Essential information · First-time visitors
Japan Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before your first trip — seasons, transport, money, connectivity and more.
Home »
01 – WHEN TO VISIT
Japan is a year-round destination
Each season in Japan has its own character — the country changes dramatically from month to month. The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to experience.
- Spring
March – May
Cherry blossom season (late March – mid April). Mild temperatures. Highly popular — book early. - Autumn
Sept – Nov
Koyo (autumn leaves) from late October. Comfortable temperatures. Second most popular season.
- Summer
June – August
Hot and humid. Festival season — fireworks, Obon. Great for Hokkaido, Tohoku mountains. - Winter
Dec – Feb
Snow festivals in Hokkaido. World-class powder skiing. Onsen season. Fewer tourists, lower prices.
Avoid these periods if possible
Golden Week (April 29 – May 5) · O-bon (mid-August) · New Year (Dec 28 – Jan 4) — transport and accommodation fill up months in advance and prices rise sharply.
02 – GETTING AROUND
Transport in Japan
Japan has one of the world’s most efficient public transport networks. For most visitors, trains are the primary way to travel between cities and within them.
Shinkansen
The bullet train network connects all major cities. Tokyo to Kyoto takes around 2h15. Punctual, comfortable, and fast — the best way to travel between cities.
IC Cards
Suica or Pasmo cards work on virtually all trains, buses and metros nationwide. Load them at any station machine. Also accepted in convenience stores and vending machines. Get one on arrival at the airport.
Japan Rail Pass
The JR Pass gives unlimited travel on JR trains including most Shinkansen. Worth buying if you’re visiting multiple cities. Must be purchased before arriving in Japan — calculate your journeys to check if it’s cost-effective for your trip.
Taxis & private car
Taxis are metered, clean and reliable but expensive. For day tours, a private car with a driver-guide is the most flexible option — this is how most of our tours operate.
03 – MONEY & PAYMENTS
Japan is still largely cash-based
Despite gradual changes, Japan remains predominantly cash-dependent — especially at smaller restaurants, temples, and rural areas. Always carry some yen.
Currency
Japanese Yen (¥ / JPY). Withdraw cash at 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs — they reliably accept foreign cards. Airport exchange rates are generally acceptable.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard accepted at major hotels, department stores and chain restaurants. Amex less widely accepted. Many smaller restaurants, shrines and local shops are cash only.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion or embarrassment. Do not tip taxi drivers, or restaurant staff. Excellent service is standard — it does not require a financial reward.
04 – STAYING CONNECTED
WiFi, SIM cards & eSIM
Staying connected in Japan is easy and affordable. Three options depending on your needs:
eSIM
The easiest option for most travellers. Buy and activate before departure — data starts working the moment you land. IIJmio, Airalo and Ubigi all offer reliable Japan eSIMs. No physical card needed.
Data SIM
Available at airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai) and convenience stores. B-Mobile and IIJmio offer good value. Data only — you cannot make or receive calls on most tourist SIMs.
Pocket WIFI
Portable WiFi router — good for groups sharing data. Reserve online and collect at the airport. Return by post before departure. Slightly more hassle than eSIM but excellent for families.
05 – VISA & ENTRY
Entry requirement
Citizens of most Western countries (USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists. Always verify the current requirements for your nationality before traveling as rules can change.
Visit Japan Web
Japan’s official pre-registration system allows you to complete customs and immigration declarations online before arrival, significantly speeding up the arrival process. Register at vjw-lp.digital.go.jp before you fly.
06 – USEFUL APPS
Download before you arrive
Google Maps — Works excellently in Japan. Download offline maps for each city before arriving.
SmartEX — Book and manage Shinkansen tickets on your phone.
IC Card app — Manage your Suica card digitally on iPhone or Android.
Google Translate / Lens — Camera mode translates menus and signs instantly.
Japan Travel by Navitime — Train route planning across all lines.
Tabelog / TableCheck — Restaurant discovery and reservation platforms.
QUICK FACT
CAPITAL
45+ across Japan
CURRENCY
Japanese Yen (¥)
Approx. ¥150 = USD 1
LANGUAGE
Japanese
TIME ZONE
JST — UTC +9
No daylight saving time
ELECTRICTY
100V · Type A plugs
US-style flat pins. EU adaptors needed.
DRIVING
Left side of the road
EMERGENCY
Police: 110
Ambulance: 119
What our guests say
