Discover the Best Travel Tips for Japan
Make the most of your trip with these essential insights.

Japan remains one of the top international travel destinations. In April 2025, it welcomed a record-breaking 3.9 million international visitors, as reported by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

While Japan is incredibly tourist-friendly, understanding key travel details will enhance your experience. Whether it’s learning basic etiquette or navigating public transport, being prepared makes all the difference.

Here are 10 essential travel tips for first-time visitors to help you plan your dream trip to Japan.

1. Understand Visa and Immigration Rules
Before planning your trip, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with visa requirements, immigration procedures, and tourist tax rules in Japan. Make sure all your paperwork is in order for a smooth arrival.

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Japan Visa Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders

No Visa Required:
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Japan for short visits. Your passport must be valid when you arrive and stay in Japan. Make sure your passport has at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.

Tourist Tax Included:
A 1,000 yen ($7 USD) international tourist tax is already added to your departure airfare.

Upcoming Changes:
Japan may introduce a new tourist tax for foreigners as early as 2026. Some cities, like Kyoto, already have accommodation taxes.

Tax-Free Shopping:
Currently, tourists are exempt from Japan’s 10% consumption tax. Starting November 1, 2026, visitors must request a tax refund for duty-free shopping. Until then, show your passport at stores to enjoy tax-free deals.

Save Time at the Airport:
Complete your immigration and customs forms in advance at Visit Japan Web. You’ll get a QR code to show at immigration, speeding up your arrival. Skipping this step means you’ll wait and fill out forms at the airport.

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Japan: A Year-Round Destination

Japan offers something for everyone, no matter the season. Spring is the most popular time to visit, especially for cherry blossoms. The bloom typically starts in mid-to-late March and peaks in early April, but it depends on the weather. During this period, expect higher hotel prices due to the demand.

Winter brings colder temperatures and fewer tourists, making it a great time to enjoy a local onsen (hot spring) or head to Hokkaido for skiing or snowboarding.

Summer can be hot and busy, especially on the mainland. However, it’s perfect for exploring nature or visiting Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, known for its beautiful beaches.

Fall is ideal for its comfortable climate, perfect for leaf peeping and cultural festivals. The weather makes it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Pro Tip: While Japan is a great destination year-round, avoid Golden Week (end of April to early May). This holiday period sees high hotel prices, limited availability, and large crowds at popular spots.

3. Choose the Right Hotel for Your Stay

Hotels in Japan: A Perfect Stay for Every Traveler

Japan offers a diverse range of accommodations for every type of traveler, from luxurious skyscraper hotels to traditional ryokans (Japanese inns), cozy capsule hotels, and even love hotels. There’s truly something to fit every budget and style.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Tokyo

For first-time visitors to Tokyo, consider staying in popular areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza. These neighborhoods are centrally located, making it easy to explore the city’s top attractions.

— Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya: Just a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station, this hotel offers modern Western-style rooms and stunning views. It’s in one of the best locations in town.

— Shiba Park Hotel: A budget-friendly choice, this book-themed hotel is within walking distance to Tokyo Tower, offering a charming, cost-effective option.

— TRUNK Hotel Cat Street: This 15-room boutique hotel is nestled between Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando, providing a perfect escape for the sustainability-conscious traveler.

Travel Tip : Many Japanese hotels provide free yukata loungewear for guests to wear during their stay, offering a touch of tradition and comfort.

Pro Tip: Book Your Stay in Advance

To secure the best rates and accommodations, make hotel reservations in advance.

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Mature Landlady Greeting Female Guests at a Ryokan

In Japan, tipping is not a part of the culture. However, some restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and bars in Tokyo’s Golden Gai district may have a table charge ranging from ¥300 to ¥1,000 (under $5) at night. This charge is added to your bill and is usually disclosed in advance.

While tipping is not expected at restaurants or for taxis, there are exceptions. For instance, if you have an exceptional private tour guide or dine with a geisha, tipping is appreciated though not expected.

Pro Tip: When tipping, present your tip politely and follow it with a respectful bow.

Carry Cash: Not all places in Japan accept cards, so it’s best to have cash on hand.

Young Woman Using Self-Checkout and E-Money Payment

In Japan, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s still a good idea to carry some Japanese yen (JPY). While most cards work, American Express is often not accepted, so consider bringing multiple cards.

U.S. dollars (USD) are not accepted in Japan. You can exchange USD for yen at hotels and banks. ATMs are available at convenience stores (Konbini) and are safe to use.

Pro Tip: Keep a small coin purse for managing smaller yen coins.

6. Reserve Restaurants in Advance

Hipster couple walking into a Japanese bar lit by lanterns—nightlife, date, food, drink.

Michelin-star Capital
Japan has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country. You don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well, but book top spots early—reservations go fast.

Ramen Vending Machines
Vending machine ramen is a unique Japanese food experience. Use Japanese Yen for these, and for small restaurants, izakayas, and food markets.

No Reservation? No Problem
Even without a reservation, Japan has thousands of restaurants. Use Tabelog, the top restaurant app, or ask your hotel concierge for last-minute help.

Expect a Queue
Lines are common in Japan, especially at popular spots. The longer the wait, the better the food—embrace the queue.

Station Eats & Souvenirs
Train stations and malls are packed with food options and local snacks—perfect for a quick meal and picking up souvenirs.

Etiquette & Manners Matter
Brushing up on Japanese dining etiquette will make your experience smoother everywhere you eat.

Japanese businessmen bowing in traditional Japanese customs used when greeting colleagues and formalizing deals

From removing your shoes before entering certain establishments and sacred spaces to bowing as a sign of respect when you’re greeting someone, not speaking loudly on your cell phone in public, and bathing rituals at the local onsen (hot spring) there’s a learning curve when it comes to understanding Japanese etiquette.

There are plenty of resources and books dedicated to Japanese etiquette, and a basic understanding of politeness and punctuality are integral to Japanese life that should be adhered to throughout your time in Japan.

Pro Tip: Loudly slurping your soba noodles or ramen is, surprisingly enough, socially acceptable. Don’t feel like you’re being rude by slurping loudly, it’s a part of the culture and these meals are meant to be sipped, slurped and enjoyed without holding back.

Use Trains And Buses To Get Around

Rail transport in Japan is a major means of passenger transport, especially for mass and high-speed travel between major cities and for commuter transport in urban areas.

Trains and buses are the best and most cost effective ways to get around in Japan. Public transportation is incredibly safe, clean, and efficient. You’ll want to invest in a prepaid subway card called an IC Card which can be downloaded directly onto your smartphone and refilled automatically along the way.

Suica and Pasmo are the two most popular IC cards, and they can be purchased, used, and refilled automatically on your phone or at just about every subway station and konbini (convenience stores) around Japan. Your IC Card is good to use for buses, subways, and ferries and can even be used to purchase items at convenience stores and vending machines around the city. It’s important to note that an IC Card is different from a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). While IC cards can be used on select shinkansen lines, fares will vary.

A Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a good investment for visitors who plan on traveling extensively throughout Japan. A JR Pass can be purchased in increments of 7, 14, and 21 consecutive days and includes two types of fares: Green Car and Ordinary Car. While your JR Pass will cover unlimited train rides on most JR trains including Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkanzen), limited express, express, rapid, and local trains, it’s important to note that some trains do require an additional fee. You can buy your JR Pass in advance of your trip and note that if you’re traveling with large suitcases, you will need to purchase and reserve a seat that includes oversizes baggage which is typically at the end of the train car.

Taxis and Ubers are also widely available in major cities and very reliable, just note that Uber and taxis operate as the same service. While Ubers and taxis are available, it’s a considerably more expensive option compared to public transportation. Go Taxi is Japan’s go-to taxi app and is available in nearly every prefecture across Japan.

Pro Tip: Every passenger (even children) need their own IC Card, meaning you can’t share an IC Card. Public transportation can be a bit confusing for first time travelers and non-native Japanese speakers, however there are always people on hand at train stations and bus terminals if you have questions.

Visit A Konbini—A Japan Travel Essential

Kawaguchiko, Japan — December 7, 2023: Customers entering a Lawson konbini (convenience store) with Mount Fuji seen behind it at dawn.

Japanese konbini’s (convenience stores) are fundamental to everyday life in Japan. Open 24-7, there are a variety of konbini’s to choose from including 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart and they can be found just about everywhere in cities big and small across the country.

You can find a little bit of everything at the konbini, from the ever-popular crustless egg sando to onigiri and bento boxes and tickets to popular attractions like Disneyland. You can also refill your IC Card here and use your IC Card like a credit card to make purchases.

Pro Tip: Konbini ATM’s are a reliable place to withdraw money and unlike many Japanese banks accept most foreign ATM cards.

Download These Must-Have Apps For Japan Travel

Close up of woman navigating location with smartphone in busy city street at night

There are a few apps you’re going to need during your time in Japan. Google Maps will be your best friend on the ground in Japan and while knowing a few basic Japanese phrases like konnichiwa (hello) and arigato (thank you) is a good start, Google Translate is both helpful and necessary in effectively communicating when you need a bit a of a boost.

Your smartphone is also equipped with a camera that can translate from Japanese to English in real time and having a currency converter calculator will come in handy when you’re trying to figure out how to quickly convert Japanese Yen to USD. For restaurant reservations, Tabelog is Japan’s go to app and has tens of thousands of restaurants divided by city. For transportation, download your Suica Card and refill it on your phone as needed.

Pro Tip: WiFi hotspots are widely available across major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, however if you’re traveling to smaller cities and more remote regions you might want to consider purchasing a pocket wifi or local SIM card which can be found when you land at the airport in Japan or at local convenience stores across the country.