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First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Japan

Japan is a bucket list destination for a lot of people, and for good reason. The country offers a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, with temples and gardens nestled between skyscrapers with bullet trains whizzing by. Japan is a country where craftsmanship is valued and you can see that in everything from the food and clothing to the art and architecture. 

No matter what type of weather or activity you’re interested in—whether it’s skiing in Hokkaido, snorkeling in Okinawa, or eating and shopping your way through a megacity like Tokyo—you’re likely to find it in Japan. 

And the favorable exchange rate over the past few years means this once prohibitively expensive destination is now surprisingly affordable!

My Travels in Japan

The summer after my senior year of high school, I did a cultural exchange program and traveled around Japan for the majority of the summer. I had summer school classes in Japanese and stayed in the homes of local Japanese families as a long-term guest. While my own stay in Japan was several years ago, I keep this guide updated to modern times, last updated in mid 2025! I have a co-writer named Melissa who is a former resident of Japan and a local expert who keeps all the travel info up to date.

Why Japan is Great for First-Time Visitors

The language and culture barrier might seem intimidating at first, but Japan is the perfect destination for first-time visitors. Here’s why: 

Welcoming Culture

Hospitality is an important part of Japanese culture, so visitors are generally treated with kindness and respect. 

Very Safe

Japan is one of the safest places in the world (incidents of violent crime are especially low). You’ll often hear stories of people losing their wallets and having them returned with everything still inside.

Reliable Public Transportation

Public transportation is clean, reliable, and (relatively) easy to navigate, so you can explore multiple destinations, go deep in one specific area, or have a homebase and plan day trips to places that are further away. No matter which option you choose, you can rest easy knowing that trains are punctual and you’ll often have multiple options of getting from point A to point B.

Key Things to Know Before Traveling

By now you’re convinced (I hope!) that Japan is worth visiting. Here are a couple of key things to keep in mind as you’re planning and preparing for your trip. 

The Best Time of Year to Visit Japan

Japan is truly a country of distinct seasons and there’s a lot of variation between different regions. Winter (usually December, January, and February) is cold (near freezing temperatures in many places) and can be snowy while summer (usually July, August, and September) is hot and humid. Weather-wise, the best times to visit are spring and fall (March/April and November/early December), when weather tends to be milder. 

Many people try to plan their visits to coincide with the cherry blossoms, which can be a little tricky because they only bloom for about two weeks and the exact timing varies every year. If you’d like to do this, late March to early April is generally ideal, but be aware that some years the blossoms can come out in early March and some years they don’t bloom until mid-April. The best solution? Try to plan as long a visit as possible! 

If you’re interested in seeing fireworks and traditional Japanese dancing, the summer months (July/August) are when these festivals usually take place. Or if you’d like to do winter sports or visit hot springs, planning your trip in December, January, or February would be best. 

One final note about timing: In Japan, the New Year is celebrated December 31st–January 1st and many companies give people time off for the first few days of the year. Many shops and restaurants are closed during this time, so you may want to avoid visiting during these dates, or just be aware that things will be quiet and you won’t have as many options for shopping and dining.

Visa and Country Entry Requirements 

For Americans, there’s no need to apply for a visa ahead of time. As long as you have a valid American passport, you will be issued a 90-day visa upon arrival in Japan. You can learn more from the Japanese embassy’s website. 

Budget and Currency 

Japan’s currency is the yen, often abbreviated as JPY or indicated with the ¥ symbol. The exchange rate in the recent past has been about 150 yen to the US dollar. 

When it comes to your budget, Japan really has something for everyone. You can easily get by spending a few dollars per meal if you fill up on onigiri (rice triangles) or bento boxes from convenience stores. On the other hand, you can spend a few hundred dollars on an exquisite meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant if that’s what you prefer! The same goes for hotels. You can opt for cheaper business hotels if you don’t need a lot of space or amenities, or you can splurge for a luxurious experience at a high-end hotel. 

Here are a few ideas of what things cost to help you plan your budget:

  • An inexpensive meal at a restaurant: ¥600–1,500
  • A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: ¥3,600–11,000
  • Cup of coffee: ¥300–600
  • Budget hotel room: ¥7,000–15,000/night
  • Luxury hotel room: ¥30,000–100,000/night

You might also check out this website to get an idea of how much to budget for your trip.

Language Tips 

Japanese is the main language that’s spoken in Japan, and while most people have studied English for at least a few years, they’re not always comfortable speaking it. In hotels and touristy areas, you’ll be more likely to find people who speak English. If you get lost or need help, it can be helpful to write things down and show them to people rather than trying to ask them.

Japanese is a notoriously difficult language to learn with multiple writing systems and different levels of formality, but there are a few phrases that will go a long way to helping you get by:

  • Konnichiwa – hello
  • Arigatou gozaimasu – thank you
  • Sumimasen – excuse me, I’m sorry
  • Wakarimasen – I don’t know/I don’t understand
  • Eigo – English
  • Daijoubu – It’s okay
  • Itadakimasu – Like “bon appetit,” the phrase you say before beginning a meal 

The Google Translate app comes in handy for helping understand signs, menus, or products that are written in Japanese. You just take a picture and it can translate it for you. It’s not always perfect, but still very helpful!

Packing Essentials: What to Bring

Good news: Electrical outlets are the same in Japan as in the US, so you won’t need to bring any adapters with you (and you can save that space in your suitcase for extra souvenirs!) and should be able to use your phone chargers, laptops, etc. without any trouble.

For clothing, it’s always a good idea to pack according to the season and have layers so you can add or remove as necessary. And if you forget anything at home, stores like Muji and Uniqlo are everywhere so you can pick up whatever you need. Convenience stores also carry essentials like underwear and socks (and sometimes cold weather gear like hats, gloves, and scarves).

Make sure you have comfortable shoes (you always seem to end up walking a lot in Japan, even when you’re taking public transportation!) that are easy to remove and put on. You’ll need to take your shoes off a lot more than you’re used to at home, including at many bars/restaurants, temples, and inside if you’re visiting anyone’s home or staying at an Airbnb. Because your socks will also be on display a lot more than usual, it’s a good idea to bring plenty of pairs of clean socks with no holes in them!

A compact umbrella can also come in handy since it can rain during almost any season in Japan, but you can also find these at nearly every convenience store if you end up forgetting yours or want to save space in your suitcase. 

If you’re planning to use your phone for navigating and communicating, make sure you bring a portable charger and either a pocket Wi-Fi or an eSIM. 

Not every Japanese bathroom provides hand towels or dryers, so it can be helpful to bring a small washcloth/towel for drying your hands.

Most Japanese businesses now charge for paper or plastic bags, so if you have a lightweight reusable bag, it’s a good idea to bring one to carry any purchases you make throughout your visit. Trash cans can also be hard to find (especially in Tokyo), so you might want to have a small bag you can use to carry your trash until you find one or return to your hotel/Airbnb.

Navigating Japan

Now that we’ve got the packing and prep out of the way, let’s take a moment to discuss getting around inside the country.

Transportation Basics

As I mentioned earlier, Japan has excellent, reliable public transportation. There’s a mix of JR trains, private train lines, subways, buses, and even other modes of transportation like Monorails.

JR Pass: Worth it or Not?

If you’re going to be doing a lot of travel on the JR lines (which includes the high-speed bullet trains or shinkansen), it might be worth it to get a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). 

In the past, the JR Pass was an amazing deal and it made sense to buy it if you were going to be doing any travel on the bullet train, but as of the time of writing, the cheapest pass (7 days in regular cars) was ¥50,000. If you’re only planning to do one round-trip between Tokyo and Kyoto, for example, the cost of buying those tickets individually is ¥29,000.  

Basically, I’d recommend spending some time figuring out how many times you plan to take the bullet train and how much each individual trip will cost to see if it’s worth it to buy the pass. If you do intend to travel a lot within Japan, it may be worth it, but for just one round-trip ticket it usually isn’t. You can explore routes and fares in English on this website.

IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo) for Public Transit

You can buy a single IC card (the name depends on the region, but it’s usually branded as “Suica” or “Pasmo”) and load it up with money to use on every form of public transportation. This is generally much easier than buying tickets individually, although you can also do that.

In recent years, there has been a shortage of the chips used in IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, but the Welcome Suica is a special IC card designed specifically for short-term visitors. You can buy one at convenient places like both Haneda and Narita airports. You can learn more about the Welcome Suica card here. 

IC cards can be used on any type of public transportation as well as at many convenience stores and vending machines. You simply tap them as you go and reload them whenever your funds are running low. One important thing to know: Most of the reloading machines only take cash.

Bullet Trains (Shinkansen) and Local Trains

Bullet trains (or shinkansen) are the high-speed trains that travel throughout many of Japan’s major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. There are generally several trains running along each route every hour, starting at around 5am until around 11pm. 

You don’t necessarily have to book your tickets far in advance—you can often show up to the station and book your tickets within the hour. You have the option of choosing a reserved seat or non-reserved seat. Just as it sounds, the reserved seat guarantees you a specific seat on the train (and costs a little more) and the non-reserved tickets are cheaper, but mean you won’t necessarily have a seat on your journey. In the cases when you book a non-reserved seat ticket, you wait in line for a non-reserved car and grab whatever seat is available.

If you’re using the JR Pass, you will still need to reserve your tickets for the shinkansen, but you won’t have to pay any extra fees to cover those tickets.

You can eat and drink on the shinkansen and many stations sell special bento boxes that feature regional specialities from the area so it’s a fun way to try local fare. 

Local trains (often JR lines but can also be private lines like Hankyu, Odakyu, or Keihan) usually have open seating (no reserved seats) and eating and drinking are not allowed. When taking JR lines (for example, the Yamanote or Chuo lines in Tokyo), you can use the JR Pass, but it won’t work on private train lines.  

Subways, Buses, and Taxis

Major cities (like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, etc.) have extensive public transportation networks, often with a mix of aboveground trains, subways, and buses. You can use Google Maps to plan your route—it’s usually pretty good about finding routes and even telling you which train car to get in so you’re in the right position to transfer to the next line.

One thing to note is that large stations often have multiple exits, so it’s important to make note of which exit you need or you might end up in a completely different area. This is especially the case in large, busy stations with lots of different lines like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo station. 

If you know that you’re going to be spending several days in the same area, it might be worth getting a special pass for that region. You can check out a website like Klook to see what options are available and purchase it ahead of time if you want. 

Some buses have a flat rate while others charge you based on the length of your trip. If you’re using an IC card, there will generally be a place for you to tap it, either near the bus entrance (usually in the middle or back of the bus) or near the driver. If you’re ever unsure of what to do, just ask the driver! You can pay in cash for buses, but they won’t always be able to give you change. 

Taxis are expensive in Japan (and they’re quite a luxurious experience with drivers who wear gloves, open and close the doors for you, and keep their cars in pristine condition). I don’t recommend relying on taxis unless you have a lot of extra money to spend, but they can come in handy if you miss the last train or if you just can’t bear to walk anymore. 

Whenever possible, make sure you can show the driver your destination written in Japanese or have the phone number of where you’re headed so they can call if they have any difficulty. Addresses in Japan can be complicated!

Cultural Etiquette and Manners

Japan has many societal rules and expectations that can feel unfamiliar to Americans (or Westerners in general), but Japanese people tend to be forgiving when tourists make faux pas. Still, the locals appreciate it when you try to follow local customs. Here are a few guidelines to be aware of:

  • Bowing is a common form of greeting, though some people may feel comfortable shaking hands. Hugging is rare and could make people feel uncomfortable, so try to follow the lead of other people rather than going in for a big embrace! 
  • Removing your shoes indoors is generally expected, especially in places where there are tatami mats (the woven flooring that’s common in traditional Japanese buildings). There will usually be a dedicated area where you can remove your shoes and a place for you to leave them (sometimes in a locker or cubby in a restaurant). Try to make sure you have clean socks with no holes in them and shoes that are easy to remove!
  • Harmony and peace are important values in Japan, so try to avoid doing anything disruptive (like shouting, getting visibly angry, or drawing too much attention to yourself). It’s especially important to be quiet and respectful while on public transportation (no eating, drinking, or loud conversations). People tend to wait in lines and let others go ahead of them when entering a building, elevator, etc. It’s considered rude to blow your nose in public, so try to avoid doing this in front of others and go to the bathroom to do it instead.
  • Eating with chopsticks can take some getting used to, so it’s worth practicing a bit before you go if you’re not comfortable using them. The main rules to follow are to not stick your chopsticks upright in your bowl and to avoid passing food from your chopsticks directly to someone else’s (these are both gestures that are done in Japanese funerals, so they’re considered inappropriate when eating). 
  • Restaurant behavior that might feel rude to Americans but is fine in Japan includes calling out in a loud voice “Sumimasen!” to get a server’s attention, making a loud slurping noise when eating noodles like udon, soba, or ramen (it helps cool off the food and it’s considered a sign of appreciation for the chef), and not leaving a tip. 
  • Visiting a hot spring (onsen) or public bath (sento) can be a wonderful experience, but there are a few things to be aware of. Many onsen or sento have strict “no tattoo” policies, so if you have tattoos, make sure you check ahead of time to find out if they will admit you. Bathing areas tend to be divided by gender, and it’s uncommon to see anyone wearing a swimsuit (yes, that means people go in the nude). Make sure you wash and rinse your body thoroughly before going into the communal pools. 

Must-Visit Destinations in Japan

Planning your itinerary depends a lot on your personal interests as well as how much time you have, but here are a few of the must-visit destinations in Japan.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a modern metropolis and definitely worth visiting if you want to experience Japan’s dining, entertainment, and shopping options. Neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara attract a lot of visitors with their neon lights, busy intersections (like the Shibuya scramble crossing), shops, and restaurants. But if you’re hoping to experience more traditional Japanese culture, you can also find temples and gardens in Tokyo. And for the Disney lovers, Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea are located just outside the city.

Kyoto

Kyoto is the place to experience traditional Japan. There are thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Kyoto (everyone wants to go to Fushimi Inari shrine to take photos with the hundreds of orange torii gates, but there are literally hundreds of other temples and shrines to choose from!). Kyoto is also where you can still see geisha walking around on their way to appointments or even watch them play instruments and dance in special performances.

Osaka

Osaka is well known for its street food (the takoyaki, octopus dumplings topped with mayonnaise and barbecue sauce, are one of the local specialities), nightlife, Osaka Castle, and Universal Studios Japan if you’d like to experience an American theme park, Japan style.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is the site of the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island, a scenic spot that has a giant torii gate that seems to float in the water.

Nara

Nara is another historic city with a giant Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and deer that are super friendly (or aggressive, depending on how much food you have!). You can easily visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka or spend a day or two there if you prefer.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the northernmost island in Japan and well known for its skiing and other opportunities to spend time in nature. The largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo, hosts a popular snow festival every February where you can see giant sculptures carved out of ice and snow.

Unique Experiences in Japan

Because Japan’s culture and traditions are so unique, there are a lot of special experiences you can plan during your visit. Here are just a few ideas:

Trying Japanese Food

While you probably have the opportunity to eat Japanese food at home, you’ll likely be blown away by the options you encounter in Japan, including all the different types of noodles (udon, soba, somen, ramen), sushi (which tends to be much simpler than what we find in the US), high-end beef like wagyu, and street food like takoyaki (octopus dumplings), taiyaki (fish-shaped pancakes filled with sweet adzuki beans, custard, or chocolate), and ice cream in Japanese flavors like cherry blossom and wasabi.

Staying in a Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. They usually have tatami mats and futons to sleep on (the staff will come in and set up the futon for you before bed). Many of them include gorgeous meals and have onsen where you can relax.

Experiencing Traditional Japanese Arts

Japan has many traditional art forms, including tea ceremony, calligraphy, and flower arranging (ikebana). Attending a workshop or special exhibition for tourists can help you learn more about Japanese culture and history.

Visiting Anime and Gaming Hotspots

If you have any video or gaming fans in your group, you can shop for figurines, cosplay outfits and accessories, and other souvenirs, especially in areas like Akihabara. You might also enjoy visiting a themed café where the staff dress up and play games with customers.

Exploring Japanese Castles and Historical Sites

For the history buffs, Japan has countless castles and historical sites where you can learn more about the different eras in Japan’s history, including Osaka Castle, Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Himeji Castle, and Matsumoto Castle in Nagano prefecture. 

Shopping in Japan

The question isn’t so much what to buy in Japan, but what NOT to buy there! You’ll have your pick of vintage and thrift clothing (including traditional Japanese clothing like kimono), fashionable streetwear brands, electronics, and special snacks. It’s fun to see how familiar brands like Kit Kat come up with special seasonal offerings that are only available in Japan.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

We’ve covered most of the basics to help you make the most of your time in Japan, but here are a few additional tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.

Staying Connected

You can rent a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchase a SIM card at the airport. If you choose the pocket Wi-Fi, just remember you’ll also want to bring a portable charger since you can easily drain your batteries when you’re using it all day. With newer phones, you also have the option of purchasing an eSIM so you don’t have to worry about bringing any additional items with you.  

Money Matters

It’s a good idea to always carry some cash with you in Japan since you may still find some businesses or situations that are cash only (like topping up your IC card, for example). ATMs in Japan aren’t open 24 hours a day and not all ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards, so make sure you plan ahead if you think you’ll need to withdraw money. Branches of the Japan Post Office have ATMs that operate in English and accept foreign cards. Tipping is not customary in Japan so you don’t need to worry about tips for any type of service you receive.

Safety and Emergency Info 

For ambulance, fire, or emergency rescue, dial 119. To call the police, dial 110. 

If you want, you can enroll with the STEP program through the US Department of State to stay informed of any potential health, weather, safety, or security situations that could impact your visit.

Japan is a country that’s susceptible to earthquakes, which can be unsettling, but luckily buildings are designed to withstand them. If you’re inside when an earthquake occurs, it’s generally a good idea to stay inside and avoid rushing outside. 

Sample Japan Itinerary Ideas

1-Week Japan Itinerary

With one week in Japan, you can divide your time between Tokyo and Kyoto. Here are a few things you might want to do:

Tokyo

  • Visit art museums in Tokyo (Mori Art Museum, 21_21 Design Sight, National Art Center)
  • Explore Sensoji Temple and the shopping streets in Asakusa
  • Browse the high-end boutiques of Omotesando and youth culture of nearby Harajuku
  • Eat your way through Toyosu Fish Market

Kyoto

  • Visit one of the top photo op spots like Fushimi Inari shrine
  • Wander around the small streets of Gion to look for geisha
  • Spend the day in Arashiyama visiting the bamboo forest, temples, and souvenir shops

2-Week Japan Itinerary 

You can divide your first week between Tokyo and Kyoto as suggested in the 1-week itinerary above. Then add on a few days to visit other cities like Osaka and Hiroshima. Or you can stick to Tokyo and Kyoto as your home bases and plan day trips and short excursions to other nearby destinations.

For example:

  • From Tokyo, you can plan day trips to Hakone (for hot springs), Nikko (for temples and shrines), or Kamakura (for another giant Buddha at Kotoku-in, visiting the beach, or a bamboo forest at Hokokuji temple). 
  • From Kyoto, you can easily visit Osaka (for big city vibes, eating, and shopping), Himeji (to visit the castle that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site), or Nara (another ancient capital city with more temples, pagodas, and friendly deer). 

Japan is calling — Will you answer?

Phew, I know I’ve shared a ton of information here. The main message I’d like to share is how wonderful Japan is and why it’s the perfect place for first-time travelers. I highly encourage you to go!

Making an effort and trying to be respectful goes a long way. Just the smallest gesture like learning how to say thank you (arigatou), giving up your seat on the bus or train, or using chopsticks will mean a lot to the locals. Whenever you can, try to observe what local people are doing and follow their cues. Remember: peace and harmony are some of the most important values in Japan, so try to respect that as much as you can and you’ll have an incredible experience.

Finally, here are a few resources to check out: 

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