Preparing for your first trip to Japan is an exciting endeavor that requires careful planning and consideration. In order to make the most of your experience and ensure a smooth journey, there are several key steps you should take before embarking on your adventure. Firstly, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the culture, customs, and etiquette of Japan. Researching and understanding the local customs will not only help you navigate the country more effectively but will minimize potential issues and maximize your enjoyment during your time abroad.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP TO JAPAN

BEFORE YOU EVEN LEAVE YOUR HOME COUNTRY

Which airport should I choose for my destination?

When planning your trip to Japan, it's important to think about the airport you'll be arriving at. For those embarking on their first trip, Tokyo is a popular choice with two international airports – Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) – conveniently serving the city. Many visitors are often unaware of the varying distances between them. Haneda is conveniently situated less than 20 kilometers from popular tourist spots such as Shinjuku and Shibuya, while Narita is situated in Chiba Prefecture, approximately 80 kilometers away from the bustling heart of Tokyo. Consider this important aspect when you make your flight reservations! We flew in and out of Handa and it made our trip SO MUCH easier!!

Plan ahead and secure your tickets for specific activities

It is crucial to purchase your tickets in advance as many activities tend to fill up quickly.

As an illustration, if you're interested in visiting the Ghibli Museum, it's crucial to secure your reservation online within approximately 30 minutes of it becoming available on the website.

Here are some activities that I suggest you plan ahead for:

Experience the awe-inspiring teamLab Borderless art gallery by securing your tickets a month ahead of time on their official website.

The Ghibli Museum sells tickets starting on the 10th of each month for the month ahead. You can purchase them on the Lawson website. These tickets are a HOT commodity and sell out EXTREMELY fast! Don’t wait to purchase these tickets if visiting the Ghibli Museum is a priority! In case you happen to miss out on the sale happening on the 10th, there is another option available for purchasing Ghibli Museum tickets from Viator.

GET A JAPAN RAIL PASS

If there's one essential item to have for your first trip to Japan, it's definitely a Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass, as it's commonly known). However, it is not mandatory to purchase a JR Pass. We had every intention of traveling all across Japan, so it was more economical for my family of five to get JR Passes for 10 days.

With the JR Rail Pass, you can enjoy boundless travel across Japan's extensive rail network, encompassing JR trains and a multitude of high-speed shinkansen trains.  It's incredible how you can explore some truly remarkable day trips from Tokyo or any of Japan's other bustling cities, without feeling confined to just one location. Indeed, there may be a slight sense of unease when providing your credit card information. The initial shock of the cost of JR Passes for our family five was costly, so do your research.  However, if you truly want to maximize your experience in Japan, it will definitely be worth the effort.

You'll be pleased to know that the JR Pass is valid for travel on the Narita Express trains, providing a convenient connection between Tokyo Narita Airport and the bustling city center. Traveling around Japan is a breeze with the bullet train, offering convenience and efficiency. Plus, investing in a Japan Rail Pass can lead to significant savings. It's even more cost-effective when purchased online prior to your arrival, and it comes with complimentary 24-48 hour delivery to most countries. If you prefer not to have it delivered for any reason, you can also opt to pick it up upon your arrival and still take advantage of the pre-sale discount.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

If you are a solo traveler, and staying at a hostel this might not be any sort of issue. But, we were a family of five, traveling together and had to make reservations ahead of time due to the number of beds we wanted. Also take into consideration the time of year you are traveling, because Japan gets VERY busy during tourist season.

In Japanese cities, finding accommodations can be a challenge as the most desirable options tend to fill up fast. Additionally, for those who are interested in exploring small towns or venturing off the usual routes - an experience I strongly encourage! - the choices for accommodations may be more restricted. Given the circumstances, it would be wise to secure your accommodation for your entire trip to Japan well ahead of time. We made sure to secure all of our accommodations well ahead of time, with bookings made a full 4 months in advance.

RESERVE a Wi-Fi Device FOR AIRPORT PICKUP

Having a pocket Wi-Fi device in Tokyo is incredibly valuable, as free Wi-Fi is scarce. Japanese people rely on 4G or hotspots from their ISPs for internet access.

I absolutely loved renting a wifi device for our trip to Japan. It was an absolute game-changer!

With a small daily investment, you can enjoy a reliable internet connection and ample data to effortlessly browse, stay connected, and share your favorite moments on social media.

When it comes to reading maps, it's a good idea to choose a bilingual option. When seeking directions from helpful individuals on the street, it can sometimes become challenging if the map provided is solely in English. English/Japanese maps are readily available and can prove to be extremely helpful in navigating unfamiliar territory.

WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU ARRIVE IN JAPAN

Get A PASMO OR Suica Card

Pre-loaded cards like Suica and Pasmo are widely accepted throughout Japan. After being loaded with funds, your Suica or Pasmo card can be conveniently used as a contactless payment option on subway trains, at select convenience stores, and even at various vending machines. This eliminates the hassle of dealing with potential credit or debit card problems. After arriving at Haneda, we purchased five Pasmo cards from the airport.

When it comes to card networks, PASMO and Suica are the top choices for travelers. Traveling on trains, subways, and buses in Japan's major cities is made convenient with the compatibility of most networks. With just a single card, you can easily navigate through the transportation system. Suica also provides a convenient mobile app and is compatible with Apple Pay, allowing you to simply tap your phone instead of using the card.

DISCOVER THE CONVENIENCE OF A PUBLIC TRANSIT SMART CARD (PASMO - SUICA)

When you arrive in Japan, it's essential to obtain a public transit smart card from a subway or train station. These versatile rechargeable cards are perfect for convenient transportation and making purchases at various locations. They can also be utilized for payment in taxis and the Shinkansen. While smart cards may not offer any discounts compared to regular tickets, their convenience is what makes them truly indispensable.

**Typically, you'll need to provide a small deposit when obtaining a card, which will be refunded to you upon your departure from the country. Please be aware that it is not possible for multiple travelers to use the same card simultaneously.

Secure Your Seats for Your Next Adventure

After obtaining your Japan Rail pass, it is necessary to make reservations for the majority of your planned journeys throughout Japan. While it is possible to ride certain JR routes without a seat reservation, I highly suggest making a reservation for a more comfortable journey. Plus, as I stated earlier, we are a family of five and wanted to all sit together.

It's absolutely free to do so, ensuring you can comfortably sit with your friends or family and securing you a spot on the occasional crowded train. There's really no excuse not to take advantage of this opportunity. Surprisingly, a large number of tourists remain oblivious to this regulation and consequently find themselves separated from their fellow travelers.

Head over to the ticket counter

Reserving Japan Rail seats can be done at one of the many ticket machines, but it is much easier and advisable to order them at the JR ticket counter. Make sure you allocate some time to secure these seats. Waiting in long lines to reserve our seats was always somewhat of a hassle. Additionally, it's important to have your passport on hand as it will be required to make reservations using your JR Pass.

The staff is incredibly friendly and always ready to make your day brighter. BUT - the lines ARE LONG during tourist season. Be prepared to wait in long lines! They might even offer helpful suggestions for a more efficient route or assist you in finding the most optimal seats. We encountered this situation multiple times, allowing us to maximize our Japan itinerary.

Eat Slurp NOODLES AND OTHER LOCAL FOODS

Experience the authentic local dining culture! Soba noodles are an affordable, mouthwatering, and deeply rooted culinary delight. There are numerous noodle restaurants that offer a wide range of soba noodle options. Explore and discover your new favorite. My kiddos loved the noodle shops and we went to several different ones.

Try everything - at least once! You may not enjoy it - but try it!

PURCHASE A LUNCH AT A CONVENIENCE STORE

Convenience stores abound are plentiful in Japan, with Family Mart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven being the most well-known. Known as Konbini, these are actually attractions loaded with an incredible array of tasty and reasonably priced bento lunches and snacks (both Japanese and Western). We usually went daily to save on expenses for food.

Use Public Transportation

Take advantage of public transportation in Tokyo, which is renowned for its world-class transport system. There are various modes of transportation available, including an overground, underground, and bus system. When you arrive, it's a good idea to pick up a rechargeable travel card (PASMO or SUICA). You can easily purchase one from any ticket machine, and it is valid for both buses and trains.

The local guides and maps of the transportation system can be a bit perplexing initially despite being in English. I highly suggest acquiring a portable Wi-Fi device prior to navigating the city. Google Maps simplifies the process of navigating the train system. Download the Japanese railway system app - that app was a lifesaver for my family!!

Having an understanding of transportation etiquette in Japan is crucial for a smooth experience during your visit. During your initial visit to Japan, you'll likely be struck by the serene atmosphere, particularly when riding the trains. Even amidst the hustle and bustle of a Tokyo morning, the sounds of the bustling crowd are barely audible!! While it's perfectly acceptable to make noise, it's advisable to maintain a peaceful environment by finding a private space for phone calls.

When traveling, it's best to keep your phone on silent and avoid answering calls. If you find yourself seated, it's important to be considerate and offer your seat to those who may need it more, such as young children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. In Tokyo, observing these courtesies is not only considered polite, but it is also enforced by law.

Sanitation

Public trash cans are typically absent in the streets. It seems that Japan used to have a significant number of trash cans prior to 1995. However, a tragic incident occurred when Aum Shinrikyo carried out an attack on the Tokyo subway, resulting in the loss of 12 lives. Following the incident, the Japanese became highly cautious about unfamiliar items left in stations. Consequently, trash cans swiftly vanished from stations, streets, and other public areas within a matter of weeks.

Simultaneously, there was a rising consciousness about ecology, which happened to align with the prevailing public sentiment. This is the reason why trash cans are not commonly seen in Japan today. Currently, the trash cans in Tokyo are only privately managed, typically found at convenience stores and similar establishments. It's important to remember to bring a plastic bag with you to conveniently carry your waste until you return to your hotel.

When it comes to sanitation, public garbage cans are a rare sight, and littering is an uncommon occurrence. Japanese women effortlessly store trash in their bags for safekeeping. Keep a small bag in your purse to conveniently store any trash until you come across a suitable spot to dispose of it. Paper towels and napkins are also hard to come by. It's quite common for Japanese women to have a small hand towel in their bags to ensure freshness while they're out and about.

Please place your money in the tray

When making a purchase at a convenience store, or any other store for that matter, you may come across a small tray placed on the counter. If this is the situation, it would be best to place your money on the tray instead of directly handing it to the cashier. Additionally, your change will be placed in this tray for your convenience. When attempting to hand over your payment, it is common for cashiers to request that you place the money in the tray instead. If they choose to take it directly, they may feel a bit uneasy about doing so. Once you get the hang of it, this custom might be a bit challenging to remember initially. However, you'll soon become accustomed to it (although it might feel strange to hand over money directly to someone for a little while after your trip!).

DON’T WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT THE LANGUAGE BARRIER 

It's actually quite manageable to overcome the language barrier. Japan is known for its straightforward and logical approach, making it much easier to navigate and understand. There are many English speakers in central Tokyo, but having a translation app is still helpful. If you find yourself residing on the outskirts of the city, there is a higher probability that you may require assistance with translation. Acquiring a handful of uncomplicated sentences can have a significant impact. Japanese is an incredibly fascinating language, so it's worth learning a few essential phrases before your trip.

Public Restrooms

Public bathrooms are a frequent sight in Tokyo. The majority of them are furnished with modern amenities and have a Western influence in their design. Be ready for the chance of encountering a squat toilet or having to bring your own toilet paper.

It's incredibly handy to have a stash of tissue or wipes in your bag for these occasions.

Remember to Keep to the Left when driving or walking in Japan. It's a common practice for Japanese people to drive and walk on the left side. When using public stairways and escalators, it's common to see people consistently standing on the left side. Follow the natural rhythm to avoid disrupting the movement of people.

No Need to Tip

Tipping is not customary or encouraged in Japan. Leaving extra money on the table at a restaurant may result in your server going the extra mile to return it.

Actually, paying more could be seen as offensive, so it's best to avoid it.

Here's a helpful tip: If you're looking for an ATM that dispenses cash, you'll only find them in 7-Eleven stores. Keep in mind that these ATMs have a minimum withdrawal amount of $100 USD, but the currency dispensed will be in Japanese yen. These ATMs offer the convenience of cash withdrawal using credit and debit cards from international issuers, such as Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, and JCB. They also provide an English menu for easy navigation.

HAVE FUN

When embarking on your first trip to Japan, it is essential to make the most of this unique and culturally rich experience. Japan offers a plethora of attractions, from its bustling cities to its serene countryside, and it is important to plan your trip carefully to ensure you don't miss out on any of the incredible sights and experiences that await you.

When it comes to traveling to Japan, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what to do and what not to do. Armed with this knowledge, you can now embark on your journey with confidence. However, in order to truly maximize your experience as a first-time visitor to Japan, there are a few additional travel tips that are worth considering.