Before you go
Sort connectivity, maps and a couple of phrases before wheels-up. Five minutes now saves you stranded-at-the-airport stress later.
- Buy a travel eSIM before departure — it activates on landing, no SIM-swapping, and it's usually cheaper and simpler than renting pocket wifi (rent wifi only if several people share one connection).
- Download offline Google Maps for Tokyo (and any day-trip cities) so navigation works even with no signal — and note Google Maps gives excellent door-to-door train directions in Japan.
- Learn five phrases cold: konnichiwa (hello), arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me / sorry), kore o kudasai (this please), and ... wa doko desu ka (where is ...).
- If you have tattoos, check onsen rules ahead of time — many public baths still refuse tattoos, so look for tattoo-friendly spots or private (kashikiri) baths.
- Screenshot or save your hotel's name and address in Japanese — handy for taxis and for asking directions.
Getting around
Trains are the backbone, an IC card is your key, and the network goes to sleep at night. Get these three things straight and the city opens up.
- Set up a Suica or PASMO IC card and just tap in and out at every gate — no fumbling for tickets, and it works across nearly all trains, subways and buses.
- On phones that support it (notably iPhone, via Apple Wallet) you can add Suica directly and top it up from your phone — no physical card needed.
- Most train and subway lines stop running around midnight and restart around 5am, so check the last-train time if you're out late.
- Stand on the correct escalator side: in Tokyo stand on the left and leave the right side clear for walkers (Osaka flips it — stand right).
- Google Maps shows you the exact platform, departure time and even which train car to board for the fastest exit — trust it.
Daily life
The konbini (convenience store) and the vending machine are your best friends. Once you get the rhythm, daily logistics in Japan are absurdly smooth.
- Konbini food (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) is genuinely good and cheap — onigiri, sandwiches, hot meals, coffee, all 24/7.
- Konbini ATMs (7-Eleven's especially) reliably accept foreign cards and have English menus — your most dependable way to get cash.
- Vending machines are everywhere and excellent for drinks; tap your IC card or drop in coins, hot drinks have a red label, cold have blue.
- Japanese toilets are a marvel — heated seats, bidet buttons and all — but the flush is sometimes a wall panel, a lever, or a sensor, so look around before you give up.
- There are barely any public trash cans, so carry a small bag and hang onto rubbish until you reach a konbini or station bin.
Etiquette quick-hits
Japan runs on quiet consideration. None of this is hard — it's mostly about not being loud or in the way.
- Slurping noodles (ramen, soba, udon) is normal and even polite — it cools the noodles and signals you're enjoying them.
- Keep phone calls and loud conversation off trains; set your phone to silent ("manner mode") when you board.
- Don't tip — it's not a custom and can cause confusion; great service is just the standard.
- Take your shoes off where you see a step up or lined-up slippers — ryokan, some restaurants, temples and homes.
- Don't eat or drink while walking in busy areas; step aside, finish, then move on.
Money
Japan is more cash-loving than its tech reputation suggests. Carry notes, keep your passport handy, and let your IC card cover the small stuff.
- Always carry cash — small restaurants, markets, shrines and rural spots are frequently cash-only despite cards being common in cities.
- Bring your physical passport when shopping at tax-free counters; you'll need it on the spot to get the consumption tax taken off.
- Use your IC card (Suica/PASMO) as a tap-to-pay wallet at konbini, vending machines and many shops — top it up with cash at any station machine.
- Get cash from a konbini ATM rather than a bank — they take foreign cards, run 24/7 and have an English option.
- Coins add up fast here (there are ¥100 and ¥500 coins), so use a coin pouch and spend them on vending machines and small buys.