Traveling to Japan For the First Time: What You Actually Need to Know

Key Takeaways

• Transport hacks: IC cards beat JR Passes for most travelers now
• Cash is still king outside major cities despite Japan's tech image
• Etiquette rules that matter (and ones you can ignore)
• When to book accommodations and transport for best prices
• Underrated alternatives to overcrowded tourist spots

Japan overwhelms first-timers. Not because it's difficult, but because everyone bombards you with "must-know" tips that often don't match reality. After helping hundreds of travelers navigate their first Japan trips, here's what actually matters.

1. Transportation: Forget Everything You've Heard

The JR Pass Myth
With the 2023 price hike, the Japan Rail Pass only makes sense if you're:

• Doing Tokyo > Kyoto > Hiroshima > Tokyo within 7 days
• Traveling during peak season when individual tickets cost more

What to do instead:

• Get a Suica/Pasmo IC card (works on all subways/buses/vending machines)
• Compare regional passes if sticking to one area
• Book Shinkansen tickets early via SmartEx app

Pro tip: Green cars (first class) often cost just 20% more but guarantee space for luggage

2. Money: Japan's Cash Paradox

Where you'll need cash:

• Rural areas (even some ATMs don't take foreign cards)
• Small restaurants (especially ramen shops)
• Temple entrance fees
• Bus fares outside major cities

Where cards work fine:

• Convenience stores (7-Eleven accepts Apple Pay)
• Department stores
• Chain restaurants

ATM hack: 7-Eleven ATMs have English menus and no fees for international cards

3. Accommodation Reality Check

What no one tells you about Japanese hotels:

• Rooms are smaller than photos suggest (a "double" bed is often just full-size)
• Check-in times are strict (usually 3PM, rarely flexible)
• Many don't accept foreign credit cards for online bookings

Better options:

• Business hotels (clean, affordable, great locations)
• APA Hotels (controversial but convenient)
• Minshuku (family-run guesthouses) for authentic experience

Booking tip: Use Agoda for better rates than Booking.com in Japan

4. Etiquette: Real Rules vs. Tourist Myths

Actually important:

• Remove shoes when you see a step up or slippers provided
• Don't blow your nose in public (go to a bathroom)
• Be quiet on trains (no calls, loud conversations)

Overhyped "rules":

• Bowing perfectly (a nod is fine)
• Chopstick etiquette (unless you're stabbing food dramatically)
• Tipping (they'll just be confused)

Onsen survival:

1. Wash thoroughly before entering
2. No swimsuits (yes, really)
3. Tie up long hair
4. Small towel stays out of the water

5. When to Go (And When to Avoid)

Best months:

• Late April/May: After cherry blossom crowds, before rainy season
• October/November: Perfect weather, fall colors
• February: Cheaper, great skiing

Worst months:

• Golden Week (late April/early May): Everything booked, prices triple
• August: Oppressive heat, Obon holiday closures
• New Year's: Many businesses closed Dec 29-Jan 3

6. Food You Must Try (That's Not Sushi)

Underrated eats:

• Convenience store egg salad sandwiches (seriously)
• Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at standing bars
• Katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl) at train station shops

Reservation hacks:

• Use Pocket Concierge for high-end places
• Walk into mid-range spots right at opening
• Department store basements have amazing takeout

7. What to Pack (And What to Skip)

Essential:

• Comfortable slip-on shoes (you'll be removing them constantly)
• Portable WiFi or eSIM
• Small coin purse (you'll accumulate ¥500 coins)
• Foldable shopping bag (for trash and souvenirs)

Leave at home:

• Tons of cash (ATMs everywhere)
• Formal clothes (unless business meetings)
• Huge luggage (hard to manage on trains)

8. First-Timer Itinerary Framework

5-Day Starter Trip:

• Days 1-3: Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa)
• Day 4: Day trip to Hakone or Nikko
• Day 5: Kyoto highlights (Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera)

10-Day Ideal Trip:

• Add Hiroshima/Miyajima
• Overnight in a ryokan
• Osaka food crawl

Japan gets better when you stop trying to "do it all." Pick 2-3 areas max, go deeper, and save the rest for your next trip. The country isn't going anywhere.