My Top Tips for Travelling to Japan!

Top Tips for Travelling to Japan

Japan is one of the most incredible countries I've ever visited. It's an amazing blend of ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, stunning scenery and unforgettable food. However, it's also very different from the UK, and knowing a few things before you travel can make your trip much smoother.

Here are my top tips to help you travel smarter, avoid common mistakes and make the most of your time in Japan.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Save your souvenir shopping until the airport. Airport duty-free shops stock many of Japan's iconic treats, including Tokyo Bananas and the famous range of Japanese KitKat flavours. Prices are often just as good, if not better, than those in the city, and you'll save valuable luggage space during your trip.

Keep your passport with you. Many shops offer tax-free shopping to tourists, but you'll need your passport to qualify.

Visit Don Quijote at least once. It's an experience in itself. Imagine if Aldi, TK Maxx and B&M were all rolled into one multi-storey shop packed with everything from snacks and cosmetics to electronics and fancy dress. It's chaotic, random and brilliantly entertaining.

Trainer fans should visit Onitsuka Tiger. Prices are often significantly cheaper than in the UK, sometimes by as much as 40%, making it well worth a look.

Trains & Getting Around

Get an IC card as soon as you arrive. Cards such as Suica or Pasmo make travelling incredibly easy. They can be used on trains, subways, buses, vending machines and many convenience stores.

Female-only train carriages are available. During weekday rush hours, many trains offer women-only carriages, providing a more comfortable option for solo female travellers.

Train etiquette is important. Keep conversations quiet, avoid phone calls, line up patiently to board, and wear your backpack in front when trains are busy to create more space for everyone.

Don't eat or drink on regular commuter trains. It's generally considered impolite. However, eating on the Shinkansen (bullet train) is perfectly acceptable and is all part of the experience.

Don't rely on seeing Mount Fuji. It can be surprisingly elusive, with clouds often hiding it. Winter generally offers the clearest views.

Use luggage forwarding services. If you're travelling between cities, many hotels can send your suitcase to your next hotel for around £15-£20 per case. It's one of the best services Japan offers and saves carrying luggage through busy stations and up countless stairs.

Technology & Money

Buy an eSIM before you travel. Reliable mobile data makes navigating train stations, translating menus and finding your way around far easier.

Check your electrical appliances. Hair straighteners, hairdryers and clothes steamers often won't work unless they're dual voltage.

Carry both cards and cash. Japan is modern, but cash is still widely used. Travel cards such as Revolut work particularly well.

If you receive a ¥2,000 note, keep it. They're relatively uncommon and are considered lucky by many people.

Food & Dining

There is no tipping culture. Simply pay the bill as it stands. Leaving a tip can actually be confusing.

If you have dietary requirements, plan. Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more common but are still less widespread than in the UK. It's useful to keep translated allergy or dietary information saved on your phone. Also, be aware that some restaurants may consider fish to be suitable for vegetarians.

Don't overlook convenience stores. Chains such as 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart offer excellent fresh food, snacks, coffee, breakfast options and ATMs. They're genuinely one of the best parts of travelling in Japan.

One thing I particularly loved is that Japan generally doesn't inflate prices for tourists. Prices are fair, transparent and, in many cases, cheaper than back home.

Culture & Etiquette

If shoes come off, they come off. Whenever you see a raised wooden entrance in temples, traditional accommodation, restaurants or some hotels, remove your shoes before stepping up. Place them neatly facing the door.

Watch out for toilet slippers. Some buildings provide separate slippers specifically for the toilet. Just remember to change back before leaving.

Carry socks and something to cover your shoulders. You'll often need to remove your shoes when entering temples, restaurants or traditional accommodation.

If wearing a kimono, wrap it correctly. Always wrap the left side over the right. The reverse is reserved for funerals.

Learn basic chopstick etiquette. Never leave chopsticks standing upright in rice or pass food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another, as both are associated with funeral traditions.

Avoid walking while eating. In many places, it's considered more respectful to finish your food where you bought it.

Smoke only in designated areas. Smoking restrictions are taken seriously.

Japan is incredibly clean, but bins can be difficult to find. Carry a small bag for your rubbish until you come across a suitable bin.

Learn a few simple Japanese phrases. Even basic greetings such as Konnichiwa (hello), Arigatou (thank you) and Sumimasen (excuse me or sorry) are warmly appreciated and show respect for the local culture.

Visiting an Onsen

If you're planning to visit a traditional hot spring, be aware that bathing is done completely naked, with separate areas for men and women. Swimwear is not permitted.

You'll also need to wash thoroughly before entering the water. The modesty towel provided really is as small as everyone says!

Japanese Toilets

Japanese toilets deserve a mention all of their own. Heated seats, built-in bidets and control panels full of mysterious buttons are all part of the experience.

One tip: learn which button means "Stop" before experimenting. It could save you from a rather memorable bathroom moment.

Kyoto & Sightseeing

Kyoto is one of Japan's most beautiful cities, but it is also dealing with significant overtourism. Visitors can help by being especially respectful in residential neighbourhoods: keep noise to a minimum, avoid trespassing and don't photograph people without permission.

If you're visiting the famous geisha districts, never chase, stop or photograph geisha or maiko without permission. Many tea house experiences are private, and respecting local customs helps preserve these traditions.

Planning to visit the famous red torii gates at Fushimi Inari? Arrive at sunrise if possible. It makes an enormous difference and allows you to enjoy the experience before the crowds arrive.

Remember that every Japanese city has its own distinct personality. Tokyo is fast-paced and futuristic; Osaka is lively and renowned for its food, while Kyoto offers history and tradition. If time allows, spend some time in the countryside too, where you'll experience a slower pace of life and some of Japan's warmest hospitality.

Don't Forget the Mosquito Repellent

If you're travelling during the warmer months or visiting rural areas, mosquitoes can be relentless. Pack insect repellent or buy Muhi, a popular Japanese anti-itch cream that's incredibly effective for bites.

My Biggest Tip: Use a Local Guide or Book an Escorted Tour

Japan is easy to fall in love with, but it can also feel overwhelming at first. The transport network is extensive, cultural etiquette isn't always obvious, and many of the country's best experiences are hidden away.

A knowledgeable local guide or a well-planned escorted tour can completely transform your trip. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the culture, discover places you might otherwise miss, and almost certainly be introduced to some fantastic restaurants along the way.