January was a whirlwind of holiday parties, client trips, and my own two‑week adventure in Japan and South Korea with my husband, Derick, but I’m finally back home (sadly, haha) and ready to share the good stuff with you. This month, I’m breaking down my top 10 Japan travel tips so your trip feels smoother, less stressful, and way more fun.
1. Use Suica in Apple Wallet
Skip the ticket machines and add a Suica (or PASMO/ICOCA) card directly to your Apple Wallet so you can tap in and out of trains and buses with your iPhone or Apple Watch. You can also use it for small purchases at convenience stores and vending machines, which makes day‑to‑day spending so much easier. If you have an Android, then recommend using a physical card instead.
2. Carry Your Passport For Tax‑Free Shopping (and it’s the law..)
Always keep your passport with you, especially if you plan to shop. Many stores offer tax‑free pricing for tourists, but you must show your passport at the time of purchase to qualify. Japan also legally requires foreign visitors to carry their passport, so it doubles as both a shopping perk and a requirement.
3. Let Google Maps Be Your Best Friend
Google Maps is incredibly reliable in Japan for trains, buses, and walking routes, including platform numbers, transfer times, and fare estimates. It will even track your trip in real time and inform you how many stops are left before getting off! It’s especially helpful in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka where stations can feel like mini cities on their own.
4. Book The Right Side For Mount Fuji
If you’re taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo toward Osaka or Kyoto, try to reserve seats on the right‑hand side of the train for a chance to see Mount Fuji on clear days. Visibility always depends on weather and time of day, so treat it as a bonus view, not a guarantee. (and if you are traveling from Osaka/Kyoto toward Tokyo, book the Left Side of the train).
5. Pack A Small Hand Towel
Most public restrooms in Japan are very clean but often do not provide paper towels, and many only have hand dryers. A small hand towel (or quick‑dry travel towel) is a simple way to stay comfortable and avoid relying on dryers you might not want to use for sanitary reasons.
6. Take Advantage Of Hotel Pajamas And Slippers
Many Japanese hotels and ryokans provide pajama sets and slippers as part of your stay, which can save space in your luggage. It’s always a good idea to confirm amenities with your accommodation in advance so you know exactly what you can leave at home.
7. Plan For All The Shopping
You will shop in Japan—just accept it now. Bring a collapsible duffel or pack your carry‑on inside your checked suitcase on the way there so you have an extra bag ready for souvenirs on the way back. This is especially helpful if you fall in love with local fashion, skincare, or home goods (which you probably will).
8. Use Luggage Forwarding Services
Japan’s luggage delivery services let you send your suitcases from one hotel to the next so you can travel light on trains and buses. Companies like Yamato Transport cover essentially all of Japan and are known for reliable, door‑to‑door delivery, which is a lifesaver in busy stations with lots of stairs and few elevators.
9. Eat At Convenience Stores On Purpose
Convenience stores such as 7‑Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are genuinely good places to eat in Japan, not just emergency snack stops. Try things like the 7‑Eleven egg salad sandwich or Famichiki (fried chicken thigh) from FamilyMart for quick, budget‑friendly bites that still feel delicious and very local.
10. Carry A Small Trash Bag
Public trash cans can be surprisingly hard to find in Japan, especially in busy city areas. Keep a small bag in your daypack for receipts, wrappers, and drink bottles, then sort and toss them later where bins are available and labeled for proper recycling.
And that’s it! Japan truly is one of my favorite places on Earth. So much so that we do want to invest and buy a property there one day (and live there!!)
If you or anyone you know is planning a trip to Japan and wants help with routing, hotels, things to do, or just making the whole experience smoother, reach out—I’m happily obsessed and already planning to go back!
If you caught yourself thinking, “Okay… I want a trip like that,”hit reply and tell me what kind of experience you’re craving for 2026. Your dream trip isn’t going to plan itself! I’m ready when you’re ready.
✨ P.S. The ideal planning window for most trips is six months or more. If you’re wondering whether it’s “too early,” it’s probably the perfect time. Reply to chat it through, or submit an inquiry and we’ll get the process started.
