Essential Japan Travel Information

Quick navigation to sections:

Money	Credit Cards	Restaurants and Tipping	Food	Transportation
Safety	Phones and Internet	WiFi	Electricity	Shopping
Prices	Restrooms	Waste Disposal	Smoking Policies	Onsen (Hot Springs)

Money

Japan's official and only accepted currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). No foreign currencies are accepted for payments anywhere in the country.

US dollars or euros can only be exchanged at banks or official currency exchange offices, available in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Banking Hours:

Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
First & Last Saturday of each month: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sundays & holidays: Closed

Important tip: Exchange large amounts of foreign currency at the airport upon arrival, as bank procedures can be bureaucratic and time-consuming. Most 4-5 star hotels offer currency exchange, but typically limit exchanges to $500 per person per day.

Credit Cards

Before traveling: Always notify your bank about your Japan travel dates to ensure your cards work abroad and receive additional information about international usage.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Japan, and many ATMs feature English-language options for international visitors.

Note: International credit card usage may incur additional fees according to your home country's banking regulations.

Restaurants & Tipping

No tipping required! Unlike many countries, tipping is not customary in Japan. If you leave a tip, staff will likely chase after you to return it, as they consider it unnecessary and potentially embarrassing.

Payment process: Pay at the cashier counter when leaving, not to your server. Servers only bring you the bill, which corresponds to the exact number of dishes ordered.

Food

Japanese cuisine is generally mild and not overly spicy or exotic. Most restaurants display menus with prices and photos, and many showcase plastic food models in their windows.

Dining options for every budget:

Family restaurants: Joyful, Saizeriya, Big Boy (European-style home cooking)
Fast food chains: Yoshinoya, Sukiya, McDonald's (budget-friendly)
Supermarkets: Ready-to-eat meals and heat-and-serve options

International cuisine is widely available alongside traditional Japanese food.

Transportation

Transportation in Japan is expensive but exceptionally reliable. Even short subway rides can cost $2-3.

Taxis:

Use for short distances only due to high base fares
Waiting time charges apply at traffic lights
Night surcharge: 30% higher rates between 11 PM - 6 AM

Taxi light signals:

Green light: Occupied
Red light: Available
Yellow light (empty car): Driver taking a phone call

Payment: Cash or credit cards accepted

Need help? Ask locals or shopkeepers for assistance. The Japanese word for taxi is "takushi" (タクシー).

Safety

Japan has an extremely low crime rate due to strong respect for law and order. However, maintain basic safety precautions.

If lost: Local police are very helpful and have a responsibility to assist foreign tourists in reaching their hotels. English-speaking locals may be limited, so police stations are your best resource.

Phones & Internet

SIM cards are not available for purchase at regular phone stores—they're reserved for residents with contracts.

Available options:

Data-only SIM cards: Provide internet access for limited periods (available at airport vending machines or WiFi router rental shops)
WiFi router rentals: Available at major airports and city centers
Phone rentals: Available but significantly more expensive

Local calls: Use street phones or hotel lobby phones. Hotel room phones may charge fees (billed at checkout).

Wifi

Most Japanese hotels provide WiFi in rooms or lobby areas. However, traditional ryokans may not offer wireless internet.

WiFi availability:

Major cities: Widely available in cafes, shops, and airports
Smaller towns/tourist areas: Limited coverage

Electricity

Japan uses 110 volts (unlike the 220V standard in many countries).

Compatible devices: Laptops, phones, cameras, and video equipment are typically universal (100-240V) and will work fine.

Important: You'll need a plug adapter to convert round European plugs to flat Japanese plugs. Hotels may lend adapters, but availability is limited.

Warning: 220V-only devices (like some hair dryers) will not work in Japan, even with adapters.

Shopping

Japan offers diverse shopping experiences for all budgets:

Store types:

Convenience stores (Konbini): 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson—open 24/7 with amazing variety
Department stores (Depato): Large shopping centers like Mitsukoshi, Isetan, Keio—premium but expensive
Hotel shops: Private stores with flexible hours

Shopping tips:

Store hours: Generally 10 AM - 9 PM daily
Ginza (Tokyo): High-end luxury shopping district
Shibuya (Tokyo): Trendy, affordable fashion for young people
Jewelry: Tokyo offers excellent designs at reasonable prices
No haggling: Fixed prices are standard (except possible discounts on multiple tax-free purchases)
Airport shopping: Prices similar to city stores
Language barrier: Staff typically speak limited English—patience required!

Prices

Myth busted: Japan isn't as expensive as stereotypes suggest! Consumer goods like clothing, household items, and food are reasonably priced.

Value for money: Many affordable products are manufactured in China but feature much higher quality than typical Chinese exports elsewhere.

Luxury items: High taxes make brand-name products more expensive. Shop at outlet stores or "Brand Off" locations for discounted luxury goods and previous season collections.

Restrooms

Public restrooms are free, clean, and widely available throughout Japan.

Alternative options: Cafes, shops, and restaurants typically allow restroom use, especially when street facilities aren't available.

Waste Disposal

No street trash cans! Unlike other countries, Japan has very few public garbage bins. Locals carry their trash home or dispose of it at hotels.

Disposal options:

Convenience stores: 24-hour locations have waste bins
Waste separation: Recyclables (clean paper, cardboard, glass) vs. non-recyclables (food waste, dirty paper/cardboard)

Cigarette disposal: Use portable personal ashtrays or designated smoking area receptacles.

Smoking Policies

Japan actively combats smoking with strict regulations:

Prohibited areas:

All restaurants and enclosed spaces
Most public outdoor areas

Permitted areas:

Designated smoking zones only
Areas with special cigarette disposal containers

Hotels: Rooms are designated as smoking or non-smoking—specify your preference when booking.

Traditional ryokans: Historically all rooms were smoking rooms. Despite good ventilation, expect lingering tobacco odors.

Onsen (Hot Springs)

Essential etiquette for enjoying Japan's famous hot springs:

Entry restrictions:

No tattoos visible (cover with flesh-colored tape, towels, or rent family bathing suits)

Bathing protocol:

Shower thoroughly first—onsen are for relaxation, not washing
No swimwear allowed—enter nude (covering with a small towel before entering is acceptable)
Remove towel before entering the water
All toiletries provided—just bring towels

Safety guidelines:

Limit sessions: 10-15 minutes maximum due to high temperatures
Cool down: Step outside or rinse with cold water between sessions
Don't overdo it: Unlike locals accustomed since childhood, visitors shouldn't attempt 40-minute soaks

Experience authentic Japanese culture while respecting these time-honored traditions!

OUR TOURS