Planning a trip to Japan is intimidating. With the language barrier, widespread cities and attractions, and contradicting information, establishing an itinerary can be wearisome. Here’s what I recommend doing before your trip and once you arrive to set yourself up for stress-free travel.
BEFORE
Book hotels months in advance. In particular, Central Tokyo hotels are always fully booked. Many hotels also charge by the number of people staying in the room. This is actually a benefit to solo travelers!
Make dinner reservations where available, otherwise be prepared to be flexible. Some of the best “hole in the wall” places are walk in only and the street food is just as worthy.
Save extra room in your suitcase. The chopsticks, knives, fabrics and pottery are the best non-kitschy items.
Book a night in a Royaken with an onsen. Just one night – it’s worth the traditional experience.
Book tours if you want to meet other travelers. There are so few international tourists that it’s one of the few ways you will meet others.
Download a translator app. It will absolutely come in handy.
UPON ARRIVAL
Get cash at the airport. Anticipate that 1/4 of your activities and restaurants will be cash only. Usually the ATM fee is less than the cash exchange rate.
Get a Pasmo or Suica card for the metro station. It will save time. Put in more than you think you’ll need – you can use it at vending machines and convenience stores too. Then at the airport, you can return the card and be refunded any remaining money.
Get a Sim card or opt for your wifi plan. This is one of the few countries where I felt it was necessary for transportation and directions.
DURING
Use Google Maps for directions but get to the stations early. Some of the main ones are gigantic and it could take 30 mins just to find the correct track.
Check the times of restaurants. You will be surprised how late some establishments open and many close between lunch and dinner.
Don’t anticipate a western style breakfast anywhere, unless you are at a top tier hotel. Otherwise, the closest you will get is Starbucks. i.e. Cafes are not cafes.
The izakayas are usually a fun Japanese pub crawl. Be prepared for tiny and smoke-friendly spaces!
Take part in the customs! For examples, you will find Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples everywhere. Don’t be shy about engaging. In general, you can usually get away with a: coin donation, bell ringing, bow, two claps, a 10 second wish and final bow.
Let things get weird. Stop by a pet cafe. Say hello to a robot. Snap selfies at a photobooth. Go to a maid cafe. Make friends with the izakaya owners. This is another unique quality of Japan and worth embracing.
