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15 minutes readContents
- Travel preparation and planning for Japan
- Japanese dining rules and cultural etiquette
- Indoor vs. outdoor shoes
- How to get around in Japan on public transport
- Different types of hotels in Japan
- Where to stay in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
- 10 more tips for your first visit to Japan
- Start planning your dream Japan trip with ZenHotels
Travel preparation and planning for Japan
Planning any trip can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re going halfway around the world. Before you book any trip, it’s important to check entry requirements and whether you need a visa to visit. It’s always best to wait until you have a visa and travel documents, including your passport, before booking.
Visa and entry requirements for different nationalities
Over 70+ countries are currently considered to be “visa-exempt”, meaning that citizens with these passports can stay in Japan for up to 90 days without needing a visa. These visa-exempt countries include Australia, most of Europe, Canada, the USA, and the UK.
Over 70+ countries are currently considered to be “visa-exempt”.
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We always recommend printing off a copy of your itinerary (you never know when the Wi-Fi might go down!), and you’ll need to have a return ticket, as well as being able to show proof of funds for the duration of your visit. Usually, showing your banking app is good enough for this.
You’ll also have your photographs and fingerprints taken when you’re going through customs on arrival. You can also use the official “Visit Japan” website to speed up your immigration process.
What to do if you’re not from a visa-exempt country
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you’ll have to apply for either a traditional visa or a digital eVISA. It’s best to check your local government website before booking your trip.
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How to start planning a Japan trip
Once your travel documents are sorted, you can start planning your trip. The most expensive part of a vacation is usually your flight, and this is especially true when visiting Asia from either North America or Europe. Not all international airlines will fly directly to Japan, and if they do, you can expect to pay a premium for this. If you’re on a budget, you may be able to take a cheaper, indirect route via China or the Middle East.
Tokyo is where most first-time visitors will fly into – specifically Tokyo Haneda (HND) Airport. This option works if you’re also visiting Osaka (where Universal Studios is) or Kyoto. Alternatively, if you’re planning to visit another area of Japan, you’ll likely take a connecting flight to get there.
Aim to book your trip at least 6 months in advance
One thing to consider when visiting Japan is that things sell out very quickly. There’s no longer a “quiet” season to visit Japan, especially as the country offers something different through every season, from the cherry blossom season in March and April to the Sapporo Snow Festival in February and the Fuji Rock Festival in July.
One thing to consider when visiting Japan is that things sell out very quickly.
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You’ll want to plan your trip to Japan at least 6 months in advance to be able to take advantage of better airline pricing and access attraction tickets as soon as they drop. Most popular attractions release their tickets 30 days in advance or on a specific date each month. Booking early will give you time to curate your ideal itinerary and give you the best chance of grabbing hard-to-get tickets to attractions like the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Pokémon Café, and Ghibli Museum.
When should you visit Japan for the best experience?
Japan is popular 365 days a year, so don’t make the mistake of assuming that there’s a “best” or “cheapest” time of year to visit. Different seasons will offer their own unique experiences, and there are certain things to consider if you’re visiting during typhoon season or public holidays, when accommodation may be more expensive.
Japan is popular 365 days a year.
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Here are our thoughts on when to visit Japan:
- Summer is the perfect time to visit if you enjoy festivals (known as matsuri) or want to attend the Gion Matsuri (祇園祭). The weather will be humid, but it’s also the best time of year to climb Mount Fuji.
- Early autumn is peak typhoon season (September to October), so you’ll want to make sure you have the correct travel insurance when visiting then. However, autumn is the perfect time to visit Koyo to see the fall foliage.
- Winter is the ultimate time to visit if you want to combine world-class skiing with indulging in an onsen (hot springs).
- Spring is one of the busiest times of year in Japan because of the cherry blossom (Sakura) season, but it’s also when the country looks its best.
How much does a trip to Japan cost?
While the current exchange rate means most of us will get a better deal when buying in Japanese yen, Japan is not a cheap destination. However, you can expect your money to go further, and the cheaper cost of accommodation and activities will help offset the higher cost of your flights.
The current exchange rate means most of us will get a better deal when buying in Japanese yen
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There are ways to save or splurge when you’re planning a trip to Japan. Capsule hotels can cost as little as $20 USD per night, or you can splurge on a “ryokan”, a traditional Japanese inn, for around $70 per night. If you’re traveling as a couple or want to have a wellness-focused vacation, it’s worth paying a little extra for a hotel that offers its own onsen.
After paying for your flights and accommodation, it’s a good idea to have a daily budget. $400 USD per person per day is more than enough for a luxurious trip, but you can still have a great vacation with as little as $80 per day.
If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s worth paying a little extra for a hotel that offers its own onsen.
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Japanese dining rules and cultural etiquette
You’ve booked your trip, and you’ve got your daily budget; now it’s time to start learning about the local culture. Japan is famous for its polite society, which prioritizes “kikubari” (気配り), a concept focused on being respectful and attentive to the needs of others. Understanding Japanese culture will help you avoid any social faux pas and make it easier to have meaningful interactions with the locals.
Dining etiquette
Every meal in Japan starts with giving thanks by saying “itadakimasu” (いただきます), pronounced as ee-tah-dah-kee-mass. While you’re guaranteed to get great service at every restaurant, tipping is frowned upon and likely to cause confusion.
Every meal in Japan starts with giving thanks by saying “itadakimasu”.
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On the flip side, there are things that might seem rude in Western culture that are appropriate in Japan. For example, splurging is seen as a compliment to the chef, though you should only splurge if you’re eating a noodles dish with broth.
If you’re traveling with kids, you can expect most restaurants to offer highchairs and smaller cutlery. Hygiene is one of the most important things in local society, so it’s worth carrying some wipes to clean your table if your child is prone to making a mess. You’ll also want to bring along activities to encourage your children to stay quiet during your meal, as loud noises are seen as rude, especially in small spaces like restaurants.
Here are other must-know dining etiquette tips:
- Never burp or blow your nose in public, as this is seen as extremely rude.
- Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as this is seen as bad luck.
- Avoid using your chopsticks to point at things and always hold them parallel, instead of crossing them over.
- While small plates can be lifted from the table, larger plates should always stay on the table.
- Always thank your server after you finish eating by saying “gochisousama deshita” (ごちそうさまでした), pronounced as go-chee-so-sama-desh-ta.
Sushi eating etiquette
If you’re a sushi fan, you probably already know that this food has its own etiquette. You can choose to eat sushi with your hands or chopsticks. You’ll want to avoid mixing your soy sauce and wasabi, while also ensuring that it’s only your fish that touches the sauce when dipping it in. You can expect casual restaurants, especially those that use a conveyor-belt system, to be more relaxed about sushi etiquette.
Indoor vs. outdoor shoes
One of the biggest cultural shocks that people have when they visit Japan is the concept of indoor vs. outdoor shoes. Cleanliness is something that everyone takes very seriously in Japan, but this social rule also has spiritual meaning.
When you enter most private buildings, including temples, schools, and homes, you can expect to remove your outdoor shoes for indoor footwear, usually slippers. Don’t be offended if you’re stopped in a restaurant, and it’s worth preparing your kids for the inevitability of swapping shoes. You’ll need to be wearing socks when putting on these slippers, so you may want to carry an extra pair around in your day bag.
When you enter most private buildings, you can expect to remove your outdoor shoes for indoor footwear.
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You can also expect to have to change your slippers before going into a bathroom. Restaurants and homes will usually have a different type of slippers waiting outside the bathroom for you to change into. This rule is to avoid bringing germs into and out of a bathroom, but also to protect the delicate tatami floors that most bathrooms have.
7 social etiquette things not to do in Japan
Everyone makes mistakes when they visit a new country, but some of these social faux pas can create awkward situations, both for you and the locals alike. Here are 7 things to avoid doing in public during your first visit to Japan:
- When you visit an onsen, you must wash and rinse before getting into the water. If you have long hair, this should be tied up high enough to avoid touching the water. Make sure not to splash as you’re getting into the water.
- Tattoos still carry negative connotations in some parts of Japan. While social attitudes are changing, you may want to cover up your tattoos, especially when visiting sacred places like temples. Similarly, some onsens will not allow you to enter if you have tattoos, so make sure to double-check.
- Walking and eating at the same time are highly frowned upon, as well as eating in most public places, including on trains.
- Don’t make phone calls or listen to loud music on public transport. Keep noise to a minimum in public, even when you’re talking in a group.
- Always carry or wear socks, as you may need to remove your shoes before going into a temple or shrine ,and being barefoot is considered disrespectful.
- Public displays of affection are not common in Japan, including kissing.
- Don’t shake hands when you meet someone. Instead, bowing is the norm in Japan. Similarly, you’ll want to avoid making too much eye contact, as this can also be seen as rude.
How to get around in Japan on public transport
If you’re flying into either of Tokyo’s main airports, you can take an Airport Express train into the city center, where you’ll connect to a variety of Shinkansen (bullet trains) to cities like Osaka. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer if you’re traveling as part of a larger group or flying with young kids.
If you’re flying into either of Tokyo’s main airports, you can take an Airport Express train into the city center.
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Public transport is the easiest way to get around in Japan. It’s affordable, efficient, and almost always on time. Most first-time visitors will get a Japan Rail (JR) pass if they’re visiting multiple cities, but this isn’t necessary if you’re staying strictly in one city. Usually, a local pass is a more affordable option.
When you’re in a train station, it’s important to stand on the left and walk on the right when using an escalator. You’ll always want to be aware of the priority seating on public transport, which is for seniors, those with disabilities, and pregnant women.
ZenHotels insight
Citymapper is my secret weapon for navigating public transport in a new city. It’ll show you every type of transport option, including the average cost for a taxi, and even give you advice on the best subway exit to use and which carriage to get into for a quick exit. You’ll also get real-time updates on when the next train is due, and I generally find it more reliable than Google Maps.
Different types of hotels in Japan
While you might be spending most of your day sightseeing, you want to choose a hotel or accommodation that works for your itinerary, travel needs, and budget. At ZenHotels, our search filters make it easy to find the best hotel, whether you’re searching for child-friendly accommodation or if you want breakfast included in your room rate.
While you might be spending most of your day sightseeing, you want to choose a hotel or accommodation.
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There are 4 main types of accommodation on offer in Japan:
- Ryokan: A traditional Japanese inn, perfect for couples or travelers who want an authentic experience. Most offer meals at an additional cost and have a private or communal onsen. Prices are set per person, not per room.
- Capsule Hotels: Japan’s answer to hostels. These modern hotels offer an array of amenities with shared bathrooms or the option to book a small private room.
- Western-Style Hotels: Popular Western chains like Hyatt, Hilton, and the Marriott Bonvoy have hotels in Japan that look identical to their properties in other countries. A great option if you’re traveling with kids and want something you’re familiar with.
- Business Hotels: Budget-friendly hotels, such as the Tokyo Inn, which are close to major transport hubs.
Where to stay in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing where to stay, especially as many cities have neighborhoods that offer unique experiences. Below, we’re sharing our top recommendations of the best neighborhoods and hotels for 3 of Japan’s most popular cities:
Best Hotels in Tokyo
Tokyo is where most first-time visitors will base themselves when visiting Japan. We’re sharing 4 of our recommendations below, but you can check out more in our in-depth guide to the 15 best hotels in Tokyo.
- Shinjuku for first-time visitors: Century Southern Tower Hotel
- Ginza for families: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier
- Shibuya for nightlife: All Day Place Shibuya
- Capsule hotel: The Millennials Shibuya
Tokyo is where most first-time visitors will base themselves when visiting Japan.
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Best Hotels in Kyoto
If you’re staying in Kyoto, then the Gion district is ideal for most first-time visitors, but you can escape the hustle and bustle by opting for a quieter neighborhood, like Arashiyama.
- Close to Nijo Castle: Mitsui Garden Hotel
- Top-rated Ryokan: Ishicho
- Best for solo travelers: Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
If you’re staying in Kyoto, then the Gion district is ideal for most first-time visitors.
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Best Hotels in Osaka
Osaka is just over 2 hours from Tokyo by bullet train and offers a more laid-back experience, perfect for solo travelers, couples, and those on a budget. You can also stay in Osaka if you’re planning to visit Universal Studios.
- Perfect for couples: Imperial Hotel Osaka
- In Namba for nightlife: Citadines Namba Osaka
- Close to Universal Studios: The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa
Osaka is just over 2 hours from Tokyo by bullet train.
Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock
10 more tips for your first visit to Japan
Our blog is full of in-depth, expert-curated guides to help you plan your vacation, from tips on getting over jet lag to the highest-rated restaurants for okonomiyaki in Osaka.
We’re rounding off this article with 10 more travel tips for first-time visitors to Japan:
- A konbini (convenience store) is usually the best place to find a reliable ATM for international cards.
- Vending machine culture in Japan is real, and you’ll find some of the most interesting snacks there. Keep small notes on hand to use for these.
- Download an eSIM before you arrive in Japan and ensure you have enough data for the whole duration of your trip.
- Pack shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you’ll have to take them off before entering religious sites and some traditional restaurants.
- Litter is highly frowned upon in Japan, but it can be hard to find public trash cans. Carry a small plastic bag with you to hold your trash.
- Download the Google Translate app on your phone to be able to instantly translate menus, road signs, and posters in real-time.
- You can use the takkyubin (luggage delivery service) to move your luggage between hotels or cities if needed.
- If you think you’re going to do some serious shopping, it’s a good idea to add an extra suitcase for your flight home or bring an empty suitcase.
- 7/11 is one of the most popular (and affordable!) places for grabbing hot and cold food, as well as snacks. Most are open 24/7.
- If you’re on a budget, get a Suica card. This can be added to your Apple Wallet and used for the subway or at convenience stores.
Start planning your dream Japan trip with ZenHotels
Japan has become one of the most popular destinations in the world, but doing your research in advance is crucial for a stress-free and enjoyable vacation. At ZenHotels, we’re here to help you plan your dream vacation to Japan with accommodation options to suit every budget and destination, from Sapporo to Nagoya. Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and get more expert-curated travel tips for Japan by visiting our blog.
