10 Essential Japan Travel Tips for Simplifying Your Trip!

We recently returned from a 15-day journey to Japan in August 2024. Our itinerary included 5 days exploring Tokyo on foot and 12 days cruising from Yokohama. For detailed guides on our complete trip, please click HERE. I would like to offer some helpful tips to simplify your future travel planning in Japan.

1. Before your trip, remember to install your Suica card into your phone wallet. Ensure that you top up the balance each night as some areas may have poor wifi or cellular coverage, making it challenging to refill the card. The Suica card is widely accepted on most buses and subways in Japan, simplifying your transportation payments. Double-check that you tap your card correctly, especially when boarding buses, to avoid errors upon disembarking. In case the card didn't register, inform the bus driver promptly, and they can manually input the information. Be prepared with the name of your bus stop, as many drivers may not be fluent in English.

   
   

2. In Japan, it is rare to find trash bins on the streets, and if you do come across one, it's like hitting a jackpot. If you need to dispose of trash and walk into a random store, the employee will likely refuse. So, if you decide to bring a drink with you, be prepared to carry it with you. However, if you happen to find a Starbucks, you will find trash bins inside.

   
   

3. Remember to bring a reusable grocery bag because you may have to purchase bags at convenience stores and certain mall shops.

   
   

4. Bring your passport if you want to enjoy tax-free shopping. Keep in mind that your purchases should total 5000 yen or more. Certain stores offer immediate tax refunds at the cashier's desk.

   
   

5. People rarely eat or drink on the street, except in designated food areas with stands. Eating in subways is prohibited, so it's advisable to take your food back to your hotel to enjoy.

   
   

6. Make sure to carry cash with you at all times, as certain food stalls (such as those in Yokohama Chinatown) may not accept credit cards. Additionally, some massage parlors may waive the tax if you pay in cash.

   
   

7. Ensure you verify the dates of your travel to avoid any inconvenience, as certain places may be closed on Japanese holidays. For example, during our trip, the fish market was closed due to a national holiday in Japan.

   
   

8. The majority of subway stations are equipped with elevators for passengers with luggage, although they may not be accessible at every exit, requiring you to walk some distance to reach one. Be sure to pay attention to the signs within the station. For added convenience, consider utilizing a luggage delivery service.

   
   

9. Google Maps is very effective in determining which train or bus to take, and it also provides accurate arrival times. Plus it shows arrows to point you in the right direction once you type in your destination.

   
   

10. Google Translate and Papago (App) are valuable tools to use when seeking assistance by asking questions. There is a significant number of Japanese individuals, particularly in smaller cities, who do not speak English fluently.

    
    

    #tipsfortravelingtojapan #japan #japantravel #traveltips