Choose your internet plan for Japan

Japan is still a very cash-heavy country. Many small restaurants, temples and izakaya don't accept cards. Withdraw cash from 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs — they're the only ones that consistently accept foreign cards. Always carry 10,000 to 20,000¥ on you.

100¥ coins are precious: you'll need them for coin lockers, hotel laundry machines, and some vending machines. Don't toss them in a jar when you get back to your hotel at night.

On the subway, the last car is often the least crowded. During rush hour (7:30-9am), avoid the first cars on some lines — they're sometimes reserved for women only.

Shinkansen have unreserved seats (jiyuuseki / 自由席) in the first few cars. You can save money by not reserving, especially on Tokaido lines. Just arrive 15-20 minutes early to queue on the platform.

IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) also work at konbini, vending machines and even some restaurants — they're an electronic wallet, not just a transit pass. You can even install a Suica card directly on your iPhone from Settings — no physical card needed, just tap your phone and go.

Restaurants with ticket machines (shokkenki) at the entrance often have the best value. No Japanese needed: insert coins, press the button with the photo, hand the ticket to the cook.

For lunch, look for teishoku (定食) — complete set meals with rice, miso soup, main dish and sides, often between 800 and 1,200¥. Much cheaper than dinner.

Konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart) aren't "cheap fast food" — onigiri, sandwiches and bento boxes are excellent quality. A full meal for 500-700¥ is perfectly fine.

Check-in is usually at 3pm and check-out at 10am — and it's strict. Use Ecbo Cloak or station coin lockers for your luggage in between.

In ryokan, you never wear shoes inside. There are often different slippers for the bathroom — don't forget to leave them behind when you come out, it's a classic embarrassing mistake.

Tattoos = denied entry at most public onsen. If you have tattoos, look for "tattoo-friendly" onsen or book a kashikiri (private bath). Some also accept cover-up patches.

You wash before entering the bath, not in it. The small towel goes on your head or by the edge — never in the water.

Don't talk on the phone on public transport — it's considered very rude. Keep your phone on silent mode by default.

Never tip, anywhere. It's considered impolite or even insulting.

At temples: bow twice, clap twice, then bow once more at Shinto shrines. At Buddhist temples, just bow — no clapping.

There are almost no trash bins on the streets. Carry your trash with you until you find one (konbini, train station, etc.). Bring a small plastic bag in your backpack.

100 yen shops (Daiso, Seria, Can Do) are your best friends for adapters, umbrellas, storage bags, snacks and cheap souvenirs.

The transparent 500¥ umbrellas from konbini are an institution — everyone has one. Don't bother bringing your own from home.

Shinkansen have power outlets by the window seats and sometimes under the center armrest. Grab a window seat if you need to charge.

Japan Companion — your travel companion with an interactive map, nearby points of interest, and guides to lesser-known regions of Japan beyond Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka.

Ecbo Cloak — book luggage storage space at cafes or shops near stations and tourist spots. No more struggling with always-full coin lockers.

Safety Tips (official JNTO app) — enable GPS and get push notifications for earthquakes, tsunamis, or typhoons for your exact location. Don't leave without it.

Google Maps — download offline maps of your cities before you go. Train times are accurate to the minute, and the app tells you which exit to take out of dozens. Search in Japanese (copy-paste kanji) for more accurate results.