16 tips that you should know before traveling to JAPAN

You’re Heading to JAPAN!!!
Here’s what you should know, how to get ready, and what to keep in mind when visiting. Japan has a lot of unique customs you might not be used to. It’s important to respect these traditions while traveling, learn them, and put them into practice.

1. Before You Go to Japan

   1. Book flights wisely
      Plan your arrival and departure times carefully, especially if you’re flying domestically. Public transportation in Japan generally stops around 12 a.m. and doesn’t start running again until 4–5 a.m. If your flight lands late at night, try to schedule it before 11 p.m. to give yourself enough time to get through immigration and onto a train or bus. The same applies when leaving your hotel for the airport, depending on how far you are, early departures (like a 7 a.m. flight) may require special planning since trains and buses might not run that early and taxi can cost you a whole lot more.

   2. Consider an open-jaw ticket
      If possible, book your trip so you land in one major city and depart from another. For example, arrive in Tokyo and fly home from Osaka. This can save you time and avoid the hassle of traveling back to your starting point (if the ticket price makes sense).

   3. download the IC card into your phone's wallet app

      You can download the SUICA, PASMO, or ICOCA onto your apple wallet and load it as you go!

   4. Phone and internet
      Call your mobile provider to see if they offer an international plan. If not, you can easily buy and install an eSIM for Japan for when you arrive.

   5. Fill out the customs form online ahead of time to speed through immigration and avoid long lines.

   6. Book activities and excursions in advance: ideally 2 months to 2 weeks before your trip.

      Japan has so much to offer, and if you’re set on experiencing something specific, platforms like Klook are user friendly and have just about everything.

      Klook is one of the best booking platforms for Japan. While it offers activities in many countries, it’s especially reliable when it comes to experiences within Japan.

   7. Renting a car or public transportation? Japan has an amazing transportation you can use through out city. like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. however sometimes getting a car can go along way in places like around Mt Fuji, or smaller towns like Hita where public transportation is limited.

   8. Pack Light

      Pack extremely light! Not that you might but you will want to buy everything you see: clothing, cosmetics, electronics, action figures, toys, souvenirs, shoes, and more. Almost everything feels more affordable in Japan, so take advantage and save space in your luggage.

   9. Tax-Free Shopping

      In the past, stores would deduct tax immediately at checkout once you reached the minimum spend. Now, that system has changed. You’ll need to save every single receipt and redeem them at a tax refund booth at the airport before departing Japan.

   10. Carry Your Passport

       Always keep your passport with you. Police officers may conduct legal status checks on foreigners, and failing to show your passport could result in a 100,000 yen fine (about $640 USD).

   11. Bring Cash

       While Japan is modern and card-friendly, some places still operate the traditional way, especially smaller shops, rural areas, and when buying individual train tickets.

       If you need more yen, ATMs inside konbini (convenience stores) are the most reliable for withdrawals and usually offer the best exchange rates.

   12. Opening Hours

       Most stores, cafés, and restaurants don’t open until 10 or 11 a.m. Use early mornings to sleep in or visit temples and shrines when they’re quiet and peaceful.

   13. Here are some more useful apps to use:

       • Google Maps: google has the best routes and accurate time stamps of all transportation forms in Japan. make sure to download the offline map.

       • Stamp Quest app: map that shows you all the stamps you can collect.

       • Flush app: shows public restrooms you can use that not only in train stations.

       • Payke app: helps you translate product descriptions, also has coupons you can use during shopping like Don Q.

   14. Visiting Shrines and Temples – Proper Etiquette

       At Shrines:

       1. When entering through a Torii gate, bow once. Walk along the sides, never in the center, as that path is reserved for the gods.

       2. At the Chōzuya (purification fountain), cleanse your hands and rinse your mouth with your left hand.

       3. At the main hall, toss a 5-yen coin into the offering box. Bow twice, clap twice, make your prayer with hands together, and bow once more. If there’s a bell, ring it before your first bow.

       4. When exiting, walk through the side of the Torii gate and bow again.

       At Temples:

       • Instead of a Torii gate, you’ll see a large temple gate. Walk through the sides, never in the center.

       • Purify yourself before heading to the main hall.

       • Offer a 10-yen coin when praying. Simply bow, place your hands together, and pray, no need for double claps or bows.

       Omikuji (Fortunes):
       Don’t forget to try Omikuji, paper fortunes predicting your future. If you receive bad luck or something you don’t want to come true, tie the paper to the designated rack and leave it behind. If it’s good fortune, keep it with you!

   15. Learn the Mannerisms

       It’s important to understand Japanese manners and customs, this is their country, and respecting their way of life goes a long way. Here are some you should know:

       • Keep your voice down. Do not talk loudly in public spaces, especially on trains or buses. Whispering is fine.

       • Bowing shows respect. A slight bow is common for casual greetings, while deeper bows show greater respect.

       • Don’t walk and eat. Step aside or find a designated area to enjoy your food.

       • Respect privacy. Don’t take photos of strangers Japanese people value their privacy.

       • Dress modestly. You’ll notice most people don’t show much skin. Covering up is the norm.

       • Remove shoes indoors. When entering someone’s home or even certain hotel rooms or restaurants, take off your shoes. Indoor slippers are often provided, including separate ones for bathrooms.

       • Use small plates correctly. Bring the smaller dish close to your mouth while eating to catch any drips. Smaller plates and bowls are also for sharing. Never pass food from large communal dishes directly.

       • Respect rice. Rice is considered sacred. Don’t pour soy sauce on it, and make sure to finish every grain.

       • Slurp your noodles! It’s not rude, it shows appreciation to the chef and that you’re enjoying the meal.

       • Call the waiter. Staff won’t interrupt your meal to check in. When you’re ready to order or need something, politely call them over.

       • Chopstick etiquette:

         • Don’t rub chopsticks together (it implies they’re cheap).

         • Don’t share food with chopsticks you’ve already used, flip them and use the clean end.

         • Don’t stab food with chopsticks.

         • Never leave chopsticks standing upright in your bowl, it symbolizes death or bad luck.

         • When not using them, lay them neatly on the side or on the chopstick rest provided.

   16. learn small Japanese phrases, that can help you ease up your trip while navigating. you might find yourself asking a local for directions, when entering store, ordering food, etc. Japanese people will appreciate you trying

Here are some Phrases to learn:

• Goodmorning - "ohayou gozaimasu"

• Good afternoon or Hello- "konichiwa"

• good evening- "kombawa"

• thank you - "arigato gozaimasu" (ah-ree-gah-toh go-za-ee-ma-soo)

• excuse me or I'm sorry - "Sumimasen" (sue-me-mah-sen)

• Do you speak English? - "eigo o hanasemasuka" (eh-go ha-na-se-mas-ka)

• do you have an English menu? - "eigo no menu arimasuka" (eh-go no men-you ari-mas-ka)

• I will have this, please - "kore o onegaishimasu" (ko-re oh-neh-ga-ee she-mah-soo)

• Let's eat - itadakimasu (ee-tah-da kee-ma-soo)

• thank you for the nice meal - "gochisosama deshita" (go-chee-soh sah-ma de-shee-ta)