Japan Travel Planning FAQs
Going to a foreign country can be pretty overwhelming. Okay, very overwhelming. I've been visiting Japan annually since 2019 and I still get tripped up booking my trip, even with all my prior knowledge.
Aside from researching all the things to do and how to structure your trip, there's also need-to-knows like how to book your train tickets, getting an IC card, picking the best hotel walking distance to a train station, etc., etc...
Plus, sometimes you'll run into a wall translating a website from Japanese to English while looking up something and end up giving yourself a headache from the slow website speed and poor translation.
Anyway.
I've compiled a general FAQ for any possible questions you may have for booking your trip, so you can have an easier process and enjoy your vacation stress free. Enjoy!
Japan Trip Planning & FAQs
General Japan Overview
Do I need a visa to enter Japan?
No visa needed, you'll get a 90 day visiting visa at immigrations.
Where's the QR code for entry into Japan?
Click here for the official website!
When's the best time to visit Japan?
Any time is the best time... just kidding, haha!
If you're a first timer, I love visiting Japan in late March to April for the cherry blossom season in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka area. Autumn (late October-November) is also beautiful for the autumn foliage.
If you're open to exploring other areas of Japan, February is perfect for Hokkaido and Southern Japan (Kyushu). In Hokkaido, you can catch the famous Sapporo Snow Festival and go skiing, or you could seek out early cherry blossom blooms and warmer weather in Kyushu.
I'd generally avoid southern and central Japan during the summer, because it gets sooo humid. But if you must go during the summer, consider visiting Hokkaido to escape the heat, instead.
Phone and Internet Access in Japan
Can I just use public wifi in Japan?
No, I wouldn't count on it. It's not the most reliable and only works in certain areas of Japan. You're better off with buying e-sim, an international data plan, or pocket wifi.
Is pocket wifi or esim better in Japan?
If you're traveling as an individual, an E-sim may be better. If you're traveling as a group, pocket Wi-Fi could be more helpful because multiple people can share it.
What's the best esim for japan?
I recommend buying data on AirAlo, it's affordable starting around $4.50 USD for 1 GB, and you don't have to buy or carry anything physically. My fiancé and I use it whenever we come back to the country!
What apps are essential while traveling in Japan?
You don't need much! I recommend Google Maps to save places, Google Translate, and adding the SUICA IC transit card to your phone wallet so you don't have to stop while exiting the train station.
Planning your Japan itinerary
How do I start planning a trip to Japan?
Planning your trip can be so overwhelming, I know. I've spent many a day aimlessly going in circles over which cities and sights I want to visit on my trip. After all, we want to make the best use of our time, right?
First, start off with what cities you want to visit. If it's your first time visiting Japan, you'll most likely want to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with a day trip or two to other cities like Nara or Hakone.
You can check out my Japan itineraries here to get a head start! Feel free to email me with any questions to might have.
Should I use a travel agency or plan my own trip?
I think you can plan your own trip perfectly!
There's tons of free resources on the web, just like my website.
If you're really short on time, I offer customized itineraries with hotel recommendations based off your personal preferences and budget. Feel free to email me!
I need help with my itinerary!
If you already have a general itinerary, I can look over it! Feel free to send it my way. Or if you want help on how to start, you can take a look at my pre-planned itineraries here.
How much spending money do I need each day for food, activities, and shopping?
10,000 yen (around $65 USD) a day is a good ballpark.
Japan is a special beast in that you can either live very frugally, and consume convenience store food for all your meals, or you can live bougie and eat delicious omakase and kaiseki course meals for $100 USD a person. The decision is yours!
I prebook a lot of my activities like tours, and things that sell out fast (like TeamLab), but in general most museums or attractions aren't that expensive to visit (think $5-$10 USD admission fee).
Meals will generally cost around $15-$20 on average.
How much money should I convert to yen?
For a 2 week trip, I generally bring around $700-$1,000 USD, converted to yen (150,000 JPY). If you're on the frugal side, you can probably make it work with $500.
I've been on both ends of the spectrum. I've brought $500 for a 2 week trip, and had to take money out of the ATM every day towards the end of it.
However, I've also taken $1,000 for a 2 week trip and had some excess left over, so depending on your traveling style I would go somewhere between that range.
Should I convert money ahead of time or exchange money when I'm there?
I would convert at least $200-$300 USD into yen before my arrival, just in case.
However, if you don't get a chance to exchange money beforehand, you'll be just fine as long as you have a debit/credit card with no foreign exchange fees.
The Narita and Haneda Airports actually have pretty good exchange rates that aren't too marked up. I would avoid foreign exchange stores around Japan, I found them to be generally marked up.
Here's the hack: if you have a card with no foreign exchange fees, then withdraw money from your local 7/11! They don't have foreign exchange fees, and the exchange rate is usually pretty good.
If you don't have a card with no exchange fees, then definitely exchange money before your trip. Shrines, rural areas, and small mom & pop shops don't always accept credit card.
Transportation in Japan
How to I get from the airport to my hotel?
I recommend using Google Maps to navigate from Narita/Haneda Airport to your hotel. It can take around 1 hour to get to central Tokyo from Narita, and 45 minutes from Haneda.
You don't have to book an airport taxi service, but if you're traveling with a large group or senior travelers, it's the more comfortable option. You can book a private airport pick-up or drop off on Klook.
Do I need a Japan Rail Pass?
If you're planning on traveling all around Japan, you may want to consider the JR Rail Pass. It offers unlimited travel via JR Trains (including Limited Express/Express and local trains), as well as JR Buses.
You can either get a Whole Japan Rail Pass or region-specific passes like Hokkaido or Tokyo. The country Japan Rail Pass is available as a 7, 14, or 21 day pass. Specific regions offer shorter days like 4 or 5.
One huge bonus to the pass is that you can reserve seats in advance, which is perfect when traveling long distances.
However, the biggest thing to note is that the pass is really more for long-distance travel between cities. Most local subway lines throughout the city won't be JR. So unless you plan on making a ton of day trips, the pass might not be worth it for you.
Before you purchase it, you should use a Japan Rail Pass Calculator to determine if the places you want to visit will cost more or less with the pass. You can also read more about it on the official website to determine if it suits your schedule.
Overall, if you pretty much break even on buying regular Shinkansen tickets versus the Japan Rail Pass, I would just skip the pass.
How do I book Shinkansen (Bullet Train) tickets?
The easiest way to book Shinkansen tickets is on Klook. It's user-friendly, and you don't need to translate anything. Klook will give you a QR code for your seat upon booking and will usually always seat groups near each other.
However, if you want to book exact seats (in the case you want seats with extra luggage space), then I wouldn't count on Klook. Even if you select a seat with luggage space, it's usually not available and you'll be refunded the difference and assigned a regular seat.
If you want to try booking seats with luggage space, then I would make an account on the official Shinkansen website. You can select your exact seats here, and see whether seats with luggage space are available. However, it isn't as user friendly.
Can I take my luggage with me on the Shinkansen?
If you want to bring your carry on luggage with you, it's no problem at all.
However, if you want to bring a full sized check in luggage with you, then it gets difficult. In my personal experience, I have never been able to nab a Shinkansen seat with full size luggage storage. There are very few seats available that allow full size luggage storage. You have to book way in advance, or get extremely lucky.
I've been that obnoxious person with my suitcase in front of my knees, and it wasn't fun. If the Shinkansen is empty, then you're fine, but I wouldn't count on it.
What's the SUICA/PASMO/ICOCA/IC Card?
SUICA, Pasmo, ICOCA, and all the other transit cards you may see are basically the same thing. These are IC cards that you can put money into to pay for train rides, so you don't have to purchase individual tickets or constantly take out your wallet.
You can download them onto your phone wallet so you can just tap your phone on the ticketing machine, you don't even have to open your digital wallet.
Additionally to train rides, you can also use your IC card on vending machines, convenience stores like 7/11 or Lawson, and even some restaurants!
Which IC card is better?
I personally use SUICA, because SUICA and PASMO seem to be the easiest to load onto your Apple Wallet (I'm not familiar with Android, but I assume it's similar).
How do I buy the IC Card?
You can buy it on your phone wallet before your trip, at the JR East Travel Service Center in New Chitose Airport, or pretty much any airport or train station.
The first time I purchased it in person and then added it to my phone, but you can skip this by buying it online directly.
The card itself is ¥1000 to purchase, then you must load it with money (¥1000-¥10,000 at a time).
Can I use one SUICA card for my family?
Each individual needs their own SUICA card.
Is the Luggage Delivery Service worth it?
Yes, yes, and YES. Definitely use Japan's luggage delivery service so you don't have to constantly pick up your full sized check in and heave it up and down the stairs.
The elevators at the train stations can often be located the opposite direction of where you want to go, and sometimes there are only stairs to get off the train platform.
The luggage system is tremendously easy to use, and your luggage will arrive to your hotel in around 2 days.
Click here for my full guide on how to use the luggage delivery system in Japan (and why you should use it).
Hotels/Accommodation in Japan
I'm looking for hotels in X city, any recommendations?
Yesss, I got you!
Here are my hotel recommendations, sorted by city:
Which websites are legit for booking hotels in Japan?
I use Booking and Agoda to book all my accommodations! I prefer to keep everything on one platform so that I don't forget to cancel a hotel.
You can check out my Resources Page to see what I use to book hotels, activities, traveler's insurance, etc.
How far in advance should I book my hotels?
In general, it's best to book your hotels in Japan 3 months before your trip. I recommend booking a hotel with free cancellation in case your plans change later.
I've been able to stay at some decent places when booking 2 months ahead, but if you want to stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel), then definitely book 3-6 months ahead as the best ryokan sell out very quickly.
If you're visiting during the off-season, then you can usually book 1-2 months ahead without any problems.
My Airbnb is asking for a picture of my passport, is this normal?
Yes, it's normal and required by the Japanese government! So don't be afraid.
When you check into a hotel, they will also scan the passport of every guest.
Onsen and Ryokan FAQs
Can I wear a bathing suit in an onsen?
No you never should. It's not allowed and frowned upon.
However, there are some rare onsen like Kusatsu Onsen that allow mixed onsen with bathing suits in Sainokawara on Fridays, or Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma that provides special bath coverings.
What's the difference between a ryokan and a regular hotel?
Hospitality, baby! A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that provides outstanding customer service, paying attention to fine details.
Think of it like this: a hot tea service upon check-in while overlooking a scenic garden, a luxury multi-course meal featuring local, fresh ingredients, and incredible hospitality throughout your stay.
You'll also get to enjoy traditional Japanese interiors, like tatami mats, shoji screens, futon bedding, and perhaps a steaming hot spring. Ryokans can range from very traditional inns to more modern stays with Western beds and buffets.
I personally prefer a more modern stay, as some traditional inns don't have baths/showers inside the room, so you will have an outdoor shower or public shower. It's totally up to your preferences, though!
You can read about my experiences staying in a ryokan in Hakodate* and Kyoto*.
How many days should I stay in a ryokan?
I personally believe that the ideal amount of time to stay in a ryokan is 1-2 days, so that you can fully enjoy the hotel's amenities and onsen while also exploring the area.
Will I be allowed to go in onsen with tattoos?
Typically you won't be allowed to enter the public onsen with tattoos. If you have a small tattoo you might be able to get away with covering it with a tattoo sticker (no sleeves, though!)
You can always inquire with the hotel directly, but I would recommend booking a private onsen if you have a lot of tattoos.