Day-one friction for first-timers: IC cards, data, cash and bath rules. Visas and shinkansen detail live on Visas & transport and the JR Pass guide.
Entry & visas (HK / Taiwan)
- HKSAR passport (with right of abode): generally visa-exempt short stays, commonly up to about 90 days. See visa section.
- Taiwan (ROC) passport: MOFA publicly lists qualifying holders for short-stay visa exemption (often ~90 days). Re-check MOFA “Exemption of Visa” and airline rules before departure.
- Passport validity, return ticket and lodging proof may be asked. BN(O) and other documents differ — do not assume parity.
IC cards (Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA)
- Kantō: Suica, Pasmo; Kansai: ICOCA. Most work across metros, short JR hops, buses and convenience stores.
- Visitors can buy Welcome Suica (and similar) or use mobile Suica/ICOCA in Apple/Google Wallet where supported.
- Top up at ticket machines or konbini; check refund rules before departure.
- Long-distance reserved shinkansen is usually not a pure IC tap — see JR Pass.
Data: eSIM, SIM, pocket Wi‑Fi
- eSIM bought in HK before flying is the lowest-friction option if your phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable.
- Airport tourist SIMs (Docomo / SoftBank / Rakuten etc.) need your passport.
- Pocket Wi‑Fi helps groups or older phones — note return desks and battery life.
- Get online before you leave the airport: maps, translation and IC apps all need data.
Money & cashless
- Currency is JPY. Hotels, department stores and chains take cards/IC; stalls, small eateries and rural spots may be cash-heavy.
- Carry a little cash plus cards/IC; 7‑Eleven and Japan Post ATMs often accept foreign cards (issuer fees vary).
- Decline unfavourable DCC — charge in yen.
- Live FX on the budget page.
Tipping
Japan generally does not tip. Service is in the price or listed as サービス料. Forcing cash tips can embarrass staff — a thank-you is enough.
Everyday etiquette
- Quiet trains, queues, backpacks off in crowds
- Shoes off indoors / tatami where marked
- Few street bins — take rubbish back to the hotel
- Strict no-smoking zones; designated smoking spots only
- Shrines: rinse hands, stay quiet, don’t block paths for selfies
Onsen / bath etiquette
- Wash thoroughly before entering; towels stay out of the water
- Open wounds, heavy drinking, or unset hair dye — skip the bath; tattoo rules vary by property
- Gender-separated baths are the norm; some inns offer private family baths (kashikiri)
Luggage forwarding (takkyubin)
- Hotels and convenience stores can ship suitcases to your next hotel or the airport so you ride the shinkansen light.
- Same-city often next-day; cross-region allow 1–2 days. Golden Week / Obon / New Year can delay — ship early and keep the receipt.
Food allergies
- Common labels: 卵 egg, 乳 dairy, 小麦 wheat, そば buckwheat, 落花生 peanut, えび／かに shellfish. Carry a Japanese allergy card if severe.
- Packaged konbini food is clearer than verbal checks at izakaya. See also Food.
Seasons & packing
- Spring: hanami + Golden Week crowds; light layers + rain
- Summer: humid, typhoon risk; see festivals
- Autumn: foliage peaks; layer
- Winter: dry cold on Honshu; serious snow in Hokkaido — book Snow Festival early
Checklist → Packing.
Earthquakes
Japan is seismically active but well prepared. Note exits at your hotel; move away from glass if shaking starts. Use our earthquake activity map for a recent-felt summary (not an official alert).
Airport transfers
- Narita: N’EX, Keisei Skyliner, limousine bus
- Haneda: monorail / Keikyū — closer to central Tokyo
- Kansai: HARUKA, Nankai rapi:t, limousine bus