Japan Destination Guide
Welcome to your adventure! This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Rising Sun.
.jpg)
Essential Travel Information for Japan
Everything you need to know before your Japan adventure
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Visa-Free Travel: Most travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Return Ticket: Proof of onward/return travel may be required.
- Health Requirements: Check current vaccination and entry requirements before departure.
Currency & Payments
- Japanese Yen (JPY) is the official currency.
- Cash Society: Japan still relies heavily on cash. Always carry some yen.
- ATMs: Look for ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices for foreign card withdrawals.
- Credit Cards: Major hotels and department stores accept credit cards, but smaller establishments often don't.
- Tipping: Not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude.
Mobile & Internet
- WiFi: Free WiFi available in major cities, hotels, and many cafés.
- Pocket WiFi: Consider renting a pocket WiFi device for constant connectivity.
- SIM Cards: Tourist SIMs available at airports and electronic stores.
- Power: Japan uses Type A and B plugs (100V).
Time Zone
- Japan Standard Time (JST) – UTC +9
- Japan is 14 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (when EST is in effect).
- Japan does not observe daylight saving time.
Climate & Weather
- Four Distinct Seasons: Spring (cherry blossoms), Summer (hot & humid), Autumn (colorful foliage), Winter (cold with snow in northern regions).
- Rainy Season: Early June to mid-July.
- Typhoon Season: August to October.
- Pack According to Season: Check weather forecasts before your trip.
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Services: 📞 110 (Police), 📞 119 (Fire, Ambulance)
- Japan Visitor Hotline: 📞 050-3816-2787 (Available 24/7 in English)
- U.S. Embassy Tokyo: 📞 +81-3-3224-5000
- UK Embassy Tokyo: 📞 +81-3-5211-1100
- Australian Embassy Tokyo: 📞 +81-3-5232-4111
Packing Checklist for Japan
Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your Japan adventure
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for the duration of stay)
- Flight itinerary & proof of onward travel
- Travel insurance details
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash in Japanese Yen
- Copy of important documents (separate from originals)
- International driver's license (if planning to drive)
- Address of accommodations (written in Japanese if possible)
Clothing & Accessories
- Weather-appropriate clothing (check forecast)
- Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk a lot!)
- Socks (to wear when removing shoes at temples/homes)
- Conservative clothing for temples & shrines
- Light jacket or sweater (for air conditioning)
- Umbrella or rain jacket
- Swimwear (for onsen towns, bring suitable swimwear)
- Slip-on shoes (for easy removal at temples/restaurants)
Health & Toiletries
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks (commonly worn when sick in Japan)
- Deodorant (can be hard to find in Japan)
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (for summer months)
Electronics & Gadgets
- Power adapter (Japan uses Type A/B plugs)
- Camera & memory cards
- Smartphone & charger
- Portable charger/power bank
- Headphones
- Pocket WiFi device or SIM card (pre-ordered)
- Voltage converter (Japan uses 100V)
- Translation app or pocket dictionary
Packing Tips
- Pack Light: Many accommodations in Japan are compact. Consider luggage size.
- Luggage Forwarding: Japan has excellent luggage forwarding services (takuhaibin) for traveling between cities.
- Bring Comfortable Shoes: You'll walk much more than expected.
- Tattoo Cover-ups: If you have visible tattoos, bring cover-ups for onsen (tattoos are often restricted).
Top Destinations & Experiences for Japan
Discover the incredible places to visit during your Japan adventure
Tokyo
Japan's bustling capital blends ultramodern skyscrapers with historic temples and a vibrant pop culture scene.
Must-See Attractions:
- Shibuya Crossing – Experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing.
- Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temple.
- Meiji Shrine – Serene forest shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji.
- Tokyo Skytree – One of the world's tallest towers with panoramic views.
- Tsukiji Outer Market – Sample fresh seafood and Japanese delicacies.
Kyoto
Japan's cultural heart with over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and beautifully preserved districts.
Kyoto Highlights:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine – Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Otherworldly bamboo forest path.
- Gion District – Historic geisha district with preserved wooden machiya houses.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Offers panoramic views of the city.
Mount Fuji & Hakone
Japan's iconic volcano and the surrounding hot spring region offer natural beauty and relaxation.
Area Highlights:
- Mount Fuji Climbing – Official climbing season is July to early September.
- Lake Kawaguchiko – Offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
- Hakone Open Air Museum – Outdoor art museum with stunning sculptures.
- Owakudani – Volcanic valley with hot springs and black eggs.
- Onsen Experience – Relax in natural hot springs with views of Mt. Fuji.
Must-Try Japanese Foods
Japan is a food lover's paradise with regional specialties and incredible variety. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:
🍣
Sushi
Fresh raw fish over vinegared rice, best enjoyed at a counter with skilled chefs.
🍜
Ramen
Hearty noodle soup with regional variations of broth, toppings, and noodle types.
🥩
Wagyu Beef
Famous marbled beef, often served as yakiniku (grilled meat) or in shabu-shabu.
🍱
Bento
Beautifully arranged boxed meals available at stores, stations, and restaurants.
🍢
Yakitori
Skewered grilled chicken, perfect with a cold beer at an izakaya (pub).
🍵
Matcha
Powdered green tea found in traditional ceremonies and modern desserts alike.
Local Culture & Responsible Travel
Tips for respectful travel and cultural awareness during your Japan adventure
Cultural Etiquette
- Bowing: The common greeting in Japan. A slight bow is sufficient for tourists.
- Shoes Off: Remove shoes before entering homes, ryokans, traditional restaurants, and some temples.
- Onsen Etiquette: Wash thoroughly before entering hot springs, no swimwear allowed, and no photos.
- Quiet Voice: Keep your voice down in public, especially on trains.
- Tipping: Not customary and can be considered rude. If tipping is appropriate, place money neatly in an envelope:
- Ryokan with Nakai-san: 1000 yen at check-in
- Private dinner with Geisha: 3000 yen at start
- Guides: 500 yen/day at the end
- Chopsticks: Never stick them vertically into rice (funeral association) or pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks.
Responsible Tourism
- Respect Geisha: Don't chase or photograph maiko/geiko without permission in Kyoto.
- Waste Management: Public trash cans are rare; carry your garbage until you find one.
- Recycling: Japan has strict recycling rules. Follow signs and separate accordingly.
- Photo Etiquette: Always ask permission before photographing people.
- Smoking: Only smoke in designated areas; smoking while walking is often prohibited.
- Sacred Sites: Follow posted rules at temples and shrines.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
Japan has strict drug laws with severe penalties. Medicines containing stimulants or codeine may be illegal in Japan. Always check if your prescription medications are allowed before traveling.
Additional Travel Tips
Sumo Stable Visits
- Remain quiet and respectful during the entire visit.
- Remove shoes, sit cross-legged, and never point feet at the ring.
- No eating, drinking, or loud photography during the session.
- Stay for the full session as a sign of respect.
Social Customs
- Chopstick Etiquette: Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick.
- Footwear: Remove shoes in homes, temples, some restaurants/hospitals.
- Greetings: Bowing is common; as a foreigner, a nod or handshake is fine.
- Cash Usage: Japan is still cash-based—carry yen even if some places take cards.
🧳 Packing & Preparation
Luggage Transfer
- On bullet train days, large luggage will be transferred separately.
- Pack a day/overnight bag with essentials.
- Bags are picked up in the morning in Tokyo and delivered the next morning in Kyoto.
Suggested Packing List
- Comfortable, slip-on walking shoes
- Layers for varying weather
- Warm clothes in winter
- Travel adapter (Type A/B)
- Reusable water bottle, sunblock, hand sanitizer
- Pepto, Imodium, Dramamine (if needed)
- Daypack and portable charger
- Earplugs, laundry soap, packing cubes
- Local currency (avoid exchanging at airport—high fees)
- Notify your bank before travel
🚅 Transportation
Japan's public transport is clean, punctual, and extremely efficient.
- You will frequently use public transport, especially in Tokyo.
- A pre-loaded PASMO/SUICA card will be provided for your fare.
- Bullet trains may require separate luggage shipping.
Ride-Sharing
- Uber is available but not widely used due to excellent public transit.
- Didi (Chinese app) is also available in some areas.
💧 Essentials
- Water: Tap water is safe and drinkable.
- Wifi: Widely available at airports, train stations, cafes, etc.
- Emergency Number: 110
- Time Zone: GMT+9 (Japan Standard Time)
- Currency: Japanese Yen (¥)
🗣️ Useful Japanese Phrases
- Good morning: Kon'nichiwa
- Good night: Oyasumi
- Thank you: Arigato
- I'm sorry: Gomen'nasai
- Delicious: Oishi
- Japan Rail Pass: Purchase before arriving in Japan if you plan to travel extensively.
- IC Cards: Suica or Pasmo cards make using public transit convenient.
- Tax-Free Shopping: Look for "Tax-Free" signs in shops (passport required).
- Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart are incredibly useful for ATMs, meals, and essentials.
- Google Maps: Excellent for navigating Japan's transit systems.
- Learn Basic Phrases: A few Japanese words go a long way in showing respect.
Luggage Restrictions
.jpg?width=2501&height=1251&name=Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)
.png?width=200&name=TrovaTrip-Trova-Pledge%20(1).png)
