Planning a trip to Japan for the first time

Dernière mise à jour de cet article le 23 March 2026

Planning your first trip to Japan can seem daunting at first: a different language, cultural norms that can sometimes be confusing, and a massive transportation network. However, once you’re there, everything becomes surprisingly simple. So with a few pointers and a little preparation, traveling in Japan is actually much easier than you might think.

During our first trip to Japan, we discovered a fascinating country where tradition and modernity coexist. Despite their apparent reserve, the Japanese are always kind and willing to help. You also feel safe everywhere, day or night, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Add to that exceptional cuisine and unique experiences, and you’ll quickly see why Japan is a destination that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Here are our tips and insights to help you plan your first trip to Japan. And of course, check out Kiki’s review after her first trip to Japan. 

Managing your money on your first trip to Japan

The local currency is the yen. Although card payments are becoming more common, it is recommended that you always carry cash. This is because many places do not accept credit cards, including:

• Small businesses
• Public transportation ticket vending machines
• Public transit card reload machines
• Tolls 
• Some restaurants

To give you an idea of the scale, €1 is worth about 183 yen. For example, a 500-yen bill is worth about €2.73, and a meal costing 1,833 yen comes to about €10.

Should you withdraw cash before you leave? Not necessarily—you’ll find ATMs pretty much everywhere in the country. Just be mindful of bank fees.

Using public transportation on your first trip to Japan

Japan has an extremely efficient transportation network: subways, trains, and buses make it very easy to get around the country.

Buy a ticket or a pass

The simplest solution is to use a rechargeable transit card, such as the Pasmo card. It’s valid in most cities across Japan and costs 500 yen. We bought it as soon as we arrived in Tokyo. It allows you to ride subways, trains, and buses without having to buy a ticket for each trip. It’s easy to use: just tap the card when entering and exiting stations and on buses.

The fare is automatically deducted from your balance. If your balance is insufficient, you can easily top up your card at the terminals located in all train stations and on buses. 

Understanding the system

Don’t worry, everything is translated into English. And it’s very easy to find your way around using the station numbers.

Also, on the subway, if you take the wrong line or go in the wrong direction after passing through the turnstiles, you won’t be able to simply exit. The gates will remain closed, and you’ll need to go to the ticket counter so an attendant can reset your card.

Taking the bus in Japan

Bus rules vary by city. In Tokyo, for example, you board through the front door, pay or tap your card as you enter, and then exit through the back door. Unlike in some cities, the fare is often a flat rate, regardless of the distance traveled. In Kyoto, however, you generally board at the back of the bus and tap your card when exiting through the front door. When the bus is full, making your way to the front to get off can sometimes be a bit of a challenge! In Hakone, you must board through the front doors, tap your card, get off at the front, and tap your card again. The fare then depends on the distance traveled.

Take the train

Tickets can be purchased online, through a travel agency, or at ticket machines in train stations, but you’ll need to pay in cash. 

Good news: there’s always an English version.

Etiquette on Japanese public transportation

On the subway, Japanese people either sleep or look at their phones. No one stares at the other passengers. It feels safe and it’s clean! And of course, people line up to save space.

In Japan, order and discipline are highly valued.

• People line up to get on the train or subway
• We’re waiting our turn
• No cutting in line or pushing.

In short, let’s forget our French habits and start acting civilized!

Also, when walking down the hallways, you stay on the left and go with the flow. Even when it’s crowded, the atmosphere remains surprisingly calm because everyone follows the rules. Similarly, smoking is prohibited in cities… Women can wear miniskirts; no one stares at them, and you can hang lots of stuffed animals on your bags without being mocked. 

Renting a car on your first trip to Japan

Renting a car can be convenient in certain areas, but it requires a bit of planning. Availability often isn’t confirmed until two or three months before departure. And it can sometimes be difficult to pick up the car in one city and return it in another. When you return the vehicle, you’ll generally need to present the receipt for the last fill-up.

To drive in Japan, you must have:

• Your national driver’s license (French or Swiss)
• Its official Japanese translation, which you can obtain through an agency.

Without it, the rental agency will refuse to rent you a car. And believe me, Kiki has tried it, and I can confirm that without the original driver’s license, you can’t rent a car! 

Driving on your first trip to Japan

We drive on the left. Traffic lights are often located before the intersection and sometimes after it as well. It’s not difficult to drive; it just takes a little time for your brain to get used to driving on the left. The roads are narrow compared to back home. When you see the ravine on your left and a car coming toward you, it can give you a real scare! But Japanese drivers are very careful, especially in the city.

On the other hand, it’s pretty strange on the highway. Even when the speed limit is 60 km/h, many people drive at 80 km/h or even faster; if it’s 80, everyone drives at 100 or more.

It’s easy to fill up your tank in Japan. In fact, at gas stations, there’s usually an attendant who will help you if you need it.

Also, Japanese place names can sound similar, which makes it easy to enter the wrong destination. So be careful when entering an address into your GPS. It would be a shame to end up at the wrong place! 

Also, watch out for unpleasant surprises at parking lots. We thought we were paying 500 yen for the day, but it turned out to be 500 yen for 20 minutes… The result: a 5,000-yen parking bill!

Tolls

Japanese highways have many toll booths. If you don’t have the ETC electronic toll system, you’ll need to use the lane marked with a green symbol. You’ll then need to take a ticket and pay at the exit, either at a machine or to a toll collector. The price depends on the distance traveled. You must pay in cash! 

How do you recognize the green symbol? It’s usually the lane on the far left.

Parking your car in parking lots

If your hotel has a parking lot, you’ll discover the joy of parking your car. But I’ll let you check out the article about our stay in Nara, where Kiki explains how to park your car in Japan.

Visiting Temples in Japan

During your visit to Japan, you’ll see temples—lots of them. Yes, they all look alike… but each one has its own unique atmosphere and history. So don’t hesitate to explore them. 

Keep in mind that, generally speaking, you’ll need to take off your shoes before entering temples. If you’re wearing sandals, be sure to pack a pair of socks in your backpack.

What’s more, you’ll find yourself buying protective amulets even though you’re not religious at all. You might even buy a lucky charm at a temple (and spend 100 or 200 yen in the process) just because you want to believe in it.

Check out our trip to Kyoto, where we visited many temples.

The Onsen experience on a first trip to Japan

Visiting an onsen (public bath) is a true tradition in Japan. In fact, it’s a genuine purification ritual. The first time you visit an onsen can be a bit confusing because you don’t really know how it works. But after that, you’ll love the experience! In some onsens, you’ll even find scales to check your weight.

Check out our article on our visit to Kinosaki Onsen, the town of hot springs! And in this article, Kiki shares all the steps you need to know to make the most of your onsen experience.

Hotels in Japan

Japanese hotels are often very well-equipped. They usually provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, and hairbrushes, all available for guests to use. On the other hand, rooms are often very small, containing only the bare essentials: a bed and a small bathroom. The mattresses and pillows are very firm. Sometimes you sleep on a futon, which is actually just as comfortable.

Forget about a shower stall in the bedroom: here, the entire bathroom becomes a washing area.

In addition, the rooms often include:

• A flashlight
• Slippers
• Sometimes a yukata (lightweight kimono)

In addition, Japanese hotels offer a very convenient service: luggage transfer between hotels. This saves you from having to carry your bags on public transportation. We used this service from Tokyo to Kyoto and then from Kinosaki to Osaka. And when you’re traveling by train, it’s really nice not to have your bags with you!

What should you eat on your first trip to Japan?

Discovering Japanese cuisine was one of the highlights of this trip. From traditional restaurants to innovative concepts and new flavors, every meal was an experience in its own right. Japanese food is one of our favorite things about Japan! 

Japanese breakfasts

Japanese breakfasts can be a bit of a surprise for Western travelers. Some mornings, the meal included rice, miso soup, and above all… a lot of fish. Even though I eventually came to enjoy certain specialties, I have to admit that eating fish first thing in the morning was sometimes a bit of a challenge for me!

But you have to admit that a bowl of rice for breakfast gives you energy for the day!

Ramen

In Japan, we quickly got into the habit of eating ramen almost every day for lunch. These large bowls of steaming, fragrant noodle soup are delicious, quick to eat, and, above all, very affordable.

In fact, it was while eating ramen that Kiki learned how to use chopsticks in Tokyo… and he’s very proud of it! Check out our article on our trip to Tokyo for all the details. 

Eating at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant

We tried a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, an experience that was both fun and quintessentially Japanese. Plates of sushi roll past you on a conveyor belt, and all you have to do is grab the ones that catch your eye. Each plate color corresponds to a different price, and at the end of the meal, the server simply counts the number of plates to calculate the bill. It’s friendly, fast, and lets you try many different kinds of sushi. Plus, the tea is all-you-can-drink.

Is it expensive, after all? Yes, but it depends on what you order. 

Japanese barbecue

Japanese barbecue is generally called Yakiniku. It’s a very popular type of restaurant where you grill the meat yourself right at the table. For example, Wagyu, a Japanese beef renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality. A small grill or hot plate is placed in the center of the table, and the servers bring out various cuts of raw meat, often already sliced into thin strips. Each person cooks the meat at their own pace, then dips it in sauces before eating.

It’s a very friendly experience: we share the dishes, chat while cooking, and sample different kinds of meat and vegetables.

Discover Sake

Before this trip, I didn’t think I liked sake. But after tasting it in Japan, I completely changed my mind. There’s a wide variety of flavors depending on the region and the brewing method. Some are very mild, while others are stronger. In the end, I really enjoyed tasting it during my stay, and it reminds me of my birthday in Kyoto.

Convenience stores in Japan

If you don’t want to go to a restaurant, you can buy food at Family Mart and Lawson convenience stores. You’ll find them in every town. It’s not the best food in the country, but it’s very convenient for a quick dinner at the hotel.

Essentials for your first trip to Japan

Power adapter

In Japan, the electrical outlets are different from those used in Europe. So be sure to bring an adapter to charge your phones, laptops, and cameras.

Plan your route

Planning your itinerary in Japan can be a bit confusing at first. Japanese place names often sound similar, which can make planning difficult at times. Take the time to double-check the names of cities and neighborhoods to avoid mistakes.

Some tourist spots were absolutely packed. This might have been due to school holidays in certain Asian countries, but it still ruins the experience. Avoid the first week of October, when China’s Golden Week takes place. 

Unusual little things to know before your first trip to Japan

Politeness is essential in Japan. People will hand you items with both hands and bow to you.

You’ll also see capsule toy machines all over Japan. For 400 or 500 yen, you can get small figurines or plush toys to attach to your bag. So instead of carrying around loose change, you might as well spend it—and you’ll end up with some nice souvenirs.

The streets are incredibly clean, even though there are very few trash cans on the streets. So you have to keep your trash with you. Also, you won’t be surprised to see store employees dusting even though everything is already clean. 

Need to do some laundry in Japan? No problem—just head to a laundromat, take off your shoes, insert your coins, and you’re good to go!

Thirsty in Japan? No problem—you’ll find drink vending machines absolutely everywhere.

You can’t talk about a first trip to Japan without mentioning the famous Japanese toilets. For many travelers like me, it’s one of the little surprises of the trip… and a real favorite!

In Japan, restrooms are often ultra-modern and high-tech. Most are equipped with a control panel featuring several buttons that activate different functions. In many public places, restrooms also have a button that plays the sound of running water or music for added privacy. These restrooms are also renowned for their impeccable cleanliness, whether in train stations, shopping malls, or restaurants. After a few days, you quickly get used to this level of comfort… and you have to admit that going back to traditional restrooms can seem a bit of a challenge!

What itinerary should you choose for your first trip to Japan?

For a first trip to Japan, the most classic and well-rounded itinerary involves exploring the major cities and experiencing some traditional activities. We started in Tokyo, a vast and fascinating metropolis where temples, bustling neighborhoods, and modern culture blend together. From Tokyo, it’s easy to make a stop in Hakone to admire Mount Fuji. The itinerary continues to Kyoto, the former imperial capital famous for its temples, shrines, and traditional neighborhoods. Nearby, a day trip to Nara lets you see the famous deer park and the Great Buddha. Next, for a more authentic and relaxing experience, we spent two nights in the charming hot-spring town of Kinosaki Onsen. Finally, we ended our trip in Osaka, renowned for its cuisine and lively atmosphere—the perfect way to wrap up a first visit to Japan.

Kiki’s thoughts on his first trip to Japan

Of course, Kiki has his own travel tips for Japan. Because what seems easy to some people isn’t always so, unfortunately. 

Japanese transportation

Public transportation can be confusing—let’s not kid ourselves. Sometimes you get on at the front of the bus, sometimes at the back; sometimes you pay up front, sometimes you pay on the way out. At train stations, everything is usually marked in English. And since it’s so hard to find your way around, there are even colorful directional signs on the floor. Kiki was overwhelmed by the multitude of cryptic symbols and directional signs everywhere! Luckily, Sophie has eagle eyes and helps us find our way.

Japanese cuisine

Japanese food is fantastic! But the menus aren’t always in English, so you’ll have to constantly try to translate them using your phone. Or, be brave and just order anything. But be warned: in Japan, too, people love spicy food. You should take the little warnings seriously.  Kiki loves spicy food, but in Kyoto, he even had to send his soup back once. It clearly came straight from hell. The safest bet is probably to go for a classic ramen soup. The inevitable splatters on your T-shirt (yes, even if you’re very careful, it’s almost unavoidable) are free, but you’ll still love the soup.

Lucky charms in Japan

You’ll find these lucky charms all over Japan. As for whether they really bring good luck, that’s of course a matter of belief. Kiki also bought a cute little lucky charm at a temple. Unfortunately, shortly after, Kiki’s life started going from bad to worse. But the culprit was quickly found: he had to get rid of the lucky charm! And just like that, everything went back to normal. Could Kiki be a little superstitious?

Toy capsules in Japan

Besides, in Japan, you need to have nerves of steel. Why? If you, too, have a travel companion like Kiki—whose heart races at the sight of every capsule vending machine and who has to examine each one individually—you’ll understand what he means. He doesn’t understand why the Japanese are so crazy about these capsules toy. Sophie, of course, got swept up in the craze. There are thousands of these vending machines. Everywhere, on every street corner. Save your money and buy a nice souvenir instead. Or a good-luck charm. You never know…