Japan First Timer Tips: Everything you Need to Know and Do Before Your Trip
I recently returned from a ten-day trip to Japan with my family. While we had a blast, a lot more work went into the planning and logistics of our trip than other international trips in the past. The major cities in Japan are spread out, the language is very foreign to us, and they have stricter immigration rules than places I’ve visited.
I did a ton of research before our trip and went through it, so here’s the foolproof list of Japan First Timer Tips: Everything you need to know and do before your trip.
Travel Documents
Entering Japan is no walk in the park. Do not expect to show up to passport control without doing some work beforehand. We flew Delta, so part of preparing our travel documents was done directly in our Delta accounts. This included scanning our passports and health documents and redirecting us to fill out the appropriate government forms online.
When directed to the Immigration forms, you can create one account for your entire family on this website. We all have the same last name, so I’m unsure if that’s a factor or if you can combine it with anyone you plan to travel to Japan.
After registering as the primary user, you’ll add details about your family traveling with you. This includes more passport information, such as how long you plan to stay in Japan. I did this part on my phone because I found scanning and lining up my passport to the webcam on my computer was difficult.
Under the “Register planned entry/return” section on this site, you want to make sure you fill out all the information for each family member until you receive an individual QR code for each of you.
For example, we have four people in our family, so we had four QR codes on my phone. I then scanned each QR code that matched each of my family members for them to get checked with their passports when we went through passport control before customs. You will need the codes again to go through customs and enter Japan.
You can do this by hand on a card while you wait in the customs line, but I recommend handling everything digitally beforehand to save you the headache. Also plan to wait a minimum of 30 minutes in the passport line, probably closer to an hour.
Transportation Cards: JR Pass vs. Suica
Before going to Japan, I did extensive research on both transport passes to see which one would be best for our trip. In many cases, people use both cards. For my trip, I only utilized the JR pass. For an extensive blog on the differences, read more here.
JR PASS
The JR Pass will allow you to book Shinkansen tickets for the bullet train. We used this to travel to Kyoto and Hiroshima and back to Tokyo. Linking a calculator here to see if it’s worth it for you to buy a pass or buy separate train tickets. For us, it was worth it to buy the 7 day pass.
When you order your JR Pass online, you will receive an Exchange Order, which you can swap for a JR Pass when you arrive in Japan. I ordered our family’s passes online here, then we picked up the passes at the JR East Station Tabi Concierge at Haneda Airport. Near Tokyo Monorail 2F ticket gate arrival lobby. After ordering your JR Pass online, you’ll receive a reservation number for each person. Keep these handy to show the person at the desk to receive your physical pass.
Note: If you use the automated immigration gate, you will not receive a stamp or sticker in your passport. Either go to a manned automated gate or request a stamp or sticker from staff. Only persons with a stamp or sticker in their passport may purchase, pick up, and use a Japan Rail Pass.
After picking up your pass you will need to keep it with you for the duration of your trip as you have to put it through the machines at the train station multiple times to get in and out of the station. Prior to your trip you can reserve seats on the trains here for each leg, and print out these individual tickets either at the JR office or the train station for each leg.
Warning: Once you’ve printed your tickets for a leg, you cannot change the time or seats. You can modify your reservation online as long as your ticket has not been printed.
SUICA CARD
The Suica card covers buses, trains, and sometimes can be used for entrance into parks and sites. I like to think of this as a digital subway card. You can add money to this in your apple wallet by going to Wallet > + in the right corner >Transit Card > Suica. I would start slowly, you can always add more money!
We ended up not using this card and opted to either walk or take an uber/taxi for longer rides. I found the subway stops to be inconvenient for us and time wise would take longer than hopping in the car. If you’re looking to save money on your trip however, the subway and bus system is very cost effective with rides as cheap as $1.50 USD.
Must-Make Reservations
Team Labs
This popular art exhibit requires tickets to be purchased ahead of time. We went early in the morning after eating at Tsukiji Market for breakfast. The line forms outside, so I recommend going 15-30 minutes before your time slot to get in line. Linking the ticket site here.
Matensushi
This popular Omakese restaurant is only $50 a person and like many restaurants in Japan only offers a few seats at the bar and a couple booths. I made this reservation exactly a month before we planned to go to get our desired reservation time at the Chef’s counter. Linking the reservation website here. Many Japanese restaurants use TableCheck, so it doesn’t hurt to make an account to keep track of your reservations.
Viral Restaurants
Many restaurants have grown in popularity with Instagram and TikTok. While we did not make many food reservations, if there’s somewhere you see online and they accept reservations definitely make one. On the other hand many restaurants do not accept reservations, so you can expect to wait in line if it’s a popular one. The best part about Japan is the food, so thankfully many of the hole in the wall spots and not so popular on social media restaurants are just as delicious. You can read my city itineraries for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima to learn all the restaurants we visited.
Cultural Norms to Keep in Mind
No Tipping
Tipping is considered offensive in Japan. To tip a server is insinuating to them that you think they aren’t getting paid enough by their employer. Give them exact change or make sure to take your change on your way out.
No Touching
Social Touching is not common in Japan. Instead of hugging, hand-shaking, or pats on the back, you can expect Japanese people to bow when greeting you. Many of the servers, taxi drivers and hotel staff bowed from the waist when greeting us.
Stay quiet- Especially on public transit
Americans listen up because this is where we get a bad rep. Use your inside voice, everywhere. The Japanese are very quiet especially when traveling. If you’re on a bus or train, silence your phone and lower your voice.
Japanese Phrases to Know
Finally, while you’re not expected to pick up a second language before your visit, picking up a few phrases can be beneficial for getting around. I also recommend downloading google translate and google lens to help translate photos and menus.
Hello/Good Afternoon: Kon'nichiwa
Goodbye: Sayōnara
Delicious: oishi
Excuse me: Sumimasen
Thank you: arigatō
Please: kudasai
Where’s the toilet: Toire wa dokodesu ka
This: Kore