1. Best Time to Go
They will tell you spring during cherry blossom season… I will disagree and highly suggest you go in the autumn! I can now attest – the colors are phenomenal… a red maple leaf unique to Japan! Peak leaf season is mid November through early December in Tokyo and Kyoto (earlier in the North). It’s also a time of year with mild temps and more days of sunshine.
2. Areas to Travel
If it’s your first time traveling to Japan – besides the must visit cities of Tokyo and Kyoto; I recommend exploring some outside these areas as well. The Fuji Five Lakes area about 60-90 minutes outside of Tokyo is gorgeous! So much to see and do here with fall festivals, temples, small towns, and Mt. Fuji views. My husband and I also loved our day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island (with its famous floating torii gate). We enjoyed the mix of city, island life, and countryside on our first trip to Japan.
3. Money
For as high tech as we envision Japan – it’s still a more cash based society than we’re used to in the States. The best place to exchange money is 7-11 or their other popular convenience stores; such as Lawson or Family Mart. When paying with cash…you’ll notice a tray they use to transfer it to the clerk. We were able to use our credit cards in quite a few restaurants and all the 7-11’s. If you have to hand your credit card – do so with both hands (I didn’t know this right away!). Cash is also needed for their vending machines (they are everywhere!), as they don’t have credit card options (some accept the Suica card, which is used for train travel). A reminder Japan doesn’t have a tipping culture.
4. Transportation
First – buy the comfiest walking shoes you can find, as you’ll be logging thousands of steps each day! For traveling between cities, Japan’s high speed train system is easy to use and a comfortable way to travel (use the Klook app for this). For getting around Tokyo and the larger Japanese cities – you can rely on their efficient and inexpensive train/subway systems. Loading money to the Suica card (you’ll add to your online wallet) and using the app Japan Transit Planner are helpful with schedules. We also used Uber (it’s connected to their taxi system) when our feet needed a rest, as the train stations are large to navigate and when busy you’ll be standing when riding the rails.
5. Planning Ahead
Even though it’s a relatively small country – there’s so much to see and do in Japan; especially for a first time visitor! This is where I come in… let’s decide if a private guide/trip, cruise, or escorted tour is right for you. Japan has become a very popular destination in the past few years; It’s essential your trip is planned ahead. Many hotels and popular tours sell out months in advance.
6. Hotel with Breakfast
You’re going to have busy days in Japan and it’s nice to start out the day not worrying about where you’re going to eat. A majority of the hotel breakfasts/buffets offer a combo of Japanese and western style choices.There aren’t many breakfast choices in Japan, as locals tend to eat this meal at home.
7. Know Basic Etiquette
Their culture is much different than what most of us are accustomed to. The Japanese live in a quiet and unobtrusive way – with a sense of politeness I’ve never witnessed in any other country. You’ll notice there isn’t talking on commuter trains/elevators, no one jaywalks, trains are never late, and there’s no trash on the streets. Even with one of the world’s largest metro populations (Tokyo) – it’s the most quiet city I’ve ever been to. Even including traffic jams – we only heard one car honk its horn (our taxi haha!) our entire trip! Also keep in mind they drive, walk, and queue on the left.
8. Safety
It’s a relaxing feeling traveling in Japan, as it’s a very very safe country to visit. Even walking in Tokyo in the dark – there wasn’t a neighborhood or time we felt unsafe. Locals even leave their phones or jackets unattended in cafes/coffee shops to reserve tables while they order!
9. Trash Disposal
Japan is the cleanest country I’ve ever visited! But with that said – also the hardest one to find a trash can to dispose of garbage (I’m told most Japanese carry bags to take their trash home). We found inside convenience stores and beside vending machines to be the best bets for trash bin locations (also in some public parks).
10. Sign up for Tours
I strongly urge you to include small, local tours in Japan! These experiences are some of my best memories from our trip. Japanese are very polite, but also keep to themselves and don’t openly engage with visitors. It’s easy to only feel like an outsider looking in while traveling in Japan, if one doesn’t seek out connections. Click to read my article “5 Must Do Tours in Japan”.
11. Communication
Much to my surprise – English is not commonly spoken in Japan.It’ll benefit you to learn a few common phrases and have your translating app handy! It’s also not uncommon to see restaurants with signs saying no English menus or English speakers.
12. Recommended Apps
The top apps you’ll need on our trip to Japan, are one to translate, Google maps, a money conversion app, Japan Transit Planner and Klook for trains, Uber, and an app such as Airalo to add your eSim if needed.
13. Entry in Japan
To expedite your entry into Japan – go to the Visit Japan Web website to fill out entry forms and receive your QR code. As of January 2026, U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for entry. But make sure to look up rules for what you can bring into their country (they are very strict on what medications aren’t allowed and considered controlled substances).
14. Packing/Shopping
Trust me on this – you’ll want to bring extra luggage… or at the very least – leave a lot of extra space in one of your suitcases! Japan has terrific shopping! If you’re from the States – clothes, shoes, and skincare are quite a bit less expensive compared to what we’re used to paying in USD (the exception was electronics – cameras were similarly priced as in the U.S.). There are also so many beautiful souvenirs to take home with you.
15. Smoking
This surprised me the most! There isn’t a time I can remember walking through or being annoyed by cigarette smoke. There are enclosed smoking “boxes” in the train stations, inside coffee shops, and on busy streets. As a nonsmoker, I extra appreciated this (Europe – can you please take note)!
Japan is such a unique destination – with numerous cultural differences to navigate and be respectful of. I look forward to helping you plan your special trip to this wonderful country!
Until the next adventure – bon voyage!
Kris
