Planning a trip to Japan? You are in for a treat! To help you have the smoothest trip possible, I have put together a list of things you should know before going to Japan – including tips to navigate the insane train network in Tokyo and how to see the sakuras!

Using Trains in Japan

Japan has a highly developed and reliable train network. I can only recommend riding the trains in Japan, they are very convenient and always on time! Don’t let the complexity of the railway system scare you, especially when you arrive in Tokyo for the first time.

Download the JapanOfficial travel app which will plan your journeys for you. You will always know your platform number or name of the line beforehand and you just can’t get it wrong. I have tried a few different apps and this one was simply the best – the only downside being that you need Internet connection to use it. Luckily, most stations have WiFi (or you can just plan your journey with this app before you leave your hotel).

What you need to know about trains in Tokyo:

The railway map of Tokyo looks super complicated but it’s not just the number of lines and stations that could get you lost. To make things more confusing, the various train and metro lines in Tokyo are operated by different companies. What does this mean? To put it simply, changing from one line to another may require buying separate tickets. Of course, if you have the prepaid Pasmo or Suica card you don’t have to worry. BUT you might still end up paying more for an interchange between, say, the Kaisei Line and a JR line than you would pay for only using JR lines. Makes sense? (This is another reason the JapanOfficial travel app comes handy: it tells you exactly how much you will pay for getting from A to B and also gives you the option to only use JR lines.)

But like I said before, the Japanese are very efficient and everything is clearly marked, all stations conveniently numbered. And despite English not being very popular in Japan, all train signage is usually in English as well as Japanese. Phew!

The Japan Rail Pass

Like many things in Japan, train travel is expensive. If you will be moving around the country a lot, you should buy the Japan Rail Pass available to foreign visitors. However, it might not be worth it if you only want to visit Tokyo and a couple of nearby cities. You can use this calculator to find out if the Japan Rail Pass will save you money or not. 

And don’t forget, you need to order your Rail Pass BEFORE you come to Japan. A voucher will be mailed to you which you have to exchange for the actual pass at a train station in Japan.

Cycling in Japan

If you enjoy cycling, Japan is a great place to do it as there are bicycle lanes everywhere. Pavements usually have a line drawn in the middle to separate the walking and cycling side (cycling lanes tend to be closer to the road).

Keep Left

Like many other island countries, Japan drives on the left. You should also stand on the left side of the escalators in Tokyo. However, in Osaka you stand on the right – there seems to be a difference between the west and east. When in doubt, do as the locals do!

Visiting in the Sakura Season

I 100% recommend going to Japan in spring when the cherry trees are in blossom! Yes, places are way more crowded than other times of the year but it’s definitely worth it because everything just looks SO BEAUTIFUL.

If you want to see the sakura beauty yourself, you need to do some careful planning beforehand. The cherry blossom only lasts about two weeks (unless it rains and everything is gone quickly) and peaks in different parts of Japan at different times. For example, Tokyo sees one of the earliest blossoms. You can use this and this website which tell you the typical blooming dates for each location and also predict the upcoming sakura season. Once you do your planning, don’t forget to book your accommodation way in advance before all the cheapest places are gone! (Here’s some discount for your first Airbnb booking.)

Eating on a Budget

Let’s face it, Japan was a bit too much for my backpacking budget. I almost never dined at a restaurant. But there is no need when you can find so many cheap and delicious ready meals in supermarkets and convenience stores. Bento boxes, sushi, onigiri… Japanese food is delicious! And you can even grab a lot of reduced meals in supermarkets every evening.

Which Price?

Japan has an 8% consumption tax. When you see two different prices in shops, it is very simple: one is with tax and one is without. You always pay the higher price of the two. (There are tax-free shops in Japan but some conditions apply.)

No Tipping

Good news! You can keep the change in Japan because tipping is not a common practice. In fact, it can be considered rude. Don’t tip.

No Shoes in The House

Leaving your shoes on in the house is another no-no. Take them off. (You can wear slippers.)

Behave

I wouldn’t say Japan is very strict with its rules (not like Singapore 😀 ) but if you want to blend in, you should be on your best behaviour. The Japanese are all very polite, respectful and quiet. I never saw anyone breaking the rules. No one litters or smokes on the streets and car honking is just not a thing in Japan. People wait for trains in orderly queues and everything generally has a system (that works efficiently!). You really don’t want to be a loud and obnoxious tourist here.

Have Enough Cash

Paying by card is not very common in Japan. Always carry cash!

Drinking Water

Tap water is safe to drink in Japan. No need to buy bottled water – think of the environment!

Public Toilets

You can find public toilets everywhere. They are free and usually clean. No need to search for a McDonalds.

Have you been to Japan? What would you add to the list?

Don’t forget to check out my Japan itinerary for more inspiration 😉

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