What to know before visiting Japan in 2024

Whether you're a first-timer planning your trip to Japan in 2024 or a seasoned traveler returning to explore more of its wonders, these travel tips will help you prepare for your journey and make the most out of your time in this captivating country. As Japan continues to evolve and offer new experiences, staying informed about the latest travel insights is especially important for first timers. From essential preparations before arrival to navigating transportation and embracing local customs, these guidelines are designed to enrich your Japanese adventure in the upcoming year.

Before you arrive

1 Secure an eSim Prior to Departure

In an era where connectivity is paramount, booking an eSIM in advance has become an indispensable step for travelers heading to Japan. The evolution of eSIM providers over recent years has markedly improved coverage and reliability, rendering outdated concerns from older reviews largely irrelevant. Having immediate internet access upon arrival not only facilitates seamless navigation and translation but also enhances your overall travel efficiency from the moment you set foot in the airport.

2 Register on the Visit Japan Website

Streamlining your entry into Japan has never been more straightforward, thanks to the official Visit Japan website. By registering your details ahead of time, you can expedite the arrival process, effectively bypassing lengthy queues and administrative hurdles at the airport. This platform allows you to handle necessary documentation—such as immigration forms and health declarations—prior to departure, ensuring a smoother and more stress-free transition upon arrival.

Transportation

3 Obtain a Suica or Pasmo Card

Navigating Japan's extensive public transportation network is remarkably convenient with a Suica or Pasmo card in hand. These rechargeable IC cards are essential tools that grant you access to virtually all forms of public transit, including trains, subways, and buses. Beyond transportation, they are widely accepted at vending machines, convenience stores, and numerous shops and cafes. The option to integrate the Suica card into your smartphone, coupled with easy recharging via services like Apple Pay, further simplifies your travels. In many cases, the card is automatically detected at transit gates, allowing for effortless movement without the need to open an app—simply tap your phone and proceed.

4 Familiarize Yourself with Bus Etiquette

While Japan's public transportation system is highly efficient, understanding local customs can enhance your experience. Unlike in many other countries, boarding a bus in Japan typically involves entering through the rear door and paying the fare upon exiting at the front. Upon boarding, collect a ticket from the machine near the entrance; this ticket bears a number corresponding to your fare. If using an IC card, you can bypass this step by tapping your card upon entry and exit. Notably, bus fares are often fixed, regardless of the distance traveled, simplifying the payment process.

Money & Currency

5 Embrace Cash Transactions

Despite Japan's reputation for technological advancement, cash remains a prevalent medium of exchange, especially outside major cities like Tokyo or Osaka. It is prudent to carry a sufficient amount of yen to accommodate purchases at smaller shops, local restaurants, and certain train stations that may not accept credit cards. Additionally, having a small purse for coins is advisable, as they tend to accumulate quickly during daily transactions.

6 Utilize ATMs at Convenience Stores

Accessing cash is convenient and reliable, thanks to ATMs located in ubiquitous convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, which typically accept international cards. Some online banking services allow you to purchase yen in advance, which can then be withdrawn from these ATMs upon arrival. In major airports like Osaka and Tokyo, dedicated ATM zones offer competitive exchange rates, often proving more economical than traditional currency exchange counters.

7 Leverage Suica or Pasmo for Cashless Payments

For added convenience, your Suica or Pasmo card can serve as a cashless payment method at a variety of establishments, including vending machines, convenience stores, and select cafes. This approach not only streamlines your purchases but also reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash, enhancing both security and ease throughout your journey.

Restaurants

8 Request the Japanese Menu

To fully immerse yourself in Japan's rich culinary landscape, consider asking for the Japanese menu when dining out. English menus may offer a limited selection and, on rare occasions, different pricing. Utilizing translation apps with real-time capabilities allows you to navigate the Japanese menu, unlocking a wider array of authentic dishes and ensuring a more comprehensive gastronomic experience.

9 Consult Tabelog for Restaurant Reviews

When seeking dining recommendations, Tabelog.com stands out as a valuable resource renowned for its stringent rating system. A three-star rating on Tabelog often signifies a high-quality establishment, potentially exceeding similar ratings on platforms like Google Maps. The website also facilitates online reservations—a crucial feature for popular restaurants where bookings may need to be secured months in advance. If online reservations are unavailable, enlisting assistance from your hotel's front desk can be an effective alternative.

Additional Tips

10 Learn Basic Japanese Phrases

While many locals possess a basic understanding of English, learning a few key Japanese expressions can significantly enhance your interactions and demonstrate respect for the culture. Simple phrases such as "arigatou" (thank you), "sumimasen" (excuse me/sorry), and "onegaishimasu" (please) can go a long way. Moreover, apps like Google Translate, particularly those with camera translation features, are invaluable tools for interpreting signs and menus.

11 Be Mindful of Museum Operating Hours

An important aspect of planning your itinerary involves awareness of museum and attraction schedules, as many establishments close at least one day per week—most commonly on Mondays. This can catch visitors off guard, so it is advisable to verify operating hours in advance. Resources like Google Maps generally provide accurate and up-to-date information to assist in your planning.

13 Strategize Around Business Hours

It is noteworthy that many shops and restaurants in Japan commence operations later in the morning, around 9:30 a.m., and may close by 5:00 p.m. These operating hours present an excellent opportunity to engage in early morning activities that do not require staff presence, such as hiking or visiting temples without admission fees. Alternatively, embracing a leisurely start to your day aligns perfectly with the vacation ethos—after all, relaxation is a key component of travel enjoyment.