Essential Tips for Your Japan Trip

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What You Need to Know.

If you're heading to Japan soon, I've got some great tips to share, especially if it's your first time or you're traveling with kids. Even though we've only been once, I've gathered some really useful insights that'll make planning stress-free and ensure a fun trip for your whole family.

Related posts (Japan Travel):

Essential Apps:

Google Maps: Go-to app for navigation! It's like having a local guide on your phone. My brother-in-law saved maps offline and marked places we wanted to go. My brother-in-law saved maps offline and marked places we wanted to go. It has live updates, train info, ratings, and reviews - a convenient tool for all your navigation!
Japan Travel by NAVITIME: Just like google maps, but it’s really comes handy in areas without Japanese translations, and it focuses for travel within Japan. Trust me, our trip wouldn't have been the same without it!
Klook: This app is a game-changer and it’s a must-have app for travelers. It offers everything from tickets to airport rides with good deals and discounts. We easily got our Disneyland tickets and even booked a taxi just a night before our flight. I highly recommend!
Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA Card to Apple Wallet: Install and load it up with some cash, and you're good to go! It'll be your lifesaver, just like using Apple Pay. You'll use it for getting around and buying stuff at convenience stores and shops. During our 10-day trip in Japan, we skipped buying JR passes or other passes and relied on Suica on our phones. If your phone doesn't support it, you can always get a physical IC card :)
smartEX App: You can book Shinkansen tickets to travel around Japan and reserve seats with this app. While there are other options like Klook, ticket booths, and machines, as well as JR Passes, this app is the simplest option for flexible travel plans. After purchasing, you can either scan the QR code at the booth or get a paper ticket. Additionally, you can also link an IC card to your ticket - this is what we used! Then simply tap it at the gates for station entry/exit, but note that only AMEX and certain Visa cards are accepted.
Tip: If you're using an IC card, remember to grab your seat information at the gate.

Websites:

Japan Visit Web - Complete your immigration & customs forms early to save time and avoid queues. You'll have two QR codes to scan once you get to the airport. Remember to complete this before your trip. I created one account for our family two weeks before our trip and shared the QR code screenshot.
Japan Rail Pass & Klook - If you plan to visit multiple cities via bullet train, make sure to grab a JR Pass beforehand. It's a ticket for tourists to ride JR lines and Shinkansen unlimited times in Japan. Remember to buy it before your trip! Also, note that there are no replacements if you lose it.
JR Fare Calculator - Before you buy the JR Pass, check if it's worth it since they’ve increase the price. Use this website to calculate fares.

Currency Exchange:

Shinjuku: The west exit of JR Shinjuku Station is a popular place for exchanging currency. You’ll find shops lined up such as Ninja Money Exchange, where we got the best rate.

Honestly, I prefer having cash on hand before leaving, especially after a long flight with kids when all you want is to head straight to the hotel and rest.…while airports, hotels, and 7-Elevens do it, local banks or city exchange places may give better rates. It's wise to keep a mix of cash and cards for convenience since some places may not accept credit cards.

E-sim or Pocket Wi-fi:

We chose to rent a pocket Wi-Fi since our phones didn't support e-SIM. Although carrying an extra device and battery was a bit inconvenient, being online all the time was worth it. Either you can get it at the airport or book it through klook which what we did! We got this - 4G WiFi (Unlimited Data) & Powerbank (JP Hotel Two Way Delivery). It’s hassle free, it was easy to get it from our hotel front desk.

Rental Strollers:

Renting a stroller can make traveling with kids easier, especially if you prefer not to carry one all the way to the plane. It makes exploring Japan's crowded cities much more manageable. However, some places may not be stroller-friendly. For example, some train stations could be challenging if elevators are not easily accessible, and you may have to carry the stroller.

We rented a stroller from Nice Baby, which offers flexible rental options for both pick-up and drop-off locations. We chose to pick up at our hotel and drop off at the airport, which was super easy. Our daughter managed to have good naps too!

Hotel Accommodations:

In Japan, it's wise to pick a hotel near train stations for easy travel. Mostly hotels offer essential amenities, such as sleepwear, complimentary slippers, high-quality hair and skincare products, and more. For visitors exploring Tokyo, opting for accommodations in close proximity to JR Yamanote Line stations can save your time, allowing for more efficient travel! When booking through platforms like booking.com, remember to take advantage of early bird discounts and exclusive mobile offers.

Key Tips for Visiting Japan:

Follow their rules and customs.
Follow the queue, avoid cutting in line.
Use correct stairs and escalator sides with signs around.
Carry cash and a small purse/wallet - you'll probably collect lots of coins.
No eating or drinking while walking.
Have lip balm and hand lotion, especially in cold weather.
Bring plastic bags since trash cans are hard to find.
Bring hand towel, it useful for restrooms without hand dryers or general use.
Learn basic Japanese, phrases like "hai," "sumimasen," and "arigato gozaimasu" are helpful.
Expect lots of walking, wear comfy shoes.
Consider using luggage forwarding services when visiting other cities. They are cost-effective, and you can even request assistance from your hotel's front desk.
Carry a power bank for frequent phone use.
Keep conversations low in shared spaces like trains.
Stores typically open at 10-11 am and close around 9 pm, with some staying open longer.
Use convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson for quick & affordable meals.
Opt for trains instead of taxis to save money. In Japan, many trains have women-only cabin and priority seating, including parents with children and strollers.

I'm not a pro, but these are just some tips that I think could really help out during your Japan trip. Be prepared for surprises!