insights, you’re inspired to venture outside the usual tourist experiences and discover Japan in your own unique way.
I’d love to hear your favorite Japan travel tips and experiences! Share your thoughts below!
