Japan Travel Guide

Before you go

  • Passport, insurance, meds

    • Get travel insurance (medical + trip).

    • Medications: Japan has strict rules. Some common U.S. meds (e.g., ADHD stimulants, certain cold meds) are restricted or banned. If you need controlled meds or >1-month supply, apply in advance (Yakkan Shōmei/permission). Don’t bring stimulants without prior approval.

  • Money prep

    • Plan to use 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs for foreign cards; they’re widely compatible and English-friendly.

  • Power & charging

    • Japan uses 100V and Type A/B plugs; frequency is 50Hz (east) / 60Hz (west). Most phone/laptop chargers (100–240V) are fine—just bring a small adapter if needed.

  • Trains & passes (decide now)

    • The JR Pass got much pricier (2023+) and often isn’t a deal unless you’re doing several long bullet-train hops in 7–21 days. It still doesn’t cover Nozomi/Mizuho by default, but there’s now an optional add-on ticket you can buy to ride them if you already hold a JR Pass. Compare point-to-point fares first.

On arrival (Day 1 checklist)

  • Connectivity: grab an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi (if moving in a group) at the airport (or pre-order).

  • Transit card: add Suica or PASMO to Apple Wallet/Android and top up—works for almost all trains/buses and even convenience stores. (Physical cards are also fine.)

  • Cash: withdraw a starter amount at a Seven Bank ATM in the terminal (24/7 at most 7-Elevens).

Getting around (smooth moves)

  • Seat reservations: Reserve Shinkansen seats at any JR office/kiosk (recommended on peak days).

  • Luggage hacks: Use takkyūbin (luggage delivery) to ship big suitcases hotel-to-hotel so you can ride trains hands-free next day; coin lockers help for same-day stowage.

  • Tax-free shopping: Bring your passport and hit the ¥5,000+ (before tax) minimum at the same store/day. Consumables often have sealing/usage rules—follow staff directions.

Check out our recommendations of Places to visit during your time in Japan!

Trash & Garbage Rules in Japan

  • Public Trash Cans Are Rare! You won’t find them on most streets.

  • They mainly exist in:

    • Convenience stores (konbini)

    • Train stations (some stations only)

    • Vending machine areas

    • Theme parks / tourist attractions


Tip: Most people carry a small plastic bag and take their trash home.


  • Sorting rules change by city, but the main categories are:

    • Burnable (General Trash)

      • Tissues, paper, snacks wrappers, small food waste

      • Usually thrown in “もえるゴミ / 可燃ゴミ (burnable)” bins

    • Plastic / PET Bottles

      • PET bottles go in 専用 bins

      • Must remove:

        • Cap (goes in plastics)

        • Label (peels off)

    • Cans & Glass Bottles

      • Separate recycling bin

    • Non-burnable

      • Metal, ceramics, small electronics (travelers rarely need this)

Etiquette quick hits (tourist edition)

  • Trains: quiet voices, no phone calls, backpacks off your back in crowds, give up priority seats.

  • Shrines/temples: rinse hands/mouth at the water basin; follow posted photo rules.

  • Shoes: off in homes/tatami rooms; switch to bathroom slippers in restrooms.

  • Eating: don’t walk-and-eat (except at festivals/long-distance trains), don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice.

  • Smoking: only in designated areas.

See the full Japan Etiquette list as Japan is a country with many unspoken rules!

Safety & emergencies

  • Earthquakes: If you feel shaking or get an alert, protect your head, get low, and move away from glass/falling objects. After it stops, follow staff instructions and watch for aftershocks/tsunami notices in coastal areas. The JNTO Safety Tips app/site has step-by-step guidance. Emergency numbers: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance).

What to pack (U.S. → Japan)

  • Small umbrella, compact tote for trash (bins are scarce), coin purse, comfortable walking shoes, universal adapter, and any tattoo covers if you plan to use onsen with restrictions.

  • Bring written hotel addresses in Japanese (for taxis or if your phone dies).

Money tips in practice

  • Many places take cards now, but cash is still handy for small shops and rural spots—refill at 7-Eleven/Japan Post.