• By: RIYANKA
• May 08, 2026
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Things You Must Know Before Traveling To Japan | A Guide to Japan

I just got back from an incredible 11-day trip to Japan (well, I could only explore Tokyo and Kyoto), and here are a few essential things you should know before traveling to Japan.

Like many others, I had always dreamed of visiting Japan during the magical sakura season, a vision shaped in no small part by Instagram’s picture-perfect cherry blossom scenes in full bloom. Completely drawn in by that dream, I took my time planning the trip, reading blogs, and watching countless reels to get everything just right. But once I arrived, I realized there were several things no one really talks about.

Japan is truly a country like no other! It blends ultra-modern innovation with deeply rooted tradition in a way that feels both refined and exhilarating. In Tokyo, serene temples tucked between towering skyscrapers offer moments of calm amid the city’s electric pace, while Kyoto welcomes you with its quaint, laid-back charm, where time seems to slow down among historic streets, traditional houses, and timeless cultural experiences. From its rich heritage to its breathtaking surroundings and warm people, Japan felt something straight out of a Miyazaki movie!

However, beyond the beauty and excitement, there are a few important things every traveler should know before visiting this remarkable island nation – so make sure to bookmark this article (and you can thank me later!).

Things You Must Know Before Traveling To Japan

How expensive is Japan?

First things first, everyone thinks that Japan is expensive – and I am not going to sugarcoat it. For us Indians, Japan does feel expensive. I had planned this trip with my Pishi (paternal aunt), who’s 76, and I definitely knew I had to be flexible with the expenses. I had booked a hotel away from the buzzing Shibuya and Shinjuku areas (where accommodations are more expensive), yet it was well connected to the major spots in Tokyo. Food and transport can feel like a bit of a shock in the beginning – and I won’t lie! Just as we landed at Narita International Airport, I checked Uber, and it showed ¥29,000!

On average, a meal in Japan will cost you anywhere between ¥1,500 for a quick lunch (roughly ₹800 to ₹900) and ¥3,000 to ¥4,000 for dinner (about ₹1,700 to ₹2,300). If you are eating at small local restaurants or izakayas, expect to spend somewhere between ₹1,000 and ₹3,000 per meal.

Accommodation has a wide range, and it depends entirely on what you choose. Hostels are readily available and absolutely safe, even for solo female travelers.

Transport is where your budget can really feel the pinch! Long-distance travel on the Shinkansen is fast and incredibly efficient, but it is not cheap. A 2- to 3-hour ride, like Tokyo to Kyoto or even Tokyo to Nara, can cost ₹8,000 or more. That said, I found local trains within cities to be quite reasonable, and honestly, one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around.

If you are trying to do Japan on a budget, planning ahead makes a huge difference. Book your stays early, especially if you are traveling during cherry blossom season or autumn. Look into getting a Japan Rail Pass or a regional pass if you plan to cover multiple cities, because buying individual tickets can get very expensive.

Also worth noting: With the Japanese Yen currently relatively weak against the Indian Rupee, the overall cost of traveling here feels a bit more manageable than it used to, making this a great time to finally plan that trip.

How long do you need in Japan?

I had about 11 days in Japan, and even then, I could only really explore Tokyo and Kyoto, with a quick day trip to Nara. That should tell you something. Japan is packed with things to see and do, and planning your time here can feel a little overwhelming at first.

If you ask me, two weeks is a sweet spot for a first trip. It gives you enough time to explore multiple cities at a comfortable pace, including a few day trips from Tokyo, without feeling like you are constantly rushing from one place to another. If you are short on time, even a 7-day trip works. You can cover the highlights, hop on the Shinkansen, and visit a couple of key destinations without stretching yourself too thin.

But here is the truth: you are not going to see everything! Japan has over 14,000 islands, and there is only so much you can realistically fit into one trip. Most travelers stick to the main Honshu route, covering cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and sometimes Hiroshima with a stop at Miyajima. A 14-day itinerary usually lets you do this comfortably.

The key is to be realistic with your plan. It is tempting to try to squeeze everything in, especially on your first visit, but slowing down and choosing a few places properly will make your experience far more enjoyable.

Where to go if you’re traveling to Japan for the first time?

As I mentioned earlier, after spending 11 days in Japan, I still felt like I had barely scratched the surface. My trip was focused mainly on Tokyo and Kyoto, with day trips to Nara and Mt. Fuji, and even that felt packed. If it is your first time visiting Japan, I genuinely think Tokyo and Kyoto are the perfect combination because they show you two completely different sides of the country.

Tokyo feels fast, chaotic, futuristic, and somehow incredibly peaceful at the same time. There is so much to do that you could easily spend a full week there without getting bored. Some absolute must-visit places are Asakusa and the beautiful Sensō-ji, especially early in the morning before the crowds arrive. For shopping, nightlife, and the iconic Tokyo energy, you cannot miss Shibuya and Shinjuku. If you enjoy immersive experiences, teamLab Planets TOKYO is absolutely worth the hype.

And if you are into theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland makes for a super fun day!

Beyond the big attractions, what I loved most about Tokyo was discovering its quieter side through its temples and shrines. Meiji Jingu was one of my favourites, hidden inside a peaceful forest right in the middle of the city. Other beautiful spots worth visiting include Gotokuji Temple, often associated with the lucky cat legend, Nezu Shrine, and Zojo-ji Temple with Tokyo Tower standing dramatically behind it.

Kyoto, on the other hand, feels slower, calmer, and deeply traditional. It is the kind of place where every street corner looks cinematic. One of my favourite experiences there was simply wandering through the old lanes near Kiyomizu-dera early in the morning before the crowds arrived. Gion is another must-visit, and I highly recommend doing a geisha district walking tour because it adds so much context to the history and culture of the area. Other iconic places include Kinkaku-ji, the stunning golden temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha with its endless torii gates, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. I also loved visiting temples like Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji, which felt much quieter and more peaceful.

I personally ended up spending a ridiculous amount of time exploring bookstores, stationery shops, and cafés, which I absolutely do not regret. But if that is not your thing, you could easily use those extra days to visit Osaka instead. Osaka is known for its food, nightlife, and more energetic vibe. Popular spots include Dotonbori for street food and neon lights, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan if you love theme parks, and the lively neighbourhood of Shinsekai.

And if you can fit it in, definitely take a day trip to see Mount Fuji. Seeing it in person was one of those moments that genuinely made me pause and take it all in.

Do they speak English in Japan?

Japan is one of those places where you quickly realise that kindness does not need a common language. Yes, English is not widely spoken, and most people only know a few words at best, but their warmth and willingness to help more than make up for it.

One moment that really stayed with me happened at a subway station in Tokyo. I was trying to find the elevator for my aunt, and while we were clearly confused and struggling to navigate the maze of exits, a local lady noticed us. Even though she spoke very little English, she did not just point us in the right direction. She actually walked with us all the way to the elevator to make sure we found it. It was such a small gesture, but it said so much about the kindness of the people there.

Of course, Google Translate became one of the most-used apps on my phone, and honestly, it works surprisingly well in Japan. Between translation apps, signboards in English at most train stations and tourist attractions, and the general helpfulness of locals, getting around is far less intimidating than it sounds. That said, learning a few basic Japanese words like arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) or sumimasen (excuse me/sorry) goes a long way and is always appreciated.

Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Japan?

Despite Japan being famous for seafood, sushi, and premium Wagyu beef, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to find vegetarian food, especially in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. A lot of people assume vegetarian travelers will struggle here, but that really was not my experience at all.

Japan has a long history of plant-based eating influenced by Buddhism and Shintoism, and you can still see traces of that in the food culture today. Traditional Buddhist cuisine, known as shojin ryori, is completely vegetarian and absolutely worth trying at least once. Beyond that, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian-friendly cafés and restaurants across the country, ranging from ramen spots to sushi places and even convenience stores with decent options.

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan traveling to Japan for the first time, here is a complete food guide that’ll help you 🙂

Which is the best season to travel to Japan?

Having visited Japan in April during the sakura season, I completely understand why people dream about it for years. Seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom across Tokyo and Kyoto felt surreal, almost like stepping into a postcard. So if you ask me personally, spring is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Japan.

That said, it is also one of the busiest and most expensive seasons to travel, so planning well in advance is extremely important. Hotels get booked out quickly, flights become expensive, and popular spots can get very crowded. But honestly, if witnessing sakura has always been on your bucket list, it is absolutely worth experiencing at least once!

I have also heard incredible things about autumn in Japan, and if I ever go back, that is the season I would choose next. The autumn foliage, especially in places like Kyoto, is supposed to be stunning, with temples and gardens covered in shades of red, orange, and gold. The weather during both spring and autumn is also pleasant, which makes exploring much easier compared to the hot and humid summer months.

So while spring stole my heart, autumn comes very close. In the end, I think Japan is one of those rare destinations that looks magical in every season, but spring and autumn definitely stand out as the most beautiful times to experience it.

Is it easy to get a Japan visa with an Indian passport?

One of the biggest surprises for me was how straightforward the Japan tourist visa process turned out to be, especially compared to applying for a Schengen or US visa on an Indian passport. In fact, Japan has recently relaxed its visa requirements for Indians, which has made the process much smoother and faster than before. The best part is that you no longer need a sponsor for a regular tourist visa, which makes planning an independent trip much easier.

The application is submitted through VFS Japan India, which handles visa applications on behalf of the Embassy of Japan in India. The documentation process is quite similar to a Schengen visa. You will need confirmed return flight bookings, accommodation details, bank statements, and a few standard supporting documents to prove your travel plans and financial stability.

Overall, I found the process fairly smooth and much less intimidating than I had expected, which honestly made planning the trip feel a lot more achievable.

[Also read: Countries To Visit with a Japan Visa on an Indian Passport]

Other things to know before traveling to Japan: FAQs

Can I take Uber in Japan?

Yes, Uber does exist in Japan, especially in cities like Tokyo, but honestly, I would not recommend depending on it too much. Cabs in Japan are extremely clean, safe, and efficient, but they are also quite expensive, especially for Indians converting everything into rupees in their heads every five minutes, like I was!

The best way to get around is undoubtedly by train and subway. Japan’s public transport system is incredibly punctual, well-connected, and much more budget-friendly compared to taking taxis regularly.

Is tipping done in Japan?

No, Japan does not have a tipping culture. Good service is already included in the price, and hospitality is simply part of the culture there. In fact, leaving a tip can actually confuse people or even come across as impolite. We kept hearing stories about waiters running after tourists because they thought money had been accidentally left behind, and honestly, after experiencing Japanese honesty firsthand, I completely believe it.

Why are there barely any trash bins in Japan?

One thing that surprised me the most was how difficult it was to find public trash bins, despite the country being unbelievably clean. After a past security incident, many public bins were removed, and now people simply carry their trash with them until they find a place to dispose of it properly.

We usually ended up carrying wrappers, bottles, and coffee cups back to the hotel and throwing everything away there. It feels odd at first, but you quickly get used to it.

Can you eat while walking in Japan?

Not really! One cultural habit that stood out to me was that people generally do not eat while walking on the street or while traveling on local trains, buses, and subways. Eating on the go is considered impolite in many situations. If you buy something from a convenience store, kiosk, or vending machine, you are expected to either eat it nearby or carry it back with you. The one exception is the Shinkansen or bullet train, where eating is completely normal. In fact, grabbing a bento box for a train journey is almost part of the experience 🙂

Are there any temple etiquette rules to keep in mind?

Absolutely, and this is something visitors should be mindful of. Temples and shrines in Japan are places of worship, not just tourist attractions. It is best to dress modestly, especially at more traditional or religious sites, so clothes covering your knees and shoulders are a good idea. Always be respectful, speak softly, and observe the atmosphere around you. Bowing at entrances or before praying is common, and in some temples, photography may not be allowed at all. If you see signs asking visitors not to take pictures, make sure to respect them.

Over the last few years, Japan has become incredibly popular among travelers, and honestly, after experiencing it myself, I completely understand why. From cherry blossom season and ancient temples to its food culture, efficient public transport, and unmatched hospitality, there is something about Japan that stays with you long after you leave. Even the smallest experiences, like browsing convenience stores at midnight or getting lost in quiet residential lanes, somehow become memorable.

And yet, no amount of reels, Pinterest boards, or travel guides can fully prepare you for how Japan actually feels in person. It is a country that surprises you constantly, not just with its beauty, but with its kindness, discipline, and attention to detail in everyday life.

I left Japan already wanting to go back, and I have a feeling most people do. So if Japan has been sitting on your bucket list for years, consider this your sign to finally plan that trip. Trust me, it is every bit as magical as people say it is, and somehow, even more.

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