Last Updated on June 12, 2024 by Vlad
A friend of mine is going to visit Japan for the very first time in June of this year. We were chatting, and that got my mind thinking about things I wish I had known before my first Japan trip. Simple things that would have made my first trip even better. So I decided to write a quick post on some tips and insights from my personal experience to help you make the most of your 1st visit to this incredible country.
Cash Still Rules
Cash ruled two decades ago, and cash still rules in 2024! You never know when you will need it and for what reason (emergency hospital visit, anyone?!), so always have more than enough in your wallet. ATMs that accept foreign cards can be found, but they are not present everywhere.
Bring a Rubbish Bag
There are not many rubbish bins around, so having a rubbish bag in your backpack makes it easy to store and then dispose of rubbish thoughtfully once you are back at your place of stay. This is especially useful for those on-the-go snacks and drinks.
Learn Some Very Basic Japanese
Basic Japanese goes a long way. Knowing a few basic words and sentences makes things easier when getting around or ordering food. Not to mention that you will get treated even better by the Japanese when they know you took the time and effort to learn some basics! (Especially now when overseas tourists are swamping Japan.) Phrases like “sumimasen” (excuse me) and “arigatou” (thank you) can be lifesavers. Check out my blog post with all the essential Japanese words and phrases.
Don’t Plan Everything Out
Life happens. Plans change. There is nothing wrong with planning things out, but do leave some time (or days) for no-plan adventures. Even if that means just walking at random around Tokyo. Some of my best experiences came from unplanned discoveries.
The Importance of Good Walking Shoes
You’ll be walking heaps if you are a typical tourist, so do bring a pair of good and tested walking shoes. Your feet will thank you after a long day exploring the streets of Kyoto or hiking in Hakone.
English is Not (That) Common
I was lucky that I had my Japanese friends with me on my first trip. While things have changed over the last two decades, don’t expect English to be widely understood everywhere you go. A translation app can be incredibly handy for navigating menus and signs.
See Japan from the Air
Travelling through Japan by rail is great, and highly recommended. But I missed out on seeing Japan from the air for a number of years. It wasn’t until 2015 that I first saw the beauty of Japan from the air – taking off from Haneda and seeing the Imperial Palace, a few minutes later passing by the majestic Mt Fuji, followed by a number of valleys, towns, and cities, and an endless number of islands spread across the Seto Inland Sea. It gave me a whole new perspective.
Careful in the Heat
Living in the sunburnt country is one thing, but coping and thriving in Japan’s heat and humidity is another. Drink lots of water, rest, and dress appropriately (long, loose clothing). Summers can be brutal, and staying hydrated is key. I will write a more detailed post on this soon, so stayed tuned.
Squat Only Toilets Still Exist
Be prepared when you venture out. There are plenty of squat-only toilets still around. If you’re not used to them, it might be a bit of a shock, so it’s good to know beforehand.
Give Yourself Time to Rest
Exploring and seeing Japan is one thing, but giving yourself time to rest and soak it all in is crucial. Japan can be overwhelming with its endless attractions. Take the time to relax and recharge, and what better way than by spending a day or two in an onsen!