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Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
10 Must-Know Japan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Fujiyoshida, Japan, 14 November 2019: Chureito Pagoda, a five-storied pagoda, also known as the Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument, can be seen on the observatory overlooking Mount Fuji. Fuji on the background getty Japan is one of the most popular international destinations right now. In April 2025, Japan welcomed a record-breaking 3.9 million international visitors, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). One of the most tourist friendly destinations, there is a learning curve to traveling here, and knowing how to navigate and plan accordingly will ensure a better travel experience. From basic etiquette and can't miss public transportation tips to planning the best time of year to visit (and knowing best time of year to avoid), here are ten essential travel tips every first time traveler needs to know to plan the best visit possible to Japan. Consular officer of Japan giving passport to woman, approved tourist visa getty U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Japan. Your passport must be valid at the time of entry and for the duration of your time in Japan. You'll need one blank page in your passport for entry and exit stamps. An international tourist tax in the amount of 1,000 yen ($7 USD) is automatically included in your departure airfare. While the Japanese government has begun discussions over whether or not to implement a 'tourist tax' on foreign visitors which could come into effect as soon as 2026, accommodation taxes in major cities including Kyoto are already under way. Currently, international travelers are exempt from Japan's 10% consumption tax, however starting Nov. 1, 2026, visitors will have to request a refund for Japan's tax-free shopping program. Until that takes effect, by presenting your Passport at the time of purchase, tourists will continues to enjoy tax free shopping across the country. Pro Tip : Fill out your immigration and customs declaration information at Visit Japan Web before your trip if you want to save time at the airport when you land. Once completed, you will receive a QR Code which you'll need to present at immigration in Japan. This simple tip will save you a lot of time when you land, otherwise you will need to fill this out and wait upon arrival. 2. Time Your Trip Right For The Best Experience Asian woman wearing japanese traditional kimono and cherry blossom in spring, Japan. getty Japan is a year-round destination and there's never a shortage of places to go or things to do depending on the time of year. The busiest, and most popular time of year to visit is in the springtime for cherry blossom season. The exact timing depends on the weather, however cherry blossoms typically begin to bloom around mid-to-late March through early April and you can expect hotel prices to be at their highest during this time. Wintertime brings lower temperatures and fewer tourists and is a great time to visit a local onsen (hot spring) or plan a visit to Hokkaido for skiing or snowboarding. Summertime can be busy and hot across mainland Japan, and while nature-centric activities abound, summer is a great time to consider a visit to Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. Fall is ideal weather-wise and is a great time for leaf peeping and touring thanks to a comfortable climate and plenty of cultural activities and festivals. Pro Tip : There's never a bad time to visit Japan, however if you want to avoid high prices at hotels and lots of crowds, it's advisable to steer clear of Golden Week. Typically, Golden Week starts around the end of April until the beginning of May and is when domestic travelers take their holiday so you can expect to see higher prices, less availability at hotels, and larger crowds at popular tourist sites and attractions. 3. Book The Right Hotel For Your Stay Business concept with aerial view of hotel at tokyo ,Japan getty When it comes to hotels in Japan, from sweeping skyscraper hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans (Japanese inns) to cozy capsules and love hotels, there's truly something for every traveler on every budget. Make sure to book hotel reservations in advance. In Tokyo, staying in a neighborhood like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza is a great way for first-time visitors to get the most out of their visit. A five-minute walk to Shibuya Station, Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya offers modern Western-style rooms and incredible views in arguably one of the best locations in town. For something a bit more budget-friendly, Shiba Park Hotel is a book themed hotel within walking distance to Tokyo Tower and is a great cost effective option. TRUNK Hotel Cat Street is 15-room boutique hotel located between Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando and is a great respite for the sustainability-conscious traveler. Pro Tip : Many hotels in Japan offer in-room loungewear called a yukata at no additional cost for guests to wear during their stay. 4. Understand The Tipping Culture In Japan Mature landlady greeting young female guests at ryokan. Women are bowing in front of inn owner. They are standing outside hotel. getty Tipping is not a part of the culture in Japan. However you might find that some restaurants, izakaya's (Japanese pubs), and bars in Tokyo's Golden Gai district have a table charge at night that typically ranges anywhere from ¥300 and ¥1,000 (less than $5). This table charge will be added to your tab which is customary and typically disclosed in advance. While tipping is generally not expected at restaurants or for taxis, there are some exceptions to the no tipping rule. If you have a fantastic private tour guide or have the chance to experience dinner with a geisha, tipping at your discretion, while not expected, is appreciated. Pro Tip : When appropriate, you should present your tip and follow it with a polite head bow to the person you are tipping as a sign of respect. 5. Carry Cash—Not Everywhere In Japan Takes Cards Young woman using self-checkout and e-money payment getty While credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Japan, it's a good idea to have plenty of Japanese currency (JPY) on hand. While most credit cards are accepted, many places will not accept American Express so you should plan on bringing multiple bank cards just in case. U.S currency is not accepted in Japan, however you can exchange USD for Japanese Yen at hotels and banks across the country. ATM's are located at convenience stores (Konbini's) across the country and are considered safe to use. Pro Tip: Having a small coin purse on you will help keep smaller change in the form of Japanese yen on hand. 6. Reserve Restaurants In Advance Hipster young man and woman walking into Japanese bar with lanterns, nightlife, date, food and drink getty Japan is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country on earth, and while you don't have to shell out a fortune to eat well, you should plan on making reservations at top-rated restaurants well in advance. Vending machine ramen restaurants are a unique part of the food culture in Japan and are a can't miss experience. Plan on using Japanese Yen for these, along with smaller restaurants, izakaya's, and food markets. If you find yourself in Japan without a reservation, don't fret. With thousands of restaurants to choose from, Tabelog is the county's go-to restaurant reservation app. You can also ask your hotel concierge to help with last minute restaurant requests. No matter where you go, be prepared to queue up. Waiting on line is a part of the dining culture in Japan, and typically, the better or more popular the restaurant, the longer the wait. Pro Tip : Train stations and malls are a great place to find a wide variety eateries and stock up on local snacks and souvenirs. 7. Brush Up On Etiquette And Manners Japanese businessmen bowing in traditional Japanese customs used when greeting colleagues and formalizing deals getty From removing your shoes before entering certain establishments and sacred spaces to bowing as a sign of respect when you're greeting someone, not speaking loudly on your cell phone in public, and bathing rituals at the local onsen (hot spring) there's a learning curve when it comes to understanding Japanese etiquette. There are plenty of resources and books dedicated to Japanese etiquette, and a basic understanding of politeness and punctuality are integral to Japanese life that should be adhered to throughout your time in Japan. Pro Tip : Loudly slurping your soba noodles or ramen is, surprisingly enough, socially acceptable. Don't feel like you're being rude by slurping loudly, it's a part of the culture and these meals are meant to be sipped, slurped and enjoyed without holding back. 8. Use Trains And Buses To Get Around Rail transport in Japan is a major means of passenger transport, especially for mass and high-speed travel between major cities and for commuter transport in urban areas. getty Trains and buses are the best and most cost effective ways to get around in Japan. Public transportation is incredibly safe, clean, and efficient. You'll want to invest in a prepaid subway card called an IC Card which can be downloaded directly onto your smartphone and refilled automatically along the way. Suica and Pasmo are the two most popular IC cards, and they can be purchased, used, and refilled automatically on your phone or at just about every subway station and konbini (convenience stores) around Japan. Your IC Card is good to use for buses, subways, and ferries and can even be used to purchase items at convenience stores and vending machines around the city. It's important to note that an IC Card is different from a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). While IC cards can be used on select shinkansen lines, fares will vary. A Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a good investment for visitors who plan on traveling extensively throughout Japan. A JR Pass can be purchased in increments of 7, 14, and 21 consecutive days and includes two types of fares: Green Car and Ordinary Car. While your JR Pass will cover unlimited train rides on most JR trains including Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkanzen), limited express, express, rapid, and local trains, it's important to note that some trains do require an additional fee. You can buy your JR Pass in advance of your trip and note that if you're traveling with large suitcases, you will need to purchase and reserve a seat that includes oversizes baggage which is typically at the end of the train car. Taxis and Ubers are also widely available in major cities and very reliable, just note that Uber and taxis operate as the same service. While Ubers and taxis are available, it's a considerably more expensive option compared to public transportation. Go Taxi is Japan's go-to taxi app and is available in nearly every prefecture across Japan. Pro Tip : Every passenger (even children) need their own IC Card, meaning you can't share an IC Card. Public transportation can be a bit confusing for first time travelers and non-native Japanese speakers, however there are always people on hand at train stations and bus terminals if you have questions. 9. Visit A Konbini—A Japan Travel Essential Kawaguchiko, Japan - December 7, 2023: Customers entering a Lawson konbini (convenience store) with Mount Fuji seen behind it at dawn. getty Japanese konbini's (convenience stores) are fundamental to everyday life in Japan. Open 24-7, there are a variety of konbini's to choose from including 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart and they can be found just about everywhere in cities big and small across the country. You can find a little bit of everything at the konbini, from the ever-popular crustless egg sando to onigiri and bento boxes and tickets to popular attractions like Disneyland. You can also refill your IC Card here and use your IC Card like a credit card to make purchases. Pro Tip : Konbini ATM's are a reliable place to withdraw money and unlike many Japanese banks accept most foreign ATM cards. 10. Download These Must-Have Apps For Japan Travel Close up of woman navigating location with smartphone in busy city street at night getty There are a few apps you're going to need during your time in Japan. Google Maps will be your best friend on the ground in Japan and while knowing a few basic Japanese phrases like konnichiwa (hello) and arigato (thank you) is a good start, Google Translate is both helpful and necessary in effectively communicating when you need a bit a of a boost. Your smartphone is also equipped with a camera that can translate from Japanese to English in real time and having a currency converter calculator will come in handy when you're trying to figure out how to quickly convert Japanese Yen to USD. For restaurant reservations, Tabelog is Japan's go to app and has tens of thousands of restaurants divided by city. For transportation, download your Suica Card and refill it on your phone as needed. Pro Tip: WiFi hotspots are widely available across major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, however if you're traveling to smaller cities and more remote regions you might want to consider purchasing a pocket wifi or local SIM card which can be found when you land at the airport in Japan or at local convenience stores across the country. Read More Forbes Forbes This Luxury Hotel Brand Is Opening Its First Hotel In Japan By Michelle Gross Forbes Hotels Across Japan Are Gearing Up For Cherry Blossom Season By Michelle Gross Forbes Japan's First 'Blue Zones' Retreat Is Coming To Okinawa By Michelle Gross
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Over 60,000 visitors expected at travel fair next month
(Seated from third left) Ng and Tay holding up publicity materials for the MITM Travel Fair slated for July 18 to 20. THE Malaysia International Travel Mart (MITM) Travel Fair is back in Johor, with more than 60,000 visitors expected over three days. Event organising chairman Vin Ng said this year's fair from July 18 to 20 in Sutera Mall, Skudai, would have the highest number of exhibitors to date. 'There will be 19 travel agencies, with booths on the second level of the mall, offering travel packages. 'We aim to generate more than RM18mil in sales revenue over the three days,' he said in a press statement. Ng added that the annual event served as a one-stop marketplace for tourism players to promote affordable and attractive international holiday packages. Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association Johor chapter chairman Edwin Tay said visitors could expect more tourism destinations as the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) would be joining MITM for the first time. 'This marks JNTO's debut appearance in our fair, where it will be introducing exciting travel opportunities in Japan.' He said the Taiwan Tourism Administration would also be at the fair to promote Taiwanese destinations. He also announced that Sichuan Airlines had come on board as a sponsor of the travel fair. Strong support has also been shown by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Johor, Tay added. Visitors who spend a minimum of RM500 during the event will be eligible to participate in a lucky draw to win the grand prize of a Perodua Axia. Admission to the travel fair is free.
Skift
7 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Indian Travel to Japan Hits Record Highs in 2025
The whole world wants to go to Japan and Indians are no exception. The numbers prove it! From January to May this year, about 142,400 Indians visited Japan. In May alone, 43,000 Indian travelers visited the country. According to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), this is the first-time ever that Indian tourists in a single month have crossed the 40,000 mark. This has come after Japan recorded the highest number of Indian tourists in 2024 - 233,100. 'The momentum has only accelerated in 2025,' JNTO said in a statement. The January to May arrivals of this year represented a growth of nearly 40% as compared to the same period last year. JNTO noted that May is considered a win-win travel season for Indians visiting Japan. It coincides with Indian summer vacations and the conclusion of Japan's domestic holiday season. This allows Indian travelers access to more accommodations and other tourist services. This is in line with the growing popularity of shoulder season among Indian travelers. A report by travel search platform Skyscanner earlier this month revealed that to avoid crowds and high prices, 1 in 2 Indians are open to traveling during off-peak times. What's Driving This Boom to Japan? Indian arrivals into Japan are also boosted by the increased air connectivity between the two countries. The winter 2024-2025 schedule featured 26 weekly direct flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Japan. Earlier this year, Ryo Bunno, executive director at JNTO, Delhi office, told Skift, 'Improved connectivity through increased flight frequencies and promotional fares has significantly improved the travel experience for Indian tourists, making Japan more accessible and affordable.' Japan is also ramping up its India strategy. According to Bunno, Japan has been actively engaging with the travel industry in India and it has been one of the biggest growth drivers. Indian Aviation Regulator Audit Flags Safety Gaps Indian aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted special audits at major airports in the country and on Tuesday, released its findings. DGCA found several safety lapses, many of which reflect recurring issues, prompting questions around the enforcement of basic standards in India's aviation ecosystem, Skift Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia reported. The audits were conducted less than two weeks after the Air India AI171 flight to London Gatwick crashed moments after takeoff in Ahmedabad on June 12. DGCA covered critical areas like aircraft maintenance, airport operations, air traffic services, and training simulators in the audits. While not naming specific airlines or airports, the findings released on Tuesday point to a broader failure to catch and fix known problems. The aviation watchdog said its inspection teams visited major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, and found repeated technical faults on aircraft that airlines had previously claimed to have already fixed. They noted 'multiple cases wherein the reported defects reappeared many times on the aircraft,' which suggested that airlines either didn't repair the issues properly or skipped them altogether. Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban for Indian Airlines Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft and airlines by another month. This ban will now remain in force till the early hours of July 24. The extension has been notified by Pakistan's aviation authorities through a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). The country had first restricted its airspace for all Indian airlines in the last week of April after the deterioration of diplomatic relations between the two countries following a terrorist attack in the Jammu and Kashmir region killed 26 people, most of them tourists. Pakistan then extended the closure for another month on May 23 after an armed conflict broke out between India and Pakistan in the beginning of May. The airspace closure has forced Indian airlines to reroute dozens of international flights bound for Europe, North America, and the Middle East, leading to longer travel times, higher fuel costs, and significant operational disruptions. The plight of Indian carriers has been further exacerbated by the tensions in the Middle East region. Easier Visa Norms Drive Indians to Southeast Asia With the easing of visa restrictions for Indian travelers in Southeast Asia, travel interest has surged, noted online travel platform Agoda. The platform said, 'Comparing accommodation searches made on Agoda between July to December 2024 for check-ins between January to May 2025, against the same timeframe a year earlier, Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka — countries with eased visa requirements — have seen a clear rise in interest.' Agoda noted a 47% year-on-year increase in accommodation searches for Malaysia, with destinations such as Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, and Highlands emerging as favorites. Palau reported a 49% increase in interest. Meanwhile, the Philippines, which granted visa-free access to Indian travelers just last month, recorded a 26% increase in accommodation searches. Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Not Yet Cleared for Operations The Vande Bharat sleeper trains have not yet received clearance for operation, even as the prototype for this train was dispatched for trials and testing more than six months ago. The 16-coach prototype for the train has been built at a cost of INR 1.2 billion ($13.9 million). According to media reports, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) completed the speed trials for the train at 160 km/hour. There have reportedly been objections regarding the design of the train and some of the safety features incorporated into its system. Pickyourtrail Partners With Miral Destinations in Yas Island Travel platform Pickyoutrail has collaborated with Miral Destinations, the trade and promotion arm for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. The partnership aims to increase Indian travelers to Yas Island 'by engaging high-intent travelers through dynamic digital engagement,' the company said in a statement. Yas Island has been witnessing an increase in tourists from India over the past few years due to proximity and demand for leisure. The destination has also worked to increase its visibility, partnering with actors Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol for its 'Zindagi Ko Yas Bol' campaign earlier this year.
The Mainichi
21-06-2025
- The Mainichi
Chinese tourists returning to Japan with new travel style
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Chinese tourists are driving a recent surge in inbound travel to Japan, with arrivals now exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels, though their travel habits are shifting noticeably. Previously, Chinese tourism in Japan was defined by large group tours and shopping sprees known as "bakugai." Nowadays, however, more travelers are seeking immersive experiences related to Japanese cuisine, culture and scenery, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. A total of 3.13 million Chinese travelers visited Japan in the first four months of this year, topping the 2.89 million recorded during the same period in 2019. While the number of visitors from China was slow to rebound after the pandemic, arrivals have steadily increased since the Chinese government lifted its ban on group tours to Japan in 2023, reaching 2.42 million that year and 6.98 million in 2024. Growth has continued into 2025, with year-on-year increases of 135.7 percent in January, 57.3 percent in February, 46.2 percent in March and 43.4 percent in April. The shift in travel preferences is partly driven by Chinese travelers in their 30s and 40s, many of whom have visited Japan before, now choosing family trips with their children over group tours. The JNTO is working to better target that market, including opening an account on a popular Chinese social media platform last fall. Meanwhile, visitor numbers from Hong Kong, which are tallied separately from mainland China, increased 30.8 percent in January from the previous year but declined 5 percent in February and 9.9 percent in March. A Japanese manga predicting a major disaster in Japan this July is believed to have discouraged travel. Posts about the manga "The Future I Saw" went viral after some claimed that its artist, Ryo Tatsuki, also predicted the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan, among other events. Nevertheless, April saw a strong rebound, marking a 42.9 percent increase from the previous year. At a press conference earlier this month, Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Naoya Haraikawa dismissed the concerns, saying, "I believe they currently have no real impact."
Asahi Shimbun
19-06-2025
- Asahi Shimbun
Foreign tourists set May record in Japan, but Hong Kong figure falls
Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, was a popular tourist destination in May. (Asahi Shimbun file photo) A record number of tourists visited Japan in May despite a decrease from Hong Kong, the source of spreading predictions that a major earthquake will hit the country, the Japan National Tourism Organization said. The inbound tourist figure was 3,693,300, up 21.5 percent year on year and the most ever for the month of May, the JNTO said on June 18. It was also the eighth consecutive month for Japan to receive more than 3 million visitors from abroad. From January to May, 18,140,100 tourists made trips to Japan, up 23.9 percent from the same period last year. In May, South Koreans accounted for the most inbound tourists, with 825,800, up 11.8 percent from the same month last year, followed by China with 789,900, up 44.8 percent, and Taiwan with 538,400, up 15.5 percent. The number of visitors from Hong Kong was 193,100, down 11.2 percent year on year. Hong Kong was the only region with a decrease in tourists to Japan. The rumor sweeping Hong Kong through social media is that a huge earthquake will strike Japan in July. It stems from separate prophecies by a famed local feng shui master and a Japanese manga artist. The JNTO said it did not know if the rumor led to the drop in visitor numbers from Hong Kong in May. But demand for flights from Hong Kong to Japan have remained uncharacteristically low since the earthquake prediction started to circulate. The Japanese government has tried to put the rumor to rest by saying it is impossible to accurately forecast an earthquake.
