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JAPAN GUIDE
Your complete guide to traveling Japan.
Everything you need to know - from culture and transportation to food, language, and practical tips - to help you travel Japan with confidence and respect.
Everything You Need to Know
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Essential information for an unforgettable trip to Japan.
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Culture & Etiquette
Bow slightly when greetying or thanking.
Remove shoes indoors (homes, temples, ryokan, some restaurants.
Keep your voice low in public spaces and on trains. No talking onphones on trains.
Avoid tipping - its not expected in Japan.
Use both hands when giving or receiving something.
Food & Drink
Must-try: sushi, rame, tempura, okonomiyaki, yakitori, matcha.
Convenience store food (konbini) is surprisingly high quality.
Many restaurants are small - arrive early or expect a wait time.
Look for meal ticket machine at restaurants to make checkout easier.
Practical Tips
Wi-Fi available in hotels, cafes, and most public places.
Download useful apps: Google Maps, HyperDia, Google Translate, etc.
Convenience stores have ATMs, food, and most essentials (umbrellas).
Common business hours are typically 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
Practical Tips
Practical Tips
Japan Quick Facts
Offical Name Japan | 日本
Population 125+ million
Area 377,975 km²
Religion Shinto, Buddhism
Internet Domain .jp
Calling Code +81
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Everything You Need to Know
Trains are the most efficient way to travel.
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for easy tap-and-go payments.
JR Pass is great if your doing long-distance travel (7, 14, or 21 days).
Subways & buses cover cities thoroughly.
Taxis are clean and safe but can be expensive.
Money and Payments
A lot places accept cash only, especially small shops and restaurants.
ATMs: 7-Eleven ATMs are foreign card friendly.
Credit cards accepted in most places in bigger cities.
Keep small bills and coins ready for daily use (vending machines).
Safety in Japan
Japan is considered one of the safest countires in the world.
Emergency numbers: 110 (police) / 119 (ambulance/fire).
Earthquakes can happen - follow local instructions and stay alert.
Lost & found is excellent - items are often returned.
Popular Japan Travel Apps
Make your trip smoother with these must-have apps.
Google Maps
Navigation, transit, local info.
Suica / Pasmo
IC cards for easy train and bus travel.
HyperDia
Train schedules and routes.
Japan Official Travel App
Offical travel guide.
Google Translate
Translation and camera mode.
Tabelog
Restaraunt reviews and ratings,
Stay Connected
Get connected with an e-SIM from Japan e-SIMs and stay connected your entire trip!
Language Basics
Konnichiwa - Hello
Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you
Sumimasen - Excuse me / Sorry
Eki wa doko desu ka? - Where is the station?
Menu o kudasai? - Can I have the menu, please?
Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Portable WiFi or SIM card for easy connectivity.
Power adapter: Japan uses type A/B outles (100V). USA is the same!
Pack light - storage space is limited on trains.
Packing cubes or vacuum packs are useful!
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar - May): Cherry blossoms, mild weather.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Festivals, beaches, hot and humid.
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Colorful leaves, pleasent temperatures.
Winter (Dec-Feb) Skiing in Hokkaido, beautiful snowy towns.
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