JAPAN
The land of the rising sun boasts a unique blend of rich cultural history and modern advancement.
CITIES
KYOTO
OKINAWA
TOKYO
JAPAN
THINGS TO KNOW,
BEFORE YOU GO
Aiding in the country’s ability to offer something for everyone, year-around. First time travelers often underestimate the sheer length of Japan.
At over 2,350 miles in length, Japan measures about 700 miles longer than The contiguous US. Measuring North to South.
Why is this important when it comes to your vacation??
Weather.
Weather can vary drastically from the North to the South of Japan.
Be sure to check average weather by month in the areas you’re traveling to.
BASIC INFORMATION TO KNOW, BEFORE YOU GO
A quick refresher, or initial look.
LANGUAGE
JAPANESE
CURRENCY
¥ (YEN)
for current exchange rates, click here
CAPITAL
TOKYO
FLAG
WHITE BACKGROUND WITH A CENTERED RED DISC
representing the sun
RELIGIONS
BUDDHISM
SHINTO
CHRISTIANITY
SAFETY
Japan remains solidified as one of the safest countries in the world for travelers!
Compared to the USA, in almost all measurable areas, Japan is extremely safe.
Still, it is best to always be safe and on your guard. Especially, as a solo female traveler.
WHERE TO STAY
Hostels
$
Rentals and Ryokan
$-$$
Hotels
$$-$$$
Ryokan with Private Onsen and Garden View
$$-$$$
HISTORICAL AND
POP CULTURE
Things Japan is known for
ANIME
ARCHITECTURE
ART
CHERRY BLOSSOM – SAKURA
TOKYO DISNEY
FESTIVALS
HARAJUKU
HORROR
MANGA
OMIYAGE SOUVENIRS AND GIFTING
GEISHA AND KIMONO
IMPERIAL REIGN
NINJA
SAMURAI
SHOGUN
SUMO WRESTLING
ONSEN HOT SPRINGS
RYOKAN INNS
TEA CEREMONY
TEMPLES AND SHRINES
MODERN CULTURE
NO TRASH CANS
Carry your trash “home” and dispose of it there.
SAFETY IS A PART OF JAPANESE CULTURE
While crime rates in Japan are very low. It is a good idea to use caution and be aware of your surroundings, anywhere in the world.
LESS OR NO PAPER TOWELS
Since COVID, there have been less paper towels around in public Japanese restrooms.
While in Japan, we noticed people had handkerchiefs with them, they carried around and used to dry their hands.
We recommend bringing a small hand towel around with you, or simply purchasing one of the many available, while there.
MANNERS
NO EXCESSIVE TOUCHING/EYE CONTACT
personal displays of affection are not a part of Japanese culture.
GIVE AND TAKE THINGS WITH TWO HANDS
To show respect and thanks.
BOW WHEN GREETING A NEW PERSON
Not sure when to bow?
If they bow to you, bow back.
STAND OR SIT TO EAT (NO WALKING)
It is considered unclean and disrespectful to eat and walk in public.
JAPAN | FOOD ETTIQUITE
Food etiquette in Japan varies greatly from the USA and other western countries.
If you want to have a more enriched experience, and be respectful of the culture you’re traveling to experience.
We always advise looking up cultural differences before traveling to a new country. Along with common mistakes Americans make, etc.
Just the effort, is an easy way to show the people who live there, through your actions, that you respect their home.
CHOPSTICK ETIQUETTE
TIPPING IS OFFENSIVE
SLURPING IS OKAY
WHEN EATING:
Mind your P’s and Thank Yous!
Please – Kudasai
Thank You (Very Much) – Arigato (Gozaimasu)
Before eating, after the plate is set down, always say “Itadakimasu,” meaning something along the lines of : “Thank you, for this meal. It looks amazing!”
After eating, when finished, you can say “Gochisousama Deshita,” meaning: “Thank you for this meal.”
THE CAN’T MISS LIST
JAPAN | FOOD AND DRINK
A list of some of the most popular foods commonly eaten and originating in Japan
BEER
BENTO
KUMAMOTO OYSTERS
MATCHA
MISO
MOCHI
NOODLES
PASTRIES
RAMEN
RICE
SAKE
SEAFOOD
SUSHI
STREET/MARKET FOODS
TEMPURA
TONKATSU
TERIYAKI
WAGYU BEEF (Kobe, etc.)
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
When accidents/emergencies strike. We are usually not expecting them to happen.
119
119 is the phone number in Japan specifically used for emergencies involving fire, and/or requiring an ambulance.
110
110 is used to dial the police.
Especially, in the case of emergency contacts abroad, it’s better to be prepared.
Before any trip, we advise saving the emergency number of your destination, on your phone.
Most likely, you won’t need to look at the numbers again until you arrive back home, and delete them.
PASSPORT REMINDER!
Technically, your US passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in Japan. Whew!
However, we recommend ensuring your passport does not expire within three months of your entry date in Japan.
Throughout COVID, we all experienced how tumultuous the world of travel can be. We recommend renewing your passport at least 6 months before its expiration date.
VISAS
You do not need a visa when traveling within Japan for under 90 days.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
ALL YEAR!
In the fall, splashes of color bleed throughout Japan for a fantastical changing of the leaves.
From sunbathing and snorkeling on the southern shores of Okinawa for our warm-weather queens.
To the spring wave of plum and cherry blossoms flowing through the country for our whimsy creatives.
To the winter wonderland of Hokkaido boasting some of the best powder in the world for our athletic snow bunnies.
Japan has something to offer every time of year.
THE CAN’T MISS LIST
JAPAN | CITIES
TOP PRIORITIES
KYOTO
TOKYO
THE CAN’T MISS LIST CONTINUED…
Top and well known cities in Japan.
BEPPU
HAKONE
HIRISHIMA
HOKKAIDO
KAGOSHIMA
KAMAKURA
KOBE
MATSUMOTO
MIYAJIMA ISLAND
NAGANO
NAGASAKI
NARA
NIKKO
OKINAWA
SAPPORO
SHIMA
SHIRAKAWA-GO
YOKOHAMA
THE CAN’T MISS LIST
JAPAN | THINGS TO DO AND SEE
BEACHES
CASTLES AND PALACES
DRIFT CARS
FESTIVALS
GARDENS
GEISHA
HARAJUKU
ISLANDS
JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
KARAOKE
MUSEUMS
MT FUJI
NACHI-NO-TAKI
NARA PARK
MARKETS
SCUBA/SNORKELING
SUMO
TEMPLES AND SHRINES
UNESCO HERITAGE SITES
VOLCANOS
GET INSPIRED!
One of my favorite ways to feed my excitement level before a trip (and reminisce after) is by taking in media inspired by the country.
THE CAN’T MISS LOST OF JAPANESE
ANIME, BOOKS, GAMES, MOVIES, SHOWS
27 RONIN
BLUE EYE SAMURAI
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT
GODZILLA
GHIBLI
JOHN WICK 4
KILL BILL
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA
ONE PIECE
PACIFIC RIM
POKÉMON
QUEER EYE JAPAN
THE KARATE KID
THE LAST SAMURAI
WOLVERINE
GETTING THERE
FLIGHTS
GETTING AROUND
FLY
BULLET TRAIN
TRAIN
BUS
CAR
LOOKING FOR MORE JAPAN INSPIRATION?
CHECK OUT OUR MOST RECENT JAPAN POSTS, BELOW
4 FREE ITINERARIES FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELERS TO JAPAN
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THE EASY 11 PHRASES FOR TRAVELERS TO JAPAN
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