💬Top 20 Japan Travel Questions

Stop spending hours researching and getting overwhelmed by conflicting advice!😣

Read this guide to learn how to:

• Save money by skipping unnecessary passes.

• Navigate like a pro to avoid common tourist traps.

Here are the answers to the questions I get asked most.

🧳Transportation & Luggage

Q1: Is the JR Pass worth it? What about the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route?

A: Unless you are traveling extensively across the country, individual tickets are usually cheaper.

Use the JR Official Fare Calculator to compare your specific route with the JR Pass price.

e.g. Even if you travel through Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima-Tokyo, "7 days Pass is NOT worth it".

Q2: 10 to 15 days in Japan...Where should I plan to visit?

A: A popular and highly recommended balance is:

・4 days in Tokyo (including day trips to Kamakura, Nikko, or Hakone)
・3-4 days in Kyoto
・1-2 days in Osaka (plus Hiroshima 2 days, if you want)

Q3: Any recommendations for day trips from Tokyo?

A: Depending on your interests, these are my top 3 choices:

• Kamakura: Rich in history with iconic temples and beautiful coastal views. Also best place for Slam Dunk fans.⛹️

  

• Nikko: Best if you have some extra time around Tokyo. Stunning autumn foliage and historic shrines await🍁

  

• Hakone: The perfect choice for relaxing hot springs and iconic Mt. Fuji views.🗻

Q4: How do I handle luggage from the airport? Is same-day delivery possible? 🧳

A: Use "Hands-Free Travel" luggage delivery services to ship your bags directly from the airport to your hotel so you can start exploring immediately.

• How to use: Visit the Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato) Counter at the airport arrivals lobby. If you drop off your bags in the morning, they can be delivered to your Tokyo hotel on the very same day.
  Also, the Klook service is also recommended: Luggage delivery service (Hotels in Tokyo / Tokyo Station ⇒ Haneda Airport / Tokyo Station / Hotels in Tokyo)
  

Q5: How do I get an International Driving Permit (IDP) and translate my license?

A: To drive in Japan, you need a Geneva Convention IDP along with a certified Japanese translation of your license.

• JAF Translation: You can apply online via the JAF Translation Application Site and print the document at a convenience store in Japan.

Q6: Are there alternative translation services if I cannot access JAF from overseas?

A: If you encounter any access restrictions with the JAF website from abroad, ZIPLUS (License Translation Agent Service) is an alternative.

Q7: Can I travel around Japan by car?

A: It is possible, but Japanese cities have narrow roads and heavy weekend traffic or unexpected accidents can cause severe road congestion.

For most travelers, I recommend using public transport (Shinkansen and local trains), reserving rental cars only for exploring remote scenic areas that are otherwise hard to reach.

Q8: Can I use Suica/Pasmo on an Android phone?

A: Mobile Suica is currently not available for Android phones purchased outside of Japan due to hardware differences. (as of 2026)

Please purchase a physical card (such as a "Welcome Suica") at the airport upon arrival.

• Narita Airport Terminal 1(Narita Airport)

• Narita Airport Terminal 2・3(Airport Terminal 2)

• Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Tokyo Monorail) Station
  

🍴Accommodation & Dining

Q9: Recommended hotels for groups or families (3+ people)?

A: MIMARU Apartment Hotels are my favorite, offering exceptionally spacious rooms equipped with kitchens.

For budget-friendly yet highly trendy options, consider private or family rooms at UNPLAN, CITAN, LYURO, or &AND HOSTEL.

▼MIMARU Tokyo Shinjuku WEST

Q10: Any budget-friendly hotels with great amenities and hospitality?

A: I highly recommend staying at Dormy Inn or Onyado Nono.
They offer a nice taste of traditional Japanese hospitality with excellent public hot spring baths (Onsen) and a free service of "Yonaki Soba" (late-night ramen)

Q11: Do I need to make restaurant reservations?

A: High-end or viral dining spots require booking weeks in advance.
However, for everyday meals, you can find amazing spots simply by searching on Google Maps and checking the high ratings.

🎡 Theme Parks

Q12: How do I get guaranteed entry for Super Nintendo World at USJ?

A: The absolute most reliable way is to purchase an Express Pass that explicitly includes a "Timed Entry Ticket" for the Super Nintendo World area.

If you don't have one, you must try to secure a free "Timed Entry Ticket" via the official USJ app immediately after scanning your ticket to enter the park.

(They sometimes provide free access to Nintendo area without ticket if it is calm day like weekdays.

Q13: Tips for maximizing my time at Tokyo Disney Resort (TDR)?

A: Use the official app to buy DPA (Disney Premier Access) for the absolute top-tier rides if you don't miss them.

Make sure to book sit-down restaurant reservations 1 month ahead if you want to visit.

Also, spend your time enjoying the park's legendary street food, like the "Gyoza Dog" at DisneySea or the "Soy Sauce & Butter Popcorn" at Disneyland.

🗻Off the Beaten Path & Deep Japan

Q14: I want to explore traditional, uncrowded villages near Kyoto or Mt. Fuji. Any recommendations?

A: If you want to escape the crowds and see the stunning, authentic side of Japan, check out these hidden gems:

• Near Kyoto: Visit Miyama Thatched Village for its beautifully preserved thatched-roof houses, or Ine Funaya, a unique fishing village where boat houses float right on the sea. Ohara is also a tranquil mountain village filled with peaceful temples.

• Near Mt. Fuji: Take a short ride to Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a gorgeously reconstructed traditional village with Mt. Fuji serving as the perfect backdrop.

Q15: Can I visit Okinawa during the winter season?

A: Local Japanese travelers rarely visit Okinawa in the winter because it is primarily seen as a summer beach destination.

If you do go to the islands, give yourself 3 days for Naha and an additional 3 to 4 days if you plan to island-hop to places like Ishigaki or Miyako Island. Be sure to secure your rental car or local transport ahead of time, as island transit options are limited!

Q16: What kind of unique souvenirs (Omiyage) should I buy?

A: While shopping at Don Quijote (Donki) or local drugstores for sunscreen and sheet masks is a must, don't buy heavy alcohol or chocolates that might melt. Instead, look for regional instant ramen, local snacks from supermarkets, or international-limited editions of treats like seasonal KitKats or Japanese-exclusive HARIBO flavors.

🍵Etiquette & Culture

Q17: Is it okay if I don't speak Japanese?

A: Absolutely! Simply knowing standard greetings like "Konnichiwa" (Hello) and "Arigato" (Thank you) will go a long way.

Pointing at menus and using translation apps works perfectly fine anywhere.

Q18: What are the golden rules for public train etiquette?

A: Never make phone calls while on board, always give up priority seats to those who need them, and remember to wear your backpack on your front when boarding a crowded train😓

Q19: Can I visit hot springs (Onsen) if I have tattoos?

A: It completely depends on the venue.

To save yourself the stress, specifically look up and visit facilities that explicitly market themselves as "Tattoo OK."

Q20: Do I need to carry cash, or is card payment common?

A: Japan is becoming more cashless, but cash is still needed at small shops, temples, and local vending machines.

Always carry at least 10,000–20,000 yen for emergencies and small purchases.