10 Things You Can Start Doing Now to Have a Better Trip in Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, a little preparation can go a long way in helping you make the most of your journey. Japan is a place where small efforts can yield big rewards, especially when it comes to blending into the rhythm of daily life. Here are five practical steps you can start taking now to ensure a smoother, more enriching trip, along with one bonus tip on what not to do.

1. Learn a Bit of Japanese

You don’t need to aim for fluency. Not even close. 

But knowing even a handful of basic Japanese phrases will do wonders for your experience. 

A simple arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me) or konnichiwa (hello) can open doors, both literally and figuratively.

Japanese people generally don’t expect foreigners to speak the language, so even a little effort is appreciated. Politeness is woven into the culture, and showing that you’ve taken the time to learn a few words demonstrates respect.

Start small with essential phrases:

• Greetings (ohayou gozaimasu for good morning & konbanwa for good evening)

• Simple questions (doko desu ka? means "where is it?")

• Numbers & prices (ikura desu ka? means "how much is it?")

Apps like Duolingo or Pimsleur are good places to start, but if you’re short on time, YouTube videos or phrasebooks work too.

The bonus? These little interactions make you feel more connected to the people and places you visit. You’ll notice that strangers may warm up to you a bit more, and who doesn’t love a smile over shared effort?

2. Get Familiar With Japan’s Train Systems

Public transportation in Japan is incredible, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not used to it. The train networks in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are extensive; navigating them can feel like cracking a code if you don’t prepare.

Start by downloading apps like Japan Travel by NAVITIME or Google Maps. These will be your lifelines for understanding train routes, departure times & transfer stations. It’s also worth researching how to use an IC card like a Suica or Pasmo, which you can load with money and use across trains, buses & even some vending machines.

Pro tip: Practice reading station names in English and their corresponding Japanese characters. Many stations display both, but smaller towns might lean more heavily on kanji.

Also, get used to the etiquette in Japan. Don’t talk loudly or eat* on trains, and always stand on the correct side of the escalator (left in Tokyo, right in Osaka**).

* you can eat on long-distance trains, such as the shinkansen – in fact, it’s encouraged to eat, and you can buy “ekiben” meals-to-go at the station that are meant to eat on the train. But eating on local trains is a no-no.

** Right side of the escalator in Osaka & Kansai is… sort of confusing. Don’t expect it to be consistent, just follow what the crowd is doing.

3. Plan Your Itinerary Around the Seasons

Japan’s seasons are distinct, and they can make or break your trip depending on what you want to do. Planning ahead will ensure you don’t miss out.

Spring (late March into |April) is all about cherry blossoms. Yes, they’re beautiful, but they’re also a logistical headache if you don’t plan in advance; hotels in popular hanami (flower-viewing) spots like Kyoto book up months ahead.

Summer brings festivals and fireworks, but it’s also hot and humid. Pack light, breathable clothing & stay hydrated. Autumn in Japan offers beautiful foliage, particularly in Kyoto & Nikko; while winter is ideal for skiing in Hokkaido or soaking in hot springs (onsen).

Research what’s happening during your travel dates; festivals, seasonal foods & special events can add depth to your experience. But always build some flexibility into your schedule, as  sometimes the best discoveries are unplanned.

4. Learn to Pack Smart for Japan

Planning what goes into your suitcase is about anticipating what you’ll need to pack for Japan specifically.

First, pack for the weather. Summers are humid, and winters in places like Sapporo can be brutally cold. Layers are your friend in spring & fall.

Second, think about convenience. You’ll likely walk more than you’re used to (more on walking later on below), so bring comfortable shoes. If you plan to visit temples or traditional homes, pack socks without holes (you’ll thank us later when you’re taking your shoes off).

Finally, minimize luggage. Japan’s trains, buses & even streets aren’t luggage-friendly. Many stations don’t have convenient escalators or elevators, and dragging a huge suitcase through a crowded train station is a great way to annoy everyone (including yourself or your partner). 

A good rule of thumb: Pack what you think you’ll need, then remove half of it. Pro tip: You can find laundromats almost everywhere.

5. Research Japanese Etiquette

Cultural norms in Japan are subtle but important. What’s considered polite in your country might come across as rude here, so a little research goes a long way.

For example, never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice; it resembles a funeral ritual and is considered bad luck. Slurping noodles, on the other hand, is perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged).

Tipping isn’t a thing in Japan, so don’t leave money on the table at restaurants—it might confuse or even offend your server. Instead, say gochisosama deshita (thank you for the meal) as you leave.

When visiting temples or shrines in Japan, follow the rules: Bow before entering, cleanse your hands & mouth at the purification fountain and be respectful of photography restrictions.

These small gestures show that you’ve taken the time to understand the culture and etiquette in Japan, and they’ll help you blend in better.

6. Make Yourself Comfortable with Japan’s Cash Culture

Japan might seem high-tech, but credit cards are still surprisingly hit-or-miss. 

Many small shops, restaurants & even some train stations only accept cash. 

Start planning how to access Japanese yen. Research international-friendly ATMs or check with your bank about foreign transaction fees. 

Oh, and while we’re on this topic, Japan still loves coins, so maybe rethink your habit of tossing spare change into the nearest tip jar (which you’re not going to find in Japan anyway, of course).

7. Practice Using Chopsticks at Home

Sure, this might seem basic, and it’s not for everyone reading this – if you’re already a pro with ohashi (Japanese for chopsticks), skip on down to number 8. 

You’d be surprised how much smoother your dining experience will be when you’re confident with chopsticks. 

Perfection isn’t the goal here. But it’s about avoiding the awkward scramble when trying to grab slippery pieces of sashimi. Plus, fumbling less means you can focus on enjoying the meal instead of worrying if you’re about to launch a piece of food into your lap or across the room.

8. Embrace Japan’s Seasonal Produce & Other Foods

Foodies, take note: Japan’s cuisine is deeply tied to the seasons. 

Strawberries in winter, cherry blossom-flavored treats in spring, and chestnut desserts in autumn are just a few highlights. 

Research what’s in season during your visit and plan to try local specialties that you might not find in your home country. Seasonal produce isn’t just fresher, it often reflects the regional pride of wherever you’re visiting.

While we’re at it, do some research to find out what the local/regional specialties are for the place you’re in. If you’re in Hiroshima, for example, don’t order a Kobe beef steak, but instead go for okonomiyaki. Kanazawa is the place for seafood. Hokkaido matches that seafood quality and adds in ramen, lamb, dairy and more (looking at airfares to Sapporo right about now? We don’t blame you!). 

9. Start Walking… A Lot

No exaggeration: you’ll walk more in Japan than you might be used to. That’s especially true if you’re coming from North America or other localities where driving is more the norm. 

If you don’t live in a city and walk a lot every day at home, now’s a good time to take up walking (plus it’s beneficial for your long-term health as a bonus!).

Start building up your stamina now with long walks, especially if you’re planning to tackle iconic spots like Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine or hikes in Japan’s many mountainous regions.

But even travels in Tokyo, Osaka and other cities can clock 10-20km a day in walking. 

10. Practice Saying “Yes” More Often

We’re not saying you should be a pushover. It’s more about embracing the unexpected. 

Japan is full of surprises. Random festivals, strangers offering you samples or a tiny restaurant you stumble upon by chance. 

Practice the mindset of saying yes to new opportunities now, and you’ll find that Japan rewards those who are open to the unknown.

Bonus: Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English

While English is common in some spots in major cities & tourist areas, it’s not universal. 

Hotel staff or train station attendants might speak enough to help you, but don’t expect the same in smaller towns or off-the-beaten-path locations.

Being patient & polite goes a long way. 

Don’t walk into an establishment and ask, “do you speak English?” Doing so will instantly create a barrier between you and the person whom you’re asking for help. 

Instead of frustrating them, offer an apology to begin with: Say something like ‘I’m sorry, I don’t speak Japanese…’ (“sumimasen, Nihongo ga wakarimasen’). 9 times out of 10, they’ll pick up on the clue and offer their help in any way possible (the 10th time, well, they might ask you to move on, but don’t take it personally, they’re just shy or reluctant).

If communication breaks down, Google Translate can be a lifesaver (though it’s not perfect). Try typing instead of speaking into it for better results.

And always keep a sense of humor. Trust us, this helps!