It’s nearly impossible to sum up all the reasons Japan makes for such a compelling travel destination for visitors all around the world. It’s both deeply traditional and breathtakingly modern. It’s full of wonderfully diverse experiences, with neon-lit cities and centuries-old temples to world-class food, natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. Ultimately, Japan undeniably offers something for almost every type of traveller.
For first-time visitors, the sheer variety of experiences can be exciting, but it can also make planning feel overwhelming. On top of this, Japan has a reputation for being an etiquette-oriented place, which can seem intimidating for first-time visitors. But when you’re there, you’ll find locals are understanding and more than willing to help foreigners get accustomed to the way of life, as long as you do your best and prepare for the customs.
Below is our guide to Japan for first-time visitors to help you pack and prepare for the perfect trip.
Book your accommodation, transport and cover in advance
Japan is highly populated and receives over 3.5 million visitors each year. They do have the accommodation availability to match this capacity, so while you could also book a basic room last-minute, why risk it? Booking your accommodation in advance will help you take care of the essentials and plan your itinerary as soon as possible. The benefit here is that you’ll save money by booking early and maybe even score some early bird deals.
The same goes for your Japan travel insurance. It’s always recommended to take out cover because travelling presents a lot of new risks that don’t exist in our day-to-day lives. You could lose your passport at the airport, have your baggage sent to a different country, get sick and have to cancel a week’s worth of plans you’ve already paid for or, touch wood, get injured on the slopes of Niseko’s ski fields. Purchasing a solid travel insurance plan in advance will cover you for most travel-related risks and take a whole lot of stress off your shoulders so you can make the most of your trip.
Finally, with accommodation and insurance covered for your specific destinations across Japan, you can book your internal transportation. For many travellers, the famous bullet train is a Japanese bucket list item in itself. Japan’s Shinkansen network connects major cities quickly and comfortably, so don’t forget to include this in your planning. By mapping out your trip in advance, you’ll get a much better understanding of how you’ll move between cities, airports, attractions and accommodation.
Plan on packing light (and right)
Since there is so much to see in Japan, you’ll likely already have a few destinations you’ve got your eyes on. A trip to Japan is usually one that gets you out of the resort for most of the day and hopping from city to city, which means moving your luggage regularly, sometimes in tight transport spaces. Alongside this, hotel rooms in Japan tend to be on the smaller side, so try to pack light by planning a few versatile outfits you can swap between.
Religious sites like Buddhist temples and shrines usually require you to cover your shoulders, which you can do with a light jacket in the warmer months. The dress code is quite flexible for bars and restaurants, but some of the more traditional venues typically won’t allow sleeveless shirts and flip flops. Check out local city guides to explore exactly what to do and eat in each area so you can pack accordingly, too.
Preparing for a traditional onsen
Visiting an onsen is a quintessential Japanese experience, but there are some important rules to keep in mind to not offend anyone or be stared at while being stark naked. Before entering the baths, you’re expected to wash thoroughly at the shower stations provided. Swimwear is generally not allowed in traditional onsen, but can be fine for more tourist-oriented ones.
If you have tattoos, you won’t be allowed into the onsen if they’re exposed, and since swimwear is not allowed to cover them, you’ll have to find another solution, like a bandage or make-up to cover them.
Japanese etiquette to mentally prepare for
Bring shoes you can easily slip on and off
Many traditional accommodation, temples and even some restaurants require guests to remove their shoes before entering. It’s a custom that shows respect for the space you’re entering. If you see a raised floor or a pile of shoes near an entrance, it’s usually a sign that shoes should come off. You’ll often be provided with indoor slippers instead.
Be mindful of noise in public
Japan’s cities can be super busy, yet public spaces are often surprisingly quiet. On trains and buses, it’s considered polite to keep conversations low and avoid taking phone calls. Make sure to wear headphones to scroll on your phone, and if you need to make a call, wait until you’ve left the carriage or moved to a designated area.
Bring cash – it’s still used heavily
While Japan has become increasingly card-friendly, cash remains widely used, particularly in smaller towns and local restaurants. This surprises many visitors because Japan is often seen as a tech-forward, efficiency-oriented culture, yet it also values tradition and can be slow to change in some areas. Carrying some Japanese yen can save you from awkward situations and make everyday purchases much easier.
Be punctual for bookings, transport and meetings
Japan is as time-conscious as you’ve likely heard, particularly when it comes to public transport. Trains, buses, restaurant bookings and tours generally operate exactly on schedule, so arriving late can mean missing your service entirely.
You’ll also notice that people tend to move with purpose, especially in busy stations and city centres. Standing on the correct side of escalators, having your ticket or payment method ready, and avoiding blocking walkways are small courtesies that help keep everything running smoothly.
Avoid eating in public where possible
In Japan, it’s considered a big no-no to eat in public, especially while walking, because of their values around mutual consideration and cleanliness and the belief that food should be savoured with your full attention (hard to argue on that one).
Some exceptions include directly outside a supermarket where you purchased the food, on the Shinkansen and other reserved-seat limited-express trains, where it is customary to eat a bento box on board (one of the top foods to try in Japan) or at things like festivals or market streets with food vendors. It’s fine to take sips from a resealable beverage container, like a water bottle.
Hold onto your rubbish
Any visitor to Japan from the West will quickly notice how few public rubbish bins there are on the streets. Many of us have become so used to finding a bin every couple of hundred metres, and don’t have much issue with holding our rubbish in public until then.
But in Japan, public bins are very rare, which reflects a culture of respect for others and public spaces. Instead, locals tend to take their trash back to their home or workplace and generally refrain from littering. You can carry a small plastic bag in your day bag to store your rubbish and dispose of it at your accommodation.
Japan is an incredible destination with so much to take in. That’s exactly why a little preparation and knowing what to expect and bring can be so helpful in making the most of every day you spend there.
Booking your accommodation, transport and insurance before you leave will help you save money, reduce stress and help you to build a realistic, balanced itinerary. Packing light, understanding basic etiquette and familiarising yourself with customs around things like onsens, public transport and shoe removal will also make your trip much smoother.
Most importantly, embracing Japan’s values of respect, cleanliness and punctuality means you’ll be part of the culture you’ve come to see, and not just witness it, and that makes travelling all the more rewarding and exciting!
