Preparation

You’ve finally made the decision to go! While it’s always fun to go in unprepared, sometimes, being prepared helps you maximize your time in Japan. Here is where I’ll help you do just that:

Money

Searching online, you’ll see that most articles will mention that Japan is a cash country, which it is, however, cards are being used more and more these days. I always carry money with me for emergencies, if I’m rural, or if I see an establishment (mostly Izakayas, shops, etc.) that will clearly post that cash is only accepted. I’ve been able to use Credit Cards at ATMs, restaurants, ticket entry sales, taxis, etc. without hassle, so Japan is certainly moving in that direction.

If you need to withdraw physical cash, you’ll most likely only have access to the Seven & i Holdings (7-11) banking ATMs. These are quite easy to find and some stations will have a lone ATM available without the convenience store. Approach the machine, and you can select your langauage. At that point, it will ask you to input the PIN of your card, which account you’d like to withdraw from, and then the amount.

Navigation

Download a phone application that will help you with trains. These apps will show you the train lines, where they go, where to transfer, and everything else you need to get around Japan and plan for it.

Also download the “GO” Application for Japan. It is for contracting a taxi. While I avoid using taxis due to cost, some times it is unavoidable and I use this as a last resort. Uber also works in major areas.

If you’re trying to find good food, Google is helpful BUT “TabeLog” is what is used in Japan and is rated by mostly Japanese people. Also keep in mind that Japan is a vertically built country, so you’ll often find the restaurant you’re looking for is on a floor higher up in a building, so keep looking up for the signs

Clothing/Weather (Tokyo/Chiba)

Winter

The temperature in Japan, especially in Tokyo, doesn’t get very low. In fact, when it snows in Tokyo, everyone loses their mind (I’m from Canada, so it’s just a normal winter). Despite the warmer temperatures, don’t be fooled. The humidity will chill you to the bone. I’d bring the usual thick winter jacket. Uniqlo has special clothing that retains heat, and you can find gel packs at convenience stores that heat up once the contents are mixed, and trains are often blasting heat.

Spring

Often windy/breezy, lighter clothes is fine, but I recommend layering up. I usually don’t go out without a lighter jacket (windbreakers alone are a bit thin, in my opinion). There’s a lot of open space in Japan, so it’s easy to find yourself in windy spaces.

Summer

It gets HOT. Bring UV sunscreen. Buy a portable fan. This is the time of year where convenience stores will sell body sprays that cool off your body (spray that quickly evaporates off of your skin and takes away heat). Stores will also freeze popular drinks like Aquarius and sell them that way. Do not underestimate the heat by any means and take frequent breaks to stay hydrated. I often bring extra undershirts because you will sweat a lot. A hotel or place with available laundry is highly recommended. It also rains a lot near the end of summer as it’s typhoon season, so pack a rain jacket!

Autumn

It’s a beautiful time, but it also can rain a lot and is often overcast for weather. I would treat this like spring, but I find it a bit colder and wet. Late September is kind of the sweet sport for me as you’re getting out of the heat wave of the summer, but the weather stabilizes a bit before temps complete drops.

Transportation

• Suica - This is an IC Card (probably most used and you can get one directly at the airport) where you tap to get through the gates that allow you access onto train platforms. You can also use these to buy things from some vending machines and stores, so it’s never a bad thing to have money on these. If you have an iPhone, you can download the app and won’t require a physical card as you can just use your phone as if it was the card.

• International Driving Permit - You will need this if you intend to drive in Japan as a foreign visitor. Luckily, it is easy to get a rental. Once you have one booked, the attendant will go through rules and expectations. Most rental stores will require you to refuel the vehicle before dropping it off. You’ll also get the option to have GPS, so don’t expect it to always be included. One thing to keep an eye out for are ETC Card Rentals. These ETC or “Electronic Toll Collection” Cards aren’t always included, but if you’re traveling on highways, you’ll need these if you don’t want to stop at a toll every single time. Having these cards allow you just to drive through the gates without stopping and most rentals will just have the toll charged to the card and will bill you during drop off.