Japan travel tips

59 practical tips for Japan, each checked against an official or reputable source (JNTO, JR, Japan Customs, the Japan Tourism Agency and others). Last checked 2026-10-22.

Money and paymentsGetting aroundEtiquette and cultureFood and convenience storesPhones, Wi-Fi and appsSeasons and weatherSafety and emergenciesThings to tryPachinko and pachislot
The Dotonbori canal in Osaka at night with bright signs reflected in the water

Money and payments

Fact-checked money tips for Japan: no tipping, 7-Eleven ATMs for foreign cards, Welcome Suica, and the tax-free refund system from 1 November 2026.

A Shinkansen bullet train waiting at a platform at Tokyo Station

Getting around

Fact-checked transport tips for Japan: oversized luggage rules on the Shinkansen, hands-free luggage delivery, quiet trains, legal taxis and regional passes.

Stone lanterns and visitors at a shrine in Kyoto

Etiquette and culture

Fact-checked Japanese etiquette for visitors: bowing, shoes off, shrine manners, slurping noodles, taking your rubbish home and asking before photos.

A narrow Tokyo yokocho alley at night lit by paper lanterns

Food, izakaya and convenience stores

Fact-checked food tips for Japan: the izakaya otoshi cover charge, how izakaya ordering works, convenience store ATMs and luggage services, and noodle manners.

A quiet Kyoto street lined with traditional wooden houses

Phones, Wi-Fi and apps

Fact-checked connectivity tips for Japan: free Wi-Fi spots, pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM, the official Safety tips app and Visit Japan Web for tax refunds.

A train passing below a snow-capped Mount Fuji under a clear blue sky

Seasons and weather

Fact-checked season tips for Japan: cherry blossom and autumn leaf forecasts, the June rainy season, typhoon months, and the Mount Fuji climbing season.

A quiet Kyoto street lined with traditional wooden houses

Safety and emergencies

Japan emergency numbers for visitors: 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance, and the 24 hour JNTO Visitor Hotline 050-3816-2787. Plus earthquake and typhoon tips.

A steaming hot spring stream with a wooden bridge, surrounded by snow

Things to try

Experiences to try in Japan, fact-checked: onsen etiquette, karaoke prices, izakaya nights, festivals and a first-timer guide to pachinko and pachislot.

Need mobile data in Japan? See our phones, Wi-Fi and eSIM tips, including our Airalo eSIM pick (referral link, disclosed on the page).

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Rules change. Each tip links to its source so you can check the latest version.

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