Japan Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Japan?

Japan is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, offering travelers a unique and unforgettable experience.

From the serene temples of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Japan seamlessly merges its rich cultural heritage with futuristic innovation.

Whether you’re marveling at the cherry blossoms in spring, soaking in an onsen (hot spring), or savoring world-class sushi, Japan promises a journey filled with discovery and wonder.

The country is renowned for its impeccable hospitality, efficient public transportation, and pristine landscapes.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Japan’s charm and diversity will leave you inspired.

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Time Zone: UTC+9

Climate Preference

Japan is an island country comprising 14,125 islands extending along the Pacific coast of Asia.

The country’s five main islands, from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu (also known as the main island), Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa.

Except for Okinawa, where temperatures are warm and hot all year round, temperatures in other areas vary depending on the month of departure.

There is a chance of encountering typhoons in summer and heavy snowfall in winter.

It is particularly important to note that the whole of Japan is in earthquake zones, and you need to pay attention to local special warnings when traveling there.

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Visa

For citizens of the United States and most European countries, visiting Japan as a tourist is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

Visa-Free Entry: Travelers from the U.S., Canada, the UK, and most EU countries can enter Japan without a visa for short-term stays (up to 90 days). This applies to tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends and family.

Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Japan. Ensure it has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Proof of Return or Onward Travel: Immigration officials may ask for proof of a return ticket or evidence of onward travel to another destination.

Extensions: If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for an extension at a regional immigration bureau in Japan or obtain the appropriate visa before arrival.

Japan’s visa policies are designed to make travel easy and accessible, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure in this incredible country. Safe travels!

For more information, please visit the JAPAN eVISA website for details, and you can also send me a private message if necessary.

https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

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Power Plugs / Sockets

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SIM Card

Although electronic payment is not yet popular in Japan, it is still recommended to purchase a SIM card before departure to facilitate receiving special information from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Japan SoftBank Docomo 4G/5G eSIM｜Daily+Total｜1-30 days｜QR code

eSIM Japan with a high-speed and stable Internet connection

Transportation Card

There are many types of transportation cards in Japan, the two most commonly used are: Suica Card and ICOCA Card.

Difference between Suica and ICOCA

Issuing Regions & Primary Usage
Suica: Issued by JR East (Tokyo/northern Japan).
Best for travel in Tokyo, Yokohama, and eastern Japan.

ICOCA: Issued by JR West (Osaka/western Japan).
Best for travel in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and western Japan.

Where They Work
Both work nationwide on trains, buses, subways, and at convenience stores and vending machines that accept IC cards.

Refund Policy
Both charge a ¥500 deposit (refundable if returned at JR counters in their respective regions).
Welcome Suica / Mobile Suica: No refund (for short-term use).

Tourist Perks
Suica: Linked to Tokyo-area discounts (e.g., some shops/attractions).
ICOCA (Kansai One Pass): Offers discounts at 30+ Kansai attractions (e.g., Osaka Castle, Kyoto temples).

Which to Choose?
For Tokyo-centric trips: Suica (or Pasmo, another Tokyo card).
For Osaka/Kyoto trips: ICOCA (or Kansai One Pass for extra perks).
For nationwide use: Either works—pick based on design or refund location!

Both are reloadable and expire after 10 years of inactivity. Hope this helps!

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Money Exchange / Cash

You can exchange Japanese yen at foreign currency exchange machines, chain exchange stores, and tourist information centers.

Tourist information centers usually have foreign currency exchange machines and chain exchange stores. Here are some of the redemption points.

Foreign Currency Exchange Machine

SMART EXCHANGE

Locations: Convenience stores, stations, Skytree, and other tourist hotspots

https://smartexchange.jp

Pocket Change

Locations: Tokyo Station, Sapporo Station, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and other tourist hotspots

https://www.pocket-change.jp/en

Chain Exchange Store

Travelex

This store accepts credit cards for purchasing foreign currency

Branch network: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Akihabara, Shibuya, Osaka, Kyoto, Naha, Fukuoka, and other tourist hotspots

Business hours: 11:00～19:00 (varies by store)

https://www.travelex.co.uk

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Useful Applications

Japan Transit Planner

A convenient app for using railways in Japan. It can check the route, the fare, and the required time easily when you input the departure station and the destination station.

食べログ Tabelog

Gurunavi ぐるなび

The restaurant has complete information, and both apps support reservation agency service in English.

Please note that reservations are very important in Japan, so please be on time and attend as required.

tenki.JP

Detailed weather reports are provided, subdivided into regions.

Tenki.JP will also provide weather warnings and disaster information about things such as typhoons and earthquakes.

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Safety

Japan is a country with good public security.

There is no need to worry about safety issues before going into the dark.

At night, you need to be careful entering slums, such as the notorious Nishinari Ward in Osaka.

When choosing a hotel, it is also recommended not to choose remote areas because of the cheap prices.

Some famous attractions have poor security from a Japanese perspective, such as Shinjuku Kabukicho.

However, these areas are generally friendly to foreigners, so if you don’t go there alone at midnight, there is no need to worry.

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Simple Japanese for traveling

Since Japanese pronunciation is different from English, we try to translate it into English.

Hello = こんにちは kon ni chi wa

Thank you = ありがとう a li ga tall + ございます gall zai yi ma su (+more polite)

Great = 素晴らしい su ba ra shī

Delicious / Yummy = おいしい oi shi / 美味い ou mai yi

How much is it? = いくらですか yi ku la that su ka

How to go to this place = どこですか dall kall that su ka

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Tax Refund

At present, tourists in Japan can enjoy tax-free discounts in stores if they spend 5,000 yen or more to get a consumption tax refund, just show your passport.

However, the Japanese government plans to implement a new tax-free system in the second half of 2026.

Tourists need to pay the consumption tax first and bring the tax with them when leaving the country.

Tax refunds may no longer be limited to cash. It is also planned to remove the tax-free upper limit of 500,000 yen.

Since this policy has not yet been implemented, the latest information will be updated.

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Emergency Number: 110

The Metropolitan Police in Tokyo has an English helpline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Dial 03-3501-0110 for this service.