Cash vs. cards
Japan is still partly cash-oriented. Carry some cash for small shops, local eateries, and rural areas.
A practical companion for your journey
Japan Travel
Basic Guide
Small preparations, considerate gestures, and useful words for a smooth, confident journey through Japan.
Start the guide ↓Travel smart, travel kindly
The everyday essentials
Use these quick cards as a friendly starting point. Details and conditions can change, so always confirm time-sensitive arrangements with your hotel, operator, bank, or official source.
01
Money
Cash, Cards & Tipping
Foreign ATMs
ATMs at 7-Eleven / Seven Bank and post offices are commonly useful for international cards.
Tipping culture
Tipping is generally not expected. High-end hotels and restaurants may include a service charge; personal service providers such as private guides and drivers may appreciate a tip.
02
Getting around
Transportation & Peak Seasons
Transit
Public transport is efficient and punctual. Prepaid IC cards such as Suica or PASMO make train and bus travel easier.
Book early
New Year holiday: Dec 29 – Jan 3. Golden Week: Apr 29 – May 5. Obon: mid-August.
Quiet journeys
Keep conversations low and avoid phone calls on trains. Let others enjoy the shared quiet.
03
Stay connected
Connectivity & Travel Setup
Choose your connection
Pick up a prepaid eSIM, SIM card, or pocket Wi-Fi at the airport or arrange one before arrival.
Why it helps
Reliable data makes navigation, translation, train changes, restaurant bookings, and communication much smoother.
Before departure
Check that your phone is unlocked, your plan includes the data you need, and your accommodation Wi-Fi details are saved.
04
A little consideration goes far
Essential Etiquette
Chopstick rules
Never stand chopsticks vertically in rice or pass food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks; both are linked to funeral rites.
Public courtesy
Keep conversations quiet in shared spaces. On trains, avoid taking calls and set your phone to silent.
Greetings
A small, polite bow goes a long way. It can say hello, thank you, excuse me, or sorry.
05
Traditional stays
Ryokan & Onsen Rules
Footwear
Remove shoes at the entrance. Use hall slippers indoors, but take them off before tatami. Use the dedicated toilet slippers only in the bathroom.
Yukata
Always fold the left side over the right across your chest. Right-over-left is reserved for traditional funerals.
Onsen
Wash and rinse fully before entering the bath. Keep the small towel out of the water, then soak quietly.
06
Devices
Electricity & Voltage
Plug & voltage
Japan uses 100V electricity and Type-A, two-flat-pin plugs.
Usually fine
Smartphones, laptops, cameras, and USB chargers are commonly multi-voltage (100V–240V). Check the label on yours.
Use caution
Hair dryers, curling irons, and other high-wattage appliances from home may overheat or fail without a suitable transformer.
07
Little words, big help
Useful Japanese Phrases
Konnichiwa
こんにちは
Hello
Arigatou gozaimasu
ありがとうございます
Thank you very much
Sumimasen
すみません
Excuse me / sorry
Oishii!
おいしい！
Delicious!
Ikura desu ka?
いくらですか？
How much is this?
08
Keep these close
Emergency Contacts
Police · 110
Call 110 for police assistance.
Ambulance / Fire · 119
Call 119 for an ambulance or fire emergency.
Save these numbers in your phone and keep your hotel address, travel insurance details, and a trusted contact handy for peace of mind.
Plan with the seasons
Pack with confidence
Choose a destination and month for a planning-level view of likely temperatures, clothing, local weather, and a regional taste to seek out.
Tokyo
January · high / low °C
1st – 10th
9° / 1°
Typical high / low
11th – 20th
10° / 2°
Typical high / low
21st – month end
11° / 3°
Typical high / low
Climate & weather
Crisp winter days; evenings are cold.
What to wear
Layers, a warm jacket for mornings/evenings, and comfortable closed shoes.
Local taste to seek out: Edomae sushi & tempura
Temperatures are rounded planning estimates in °C, not a forecast. Mountain and coastal weather can change quickly: check a local forecast immediately before travel.
Ready to explore with a local?
Our guides handle the details so you can focus on the experience — from transport and etiquette to the best seasonal food.