Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20–35 | $50–100 |
| Food | $10–20 | $25–50 |
| Transport | $0–15 | $20–50 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $15–40 |
| Entry Fees | $0–10 | $10–20 |
| Daily Total | $35–95 | $120–260 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa-free 90 days for most Western passports
- Visit Japan Web (immigration form) should be completed online before arrival
- JR Pass must be purchased outside Japan and exchanged at a JR office on arrival
Health & Safety
- Japan is one of the safest countries in the world — violent crime is virtually non-existent
- Tap water is safe to drink everywhere
- Pharmacies (drugstores) are well-stocked but labelling is in Japanese — bring any specific medication you need
Getting Around
- The Shinkansen network connects all major cities — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagano, and more
- Download the Navitime or Japan Travel app for English train timetables and route planning
- Reserved seats (shitei-seki) guarantee a seat; unreserved cars (jiyu-seki) are first-come-first-served — carriages 1–3 on most services
Connectivity
- Pocket WiFi rental (¥500–800/day) or eSIM from providers like Ubigi or Airalo is recommended — free WiFi is limited
- IC cards (Suica/ICOCA) can be loaded on iPhone Wallet or purchased at station machines
- Google Maps works well for train navigation in Japan with real-time departure info
Money
- Currency: JPY (Yen). Japan is still heavily cash-based — carry ¥10,000–20,000 at all times
- ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept international cards. Many local ATMs do not
- No tipping in Japan — it is not customary and can cause confusion
Packing Tips
- Pack light — Shinkansen luggage space is limited. Bags over 160cm (length + width + height) require a reservation for the oversized luggage area behind the last row
- Slip-on shoes for temple visits where you remove footwear frequently
- A small towel (tenugui) is essential — many restrooms and onsen expect you to carry your own
Cultural tips
Train Etiquette
The Shinkansen is remarkably quiet. Phone calls should be taken in the vestibule. Keep your phone on silent mode. Eating ekiben is perfectly acceptable on Shinkansen but eating on local commuter trains is considered rude.
Queueing Culture
Japanese platforms have marked queueing lines painted on the floor — line up behind them. Passengers wait for everyone to exit before boarding. The train stops with its doors aligned precisely to these markings every single time.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is welcome on the Shinkansen and at most stations. Some temples prohibit indoor photography — check for signs. Never photograph geisha or maiko without permission in Kyoto's Gion district.
Language & Communication
Learn basic phrases: sumimasen (excuse me), arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), and kudasai (please). Station announcements are bilingual (Japanese/English) on Shinkansen. Google Translate's camera mode reads Japanese signs in real time.
Respect the System
Japan's rail system runs with extraordinary precision — trains depart to the second. If you are 30 seconds late, the train will have left. Arrive at the platform 5–10 minutes early. Return your seat to the upright position and take all rubbish with you when you exit.
Luggage Forwarding
Takkyubin (luggage forwarding) services at convenience stores and hotels will send your bag to your next hotel for ¥1,500–2,500, arriving next day. This lets you ride the Shinkansen unencumbered — a common and highly recommended practice in Japan.
