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Traveling in Japan might seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think. This article reveals insider tips to explore Japan like a local, ensuring #teamMytour enjoys the perfect trip.
Japan is a captivating destination where tradition meets modernity. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or a culture enthusiast, Japan has something special for everyone. To make your journey seamless, you’ll need some local secrets only residents know.
Here are some essential Japan travel tips to help you enjoy a hassle-free adventure!
1. Pick the Perfect Time to Visit Japan
Japan boasts three stunning seasons, each with its unique charm. Spring, around March and April, is when cherry blossoms paint the country in pink. Autumn, from September to November, offers cool weather and breathtaking red maple leaves. It’s the ideal time to snap photos and immerse yourself in Japan’s poetic beauty.
If you adore the chilly atmosphere and are passionate about snowy landscapes, winter from December to February is undoubtedly the ideal choice. Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps transform into magical wonderlands blanketed in snow, perfect for skiing, building snowmen, or simply enjoying a hot cocoa while watching the snowfall.
Although not the peak season, summer in Japan has its own unique charm. June is the perfect time to witness the vibrant bloom of hydrangeas. An added bonus is the ease of securing flights and accommodations at more affordable rates due to the dip in domestic tourism.
If you visit Japan in July or August, consider heading to Karuizawa or venturing further to Hokkaido. These areas not only offer cooler temperatures but also serve as havens for nature lovers, featuring flower fields and scenic trekking routes.
A small tip: avoid major Japanese holidays like Golden Week (April 29 to May 5, 2025) and Silver Week (September 13 to 15, 2025). During these times, locals also travel, making popular destinations more crowded than ever!
2. Book Tickets for Popular Attractions in Advance
Japan has become one of the hottest destinations in recent years, attracting millions of visitors. Combined with locals who are avid fans of amusement parks, endless queues at Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan are no longer surprising.
To avoid the frustration of long waits and sold-out tickets, it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, many travelers have shared on forums that they faced difficulties using international credit cards on official attraction websites. The USJ website even has a strict policy: “Visa and Mastercard issued outside Japan are unavailable until further notice.”
Mytour Tip: Purchase tickets on Mytour for a quick and instant confirmation. Plus, Mytour allows bookings up to 90 days in advance and supports various popular payment methods.
3. Save 10% with Tax-Free Shopping in Japan
One of the undeniable joys of visiting Japan is shopping. With the yen at its lowest in years against major currencies, it’s a golden opportunity to shop to your heart’s content. Japan imposes a 10% consumption tax on most products, but as a tourist, you can save this amount at tax-free stores by spending a minimum of ¥5,000 (around 811,000 VND). Just look for the “Tax-Free Shop” sign and pay at the tax-free counter!
Important Note: You’ll need to present your original passport for tax-free transactions, so always keep it handy in your bag!
The list of tax-free service locations is extensive, including Bic Camera (electronics), Uniqlo (clothing), Muji (household goods), ABC-Mart (footwear), Don Quijote (discount stores), Matsumoto Kiyoshi (cosmetics), and department stores like Daimaru and Takashimaya.
Tax-free items in Japan are divided into two main categories: General Goods and Consumables. Regardless of the category, the products you purchase must be for personal use and taken out of Japan with you.
General Goods: This includes clothing, household items, bags, etc. You need to spend a minimum of ¥5,000, equivalent to 811,000 VND (excluding tax), at a single store on the same day to qualify. Interestingly, you can use these items immediately after purchase.
Consumables in Japan, such as food, cosmetics, alcohol, etc., are also tax-free when you spend between ¥5,000 and ¥500,000, equivalent to 811,000 VND to 81,110,000 VND (excluding tax), at a single store on the same day. After purchase, these items are typically sealed in transparent plastic bags and must be taken out of Japan within 30 days. Importantly, do not open the bags or use the products while still in Japan, or you might face trouble! If buying in bulk, ask the staff to pack them into smaller bags for easier luggage organization.
Mytour Tip: If you plan to buy cosmetics or household products at tax-free drugstores, take some time to compare prices between stores as they can vary significantly. Some stores even offer exclusive discount codes for tourists with incredibly attractive prices.
4. Always Carry Your Own Shopping Bag
Since 2020, Japan has implemented a law requiring a fee for single-use plastic bags to reduce environmental impact. The cost for each bag ranges from ¥3 to ¥10. If you want to avoid this extra expense or contribute to environmental protection, prepare a foldable bag before heading out!
Especially in Japan, you never know when you might impulsively buy an adorable souvenir. Having a bag with you not only saves costs but also ensures convenience for carrying items without worrying about plastic bags being too cramped or unreliable.
5. Bring Your Own Bag for Trash
You’ve likely heard about Japan’s astonishing cleanliness. What’s even more interesting is... you’ll hardly find public trash bins, even in restrooms or shopping centers! So, if you plan to be out all day, remember to carry a small bag for your trash.
Expect to “live with” your personal trash bag until you return to your hotel. Don’t forget, maintaining public cleanliness in Japan isn’t just a habit—it’s a cultural respect worth learning.
6. Avoid Eating While Walking
Japan is famous for its enticing street food, but did you know that eating while walking is considered impolite? Some popular markets even have signs reminding visitors of this. At first, it might sound unusual, but it helps maintain a cleaner and more comfortable shared space.
Instead of eating while walking, enjoy your food right at the stall. Not only will you savor the fresh flavors immediately, but you can also return any leftover packaging for the vendor to handle. Remember what we mentioned earlier? If you carry trash, chances are you’ll have to keep it with you all day.
7. Cash - A Must-Have Item
Although credit cards and contactless payments are quite common in Japan, we still often need cash for many street food purchases. Some restaurants, especially those where you order via vending machines, also prefer cash payments.
However, most major stores like Uniqlo, ABC-Mart, and even convenience stores accept credit cards. So, don’t forget to carry some cash along with your credit card to be prepared for any situation!
#MytourTip: ATMs are everywhere, from shopping centers to convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. If needed, you can easily withdraw cash using your credit card or multi-currency debit card.
8. Download Essential Apps
Traveling in Japan can be a bit overwhelming, especially with language barriers, diverse transportation systems, and complex cities. Besides Google Maps, here are some apps Mytour recommends:
- Japan Travel by Navitime: If you plan to travel extensively by train and bus, this app will provide the best routes for you. You can also select your JR Pass to see which train and bus lines are covered by the pass. [Apple Store | Google Play]
- Google Translate: Beyond regular translation, the camera translation feature is a lifesaver when faced with a menu entirely in Japanese. No more guessing what you’re ordering! [Apple Store | Google Play]
- Gurunavi: Japan offers endless dining options. Use this review app to find the best eateries, because every meal matters! [Apple Store | Google Play]
9. Use Suica/PASMO Cards on iPhone
If you plan to use public transportation frequently in Japan, having a Suica or PASMO card will make your travels much easier. Instead of purchasing a physical card, you can add it directly to the Wallet app on iPhone and top up via Apple Pay. This method saves you time and eliminates the hassle of manually buying and reloading the card.
#MytourTip: Don’t worry about the balance on your card. You can easily use it at vending machines, lockers, or even convenience stores.
10. Avoid Trains During Rush Hour
You might have seen videos of Japanese commuters crammed into trains with no room to spare. Locals confirm this is a real scenario. However, with the rise of remote work, this situation has somewhat eased.
But if you plan to travel in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, avoid peak hours from 8 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This ensures a much more comfortable journey without the suffocating crowds.
11. Purchase a JR Pass Before Traveling to Japan
If you’ve researched Japan, you’ve likely heard about the JR Pass and its importance for nationwide travel. Japan offers over 30 types of regional JR Passes and one nationwide pass. Once in Japan, you won’t be able to purchase this pass, even at airports or major train stations. So, make sure to secure this powerful ticket through international partners like Mytour before your trip.
Additionally, for JR Passes requiring an Exchange Order, you’ll need to receive it before arriving in Japan. The Exchange Order will be delivered to your address within 7 days of purchasing on Mytour. Therefore, ensure you book your JR Pass at least one to two weeks before departure.
Mytour Tip: Still unsure which JR Pass suits your itinerary? Check out the nifty app to see the areas each JR Pass covers.
12. You Don’t Have to Rely Solely on the JR Pass
If you’re only traveling within a single city or between nearby cities like Osaka and Kyoto, there are other transportation options that meet your needs without requiring a JR Pass.
The JR Pass is excellent for long-distance travel, but for shorter trips, buses or subways are ideal companions and much more cost-effective. Check out the details below!
Loại Vé Tàu | Phạm vi áp dụng |
|---|---|
Thẻ Tham Quan Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 hoặc 2 ngày) | Osaka, Kyoto, Uji |
Kansai Railway Pass (2 hoặc 3 ngày) | Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji |
Vé Tàu Kintetsu Rail Pass (1, 2, 5 hoặc hơn 5 ngày) | Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya |
Thẻ Hakone Freepass (2 hoặc 3 ngày) | Chuyến đi khứ hồi giữa Tokyo và Hakone, các phương tiện tại Hakone |
If you’re traveling between cities, don’t rush to spend on a JR Pass—consider purchasing a one-way Shinkansen ticket. For example, a Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka costs around ¥13,870 (2,248,077 VND), while a nationwide JR Pass is ¥50,000 (8,110,000 VND).
Once in the city, you can also buy a local subway or metro pass for unlimited travel within 1 to 3 days. The Tokyo Subway Pass starts at just ¥800 (130,000 VND), and the Osaka Metro Pass is only ¥820 (132,907 VND)—super affordable and perfect for exploring.
13. Always Measure Your Luggage Before Boarding the Shinkansen
Take note if you plan to travel on the Tokaido, Sanyo, or Kyushu Shinkansen lines. The most popular route is the Tokaido, connecting Tokyo, Osaka, and stopping at Kyoto. Before boarding, measure your luggage to ensure the total length + width + height does not exceed 160cm. If you’re carrying cabin luggage or a suitcase no larger than 24 inches, you can safely place it on the Shinkansen luggage rack.
If your luggage exceeds 160cm, typically suitcases 26 inches or larger, you’ll need to reserve a spot in the oversized luggage area. This is usually the last row of select train cars. If not reserved in advance, you’ll be fined ¥1,000 (162,082 VND).
#Mytour Tip: Items like sports equipment or strollers also require reservations if you want to store them in the oversized luggage area.
14. Use Luggage Delivery Services
One thing we dislike about traveling is dragging bulky luggage from place to place. Fortunately, Japan offers luggage delivery services to solve this issue. This service is incredibly useful if you’re using multiple local transport options and stopping at various destinations.
Luggage delivery services, such as Yamato, are quite affordable and can deliver luggage from Tokyo to Osaka in just one or two days. Ask your hotel reception if they can arrange luggage pickup directly from the hotel. You can also send luggage to and from the airport if there’s a service counter.
#MytourTip: If you still want to carry your luggage while exploring Japan, don’t worry—coin lockers are available at most train stations. Large lockers can easily fit a 26-inch suitcase for around ¥700 (approximately 113,457 VND).
15. Don’t Just Explore the Cities!
Many first-time visitors to Japan choose Tokyo and Osaka as their main destinations. While these cities are fantastic starting points for a Japanese adventure, their hustle and urban atmosphere can feel overwhelming for some.
Mytour recommends taking time for day trips or even staying outside these cities for a few days to discover a different side of Japan. Popular destinations like Kyoto, Nara, and Hakone offer a completely unique Japanese experience.
16. Explore New Destinations with a Rental Car
Although Japan’s public transportation system is renowned for its efficiency and convenience, one thing we find stressful is constantly racing against time to avoid missing trains. This isn’t a big issue in major cities where trains run frequently, but in smaller towns, trains are less frequent. Continuously watching the clock to avoid delays can make your trip feel rushed and less free.
So, during our Kyushu trip, we decided to rent a car. Renting a car in Japan is quite affordable, starting at just 60 USD (1,560,000 VND) per day. You can easily use Google Maps or the car’s GPS to navigate without worrying about getting lost. Parking in small towns is also relatively cheap, but make sure to check if your hotel offers free parking. Most importantly, driving outside cities is quite easy as drivers here are patient, and road signs are in English too.
One of the most memorable moments of the trip was when we stumbled upon a fruit farm. We were genuinely excited about experiences we would have missed if we had taken the train. #teamMytour got to pick fresh Kyoho grapes right off the vine at a fraction of the price you’d pay at Donki.
#MytourTip: To rent a car in Japan, you’ll need an International Driving Permit, so make sure to prepare it in advance!
17. Stay Overnight at an Onsen Ryokan
One of the most luxurious and romantic experiences in Japan is spending a night at an onsen ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with natural hot springs on-site. But that’s not all—an overnight stay often includes a kaiseki dinner, an elaborate meal crafted from the freshest seasonal local ingredients, such as wagyu beef, sashimi, and even fruits and vegetables.
In the past, onsen often restricted guests with tattoos, but nowadays, most have become more accommodating. Check out the list of tattoo-friendly onsen below!
18. Book Ahead for Popular Restaurants
Long lines outside restaurants are a common sight in Japan, especially at famous eateries featured in travel blogs or even Michelin-starred spots. Places without lines might already be fully booked. We were turned away twice at a Kyoto restaurant, even though I arrived right when it opened.
So, if you want to enjoy meals at these top-tier restaurants, booking ahead is your best bet. Most of these places may not have online reservation systems and often only accept bookings over the phone. You can ask your hotel to help make the call!
#MytourTip: Now, you can book tables at popular restaurants directly on Mytour without needing to call ahead. Super convenient, right?
19. Check the Expiry Dates of Snacks
Japan is famous for its incredible snacks. No matter where you go, each city or region has its own specialties that are hard to resist. However, before you stock up on snacks to bring home as souvenirs, don’t forget to check their expiry dates. Most of these snacks have a short shelf life, as they are made fresh daily with little to no preservatives.
Therefore, it’s best to buy them towards the end of your trip. Major airports usually stock regional specialty souvenirs, making it easy to shop without worrying about expiry dates.
20. The Hype About Konbinis is Real!
Before visiting Japan, you’ve likely heard about the famous convenience stores (konbinis) here. And indeed, they are absolutely amazing. From ready-to-eat onigiri, quick meals, to delightful desserts, and even warm bottled milk tea, you can find a meal at any time of the day here. Even picky coffee lovers won’t be disappointed, as freshly brewed coffee and aromatic lattes are available at these stores.
Each convenience store chain also has its own specialties. Try the fried chicken at Lawson and FamilyMart, or the oden at 7-Eleven, and don’t forget to sample the delicious ice cream treats too!
21. Always Be Polite, Everywhere
The Japanese are renowned for their politeness and deep-rooted traditions. Just look at how their fans cleaned up the stadium during the World Cup—it speaks volumes. From dining etiquette to public transportation behavior, there’s a long list of dos and don’ts. Make sure to do your research thoroughly before your trip!
Prepare thoroughly and make use of the small tips in this article to ensure your trip to Japan goes smoothly and is full of excitement. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply want to experience a unique culture, Japan has something special for everyone.
Now that you’ve got these handy travel tips for Japan, don’t forget to check out the latest articles on the Mytour Blog, such as: Exploring Japanese Cuisine Through Must-Try Dishes, Japanese Street Food That Will Make Your Mouth Water, Osaka Tours Full of Excitement, Kyoto Tours Exploring the Thousand-Year-Old Capital, 3-Day 2-Night Japan Itinerary, Tips for a 2-Day 1-Night Kyoto Trip, Nagasaki Tourist Spots in Japan, Famous Kumamoto Tourist Spots in Japan, Beautiful Tourist Spots Near Osaka…
With these handy Japan travel tips in your pocket, are you ready to set off?
