Japan Travel Tips for First-Timers

Japan Travel Tips for First-Timers in Brief

Japan is one of the easiest countries to visit for the first time, including with small children. It is safe, clean and punctual, and almost everything a family needs, from baby rooms to lifts and convenience stores, is within a few minutes of where you are.

What catches first-timers out is detail, such as paperwork before the flight, cash in the right places, the difference between JR and subway lines, and how much quieter people are on trains than you expect.

I plan private days in Tokyo for families from overseas, and this is the checklist I would give a friend before their first trip.

1. Fill in Visit Japan Web before you fly.
2. Bring a card and some yen. Withdraw more at a 7-Eleven ATM.
3. Get an IC card on arrival for trains, buses and small shops.
4. Decide on the JR Pass only after you have mapped your long train journeys.
5. Sort out mobile data before you land.
6. Keep your voice down on trains and carry your rubbish with you.
7. Plan fewer places per day than you think, especially with children.

When to Go and How Long to Stay

Spring (late March to early April) and autumn (October to November) are the most comfortable seasons, and also the busiest. June is the rainy season, July and August are hot and humid, and late summer can bring typhoons that delay trains and flights.

Winter in Tokyo is cold, dry and clear, and it is the best time to see Mt. Fuji.

For a first trip, one week covers Tokyo plus Kyoto, or Tokyo plus a day trip or two. Four to five days is the right pace for Tokyo alone with children.

Our guide to things to do in Tokyo with kids is organised by age. Try not to change hotels every night. Two bases, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, are easier on everyone than four.

Japanese school holidays (late March to early April, Golden Week from late April to early May, mid-August and New Year) fill trains and theme parks. If your dates are flexible, avoid them.

Passport, Visa and Visit Japan Web Before You Fly

Most travellers from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and the EU can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa, but the list of visa-exempt countries and the length of stay depend on your passport. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page before you book, and see our guides to Japan entry requirements and Japan visa requirements.

Some nationalities can now apply online through the Japan eVisa system.

Visit Japan Web is the government's free online form for immigration and customs. Register each family member, including babies, and you get QR codes to show on arrival instead of filling in paper cards on the plane.

Our Visit Japan Web guide walks through it screen by screen.

JESTA is coming, but not yet. Japan passed a law in 2026 to create an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, similar to the US ESTA.

It is planned for fiscal year 2028. Until the government opens an official site, do not pay any website that claims to sell one.

Travel insurance is not required for entry, but medical care for visitors is paid in full, often up front. See travel insurance in Japan for what to look for.

Arriving at Haneda or Narita

Haneda is the closer airport. Central Tokyo is about 30 minutes away by train or monorail. Narita is about an hour or more from the city, but it has more international flights and cheaper fares on some routes.

If you have a choice with small children, Haneda saves an hour at each end of the trip.

• From Haneda, take the Keikyu Line, the Tokyo Monorail, an airport limousine bus or a taxi. See our Haneda Airport guide.
• From Narita, take the Narita Express, the Keisei Skyliner or the bus. See Narita Airport and the Narita Express guide.
• To compare the two, see Narita vs Haneda.

If you land late with tired children and big suitcases, the limousine bus or a taxi straight to the hotel is usually worth the extra cost.

Cash, Cards and Tax-Free Shopping

Cards are accepted in hotels, department stores, chain restaurants, convenience stores and most station ticket machines. Cash is still needed at small restaurants, temple stalls, some coin lockers, local buses and festival food stands.

For a family, ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 in cash per day of sightseeing is plenty, with coins for lockers and vending machines.

• ATMs. 7-Eleven ATMs accept most foreign cards and are open around the clock in most stores. Post office ATMs are another option.
• No tipping. Restaurants, taxis and hotels do not expect it, and leaving money on the table can cause staff to run after you to return it.
• Pay with the tray. At many counters you put cash or your card in a small tray rather than handing it over.
• Departure tax. The International Tourist Tax rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 on 1 July 2026. It is added to your air ticket, so you do not pay it at the airport.

Tax-free shopping changed on 1 November 2026. Until 31 October, eligible shops took the 10% consumption tax off at the till. Since 1 November, you pay the full price, show your passport, and claim the tax back when you leave Japan, at customs before you check in.

Keep your receipts and the goods with you, and leave extra time at the airport.

Getting Around by IC Card, JR Pass and Shinkansen

Trains are the best way to move around Japan, and you only need to get three decisions right, which card to tap, whether to buy a rail pass, and how to ride the Shinkansen.

IC cards for city trains and buses

An IC card is a rechargeable card you tap at the gate. It works on JR, subway and private railway lines, on most buses and in convenience stores.

For a short trip, get a Welcome Suica or a TOURIST PASMO, which needs no deposit and is valid for 28 days. Children aged 6 to 11 need their own child card to pay half fare.

Our Suica and PASMO guide explains which to buy, where, and how to put one on an iPhone.

The Japan Rail Pass

The JR Pass gives unlimited rides on JR trains, including most Shinkansen, for 7, 14 or 21 days. A 7-day ordinary pass costs ¥50,000 online (child ¥25,000).

From 1 October 2026, passes bought through overseas agents cost more, at ¥53,000 for 7 days (child ¥27,000), while the online price stays the same for now.

It pays off for long trips, such as Tokyo to Kyoto to Hiroshima and back within a week. For a family staying mostly in Tokyo with one return trip to Kyoto, single tickets are cheaper.

Our Japan Rail Pass guide does the sums.

The Shinkansen

The bullet train is clean, fast and easy with children. Reserve seats for the family so you sit together, and know the luggage rule. On the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines, a suitcase over 160 cm in total dimensions needs a seat with an oversized baggage area, booked in advance.

Strollers are exempt. See our guide to the Shinkansen in Japan and how to ride the Shinkansen.

Send your suitcases ahead

Hotels, airports and convenience stores can send luggage to your next hotel, usually arriving the next day. On a day you change cities, this means you board the train with a day bag and the children, not three suitcases.

Staying Connected with an eSIM, Pocket Wi-Fi and Apps

Sort out mobile data before you land, because you will want maps and train times from the arrival hall. An eSIM is the simplest choice if your phone supports it.

Buy it online, install it at home, and switch it on when you land. A pocket Wi-Fi router, picked up at the airport, suits families who want one connection for several devices.

Free Wi-Fi exists in stations and convenience stores, but it is not reliable enough to depend on.

Useful apps include Google Maps (train routes and platforms), Google Translate (point the camera at menus and signs) and your airline's app. If you have an iPhone, you can add Suica or PASMO to Apple Wallet.

Japanese Etiquette and Manners for First-Timers

Japanese manners come down to not disturbing others. Nobody expects visitors to know everything, and a smile and a "sumimasen" (excuse me, sorry) cover most slips.

• Trains. Talk quietly, do not take phone calls, and let people off before you board. Eating is fine on the Shinkansen, but not on city trains.
• Escalators. Stand on the left in Tokyo and on the right in Osaka, and keep children holding the handrail.
• Shoes. Take them off where you see a step up and a row of slippers, such as at ryokan, some restaurants and some temple halls.
• Rubbish. Public bins are rare. Carry a small bag and take your rubbish back to the hotel or a convenience store.
• Eating. Avoid walking while you eat in busy streets. Stand by the shop or a bench.
• Temples and shrines. Follow the signs about photographs, and keep children from climbing on statues and stone lanterns.
• Onsen. Wash before you get in, keep towels out of the water, and check the tattoo policy in advance. See our guide to private onsen in Hakone.

Practical Tips for Travelling in Japan with Children

Japan is easy with children once you know the rules for fares, strollers and food. These are the points that matter most on a first trip.

• Train fares. Children aged 6 to 11 pay half. Children under 6 ride free, but only two per paying adult or child. The third pays the child fare. On the Shinkansen, a child under 6 who takes their own reserved seat also pays the child fare.
• Strollers. JR stations and newer subway stations have lifts, but older stations on Tokyo Metro and Toei lines can mean stairs. Check which exit has a lift before you set out. A light, foldable stroller or a carrier is easier than a large pram.
• Baby rooms. Department stores, stations, airports and large parks have rooms for nursing and changing, often with hot water for formula. Convenience stores sell nappies, wipes and baby food.
• Food allergies. Carry a card in Japanese that explains the allergy, and tell restaurants when you book rather than at the table.
• Heat. From July to September, plan indoor stops and breaks every hour or so, and carry water.
• Pace. Two or three places a day, close together, with a long lunch and room for a nap, works better than a full list.

For ideas by age, from the Pokemon Center to Ueno Zoo, see things to do in Tokyo with kids. If you would rather have someone plan the trains, lifts and lunch stops for you, that is what our private Tokyo tour with kids is for, and our custom tours cover Kamakura, Hakone and Mt. Fuji as well.

Safety and Emergencies

Japan has very little street crime, and children can safely walk ahead on most streets. The real risks are natural, such as earthquakes, typhoons and summer heat.

• Emergency numbers. 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance.
• Japan Visitor Hotline. 050-3816-2787, 24 hours a day, in English, Chinese and Korean, for accidents, illness and natural disasters.
• Earthquakes. If the ground shakes, move away from windows and shelves, protect your head, and follow staff instructions. Hotels post evacuation routes on the back of the room door.
• Lost property. Lost items are often handed in. Ask at the station office or a police box (koban).

More Japan Travel Essentials

Each of these guides covers one part of the trip in detail.

• Cheap Shinkansen Tickets in 2026: Every Discount That Works
• Haneda Airport Guide: Trains, Buses, Fares and Kids (2026)
• How to Get from Tokyo to Osaka: Train, Plane or Bus (2026)
• How to Ride the Shinkansen: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
• How to Use Visit Japan Web: Steps, Family, QR Code, Offline
• Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass 2026: Price, Route
• JR East Pass Nagano Niigata Area 2026: What to Buy Now
• JR East Pass Tohoku Area 2026: Now the New JR EAST PASS
• JR Hokkaido Rail Pass 2026: Prices, Routes, Is It Worth It?
• Japan Entry Requirements 2026: Passport, Visa, Customs, Kids
• Japan Rail Pass 2026: Prices, Coverage, Is It Worth It?
• Japan Visa for Kids: Passports and Papers for Families
• Japan eVISA for Families: Applying With Children (2026)
• Kansai Area Pass 2026: QR Pass Prices, Changes, Worth It?
• Kansai Wide Area Pass 2026: Price, Map and Best Day Trips
• Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass 2026: Price, Route, Worth It?
• Keisei Access Express from Narita: Fares, Stops, Timetable
• Keisei Skyliner Guide 2026: Fares, Tickets and Kids
• Midori no Madoguchi: JR Ticket Office Hours & Tokyo Station
• Narita Airport Guide: Terminals, Arrival and Kids (2026)
• Narita Express (N'EX) 2026: Fares, Tickets and Family Tips
• Narita vs Haneda: Which Tokyo Airport Is Better? (2026)
• Regional Rail Passes in Japan 2026: List and Which to Buy
• Sanyo-San'in Area Pass 2026: Price, Map and 7-Day Route
• Sapporo-Furano Area Pass 2026: Price, Map and 4-Day Plan
• Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass 2026: Price, Area and Value
• Shinkansen Gran Class: Prices, Trains, Food and Booking
• Shinkansen Green Car: Prices, Seats and Is It Worth It?
• Shinkansen Tickets: Buy on JR Sites, Klook or at the Station
• Shinkansen in Japan: Every Bullet Train Line, Fares and Kids
• Suica Card 2026: Where to Buy, Child Suica and Refunds
• Suica Card Japan for Tourists: Suica, PASMO and Kids (2026)
• Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass 2026: Price and Route
• Tokaido Shinkansen Guide 2026: Stations, Trains and Fares
• Travel Insurance for Japan With Kids: A Parent's Guide
• Welcome Suica Mobile: How to Download and Set Up (2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Japan good for first-time travellers?

Yes. Japan is safe, clean and well signposted in English in cities, trains run on time, and convenience stores sell almost anything you forget. The main adjustments are etiquette on trains, carrying some cash and planning around crowds in peak seasons.

How much cash should I bring to Japan?

Bring a card that works abroad and some yen for the first day. For a family, ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 in cash per day of sightseeing is plenty. You can withdraw more at 7-Eleven ATMs, which accept most foreign cards.

Do I need Visit Japan Web?

It is not compulsory, but it saves time. You register your details online before the flight and show QR codes at immigration and customs instead of filling in paper forms. Register every family member, including babies.

Is the JR Pass worth it for a first trip?

Only if you take several long train journeys within the pass period, such as Tokyo to Kyoto to Hiroshima and back in a week. For a trip based mostly in Tokyo, an IC card and single Shinkansen tickets are cheaper.

Should I tip in Japan?

No. Tipping is not part of the culture in restaurants, taxis or hotels, and staff may return money you leave behind. Good service is included in the price.

Do children ride trains free in Japan?

Children under 6 ride free, up to two per paying adult or child. Children aged 6 to 11 pay half the adult fare. On the Shinkansen, an under-6 who takes their own reserved seat pays the child fare.

Sources

https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html
https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001
https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/news/japans-international-tourist-tax-is-increasing/
https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/news/changes-are-coming-to-japans-tax-free-shopping/
https://japanrailpass.net/en/purchase/price/
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/news/_pdf/2026/0001.pdf
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/tickets/type/adults_children.html
https://www.tokyometro.jp/lang_en/ticket/guide/age/index.html
https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/hotline/
https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/emergencies/