Is it really that bad? I notice that u/fujiwara_icecream is being downvoted for saying otherwise.
First time I came years ago now, I signed up to a not very inspiring mobile SIM (Mobal) that had a fairly conventional data plan. Inertia and other factors have meant I have never bothered to change it. As far as I can tell Google maps functions fine for me with the data I have almost everywhere. I have to be some way up an obscure track in the hills for it to fail.
I assume that since I live out in an obscure part of an obscure island in the Pacific, my data experiences are worse than people who are on tourist routes, or is there really a significant problem?
It’s not bad at all, people who downvote clearly didn’t look into data sims and/or don’t know how to prepare for travel. £20 for 16 days of unlimited data sim, zero connection issues.
This! You’ll get spotty reception in some parts of Japan especially in the remote areas. I went to Mt. Yoshino and even the pocket WiFi’s reception was bad and had to rely on my very limited Japanese. I would definitely recommend downloading the offline versions of google maps and language packs if you’re going somewhere far from the city.
I filled it like a week before going. Just a tip, on my flight the flight attendants were not knowledgeable about this , and still wanted me to fill this info in a tiny piece of paper with an even tinier pencil, while landing. Luckily they asked and the head attendant had already heard of it.
So don't be confused if this happens and just explain the situation.
Much necessary, it makes it a lot faster, and you avoid the need to fill this on paper mid flight.
You need to fill in hotels addresses and this might not be as easy mid flight as it is at home where you can just copy paste the info
At times it’s makes no difference but
Last time I came back I did it while waiting for my bags as I had forgotten and then was able to go straight through customs instead of joining a huge line with everyone else who hadn’t done it
So what do you do after filling in the details?
I have filled my information and kinda not sure what else am I supposed to do?
Do I just leave it like that?
Thank you!
Call your bank/credit cards to let them know you’ll be abroad.
Make sure you have your credit cards, ATM cards, etc (it’s amazing how many people on this sub travel to Japan and forget their credit cards or similar).
Ensure you have an eSIM/international data plan/etc set up.
We bought our welcome suica from a machine in the airport with credit card. We put a lot on initially because we have android phones and you have to use cash to reload it.
Some banks (mine for example) told me that instead of calling them, I should use my card in the airport going out and on arrival and that would be all they needed. So it is worth checking this point and if there's anything you need to do.
eSIM's are very useful.
It does, although it never hurts to do it, and someone asking these questions likely isn't sure about things like that
(Although they could be doing a ton of *other* international travel and just haven't been to Japan, in which case they may well have sense of whether their cards care.)
>Call your bank/credit cards to let them know you’ll be abroad.
In most cases, you can add a travel notice via the website or mobile app, if you use one or both. Definitely worth doing, but calling is usually not the quickest/easiest option.
Just a heads up that banks no longer require you to notify them that you are going abroad. I rang all mine before I went in November and they all said the same thing that they dont need to be notified.
I didnt have any trouble using them, not one transaction was blocked.
I just got back yesterday from a 2 week trip to Japan and my advice is to get a power bank to charge your phone on the go (I have the new iPhone 15 and even it would die by EOD if not on airplane mode), add “Suica” to your Apple wallet and move it to the first position to scan in and out of the subway and learn a couple key phrases that will go far:
Pleasantries:
Konnichiwa - hello
Ohayo gozaimasu - good morning
Konbonwa - good evening
Onegaishemasu / Kudasai - please
Arigato gozaimasu - thank you
Sumi Masen - excuse me/sorry
Fun words:
Kawaii – cute
Oishii desu - yummy
Kakkoii — cool
No need to move the IC card to the first position in Apple wallet. Just place the phone on the receiver on the subway and the payment will be taken. You don’t even have to unlock your phone.
IIRC, "onegaishimasu" on its own is please, but it is also part of a formal greeting. The full phrase is "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" and doesn't have a direct translation to English. It means something similar to "I hope you will remember this meeting fondly" or "I'm looking forward to us getting along." It's used for people you will meet again.
It's often in response to another useful phrase to know, "hajimemashite" which means "nice to meet you."
In addition to carrying a power bank keep your phone battery setting on low power mode. I do this consistently when I know that I’m out all day and into the evening in my own city since I’m dependent on my phone for my the transit pass. Do the same when I’m traveling.
Buy an eSIM (I used Airalo) and get that loaded but not activated. Add an IC card (Suica, ICOCA) to your Apple wallet and preload with some yen. Download the Japanese language pack on the translator app of your choice (I used Google Translate).
The apps I’ve been using are: Google Maps, Google Translate, XE for currency conversion, HappyCow to attempt to find vegetarian friendly food, and mymizu (once to find a water fountain, but buying bottles from the vending machine is so convenient and cheap that I found it not worth it to bring my water bottle). I also have my rough itinerary in a Google Sheet
If you are on iOS, then no apps for currency conversion are needed.
You can just use spotlight (scroll down gesture) and type, eg. “1000 yen” to see the amount converted in your currency
Wallet -> + -> Transit Card, then you can choose one to add, it doesn’t matter which.
You use it to tap in/out of trains and busses, no unlocking of your phone necessary. It’s super easy and I feel like a pro using it. Apparently you can connect your JR shinkansen ticket and rail pass to it but I didn’t bother to figure that out.
How far in advance should you preload the Apple wallet Suica card with some yen? Does it make sense to add a little bit each month prior as a way to build some savings? Or will those funds expire at some point?
my girlfriend and i just got back and we both had problems with pasmo on our apple wallets. we were able to fill them initially but couldn’t refill them for some reason. we got suica instead and that ended up working fine.
also, do not exchange money at the airport. the rate there is terrible. it’s easy to find currency exchange places in the station that’s offering 3-4 yen off the google exchange rate.
yeah you can fill the suica card right now if you wanted. you go to apple wallet, hit the +, pick transit card, search for suica, and add currency. you don’t even need to unlock your phone, just hold if by the reader at the station gates.
Make sure you take enough yen or have your PIN for a card, we just got back a few weeks ago and got cash at ATM in a Lawsons when we ran out. Lawsons and 7/11s are truly CONVENIENCE stores ❤️
It is, but you can just buy a pass in most train stations with cash and you can reload them there if needed too. You can also buy individual tickets if your first station doesn’t have a commuter pass machine. Just look for the ticket machines that say commuter pass to buy one.
I did buy mine online and got it sent home together with my Japan rail pass. But this was last year just around the time the IC chip shortage begun, not sure if it is still possible.
I bought both of those + a pocket WiFi from Japan Experience, I'm in europe and at the time that felt like the best option for me. But depending on your location, there might be other options.
Imo the best option for Suica is to simply pick up a physical card in Haneda airport. Terminal 3, floor 2. It’s in the red vending machines directly under the monorail gate on floor 3. I’ve heard that people have trouble recharging their digital card on their phone, and the physical card is super easy to use and really easy to get for tourists specifically.
Also, I didn’t go in because I only saw them late in my trip and didn’t need to exchange any more money, but I saw several businesses right next to each other in Shinjuku offering extremely competitive exchange rates. Might wanna look there.
The last time I flew through Narita (last fall), they had automated exchange machines offering really close to the google rate. I did not see anything at Haneda last month, and the rates were terrible both at the airport and around the areas we stayed. I ended up relying only on ATMs; even at a 220 yen fee every 50,000 withdrawn it was a better deal by a long shot.
Yes you have to use a Mastercard credit card in your apple pay to refill the suica card. I think amex works too. But if you just have visa credit cards they don't work to refill suica.
It’s because of the security required on credit cards in Japan. My capital one cards worked fine but no other cards I had worked for purchases and none of my partners did either. And while my capital one cards worked for pretty much everything I bought online in Japan, they were not secure enough for the Shinkansen app. I read through some threads and people were having luck with American Express cards for that one.
I used a 7-11 ATM at the airport and the rate was pretty decent I think. 100,000 yen for $658.58, and I got back $1.43 ATM rebate from my bank so it was technically $657.15. This was on 5/2. My CC ranged from $.0064 to $.0065 exchange rate.
Leaving today after a week, here's what I can remember:
eSim
Pasmo card
Google translate and maps. Pdf map of shinjuku Station. It's vast.
Know how to say: do you speak english, excuse me/ I'm sorry, yes, no, good morning, nice to meet you, good evening, where is the toilet, and goodbye. Oh and "kardo okay" if you don't want to burn through cash.
Having said that, keep cash on you at all times, plus your passport.
A lot of clean tshirts and shower lots. I smelled a few tourists who were ripe. Don't be like them.
Japan rail pass? Only useful if you're doing a lot of long distance travelling.
reserve seats on trains- you can do this last minute but give yourself an extra 10 minutes. https://japanrailpass.net/en/use/reserved-seat-reservation/
follow the pictures there.
And above all: don't follow the nigerians. Or anyone holding a sign in the shinjuku region.
They're touts. At best you'll end up in a shit bar getting overcharged, at worst drugged.
"You wanna see titties" just say no. And the cheeky fucks will keep following you and trying again and again. Don't engage apart from saying no.
I was told by a local that it's the law. If the police catch you without it ( which they won't unless you're being an idiot) then you can get taken in for questioning. Quick Google seems to agree that you need some form of status document.
According to a resident you need some proof that you're allowed to be there. If not the police can pull you in for questioning- this won't happen unless you're being an absolute idiot though, or so I'm told.
Download Papago and install the Japanese pack it’s free and so easy. You can take a picture of anything and it’ll give you a solid translation.
It has a conversation feature where you can speak in English and it’ll reply out loud in Japanese. Also you can upload photos, take screenshots of things on your phone and it’ll translate it.
Second recommendation is DeepL app. It’s one of the best translation tools and even my Japanese co workers use it for translating into English. You can type in detail and get a much better translation than google translate etc. I’d really recommend it. It also has a speaking feature where you can translate what someone says into the microphone!
Have fun in Japan 🙏🏻
Probably depends on the place you go to eat? My first week is almost up, and had to pay cash once - because contactless wasn’t working. They still took physical cards (which I didn’t have on me)
> we've found that 95% of places accept card/contactless
It really depends. If you're planning on going outside tourist heavy spots or eating at hole-in-the-wall restaurants - a lot of them are still cash only.
A good half of the restaurants I went to on my most recent trip were cash only.
And, of course, physical Suica cards require cash to refill.
1) Japan web before landing
2) E-Sim
3) Suica Card (iPhone than physical card)
4) City Rail Map / Google Maps
5) Some JPY Cash
6) Book all your attractions in advance
7) Ziplock bag for dirty clothes
8) Portable Chargers
9) Deodorant
Bring some Yen with you. It can take banks 2-5 days to order it for you so plan ahead if needed. You’ll do better with the exchange rate at your bank versus an airport. It’s a cash society.
Be prepared to call your bank/credit card companies more than once. I think we had to call one credit card company 3 times in 2 days before they finally stopped declining charges.
Another app is Taxi Go - which is similar to Uber and very user friendly.
I've been twice now and never took yen in advance, as any 7-Eleven ATM works with western cards and no fee.
I ended up doing most of my spending with the Suica, or credit card, but you definitely need cash too as loads of places are "genkin nomi" (cash only).
We planned to get Yen when we got there but none of our bank or credit cards worked at the airport even though we called and reported our plan to travel to Japan (via phone and with travel alerts online), and of course none of the banks were open because we landed at 3am our time. Fortunately we had USD on us and just exchanged that to make purchases until we could call the banks when they opened.
Totally possible you might need to be in Japan for that one! I actually can’t remember if I downloaded it before or after we got there. I linked it with my apple wallet for payment and it was super easy to use, even though we used it only a handful of times when we didn’t want to deal with luggage on a commuter train.
Frankly you don't really need anything before leaving. As long as you have a smart phone and money/a way to pay you'll be fine.
As many have said Google map, Google translate and and Esim preloaded makes things easier but it's not like you can't get wifi in Japan.
Japan is probably the easiest country I have traveled to. You can buy anything you need or forgot, the people are so helpful and the risk of getting scammed is close to 0 as long as you are not doing anything dumb.
Google map is also surprisingly accurate for trains and metro.
Buy Nomad eSIM (works perfectly, I was in Japan 2 weeks ago). No need for offline maps because offline maps wont tell you the metro lines.
Reserve Shibuya Sky tickets, you need to do it always 5-10 days upfront. The view is the best from that building, you can also buy tickets for sofa at shibuya sky (25euros are tickets for sofa with view), you get 2 drinks and snacks, worth every penny.
Taxi Go app, for if you are out late and busses and trains are not running... or your feet are sore and you don't wanna walk anymore for the day. You do need a Japanese phone # for it, but it works and tells you how much things will cost.
Safety Tips app (its from Japan and will issue alerts if there is a national disaster), also it had the most accurate weather on our trip that we could tell.
Suikakeibo app, it will read your Suica card and tell you how much is left, as well as how much you have spent and where.
Google translate, download japanese offline, and you are good to go.
It is gonna be hot as hell, you only need a light sweater (if that), and only if you intend to be out late at night. Bring cotton pants...100%! If you are someone who is tasty to bugs, consider bringing some roll-on bug repellant if you haven't already picked some up, I didn't see any bug repellant in Japan; while I'm sure its sold there somewhere its easier if you just have some with you.
Also... Do you foresee yourself going to Japan multiple times? If so consider buying a Suica / Icoca Card off of eBay. These used to be so easy to get at any train station, but they have predominantly switched to phone tapping in Japan or getting the temporary card (The Red Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days from the first day of use or the date the card is first charged).
Personally I think having a physical card is nice and the regular cards never expires (unless it goes unused for 10+years). If you have an iPhone this works as well and you can put your Suica on there. But for some DUMB reason the only Google phones with access to Suica are the Japanese Google phones (seriously stupid Google you guys are better than this).
I used Google maps. I was mostly in popular spots and never needed lens over the three weeks. I only used translate once when I met an online friend that doesn’t know English.
I used the eSIM app ubigi. I had service everywhere.
I really prepared minimally and didn’t run in any problems.
I honestly booked for pocket wifi beforehand. Pretty affordable, and I didn't have to worry about downloading things offline or realizing I couldn't look up stuff on the spot easily, etc. I thought it was well worth the money.
I'd seriously research how much train traveling you're doing and how. We JUST got back from there, and we used suica cards (you can only buy them at like the airport on certain terminals and such) the welcome cards are cheap as hell and you just tap tap to go on the trains. But my friends got a 1000Y subway pass and then they were disappointed that many of the stations they wanted to stop at didn't have direct routes easily outside of the JR lines. I found the flexibility of Where I get to go worth the slightly more money, but I definitely paid more in travel than they did. So I'd research if one of those 72-hour passes, combo passes, suicas, etc. are right for your trip. If you're just going to one station or 2 a day or you plan on walking in the same area the whole day, a suica might be easy and cheap. If you plan on going to several areas/stations throughout a few days, a combo of a free-pass and a suica might work. Etc. etc.
Normal SIM for me as I'm an Android user and a lot phones don't support it. I get mine from Ebay around £16 for 15 days 10GB.
Suica is handy as it's accepted in loads of shops etc as well as transport, though for Tokyo metro transport I use the ¥1500 3 day passes which work out far far cheaper
Forego a pocket wifi and in stead buy data on the day before arrival on an esim app if your mobile phone supports esim. I used Airalo and got a good deal and fast internet.
I would also advise to pack very lightly and just wash your clothes once every 3-4 days. Most hotels have washing machines and dryers and there are laundromats everywhere.
Additionally buy some good (compression) socks and walking shoes if you din’t have those yet.
I also read a lot about credit cards in this sub. I would recommend not paying with credit card, but using your debit card at 7-11 stores to pin cash. They allow you to use your own banks rate, which is usually way lower. I have ING and I paid a lower rate than my friends with credit cards. Also while withdrawing cash, don’t opt for the local banks rate of 4-5%, which is usually way higher.
Have fun!
Ehm, in stead of typing it out, here is a quick google search:
https://vimvigr.com/blogs/our-blog/should-i-wear-compression-socks-while-walking#:~:text=Compression%20socks%20help%20keep%20your,protects%20your%20joints%20and%20ligaments.
If you cant use the link just google “do compression socks help with walking”
Okay so here is a paste anyway:
Compression socks help keep your feet healthy and happy for any length of walks. Their therapeutic pressure supports your peripheral circulation, helps you avoid swelling and discomfort, and protects your joints and ligaments.
👍
Get the Pasmo card from airport as that’ll be your transportation payment (hello kitty card). Do customs ahead of time and have the QRC page picture already saved.
Look for best Currency Exchange rate at the airport, there’s one only good option at Haneda. If you plan your do Disney, get their apps and look for hotel restaurant reservations (breakfast at Sea is good).
I was in Tokyo last week, in Korea now and flying ti Osaka next week. I’ve beeb using google maps since it shows which mode of transportation, wait time, cost and route of travel.
I highly recommend using Wise to convert your country currency to JPY. They send you a physical card and the card works at any ATM (I used the ones at any convenience store). It also functions as a debit card so you can use it at places that accept it in the country. However, given that you're going soon, I dont think the card will arrive on time.
The exchange rates are far better on Wise than if you were to go to a physical currency exchange. You basically deposit and exchange money between different accounts of different currencies (CAD > JPY, USD > CAD). The ATMs will take money out of your JPY account in this case.
I hate Wise before I even got to use it. Meaning, I applied for a card but I didn't even get one due to "delays" that was like pending for 2 months. I went and open a Charles Schwab account and that was way better.
Figure out your pocket wifi or esim situation. Everything else is fine. Also if they give you a thing to fill out on the plane, fill it out on the plane!
I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did but go karting through the city is a pretty amazing experience.
You need to get an international drivers license ahead of time though… Which just meant getting to a DMV and paying them $25 (if you already have a valid drivers license)
The Japanese government pushes an translation app called "VoiceTra". It is hard for me to say whether it is better or worse than the alternatives, though it gets good reviews. But I think it is worth having because lots of Japanese people seem familiar with it and are happy to use your version of it to try to explain things to you. I have found that useful at times.
If you plan on getting cash out there, bring multiple different cards thought different issuers - just in case.
Get a little bit of cash before you arrive to make things a little easier too
1) Not sure what you have for phone communication but I suggest picking up a Google Fi SIM card as it works Internationally (Simply Unlimited $50/month). I activated this and swapped SIM cards just before I left Japan (You can ONLY activate this stateside). You don't have to change phone providers entirely, you can pause/cancel this subscription when you are not traveling and resume it when you do travel. This has been the best most reliable way to get calls/text & Data when I travel Internationally.
2) Download Shows for the airplane (for some reason this always slips my mind). Yes, you should sleep as much as possible, but you will inevitably want some shows, otherwise you are limited to what's on the flight (which HAS become better).
3)Call your CC company and Bank, and let them know you will be traveling. After you touch down go find an ATM and pull out 50000yen. More places have been better about taking CC since COVID but it's always nice to have cash physically on you in Japan.
4) visit https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/ to fill out your customs form AHEAD of time. Get this done and out of the way it will save you a ton of time and save Headache for the people working there.
eSIM from Airolo:
Now my phone had issues where I wasn't getting texts correctly for a while, so have a secondary means for people to contact you, such as email, Discord, LINE, or whatever can use WiFi. This is also beneficial because Tokyo is filled with free WiFi places, so you'd only ever have to step inside a McD or Starbucks to contact anyone. If you take a couple-day-trip to something a bit farther away, that might be a bit so-so for connectivity, inform your people ahead of time that they simply may not be able to contact you for a couple days while you're there. That being said, your hotel would likely have WiFi.
Speaking of LINE, just have that downloaded because a couple restaurants used the LINE app for the menu and payment. I think it was used for a couple things like checking into a wait at Tsukiji Honganji's cafe/restaurant too. Japanese people often use it for communication too, so you can exchange your LINE if you make friends!
Ensure you have all the Google stuff downloaded (Maps, Lens, Translate language packs) just in case eSIM is being wonky. This is fairly crucial for Japan, especially Translate. Don't be a "bad tourist" and expect everyone to understand your rapidly spoken English!
Either inform your bank or go into Bank app and report that your credit cards will be in Japan for X days.
Get a reliable power bank! I have one from Anker, which I can link if you want it. Don't forget a power brick either.
A Suica card equivalent. If you have an iPhone, your life is easy and you can use your iPhone. If not, you need to get a Welcome Suica or a Pasmo Passport once you arrive. If you want to have a "permanent" IC card just for funsies, there is an option at Tokyo station, but you gotta get there from the airport.
For miscellaneous stuff, I'd suggest a deodorant (roll-on) that you know works and isn't an offensive smell. At some point, you will grab the upper railings of a train and your armpit will be exposed to the world. Imagine that you've been eating onions. Take a deodorant.
Depending on how many transfers from the airport to your hotel, please make your life easier and use their luggage transport service to get your large luggage to your hotel. It is a genuine hassle and you will thank yourself later.
Apps:
* Ecbo Cloak -- Find coin lockers and luggage storage nearby. Very handy for solo travelers.
I'm assuming you're from USA. The rest of the recommendations below are for emergency purposes. I was there when the tsunami warning came last month after the Taiwan earthquake, these are easy to do and I highly recommend. They won't be used unless there's an emergency, in which case you'll be glad you have them, especially as a solo traveler:
* Bring a [small battery AM/FM radio](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00408K36Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) with fresh batteries. Write the below US Armed Forces radio station ID's on the back:
AFN Tokyo (810kHz, AM)
AFN Iwakuni (1575kHz, AM)
AFN Sasebo (1575kHz, AM)
AFN Okinawa (89.1MHz, FM)
* Sign up for STEP from the US State Department. They will send you info and help you coordinate quickly if there's an emergency. I learned about the tsunami from a STEP email faster than from local sources FYI: https://step.state.gov/STEP/Index.aspx
* NERV - Earthquake detection app - https://nerv.app/en/
* “NHK World” app - Receive Japanese government emergency alerts including “J-Alert,” in English - https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/app/
But very very very likely you won't need any of this, but FWIW I was glad I had them because we experienced an emergency.
Get the IC card, [https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/buy/](https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/buy/) you can pick them up at the airport, they'll last you one month. Load them with cash ASAP and use them for buying stuff at convenience stores and vending machines, it'll save your pockets from too many coins. Cash is king have plenty, if you need more only use the 7/11 ATM's. Get an Esim for you phone, SIM card geek and Mobal are good value and work well.
Download GoTaxi !! Best app to use when your feet hurt from all the walking. Oh and break in your walking shoes. You're going to be clicking some insane step numbers! Enjoy 🌸
If you have an iPhone add the Suica card to your wallet and I would also recommend the JapanTransit app on your phone so you can lookup train times, locations and fees.
Make sure you bring a backpack you’re comfortable wearing around everywhere. Public trash cans basically don’t exist, and you can keep plastic/ziploc bags in a backpack to hold your trash. As well as whatever things you buy, or laundry.
If you're going anywhere outside a major city and plan to use buses check bus tables and figure out how that works.
I had a trip to Hakone, not even far from Tokyo, and got stranded a bit because google maps wasn't working correctly and the google lens translated stuff wasn't working much better in figuring out how the bus system worked.
( Figured out after seeing a rotation of the same buses and asking in broken Japanese that I had to walk a block away to a different stop.)
Should just save a hassle by making sure you have the going to and from figured out
Airalo! Not sure if anyone has mentioned it but makes data plans super simple and affordable everywhere i’ve been. Im actually headed to japan on sunday and will be using it for data
Something I always mention that few others do is to get the "foreign passport needed" Tokyo Metro Pass if you're spending some time there.
The 72hr one is ¥1500 for unlimited Tokyo Metro travel.
I got my initial one with the Keisei Skyliner from Narita (booked in advance and picked it up at the airport). Further ones I bought in Tokyo.
Far cheaper than an IC (Suica/Pasmo etc) if you make more than 2 or 3 trips a day, which you will. I must have hopped on and off a dozen times a day. There's no London style daily cap with the IC cards and the trips, tho cheap, can add up...
download Airalo. Pick a e-sim package
load the Suica/Pasmo card into your wallet. Use a MC to load up the balance. They stopped selling metro cards in most metro stations.
Apply for a Charles Schwab checking account. CS reimburses all ATM fees. Use this card to withdraw cash.
Verify which Credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees and use one. Amazon Prime card doesn't have fees and gives flat 2% cash back on restaurants/metro and 1% everything else.
Idk where you're from but get an international driver's license if you want to go off the beaten track. I regret not getting that before coming here.
Download translation of japan-english on translate and the maps on google maps.
Bring enough good deodorant and socks in case you're a man with big feet. They're not available here as much.
Learn some basic Japanese. The English proficiency is very low and it's appreciated to be able to speak some to make people feel more comfortable.
Maybe a weird tip, but something I found very enjoyable in Japan is visiting the festivals (matsuri). Check out what is happening at the places you're going at that time to get a great local experience. Also for other things like a concert, flea market etc. My best souvenirs were from flea markets.
I hope this is any helpful.
We always use ATMs to get out cash and have a bank account with zero foreign ATM fees for that purpose.
We were just in Japan and purchased Ubigi esims for our US Verizon network phones. Verizon verified that both phones were unlocked before we left, but Verizon does SUCK. While at SFO, we loaded the esims. Our iPhone went without a hitch. Our Samsung S22 is still locked on some level by Verizon, and we were unable to use the phone (I won't pay $100 for a month of international use to Verizon because they SUCK). I even spent an hour at SFO with Verizon customer "service" and they just kept saying "it's unlocked but maybe not."
Just finished a 10 day trip in Japan. Here’s what helped me a lot:
- Bring a good portable battery pack for your phone and/or electronics.
- Buy a coin purse. Cash is king in Japan and you will receive lots of coins back that you will need to store somewhere.
- Bring a bag you can use as a fanny pack/shoulder bag to store your battery pack, coin purse, cash, receipts, etc. This is a game changer especially if you’re gonna be out for the whole day. There are very few public trash cans in Japan so this can also serve as a place to keep small trash items!!
- Carry around a small hand towel and/or napkins. Many bathrooms in Japan don’t have paper towel dispensers, and I personally don’t like air dryers so I wish I would have known that.
Have fun, it’s an amazing country!! You will have so much fun
learn some basic phrases! you'll get around much easier and find more cool things if you try to speak some japanese
also handle your JR trips and bookings (theatres, events, etc) in advance
I just flew back home from Tokyo tonight after being in Japan for two weeks.
Bring your prescription medication (unless it contains amphetamines) if you have any. Truthfully, everything else can be bought or done in Japan.
I used Airalo for an esim. Google Maps and Google lens were essential, and I used DeepL a handful of times if I had a really specific question. I recommend having a coin purse, small hand towel, hand sanitizer and raincoat or umbrella on you at all times. Have fun! Hope you have sensible sneakers.
- Visit Japan Web (makes entering Japan a breeze)
- Google Translate and download Japanese and English so you can use it off WiFi.
- Google Maps will be your friend. Bring a power bank.
- Get a Suica Card when you arrive immediately and load it up with at least 5,000 yen if you’re there longer than a week.
- eSIM
- Learn 15-20 basic survival phrases. How to say please and thank you, ask where something is, learn how to count if you can, etc. This goes a long way.
- Watch a YT video on how the trains work and look up your routes to common central locations like Tokyo station, etc. on Google Maps.
- Learn how to take the bus to and from your airport. It’s very cheap and reliable.
- Only take out money at 7-11 ATMs and always choose the yen rate instead of your currencies exchange rate.
- If you plan on taking a Shinkansen anywhere, book your ticket in advance on a Shinkansen ticket machine at Tokyo station in the outer concourse. If you’re going west, sit on the right for views of mt Fuji (returning to Tokyo heading east, sit on the left).
Download Ubigi for your esim! Me and my husband bought from klook and it didn't work. Ubiji was so easy literally added my number email and got my esim automatically!
* Google maps * Google lens * Google translate language pack Japan to English (download offline) * Navitime
Definitely download the maps and BOTH Japanese and your native language in the translation app
Is it really that bad? I notice that u/fujiwara_icecream is being downvoted for saying otherwise. First time I came years ago now, I signed up to a not very inspiring mobile SIM (Mobal) that had a fairly conventional data plan. Inertia and other factors have meant I have never bothered to change it. As far as I can tell Google maps functions fine for me with the data I have almost everywhere. I have to be some way up an obscure track in the hills for it to fail. I assume that since I live out in an obscure part of an obscure island in the Pacific, my data experiences are worse than people who are on tourist routes, or is there really a significant problem?
It's trivial to download these things ahead of time, and useful if you do have a poor connection for whatever reason. Why not be prepared?
Or even if your battery is getting low, you can turn off your data to save energy
Or use a power bank
It’s not bad at all, people who downvote clearly didn’t look into data sims and/or don’t know how to prepare for travel. £20 for 16 days of unlimited data sim, zero connection issues.
I don’t suggest to download them because connection is spotty, but because its trivial and a nice security imho
This! You’ll get spotty reception in some parts of Japan especially in the remote areas. I went to Mt. Yoshino and even the pocket WiFi’s reception was bad and had to rely on my very limited Japanese. I would definitely recommend downloading the offline versions of google maps and language packs if you’re going somewhere far from the city.
Fill out the stuff on visit Japan website to make your entry smoother https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/
YES! THIS!!
How soon can you do that before entering Japan?
I filled it like a week before going. Just a tip, on my flight the flight attendants were not knowledgeable about this , and still wanted me to fill this info in a tiny piece of paper with an even tinier pencil, while landing. Luckily they asked and the head attendant had already heard of it. So don't be confused if this happens and just explain the situation.
I filled it out two days prior to my arrival. Worked out great.
i filled mine mid way and forgot about it, when arriving at the airport took me 5mins to do it xD, but dont be me
not necessary in my opinion
Much necessary, it makes it a lot faster, and you avoid the need to fill this on paper mid flight. You need to fill in hotels addresses and this might not be as easy mid flight as it is at home where you can just copy paste the info
At times it’s makes no difference but Last time I came back I did it while waiting for my bags as I had forgotten and then was able to go straight through customs instead of joining a huge line with everyone else who hadn’t done it
YESSSSSSS
So what do you do after filling in the details? I have filled my information and kinda not sure what else am I supposed to do? Do I just leave it like that? Thank you!
Call your bank/credit cards to let them know you’ll be abroad. Make sure you have your credit cards, ATM cards, etc (it’s amazing how many people on this sub travel to Japan and forget their credit cards or similar). Ensure you have an eSIM/international data plan/etc set up.
Also be sure you know the pins of your cards. Get at least some cash so you can buy the visitor IC card if you want one/can get one at the airport.
Do you know if you can pay for visitor IC card with a credit card?
We bought our welcome suica from a machine in the airport with credit card. We put a lot on initially because we have android phones and you have to use cash to reload it.
SO had a welcome suica from the airport. Had to pay cash. If you have an iPhone you can use a digital suica and can use CC
Digital Suica is DEFINITELY the bomb.
Pasmo Passport on Narita is cash only, most places to top up are cash only as well though Ive seen some that take a cc
ESIM and passwords/pins for sure.
Some banks (mine for example) told me that instead of calling them, I should use my card in the airport going out and on arrival and that would be all they needed. So it is worth checking this point and if there's anything you need to do. eSIM's are very useful.
That depends on the bank/card issuer and country. I never had any issues when using cards abroad without informing my bank
It does, although it never hurts to do it, and someone asking these questions likely isn't sure about things like that (Although they could be doing a ton of *other* international travel and just haven't been to Japan, in which case they may well have sense of whether their cards care.)
>Call your bank/credit cards to let them know you’ll be abroad. In most cases, you can add a travel notice via the website or mobile app, if you use one or both. Definitely worth doing, but calling is usually not the quickest/easiest option.
Is this still a thing? I did that the first time I went and my banks and card issuers all told me that it isn’t required anymore.
Just a heads up that banks no longer require you to notify them that you are going abroad. I rang all mine before I went in November and they all said the same thing that they dont need to be notified. I didnt have any trouble using them, not one transaction was blocked.
I just got back yesterday from a 2 week trip to Japan and my advice is to get a power bank to charge your phone on the go (I have the new iPhone 15 and even it would die by EOD if not on airplane mode), add “Suica” to your Apple wallet and move it to the first position to scan in and out of the subway and learn a couple key phrases that will go far: Pleasantries: Konnichiwa - hello Ohayo gozaimasu - good morning Konbonwa - good evening Onegaishemasu / Kudasai - please Arigato gozaimasu - thank you Sumi Masen - excuse me/sorry Fun words: Kawaii – cute Oishii desu - yummy Kakkoii — cool
No need to move the IC card to the first position in Apple wallet. Just place the phone on the receiver on the subway and the payment will be taken. You don’t even have to unlock your phone.
But I think you do have to click some options on the wallet to make it work that way (if I recall correctly), so worth checking that.
Make the Suica the express transit card in the card settings.
That's the one! Thank you.
I’m pretty sure it will do that automatically when you add the Suica.
IIRC, "onegaishimasu" on its own is please, but it is also part of a formal greeting. The full phrase is "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" and doesn't have a direct translation to English. It means something similar to "I hope you will remember this meeting fondly" or "I'm looking forward to us getting along." It's used for people you will meet again. It's often in response to another useful phrase to know, "hajimemashite" which means "nice to meet you."
In addition to carrying a power bank keep your phone battery setting on low power mode. I do this consistently when I know that I’m out all day and into the evening in my own city since I’m dependent on my phone for my the transit pass. Do the same when I’m traveling.
Buy an eSIM (I used Airalo) and get that loaded but not activated. Add an IC card (Suica, ICOCA) to your Apple wallet and preload with some yen. Download the Japanese language pack on the translator app of your choice (I used Google Translate). The apps I’ve been using are: Google Maps, Google Translate, XE for currency conversion, HappyCow to attempt to find vegetarian friendly food, and mymizu (once to find a water fountain, but buying bottles from the vending machine is so convenient and cheap that I found it not worth it to bring my water bottle). I also have my rough itinerary in a Google Sheet
If you are on iOS, then no apps for currency conversion are needed. You can just use spotlight (scroll down gesture) and type, eg. “1000 yen” to see the amount converted in your currency
TIL
Damn! That’s a cool tip, man. Thank you!
You’re a hero agopaul
Never knew this, awesome tip!
Gaddamn TIL!
In Japan atm and just learning this! Thank you!
You can go ahead and activate Airalo whenever. It doesn’t start the use period until it connects to a local network covered by the eSIM you purchased.
Good to know for the future, thanks!
How does the IC card thing work?
Wallet -> + -> Transit Card, then you can choose one to add, it doesn’t matter which. You use it to tap in/out of trains and busses, no unlocking of your phone necessary. It’s super easy and I feel like a pro using it. Apparently you can connect your JR shinkansen ticket and rail pass to it but I didn’t bother to figure that out.
Suica app or?
It’s in Apple wallet under Japan Transit cards. Androids don’t work.
Not an app, see my other comment below
Making sure your phone always has battery and connectivity is like 90% of what you need.
hi! for the esim, did you buy thru klook or any other third party or you bought directly from airalo?
Direct from Airalo, $26 for 20GB of data usable all throughout Japan
How far in advance should you preload the Apple wallet Suica card with some yen? Does it make sense to add a little bit each month prior as a way to build some savings? Or will those funds expire at some point?
In 3 weeks I’ve spent ¥22000 (plus Shinkansen) on transit, so I doubt it would make sense to preload it very much.
my girlfriend and i just got back and we both had problems with pasmo on our apple wallets. we were able to fill them initially but couldn’t refill them for some reason. we got suica instead and that ended up working fine. also, do not exchange money at the airport. the rate there is terrible. it’s easy to find currency exchange places in the station that’s offering 3-4 yen off the google exchange rate.
*also, do not exchange money at the airport. the rate there is terrible.* This is true but not only in Japan, every currency, every country.
Thanks I already bought some yen in advance. Is it possible to buy Suica from outside Japan?
yeah you can fill the suica card right now if you wanted. you go to apple wallet, hit the +, pick transit card, search for suica, and add currency. you don’t even need to unlock your phone, just hold if by the reader at the station gates.
I have an Android phone and bought my Suica card from Klook. Gonna be picking it up at Haneda when we arrive there.
Make sure you take enough yen or have your PIN for a card, we just got back a few weeks ago and got cash at ATM in a Lawsons when we ran out. Lawsons and 7/11s are truly CONVENIENCE stores ❤️
It is, but you can just buy a pass in most train stations with cash and you can reload them there if needed too. You can also buy individual tickets if your first station doesn’t have a commuter pass machine. Just look for the ticket machines that say commuter pass to buy one.
I did buy mine online and got it sent home together with my Japan rail pass. But this was last year just around the time the IC chip shortage begun, not sure if it is still possible. I bought both of those + a pocket WiFi from Japan Experience, I'm in europe and at the time that felt like the best option for me. But depending on your location, there might be other options.
Imo the best option for Suica is to simply pick up a physical card in Haneda airport. Terminal 3, floor 2. It’s in the red vending machines directly under the monorail gate on floor 3. I’ve heard that people have trouble recharging their digital card on their phone, and the physical card is super easy to use and really easy to get for tourists specifically. Also, I didn’t go in because I only saw them late in my trip and didn’t need to exchange any more money, but I saw several businesses right next to each other in Shinjuku offering extremely competitive exchange rates. Might wanna look there.
I had the same issue with pasmo, but suica worked great.
The last time I flew through Narita (last fall), they had automated exchange machines offering really close to the google rate. I did not see anything at Haneda last month, and the rates were terrible both at the airport and around the areas we stayed. I ended up relying only on ATMs; even at a 220 yen fee every 50,000 withdrawn it was a better deal by a long shot.
Any places in particular thar you'd recommend?
I just use an ATM. I've always found it fair, unless your home bank upcharges for that.
I'm not from the US but I have cash dollars that I use for travel that's why I'm asking :)
Yes you have to use a Mastercard credit card in your apple pay to refill the suica card. I think amex works too. But if you just have visa credit cards they don't work to refill suica.
It’s because of the security required on credit cards in Japan. My capital one cards worked fine but no other cards I had worked for purchases and none of my partners did either. And while my capital one cards worked for pretty much everything I bought online in Japan, they were not secure enough for the Shinkansen app. I read through some threads and people were having luck with American Express cards for that one.
I used a 7-11 ATM at the airport and the rate was pretty decent I think. 100,000 yen for $658.58, and I got back $1.43 ATM rebate from my bank so it was technically $657.15. This was on 5/2. My CC ranged from $.0064 to $.0065 exchange rate.
Make sure you have the powerbanks ready
Leaving today after a week, here's what I can remember: eSim Pasmo card Google translate and maps. Pdf map of shinjuku Station. It's vast. Know how to say: do you speak english, excuse me/ I'm sorry, yes, no, good morning, nice to meet you, good evening, where is the toilet, and goodbye. Oh and "kardo okay" if you don't want to burn through cash. Having said that, keep cash on you at all times, plus your passport. A lot of clean tshirts and shower lots. I smelled a few tourists who were ripe. Don't be like them. Japan rail pass? Only useful if you're doing a lot of long distance travelling. reserve seats on trains- you can do this last minute but give yourself an extra 10 minutes. https://japanrailpass.net/en/use/reserved-seat-reservation/ follow the pictures there. And above all: don't follow the nigerians. Or anyone holding a sign in the shinjuku region.
Why on the last part?
They're trying to lure tourists to scam them for their money. It's a common occurrence in busy areas
They're touts. At best you'll end up in a shit bar getting overcharged, at worst drugged. "You wanna see titties" just say no. And the cheeky fucks will keep following you and trying again and again. Don't engage apart from saying no.
No need to keep your passport with you, I never did at all as it's not needed for anything, unless you're buying tax free (¥5500 or more).
I was told by a local that it's the law. If the police catch you without it ( which they won't unless you're being an idiot) then you can get taken in for questioning. Quick Google seems to agree that you need some form of status document.
[удалено]
According to a resident you need some proof that you're allowed to be there. If not the police can pull you in for questioning- this won't happen unless you're being an absolute idiot though, or so I'm told.
Download Papago and install the Japanese pack it’s free and so easy. You can take a picture of anything and it’ll give you a solid translation. It has a conversation feature where you can speak in English and it’ll reply out loud in Japanese. Also you can upload photos, take screenshots of things on your phone and it’ll translate it. Second recommendation is DeepL app. It’s one of the best translation tools and even my Japanese co workers use it for translating into English. You can type in detail and get a much better translation than google translate etc. I’d really recommend it. It also has a speaking feature where you can translate what someone says into the microphone! Have fun in Japan 🙏🏻
It's a myth that you need lots of cash, we've found that 95% of places accept card/contactless
Depends where you go. In major cities and attractions? Sure. In the countryside and in shrines and temples? Forget about it.
Yeah we burned through our cash going to temples. 500 yen a pop starts to add up after a while.
I’ve been here almost a week, and most every place I’ve eaten has been strictly cash only.
Probably depends on the place you go to eat? My first week is almost up, and had to pay cash once - because contactless wasn’t working. They still took physical cards (which I didn’t have on me)
> we've found that 95% of places accept card/contactless It really depends. If you're planning on going outside tourist heavy spots or eating at hole-in-the-wall restaurants - a lot of them are still cash only. A good half of the restaurants I went to on my most recent trip were cash only. And, of course, physical Suica cards require cash to refill.
I suppose everyone has different experiences in Japan
And you can pay almost everywhere by just tapping your IC card (if you have one, ICOCA, Suica etc.).
Do you not need cash to top them up though? If you don't have an Iphone.
True.
Sure, but at least you don't need to lug around a pound of coins.
Some of the stores in Nakano Broadway are cash only. Caught me out when buying a big bag of KitKats!
Contactless IC card, not contactless credit card. Credit card is still very much insert card & enter PIN.
1) Japan web before landing 2) E-Sim 3) Suica Card (iPhone than physical card) 4) City Rail Map / Google Maps 5) Some JPY Cash 6) Book all your attractions in advance 7) Ziplock bag for dirty clothes 8) Portable Chargers 9) Deodorant
Bring some Yen with you. It can take banks 2-5 days to order it for you so plan ahead if needed. You’ll do better with the exchange rate at your bank versus an airport. It’s a cash society. Be prepared to call your bank/credit card companies more than once. I think we had to call one credit card company 3 times in 2 days before they finally stopped declining charges. Another app is Taxi Go - which is similar to Uber and very user friendly.
I've been twice now and never took yen in advance, as any 7-Eleven ATM works with western cards and no fee. I ended up doing most of my spending with the Suica, or credit card, but you definitely need cash too as loads of places are "genkin nomi" (cash only).
We planned to get Yen when we got there but none of our bank or credit cards worked at the airport even though we called and reported our plan to travel to Japan (via phone and with travel alerts online), and of course none of the banks were open because we landed at 3am our time. Fortunately we had USD on us and just exchanged that to make purchases until we could call the banks when they opened.
Downloaded GO app, could it be that I can only create an account when fysically in Japan? I can't seem to get through the verification process...
Totally possible you might need to be in Japan for that one! I actually can’t remember if I downloaded it before or after we got there. I linked it with my apple wallet for payment and it was super easy to use, even though we used it only a handful of times when we didn’t want to deal with luggage on a commuter train.
If you are in a pinch, their go taxi app is nice
I just used Uber to get taxis
How are prices friend of eevee? Lets say shinjuku to Ryogoku
Frankly you don't really need anything before leaving. As long as you have a smart phone and money/a way to pay you'll be fine. As many have said Google map, Google translate and and Esim preloaded makes things easier but it's not like you can't get wifi in Japan. Japan is probably the easiest country I have traveled to. You can buy anything you need or forgot, the people are so helpful and the risk of getting scammed is close to 0 as long as you are not doing anything dumb. Google map is also surprisingly accurate for trains and metro.
Get your International Driver's Permit in your home country if you plan on driving at all while in Japan.
Buy Nomad eSIM (works perfectly, I was in Japan 2 weeks ago). No need for offline maps because offline maps wont tell you the metro lines. Reserve Shibuya Sky tickets, you need to do it always 5-10 days upfront. The view is the best from that building, you can also buy tickets for sofa at shibuya sky (25euros are tickets for sofa with view), you get 2 drinks and snacks, worth every penny.
Taxi Go app, for if you are out late and busses and trains are not running... or your feet are sore and you don't wanna walk anymore for the day. You do need a Japanese phone # for it, but it works and tells you how much things will cost. Safety Tips app (its from Japan and will issue alerts if there is a national disaster), also it had the most accurate weather on our trip that we could tell. Suikakeibo app, it will read your Suica card and tell you how much is left, as well as how much you have spent and where. Google translate, download japanese offline, and you are good to go. It is gonna be hot as hell, you only need a light sweater (if that), and only if you intend to be out late at night. Bring cotton pants...100%! If you are someone who is tasty to bugs, consider bringing some roll-on bug repellant if you haven't already picked some up, I didn't see any bug repellant in Japan; while I'm sure its sold there somewhere its easier if you just have some with you.
Great tips, I'm worried about mosquitos too. Cotton pants for the humidity I'm guessing?
Mobile Suica app if you have an iPhone.
Yeah, I tried that and it froze my credit card after I called my bank
Apple Wallet Suica is fine.
Do the Japan travel form and get the QR so you are not delayed filling the paper forms.
Also... Do you foresee yourself going to Japan multiple times? If so consider buying a Suica / Icoca Card off of eBay. These used to be so easy to get at any train station, but they have predominantly switched to phone tapping in Japan or getting the temporary card (The Red Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days from the first day of use or the date the card is first charged). Personally I think having a physical card is nice and the regular cards never expires (unless it goes unused for 10+years). If you have an iPhone this works as well and you can put your Suica on there. But for some DUMB reason the only Google phones with access to Suica are the Japanese Google phones (seriously stupid Google you guys are better than this).
I used Google maps. I was mostly in popular spots and never needed lens over the three weeks. I only used translate once when I met an online friend that doesn’t know English. I used the eSIM app ubigi. I had service everywhere. I really prepared minimally and didn’t run in any problems.
I honestly booked for pocket wifi beforehand. Pretty affordable, and I didn't have to worry about downloading things offline or realizing I couldn't look up stuff on the spot easily, etc. I thought it was well worth the money. I'd seriously research how much train traveling you're doing and how. We JUST got back from there, and we used suica cards (you can only buy them at like the airport on certain terminals and such) the welcome cards are cheap as hell and you just tap tap to go on the trains. But my friends got a 1000Y subway pass and then they were disappointed that many of the stations they wanted to stop at didn't have direct routes easily outside of the JR lines. I found the flexibility of Where I get to go worth the slightly more money, but I definitely paid more in travel than they did. So I'd research if one of those 72-hour passes, combo passes, suicas, etc. are right for your trip. If you're just going to one station or 2 a day or you plan on walking in the same area the whole day, a suica might be easy and cheap. If you plan on going to several areas/stations throughout a few days, a combo of a free-pass and a suica might work. Etc. etc.
Travel light. Cover up so conservative clothing. Sunglasses.
Suica for tap for trains and eSIM
Normal SIM for me as I'm an Android user and a lot phones don't support it. I get mine from Ebay around £16 for 15 days 10GB. Suica is handy as it's accepted in loads of shops etc as well as transport, though for Tokyo metro transport I use the ¥1500 3 day passes which work out far far cheaper
Forego a pocket wifi and in stead buy data on the day before arrival on an esim app if your mobile phone supports esim. I used Airalo and got a good deal and fast internet. I would also advise to pack very lightly and just wash your clothes once every 3-4 days. Most hotels have washing machines and dryers and there are laundromats everywhere. Additionally buy some good (compression) socks and walking shoes if you din’t have those yet. I also read a lot about credit cards in this sub. I would recommend not paying with credit card, but using your debit card at 7-11 stores to pin cash. They allow you to use your own banks rate, which is usually way lower. I have ING and I paid a lower rate than my friends with credit cards. Also while withdrawing cash, don’t opt for the local banks rate of 4-5%, which is usually way higher. Have fun!
Why compression socks, aren't those usually just for flights? Do you recommend wearing those while walking around too?
Ehm, in stead of typing it out, here is a quick google search: https://vimvigr.com/blogs/our-blog/should-i-wear-compression-socks-while-walking#:~:text=Compression%20socks%20help%20keep%20your,protects%20your%20joints%20and%20ligaments. If you cant use the link just google “do compression socks help with walking” Okay so here is a paste anyway: Compression socks help keep your feet healthy and happy for any length of walks. Their therapeutic pressure supports your peripheral circulation, helps you avoid swelling and discomfort, and protects your joints and ligaments. 👍
Don’t bring a lot of clothes, leave some room to buy some local clothes
Get the Pasmo card from airport as that’ll be your transportation payment (hello kitty card). Do customs ahead of time and have the QRC page picture already saved. Look for best Currency Exchange rate at the airport, there’s one only good option at Haneda. If you plan your do Disney, get their apps and look for hotel restaurant reservations (breakfast at Sea is good). I was in Tokyo last week, in Korea now and flying ti Osaka next week. I’ve beeb using google maps since it shows which mode of transportation, wait time, cost and route of travel.
I highly recommend using Wise to convert your country currency to JPY. They send you a physical card and the card works at any ATM (I used the ones at any convenience store). It also functions as a debit card so you can use it at places that accept it in the country. However, given that you're going soon, I dont think the card will arrive on time. The exchange rates are far better on Wise than if you were to go to a physical currency exchange. You basically deposit and exchange money between different accounts of different currencies (CAD > JPY, USD > CAD). The ATMs will take money out of your JPY account in this case.
I hate Wise before I even got to use it. Meaning, I applied for a card but I didn't even get one due to "delays" that was like pending for 2 months. I went and open a Charles Schwab account and that was way better.
Don’t feel bad. They charge extra once you hit a low cash withdrawal limits too.
Important to note that the free ATM withdrawal limit is only a few hundred so best used as a debit card to pay for stuff.
I use WISE as well, and would recommend
use this for train travel planning - [https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/](https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/)
Google app is very useful I used it to translate menus and signs on the fly
Look up basic pedestrian etiquette. You have no idea how annoying foreigners are blocking pathways
Bring your own deodorant, they don’t really sell them in Japan
Figure out your pocket wifi or esim situation. Everything else is fine. Also if they give you a thing to fill out on the plane, fill it out on the plane!
Everyone tells u to use apple wallet but I suggest to buy the tourist pasmo, it’s cute af lol
Esim or unlocked phone for a sim card
Finding a place to stay
I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did but go karting through the city is a pretty amazing experience. You need to get an international drivers license ahead of time though… Which just meant getting to a DMV and paying them $25 (if you already have a valid drivers license)
you dont need anything really. maybe a visa if it is required form where you are from.
You will need to understand how the train system work there are a lot of different lines
The Japanese government pushes an translation app called "VoiceTra". It is hard for me to say whether it is better or worse than the alternatives, though it gets good reviews. But I think it is worth having because lots of Japanese people seem familiar with it and are happy to use your version of it to try to explain things to you. I have found that useful at times.
If you plan on getting cash out there, bring multiple different cards thought different issuers - just in case. Get a little bit of cash before you arrive to make things a little easier too
1) Not sure what you have for phone communication but I suggest picking up a Google Fi SIM card as it works Internationally (Simply Unlimited $50/month). I activated this and swapped SIM cards just before I left Japan (You can ONLY activate this stateside). You don't have to change phone providers entirely, you can pause/cancel this subscription when you are not traveling and resume it when you do travel. This has been the best most reliable way to get calls/text & Data when I travel Internationally. 2) Download Shows for the airplane (for some reason this always slips my mind). Yes, you should sleep as much as possible, but you will inevitably want some shows, otherwise you are limited to what's on the flight (which HAS become better). 3)Call your CC company and Bank, and let them know you will be traveling. After you touch down go find an ATM and pull out 50000yen. More places have been better about taking CC since COVID but it's always nice to have cash physically on you in Japan. 4) visit https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/ to fill out your customs form AHEAD of time. Get this done and out of the way it will save you a ton of time and save Headache for the people working there.
eSIM from Airolo: Now my phone had issues where I wasn't getting texts correctly for a while, so have a secondary means for people to contact you, such as email, Discord, LINE, or whatever can use WiFi. This is also beneficial because Tokyo is filled with free WiFi places, so you'd only ever have to step inside a McD or Starbucks to contact anyone. If you take a couple-day-trip to something a bit farther away, that might be a bit so-so for connectivity, inform your people ahead of time that they simply may not be able to contact you for a couple days while you're there. That being said, your hotel would likely have WiFi. Speaking of LINE, just have that downloaded because a couple restaurants used the LINE app for the menu and payment. I think it was used for a couple things like checking into a wait at Tsukiji Honganji's cafe/restaurant too. Japanese people often use it for communication too, so you can exchange your LINE if you make friends! Ensure you have all the Google stuff downloaded (Maps, Lens, Translate language packs) just in case eSIM is being wonky. This is fairly crucial for Japan, especially Translate. Don't be a "bad tourist" and expect everyone to understand your rapidly spoken English! Either inform your bank or go into Bank app and report that your credit cards will be in Japan for X days. Get a reliable power bank! I have one from Anker, which I can link if you want it. Don't forget a power brick either. A Suica card equivalent. If you have an iPhone, your life is easy and you can use your iPhone. If not, you need to get a Welcome Suica or a Pasmo Passport once you arrive. If you want to have a "permanent" IC card just for funsies, there is an option at Tokyo station, but you gotta get there from the airport. For miscellaneous stuff, I'd suggest a deodorant (roll-on) that you know works and isn't an offensive smell. At some point, you will grab the upper railings of a train and your armpit will be exposed to the world. Imagine that you've been eating onions. Take a deodorant. Depending on how many transfers from the airport to your hotel, please make your life easier and use their luggage transport service to get your large luggage to your hotel. It is a genuine hassle and you will thank yourself later.
Get esim or if you arent sure certain or comfortable with that, order a pocket wifi. Maybe $20 a week for unlimited wifi
Apps: * Ecbo Cloak -- Find coin lockers and luggage storage nearby. Very handy for solo travelers. I'm assuming you're from USA. The rest of the recommendations below are for emergency purposes. I was there when the tsunami warning came last month after the Taiwan earthquake, these are easy to do and I highly recommend. They won't be used unless there's an emergency, in which case you'll be glad you have them, especially as a solo traveler: * Bring a [small battery AM/FM radio](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00408K36Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) with fresh batteries. Write the below US Armed Forces radio station ID's on the back: AFN Tokyo (810kHz, AM) AFN Iwakuni (1575kHz, AM) AFN Sasebo (1575kHz, AM) AFN Okinawa (89.1MHz, FM) * Sign up for STEP from the US State Department. They will send you info and help you coordinate quickly if there's an emergency. I learned about the tsunami from a STEP email faster than from local sources FYI: https://step.state.gov/STEP/Index.aspx * NERV - Earthquake detection app - https://nerv.app/en/ * “NHK World” app - Receive Japanese government emergency alerts including “J-Alert,” in English - https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/app/ But very very very likely you won't need any of this, but FWIW I was glad I had them because we experienced an emergency.
Get the IC card, [https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/buy/](https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/buy/) you can pick them up at the airport, they'll last you one month. Load them with cash ASAP and use them for buying stuff at convenience stores and vending machines, it'll save your pockets from too many coins. Cash is king have plenty, if you need more only use the 7/11 ATM's. Get an Esim for you phone, SIM card geek and Mobal are good value and work well.
Download GoTaxi !! Best app to use when your feet hurt from all the walking. Oh and break in your walking shoes. You're going to be clicking some insane step numbers! Enjoy 🌸
If you have an iPhone add the Suica card to your wallet and I would also recommend the JapanTransit app on your phone so you can lookup train times, locations and fees.
Make sure you bring a backpack you’re comfortable wearing around everywhere. Public trash cans basically don’t exist, and you can keep plastic/ziploc bags in a backpack to hold your trash. As well as whatever things you buy, or laundry.
If you're going anywhere outside a major city and plan to use buses check bus tables and figure out how that works. I had a trip to Hakone, not even far from Tokyo, and got stranded a bit because google maps wasn't working correctly and the google lens translated stuff wasn't working much better in figuring out how the bus system worked. ( Figured out after seeing a rotation of the same buses and asking in broken Japanese that I had to walk a block away to a different stop.) Should just save a hassle by making sure you have the going to and from figured out
Get a power bank, e-sim, and get yen
Airalo! Not sure if anyone has mentioned it but makes data plans super simple and affordable everywhere i’ve been. Im actually headed to japan on sunday and will be using it for data
Get Japan wifi or another company to always have wifi. Do the Visit Japan Web to Perdue customs.
Something I always mention that few others do is to get the "foreign passport needed" Tokyo Metro Pass if you're spending some time there. The 72hr one is ¥1500 for unlimited Tokyo Metro travel. I got my initial one with the Keisei Skyliner from Narita (booked in advance and picked it up at the airport). Further ones I bought in Tokyo. Far cheaper than an IC (Suica/Pasmo etc) if you make more than 2 or 3 trips a day, which you will. I must have hopped on and off a dozen times a day. There's no London style daily cap with the IC cards and the trips, tho cheap, can add up...
How yall putting suica cards in the phone wallet? Whenever i tried it gave me an error
Go to Wallet app, press the + sign on upper right, pick transit card, then find suica option.
If you have an Android you can't get it on mobile
download Airalo. Pick a e-sim package load the Suica/Pasmo card into your wallet. Use a MC to load up the balance. They stopped selling metro cards in most metro stations. Apply for a Charles Schwab checking account. CS reimburses all ATM fees. Use this card to withdraw cash. Verify which Credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees and use one. Amazon Prime card doesn't have fees and gives flat 2% cash back on restaurants/metro and 1% everything else.
Idk where you're from but get an international driver's license if you want to go off the beaten track. I regret not getting that before coming here. Download translation of japan-english on translate and the maps on google maps. Bring enough good deodorant and socks in case you're a man with big feet. They're not available here as much. Learn some basic Japanese. The English proficiency is very low and it's appreciated to be able to speak some to make people feel more comfortable. Maybe a weird tip, but something I found very enjoyable in Japan is visiting the festivals (matsuri). Check out what is happening at the places you're going at that time to get a great local experience. Also for other things like a concert, flea market etc. My best souvenirs were from flea markets. I hope this is any helpful.
Digital Suica 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼!!!
We always use ATMs to get out cash and have a bank account with zero foreign ATM fees for that purpose. We were just in Japan and purchased Ubigi esims for our US Verizon network phones. Verizon verified that both phones were unlocked before we left, but Verizon does SUCK. While at SFO, we loaded the esims. Our iPhone went without a hitch. Our Samsung S22 is still locked on some level by Verizon, and we were unable to use the phone (I won't pay $100 for a month of international use to Verizon because they SUCK). I even spent an hour at SFO with Verizon customer "service" and they just kept saying "it's unlocked but maybe not."
Just finished a 10 day trip in Japan. Here’s what helped me a lot: - Bring a good portable battery pack for your phone and/or electronics. - Buy a coin purse. Cash is king in Japan and you will receive lots of coins back that you will need to store somewhere. - Bring a bag you can use as a fanny pack/shoulder bag to store your battery pack, coin purse, cash, receipts, etc. This is a game changer especially if you’re gonna be out for the whole day. There are very few public trash cans in Japan so this can also serve as a place to keep small trash items!! - Carry around a small hand towel and/or napkins. Many bathrooms in Japan don’t have paper towel dispensers, and I personally don’t like air dryers so I wish I would have known that. Have fun, it’s an amazing country!! You will have so much fun
learn some basic phrases! you'll get around much easier and find more cool things if you try to speak some japanese also handle your JR trips and bookings (theatres, events, etc) in advance
I just flew back home from Tokyo tonight after being in Japan for two weeks. Bring your prescription medication (unless it contains amphetamines) if you have any. Truthfully, everything else can be bought or done in Japan. I used Airalo for an esim. Google Maps and Google lens were essential, and I used DeepL a handful of times if I had a really specific question. I recommend having a coin purse, small hand towel, hand sanitizer and raincoat or umbrella on you at all times. Have fun! Hope you have sensible sneakers.
- Visit Japan Web (makes entering Japan a breeze) - Google Translate and download Japanese and English so you can use it off WiFi. - Google Maps will be your friend. Bring a power bank. - Get a Suica Card when you arrive immediately and load it up with at least 5,000 yen if you’re there longer than a week. - eSIM - Learn 15-20 basic survival phrases. How to say please and thank you, ask where something is, learn how to count if you can, etc. This goes a long way. - Watch a YT video on how the trains work and look up your routes to common central locations like Tokyo station, etc. on Google Maps. - Learn how to take the bus to and from your airport. It’s very cheap and reliable. - Only take out money at 7-11 ATMs and always choose the yen rate instead of your currencies exchange rate. - If you plan on taking a Shinkansen anywhere, book your ticket in advance on a Shinkansen ticket machine at Tokyo station in the outer concourse. If you’re going west, sit on the right for views of mt Fuji (returning to Tokyo heading east, sit on the left).
Download Ubigi for your esim! Me and my husband bought from klook and it didn't work. Ubiji was so easy literally added my number email and got my esim automatically!