It’s recommended to complete Visit Japan Web registration before departure. Upon arrival, you can simply scan the QR code for immigration and customs, skipping paper forms. Many travelers who didn’t prepare ended up waiting much longer in line.

How to Fill in the Visit Japan Web (VJW) : Handy Guide to Entering Japan:

Common restricted or prohibited items include meat products, fresh fruit, some medications, and cash over 1,000,000 yen. If you carry prescription drugs, bring English or Japanese documentation to avoid problems.

Most travelers pass quickly as long as documents are complete. The most common delays are forgetting Visit Japan Web or carrying prohibited items.

The three most common options are:

• eSIM: The easiest—just scan and connect after arrival.
• Physical SIM card: Requires swapping cards, good for longer stays or phones without eSIM.
• Portable WiFi: Great for groups, but requires carrying a device.

Japan eSIM Data Plans

Some convenience stores and cafés do, but speeds are slow and restrictions apply. Not recommended as your main internet source. Always prepare your own connection.

Japanese eSIMs usually activate upon installation, so install them after arrival. If you delete it by mistake, you may need to buy again—support isn’t always available.

Both. Major stores, malls, and convenience stores accept cards, but small restaurants, izakaya, and buses are often cash only. Bring 10,000–20,000 yen in cash for the first day.

How Much Cash to Bring for Japan Travel? Essential Guide for Travelers

Yes! Many vending machines and small shops take 100- or 500-yen coins. Carry a coin pouch to keep change organized.

Popular apps are PayPay, Line Pay, and Rakuten Pay, but most require a Japanese bank account. For visitors, credit card + cash + IC card is the most practical combo.

Yes, exchange at least ¥10,000 so you have enough for transport and meals. Airport rates are usually worse, so only exchange small amounts there.

Very easy. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and post office ATMs accept foreign cards. Fees vary by bank, but withdrawing ¥50,000–100,000 per transaction is usually cheaper.

IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc.) are rechargeable smart cards used for trains, buses, and even convenience store payments. Almost every traveler gets one—highly recommended.

ICOCA Guide: Where to Buy ICOCA Card in Kansai Airport and Osaka
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Not always. It’s good for multiple long-distance shinkansen rides, but if you’re only in Tokyo or Kansai for a short stay, single tickets are cheaper.

Seats are divided into non-reserved and reserved. Large luggage (over 160cm) requires advance booking. Tickets can be purchased at machines or via official apps.

Japan Shinkansen Ticket Purchase & Riding Guide: A Must-Read for First-Time Visitors

Keep it under 26 inches. Hotel rooms are small, train stations have many stairs, and oversized luggage doesn’t fit lockers.

Japan has convenient luggage delivery services (TA-Q-BIN). You can send bags directly to your next hotel or the airport for about ¥2,000.

Foreign visitors spending over ¥5,000 (before tax) in one store on the same day can get tax-free. Show your passport at checkout; staff will attach a receipt inside it.

Food and cosmetics often require sealed packaging and cannot be used in Japan. Some stores don’t allow stacking coupons with tax-free discounts—always check before paying.

Yes, especially in public. Don’t talk on the phone on trains, always let others exit before boarding, and avoid being noisy.

Japanese Train Etiquettes: 10 Tips for Riding Trains in Japan

Usually no. Street food is meant to be eaten near the stall. Trash bins are rare, so carry a small bag for garbage.

No. Japan has no tipping culture; leaving money may confuse staff, who might return it to you.

Most OTC medicine is fine, but those with pseudoephedrine (like certain cold meds) may be restricted. For prescription drugs, carry a doctor’s note or original package.

Drugstores are everywhere, selling painkillers, stomach medicine, and eyedrops. If you need a doctor, hotel staff can help find a nearby clinic.