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Things to Do Before Going to Japan: What We’d Do Differently After Our First Trip
- 2 days ago
- 23 min read
Japan can be intimidating on your first trip; from navigating bustling city streets and crowded train stations, figuring out how to say, "arigato gozaimasu," and trying to buy Shinkansen tickets, things can get overwhelming fast. On our first trip we spent our fair share of time lost in train stations, fumbling over our words in broken Japanese, and trying to translate menus. But luckily for you, we made plenty of mistakes on our first trip to Japan so you don't have to! In this post we'll break down what we did wrong on our first trip to Japan (like not buying the right Shinkansen tickets) to help you avoid making the same mistakes!
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First Time in Japan: What Region, What Cities, How to Decide
Our biggest challenge when planning Japan was not a lack of options; it was the opposite. We were interested in almost everything: temples, food, cities, nature, history, design, trains, neighborhoods, and the overall culture. Almost everyone told us that Japan deserves at least 10-14 days, and once we started researching, we understood why. Japan is usually divided into official regions like Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. But for planning a first trip, we found it easier to think about the country more simply: northern Japan, central Japan, and southern Japan.
Northern Japan: Nature, Snow, Space, and Slower Travel
Northern Japan includes places like Hokkaido and Tohoku. This part of the country felt best suited for travelers who want dramatic nature, winter scenery, hot springs, national parks, skiing, quieter towns, and a slower-paced trip. Places like Sapporo, Hakodate, Niseko, Furano, Aomori, Akita, and Sendai all sounded incredible, especially for travelers looking for snow, seafood, mountain scenery, festivals, and countryside experiences.
Central Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and the Classic First Trip
This is the most commonly visited area of Japan for visitors. It includes some of the biggest sightseeing and tourist cities in the country like; Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and the towns surrounding Mt Fuji. This area is rich in culture, housing some of the countries most popular temples, historic sites, and preserved streets. Not only can you find historic Japanese culture, but in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you can immerse yourself in modern Japanese culture and flavors.
For first-time travelers, this region gives you a little bit of everything. Tokyo offers the modern, fast-paced, design-forward side of Japan, while Kyoto gives you the traditional, historic, cultural side. Osaka adds incredible food, nightlife, and a more laid back city energy. Another reason this route is so popular is how easy it is to connect. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are linked by train, so you can visit multiple major cities without needing domestic flights. Central Japan also gives you access to easy day trips like Nara, Hakone, Mount Fuji, and Kanazawa, which add temples, nature, hot springs, gardens, and mountain views to the trip.
Southern Japan: Food, Islands, History, and a Different Rhythm
Southern Japan includes areas like Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. This part of the country felt very tempting because it seemed warmer, more relaxed, and in some places more tropical. Places like Hiroshima, Miyajima, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Okinawa all stood out for different reasons. Hiroshima and Miyajima seemed important for history and culture. Fukuoka looked amazing for food, especially ramen and casual nightlife. Nagasaki had a unique international history, while Kyushu seemed full of volcanoes, hot springs, and landscapes that felt different from the Tokyo/Kyoto route. Okinawa, meanwhile, felt like an entirely different kind of trip, with beaches, islands, and a slower pace.
Why We Chose Central Japan for Our First Visit
In the end, we chose central Japan because it gave us the best balance for a first trip.
We wanted Tokyo for the modern side of Japan: the lights, design, food, neighborhoods, shopping, and city energy. We wanted Kyoto for the cultural side: temples, shrines, gardens, traditional streets, and historic atmosphere. Once we realized how easy it was to connect Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka by train, the decision became much clearer. Central Japan allowed us to experience several different sides of the country without spending too much time on transit. For a first visit, this route felt like the best introduction: exciting but not overwhelming, varied but still practical, and full of the culture and modernism that made us want to visit Japan in the first place. Definitely worth it for the first time visit, but do your own research and decide what is best for you!
Why We Included This in Things to Do Before Your First Trip to Japan
One of the biggest things to do before your first trip to Japan is decide what kind of experience you actually want. It is easy to plan a trip around the most popular route, especially Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, but that does not always mean it is the best route for you.
We have heard of many travelers planning a Japan trip centered mostly around Tokyo, only to realize later that their real interests were history, temples, food, beaches, mountains, or slower cultural experiences. Even within central Japan, the cities feel very different. Tokyo is exciting, modern, and fast-paced, but if you are looking for a deeper sense of history and traditional culture, Kyoto may offer more of what you imagined. Kyoto felt slower and less modern, but its temples, shrines, and cultural areas were exactly what made it so
memorable for us.
That is why choosing your region matters. Osaka is known for food and nightlife, Okinawa is better for beach vibes, Hokkaido is great for mountains and nature, and Kyoto is one of the best places for traditional culture. Before booking your itinerary, think about what you truly want to see and experience. For us, that became one of the most important tips for planning a first trip to Japan.
Do Not Overpack Your Japan Itinerary
Okay, now you should know what region of Japan you are visiting, and have come to a consensus.
Plan Out Your Long Transit Days When Building Your Japan Itinerary
When planning a trip to Japan, we noticed a lot of people stress about subway and metro rides within cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Honestly, those local transit days were not where we saw the biggest issues. The bigger mistakes seemed to happen on long travel days between cities, especially when using the Shinkansen or taking domestic flights.
For that reason, we would recommend treating major transit days as their own part of the itinerary. If you are traveling between larger cities or regions, give yourself plenty of time and avoid overpacking the day with activities. These travel days can actually be fun experiences on their own, especially if you are taking the Shinkansen. Get to the station early, grab breakfast or lunch, pick up snacks, and enjoy the whole process. What we would absolutely not do is book time-specific tours or activities on those days. Japan’s transit system is incredibly efficient, but jet-lagged, tired, non-Japanese-speaking tourists are not always as efficient.
Mistakes can happen, and those mistakes take extra time to fix. For example, in Kyoto, we accidentally purchased four Shinkansen tickets instead of two. The kiosk at Kyoto Station printed the basic fare and limited express fare together as one ticket, while Shinagawa Station in Tokyo had required us to purchase both parts separately. Because of that difference, we misunderstood what we needed.
Thankfully, a local pointed out the mistake before we boarded. We went to the Kyoto Station help desk, got a refund for the extra tickets, and were placed on a later train. It all worked out, but only because we had built extra time into the day. If we had been rushing to a pre-booked tour or timed activity, we either would have had to skip the refund or risk missing something important. If everything goes smoothly and you arrive at your next stop earlier than expected, that is a bonus. Store your luggage at the hotel and start exploring on your own. Some of the best moments in Japan come from unplanned shopping, wandering, or finding a great meal you did not have on the itinerary.
Honestly Know Your Walking Limits Before Planning a Day in Japan
Everyone we talked to warned us of the amount of walking we would do in Japan. Between the hotel, transit systems and your activities you can easily rack up 5-10 miles of walking per day. That does not include any extra walking to grab a drink from a convenient store or stopping by a restaurant that looked great earlier in the day. With that being said, if you do not walk a lot, know your limits. Map out your daily itinerary on Google Maps and get an estimate of if it will be too intense. There is nothing worse than being chafed, sore, and overexerted on day two of your trip because you tried to overdo it!
Tips On How To Not Overpack Your Daily Itinerary in Japan
First Rule: Plan Stops That Are Close to Each Other
We know what you are thinking: this seems obvious. Who would plan two temples across the city from each other on the same day in Kyoto? Honestly, a lot of people. It is easy to write down everything you want to see without actually putting those locations into a map and checking how close they are to each other. That is where daily itineraries can start to fall apart.
For example, if you are visiting Kyoto and two of your top attractions are Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari, you might be tempted to put both into your first full day. But once you check Google Maps, you will see they are roughly 40 minutes to an hour apart by train, and that is assuming you make no mistakes along the way.
That does not mean you cannot visit both, but it does mean you should be realistic about how much time and energy that day will require. In Japan, transit is efficient, but moving between neighborhoods still takes time. Add in walking, crowds, photos, meals, shopping, and getting turned around at stations, and a “quick stop” can easily become half your day. Before finalizing your itinerary, map out your stops and group attractions by area. It will make your days feel smoother, less rushed, and much more enjoyable.
Second Rule: Plan Your Stops in an Order That Makes Sense for Your Hotel
This might be personal preference, but we always try to plan our days by starting with the farthest activity first and then slowly working our way back toward where we are staying.
Why? Because everyone has experienced that midday crash where you just want to be back at your hotel, take a shower, change clothes, and eat some snacks. But when your next stop is even farther away, it can feel so much harder to keep going. By planning the farthest stop first, the rest of the day usually feels more manageable. As you get more tired, you are also getting closer to your hotel instead of farther from it. That makes it easier to push through one more activity, stop for dinner nearby, or decide to call it early without feeling like you wasted the day. Japan is the kind of place where you will walk a lot more than you expect. Keeping your route logical can make a huge difference in how much you actually enjoy your itinerary.
Third Rule: Leave Room for Meals, Shopping, and Getting Lost
One of the easiest ways to overpack your Japan itinerary is to only plan around major attractions. On paper, it might look like you have enough time for three temples, a museum, a market, and dinner. But in reality, Japan is full of small moments that take extra time in the best way. You may want to stop for matcha, browse a shop you did not know existed, wait in line for a restaurant, wander down a pretty side street, or spend way too long in a convenience store. These things may not be on your itinerary, but they are often what make the day feel memorable. We would recommend leaving open space between your main stops instead of planning every hour. Choose a few must-do activities for the day, then let the rest be flexible. That way, if you find a great food stall, a cute store, or a quiet street you want to explore, you can actually enjoy it without feeling like you are falling behind schedule.
Why Hotel Location Matters More Than You Think
When planning your Japan itinerary, hotel location matters more than you might expect. It is easy to choose a hotel based only on price, but in Japan, the location can affect how tired you feel, how much time you lose in transit, and how easy your days feel overall. We would recommend choosing your hotel based on your comfort level with walking and public transportation. If you are comfortable navigating trains, transfers, and longer walks, you may be fine staying a little farther out to save money. But if this is your first time in Japan, or you know you get tired easily, it may be worth paying more to stay near a major station or in a neighborhood close to your main activities.
Station Transfers Can Add More Time Than Expected
One thing we underestimated was how much time station transfers can add to a day. On a map, a route might look simple, but once you are inside a large station, you may still need to walk several minutes to find the right platform, exit, or train line. This is especially true in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where stations can feel like small cities on their own. Even if the train ride is only 15 minutes, the full trip may take much longer once you include walking to the station, finding the right entrance, transferring lines, and walking from the final station to your destination.
When a “Close” Attraction Still Takes Longer to Reach
We also learned that “close” does not always mean quick. An attraction may look close to your hotel on a map, but that does not mean it is easy to reach. You may need multiple train transfers, a long walk from the nearest station, or extra time figuring out which exit to use.
That is why we would not only look at the distance from your hotel to the places you want to visit. We would also check the actual route, travel time, number of transfers, and walking distance. Sometimes paying a little more for a better-located hotel can make the entire trip feel easier, especially when you are already walking
thousands of steps every day.
After all that information, what good would we be without some helpful links to get you looking in the right areas for your stay!
Understand Japan Transportation Before Your First Full Day
Japan’s transportation system is amazing, but it can feel overwhelming at first. Between local trains, subways, private rail lines, station exits, and different platform directions, it is a lot to take in when you are jet-lagged and trying to get somewhere on time. That said, once you are actually there, it becomes much less intimidating. Unless you are using a specific rail pass or traveling somewhere more remote, you usually do not need to stress too much about which company operates each train. A Suica, Pasmo, or other IC card works for most local routes, which makes getting around much easier. You'll probably make a wrong turn, use the wrong exit, or get confused by a transfer, but don't worry that totally normal!
Local Trains, Subways, and Private Rail Lines Can Feel Confusing at First
Before visiting Japan, we thought we needed to fully understand every train company and line. In reality, Google Maps did most of the heavy lifting. The confusing part is that some cities have a mix of subway lines, JR lines, and private rail lines. At first, that can make the system feel more complicated than it really is. But most of the time, you just need to follow the route your map gives you and tap in and out with your IC card. Unless you are taking a special train, using a pass with restrictions, or heading somewhere more niche, you do not need to overthink every single line.
Why Station Exits Matter in Japan
One thing that matters more than we expected is the station exit. In Japan, especially in larger cities, stations can be huge. Taking the wrong exit can put you several blocks away from where you meant to be, or on the opposite side of a major road or neighborhood. Sometimes the train ride is simple, but finding the correct exit is what takes the most time.
We also noticed that train directions are not always described the way we are used to. Sometimes the direction is listed by the final station on that train line, rather than by a general area of the city. Other times, signs may use a city direction or major stop to help guide you. Once you understand that, it starts to make more sense, but it can definitely be confusing at first.
How We Would Prepare for Transportation Differently
If we were doing it again, we would keep transportation prep simple. Google Maps, an IC card, and a little extra patience will get you very far. The night before, we would quickly look at the next day’s route just to understand the general plan. Which station are we starting from? Do we need to transfer? About how long will it take? Which exit looks closest to the attraction? Then we would check the route again in the morning, because train times and route suggestions can change. This is why we would not recommend over-planning every single train in advance. Too much preparation can actually create more stress if the route changes last minute. The goal is not to memorize Japan’s transit system before you arrive. The goal is to understand enough that your first full day feels less intimidating.
Why Bus Routes Can Change During Commute or Night Hours
Another thing to pay attention to is bus routes. We mostly relied on trains, but buses can be helpful in places like Kyoto, where some temples and neighborhoods are not always right next to a train station. The main thing to know is that bus routes and travel times can change depending on the time of day. During commute hours, traffic can make the ride much longer than expected. At night, buses may run less frequently, stop earlier than trains, or require a different route than the one you saw earlier in the day. This is why we would always re-check the route right before leaving, especially if you are relying on a bus to get back to your hotel. A route that looked simple in the afternoon may not be the best option later that night. Buses are not something to be afraid of in Japan, but they do require a little more awareness than trains. Give yourself extra time, check the route in real time, and do not assume the same bus option will be available all day.
If you are planning on booking tour, it is best to research those tours as far ahead of time as possible. Especially during busy seasons like Cherry Blossom Season or Autumn Festivals
Understand the Shinkansen Process Before Your First Ride
The Shinkansen is one of the best parts of traveling in Japan, but the ticket process can feel confusing the first time you do it. Before our first ride, we knew the bullet train would be efficient and comfortable, but we did not fully understand how the ticketing worked until we were standing at the station.
Why Shinkansen Tickets Can Be Confusing for First-Time Visitors
One thing that can confuse first-time visitors is that some Shinkansen rides may involve more than one fare component. Depending on where you buy your tickets and which machine you use, you may see a basic fare and a limited express or Shinkansen fare. At some stations, this may print as separate tickets. At others, it may be combined into one ticket. That difference is what confused us, because we had two slightly different experiences at two different stations.
What We Learned at Shinagawa Station
At Shinagawa Station in Tokyo, we had to purchase both parts of the Shinkansen ticket separately. As first-time visitors, this was not immediately obvious to us. Thankfully, the staff working near the machines were incredibly helpful. They pointed out what we needed to buy and made sure we had the right tickets before heading to the gate. Without them, we probably would have second-guessed ourselves the entire time. This was a good reminder that even though Japan’s transit system is very organized, it can still be confusing, but it is okay to ask for help! The process becomes much easier once someone shows you what to look for.
Should You Buy Shinkansen Tickets Before Arriving at the Station?
This depends on your travel style. If buying tickets last minute makes you anxious, or if you know exactly which train you want, it may be worth buying your Shinkansen tickets ahead of time. This can give you peace of mind, especially on a busy travel day or if you are trying to reserve specific seats. But if you are not sure what time you will arrive at the station, we would be careful about locking yourself into a specific train too early.
This is especially true on arrival days, long transit days, or any day when you are not sure how long customs, luggage, hotel check-out, or local transit will take. For us, the best approach was to give ourselves extra time and avoid booking anything too tightly around Shinkansen travel.
Our Experience Buying and Refunding Shinkansen Tickets in Kyoto
Our most memorable Shinkansen mistake happened in Kyoto. Because the ticket setup looked different from what we had experienced at Shinagawa Station, we accidentally purchased four tickets instead of two. Luckily, someone noticed the mistake and pointed it out before we boarded. We went to the help desk at Kyoto Station, explained what happened, and were able to get a refund for the extra tickets. The staff also helped place us on a later train. It was not a huge disaster, but it did take time. If we had booked a strict tour or activity right after our arrival, the situation would have been much more stressful. Because we had kept that day flexible, we were able to fix the mistake, get on the next train, and move on.
Know When to Use Cash vs. Card in Japan
Japan is much more card-friendly than some people make it sound, but we still would not recommend traveling without cash. For us, the easiest approach was using a mix of credit cards, cash, and our Suica card depending on the situation.
Where Credit Cards Worked Well for Us
Credit cards worked well for most larger purchases. We used cards easily at hotels, department stores, larger restaurants, convenience stores, train stations, and many shops in major cities. In places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, we rarely felt like cards were impossible to use. That said, Japan still has plenty of smaller businesses where cash is easier, so we were glad we had both options. You can always give your card a try and if it is denied, give a polite smile and switch to cash.
Where Cash Was Still Helpful
Cash was most helpful at smaller restaurants, temples, shrines, markets, vending machines, small shops, and places outside the busiest tourist areas. We also liked having cash for small purchases where using a card felt unnecessary. Even when cards were accepted, having cash made things feel easier. It meant we were not stressed if a machine did not like our card, a restaurant was cash-only, or we needed coins for lockers or smaller payments.
P.S: You will need cash for almost every temple or shrine that requires payment for entry. Do not make the mistake we did of planning a temple walking day in Kyoto with no cash!
Why 7-Eleven ATMs Can Be Useful for Travelers
7-Eleven ATMs can be very useful for travelers because many Seven Bank ATMs accept foreign-issued cards and are located in convenience stores, airports, stations, and shopping areas across Japan. Seven Bank lists major international networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and others, though it also notes that some cards with those marks may still not be accepted. We did run into a situation where one of our cards did not work at certain ATMs. We cannot remember the exact reason, but it seemed to be related to the card network, issuing bank, or needing a specific compatible machine.
If this happens to you, do not panic. We tried several 7-Elevens along our route. Some worked and some didn't. Just make sure you have some sort of messaging connection if you need to accept a verification message from your bank. P.S: For our IOS users, make sure your eSIM supports iMessage if you are going to use one. We missed a few bank verification messages because the one we used did not support iMessage.
How Suica Cards Can Help Bridge the Gap
A Suica or other IC card can help bridge the gap between cash and credit cards. These cards are mainly used for trains and buses, but they can also be used for small purchases at many convenience stores, vending machines, lockers, and shops. Japan’s official tourism site notes that IC cards can be used nationwide and make travel and small purchases easier.
We will go into more detail in our full Suica post, but for everyday travel, having an IC card made small payments feel much simpler. Instead of pulling out coins or using a credit card for every little purchase, we could just tap and go.
Prepare for Ordering Food in Japan
Ordering food in Japan was not difficult, but it did feel different than what we were used to. The biggest adjustment was realizing that not every restaurant follows the same ordering process. Some restaurants had servers who came to the table. Others used QR codes, tablets, counter ordering, or ticket machines near the entrance. None of it was impossible, but it helped to slow down, look around, and see what other people were doing before jumping in.
Ticket Machines, QR Codes, and Counter Ordering
Ticket machines were one of the biggest differences for us. At some ramen shops and casual restaurants, you choose your meal from a machine near the entrance, pay there, and then give your ticket to the staff. Some machines had English options, but not all of them did.
We also saw QR code ordering and tablet ordering, especially in busier or more casual restaurants. In those cases, you usually scan the code, choose your food, and submit the order from your phone or the tablet at the table. In countries where we do not speak the language, kiosk and ticket machines are always such a big help because they almost always offer an english menu. The only tricky part is listening out for your order number, but there is normally a screen, receipt, or pager that you can match your ticket too.
How Google Translate or Photos Can Help
Google Translate and photos helped us a lot. If a menu did not have English, we could use the camera feature to get a general idea of what we were ordering. It was not always perfect, but it was usually enough to understand the main ingredients or style of dish. Photos were also helpful. Many restaurants in Japan have picture menus, food displays, or photos on Google Maps reviews. Looking at those ahead of time made ordering less stressful, especially at places with ticket machines. We always found pointing to a specific item, saying "kore o kudasai," which means i'll have this please, and giving a nod of approval as sufficient in most locations!
Huge tip for ordering food and interacting with locals we found helpful: when in doubt, bow it out. We quite literally received a round of applause from the McDonalds staff just for saying thank you in Japanese (arigato gozaimasu) and giving a bow.
Do Not Stress Too Much About Arriving at the Airport in Japan
One thing we worried about before arriving in Japan was the airport process. Between immigration, customs, forms, luggage, transportation, and not speaking Japanese, we expected landing to feel a lot more overwhelming than it actually did. For us, Haneda Airport felt much easier to navigate than we expected.
Haneda Airport Had More English Signage Than We Expected
Haneda was very traveler-friendly. We were able to follow the English signs for immigration, baggage claim, customs, transportation, and exits without feeling completely lost.
Of course, we still moved a little slower than we would at home because everything was new. But overall, the signage made the arrival process feel much less stressful than we had built it up to be.
What We Actually Did After Landing at Haneda
After landing, we had to go through a few different checkpoints before officially exiting the airport. We filled out the required arrival form, went through immigration, picked up our bags, and then moved through customs/security checks. It felt like there were three separate points where we had to show something, scan something, or wait in a line, so the process did take some time. But it was not confusing as much as it was just step-by-step. As long as you are patient and have your documents ready, it is manageable. As with any airport in the world, if you get shouted at or dismissed by an airport employee, do not take it personal....every airport has those people!
Bag Wrapping/Storage, Shops, Food, and Waiting in Line for Tickets
On our way out of Japan, we got to the airport extremely early. Honestly, probably earlier than we needed to, but we would rather be early and relaxed than rushing through an unfamiliar airport. Because we had extra time, we were able to store our bags, walk around the shops, grab food, and wait in line to check our bags without feeling stressed. The airport had plenty to do, so arriving early did not feel like a total waste of time.
Since we had so much time at the airport, we stored our bags, and paid 1000 yen to store 2 backpacks for about 5 hours. For us this was worth it, we were carrying two 50 pound backpacks and had 6 hours till our flight departed. We wanted to explore, without bumping into things, and had just carried these bags for two hours on transit, so our backs really needed a break. Bag storage is before security, but there is plenty to do in the Haneda Airport before going through security.
There is an area modeled after the preserved streets of Kyoto, with shops, restaurants, and there is even an outdoor deck where you can watch planes take off and land. We spent a few hours here, and enjoyed our time. We ate an amazing ice cream parfait, grabbed last minute souvenirs, and even watched a short movie inside the Starry Cafe. We even had time to sit out on the viewing deck and we watch planes take off. It was nice to be able to get a breath of fresh air before being crammed inside a plane for 12 hours!
What Felt Easy vs. What Took More Time Than Expected
The airport itself felt easier than expected. The English signage, organized lines, and clear flow helped a lot. What took more time than expected was simply waiting: waiting for forms, waiting in lines, waiting for bags, waiting for tickets, and moving through each checkpoint.
Also, random side note, the airport felt hot to us! After walking around with luggage, standing in lines, and sitting on a plane for hours, we were definitely warm. Wear something light and comfortable on your flight, or change when you arrive in Japan, because it was hot waiting in line for customs. We tend to run warm but we saw everyone fanning themselves trying to get a bit of airflow. This is especially true for those visiting in the Summer!
First Trip to Japan FAQ
How many days do you need for a first trip to Japan?
For a first trip to Japan, we would recommend at least 10 to 14 days if you want to visit multiple cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. You can absolutely visit Japan in less time, but a shorter trip usually means choosing one or two cities and moving at a faster pace. For us, 10 to 14 days felt like a better amount of time to experience different sides of the country without feeling completely rushed.
How many days do you need for a first trip to Japan?
For a first trip to Japan, we would recommend at least 10 to 14 days if you want to visit multiple cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. You can absolutely visit Japan in less time, but a shorter trip usually means choosing one or two cities and moving at a faster pace. For us, 10 to 14 days felt like a better amount of time to experience different sides of the country without feeling completely rushed.
Should first-time visitors go to Tokyo or Kyoto?
Ideally, first-time visitors should try to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto because they offer very different experiences. Tokyo is modern, fast-paced, and full of neighborhoods, restaurants, shopping, and city energy. Kyoto is slower, more traditional, and better for temples, shrines, gardens, and cultural experiences. If you only have time for one, choose based on what you want most: modern Japan or traditional Japan.
Is Japan easy to travel without speaking Japanese?
Yes, Japan is very possible to travel without speaking Japanese, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. English signage, Google Maps, translation apps, and helpful staff made the trip much easier than we expected. That said, there will still be moments where you feel confused, especially at train stations, restaurants, or ticket machines, so patience helps a lot.
Do you need cash in Japan?
We would still recommend carrying some cash in Japan. Credit cards worked well for us at hotels, department stores, convenience stores, larger restaurants, and many shops, but cash was still useful for smaller restaurants, temples, shrines, markets, vending machines, lockers, and smaller purchases. A mix of card, cash, and a Suica card made things easiest for us.
What We’d Do Differently Before Our Next Japan Trip
Looking back, we are really happy with how our first Japan trip turned out, but there are definitely a few things we would do differently next time. Japan is one of those places where you learn a lot as you go. By the end of the trip, we felt so much more comfortable with the trains, food ordering, stations, hotels, and daily pacing than we did on day one.
What We Would Book Earlier
For our next trip, we would book the big things earlier: flights, hotels, popular tours, special restaurants, and any limited-entry experiences. Japan is popular, and some places really do fill up in advance. We wanted to go on the Hozugawa River boat ride experience, but waited too long to book, and it sold out for our dates. If there is a specific hotel, food experience, museum, tour, or activity you would be disappointed to miss, we recommend booking them in advance!!
What We Would Not Stress About Next Time
Next time, we would not stress as much about local transportation, ordering food, or arriving at the airport. Those things felt intimidating before the trip, but they were all manageable once we were there. Google Maps, Suica, translation apps, helpful station staff, and a little patience made a huge difference. We made small mistakes, but none of them ruined the trip.
If anything, our biggest takeaway is that planning Japan well is not about creating the perfect itinerary. It is about understanding what kind of trip you want, booking the things that matter most, and leaving enough space to actually enjoy the country once you are there!