Category: Travel

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Japan is a “pack light” country: you’ll walk a lot, hotel rooms are small, and you’ll want space for shopping. Here’s a practical packing list, plus the season-specific extras that actually matter.

The essentials (any season)

• Comfortable walking shoes — you’ll easily do 15,000+ steps a day.
• Slip-on shoes help at temples, ryokan, and restaurants where you remove them.
• Type A power adapter (Japan uses 100V, flat two-pin) and a power bank.
• An eSIM so your phone works on arrival.
• A small day bag and a foldable tote for shopping (and carrying trash — bins are rare).
• Cash card that works at 7-Eleven ATMs, plus a coin purse (you’ll accumulate coins).
• Any prescription meds — check Japan’s rules, as some common ingredients are restricted.

Season-specific

• Spring/Autumn: layers and a light jacket; mornings and evenings are cool.
• Summer: breathable clothes, a good sunscreen, a hand fan, and a small towel (locals carry them). It’s hot and humid.
• Winter: a warm coat, layers, and Uniqlo Heattech-style base layers; it’s cold but rarely snowy in the big cities.
• Rainy season (June): a compact umbrella (or buy a cheap clear one at any konbini).

What you can leave at home

• Too many toiletries — Japanese drugstores and konbini have everything, often better.
• Heavy guidebooks — Google Maps and your phone do the job.
• Lots of cash from home — withdraw yen as you go from konbini ATMs.

Leave room for the trip home

You will buy things — snacks, skincare, stationery. Consider luggage forwarding (takkyubin) between hotels, and read how to buy from Japan for anything you spot but can’t carry.

Most items above are easy to grab on Amazon before you fly. Then follow the first-timer tips and 7-day itinerary.

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Osaka is Japan’s kitchen and its friendliest big city — louder, funnier, and hungrier than Tokyo. Most visitors only see Dotonbori, but there’s a lot more. Here’s what to do, eat, and where to look beyond the neon.

The must-sees

• Dotonbori — yes, do it: the giant signs, the Glico runner, and street food at night.
• Kuromon Ichiba Market — a fresh-food market; go in the morning for seafood and fruit.
• Osaka Castle — the park is lovely, especially in cherry blossom season.
• Umeda Sky Building — a striking floating-garden observatory.

Beyond Dotonbori (the local side)

• Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku — retro, gritty, and full of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
• Nakazakicho — a hipster pocket of indie cafés and vintage shops.
• Hozenji Yokocho — a tiny lantern-lit alley just off the chaos of Dotonbori.

Eat like an Osakan

• Takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake) — Osaka’s signatures.
• Kushikatsu in Shinsekai — remember: no double-dipping the sauce.
• Kitsune udon — Osaka claims it as its own.

Day trips from Osaka

Osaka is a great base for the Kansai region: Nara (bowing deer and a giant Buddha), Kobe (beef and port views), and of course Kyoto — see where to stay in Kyoto if you split your nights. Book tours easily on Klook .

Practical tips

• Kansai has its own regional passes — often better value than the nationwide one; see the JR Pass guide.
• Grab an IC card and an eSIM on arrival.

Osaka usually closes out our 7-day Japan itinerary — a tasty way to end the trip.

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Tokyo can feel overwhelming — it’s really dozens of distinct neighborhoods stitched together by trains. Here’s a first-timer’s shortlist of the things genuinely worth your time, mixing the icons with a few local favorites.

The icons (do at least these)

• Shibuya Scramble Crossing — the famous intersection; view it from above at a nearby café or Shibuya Sky.
• Senso-ji, Asakusa — Tokyo’s oldest temple; go early to beat crowds, then explore the old-town lanes.
• Meiji Shrine + Harajuku — a forest shrine next to Tokyo’s wildest street fashion.
• teamLab — the immersive digital-art museum; book tickets in advance.

Neighborhoods to wander

• Shinjuku — nightlife, Golden Gai, and the free observation deck at the Metro Government Building.
• Shimokitazawa — vintage shops and cafés, relaxed and local.
• Yanaka — old Tokyo alleys that survived the wars; quiet and charming.
• Akihabara — anime, games, and electronics; see how to buy figures.

Food experiences

• Tsukiji Outer Market for a seafood breakfast.
• Standing sushi, ramen shops, and depachika (department-store food halls) — some of the best cheap eats anywhere.
• Konbini snacks count too — see our konbini must-buys.

Easy escapes

When you want a break from the city, Tokyo has brilliant day trips (Hakone, Nikko, Mt. Fuji).

Practical tips

• Base yourself on the Yamanote line — see where to stay in Tokyo.
• Get an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) and an eSIM so you can navigate freely.
• Book timed-entry attractions (teamLab, Shibuya Sky) ahead on Klook .

Fitting Tokyo into a bigger trip? Use our 7-day Japan itinerary.

Japan is famously polite, but the “rules” are mostly common sense once you know them. You won’t offend anyone by making an honest mistake — locals are forgiving with visitors — but knowing these will help you blend in and travel smoothly.

Trains & public spaces

• Keep quiet on trains. No phone calls; set your phone to silent (“manner mode”).
• Queue neatly on the marked lines, and let people off before you board.
• Escalators: stand on one side (left in Tokyo, right in Osaka), walk on the other.
• Backpacks off in crowded trains; hold them in front or on the rack.

Eating & drinking

• No tipping — it’s not expected and can confuse staff.
• Say “itadakimasu” before eating if you like; “gochisousama” after.
• Chopstick manners: don’t stick them upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick (funeral symbolism).
• Slurping noodles is fine — even encouraged.
• Don’t eat while walking in most places; step aside or eat where you bought it.

Shoes, temples & onsen

• Shoes off where you see a step up and slippers (ryokan, some restaurants, homes, temples).
• At shrines/temples, be quiet and respectful; follow posted photo rules.
• Onsen (hot springs): wash thoroughly before entering; no swimsuits; keep the small towel out of the water. Tattoos can be an issue at some places — check ahead.

Everyday courtesy

• Carry your trash; public bins are rare. A small bag helps.
• Cash handling: place money on the little tray, not into the hand.
• A small bow or nod goes a long way; “arigatou” and “sumimasen” cover a lot.

That’s it — nothing scary. For more practical basics, see our first-time-in-Japan tips, then start planning with the 7-day itinerary.

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Kyoto’s sights are spread out, so where you sleep really matters. Pick the right base and you’ll walk to temples in the morning and reach the train easily. Here’s a first-timer’s guide to Kyoto’s best neighborhoods and what to book.

Best areas to stay

Near Kyoto Station — most convenient

Best for easy arrivals/departures (the Shinkansen stops here), buses to everywhere, and a wide range of hotels. Less atmospheric but the most practical base, especially for short stays.

Downtown (Kawaramachi / Gion) — central & atmospheric

Walkable to shopping, restaurants, the Nishiki food market, and the geisha district of Gion. The best all-round location if you want to stroll in the evening. Pricier.

Higashiyama — traditional & scenic

Steps from Kiyomizu-dera and the old lanes. Quieter at night and full of character; ideal for early temple mornings.

Arashiyama — nature retreat

The bamboo grove and riverside. Beautiful and calm, but further from the center — great for a night, less ideal for your whole stay.

Stay in a ryokan at least once

Kyoto is the place to try a ryokan (traditional inn) with tatami rooms, a kaiseki dinner, and sometimes a private onsen. Even one night is memorable. Filter for ryokan and machiya (townhouse) stays on Booking.com and Agoda .

Booking tips

• Book very early. Kyoto sells out first in cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
• Mind the buses. Kyoto relies on buses; staying central saves a lot of transit time.
• One-night ryokan + central hotel is a great combo: splurge once, stay practical otherwise.

Coming from Tokyo? See whether the JR Pass is worth it, and slot Kyoto into your 7-day itinerary. Staying in Tokyo too? Here’s where to stay in Tokyo.

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Tokyo is amazing, but some of Japan’s best experiences are a short train ride away. These three day trips — Hakone, Nikko, and the Mt. Fuji area — are all doable as round trips and give you mountains, hot springs, and shrines without changing hotels.

Hakone — hot springs & Mt. Fuji views

About 90 minutes from Shinjuku, Hakone is the classic onsen escape. Do the scenic “loop”: mountain railway, cablecar, a pirate ship across Lake Ashi, and (on a clear day) Fuji views. Soak in an onsen before heading back. The Hakone Free Pass covers most of the transport and is easy to buy in English on Klook .

Nikko — shrines in the mountains

Two hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage town of ornate shrines set in cedar forest, plus waterfalls and a scenic lake up the mountain. Toshogu Shrine is the highlight. Best in autumn for the foliage.

Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko) — the iconic view

For that postcard Fuji shot reflected in a lake, head to the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko). Great for photos, a ropeway, and lakeside cafés. Note: Fuji is clearest in the colder months and early mornings; summer often hides it in cloud.

How to choose

• Want hot springs + Fuji + variety? Hakone.
• Love temples & nature? Nikko.
• Chasing the perfect Fuji photo? Kawaguchiko.

Tips

• Go early. First train out beats the crowds and the afternoon clouds.
• Check the pass math. Regional day passes usually beat singles — related: is the JR Pass worth it?
• Book guided tours if you want zero logistics; compare on GetYourGuide or Klook.

Fitting these into a week? See our 7-day Japan itinerary and sort your eSIM and Tokyo base first.

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An IC card is the single most useful thing you’ll get in Japan. Tap it to ride any train, subway, or bus, and use it to pay at convenience stores, vending machines, and lots of shops. Here’s how Suica, Pasmo, and the tourist versions compare.

Suica vs Pasmo — what’s the difference?

Honestly, almost none. Both are rechargeable tap cards that work nationwide on nearly all transit and at the same shops. Suica is run by JR East, Pasmo by the private railways. Pick whichever you can get first.

Mobile Suica/Pasmo — the best option for many

If you have an iPhone (or Apple Watch), you can add a Suica or Pasmo straight into Apple Wallet and top it up with your credit card — no physical card, no queue, no deposit. This is often the easiest route for visitors. Some Android/Google Pay setups support it too, depending on region.

Physical cards for tourists

Due to a chip shortage, standard plastic Suica/Pasmo have had limited availability at times. Tourist versions to look for:

• Welcome Suica — no deposit, valid 28 days, for visitors.
• Pasmo Passport — similar tourist card.

You buy these at airport stations and major terminals. If mobile Suica works on your phone, though, you may not need a physical card at all.

How to use it

• Top up at any station machine (cash) or, on mobile, with your card.
• Tap in and out at train gates — it calculates the fare automatically.
• Pay at konbini by saying the card name and tapping.

Do you still need a rail pass?

IC cards handle city travel and short hops perfectly. For long-distance Shinkansen trips, that’s a separate decision — see whether the JR Pass is worth it. For everything else, an IC card plus an eSIM covers your day-to-day. New to Japan? Start with our first-timer tips.

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Tokyo has two airports, and they’re very different distances from the city. Here’s the simple guide to getting from Narita and Haneda into central Tokyo without overpaying or getting lost.

From Haneda (close — 30–45 min)

Haneda is the closer, easier airport. Best options:

• Keikyu Line / Tokyo Monorail — cheap and fast to Shinagawa/Hamamatsucho, then connect on the Yamanote line. Tap in with a Suica/Pasmo.
• Airport Limousine Bus — direct to major hotels; great with luggage.
• Taxi — reasonable at night if you’re a group heading to a central hotel.

From Narita (far — 60–90 min)

Narita is ~60 km out, so the transfer matters more:

• Keisei Skyliner — fastest to Ueno/Nippori (about 40 min); buy discounted tickets in advance.
• Narita Express (N’EX) — direct to Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama; comfortable with big bags.
• Airport Limousine Bus — door-to-hotel, no transfers.
• Budget buses — cheapest to Tokyo Station if you’re watching every yen.

You can pre-book Skyliner, N’EX, and bus tickets in English (often discounted) on Klook , which saves queueing at the airport counter.

Which to choose

• Light bags, want cheapest: trains + IC card.
• Lots of luggage / late arrival: Limousine Bus or taxi straight to the hotel.
• Narita to west Tokyo (Shinjuku/Shibuya): N’EX; to Ueno/Asakusa: Skyliner.

Before you land

Have your eSIM active so maps work immediately, know which neighborhood your hotel is in, and grab an IC card at the station. Then you’re ready for the 7-day itinerary.

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There’s no single “best” month to visit Japan — it depends on whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, snow, or just fewer crowds and lower prices. Here’s an honest month-by-month breakdown.

Season by season

Spring (March–May) — cherry blossoms

The famous sakura bloom, usually late March to early April in Tokyo/Kyoto. Beautiful but the busiest and priciest window — book hotels months ahead. Late May is quieter and pleasant.

Summer (June–August) — festivals & heat

June is rainy season; July–August are hot and humid but full of fireworks and matsuri festivals. Great for northern Japan (Hokkaido) and mountains, tough in the cities.

Autumn (September–November) — best all-rounder

Comfortable temperatures and spectacular fall foliage (peaking Nov in Kyoto). Arguably the best mix of weather, scenery, and manageable crowds. Watch for typhoons in September.

Winter (December–February) — snow & deals

Cold but crisp and clear, world-class skiing in Hokkaido/Nagano, onsen in the snow, and the lowest prices and crowds (outside New Year). Illuminations everywhere.

Quick picks

• First trip, best weather: late October–November.
• Cherry blossoms: late March–early April (book early).
• Fewest crowds & cheapest: January–February (skip New Year week).
• Skiing: January–February.

Crowds & costs

Avoid the three big domestic holidays when everything is packed and pricey: New Year (late Dec–early Jan), Golden Week (late April–early May), and Obon (mid-August). Traveling just outside these saves money and stress. Whenever you go, lock in central hotels early via Booking.com .

Once you’ve picked your month, map out the days with our 7-day itinerary and sort trains and an eSIM.

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Japan is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel — once you know a handful of local rules. Here are the things first-timers most often wish someone had told them before landing.

Money & payments

• Carry some cash. Cards and IC cards work widely now, but small restaurants, shrines, and rural spots are still cash-only. Convenience-store ATMs (7-Eleven, Japan Post) accept foreign cards 24/7.
• Get an IC card. Suica or Pasmo tap you through trains and buy things at konbini — see our IC card guide.
• Tax-free shopping exists for tourists over a spend threshold — bring your passport.

Trains

• Use Google Maps — it’s excellent for Japanese trains, showing platforms and exact carriages.
• Don’t overbuy the rail pass. After the 2023 price hike, singles are often cheaper — check our JR Pass guide.
• Be quiet on trains. Phone calls are a no; keep your voice low.

Etiquette that matters

• No tipping. It can cause confusion — service is included.
• Don’t eat while walking in most places; step aside.
• Shoes off where you see a step up and slippers (ryokan, some restaurants, homes).
• Trash bins are rare — carry a small bag and dispose at your hotel or a konbini.
• Queue neatly and stand on the correct side of the escalator (left in Tokyo, right in Osaka).

Connectivity & language

• Set up data before you fly with an eSIM.
• Download a translation app; camera translation is a lifesaver for menus.
• A few words go a long way: arigatou (thanks), sumimasen (excuse me/sorry).

Practical bits

• Konbini are your friend — food, ATMs, tickets, clean toilets. Learn to shop Japan in general and you’ll never be stuck.
• Luggage forwarding (takkyubin) lets you send bags hotel-to-hotel cheaply — travel light on transit days.
• Book central hotels early — see where to stay in Tokyo.

Ready to plan the days? Follow our 7-day first-timer itinerary.