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Essential Japan travel tips for foreign visitors. Cultural rules, money, transportation, food and safety advice for 2026.

Before You Go

  1. Visa: 70+ countries get visa-free entry for 90 days (US, UK, EU, Australia, etc.)
  2. Best time: Spring (cherry blossoms) and Autumn (fall colors). Summer is hot & humid.
  3. Flight: Book 3-4 months ahead. Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo than Narita.
  4. Money: Get yen at airport ATMs (7-Bank or Japan Post). Credit cards work at major stores but carry ¥30,000+ cash.
  5. eSIM: Get an eSIM before departure — Ubigi and Airalo work great in Japan.

Transportation Secrets

  1. Japan Rail Pass: Only worth it if traveling between 3+ cities. Tokyo-only? Get IC Card instead.
  2. Shinkansen: Reserve seats online at SmartEX app. Unreserved cars fill up on holidays.
  3. Taxis: Doors open automatically — DON'T touch them. Cash or Suica payment.
  4. Walking: Japan drives on the LEFT. Stand on the left side of escalators (right in Osaka).
  5. Luggage forwarding: Use Yamato Transport (kuroneko) to send bags between hotels for ~¥2,000.

Food & Restaurant Etiquette

  1. No tipping — EVER. Staff will chase you down to return the money.
  2. Slurp your noodles. It's polite and shows you enjoy the food.
  3. Wet towel (oshibori) is for hands only, never your face.
  4. Say "itadakimasu" before eating and "gochisousama" when leaving.
  5. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice — it's a funeral ritual.
  6. Allergies? Learn to say "_____ arerugi desu" (I'm allergic to _____)

Cultural Do's and Don'ts

  1. Bow slightly when greeting or thanking — a small nod is fine.
  2. Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, some restaurants.
  3. Don't blow your nose in public — go to a restroom. Sniffling is acceptable.
  4. Trash cans are rare — carry a small bag for your garbage.
  5. Don't jaywalk — Japanese people wait for green lights even at empty streets.
  6. Tattoos may restrict onsen/gym access. Look for "tattoo OK" facilities.

Safety & Emergency

  1. Japan is extremely safe — Lost items are often returned. Report to koban (police box).
  2. Emergency: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance).
  3. Earthquakes: Stay calm, drop-cover-hold. Buildings are earthquake-proof.
  4. Pharmacies: Look for ドラッグストア (drug store). Staff can help with translation apps.

Money-Saving Hacks

  1. 100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria) for souvenirs, snacks, and travel supplies.
  2. Convenience store meals are excellent — onigiri ¥120, bento ¥500.
  3. Free attractions: Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, Imperial Palace, most parks.
  4. Tax-free shopping: Spend ¥5,000+ at one store, show passport, save 10%.