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Tokyo-based travel writer Kim Kahan, who has lived in Japan for more than a decade, reveals her expert tips and advice—whether traveling alone or in a small group.
when i first came JapanIn 2017, as a woman in my early 20s, I was vomited into Tokyo Narita Airport, just me, my backpack, and me, frantically searching for a discernible train line in a maelstrom of Japanese text. Thankfully, a local passerby gave me directions, asked my destination, and pointed me to the correct ticket machine and corresponding train.
I’ve never forgotten it. As I entered my 20s and lived in Japan for ten years, I tried to pass this small act of kindness on. Whether it’s for a friend planning a trip a year in advance, someone just passing by who needs a friendly face, or a stranger at the train station – yes, you’re reading this article.
Here you’ll find my essential tips and tricks – the most important things you need to know before traveling to Japan. From the best things to bring, to when and where to go, and (of course) how to ride the train; I hope it gives you the confidence of a Shinkansen pro as you seamlessly travel through Japan on your next adventure.
1. Plan smarter, not harder—but be flexible
Some of Japan’s most exciting and/or popular experiences require advance booking, such as tickets to the Taiko Drum Workshop, the Ghibli Museum or the TeamLab exhibition. No, this does not mean the day before. Obviously, you can take the time to do this yourself, by doing extensive research and browsing local websites. Or – *time-saving reminder* – you can book Small group tour Let local leaders handle all transportation matters for you.
Likewise, if you want to go to a particular restaurant or cafe, check its latest opening hours. This might mean going through social media or giving them a call. Many restaurants in tourist areas tend to have seasonal hours, and a mom-and-pop store might close on grandma’s birthday.
That said, rather than having a tight schedule every day, it’s important to have some flexibility. You want to be able to sing karaoke all night long with strangers and friends without having to worry about missing your 5:45 AM hike the next day. believe me if you are A tour suitable for people in their 20s and 30syou’ll want to sing a few karaoke sessions late at night.
2. Pack essentials and leave some space
What should I bring with me to Japan? This is often the first thing a traveler thinks about before leaving. But trust me – less is more, so leave room in your suitcase. I’ve seen friends buy new suitcases when they didn’t have enough room to take home all the souvenirs they grabbed. Think KitKat…
Additionally, luggage space is often limited on most trains, as well as in some cozy homestays and cheaper hotels, so there are practical reasons to carry a compact backpack or soft-shell case to help you get around these transport and hotel hubs with ease. You can use baggage transfer services to transport larger items to your next destination.
Another essential – you’ll need cash and a bank card. Many institutions in large cities, e.g. Tokyo and Kyoto Cards will be accepted and you may even come across some that are cashless. But also be aware that hidden places like backstreet soba stalls or shrine prayers often only accept cash.
There is one more essential item: IC travel app or cardyou can collect it at major train stations. Not only does it cover trains, subways, and buses, it also functions as a digital wallet that can be used at convenience stores, convenient train station luggage lockers, or vending machines (hello, hot corn soup). They are essentially a one-stop shop for major city tours. If you’re traveling from the airport, it can be helpful to have this app pre-installed on your phone to make transportation smoother. In smaller country towns you may not be able to use the IC app, so in this case again make sure to bring cash to buy your transport ticket.
3. Keep the pace
By far, the biggest question I have is “How long should I stay in X?” I’ve received countless emails from friends about five-day Tokyo and five-day Tokyo itineraries. Osaka The other five are in Kyoto. But unless they’re here for a few months, meet people, or plan a short trip outside of the major cities, I almost always tell them to spend less time in Kyoto and Osaka and explore Rest of Japan.
Yes, everyone wants to visit the hub of the Golden Route, but the main areas of Kyoto and Osaka are both small and very close to each other – about 30 minutes by train. In two or three days, you can visit many attractions in each city.
If it’s your first time traveling to Japan, I’d recommend taking three weeks in total – maybe traveling alone and doing some things on your own, maybe towards the end when you’re feeling more confident, but also lining up Highlights of group tours Even just no commitment One day trip This way you can travel in the safety of an expert and make new friends.
4. Enjoy nature all year round
about When to go to Japan: In my years as a Japan travel writer, the most popular question is usually “When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?”.
Of course, you can check Japanese cherry blossom forecastwhich covers the official cherry blossom forecast for each year. Technically, it’s correct and points to the perfect time to run to the park and have a picnic under the flowers in true hanami style. But of course, this forecast is always subject to seasonal changes. I will never forget that year the cherry blossoms bloomed late, but people were desperately looking for them: “What if there are no cherry blossoms?”
That said, don’t rely entirely on Sakura. Other aspects of Japan’s natural world are equally beautiful and ephemeral: magnolias and plum blossoms from early February to early March, wisteria from mid-April to mid-May, maple leaf season from October to November. No matter which one you choose, you’ll find beauty year-round.
5. Leverage culture
Speaking of natural influences, Japan has many unique cultural experiences – one of which is eating specific wagashi, a traditional Japanese dessert that changes depending on the season.
But there’s no end to what you can do in the country that practically invented strange cultural experiences. From experiences you’ve only dreamed of to ones you never imagined: there are traditional tea ceremonies to experience, shrines to visit (and even Visiting a shrine), sumo wrestling match Attended, geisha dinner and the best sushi to try – even as a vegetarian. have Robot Cafe Take a high-speed train as it whizzes across the country; you can Meet the female sake brewers Go to Hagi City, go to Nara and rub shoulders with deer.
There are countless generic “best things to see in Japan” articles, but keep your own personal preferences in mind – if you’re a history buff, you might want to visit a shrine every day, but if not, maybe visiting one or two throughout your trip will do. For a busy shrine like Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, you can get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
6. Drive vehicles carefully
Although Traveling in Japan is generally safewhich can be a bit confusing. Infrastructure is handled by a few large private companies and occasionally by companies in specific towns, which reduces uniformity.
Make sure you do your research – this train arriveswhere to buy bullet train tickets, bus frequency – before you come. Tokyo’s multi-train company system is especially mind-boggling, although thankfully each line is colour-coded.
Of course, it’s entirely possible to do this as a solo traveler. However, if you travel in a group, you can leave everything to the tour leader and they will handle ticketing and navigation for you, leaving you to focus on which ekiben (train bento box) you want to buy during your trip.
7. Be a responsible tourist
Another question I’m often asked is how to adapt to the country’s cultural customs and behave respectfully in public spaces in Japan. In response, I pointed out that simply asking the question was a good start. Just observe the people around you—and be considerate. If everyone else on the subway is quiet and no one is eating, do this. Likewise, on the bullet train they sell lunch boxes, which is a pretty sure sign that eating is OK.
If you join a tour, you will have a local guide available who can provide you with Best etiquette advice Depending on your situation – whether you are a woman traveling alone or a family group.
Book and travel Japan like a pro small group adventure or Planned excursions.