Timeless yet modern, tranquil yet mesmerizing, Japan has a magical way of capturing a traveler's heart. Wandering through its enchanting streets can feel like stepping into a vivid dream where everything—shapes, sounds, and flavors—feels both unfamiliar and welcoming. Many describe Japan as addictive, and from your first encounter with this captivating country, you'll understand why you'll always yearn to return to the land of the rising sun.
Hotels
Tokyo stands as the largest city in the world, and Japan's other bustling metropolises aren't far behind. Hotel rooms here are designed with functionality in mind, adhering to the impeccable standards of Japanese quality. Expect them to be clean, well-maintained, and comfortable. However, be prepared for smaller hotel rooms and common spaces compared to those in the United States or countries with fewer space constraints.
Transportation
Your travel itinerary will likely include a mix of private coaches and Japan’s renowned public transit system. Japan is famous for its trains, and sharing a ride with locals and commuters offers a fantastic cultural experience. If your plans involve a bullet-train transfer, you have the option to ship your luggage to your next destination. Just keep in mind that your bag might arrive a day later. We suggest packing a day bag with essentials like a change of clothes, medicine, toiletries, passport, and any other necessities. If you prefer to keep your luggage with you, you can easily do so as you hop on the train and travel between cities.
Capital City: Tokyo
Population: 125.8 million (2020 est.)
Currency: Yen
Time Zone: Japan Standard Time - WITA (GMT+9)
Emergency Number: 110
Outlet: Type A/B
Travel Guide
Japan: Trip Preparation & Destination Information
Your complete travel guide to Japan
Overview
Packing List
Active Shoes
Perfect for those extended days spent on your feet. We suggest having a pair that's easy to slip off when you enter a building, making transitions smooth and hassle-free.
Layers, Layers, Layers
Even during the summer, temperatures can dip, so we suggest packing a cozy sweater to keep you snug and comfy.
Warm Hat/Coat
Winters in Japan can get quite nippy, so it's best to come prepared!
Protect Your Tummy
We suggest bringing along Pepto Bismol and Imodium to help with any unexpected stomach issues. If you're someone who tends to get motion sickness, having Dramamine on hand can be a real lifesaver.
Sunblock with SPF
Nothing puts a damper on a vacation quite like a nasty sunburn. We suggest keeping your skin safe from harmful rays by stocking up on SPF.
Day Pack
For toting around your cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, and other essentials.
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeping ourselves hydrated is key to having a great time! We'll have plenty of opportunities to refill our bottles with clean water throughout our stay.
Packing Cubes
We'll be hopping between hotels quite a bit, and these will help keep everything tidy and in order.
Hand Sanitizer
Do we really need to say more?
Travel Adapter
We suggest bringing a universal plug adapter as your top choice.
Portable Chargers
Keep your energy up, folks!
Ear Plugs
Are you a light sleeper? It's handy to have if you end up with a snoring roommate.
Laundry Soap
We find that single packets are just the thing for quick sink washes when you're starting to run out of clean clothes.
Local Currency
We suggest grabbing some local currency before you head out on your adventure. Typically, exchanging money at the airport can cost you about 15% more. While cards are widely accepted in many spots, those charming little local eateries often prefer cash only.
Call Your Bank
Banks can sometimes freeze your card if they notice any suspicious activity. It's a great idea to give them a heads-up about your travel plans, including your destination and travel dates.
Always pack extra underwear!
Language Information
Language: Japanese
Common Phrases
Good morning
Kon'nichiwa
Good night
Oyasumi
Goodbye
(to a person leaving) - Sayonara
Thank you
Arigato
How are you?
Ogenkidesuka
I’m fine
Daijobudesu
I’m Sorry
Gomen'nasai
Delicious
Oishi
Local Weather
Culture Notes
When dining, there are two respectful ways to rest your chopsticks: either lay them flat across your bowl or place them on the chopstick rest. It's important to avoid leaving your chopsticks sticking upright in your rice bowl or passing food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks, as these actions resemble funeral customs and are seen as disrespectful. If you'd like to share food, we suggest using the back end of your chopsticks to transfer it to a dish for the other person.
In Japan, there's a strong cultural emphasis on avoiding waste, and it's seen as disrespectful to pick things out of your meal and leave them aside, with the exception of bones.
When we're on public transport, it's important to offer our seats to those who might need them more. Let's be mindful to avoid sitting in seats that are reserved for the elderly, disabled individuals, pregnant women, and those with young children.
When visiting Japan, it's important to remember that wearing shoes inside certain places is a big no-no. The Japanese consider outdoor shoes to be unhygienic, so you'll need to take them off as soon as you step into a Japanese home, school, hospital, and even some restaurants and temples. But don't fret—slippers are usually provided for your comfort. If you spot a line of shoes at the entrance of a building, that's your cue to slip off your own shoes and join in the tradition.
In Japan, bowing is a traditional way to greet, show acknowledgment, and express respect among other things. As visitors, we might find ourselves a bit unsure when met with numerous bows. If you're not entirely at ease with bowing, don't worry—it's perfectly fine as a foreigner not to bow. Instead, a gentle nod accompanied by a straightforward handshake is completely acceptable.
In Japan, cash is still king, and credit cards aren't as commonly used as they are in many Western countries. You'll find that credit cards are primarily accepted in urban areas, particularly in upscale restaurants, shops, and hotels. We suggest carrying a mix of cash and cards to ensure you're prepared for any situation.
Tipping Guide
Tipping Suggestions: Tipping is NOT customary in Japan and in many cases could be considered rude or insulting. In the few exceptions when tipping is customary, never hand over cash directly but neatly placed it inside an envelope.
Ryokan with private Nakai-san 1000 yen paid in an envelope at check-in
Private dinner w/ Geisha 3000 yen paid at the beginning of dinner
Guides 500 yen per day, at the end in an envelope
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Visa?
For Visa details, click here. Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond your return date and contains at least two blank pages. Failing to meet these requirements might result in entry denial by certain countries.
What about vaccines?
Do you recommend travel insurance?
How much should I pack?
Since we'll be using shared transfers and spaces during our tour, we suggest that all travelers pack as lightly as they can. Kindly check our luggage restrictions below.
What about Wifi?
In Japan, you can find both free and paid WiFi hotspots, particularly in airports, train stations, convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.