Practical things to consider when travelling to Japan
What is it about Japan that makes many foreigners worship it? Maybe this happens because:
It’s one of the safest countries in the world and also one of the cleanest. – so much that many people joke that a Japanese individual might sleep into a deep coma upon stepping onto an Eastern European train.
It’s often said to be a century ahead of the rest of the world.
It has a thriving restaurant scene, one that involves a vast spectrum of cuisines.
It displays a myriad of mysterious places, such as the lost villages of Tsukumogami, the cursed forest of Aokigahara, and the enigma of the Yonaguni monument.
It’s rich in music, dance, and drama.
Last but not least, because of anime and manga.
In 2024, a new record was set regarding the number of inbound visitors traveling to Japan, reaching approximately 36.87 million. Therefore, we can’t help but suspect that this remarkable country has already found its way onto your 2025 travel itinerary - and for good reason.
Nevertheless, here’s a list of practical things that must be considered long before embarking!
Always carry some cash
Even though Japan is making movements towards a cash-free society, it’s still very much a cash-based community. It’s wise to assume that credit cards may not be accepted in certain places, especially in Japan’s provincial zones and at former family-run businesses in the cities. Generally, people take care of this aspect before their trip, as due to the pricey exchange rate from the airport, local banks seem to be the best bet available. The thing about Japan’s currency is that yen coins can go up to ¥500, which makes organization a tricky task that sometimes is accompanied by a headache. Bringing a coin purse with you will significantly alleviate your circumstances.
However, if you don’t manage the cash aspect before leaving your country, remember that 7-Eleven stores are a reliable option for withdrawing cash despite the scarcity of ATMs.
Get yourself a Japan Rail Pass
Even though, at first glance, the Japan Rail Pass might seem a bit expensive (50,000 YEN, which translates into 312 euros), it should be seen as a good investment because it really does save a significant amount of money if you aim to travel broadly using the bullet train. In addition to covering effective travel opportunities, this pass includes a variety of benefits that are less popular but just as useful:
It allows you to use the special multi-language desk and use the night train.
It displays free reservations and seat locations.
It offers reduced rates on rent-a-car and hotel discounts.
Attention! You must buy this ticket before leaving for Japan. The Japan Rail Pass procedure involves sending you an email voucher with detailed instructions regarding the exchange for the actual pass at the moment of your arrival.
Stay connected with an eSIM
Public WI-FI in Japan is far less prevalent than in many other countries, and it often has a time-consuming login process, making seamless connectivity a challenge for unprepared travelers. Nevertheless, we imagine you’d prefer to steer clear of any internet troubles along your journey as long as you do not fall victim to roaming fees, which were a great tragedy for many. In that case, you need an eSIM to travel to Japan, a digital innovation that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, provides you with unlimited data access and saves you from any potential roaming charges.
Do not tip
Generally, everybody loves money, especially the extra cash, and everything boils down to capital. However, Japan seems to keep a proud attitude regarding tips, preferring to feel appreciation through polite words and gestures. Their culture emphasizes the fact that you’re already paying the establishment for good service simply by drinking or dining out at a bar. Who would’ve thought there are still people out there who refuse money? That’s bizarre, especially for Europeans and Americans, who are capable of blessing your entire family when you leave them a generous tip.
In addition to their cautious stance on tips, Japanese people promote a mindful culture that implies:
Don’t be loud.
Don’t be rude.
Don’t be obnoxious.
Don’t be pushy.
No one says, “Don’t smile,” but it’s best to avoid offering strangers a broad, open-mouthed smile. This may cause them to think you are being flirtatious and disingenuous.
Do not panic when you first see a Japanese high-tech toilet
Facing a high-tech toilet for the first time may feel overwhelming, and it could lead to what you might call a human 404 error. It’s true; in Japan, even the toilets are smarter than most of us, offering heated seats, music, and a bidet that could probably solve many world problems. This innovation provides deodorizers that filter out all unpleasant smells (Allelujah!), buttons that control the rear and front washing, and also the water pressure of your spray. Moreover, they come with a water sound stimulator that makes you feel more discrete.
Learning to use a Japanese toilet can be an adventure. For a comprehensive and engaging walkthrough on using Japanese toilets, there’s YouTube. Many content creators have uploaded informative videos that provide clear demonstrations regarding this topic. Be brave; toilets have never killed anybody.
Final Thoughts
Your adventure to Japan is finally happening, and your camera is about to work overtime. One moment, you’ll be snapping a perfect shot of Mount Fuji; the next, you’ll be trying to discreetly photograph a convenience store sandwich because, somehow, even that looks aesthetic. Brace yourself for Tokyo’s neon chaos, Kyoto’s “please-don’t-touch-that” temples, and at least one regrettable encounter with wasabi. Bon voyage!