Japan rewards visitors who do a little preparation. The country has systems that are logical once you understand them, but easy to misread if you arrive without context — especially around transit, money, and social norms. This guide covers the practical foundations that make a difference in the first few days.
Most of the information below applies to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major tourist destinations. Remote or rural areas may differ in important ways (particularly around card acceptance and English signage).
Connectivity: SIM Cards and Pocket Wi-Fi
Staying connected in Japan is easy, but worth sorting out before you land. There are two main approaches: a tourist SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi device. Both work well. Your choice depends on whether you're traveling solo or in a group.
Prepaid data SIM cards are available at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports (and on Amazon Japan before you arrive). Most tourist SIMs are data-only — no calling — which is fine for navigation and messaging apps. Major providers include IIJmio, Softbank Tourist SIM, and Docomo. Look for 15–30 day plans with 5–20 GB of data. Costs vary by plan and season.
A pocket Wi-Fi (also called a mobile router) connects multiple devices at once, making it cost-effective for couples and families. Rent directly from the airport pickup counter or arrange delivery to your hotel. Battery life is typically 8–10 hours, so carry a small power bank if you're out all day.
Google Maps works extremely well in Japan and is the most commonly used navigation tool among tourists. Download offline maps for your regions before you land in case of connectivity gaps.
Money: Cash Culture and ATMs
Japan is moving toward cashless payments, but it is not there yet. Many small restaurants, local izakayas, shrines, rural accommodations, and taxis are still cash-only. Arriving without yen is a real risk.
Seven Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven convenience stores are the most consistently reliable option for international cards. They display English menus and accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and most bank cards with a Cirrus or Plus network logo. Japan Post ATMs are a good second option. International acceptance at other ATMs (banks, convenience stores) is inconsistent.
A practical approach: withdraw ¥30,000–¥50,000 when you arrive at the airport, then top up as needed at 7-Eleven ATMs. Keep smaller bills (¥1,000 notes) for vending machines, convenience stores, and smaller restaurants where large bills may be difficult to break.
IC Cards: Suica and PASMO
An IC card is the single most useful tool you can have in Japan. Suica and PASMO are interchangeable — either works on trains, subway, buses, and for purchases at most convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants.
Suica is available at JR East ticket machines at Narita and Haneda airports. PASMO is available at subway and private railway stations. Both require a small refundable deposit (around ¥500). You can also add Suica to an iPhone or Android via the Wallet app (Apple Pay Suica) if your device supports it — this is the most convenient option since you don't need to carry a physical card.
Load cash onto your IC card at any ticket machine. When boarding trains, simply tap the card on the gate sensor — the system deducts the exact fare automatically. This eliminates the need to buy individual tickets or calculate fares, which saves significant time throughout your trip.
Getting Around: Transit Basics
Japan's train and subway system is one of the best in the world — frequent, on time, and well-signed in English at major stations. A few essentials make navigating it easier.
- Google Maps transit mode is accurate for Japan and includes walking directions inside stations. It handles transfers, platform numbers, and estimated walking time between stations.
- IC cards work on almost everything — JR trains, Tokyo Metro, Toei subway, local buses, and most intercity buses. If your IC card doesn't work on a specific service, you'll need to buy a separate ticket.
- JR Pass is not always worth it. If you're only visiting Tokyo or Osaka, a JR Pass is unlikely to save money. It's most useful for trips covering multiple cities (Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka or further). See our Japan Transportation Guide for a full breakdown.
- Last trains are real. Tokyo's subway and JR lines stop running around midnight (varies by line). Check the last train time before an evening out — missing it means an expensive taxi or waiting until 5am.
- Priority seats are visible. Seats marked with a sticker near train doors are reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Avoid sitting in them even if the car is empty.
Etiquette: The Basics That Matter
Japan has a culture of consideration for shared spaces that visitors notice immediately. Most of these norms are easy to follow once you know them.
Talking on the phone on trains is considered poor manners. Switch your phone to silent. Conversations between friends are fine at a low volume — the expectation is general quietness, not total silence. On Shinkansen (bullet trains), there are designated phone call areas between cars.
Eating on the move is generally frowned upon in Japan. Convenience store food and street food from festivals or markets are the main exceptions. At most other times, find a spot to stop before eating.
Traditional ryokan, some restaurants with tatami rooms, many temples, and some private homes require removing shoes at the entrance (genkan). Look for a step up and a row of slippers — that's the signal. Wear clean socks. Slip-on shoes make this much easier throughout the trip.
Do not tip in Japan. Not at restaurants, not at ryokan, not in taxis, not at hotels. Service is included in the price and tipping can cause genuine awkwardness or confusion. The one exception is some high-end ryokan where a small "thank you" gift (not cash) is occasionally appropriate — but this is not expected.
Public trash cans in Japan are rare — you may walk blocks without finding one. Convenience stores have bins near the register for their own packaging. For everything else, carry a small bag and dispose of waste at your hotel or at a convenience store when buying something.
Health, Safety, and Practicalities
Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries for tourists. Violent crime is very low, scams targeting tourists are uncommon, and lost items are frequently turned in to police boxes (koban). That said, a few practical notes:
- Travel insurance: Japan's medical care is excellent but not free for visitors. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended, particularly for longer trips.
- Prescription medication: Some common medications are restricted or banned in Japan (notably certain stimulants and some allergy medications containing pseudoephedrine). Check the Japan Customs website or your country's embassy guidance before traveling with any prescription drugs.
- Emergency number: 110 for police, 119 for ambulance and fire. English-speaking operators are available at major dispatch centers, though response time for English assistance may vary.
- Pharmacies (drugstore): Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, and Sundrug are common drugstore chains with wide coverage. Staff rarely speak English, but pointing at symptoms or showing a translation on your phone is generally effective.
Quick Planning Tips
- Get a Suica card at the airport before leaving arrivals — it works on the Narita Express and every train you'll take.
- Withdraw cash at the 7-Eleven ATM in the arrivals hall — you'll want yen before you reach your accommodation.
- Download Google Maps for offline use before boarding your flight.
- Charge your devices before heading out — many older restaurants and sightseeing spots lack accessible outlets.
- Keep a small amount of cash on you at all times; ¥5,000–¥10,000 is a reasonable daily reserve.
- Screenshot or print your hotel's address in Japanese — taxi drivers may not read romanized Japanese addresses.
Who This Guide Is Best For
First-time Japan visitors who want a practical foundation before arrival — especially those who've heard Japan is complex and want to understand what actually matters. Also useful for anyone who's been to Japan before but felt underprepared on a first trip and wants a more confident second visit.
Common Questions
Do I need cash in Japan?
Yes — cash is still widely used in Japan, especially at smaller restaurants, temples, shrines, vending machines, and taxis. While major cities and tourist spots increasingly accept cards, carrying ¥10,000–¥20,000 at all times is strongly recommended. 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept international cards.
What is an IC card and do I need one in Japan?
An IC card (Suica or PASMO) is a rechargeable prepaid card used for trains, buses, subway, and convenience store purchases. It's one of the most practical tools for navigating Japan — you simply tap to board any transit and pay at most convenience stores without needing exact change.
Is tipping expected in Japan?
No — tipping is not practiced in Japan and can cause confusion or awkwardness. Service is considered part of the job and is included in the price. At restaurants, ryokan, and hotels, do not leave cash on the table or attempt to hand money to staff.
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