Travel Tips To Japan
At Anywhere But Here Travel, we have planned several trips to Japan and here are our top tips for first time travelers. Not only do we work with the best suppliers and travel experts, but we have also traveled there as well. It may seem like a daunting destination to discover on your own, but that is why you have us to guide you.
DID YOU KNOW… Japan is an island nation in East Asia and it is an archipelago consisting of almost 7,000 islands in total. Japan consists of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu plus the Ryukyu Islands and thousands of smaller islands. It also has 47 regional divisions called prefectures and each has its own capital and is comparable to a state in the U.S.
Language – Japan’s official language is Japanese, but English is generally understood in major cities and designated tourist sites.
Timezone – All of Japan sits within the same time zone, and no daylight saving is practiced. The country is nine hours ahead of GMT.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity – Wireless hotspots are popping up all over major cities in Japan, so you should never be too far from a Wi-Fi connection. The safest option for guaranteed Wi-Fi from all corners of Japan is to rent a personal hotspot or pocket Wi-Fi device when you arrive in the country. We include a Wi-Fi rental with most of our vacation packages!
Plugs & Electricity – Japan uses two flat parallel prong plugs. For guaranteed charging of your electrical necessities, purchase a plug adapter beforehand.
Currency – The Japanese yen is used throughout the country and you can exchange foreign currency at the airports and most major banks. If you haven’t prepared cash in advance, it’s easy to exchange any currency into Japanese yen once you arrive in the country. All major airports have exchange points in their respective arrivals halls. Even though it is possible to buy train tickets, take taxis, and pay for most other services on offer at the airport with international credit cards, carrying some cash is recommended.
DID YOU KNOW… Mountains and forests cover approximately 70% of the total land mass in Japan so that doesn’t leave much room for their 127 million inhabitants. It is probably why the Japanese are masters of making use of small spaces.
Tipping – It simply is not practiced in Japan. In fact, it can cause discomfort and confusion if you do. It may come as a surprise that there is no such culture in Japan. This might be especially shocking as the standard of customer service in Japan is often regarded as the best in the world.
Credit Cards – Even though Japan is a cash-centric country, credit cards are usually accepted in most shops, restaurants and taxis in major cities.
Visa Information – Travelers from 68 countries across the globe can visit Japan for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.
Weather (When to Visit) – The weather in Japan can vary wildly depending on where you are traveling to. Every season in Japan has its charms, brought by the seasonal changes in temperature and weather. Spring is celebrated throughout the country with the arrival of the cherry blossoms. Summer throughout Japan is stiflingly hot and intensely humid—make sure to keep hydrated. The autumn colors light-up the countryside and is a perfect time for outdoor exploration. Winter is crisp and cool and snow and ski season is in high demand in the north.
IC Travel Cards – Make your journeys as smooth as the public transportation you will ride on by purchasing a chargeable IC travel card. Use it to transfer swiftly between train lines and hop onto waiting buses and boats with a minimum of fuss. You can also use it at a number of vending machines and convenience stores, some taxis and for other services.
Drinking Water – While bottled water is readily available all over Japan—including in the infinite vending machines—the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.
DID YOU KNOW… Vending machines are a whole world to explore while in Japan. They can sell everything from food and beverages to manga and even underwear.
Luggage Storage & Delivery – If you don’t wish to haul your luggage around with you, drop your bags off at one of the delivery service kiosks located at the airports or make arrangements with your hotel. Luckily, Japan’s intense commitment to customer service means that your luggage can easily be transported or stored allowing you to travel “hands-free”. We highly recommend using this service and we offer specific recommendations where it is best to take advantage of it.
Staying Safe in Japan – If you do find yourself in a situation that requires serious help, dial 110 for an urgent call to the police and 119 for fire or ambulance. Japan is very safe and the crime rate is quite low. Like any other destination, travelers should be aware of their surroundings and know what to do in case something does happen.
Customs & Manners – For first-time visitors, Japan can be both extremely familiar and outrageously alien. Learning a little about the customs of a particular region or place will untangle a few of the potential knots of confusion, as well as giving you a more fulfilling experience. We provide many tips with your travel documents.
DID YOU KNOW… If you are eating sushi, it is okay to pick it up with your hands. Just pick up a piece, dip the fish (not the rice) into the bowl of soy sauce and enjoy. Also, when eating noodles slurping is allowed and even expected. Some say the louder the better!
Traveling With a Disability – At major train stations, airports, and hotels, as well as in most newer shopping centers and theaters in the city, the disabled traveler or wheelchair user should have little trouble getting from place to place.
Traveling With Children – Traveling to Japan with children may seem like a daunting prospect and something best avoided, however, the country is surprisingly accessible.
A common question we are often presented is “How much does a trip to Japan cost?” Here is a handy chart that is based on a typical trip with the usual inclusions. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Solo travelers will typically be 20-25% more. Airfare is NOT included in these estimated prices.
| Accommodation Style | 1 Week | 10 Days | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks |
| Budget | $1,700 | $2,300 | $3,000 | $4,300 |
| 3 Star | $2,700 | $3,500 | $4,700 | $6,700 |
| 4 Star | $4,200 | $5,300 | $6,800 | $9,400 |
| 5 Star | $8,200 | $10,000 | $13,400 | $18,000 |
| Elite/VIP | $11,500+ | $14,000+ | $16,800+ | $22,100+ |
