Helpful Information

Helpful Information for Visiting Japan

1. Visa and Entry Requirements

• Visa-Free Entry: Many visitors can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. However, some nationalities may still require a visa, so check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Also, stay updated on entry requirements, as they may change based on health or security protocols.

• Tourist Visas: If you’re planning to stay longer or require a visa, apply at a Japanese embassy or consulate. The process may take several weeks and often requires additional documentation, so prepare early.

• COVID-19 and Health Measures: While Japan has relaxed entry measures, it’s essential to check for any health or vaccination requirements prior to departure. Major travel advisories or changes are typically posted on government and embassy websites.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/essential/visa.html

2. Money and Payments

• Currency Basics: Japan uses the yen, with notes in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen, and coins from 1 to 500 yen. Things are a little tricky at the moment as Japan has just released a newer version of all its notes so there are now 2 versions of 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen. Currency exchange services are available at airports, major banks, and hotels in larger cities, but for the best rates, exchange currency before you arrive.

• Using ATMs: Use 7-11 ATMs. Not only are they at every 7-11 convenience store but you can find them in shopping centers, airports, train stations and other locations.
  Most Japanese ATMs only work with domestic cards, but 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and post office ATMs accept international cards and offer English menus. Keep in mind that some ATMs close in the evenings (Japan Post ATMs on the weekends) and may charge fees for international withdrawals.

• Cash: Always have cash on you. Some places don’t accept electronic / card payment.

• Credit Cards: Many places and services (taxis etc) accept credit cards - BUT there are still some occasions where places are cash only. Always have some cash on you for these instances - or ask before hand.

• Digital and Contactless Payments: While Japan is increasingly accepting mobile payment apps and credit cards, they are mostly accepted in urban areas. Apple Pay, Google Pay are widely used in cities, but it’s best to have cash for smaller businesses, especially in rural areas.

3. Mobile Connectivity and Internet

• Portable Wi-Fi vs. SIM Cards: Portable Wi-Fi devices offer convenience and can be reserved in advance. They typically offer unlimited data and can be picked up and returned at major airports. Prepaid SIM cards are available for purchase at the airport, convenience stores, and electronics shops, often ranging from a few days to a month of usage.

• Free Wi-Fi: Japan’s major cities and train stations increasingly offer free Wi-Fi, but it’s still best to have a personal connection for more remote locations. Free Wi-Fi is common in tourist-friendly spots, including convenience stores, coffee shops, and some public parks.

• Hotels offer free WiFi: The speed and connection differs from hotel to hotel.

3.1. Highly Recommended Travel Apps

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4. Electricity and Device Compatibility

• Voltage and Plugs: Japan uses a 100V electrical system with Type A and Type B outlets, which are two-pronged, flat sockets. North American travelers will generally find their devices compatible, but European and other international travelers may need voltage converters and plug adapters.

• Adapters and Converters: Hotels often provide hair dryers and sometimes basic adapters, but it’s safer to bring a universal adapter, particularly if you have high-powered devices. Battery packs are handy, as plug access may be limited in public spaces.

5. Japanese Etiquette

• Politeness and Formality: Japanese society places a high value on respect and etiquette. Observe and follow local customs, especially at religious sites or family-run establishments. In public avoid loud, boisterous behavior and be courteous of other people and their space. Phrases like “sumimasen” (excuse me/sorry) are used frequently.
  Japan’s trains and buses are quiet zones. Don’t talk on your phone. Priority seats should be given to the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and those with young children.
  

• Dining Etiquette: Many restaurants provide hand wipes upon seating - this is your hand towel and also your napkin. Don’t pour soy sauce directly onto your rice, avoid sticking chopsticks vertically in your food and passing food to another person from chopsticks to chopsticks (a gesture associated with funerals). Finishing all the food on your plate is also considered good etiquette. Don’t talk on your phone in a restaurant, if you need to answer or make a call, go outside.
  

• Queueing and Public Behavior: Japan is orderly, with people typically queuing patiently for trains and elevators. When walking - try walk on the left hand side. On escalators, stand on the left in all cities, except for Osaka you stand on the right (weird). Refrain from eating while walking, as it is considered impolite, especially in busy areas. Be careful of and make way for bicycles on footpaths and sidewalks.

• Shoes: You will take your shoes off very often. In Japan, the practice of removing shoes before entering homes or certain traditional establishments is deeply tied to the concept of cleanliness. The genkan (entryway) is a designated area for removing shoes, where you step out of outdoor shoes and into indoor slippers. This custom is based on the importance of keeping indoor spaces free from dirt. It is considered EXTREMELY rude to not take your shoes off. Visitors are expected to follow this practice as a sign of respect for cleanliness and Japanese culture. Wearing easily removable shoes can make this transition smoother.

  At some of the breweries or facilities that we visit, you will be required to take off your shoes and put on boots or slippers. When you do this there will often be a board or platform there for you to step onto once you have taken your ‘dirty’ shoes off. Don’t walk on the board with your dirty shoes - this defeats the purpose. Also don’t take your shoes off too far away so that you walk across a dirty floor in your socks.

6. Health Essentials and Travel Safety

• General Safety: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, but always practice common sense. If you lose something, visit the nearest koban (police box), as lost items are often turned in by locals. If you forget something on the train - many stations have a lost and found service. 
  

• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. Ensure it covers health care, accidents, theft, and natural disasters. Many hospitals provide English-speaking services in major cities, but availability is limited in rural areas.
  

• Health and Accident Insurance: Is required to travel with us at Sake Tours.
  

• Prescription Medications: Bring any medications you require, as availability may differ in Japan, and some ingredients may be restricted. Carry prescriptions and original packaging if possible. Please bring small amounts of any over-the-counter medication you use often. Many medicines available OTC in the US or other countries are prescription only in Japan. Sudafed is not sold here and is illegal as it contains pseudoephedrine. Bufferin is available. You may want to pack cold medicine, motion sickness medicine and stomach medicine you are familiar with.
  

• Natural Disaster Preparedness: Japan has a strong infrastructure for disaster response, but it’s useful to familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, especially if staying near coastal or mountainous areas. NHK (usually channel one of the TV) will usually have typhoon / earthquake / volcano and tsunami updates in the event that one occurs.

  Please read more about what to do in the event of a natural disaster here https://www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/eng/index.html
  

• Emergency Services and Evacuation: Familiarize yourself with your hotel or accommodation’s emergency exits and evacuation routes.
  

• Emergency Numbers: The emergency number for police is 110, while fire and ambulance services are reached at 119. Many tourist information centers offer assistance in English, and hotels typically provide emergency contact cards.

7. Public Transportation

• Navigating the Rail System: Japan’s rail system is extensive and efficient. See more on our traveling on Trains in Japan webpage.
  

• Buses and Local Trains: In some areas, like Kyoto, buses are the primary form of public transport. Purchase a bus day pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions in a day. For more rural areas, local trains and buses are essential, so check schedules in advance, as services may be infrequent.
  

• Taxi and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are clean, reliable, and widely available but can be expensive, particularly for longer journeys. Uber taxis are available in Urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Another useful service is the GO TAXI app (in english) - a similar service to Uber but uses a Japanese fleet of taxis. 
  

• Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass): If you plan to explore multiple regions, a JR Pass can save you money and provide flexibility on JR trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet train). Buy it before you arrive in Japan, as it’s cheaper and more convenient.
  

• IC Cards: For local travel, rechargeable IC cards like Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA are convenient. They can be used across multiple transit systems, from buses to subways, and at various retailers such as convenience stores.

8. Seasonal Packing Tips

• Clothing: Japan’s weather varies greatly by season. Summers are humid, and winters can be chilly, particularly in the North. Pack for the season, including light, breathable clothes for summer and warm, insulating layers for winter.
  

• Footwear: Comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes are ideal for Japan, as you’ll often be asked to remove them when entering homes, temples, or traditional accommodations.
  

• Rain Gear: Bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
  

• Winter Travel: Pack thermal layers, gloves, scarves, and waterproof shoes, especially if visiting regions with snowfall, such as Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps.
  

• Spring Travel: Cherry blossom season can be chilly, so bring layers. Especially at night it can be quite cold.
  

• Summer Travel: High temperatures and humidity mean light, breathable clothing is essential, as is sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Keep in mind that summers can bring intense rains and typhoons.
  

• Autumn Travel: Layers are ideal, as days are warm but evenings can be cool.

9. Travel Bags

• You may notice that many Japanese people travel on the Shinkansen (bullet train) with little to no luggage.
  
  Why? …. Because they ship it!
  
  Luggage forwarding, or “Takkyubin,” (pronounced TA- CUE -BIN) is a convenient service in Japan for sending bags between destinations, such as from the airport to your hotel or from hotel to hotel.  Services like Yamato Transport offer next-day delivery at most locations and are accessible at airports, hotels, and convenience stores. Rates typically range from ¥1,500 to ¥4,000 depending on distance and size, with tracking available. This service is perfect for traveling hands-free, especially when moving between cities or carrying bulky items.

Read More about Takkyubin below

Elevators and escalators may not be available at all times. So, please avoid bringing a huge suitcase! If you do please arrange to ship it between hotels yourself. 

When traveling with Sake Tours

• 1 Suitcase with rollers and 1 small backpack or small bag for day trips. A 22” or 24” roll aboard suitcase is ideal. 

• Please make sure you bring a small daypack to carry daily travel items you need such as toiletries and one change of clothes.  

9. Onsens and Hot Springs

• Onsen Bathing Etiquette: Onsen culture is an integral part of Japanese life. Before entering the baths, cleanse your body thoroughly using the showers provided. Tattoos may still be prohibited at some onsens, so check in advance or inquire if they have private baths available. When on tour with Sake Tours please let your tour leader know if you have a tattoo.

• Mixed-Gender and Private Baths: While most onsens are gender-segregated, some offer private baths for families or couples. Many hotels and ryokan (traditional inns) offer these options for a more personal experience.

10. Japanese Toilets

Additional Tips for First-Time Travelers:

• Convenience Stores: Japanese convenience stores (konbini) offer more than just snacks. They have ATMs, stationery, hygiene products, phone chargers and even underpants.  Also they offer freshly prepared meals. Try local specialties like onigiri (rice balls), bento boxes, and warm drinks.

• Dining Out: Many restaurants have menus with pictures or plastic food models (called “sampuru”) in their windows, allowing you to see the menu visually. Pointing at these models or pictures on the menu is perfectly acceptable if you’re unsure of the language.

• Cultural Activities: Japan offers countless experiences, from tea ceremonies and calligraphy lessons to ninja training sessions. Many cities also host festivals throughout the year, such as Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the Sapporo Snow Festival, which provide insight into Japanese culture and traditions.

• When catching a taxi - the back door is automatic - don’t touch the door when getting in or out.

For more resources, visit the Japan National Tourism Organization website, and enjoy your time in Japan! https://www.japan.travel/en