Everything you need to know before visiting Japan

Maybe you have been watching videos about Japan, maybe you’ve heard of your friends raving about it, but now you are finally planning to go to Japan. Located on its own island in East Asia, Japan is a travel destination everyone should go at least once in their life (if possible, more than once). Their rich culture, delicious food, and unique pop culture will definitely fulfill your travel cravings.

#1: Although they don’t speak English, there are many English signages

The airport, of course, has English signage everywhere as well as English announcements. However, you will notice that most train stations in major cities will also have English signage under the Japanese signage, making it very tourist-friendly. A lot of the workers in major cities can speak minimal English, so try speaking very slowly and simply, you may be surprised how much you are able to communicate without knowing any Japanese!

#2: Most likely you will not need a rental car

Japan is famous for their expansive public transportation system. Their trains are timely, clean, and easy to navigate. In addition, major Japanese cities are very walkable and convenient. On the other hand, cars may have a hard time in city traffic and have to pay a high price to use the freeways. For most major cities you visit (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc.), you will not need a rental car. However, if you still want to get a rental car, be sure you have an international driver’s license as well as be okay with driving on the left side of the road.

#3: You need an IC card

Photo by Lily Crossley-Baxter from Tokyocheapo

An IC (integrated circuit) card is a reloadable card that is used for trains, buses, and even vending machines. Without this, you will need to read the train station map, calculate the fair, and pay exact change every time (yuck!). The most common brands are Suica and Pasmo, and they are the Mastercard and Visa equivalent of IC cards. As of August 2023, sales of Suica and PASMO are suspended, and tourists can obtain a temporary PASMO called PASMO PASSPORT through specific rail stations. For more information about the PASMO PASSPORT, please see the official site here.

#4: Rush hour is no joke

From 7am-9am, and 5pm-7pm is considered Japan’s rush hour. These are times when there may be train conductors literally shoving people inside the train to make sure the door closes safely. These are the times when it could be so crowded you are cuddling with five other sweaty people around you. This may be an exciting phenomenon to some, but an extreme culture shock to some, so be warned.

#4: It is very, very safe

Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Many times, if you lose your wallet on the train, it will be turned in with all its contents at the train station. Although you still want to keep an eye out for your valuables, rest assured it’s likely safer than the city you came from. This means that I would recommend Japan for solo woman travelers, seniors, families, and everyone in-between.

#5: There are many unspoken rules and customs

Image from The Yomiuri Shimbun

Japan has many cultural customs and unspoken rules. Some rules include standing on one side of the escalator so that the other side can be open for people who want to walk up the escalator. An unspoken rule is to hit the “close” button on the elevator, as the door will take a VERY long time to close otherwise. Going to an onsen (hotspring)? Be sure to tie your hair up, be sober, and take a shower before entering. Some onsen may prohibit people with tattoos, so be sure to inquire before you enter. If you are unsure, just be observant of how others behave and mimic them. This may seem confusing at first, but as long as you remain respectful and keep your eyes open, you will blend in in no time!

#6: Many places are still cash-only

Although many major stores and restaurants take credit cards, a lot of the smaller places are still cash only. If you have a debit card with a low foreign transaction fee, it is typically better to withdraw Japanese Yen directly from a Japanese ATM than to get a currency exchange. At places that do accept credit cards, Mastercard and Visa are more likely to be accepted than American Express.

#7: Japan is not very wheelchair-friendly

While some efforts have been made in recent years to make Japan more wheelchair-friendly, it is still far from places such as the United States. Although train stations and newer establishments have elevators and accessible ramps if you are planning to visit old shrines, temples, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, be prepared for lots of stairs, steps, and limited wheelchair ramps. Some older public bathrooms are squat toilets only, which can be extremely difficult for the uninitiated. But don’t be discouraged! If you plan ahead, do your research, and know how to ask simple phrases, you can still enjoy Japan even on a wheel chair!

#8: Consider purchasing a rail pass

The rail pass is a ticket you can buy for unlimited JR-train rides in a limited amount of time. You could purchase a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day rail pass, and you can ride almost all the JR-branded trains and buses within those days, including the bullet trains. If you are riding the bullet train more than 3 times, it may be worth it. Use the Japan Rail Pass Calculator online to figure out if you need one or not.

#9: Tap water is safe to drink

Japan’s tap water is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated!

#10: More than 60 countries’ can go to Japan without a visa

According to ivisa.com, currently over 60 countries can go to Japan visa-free for vacation or business purposes up to 90 days. I highly recommend double checking if your passport can go to Japan without a visa, as you do not want to be turned around at the airport.

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