21 Tips for Traveling in Japan from Local Residents that Travelers Must Know

Tips so you can enjoy your trip to Japan more

It is not difficult to find out the reasons why Japan is the number one holiday destination in 2023. From hunting for beautiful cherry blossoms to visiting Japan, there are so many reasons that make me want to visit Japan again and again.

One thing is for sure, even after traveling to Japan many times, I am still learning new ways to enjoy my travels. So I chatted with some of my Japanese friends to find out what the best travel tips are for truly enjoying all that Japan has to offer. Here are the things I learned from that chat!

1. Choose the best time to visit

There are generally three best seasons to visit Japan, each with its own charm. Spring in March and April are perhaps the busiest months in Japan as cherry blossoms bloom all over the country. Fall from September to November also brings cooler weather and stunning views of bright red maple leaves.

For those looking for a snowy holiday, the winter season from December to February usually transforms and becomes like a snowy fairyland.

Although not very popular, you can also enjoy Japanese summer. June is a wonderful time to see hydrangeas. Because Japanese people rarely travel during this period, it is also easier for you to find flights and hotels at affordable prices. In July and August, you can also head to the mountains of Karuizawa or head north to Hokkaido which is cool and perfect for exploring the outdoors.

As much as possible, avoid holidays in Japan such as Golden Week (3 to 7 May) and Silver Week (16 to 18 September) because most local residents are also busy exploring various tourist destinations.

2. Buy tickets to popular attractions in advance

As one of the most popular destinations in 2024, Japan expects tourists to continue coming in large numbers. Usually, foreign tourists really like Japanese amusement parks. As a result, there were long queues at many top tourist attractions such as, and .

To avoid disappointment, you are advised to buy tickets in advance, especially if you plan to go to Japan during high season.

Apart from that, in travel forums there are many stories circulating about tourists who have difficulty paying for tickets to tourist attractions in Japan using credit cards from outside Japan, even when making transactions on the official website. Even the official Universal Studios Japan website states that "Payment using Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued outside Japan is not available until further notice."

Klook Tip: Before leaving for Japan, you can order all your needs including tickets to tourist attractions in Japan via Klook. You can use various payment methods and can use Rupiah!

3. Save 10% with Tax Free Shopping

One of the things I enjoy is shopping in Japan, especially shopping using the Yen which is currently in a weak position compared to various other currencies including the Rupiah. Just like the 11% VAT that applies in Indonesia, Japan also charges a 10% consumption tax for most types of goods and services. However, as a tourist you might be able to save money if you shop at duty-free shops with a minimum spend of ¥5,000. Just look to see if the shop has a "Tax-Free Store" sign outside the shop, and make sure to only pay at the tax-free counter!

Don't forget to show your passport to process tax-free shopping. My advice, keep carrying your passport in your bag, OK?

Tax-free shopping is available in places such as (electronics), Uniqlo (clothing), Muji (household appliances), ABC-Mart (shoes), Don Quijote (discount stores), Matsumoto Kiyoshi (cosmetics), as well as department stores such as Daimaru and Takashimaya.

Items that qualify for tax-free shopping in Japan are generally classified into two categories - General Goods and Consumables. Regardless of the category, items purchased are for personal consumption only and must be taken out of Japan.

General goods refer to things like clothing, household goods, bags, etc. To qualify for tax free, you must shop at least ¥5,000 before tax in stores in one day. You are allowed to use these items immediately after purchase.

Consumables refer to things like food, cosmetics, alcohol, etc. You must spend between ¥5,000 to ¥500,000 before tax in stores in one day to qualify. These items will usually be sealed in a clear plastic bag which you must take out of the country within 30 days. You are not allowed to consume these items or even open the plastic bags while in Japan.

If you shop in large quantities, you can also ask the staff to pack the items you buy into smaller bags so you can put them in your suitcase easily.

Klook Tip: If you want to buy cosmetics and household goods from duty-free shops, take the time to compare prices first as there may be price differences between one shop and another. Some duty free shops also offer promotions to tourists so you are advised to search for information online first!

4. Always carry a shopping bag

Since 2020, Japan has passed a law requiring fees for single-use plastic bags to reduce their environmental impact. Prices range from ¥3 - ¥10 for one person. So if you want to save money or want to help protect the environment, it is highly recommended that you bring a shopping bag when traveling. After all, you never know when you might find cute souvenirs that are tempting to buy.

5. Bring a spare bag for the trash

You've probably heard how clean Japan is. What's even more surprising is that trash cans are actually hard to find, even in public toilets and malls. So, if you are going to travel, bring a small bag to store rubbish. You may only be able to throw away the trash when you return to the hotel.

6. Don't walk while eating

Japan is famous for its street food. However, did you know that eating while walking is considered impolite in Japan? I was surprised to see some signs mentioning the ban in some popular markets around Japan.

If you eat snacks at roadside stalls, you are advised to eat them right outside the stall. Not only can you immediately enjoy the delicious food you ordered, you can also return or throw away the packaging. Remember point no. 5? If you don't eat it straight away outside the shop, you will be carrying trash everywhere for a long time.

7. Bring cash

Even though payments via credit card and even contactless are commonplace in Japan, I still often have to pay with cash when snacking on various street foods. Some restaurants, especially those that require you to order through a vending machine, also prefer cash payments.

That said, it is mostly other established stores such as Uniqlo, ABC-Mart, and even convenience stores that accept credit cards. So be prepared with a variety of payment methods, from cash to credit cards.

Klook Tip: ATMs are widely available in department stores and even convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. You can easily withdraw cash using your credit card or multi-currency debit card if needed.

8. The applications you need to make traveling in Japan more comfortable

Traveling around Japan can be a bit confusing, especially with the language barrier, diverse transportation systems, and complicated city layouts. Apart from Google Maps which is usually used for navigation, here are some other applications that we recommend:

Japan Travel by Navitime: If you plan to travel frequently by train and bus, this app will give you recommendations for the best routes. You can also select the type of JR Pass you have to show the options your pass covers. [  ]

Google Translate: Apart from the usual translation service, this application can also do digital translation using the camera, which can save you when you are served a food menu in Japanese. So you don't have to guess what you're ordering! [  ]

Gurunavi: Japan definitely has no shortage of food options. Use this review application to help you find the best places to eat because every meal while traveling in Japan is an important moment!

9. Use a Suica/PASMO card on your iPhone instead of buying it physically

If you plan to use public transportation in Japan, having a card or PASMO will make things easier. This card is similar to e-money in Indonesia. And instead of buying a physical card, you can now add it directly to the wallet app and top up using Apple Pay.

This step will reduce your difficulty in getting a physical card and refilling it manually.

Klook Tip: Do you still have any remaining balance before returning from Japan? Don't worry, you can easily spend it at vending machines, storage lockers, and also at minimarkets. Don't worry, there is always something to buy in Japan!

10. Avoid traveling by train during rush hour

You may have seen videos of Japanese people crammed into trains like Jakartans crammed into KRL during rush hour. My Japanese friend confirmed that the videos really happened!

So to be safer, especially if you travel to big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, avoid traveling during the busiest hours, to be precise from 8 am to 9:30 am, and 17:30 to 19:30 pm.

11. Buy your Japan Rail Pass before going to Japan

If you've ever read about Japan, you've probably heard a lot about what it takes to get around. There are over 30 regional tickets as well as All Japan tickets. So, I will explain why you should get the JR Pass first.

Firstly, buying a JR Pass online via an overseas partner like Klook will be much cheaper. stated that the selling price was ¥33,610 (around Rp. 3.8 million) at the counter in Japan. However, if you buy it on Klook, you can get it for only ¥29,650 (around IDR 3.3 million). Very economical!

For JR Passes that require a physical Exchange Order, you must receive them before arriving in Japan. This Exchange Order will be sent to your mailing address within 7 days of ordering on Klook. So it is highly recommended that you book your JR Pass at least two weeks before you travel!

Klook Tip: Still haven't decided which JR Pass to buy? Check out which areas are covered by the various JR Passes.

12. But maybe you don't need a JR Pass...

OK, listen to my explanation. If you are traveling only within the city or between two neighboring cities, such as Osaka and Kyoto, there may be another travel pass option that best suits your needs.

JR is indeed the largest train operator in Japan, but various local train operators also offer their own transportation tickets. These tickets may not use JR lines, but they cover the main tourist attractions you want to visit.

13. Measure your luggage before boarding the Shinkansen

Please pay close attention to this if you plan to travel on the Tokaido, Sanyo, or Kyushu Shinkansen. The most common route is Tokaido which connects Tokyo and Osaka with a stop in Kyoto.

You must measure your luggage to ensure that the total length+width+height is no more than 160 cm because usually, the available baggage is cabin size or no larger than 24".

If you need luggage for items that are more than 160 cm or larger than a 26” suitcase, you usually have to make a reservation for a seat that has a larger luggage area. It is usually located in the last row of seats in certain train carriages. If you violate this rule, you can be fined ¥1,000.

Klook Tip: Items such as sports equipment and strollers measuring more than 160 cm also require a reservation if you want to store them in the larger baggage area.

14. Use a luggage delivery service

My least favorite thing to do when traveling is carry a suitcase from one place to another. Luckily in Japan, they have a luggage delivery service. This service is very useful if you use a lot of local transportation and stop at several stops.

 it's quite affordable and can get your luggage from Tokyo to Osaka in just a day or two! Ask your hotel receptionist if they can help arrange pick-up directly from the hotel. You can also send your luggage to and from the airport if there is a counter available!

Klook tip: If you still want to bring luggage when exploring Japan, you don't need to worry because there are lots of lockers at train stations. A large locker that can fit a 26” suitcase is priced at around ¥700.

15. Take time to explore areas outside the city

People visiting Japan for the first time usually choose Tokyo and Osaka as destinations. While both cities are attractive destinations for your adventure, their cosmopolitan nature and constant hustle and bustle may be overwhelming for some.

I recommend you take time for a day trip or even a few days outside of these cities to see a different side of Japan. Other tourist destinations, such as Kyoto, Nara, and Hakone will offer a completely different Japanese experience!

16. Explore unusual places with a car rental in Japan

Even though it is known for being efficient and wide-ranging, Japan's transportation system can be stressful because it requires me to arrive on time so as not to miss my train.

Of course this is not a big problem in big cities. However, the situation can be different in certain small cities because the number of train arrivals is not as high as in large cities. Apart from that, the demand to always be on time because we have to adjust to train schedules can make our trips less spontaneous.

That's why during the trip to , I chose to drive myself. Affordable prices, usually starting from IDR 600 thousand per day. You can easily navigate with Google Maps or onboard GPS. Parking is also relatively cheap in smaller towns, although you may have to check whether there is free parking at your hotel. Most importantly, driving out of town is relatively easy because Japanese drivers tend to be patient and the traffic signs are also in English.

One of my best memories from that trip was discovering it by chance. I was even able to cut the famous kyoho grapes straight from the vine for just a fraction of the price I had to pay at Donki!

Klook Tip: You need to rent a car in Japan. So make sure you get it before departure!

17. Stay overnight at an onsen ryokan

One of the most luxurious and romantic things to do in Japan is to spend the night in an onsen ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn that comes with its own natural hot springs. Not only that. With just one night's stay you can enjoy an akaiseki dinner which is an elaborate meal that often features the region's best seasonal produce, such as wagyu beef, sashimi, and fruit and vegetables.

Be careful, staying one night is enough to make you want to stay in an area like this for a long time!

18. Make reservations for popular restaurants well in advance

Long queues in front of restaurants are a common sight in Japan, especially at restaurants discussed on blogs or even in . I have twice been refused entry to a restaurant in Kyoto even though I visited there on its opening day.

So, reservations are the best choice if you want to enjoy dishes at top restaurants. Most restaurants may only accept telephone reservations. Therefore, you can try to ask the hotel where you are staying for help.

Klook Tip: Now you can also make reservations at various locations via Klook!

19. Check the expiration date of souvenirs

Japan is famous for its delicious snacks. Wherever you go, every city offers a variety of snacks that are hard to resist. However, before shopping like crazy for snacks, don't forget to pay attention to the expiration date. Most snacks have a relatively short shelf life because they are made daily and contain little or no preservatives.

Our advice, buy snacks at the end of your trip. Large airports usually also have souvenir stocks that you wouldn't want to miss.

Even before visiting Japan, you must have heard how amazing konbini, aka convenience stores, are in Japan. That's true. Starting from ready-to-eat food such as onigiri to extraordinary desserts, hot bottled milk tea, you can enjoy everything at the konbini. Coffee lovers who feel 'difficult' due to the lack of caffeine because Japan is synonymous with tea, can also enjoy coffee or lattes made by konbini.

Each department store outlet also has its own special features. Get fried chicken at Lawson and FamilyMart, and oden at 7-Eleven! Don't forget to try the ice cream too!

Klook Tip: 7-Eleven stores in Kyoto also stock limited edition matcha snacks, such as dorayaki and sponge cake. It feels amazing!

21. Be polite

The Japanese are also famous for their politeness and deep-rooted traditions. Just look at how Japanese fans cleaned the stadium during the World Cup! From food etiquette to traveling on public transportation, there are many things to do and things you should avoid. Good news for you, Thursday has explained it here!