If Japan travel planning is on your mind, get ready for an adventure like no other. Japan is where ancient traditions and neon-lit cities collide, blending history and innovation in the most captivating way.
Looking back on our trip, there’s nothing I’d change because it went wrong—but there are a few things I would have done differently to make it even better. And if I could go back and give my past self a few pointers, I definitely would.
That’s why I’m sharing three Japan travel planning tips—so you can explore with confidence and make the most of your time in this incredible country.
Sometimes, Dan and I play a little game: “If we had to leave for vacation tomorrow and could only go somewhere we’ve been before, where would we go?” Japan is almost always my answer. I don’t like to play favorites, but every now and then, a place just sticks with you—and Japan is one of those places. It’s probably the trip we talk about the most because it was so different from anywhere else we’d been. It was also one of the most immersive cultural experiences we’ve ever had while traveling.
So, consider this your head start! Here are my top three Japan travel tips to help make your trip as smooth and memorable as possible.
1. Japan Moves Fast—And So Will You
There’s so much to see and do in Japan, and you’ll cover a lot of ground if you want to take in as much as possible.
You’re going to walk—a lot. And I mean a lot. We averaged at least 27,000 steps per day on our trip, in addition to using public transportation.
We navigated Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka entirely on foot and by train. If this might be your only trip to Japan, be prepared to be on the move.
Navigate Japan’s Train System with Confidence
Even with signs in both Japanese and English, navigating the train stations can still feel overwhelming. The sheer amount of activity, signage, and movement can make it hard to feel calm as a first-time visitor.
And, because English isn’t widely spoken (more on that later), getting help can take time if you’re struggling to figure things out.
Two ways to make train travel less stressful:
- Learn about Japan’s transportation system before you go.
- Give yourself extra time when traveling between destinations.
I usually pride myself on mastering public transit when we travel, but even by the end of our trip, I wasn’t ready to claim expert status. I might just need another trip, or three, to get to that level (oh darn!).
Instead, I’ll recommend an expert resource. Check out Japan-Guide.com—an incredibly helpful site with detailed information on Japan’s various transit options. They provide digestible overviews and even video content to help you understand the system before you arrive.
Comfortable Shoes Are a Must
Did I mention your step count is about to skyrocket? Kidding… but not really.
With neon lights flashing, famous crosswalks buzzing, and even a giant Godzilla looming overhead (yes, really), walking through the city feels like stepping into a real-life video game.
That said, comfort should take priority when it comes to your shoes. If you’ve found a sneaker that blends both comfort and style, hooray! Otherwise, opt for comfort.
One of my top travel rules: never break in new shoes on a trip—and this most definitely applies to Japan. Your feet, really your entire body, will be exhausted by the end of each day, so don’t start off on the wrong foot (literally). Bring your most comfortable walking shoes. You can thank me later.
2. Kindness & Culture: Understanding Japan Beyond Words
Small Gestures That Made a Big Impact
By far, Japan is where we’ve experienced the biggest language barrier in our travels. And yet, it’s also the place where we understood the culture most—through actions, customs, and interactions rather than words.
Before our trip, everyone who had been to Japan told us the same thing: The people are incredibly kind. Even with the language barrier, someone was always willing to help us, and their kindness left a lasting impression.
There are two moments from our trip that I love to share:
One afternoon in Kyoto, we stopped at Starbucks for a drink. When they called our order, we noticed they had handwritten “Welcome to Kyoto” in both English and Japanese on our cups. It was a small, unexpected gesture that filled me with pure joy—one of those quiet, heartwarming moments that prove kindness, in any language, has the power to brighten someone’s day.
Another morning, we were in a small café with limited seating. A businessman working at a two-person table noticed us waiting and, without hesitation, gathered his things. He gestured for us to have the table and moved to the counter so we could take his spot. No words were exchanged, just a kind smile and a simple act of generosity.
These might seem like small moments, but they’re some of the most meaningful from any of our travels. They reflect the deep values of respect and hospitality ingrained in Japanese culture.
Respecting Local Customs: Things to Keep in Mind
As a visitor, return the kindness by respecting their customs:
- Take off your shoes in your hotel room.
- Don’t eat on the subway or while walking around.
- Keep your voice down in public spaces.
- Check photography rules before taking pictures at cultural sites.
- Be on time or even better, arrive early!
Another way to show respect is by learning a few essential phrases in Japanese. If you’re unsure where to start, I’ve put together a list of helpful phrases for travelers. Also, download the Google Translate app—it was a lifesaver on our trip.
Moral of the story: In addition to learning about the transportation system, spend time learning Japanese etiquette before you go.
3. Be Adventurous with Your Food
Why You Should Plan a Food Tour
This might sound silly, but want to know my biggest regret from our Japan trip? Not going on a food tour.
If I could do it again, I’d book a food tour for our first full day (give yourself time to reset from the time difference and jet lag). Many of Japan’s best food spots are tucked away and don’t offer English menus. A local guide would have helped us:
- Find hidden gems we wouldn’t have discovered on our own.
- Learn the stories behind different dishes.
- Feel more confident ordering and trying new things.
We had amazing food—so good that we couldn’t eat sushi in the U.S. for six months after returning. But I know we missed out on some incredible dishes simply because I was intimidated or didn’t fully understand the menu.
While I can’t personally recommend a specific tour, I’d start with searching Viator or Get Your Guide for ideas. Make sure to browse the reviews before booking—it’s the best way to ensure the excursion meets your expectations!
Essential Food Etiquette for Travelers
Let’s keep adding to the list of things to learn for your trip! Here are a few food etiquette tips to know before your culinary explorations:
- Slurping is normal! It’s a sign of enjoyment when eating noodle dishes like ramen or soba.
- Tipping is not customary. Instead, show gratitude with a smile and a heartfelt arigato gozaimasu (thank you).
- Be mindful with chopsticks. Avoid sticking them upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
Japan will change How you Travel
Did you notice a theme as you were reading? You’ll be learning a lot as you plan your trip to Japan.
Researching about the country’s customs and traditions beforehand will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
You’ll be overstimulated, over-walked, and completely in awe—and it will all be worth it. It’s been several years since we’ve been to Japan but I still remember it so vividly because it impacted the way we travel to this day.
I hope this post encourages you to plan thoughtfully, travel respectfully, and embrace every moment. Japan is incredible, and if you let it, this trip could truly change the way you see the world.
This is just the beginning of my Japan travel content, so stay tuned for more! In the meantime, reach out with any questions—or share your favorite Japan travel experiences with me!
With joy,
Bri
