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Wondering what to keep in mind when traveling to Japan? Follow Mytour Vietnam's article to discover essential tips for first-time travelers to Japan!
Japan - a country rich in culture and history, renowned for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. For first-time travelers, thorough preparation and understanding of necessary aspects before stepping into this country is crucial. From language to cultural etiquette, from cuisine to transportation, there are some basics that travelers should pay attention to for the best travel experience in Japan.
In this article, Mytour Vietnam will reveal some tips for first-time travelers to Japan to ensure a smooth and memorable journey.
What to Keep in Mind for First-Time Travelers to Japan?
1. Prepare Visa and Understand Entry Procedures
Preparing visa and understanding entry procedures to Japan are crucial steps when traveling to Japan. Firstly, you need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before entering Japan.
Next, you need to apply for a visa to travel to Japan. Whether you're traveling with a tour or independently, preparing visa documents is essential. The Japanese tourist visa application includes a series of documents such as visa application form, passport, passport photos, ID card, household registration book, and documents proving occupation and finances. Additionally, you need to have a detailed itinerary and hotel reservation confirmation.
To complete the visa application process, you need to submit directly at the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan. Note that the processing time and visa issuance may vary depending on the country and submission period. Prepare complete documents and ensure compliance with the embassy's regulations.
When entering Japan, travelers will be required to leave fingerprints and take portrait photos at the airport. Note that starting from 07/01/2023, travelers leaving Japan will have to pay an international tourist tax of 1,000 Yen.
2. Exchange Japanese Currency for Use
Exchanging Japanese currency when traveling is an important step for you to easily use throughout your trip. Japan only accepts payment in Yen, so having enough cash for use during the journey is essential. Yen is also one of the popular foreign currencies in Vietnam, so exchanging money will not be too difficult.
Currently, the Yen has 10 denominations, including banknotes and coins. The exchange rate of 1 Japanese Yen is equivalent to about 164 Vietnamese Dong (updated as of March 2024). For convenience in daily use, you should exchange both banknotes and coins. This is important because Japanese people often use coins in daily life, especially when shopping or using public transportation.
You can exchange money at domestic banks or directly at Japanese airports upon arrival. However, if possible, Mytour advises you to prepare some Japanese Yen in advance to avoid being cash-strapped when you need to use it immediately after arriving in the Land of the Rising Sun.
3. Purchase Phone SIM and Internet Package
When traveling to Japan, buying a phone SIM card and an internet package is one of the important matters to consider. Unlike Vietnam, buying a SIM card in Japan is not simple and more complicated. SIM cards are often encoded for specific networks, and buyers must go through cumbersome procedures.
To avoid this hassle, Mytour Vietnam advises you to buy a SIM card before coming to Japan from reputable agents in Vietnam, with prices ranging around 480,000 VND. However, if you forget or don't have time to prepare, you can also buy a SIM card at the airport, although the price may be double compared to the price in Vietnam.
Furthermore, free Wi-Fi in Japan is not as common as in Vietnam. Free Wi-Fi services are usually only available at restaurants or hotels. To maintain internet connection, you can purchase a 3G data card at the airport, subscribe to a Wi-Fi Router package in Japan, use Roaming services from Vietnam (although it may be costly), or use a personal Wi-Fi hotspot device.
4. Appropriate Attire for Traveling to Japan
Apparel is always a concern for many tourists when traveling to Japan. Japan experiences weather changes throughout the four seasons, so you should choose appropriate clothing for each season.
During spring and summer, lightweight and breathable clothes are ideal for feeling comfortable and moving around easily. Don't forget to bring an umbrella or hat and a light jacket to prevent sudden rain showers. In autumn and winter, Japan enters the cold season, so you should prepare warm and thick clothing. Make sure you bring enough layers, hats, gloves, and socks to keep your body warm.
Additionally, note that Japanese people often prefer tidy and modest clothing. Avoid overly revealing or scanty outfits, especially when visiting sacred places like temples and shrines. For footwear, choose comfortable and easy-to-move-in sports shoes. You should limit wearing high heels when you need to move between destinations to avoid sore feet or sprains.
Finally, don't forget to bring a crossbody bag or small backpack to carry personal items such as wallets, mobile phones, and cameras. But also avoid carrying too many items on your person as it can be inconvenient while traveling!
5. Shopping Culture in Japan
Shopping is an essential part of exploring the Land of the Rising Sun. However, shopping here also has its own standards, different from Vietnam, so you should pay attention to avoid difficult situations.
Firstly, you absolutely shouldn't bargain when shopping in Japan. Items here are usually sold at clear prices, without price gouging or haggling with tourists. Therefore, bargaining or haggling is not common like in other countries. If you bargain, you may be seen as rude!
Next, if you're shopping in a supermarket, you shouldn't try food without permission. This is highly taboo. You can ask local people or supermarket staff for advice on the quality of the items you want to buy.
Finally, when shopping in Japan, travelers need to be aware that all items have an additional 5% consumption tax. Therefore, when paying, the bill will include this tax.
6. Tipping Culture in Japan
In Japanese culture, people don't have the habit of tipping like in the US or other Western countries. Service charges are usually included in the total cost of meals or other services. Staff typically serve customers professionally and attentively out of a sense of high responsibility rather than depending on tips.
Therefore, you don't need to worry about adding extra tips for service staff when dining out or using services in Japan. In fact, tipping on purpose can be seen as inappropriate and make the recipient feel uncomfortable. Instead, you can express gratitude by thanking service staff politely.
Subway trains are the top choice with affordable prices and convenience. In Tokyo and Osaka, you can use subway trains to travel between destinations for only about 600 Yen. Shinkansen trains, with high speeds, connect major cities at reasonable prices. For instance, from Tokyo to Osaka costs around 13,000 Yen and takes about 3 hours by train.
Buses are the most economical option, allowing you to travel all day for about 150 Yen and reach different cities for prices ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 Yen.
Taxis, while convenient, are more expensive than other modes of transport. The starting price is around 600-700 Yen and 300 Yen for each subsequent kilometer. Therefore, you should use taxis when no other options are available.
Transportation in Japan is highly efficient, making it convenient to travel between cities and regions. This helps tourists easily explore and experience the country comfortably and conveniently.
9. Pre-Book Hotel Rooms and Tickets to Attractions
When traveling to Japan, pre-booking hotel rooms and tickets to attractions is an essential part of your itinerary. Not only does this save you time, but it also ensures you have the best experiences when visiting this country.
Firstly, when booking hotel rooms, consider booking at least 1-3 months in advance for more options in terms of price and location. Choose a location near the city center or close to attractions for convenient travel. Utilize tools like Google Maps to determine the ideal location for your hotel.
It's not necessary to stay in Tokyo if you want to save costs. Osaka or Kyoto are also good options with more stable room rates.
When visiting famous attractions like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, or historical temples, buying tickets in advance is a smart choice. You can purchase tickets online through the official websites of the destinations or through travel ticketing websites. Additionally, you can also buy tickets at ticket vending machines or counters at subway stations or bus stops near the attractions.
10. Learn Some Basic Communication Phrases in Advance
When traveling to Japan, learning some basic communication phrases in Japanese is very important. In Japanese culture, English is not widely spoken and many restaurants and vending machines do not provide menus in English. This can make communication and ordering difficult for foreign tourists.
Some important communication phrases include:
- Sumimasen - Use when you need to bother someone or when you want to apologize.
- Arigatou gozaimasu - Use to express gratitude.
- Onegaishimasu - Use when you need help from others.
- Wakarimasen - Use when you don't understand something and need assistance.
Moreover, when communicating in Japan, remember to maintain a polite attitude and respect for others. Pointing with fingers may be considered rude, so use an open palm when indicating something. Lastly, bowing is common and signifies politeness and respect in Japanese culture.
11. Try Various Japanese Specialties
Japan is a culinary paradise with unmissable specialties. Each dish carries the rich culture and history of this country.
One of the most famous specialties is sushi, an icon of Japanese cuisine. Sushi is not just a dish but also an art, with rice mixed with vinegar and combined with fresh seafood such as salmon, shrimp, or shellfish.
If you want to enjoy the fresh taste of seafood, sashimi is an unmissable choice. Cut into thin and delicate slices, sashimi is often served with wasabi and special dipping sauce.
If you want to savor the distinctive flavors of street food, try ramen or udon noodles. With rich broth and thick noodles, ramen and udon noodles are essential items on the must-try specialties list.
Last but not least, don't forget Sukiyaki hot pot - a signature hot pot dish with sweet and savory broth and delicious beef. Enjoying Sukiyaki hot pot is not only about savoring a delicious meal but also experiencing the unique culture of Japan.
12. Meaningful Gifts When Traveling to Japan
When traveling to Japan, searching for souvenir gifts is not just a way to keep beautiful memories. Here are some suggestions for meaningful gifts you can bring back from your trip:
One popular choice is the Maneki Neko cat, a symbol of luck and fortune in Japanese culture. Traditional dolls like Kokeshi, Daruma, or Hina dolls are also unique gifts that express care and significance.
Additionally, Sensu folding fans are an interesting choice, not only for cooling but also as traditional artistic pieces. Kendama toys are also a symbolic gift that helps experience Japanese culture.
Sake and green tea are also wonderful gifts to bring a part of Japanese culture home. Finally, traditional sweets like Wagashi, Mochi, or Tokyo Banana are sweet and unique gifts to share with family and friends.
With these gifts, travelers not only bring back beautiful memories but also share with loved ones the diversity and uniqueness of Japanese culture.
Japan, the land of cherry blossoms, is an attractive destination for various experiences in culture, nature, and cuisine. Keep these 12 tips for first-time travelers to Japan to have a comfortable and memorable trip.
Check out more experience-sharing articles on Mytour blog to confidently travel to Japan like a local: Latest Independent Travel Experience in Japan, 7-Day 6-Night Independent Travel Itinerary in Japan, Compilation of Japan Travel Experiences You Need to Know, 12 Wonderful Spring Travel Destinations in Japan for Families, 31 Pleasurable Four-Season Travel Destinations in Japan, 20 Best Places to Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Japan.
Have you noted down the things to remember when traveling to Japan?
