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Are you planning your first trip to Japan too?
For the last few years, I’ve felt like a pretty seasoned traveler, but planning a trip to Japan completely tested that confidence.
Between transportation logistics, cultural etiquette, restaurant reservations, and even figuring out which apps to download, there were far more details than I expected.
After months of research (and experiencing the trip ourselves), I pulled together everything that actually helped. This is the guide I wish I had when I started planning our trip to Tokyo and Kyoto.
Quick Overview for Planning Your First Trip to Japan
If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, these are the main decisions you’ll want to make early:
- Decide how long your trip will be (10–14 days is ideal for first-time visitors)
- Choose which cities to visit. Most first trips include Tokyo and Kyoto
- Book flights and hotels early, especially during cherry blossom season
- Plan how you’ll travel between cities using the Shinkansen bullet train
- Reserve popular restaurants and experiences in advance
- Hotels in Japan (especially in Tokyo) sell out faster than you might expect, so booking early makes a big difference
For most first-time travelers, a trip that includes Tokyo, Kyoto, and possibly Osaka is a great starting point. This guide is designed for first-time visitors who want a smooth, well-planned trip without feeling overwhelmed.
Table of Contents
What to do Before You Visit Japan
There are a few things to do before you arrive in Japan to make your arrival smoother.
Here’s a quick checklist on what to do once you book your flights:
- Fill out the customs form online to save time at the airport.
- Order pocket WiFi or an eSIM so you have internet access immediately after landing.
- Add a Suica card to Apple Wallet for easy train and subway access.
- Book restaurants ahead of time, especially popular spots in Tokyo and Kyoto.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases. Even a small effort goes a long way.
- Understand where to stay in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.
- Make a packing list (or steal my packing list for Japan in April)
- Pick 2 destinations for your first trip. Slower travel = better experience in Japan
Apps to Download
These apps made navigating Japan much easier.
- Google Translate – helpful for menus, signs, and conversations.
- Suica / train card – for transit payments. Add money before you land so you’re ready to go.
- Japan Transit Map – helpful for understanding train routes.
- Google Maps – significantly better than Apple Maps for train directions in Japan.
- Tabelog – one of Japan’s most popular restaurant review platforms.
- GO Taxi – the easiest taxi app to use in Japan. Make sure you set up an account before arriving in Japan!
- SmartEX (Shinkansen) – book bullet train tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling with large luggage. There are limited seats that accommodate large luggage in each train car.
- Flush – helps locate public bathrooms.
Having these apps ready before you arrive will make navigating Japan much easier. I put all of these apps in a folder in my phone to make them easy to find!
Tickets we Bought in Advance
Booking certain experiences ahead of time saved us a lot of stress. If you only book a few things in advance, prioritize:
- Tokyo Disney Sea tickets
- Walking tour tickets in Tokyo
- Tickets for a chopstick-making experience
- Tea ceremony tickets in Kyoto
- Kyoto night walking tour tickets
Many of these experiences sell out quickly, especially during busy travel seasons. The walking tours helped us appreciate more of the city and culture, but there was nothing quite like the tea ceremony. Tokyo Disney Sea was also unlike any other Disney park I’ve been to. It’s affordable and the attention to detail in every part of the park is worth checking out.
Best Time to Visit Japan
Japan is beautiful year-round, but some seasons are especially popular.
Spring (March–April)
Cherry blossom season. Stunning but crowded.
Fall (October–November)
Beautiful autumn leaves and cooler weather.
Summer (June–August)
Hot and humid but full of festivals.
Winter (December–February)
Less crowded and great for visiting hot springs.
Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for a first trip to Japan. We were so happy to visit during cherry blossom season!
Ideal Itinerary for first time to Japan:
- Days 1–6: Tokyo
- Days 7–10: Kyoto with a day trip to Nara
General Tips for Traveling in Japan
Here are some of the most useful things we learned during our trip.
Start early
Many popular attractions get extremely crowded by mid-morning. For any temples, shrines, or popular areas, I’d recommend getting there as early as 7am.
Cash Is Still Important in Japan
- Many temples and shrines only accept cash.
- Some smaller restaurants also do not take cards.
Always carry:
- Cash
- A debit card for ATMs (7-Eleven works reliably)
Check out the Convenience Stores
You’ll likely stop at a convenience store every day. For us, it was at least twice a day!
The big three convenience stores are 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart. I don’t know how to describe it – the convenience stores in Japan are BETTER. They’re perfect for:
- water
- quick breakfasts
- snacks
- late-night food
- surprisingly good rice balls (onigiri)
I personally loved the egg salad sandwiches and the vitamin drinks!
Bathroom Tips
This is something many travel guides don’t mention. Use the Flush app you downloaded to find public restrooms. It’s a lot easier to find restrooms in Japan than in Europe, but it can still take a few minutes to find one.
Keep in mind that not all public restrooms in Japan have soap, paper towels or hand dryers. Pack hand sanitizer or a small handkerchief in your bag as you’re walking around.
Tips on Japanese Trains
Use Google Maps for Trains
I normally use Apple Maps, but in Japan Google Maps is significantly better. I tested both platforms during our trip and Apple Maps couldn’t compete with the attention to detail Google Maps has.
It shows:
- Train platforms
- Transfer stations
- Estimated travel times
- Sometimes even the best train car to board
What to know about the train from NRT airport into the city
I felt very prepared for my trip to Japan but what I didn’t understand is the Keisei Skyliner train from the Narita (NRT) airport to central Tokyo. The Keisei Skyliner is a high-speed airport express train connecting Narita Airport to central Tokyo in as little as 40 minutes.
What was a little confusing is you have to get a ticket for a seat reservation for the Keisei Skyliner, but then also scan your Suica card to pay for the train. It feels like you’re paying for the same train twice, which you kind of are, but it’s still a fair price. A one-way ticket costs 2,580 yen (includes 1,280 yen base fare + 1,300 yen liner ticket).
Sit on the Correct Side of the Shinkansen
The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed bullet train that connects major cities across the country! If you plan on taking the train and you’re hoping to see Mount Fuji from the train:
- From Kyoto to Tokyo: sit on the left side
- From Tokyo to Kyoto: sit on the right side
Trains Run Exactly on Time
- Japanese trains are incredibly punctual.
- Always be ready to exit quickly because trains only stop briefly at each station.
- Setting an alarm before your stop can help if you’re worried about missing it.
Important Etiquette to Know
A few cultural norms to keep in mind:
- Avoid eating or drinking while walking or even out and about.
- Public trash cans are rare so carry a small bag for trash.
- When paying with cash, place the money in the tray, not directly in the cashier’s hand.
Things That Surprised Us About Japan
A few things we didn’t expect about Japan:
• How quiet and clean public spaces are
• How helpful locals are, even with language barriers
• How safe the country feels, even late at night
• How good convenience store food actually is (I miss you egg salad sandos)
Final Thoughts
Planning your first trip to Japan can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes one of the most rewarding places to travel.
If you’re in the middle of planning, focus on the big pieces first: cities, transportation, and timing. The rest will fall into place. If you’re anything like us, you’ll already be thinking about your next trip before this one ends.
