Japan Travel Tips for First Timer
I just got back from Japan and let me tell you, it was amazing! But if you’re planning your first trip, there are a few things I wish I had known earlier that can make your experience smoother, more affordable, and a lot less stressful.
Whether you’re planning to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, or go off the beaten path, these practical travel tips will help you make the most of your time in Japan.
1. Best Time to Visit Japan
Japan is beautiful in every season, but timing your trip right can make a big difference.
- Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May) and the New Year holidays, both are peak travel times with inflated prices and crowds.
- Cherry blossom season is magical, but it's also the busiest time for domestic and international tourism.
Pro tip: Travel about two weeks after sakura peak. You’ll still see lingering blooms, but the crowds are thinner and accommodation is often cheaper. Another great alternative is autumn, from late October through early December, when fall foliage colors the landscapes.
2. Don’t Overpack! Japan Has Everything You Need
If you’re stressing over packing, relax. Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel light in.
I was only traveling with 7kg of luggage for a two-week trip, and I didn’t miss a thing. In fact, I ended up buying a bunch of cute and affordable clothes from GU and Uniqlo once I got there.
If you forget something or just want to refresh your wardrobe, Japan has plenty of convenient, budget-friendly options:
- GU and Uniqlo – Great for stylish, seasonal, and comfortable clothing
- Don Quijote (Don Q) – The go-to for beauty products, travel gadgets, snacks, and quirky souvenirs
- Daiso or Seria – Japan’s best ¥100 shops for toiletries, tech accessories, stationery, and more
Packing light saves you time, keeps you mobile on trains, and leaves space in your suitcase for all the fun things you’ll buy along the way.
3. Use an eSIM for Easy Internet Access
Eskimo eSIM offers a simple way to stay connected while traveling in Japan. Just install the app, choose a data package that fits your needs and you’re ready to go. You can choose from:
- Japan-only data
- Asia Pacific regional data
- Global coverage, if you’re traveling across continents
I was using the Asia Pacific plan since I was only visiting countries within Asia, and it worked seamlessly the entire time. The setup is quick, and there's no need to remove your physical SIM card. It’s a convenient solution for travelers who want reliable mobile data without the hassle.
On average, I used about 500MB per day, mostly for:
- Google Maps to get around
- Google Translate for menus and signs
- Google search to find nearby restaurants or shops
Even a small plan was more than enough for daily travel needs. If you’re planning your first visit, you can get 500MB of global data free as a new user perfect for trying it out before you travel.
4. Bring Enough Cash (But Not Too Much)
Japan is becoming more cashless, but some places still require yen.
What works well now:
- Credit/debit cards – Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major stores
- IC cards like Suica or Pasmo – Great for trains, buses, vending machines, and even some cafes and convenience stores
- 7-Eleven ATMs – Reliable and compatible with most international cards
That said, you still need cash for things like:
- Street food stalls and markets
- Temple donations and entrance fees
- Souvenir stands and mom-and-pop shops (especially in more traditional or rural areas)
Pro tip: Be prepared and plan ahead. Estimate what you’ll need in cash based on your itinerary.
- For example, I personally budgeted around ¥1,500 per day for food, which gave me room to enjoy ramen, snacks, and the occasional cafe stop.
- If you’re visiting multiple temples or shrines, factor in entrance fees (usually ¥300–¥600 per site)
- Set aside some yen for souvenirs, especially from small shops that don’t accept cards
This approach helps you stay in control of your spending without carrying large amounts of cash around.
5. Don’t Only Eat at Convenience Stores
Japan’s convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart) are legendary for a reason. They offer a wide variety of fresh, high-quality meals at prices that are hard to beat.
- You can get a full bento (rice, chicken, vegetables) for as little as ¥500
- A freshly made onigiri (rice ball) costs about ¥150–¥200
- They also sell hot snacks, sandwiches, noodles, salads, and desserts—all neatly packaged and ready to go
If you’re on a budget or need a quick bite between trains or tours, konbini meals are a lifesaver.
But don’t make them your only meals.
While convenient, you’d be missing out on Japan’s rich and varied food culture by sticking to the same chilled shelves. Some of the country’s best meals are casual and inexpensive, too.
Try:
- Ramen shops – Often open late, quick, and comforting
- Conveyor belt sushi – Like Kura Sushi or Sushiro, where you can eat well for under ¥1,000
- Department store food basements (depachika) – A lesser-known gem with gourmet takeaway options
So yes, enjoy the convenience store meals but balance it out with local food experiences that show you what Japanese cuisine is really about.
6. Don’t Expect Everyone to Speak English
Big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are relatively tourist-friendly, but the further out you go, the less English you’ll hear.
Be ready with:
- Google Translate (download the offline Japanese pack)
- Google Maps with saved locations
- A few key Japanese phrases:
- Hello – Konnichiwa
- Thank you – Arigatou
- Excuse me – Sumimasen
- Where is the toilet? – Toire wa doko desu ka?
Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, locals appreciate the effort and are usually happy to help.
7. Bring a Trash Pouch
One surprise for most first-timers: public trash bins are rare in Japan, even in busy areas. Despite that, the streets are spotless. That’s because everyone carries their trash with them until they find a bin.
Pro tip: Pack a small foldable trash pouch or ziplock bag in your day bag. It’s especially handy after eating takeout or buying snacks on the go.
It’s a simple habit that keeps you organized and helps keep Japan clean.
8. Avoid Train Rush Hour If You Can
Japan’s trains are known for being clean, fast, and punctual but if you ride during rush hour, be prepared for extreme crowding.
Why it’s so packed: Rush hour in Japan aligns with standard office hours. Every weekday:
- In the morning (7:30–9:30 AM), millions of people commute to work and school at the same time.
- In the evening (5:30–7:30 PM), they all head back home.
Because so many workers rely on trains as their main mode of transport, the train cars especially on lines in Tokyo and Osaka become so packed you can barely move, let alone breathe.
You might even see station staff (called oshiya) whose job is to gently push people into already full trains so the doors can close.
If you’re traveling with luggage, feeling tired, or just not in the mood to be in a wall-to-wall crowd, try to schedule your travel outside of peak commuting hours. You’ll get a seat, enjoy the ride, and actually be able to look out the window.
Travel Smart, Not Stressed
Japan is a dream destination : clean, safe, efficient, and full of surprises. But a few smart strategies can help you avoid common mistakes and make your trip way more enjoyable.
From choosing the right travel dates and staying connected with an eSIM, to eating well and skipping rush hour, these 8 tips will help you travel smarter, not harder.
Want to explore Tokyo on a budget? Don’t miss our Free Things to Do in Tokyo guide. It's packed with zero-cost ideas for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.