Useful Know-Before-You-Go Japan Travel Tips

  Japan Tourist Visa
You will need a document that gives you permission to travel to Japan. Our Japan Tourist Visa page tells you all you need to know.

 Things to Bring
Since Japan is a modern country with every conceivable item available for purchase, you can purchase just about every necessity in Japan.

However, we do suggest that you bring with you from abroad any medicines and over-the-counter drugs that you may require. While these are also readily available in Japan, the language barrier may make it difficult to find what you need.

Likewise, be sure to check the weather in Japan and climate in the region and during the season in which you will be traveling, and pack appropriately.

If you do forget to bring something, don't stress: Japan is a shopper's paradise where you can find every conceivable clothing item at its many department stores, boutiques, and city shops. Of course, toiletries and the like can also be easily purchased at drugstores and convenience stores that are located all over the map.

  English in Japan
One concern of many Japan first-timers is the extent to which information will be available in English, and whether communication in English will be understood. Find out what you need to know.

  Banking and Foreign Exchange
Find out what you need to know about banking and foreign currency exchange in Japan.

  Internet Access in Japan
Internet access in Japan can be found in hotels, airports, WiFi spots, and Internet Cafes (also known as Manga Kissa) throughout the country.

  Japan Cell Phone Rental
If you require a cell phone during your Japan travels, happily, you have many cell phone rental options.

  Car Rental
Japan's public transportation system is so thorough and efficient that you can easily get by in most areas of Japan without a car. However, here's what you need to know if you do require Japan car rental.

  Japan Rail Pass
It seems that even first time travelers have heard of a mysterious rail pass that enables you to travel throughout Japan at a single low cost. It does indeed exist! Find out more about the Japan rail pass.

  Dialing Japan Long Distance
You may need to dial Japan long distance before you travel, let a loved one or associate know how they can reach you once you're there, or place a call back to your home country once you're in Japan.

  Health and Travel Insurance
Japan offers the option of obtaining national health insurance, called kokumin kenkou hoken (国民健康保険) to foreigners who are living or working in Japan.

However, if you are a short-term traveler or temporary visitor, you should make sure that you are covered in Japan under your own country's health insurance plan.

If you do not have health insurance coverage, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance.

  One Final Tip
For the last of our Japan travel tips, we simply suggest this:
Bring with you to Japan an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Japan is truly unique and fascinating. Embrace it. Live it. Breathe it. Sample it. Immerse yourself in it. Do these things, and we assure you that your Japan experience will be one you'll never forget!

Hopefully these Japan travel tips have given you an idea about how to prepare for your travels to Japan. If you still have any questions, or would like to suggest your own Japan travel tips for inclusion, contact us, and we'll do the best we can to oblige or answer your questions.