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Before you book a trip to Japan, here are some things to consider. My guides will help you to learn everything you need to know about getting in, out, and navigating your way around this beautiful country. With my tips and tricks, you’re sure to have an amazing adventure!
Japan is a fantastic destination that offers a wide range of experiences for everyone. Mountain climbers and winter sports enthusiasts will love Japan’s mountain regions, while those who enjoy beaches can soak up the sun on the southern islands throughout the summer. Cherry blossom season, known as ‘Sakura,’ and ‘Koyo,’ the autumn leaf viewing are two other popular times to visit Japan when the temperatures are pleasant, and the natural beauty is mesmerizing.
The ideal time to visit Japan is in the spring (March & April) or autumn (October & November). The sunny and dry days make it perfect for outdoor adventures or exploring the beautiful cities. During summer (May to September), the cities tend to get quite hot and humid, but Hokkaido is an exception. On the other hand, winter brings cool and crisp days with heavy snowfall in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps, making the landscapes look truly stunning.
MOBILE: Check with your cell service provider to see if they offer an international plan. Many companies offer different packages for International travel.
WiFi Egg: I highly recommend renting a WiFi “egg” to stay connected during your trip to Japan. I had a great experience renting through japan-wireless.com on my last visit. The process was super easy – I just made a reservation and prepaid for the number of days I needed before my trip. When I arrived at Haneda Airport, the Japan Wireless counter had a package waiting for me containing everything I needed, including a Pocket Wi-Fi Router unit, power bank, USB cable, AC adapter (plug-in), and a pre-paid and self-addressed return envelope. Returning the package was just as easy – I simply dropped it into a mailbox at the airport and received confirmation the next day that it had been received.
eSIM: Another option for WiFi is purchasing an eSIM if your mobile phone supports it. After verifying, look for your destination and purchase a plan through an international provider, such as Holafly.
POWER CONVERSION: There are two associated plug types in Japan, A and B. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins, and plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. For Japan, just be aware that they operate on a 100V supply voltage and 50/60Hz. Hope this helps you for your travels!
When planning a trip to Japan, I advise that you kindly consult your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate for information regarding entry visa requirements and customs procedures specific to your country of origin. It is important to note that entry and exit conditions can be subject to change with little notice, and I encourage you to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations to make your travel experience as hassle-free as possible. I recommend the use of Visit Japan Web to assist with your customs and immigration declaration procedures.
On my last visit to Japan in the fall of 2022, Japan had only recently reopened for travel and they have a really easy system to pre-register COVID vaccine or negative test results prior to departure. It simplified the immigration process so much!
If you’re planning on visiting Japan soon, I would highly recommend using Visit Japan Web to pre-register your details. It’s a web service that helps to make the arrival procedure at Japan’s airport much easier. You can register your information for Immigration and Customs procedures ahead of your trip, including the disembarkation card for visa exemption (for eligible travelers such as Australians).
Once you’ve registered, you can use the QR codes from the service instead of paper forms as part of the procedures to enter Japan. It’s such a great service and it’s available for both international travelers and Japanese citizens.
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Japan is a country that blends its longstanding traditions with modern lifestyle. You will be amazed to see the wonderful combination of rich cultural heritage and advanced technology. The people in Japan are warm and friendly, and I have always had a great experience while traveling in this beautiful country. To ensure you have a smooth and respectful stay, learn a few basic etiquettes which are highly valued by the locals. Here are some basic rules that you should keep in mind:
1) Know how to bow. Bowing is an incredibly important part of Japanese culture, as it is used for greetings, showing respect, and remorse, and in many other situations as well. The angle of the bow reflects the level of respect given to the other party; the lower the bow, the more respectful.
2) Stand on the correct side when riding escalators. As most of the people in cities in Japan are constantly rushing, make sure to stand on the correct side when using the escalators so that you will not be blocking passersby. In Tokyo, stand on the left side, and pass on the right side when using the escalators. It is the opposite in Osaka – pass on the left and stand on the right.
3) Take off your shoes. Places, temples, or museums in Japan will sometimes ask visitors to remove their shoes before entering. Be prepared to have your socks or toes showing in public on occasion. Your hotel will most likely provide a set of slippers to be worn inside the room as well, so please be respectful and remove your shoes.
4) Chopstick etiquette. As you are most likely aware, most of the food in Japan is served with chopsticks, save for cuisines from certain countries. It is an important skill to be able to use chopsticks, as you may not always be able to find a fork and knife. It also shows an extra level of respect to the culture when able to properly hold and work the chopsticks, and you are sure to receive some grateful compliments.
5) Punctuality. Every minute counts in Japan. The Japanese take punctuality seriously, so if you plan a meeting with the locals, make sure you turn up on time. This goes without saying, but it is unacceptable to be late to work or any business affairs.
Tipping: There is no tipping culture in Japan, whether it be at restaurants, in taxis, or other establishments where tipping may be common in other countries. If you try to give them extra money as a tip, the worker may be confused as to why you are giving them more than the specified amount, and they will often not accept it.
By taking a little time to learn about and respect Japanese etiquette, you’ll be able to fully enjoy all that this amazing country has to offer!
Now that you are ready to go, I’ll let you know what to do once you find yourself stepping off that plane in Japan! Click below for more info…
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