Things to know before traveling to Japan in 2026

Japan is one of the best countries to travel to. It’s safe, beautiful, fascinating, and incredibly convenient. I’ve been to Japan several times on my own and have also led groups of tourists there. I prepared for each trip carefully and thoroughly. Here’s some useful information you should know before traveling to Japan to help make your trip absolutely perfect!

DOWNLOAD: 2-week Japan Itinerary&Travel Guide

Entry Rules and Visa

Japan is open to tourists.

Citizens of Canada, the United States, Mexico, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter Japan (details here). With passports from CIS countries (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, etc.) and Ukraine, you must obtain a tourist visa at visa centers or embassies (information here). If you have a residence permit, work visa, or student visa in certain countries (for example, Canada), a simplified application process is available.

Upon entering Japan, you need to fill out a declaration. Paper forms are provided on the plane and after arrival at the airport, available on-site. To speed up customs clearance, fill out the declaration online on the website in advance (save the QR code on your phone and show it to the customs officer).

Transportation in Japan

Japan is one of the few countries where public transport is faster and more convenient than a car. Be prepared to travel on high-speed Shinkansen trains, rapid trains, subways, and buses. Expect to walk a lot (20,000 steps a day).

Trains are the main form of transportation in Japan and a source of national pride. They’ll take you to even the most remote corners of the country and run with astonishing punctuality. If a Japanese train is two minutes late, it’s already considered unusual. The cost depends on the speed and type of train. Often, a high-speed Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto is more expensive than taking a flight on the same route.

You can rent a car, but Japan has left-hand traffic, toll roads and parking, and many unfamiliar signs. Big cities usually have traffic jams. Cars are an option for hard-to-reach places and villages. Moreover, not all international driver’s licenses are valid in Japan (for example, Russian, Chinese, Brazilian are not accepted). Check the requirements at this link. If you’re from a country with right-hand traffic, I recommend using public transport and shuttles.

The subway is the most convenient way to get around in Tokyo and Osaka (Kyoto has less coverage). Despite complex maps, it’s easy to navigate. In the Japanese subway, all lines have a specific color, and stations have numbers. No need to memorize names!

Taxis are also widely available in major cities. Uber and Go Taxi operate as well, but they tend to be more expensive than simply hailing a taxi on the street. Official taxis in Japan have green license plates. Look for a car with a red sign in the front window — that means it’s available. If the sign is green, it’s either occupied or not in service.

You can plan all the routes using Google Maps. They work very well in Japan. They show the train name, which platform it departs from, the cost, and even which car is best to board for quick transfers.

READ MORE:

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• Kanazawa: Things to do and see in 1 day

Suica, Pasmo, Icoca

With Suica, Pasmo or Icoca cards, you’ll significantly simplify your travel in Japan. They’re convenient for paying for rides on the subway, buses, commuter trains, storage lockers, in stores (7-eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson), some cafes, and vending machines.

You load money onto the cards and simply tap them at the turnstile in transport or at terminals. No need to buy tickets at machines each time or think about fares. In Japan, there are many private lines that aren’t covered by the JR Pass and regular subway passes.

Since 2023, Japan has a chip shortage, and physical Suica/Pasmo/Icoca cards are hard to obtain. If you’re a lucky owner of an iPhone, you can add Suica to your Wallet in a few clicks. See the link for details. Unfortunately, the virtual IC card on Android only works on phones purchased in Japan. If you can’t get IC cards, simply buy regular tickets at machines for each specific trip.

JR Pass

The JR Pass is a popular tourist rail pass for traveling around Japan by train. It allows you to ride Shinkansen trains, as well as JR-operated trains and buses throughout the entire country.

I’ve used it too and was satisfied. But at the end of 2023, they increased the pass price by 70%, and now you have to try really hard to make it worthwhile.

If you’re going for 2 weeks to central Japan (Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka), it’s cheaper and more convenient to do without the JR Pass.

• The JR Pass doesn’t cover all trains! City trains, metro, and even some high-speed trains are purchased separately. Therefore, before buying a pass, plan your route on Google (it shows prices) and calculate whether it’s worth bothering with a JR Pass or if it’s cheaper to buy all tickets separately on the spot. Individual train tickets can be purchased a month before the trip through smart-ex.
• Not all high-speed trains are covered by the JR Pass. For “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” shinkansen on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, you need to purchase an additional ticket (more details here).
• You need to order the pass in advance (you can’t buy it in Japan) either through an official agent or online. Online is better because it allows you to reserve seats on trains in advance. When you arrive in Japan, you exchange the voucher you purchased for the actual pass at the airport (you’ll receive instructions by email after buying it). You’ll use this pass by tapping it at the ticket gate or showing it to a station attendant (in smaller towns). You can also print it at special machines, where you’ll need to scan your passport.
• Green and Ordinary differ in class of service. Green is more expensive, has more space and fewer people.

Connection/Internet

If you’re traveling with family, it’s great to rent a pocket WiFi. I order from Japan Wireless. Unlimited fast internet, works almost everywhere, can be used on multiple devices (up to 10). Convenient to pick up and return at the airport. They also have prepaid SIM cards (physical, pick up at the airport).

With the promo code JWINGA, you can get a 10% discount on any product on the JapanWireless website

As an alternative or in addition to pocket WiFi, you can buy a virtual eSIM from Airalo.

With the promo code INGA7839 on your first purchase from Airalo, you’ll get a $3 discount (if you haven’t used it before)

Accommodation

I book hotels in Japan on booking.com or trip.com. Be sure to read ratings and reviews from other visitors. You will be very tired, and comfortable accommodation with working air conditioning, convenient location, and a good early breakfast is very important!

Where to stay in Tokyo and Kyoto – along with recommendations for my favorite hotels in Japan – can be found in the city articles and my Japan travel guide.

READ ALSO: 10 Kyoto places every traveler should see

3-star business hotels offer optimal value for money. The rooms will be quite small but functional. Rooms are equipped with all necessities (slippers, toothbrushes, pajamas, shaving accessories), there are self-service laundries and breakfasts. A popular decent chain is APA Hotel. In Kyoto and Tokyo, where prices are higher, I stay in 3-star hotels.

4 and 5-star hotels – rooms will be larger and breakfast tastier.

Capsule hotels are popular with budget travellers. Even for two people it’s cheaper than a business hotel. Men’s and women’s rooms and showers are often on different floors. I do not recommend this option to couples.

Ryokans are rooms in traditional Japanese houses where you sleep on the floor (tatami). The cost of such accommodation depends on the private bath and meals (traditional dinner, and breakfast). Often there is onsen. I highly recommend staying in a ryokan at least once during your trip, and definitely with breakfast and dinner.

Shukubo is a room in the temple. The essence is the same as in the rayokan, but the food will be vegetarian.

AirBnb – not as popular in Japan, but a great option for a large family.

Money

In Japan, cards are still not widely accepted, except in big cities. Cards are accepted at: hotels, expensive restaurants, for JR PASS, entry to Tokyo museums, and large stores. Food in small restaurants, temples, trains, buses – cash only. If you’re staying in ryokans, check if they accept cards.

Plan for about 5,000 JPY per day per person in cash. Exchange a small amount at home or at the airport (the airport usually has a better rate). For the rest, withdraw money as needed from ATMs – the easiest option is 7-Eleven. You can read here about other places to exchange currency. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; American Express is less common.

READ MORE: 27 ways to save money in Japan

Safety

According to various ratings (also in the well-known Global Peace Index), Japan is among the top 10 safest countries in the world for all travelers, including LGBTQIA and female solo travelers. During rush hour there are separate subway cars for women in large cities. Thefts are quite rare.

Geographically, Japan is located in a “ring of fire” and is subject to typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The country’s infrastructure is built with these features in mind. But it is worth familiarizing yourself with the rules of action in this or that event. Check the weather forecasts and take appropriate clothing.

Be sure to buy medical insurance for the entire duration of your trip!

Useful website in English with instructions on what to do in various situations.

Local customs

There are many unspoken rules and customs in Japan. As a conscious traveler, you should show respect and also follow these rules:

• It’s not customary to talk on trains, buses, and in the metro. If you’re standing in public transport, place your bags on the overhead racks.
• There are no trash cans on the streets. Take all your trash with you.
• The Japanese are very polite. Even if something has happened or you’re dissatisfied with something, calmly and respectfully explain the reason.
• Wash yourself in the shower before entering an onsen.
• You can’t go to public onsen with tattoos.
• Never stick chopsticks into food/rice (it’s a funeral ritual). Also, don’t wave chopsticks or point them at people.
• If you see a stone in the middle of the road tied with a rope – you’re not allowed to go there.
• It’s customary to finish your meal. Leftovers are not given to take away.
• Tipping is not customary in Japan! Once, a waitress ran after me for a block to return a few cents in change. However, you can thank guides with a small amount of cash or a chocolate/souvenir from your country.
• In museums, palaces, and Japanese houses, you always need to remove your shoes. Usually, there are slippers lying at the entrance. In ryokans and shukubos, before entering the toilet, you should change from house slippers to toilet slippers (if provided, don’t bring your own).
• When paying with cash, you place the money on a special tray, not directly into hands.
• You can eat and drink on high-speed trains (Shinkansen). In subways and local trains, eating and drinking are not allowed.
• Do not photograph Japanese people without permission.

Luggage

If you plan to travel actively around the country, forget about giant suitcases. Japan has many stairs and few escalators. For souvenirs, take a foldable fabric bag. Every hotel (except for some ryokans) has convenient laundry facilities. Also, in every tourist spot and city, there are luggage storage facilities right at the stations. Never once had a problem where to leave bags/suitcases (stock up on small coins)

The ideal option for traveling in Japan is a carry-on suitcase + day pack.

Bring comfortable clothes suitable for the weather and that you don’t mind washing in self-service laundries.

Japan also offers a luggage transfer service called takuhaibin, where you send your suitcases from one hotel to another and travel light yourself. Write to your hotel (almost all of them offer this service), and read more details here.

Download: Detailed Itinerary of Japan in 2 Weeks + Budget

Food

A point you shouldn’t worry about. Food in Japan is so diverse that it will satisfy any gourmet. Don’t be afraid to try and experiment!

A traditional Japanese breakfast usually consists of rice, miso soup, pickled side dishes, and fish. I recommend choosing a hotel with a good breakfast buffet that offers both traditional and Western options. If your jet lag hits hard, look for 24-hour fast-food cafés. On maps, they’re marked as Gyudon restaurants. My favorites are Matsuya in Tokyo and Nakau or Yayoiken Kawaramachi Sanjo in Kyoto. There’s also Ootoya.

For lunch, look for udon, ramen, soba, or donburi. These dishes are filling, quick, and inexpensive. Try a kaiten-sushi spot, where the food arrives on a conveyor belt. Try to have lunch before 2 p.m. – after that, you’ll mostly find food only in pricier restaurants, as small budget places usually close until about 5–6 p.m.

Dinner is the time for sushi, barbecue, and izakaya (Japanese pubs). All good places should be reserved in advance, especially in Kyoto and Tokyo. In about 80% of cases, my friends and I end up having dinner in Japan from a konbini—the small convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson). Onigiri, rolls, salads — everything is fresh and inexpensive. At 7-Eleven, try the smoothies (cups with frozen fruit that you blend yourself at the counter).

Other Info

Buy tickets in advance for tourist attractions (TeamLab, Ghibli Park, Ghibli Museum, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter ) and book popular restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto in advance, at least a month ahead!

Don’t throw away or lose your train tickets; you need to tap them at the turnstile both when entering and exiting.

You can eat and drink on Shinkansen, but recently they’ve stopped selling food and water on trains (they used to). Stock up in advance! Look for the Ekibenya store at the station (after passing the turnstile) – they have ready-made, delicious bento boxes for the journey (even with heating)

On buses, you should enter through the middle door and exit through the front door (where you pay the driver for the ride, make sure to have coins ready!)

In every Japanese neighborhood, there will be one or more small stores – konbini, with ready-made food, drinks, groceries, cables, and other miscellaneous items (heated insoles, smoothies). Open 24 hours. The most popular ones are 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.

In Japan, there are vending machines with drinks everywhere. Those with a blue stripe offer cold drinks, red stripe – warm ones (hot tea in cold weather is priceless!)

If you come across a 5 yen coin – keep it. Japanese believe it brings good luck.

In almost all izakayas, you’ll be charged an additional fee called “otoshi”, usually around 300–700 yen (they’ll bring you a tiny appetizer for that amount). Some tourist-friendly bars have signs that say “no otoshi” — but keep in mind that their menu prices will usually be higher, even though they don’t charge the appetizer fee.

Due to the huge number of tourists in Japan, some scams have started to appear. If you see a “monk” near a popular temple asking for money – don’t give anything (real monks do not ask for donations on the street). There have also been cases in Kabukicho (Tokyo) where tourists were scammed out of several hundred dollars in bars. Don’t go anywhere with anyone who approaches you on the street in that area!

READ ALSO: What to bring from Japan: 13 things you won’t regret buying

Have a great trip, and share your travel hacks in the comments!