Thinking of making Japan your next trip of a lifetime? You’re picking a winner! I absolutely love Japan, in large part because it was my first solo trip, and my first trip abroad. It’s the reason I’m a travel writer today. It’s an excellent choice for a first trip, solo trip, or even your 100th trip. Here are the best tips you’ll find for your first trip to Japan.
Get Your QR Code for Immigration and Customs
You will have to fill out an immigration form for yourself and everyone with you (even my 1 year old needed her own form), as well as a different form to get through customs. Or, you can go to the Visit Japan Web Service website and fill it all out electronically. This will generate an individual QR code for you and each person traveling with you, which will really speed things up at the immigration and customs lines.
Read about my first trip to Japan here: Quick Whit Travel/Japan
Download the Suica or Pasimo App
These are AMAZING. Not only are these apps good for all public transportation, they are also accepted at just about any store, restaurant, and more. You can preload your money on the app, then use it like you would any ticket or credit card on your phone. Neither is better or worse than the other, and they can be used at all the same places. Just pick one and get it loaded!
(Coming soon) Keep reading: What to Do with a Toddler in Tokyo
Get Your JR Pass
Speaking of tickets for the trains, you will definitely want a JR Pass if you’ll be traveling longer distances, like Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka. You can use the pass for bullet trains (Shinkansen), regular trains, even museums and other popular sites. You can choose your pass according to the length of your trip, and use it unlimitedly for the duration you choose.
More here: Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Japan
Know these Two Words: Arigato and Sumimasen
Arigato is “thank you.” Sumimasen is “excuse me.” You will use these words a lot! Japanese people are so helpful, and you will absolutely want to thank them. And you’ll make plenty of mistakes, need to ask for directions, or bump into someone, so you’ll need to excuse yourself. Even if your pronunciation is not exactly right, showing that you’re trying to be culturally appropriate will go a long way with the Japanese people.
Read on: The Top 12 Experiences to Have in Japan
Get Out of Tokyo
Tokyo is great, and you should definitely do the Tokyo things for a day or two, but that’s really plenty of time for the city. Take a day trip to Mt. Fuji, Kamakura, or Enoshima. Or, really get out of town and take the bullet train to Kyoto, Osaka, or Nagoya. From there, explore Nara, Futami, or Tsu. Japan is not a large country, but it is so unique. Staying in modern Tokyo for your while trip is like reading the last quarter of a book without any context for how you got there.
(Coming soon) Keep reading: How to Spend a Day Trip from Tokyo to Kamakura, Japan
Don’t Be Afraid to Try the Food!
Japanese food is one of my top 3 favorite cuisines in the world. It’s so different from any other cuisine, even when compared to other Asian cuisines. Sure, you’ve been to Japanese restaurants, but there are seemingly hundreds of Japanese sweets, savories, and entrees you’ve never heard of, much less tasted outside of Japan. Try everything! Yes, even the sweet bean-filled mochi!
(Coming soon) Keep eating: What We Ate in Japan
Check the Forecast for Your Dates
Japan’s weather is varied throughout the year, and throughout the country, because it’s such a long nation from its southern-most end of Okinawa to the northern-most tip of Hokkaido. Keeping track of one city’s weather will not help you if you plan on traveling around. Be sure to check the forecast for each of your stops before you pack!
Important info: What Happens when You Visit Mt. Fuji on a Rainy Day
Consider a Yukata instead of a Kimono
Want an authentic souvenir? A kimono may be on your shopping list, but a true kimono is made of silk and can literally cost thousands of dollars. Instead, consider purchasing a yukata, which is a summer kimono made of cotton and far less expensive. I actually have my yukata displayed on my daughter’s bedroom wall at home, so she and I can enjoy it, but I’ve also worn it for costume parties and just for fun a time or two.
Another option? Kimono rental! Many cities have kimono rental shops, which allow you to dress up in the traditional Japanese outfit (you will need help!). You can walk around in it all day if you want, and take photos around the city. If you just want the beautiful photos, this is the option for you!
Read on: What to Do Before Your Trip to Japan
Pack Light
If you’re planning to take public transportation, then the lighter you pack, the better. I had to pack a lot for my daughter and myself, because we were visiting Japan and Mongolia. Two people, two different climates, and the fact that she’s a toddler meant that not only was there a lot to pack, I had to tote it all. Trust me, it would have been better and easier on me if I had packed less!
Read more: Tips for Packing with a Baby
Stay Centrally
This is my advice no matter what country or city you’re visiting. Sure, it’s cheaper to stay farther out of the city center, but you’ll spend your precious time (and money) commuting every day. You can’t just run back to the room if you forgot something or want to change clothes when you realize you dressed wrong for the weather. Plus, Japan really is so very walkable. Take advantage of that! It really is worth your while to be able to simply walk to the things you want to do and see.
Read next: The Best Nursing Clothes for Traveling Moms
Want more? Check out my dedicated Japan Page!
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