Japan Tips

A Suica (or Pasmo) IC card is the single most useful thing you can own in Japan. Load it at any JR machine, and use it on trains, subways, buses, and even convenience stores and vending machines. No need to figure out fares every time.

Google Maps has excellent Japanese transit data. It will tell you which exit to use, which platform, and exact transfer times. Download your area offline before heading to rural spots.

Taxis are metered and honest — no haggling needed. They're expensive for long distances but fine for late-night short trips. The door opens automatically; don't try to open it yourself.

JR stations have coin lockers (300–900¥/day) in various sizes. Great for storing luggage while you explore. IC cards work at newer lockers.

7-Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven stores accept virtually all foreign cards, 24/7, in multiple languages. They charge a modest fee but are reliable and widespread. Japan Post ATMs are the second-best option.

Rural restaurants, small shrines, local festivals, and many ramen shops are cash-only. ¥10,000–30,000 in cash is usually comfortable for day trips. Break large bills at convenience stores.

Lawson, 7-Eleven, and FamilyMart aren't just snacks. They have ATMs, printouts, ticket purchase machines (Loppi, Multi Copy), utility bill payment, and surprisingly good food at any hour.

Many restaurants offer a 'lunch set' (ランチセット) — often a full meal with rice, miso soup, and sides for ¥800–1,200. The same restaurant's dinner might be 2–3× more expensive.

Most traditional restaurants display plastic food replicas in their window. Point at what you want if there's no English menu. Alternatively, Google Translate's camera mode can read Japanese menus.

Standing izakaya and ramen counters are cheap, casual, and social. You're not expected to tip or stay long — order, eat/drink, pay and leave. Perfect for solo travelers.

Egg salad sandwiches, onigiri (rice balls), nikuman (pork buns in winter), hot oden — Japan's convenience stores have elevated grab-and-go food to an art form. Don't skip them.

Ryokan check-in often involves a welcome tea ceremony, explanation of facilities, dinner scheduling, and yukata fitting. Arrive on time (usually 3–6pm) and don't rush — it's part of the experience.

Modern capsule hotels like First Cabin or The Millennials offer clean, private pods with charging ports, curtains, and shared premium facilities. A great affordable option, especially for solo male travelers (some are male-only).

Top ryokan in Hakone, Kyoto, and Nikko book out very fast, especially during cherry blossom (late March–April) and autumn foliage (October–November) seasons.

A small 15° nod is enough for casual interactions. The deeper and longer the bow, the more formal or apologetic it is. Don't overthink it — any effort to show respect is appreciated.

Japan takes queuing seriously. Whether at an ATM, train door, or escalator (stand left, walk right in Tokyo; stand right in Osaka), follow the line. Never push or cut.

Always shower and rinse thoroughly at the provided washing stations before entering communal onsen pools. Towels stay outside the water. Most onsens prohibit tattoos.

Talking on your phone on trains is considered rude. Conversations should be hushed. Priority seats near doors are for elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers. Give them up without being asked.

Google Maps (transit), Google Translate (camera mode), Hyperdia or Navitime (train schedules), HappyCow (vegetarian food), Tabelog or Google Maps (restaurant reviews), Japan Official Travel App, PayPay (mobile payment).

IIJmio, NTT Docomo, and SoftBank all sell tourist SIMs at major airports. Or buy an eSIM via Airalo before you travel. Japan has excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities.

PayPay (Japanese QR code payment) is accepted at millions of locations including small izakaya and local shops that don't take credit cards. Load it with a foreign Visa/Mastercard.

Fushimi Inari (Kyoto), Senso-ji (Asakusa), and Shibuya Crossing are empty and magical before 8am. By 10am they're packed with tour groups. Early rising rewards you greatly in Japan.

Most major cities offer 1-day unlimited subway passes (800–1,000¥) that pay for themselves after 3–4 rides. Ask at station info desks.

Many of Japan's best experiences are free: strolling Yanaka (Tokyo's old town), walking the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, hiking Inuyama castle town, watching Tsukiji Outer Market at dawn, most shrines and temple grounds.