Planning a Trip to Japan: DOs & DON’Ts (2025)

Prior to traveling to Japan, purchase an exchange order for your Japanese Rail Pass (more on that later if necessary). Learn some Japanese—numbers are especially useful! While you can get by with Google Translate, it’s much more fun to learn some Japanese (which isn’t as hard as you might think) and locals really appreciate it.

We are currently taking the complete Rocket Japanese online course, which includes voice recognition to test your pronunciation, audio lessons with natural dialogue, tips on grammar and culture, and more. It’s a little pricey but unlike most subscription-based courses, you get lifetime access and discounts are often available.

Get a license to drive internationally. You’ll need this for go-karting on the real Tokyo roads dressed as your favourite character. insane, but one of our favorite activities in Japan.

Arrange travel insurance. Because healthcare costs a lot in Japan, make sure you have insurance in case the worst happens. For UK/EU residents, we have used and recommend Heymondo, SafetyWing (both available worldwide), and True Traveller. Travel insurance from Safetywing If you haven't already, apply for a Mastercard credit or debit card.

Some Japanese websites don’t work with Visa so it’s good to have a backup. We made use of a debit card from Starling Bank that is only valid in the UK and allows for free international transactions and cash withdrawals. Walk as much as possible – You will walk a lot in Japan cities so it helps to get some training in beforehand (and wear in some comfy shoes).

You will need chopsticks almost everywhere you eat, with the exception of curry, which is served with a spoon. Practice using chopsticks. In some restaurants and experiences, it's a good idea to get used to sitting on the floor.

To eat all of the delicious ramen—including many vegan options these days—you'll need chopstick skills. Buy a pre-paid transport IC card for local trains, metro and buses. You just tap on and off and don’t have to worry about buying a ticket. It will be an ICOCA card in Kyoto and Osaka, a Suica or Pasmo card in Tokyo, but you can use any of the cards throughout the country.

While physical Suica cards are now available again (after a shortage), you can also add Suica to Apple Wallet on your phone or watch. Visa doesn’t work as a payment method so use Apple Pay, Mastercard, or American Express to top up. We didn't even need to open the app because we just tapped on transportation with our Apple Watch. Unfortunately, Android phones purchased outside of Japan will not work with this. The Welcome Suica Mobile app coming in spring 2025 should make things easier. Check out Paket Travel Jepang.

Set up an Airalo eSIM – You’ll want affordable data on your phone as having access to maps and Google Translate makes life so much easier. Prior to your arrival, setting up a digital eSIM is simple, and prices at Airalo start at just US$4.50. We used it on our last Japan trip and it worked great. If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, you can buy a physical Umobile SIM from a vending machine at Tokyo Narita Airport (make sure your phone is unlocked).

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