Essential Things to Know Before Traveling in Japan on Your Own (Latest Update)
1. Transportation – Japan Is One of the Easiest Countries to Get Around (If You Know the Basics)
Trains are the star of the show
- JR Line – Main rail network that connects cities all over Japan
- Subway / Metro – City trains in places like Tokyo and Osaka
- Private Railways – e.g. Keio, Odakyu, Hankyu and others
Tip: Download Google Maps or Japan Travel by NAVITIME – they give very accurate routes, platforms, and transfer info.
IC Cards (very important!)
- Suica / Pasmo / Icoca – prepaid cards you tap to pay for trains, buses, vending machines, and convenience stores
- You can buy them at the airport or at ticket machines in stations
2. Cash Is Still Necessary
Japan is modern, but many small shops, shrines, and some local buses still accept cash only.
Money exchange
- Some money changers in Thailand offer better rates (e.g. SuperRich, Value Plus)
ATMs that accept foreign cards
- ATMs in 7-Eleven
- Lawson Bank ATMs
- JP Post Bank (post offices)
3. Japanese Etiquette (Very Important When You Visit)
- Don’t talk loudly on trains
- Eating on trains is usually not allowed (except on some long-distance trains like the Shinkansen)
- Always queue and wait your turn
- Trash cans are hard to find → carry a small plastic bag for your rubbish
- At temples and shrines, you can bow slightly before taking photos as a sign of respect
4. You Should Always Have Internet
You have 3 main options:
- eSIM (easiest)
- Pocket Wi-Fi
- Local Japanese SIM card
Recommended: eSIM – no need to return a device and setup is simple.
5. Getting from the Airport into the City
Tokyo (Narita – NRT)
- Keisei Skyliner
- Narita Express (NEX)
Tokyo (Haneda – HND)
- Tokyo Monorail
- Keikyu Line
Osaka (Kansai – KIX)
- Nankai Line
- JR Kansai Airport Rapid
6. Main Travel Areas You Should Know Before Planning
You can think of Japan’s popular areas in 3 main zones:
Tokyo area
- Shinjuku
- Harajuku
- Shibuya
- Asakusa
- Tokyo Disney Resort
Kansai (Osaka – Kyoto – Nara)
- Dotonbori
- Osaka Castle
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Fushimi Inari Shrine (the “red gates”)
- Nara (deer park and temples)
Hokkaido
- Sapporo
- Otaru
- Furano
- Biei
7. Weather
Japan’s weather changes quickly.
- March–May: Cold to cool
- June–August: Rainy season + hot
- September–November: Autumn leaves
- December–February: Very cold, snow in many areas
Bringing the right clothes will save you money (no need to buy extra jackets there).
8. Toilets in Japan Are Very Clean
- Available in almost every station
- Free to use
- Many have warm toilet seats and bidet functions (Most travelers usually love this)
9. Shopping – Tax Free
If you spend 5,000 yen or more at shops with a “TAX FREE” sign, you can get the tax refunded.
- Don’t forget to bring your passport when shopping
10. Popular Rail Passes for Tourists
- JR Pass
- Tokyo Subway Pass
- Osaka Amazing Pass
- Kansai Thru Pass
If you’re visiting multiple cities, these passes can save you a lot of money.
Final Summary
Traveling in Japan on your own is not difficult at all.
Just remember these 4 essentials:
- IC card (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) for trains and buses
- Internet – eSIM / Pocket Wi-Fi / local SIM
- Navigation apps (Google Maps, NAVITIME)
- Some cash for small shops and local places
Whether you go to Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, most of your trip will rely on the train system.
Once you understand the basics, you’ll find that getting around Japan is actually easier than in many other countries.
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