Question 1

What's the best time to visit Japan?

Accepted Answer

Spring (late March to late April) and autumn (October to November) are the sweet spots. Spring brings cherry blossoms; autumn delivers stunning foliage with thinner crowds and lower hotel prices. Avoid Golden Week (late April / early May) unless you enjoy queuing for everything. It's a cluster of national holidays and trains, temples, and restaurants are packed. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. Winter is great for skiing in Hokkaido and Nagano, hot springs everywhere, and far fewer tourists. We cover every season in detail in our Season-by-Season Guide.

Question 2

What's the weather like and what should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Japan stretches over 3,000 km from Hokkaido (snowy) to Okinawa (tropical), so the answer depends entirely on where and when you're going. Check AccuWeather for your specific cities and dates. As a rough guide: layer up in spring and autumn (10-20°C days with cool evenings), pack light and breathable for summer (30°C+, high humidity), and bring a proper coat for winter (below freezing in northern regions, 5-10°C in Tokyo/Osaka). Regardless of season: bring comfortable walking shoes. You will walk 15,000-25,000 steps a day in Japan.

Question 3

Can I bring my medication to Japan?

Accepted Answer

Some medications are banned in Japan, including certain ADHD medications (Adderall, Dexedrine) and some stimulants. This catches people off guard. Always check before you travel. For most prescription medication you can bring a one-month supply. Non-prescription medication: two-month supply. If you need more, apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) before your trip. You may need to show this at customs. Check the Japanese Ministry of Health website for the full banned/restricted list, or contact your local Japanese embassy if you're unsure.

Question 4

How long is the immigration line at the airport?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how many flights land at the same time. There's no way to predict it. One thing that genuinely helps: fill out the Visit Japan Web form before you arrive. It generates a QR code that speeds up customs and immigration. There's no earliest date; register once your flights and first hotel are booked, and at least 6 hours before landing. Our step-by-step guide walks through it.

Question 5

Can I wear a bathing suit in an onsen?

Accepted Answer

No. Traditional onsen require you to bathe completely nude. This is non-negotiable and applies to communal baths at ryokans, public bathhouses, and hotel onsen. Wearing a bathing suit is considered unhygienic. If you're uncomfortable with communal bathing, look for kashikiri buro (private baths) where you can bathe alone or with your travel partner. Many ryokans and onsen resorts offer these for an extra fee or on a reservation basis. Some higher-end rooms come with their own private bath. Our onsen etiquette guide walks through the whole ritual, including the tattoo question.

Question 6

Where do I find the QR code for entry into Japan?

Accepted Answer

Use the official Visit Japan Web portal. Fill in your passport details, flight information, and customs declaration. It generates a QR code for immigration and customs, which makes the arrival process noticeably faster. There's no earliest date to start; complete it at least 6 hours before landing, and screenshot the QR code. Our Visit Japan Web guide has the full walkthrough.

Question 7

Is Japan safe for solo travellers?

Accepted Answer

Extremely safe. Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, theft is uncommon, and lost property is frequently returned. You can walk through any major city at night without concern. Solo female travellers should be aware that crowded rush-hour trains can occasionally be an issue (groping incidents do occur). JR and metro operators run women-only carriages during peak hours on many lines. These are clearly marked in pink. The biggest "safety" concern for most travellers is honestly just getting lost on the train system, which Google Maps solves entirely.

Question 8

Can I rely on public WiFi in Japan?

Accepted Answer

No. Public WiFi in Japan is patchy and unreliable. Train stations and convenience stores sometimes have it, but the connections are slow, require registration, and time out quickly. Get an eSIM before you land. It's cheap (¥1,000-3,000 for 2 weeks), activates instantly, and gives you constant internet for Google Maps, Google Translate, and everything else. Navigating Japan without mobile data is genuinely difficult.

Question 9

Should I get an eSIM or Pocket WiFi?

Accepted Answer

Get an eSIM. In 2026, there's very little reason to use a Pocket WiFi device unless your phone doesn't support eSIM (most phones made after 2020 do). An eSIM is cheaper (typically ¥1,000-3,000 for 2 weeks of data), requires no extra device, no charging, no pickup/return, and activates before you even board the plane. You install it from your phone's settings and it just works when you land. Recommended providers: Ubigi: Reliable, good coverage across Japan, straightforward setup. Plans from around ¥1,500 for 10 days. Revolut eSIM: If you already use Revolut for travel banking, their eSIM add-on is very convenient. Activate it right from the Revolut app. Airalo: Wide selection of Japan data plans, popular with travellers. Whichever you choose, look for a provider that uses NTT Docomo's network. It's Japan's largest carrier with 99%+ coverage, including rural areas and mountain towns. When might Pocket WiFi still make sense? Only if you're travelling in a large group (5+ people) where everyone needs internet and only one person has an eSIM-capable phone. In that case, a pocket WiFi device can serve as a shared hotspot. For solo travellers, couples, or small families where everyone has a modern phone, eSIM is better in every way. Full provider comparison and setup walkthrough in our Japan eSIM guide.

Question 10

What essential apps should I download?

Accepted Answer

Download these before you land: Google Maps: Navigation, train schedules, walking directions, restaurant reviews. Incredibly accurate in Japan. Google Translate: The camera feature translates menus, signs, and vending machines in real time. Download the Japanese offline language pack before your trip. Suica / PASMO (Apple Wallet): iPhone users can add an IC transit card directly to Apple Wallet. Tap to ride any train, buy from vending machines, pay at convenience stores. Set this up before you leave home. Navitime or Japan Transit Planner: More detailed than Google Maps for complex train transfers with platform numbers and walking time between gates. Android users: digital Suica requires a Japanese-market phone with FeliCa NFC, so pick up a physical IC card at the airport instead. Our Essential Apps guide covers the full setup, including taxi, disaster alert, and Shinkansen booking apps.

Question 11

How do I start planning a trip to Japan?

Accepted Answer

Start with two questions: how many days do you have, and what excites you most? Temples and history point you toward Kyoto and Nara. Food leads to Osaka. Pop culture and nightlife mean Tokyo. Nature and hiking suggest Hakone, the Japanese Alps, or Hokkaido. Torn between the big two? Our Tokyo vs Osaka comparison settles it honestly. Read our First Time in Japan guide for a solid overview, then browse destination pages for the cities that interest you. When you're ready to build an itinerary, use our Trip Planner. You can start from one of our ready-made templates (like the Classic 2-Week Japan) and customize from there, or build from scratch.

Question 12

Should I use a travel agency or plan my own trip?

Accepted Answer

Plan it yourself. Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel independently. The trains run on time (literally to the second), English signage is everywhere, and the country is extremely safe. Self-planning saves you money (often thousands compared to agency packages) and lets you go at your own pace. Our Trip Planner handles the logistics: pick your cities, set your dates, and we suggest activities, hotels, and transport between stays. If you get stuck, post in the Community Q&A. The one exception: if you want a ryokan with kaiseki dinner in a remote onsen town, those can be tricky to book in English. A specialized ryokan booking service like Japanese Guest Houses (japaneseguesthouses.com) can help with those.

Question 13

How much spending money do I need per day?

Accepted Answer

A reasonable rule of thumb is ¥10,000-15,000 per person per day (roughly $65-100 USD) for food, activities, and incidentals. This is on top of accommodation and transport, which you typically book in advance. Budget (¥5,000-8,000/day): Convenience store and ramen meals, free shrines and parks, limited shopping Mid-range (¥10,000-15,000/day): Sit-down restaurant lunches, 1-2 paid attractions per day, some shopping Comfortable (¥15,000+/day): Nice restaurants, multiple attractions, shopping without checking prices Japan's convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) are legitimately good for meals. A ¥500 onigiri and salad lunch from a konbini is fresh, tasty, and nothing to feel bad about. For a full breakdown of 2026 prices and sample trip totals, see our Japan daily budget guide.

Question 14

How many days do I need in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Minimum 7 days to see Tokyo and Kyoto properly. 10-14 days lets you add Osaka, Hiroshima, and a day trip or two. 3 weeks gives you breathing room to go off the beaten path. A common mistake is cramming too many cities into too few days. Two cities done well beat five cities rushed through. If you only have a week, stick to Tokyo + Kyoto and do them properly. Our full guide to how many days you need in Japan breaks down what every trip length realistically buys you, or jump straight to the trip templates for pre-built itineraries at different lengths.

Question 15

I need help with my itinerary. Can you review it?

Accepted Answer

Post it in our Community Q&A and the community will give you feedback. To get useful responses: have a rough plan with cities, dates, and key activities already sketched out. Mention your travel style (budget, comfort, family) and interests. "Review my 10-day Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka itinerary" gets better answers than "plan my Japan trip for me." If you don't have a plan yet, start from one of our trip templates and adjust.

Question 16

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

Accepted Answer

Both Tokyo airports have fast, affordable train connections: Narita Airport: Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo/Shinjuku/Shibuya in ~60 min, ¥3,250. Or Skyliner to Ueno/Nippori in ~40 min, ¥2,520. Haneda Airport: Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail to central Tokyo in 20-30 min, ¥500-700. Much closer than Narita. Open Google Maps at the airport and search your hotel. It will give you the exact train route, transfers, and cost. It works perfectly for Japanese transit. For a full breakdown, see our Narita & Haneda Airport Transfer Guide.

Question 17

Is the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) worth it?

Accepted Answer

Maybe, but it's no longer the automatic money-saver it used to be. Prices increased significantly in October 2023 (a 7-day pass went from ¥29,650 to ¥50,000). For the popular Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route, individual Shinkansen tickets are now cheaper than the pass. The JR Pass starts to make sense when you're visiting 3+ cities across different regions with multiple long-distance Shinkansen legs (think Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Kanazawa). Do the math for your specific itinerary. We have a full breakdown with route-by-route cost comparisons in our Is the JR Pass Worth It? guide.

Question 18

How do I book Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets?

Accepted Answer

The simplest approach: buy at the station on the day of travel. Ticket machines have English options, or go to the manned ticket counter. For most routes you don't need to book in advance. Most trains have unreserved cars that are first-come, first-served (though a few, like the Hayabusa and Kagayaki, are all-reserved, and the Nozomi runs all-reserved during Golden Week, Obon, and New Year). If you want a guaranteed reserved seat, use the SmartEX app to book in advance. It works with international credit cards and lets you reserve specific seats on specific trains. Booking 21+ days ahead also unlocks discounts. For the Tokyo-Kyoto route: Nozomi trains leave every 10-15 minutes and take 2 hours 15 minutes. You won't have trouble getting a seat outside peak holidays. Our full Shinkansen booking guide covers SmartEX, Eki-Net, discounts, and the luggage rule.

Question 19

Can I take my luggage on the Shinkansen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but oversized bags have rules: Under 160 cm total (length + width + height): No reservation needed. Store in the overhead rack. 161-250 cm total: You must reserve an "oversized baggage seat" (free, but mandatory). Book at the station, online, or via the SmartEX app. Over 250 cm total: Not allowed on the Shinkansen. Better option: Use Japan's luggage forwarding service (takkyubin). Send your bags from hotel to hotel for about ¥2,000 per bag. Drop them off at a convenience store or hotel front desk by noon, and they arrive at your next hotel the following day. Then you travel with just a daypack. It's one of the best things about travelling in Japan.

Question 20

What is Suica / PASMO / ICOCA?

Accepted Answer

These are rechargeable IC transit cards. Tap them at station gates to pay for trains, metros, and buses. They also work at vending machines, convenience stores, and many restaurants. The names differ by region (Suica/PASMO in Tokyo, ICOCA in Osaka/Kyoto), but they're all interchangeable nationwide for local transit. A Suica works on the Osaka metro and an ICOCA works on Tokyo buses. iPhone users: Add a Suica to Apple Wallet before your trip. No physical card needed. Android users: You'll need a physical card (available at airport stations) since digital Suica requires a Japanese-market phone. Every person needs their own card. Children need a separate child IC card with reduced fares. Full guide: Suica, PASMO & IC Cards Explained.

Question 21

Where should I stay in Japan?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the city and what matters to you. Quick recommendations: Tokyo: Shinjuku or Shibuya for first-timers (excellent transport, nightlife, restaurants). Asakusa for a more traditional atmosphere. Our Where to Stay in Tokyo guide compares every area with hotel picks by budget. Kyoto: Near Kyoto Station for transport convenience, or downtown Kawaramachi/Gion for walkability and atmosphere. Our Where to Stay in Kyoto guide compares every area, including the ryokan question. Osaka: Namba/Dotonbori for food and nightlife. Shin-Osaka area if your priority is Shinkansen access. Our Where to Stay in Osaka guide compares every area with verified hotel picks. Each of our destination pages has a detailed "Where to Stay" section with neighborhood recommendations and hotel suggestions. The Trip Planner also lets you search and compare hotels for each stay.

Question 22

How far in advance should I book hotels?

Accepted Answer

2-4 months ahead for peak seasons (cherry blossom late March to mid-April, Golden Week, autumn foliage, New Year). Popular ryokans and well-located budget hotels sell out fast. 1-2 months ahead for regular travel. You'll still get a good selection at reasonable prices. Note: many Japanese hotels don't open reservations until 3-6 months before the stay date. If you can't find your preferred hotel far out, check back later. Pro tip: Book refundable rates early to lock in your first choice, then check back closer to the date. Prices sometimes drop, and you can rebook and cancel the original.

Question 23

What types of accommodation are there?

Accepted Answer

Japan has more variety than most countries: Business hotels: Clean, compact, affordable (¥6,000-12,000/night). Chains like APA, Toyoko Inn, and Dormy Inn are reliable. Many include breakfast and public baths. Ryokan: Traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms, futon beds, and often kaiseki dinner. Ranges from ¥10,000 (simple) to ¥50,000+ (luxury with private onsen). Stay at least one night for the experience. Capsule hotels: Sleeping pods with shared facilities. ¥3,000-5,000/night. A fun novelty for a night or two, not ideal for longer stays. Hostels: Dorm beds from ¥2,500/night, private rooms from ¥5,000. Quality is high in Japan. Good for solo backpackers. Apartment hotels (MIMARU, etc.): Rooms with kitchens and washing machines. Great for families or stays longer than 3 nights.

Question 24

My Airbnb is asking for my passport. Is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely normal. Japanese law requires all accommodation providers (hotels, ryokans, and Airbnbs) to collect guest identification. Hotels ask for your passport at check-in. Self-check-in Airbnbs ask you to upload it online beforehand. More on how legal short-term rentals work in our Airbnb in Japan guide. This is a legal requirement, not a scam. It applies to all guests, including Japanese nationals.

Question 25

Should I bring cash to Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bring some cash. Japan has become much more card-friendly in recent years, but cash is still essential for small restaurants, street food stalls, temple admission fees, and some rural areas. You won't get far on card alone. A good starting point: ¥30,000-50,000 in cash for a week-long trip, on top of whatever you pay by card. Withdraw more from 7-Eleven ATMs (they accept all international cards) if you run low.

Question 26

Do I need to tip in Japan?

Accepted Answer

No. Never tip. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can actually cause confusion or embarrassment. This applies to restaurants, taxis, hotels, and tour guides. The price you see is the price you pay. Service in Japan is excellent precisely because it's not dependent on tips. Just say "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for the meal) when leaving a restaurant, and you're good.

Question 27

Where can I withdraw cash?

Accepted Answer

7-Eleven ATMs are the most reliable option. They accept Visa, Mastercard, and most international cards with no issues. There's a 7-Eleven on almost every other block in major cities. Japan Post Office ATMs also accept international cards and are found in every post office nationwide. Regular Japanese bank ATMs often do not accept foreign cards. Don't rely on them.

Question 28

I have dietary restrictions. Will I be okay in Japan?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the restriction. Vegetarian/vegan is the trickiest because dashi (fish stock) is in almost everything, including miso soup, rice seasonings, and many sauces. It's not impossible, but it requires research. Look for shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine), Indian restaurants, or dedicated vegetarian spots. Gluten-free is also challenging. Soy sauce (which contains wheat) is in most Japanese dishes. Rice-based dishes and sashimi are your safest bets. Halal options are growing in major cities but still limited. Tokyo and Osaka have halal-certified restaurants. The Halal Gourmet Japan app can help. For all restrictions: learn the relevant Japanese phrases or carry a translated allergy card. Google Translate's camera mode also helps with ingredient lists on packaging. Our Eating in Japan guide has a full section on dietary restrictions with useful Japanese phrases and apps.

Question 29

How do I order at a restaurant with ticket machines?

Accepted Answer

Many ramen shops and budget restaurants use a ticket vending machine (shokkenki) at the entrance. Here's how it works: Insert cash or tap your IC card (some machines take cards) Press the button for the dish you want. Buttons often have photos. If it's all Japanese, the top-left button is usually the most popular item. Take your ticket(s) and hand them to the staff or place them on the counter Sit down and wait for your food Don't stress about it. The system is simple once you've done it once, and staff are used to helping confused tourists. For more on how Japanese restaurants work, see our Eating in Japan: Restaurant Guide.

Question 30

Is convenience store food actually good?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Japanese convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) are nothing like their Western counterparts. The food is fresh, made daily, and genuinely good. Onigiri (rice balls, ¥120-200), sandwiches, bento boxes, and hot snacks are all reliable. 7-Eleven is generally considered the best for food quality. FamilyMart has excellent fried chicken (Famichiki). Lawson has the best desserts and sweets. Using konbini for breakfast or a quick lunch is completely normal in Japan. It's not "budget travel" eating. It's just efficient, good eating. Our restaurant guide covers the best konbini picks and budget eating strategies.

Japan Travel FAQ

General Japan Travel

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Planning Your Trip

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