I had an absolutely AMAZING time on our trip! We went to the Philippines to see my grandmother for her 95th birthday, then on the way home, we “stopped by” Japan and South Korea. If you want to catch the play by play, check out my highlights on my IG (and give me and VS1 Travels a follow while you are there!)
I truly loved each country as they are unique in their own ways, but for now, I’ll focus on Japan!
Japan has been a super popular tourist destination and can be quite intimidating for first timers, so if Japan is on your bucket list, here are some tips for your journey!
1. Prepare Yourself: Language, Currency, and Etiquette
- Learn Key Japanese Phrases: A little goes a long way. Basic phrases like “excuse me,” “thank you,” and “do you understand english” can enhance your interactions with locals. I HIGHLY recommend trying the Pimsleur app (get a 7-day free trial). I crammed in some sessions for my trip and was able to have a conversation with some locals!
- Sumimasen – excuse me / sorry
- Arigatou gozaimasu – thank you
- Eigo ga wakarimasu ka – do you understand english?
- Carry Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s advisable to carry some cash (Japanese yen), especially for smaller shops and traditional markets. I personally have the Charles Schwab Investor Checking account as it allows me to make ATM withdrawals worldwide without having to pay for ATM fees (it gets reimbursed back to you). PLUS you accrue interest on your checking account too!
- Carry Your Passport: You must carry your passport on you at all times during your stay in Japan so make sure you have a secure bag to hold it in! This is my travel bag that I use on my trips: LINK
- No Tipping: Good service is expected and is part of the service, so tipping is not customary in Japan.
- Carry Your Garbage: Public trash cans are scarce, so carry your own until you find a designated disposal area. We used this packable bag for our garbage and food on the trip: LINK
- Etiquette Matters: Be mindful of Japanese customs, such as:
- Bowing: Bowing is a traditional way to greet others. A slight bow is polite for most interactions)
- Shoes: Always remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, traditional inns (ryokans), or temples. Keep an eye out for provided slippers. A practice in any asian household actually, especially in my house, haha.
- Public Transport: Trains and buses are often quiet. Avoid speaking loudly or taking phone calls to respect others.
2. Pack Smart: Comfort and Convenience
- Versatile Clothing: Pack clothing that can be layered, as the weather can vary significantly. And don’t pack too much because you need to save some space for all that shopping you will be doing!
- Comfortable Shoes: Invest in comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of exploring! And break them in BEFORE your trip, just like you would break in your shoes before you go on a long hike. My feet were HURTING so I went to the pharmacy and got some joint pain relief and it definitely helped!
- Travel Adapter: Ensure you have the correct travel adapter for your electronic devices! Here is what we used for our trip: LINK
- Compact Luggage: Opt for a lightweight, carry-on suitcase to navigate public transportation easily or if you have heavy bags, consider using a luggage delivery service to alleviate the burden of carrying them from each destination.
3. Master Public Transportation: A Seamless Journey
- Suica or Pasmo Card: These rechargeable IC cards are essential for using trains, buses, and convenience stores. I had the Suica card where I was able to load money and add it to my Apple wallet on my phone so I could easily scan my pass for every trip.
- Japan Rail Pass: If you plan to travel extensively by train, a Japan Rail Pass can save you money. However, I recommend calculating your travel costs if you buy individual tickets and compare the JR pass costs to see if it makes sense for your trip.
4. Plan Your Trip: Timing is Everything
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (colorful foliage) are popular times to visit, but consider off-peak seasons for fewer crowds. We went in early-October and the weather felt like a beautiful in-between summer/autumn day.
5. Immerse Yourself: Culture and Experiences
- FOOD: Japan has amazing food so don’t be afraid to try it all. From sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori, soba, udon, gyoza, tonkatsu, to okonomiyaki – I really could not get enough. Visit the local markets and local izakayas and eat everything you can!
- Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in traditional tea ceremonies, visit historic temples or onsen (hot springs), and experience the vibrant nightlife in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Sadly we did not have enough time to do everything we wanted on this trip, but definitely have a traditional tea ceremony and onsen on my list for next time!
I absolutely love Japan and miss it already, haha. I’m even considering buying a vacation property there! So whether you are ready to plan your first trip to Japan or want to buy a property with me ;-), feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to chat!
Happy travels and happy holidays!
