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Japan is ancient and modern in one brushstroke. The difference in culture can be intimidating, but knowing some basic information can help your trip go smoothly. Below is a list of the basic information you’ll need to make your way around this wonderful country.
Japan Basics
Language: Japanese
Currency: Yen
Credit Card or Cash: Cash for most things, credit card for large purchases.
Time Zone: GMT+9 (13 hours ahead of Eastern)
Adapter/Converter: A & B adapters (same as US), voltage is 100 V (lower than US). Many computers, phone/camera chargers have converters built-in. Read here for more information on converters and adapters.
Tipping: No tipping. Tipping can be considered rude.
Wi-Fi availability: surprisingly, free Wi-Fi is not widely available. Our suggestion is to rent a portable Wi-Fi from one of the kiosks at the airport.
Train System: Very good train system with local, regional and high-speed trains.
Travel Pass: JR pass (Japan Rail Pass). If you are traveling to more than one city, we recommend buying the JR Pass. If traveling to only Tokyo, it probably will not be worth the cost (although convenient).
Books & Movie Suggestions
Movies for families: Studio Ghibli Movies (especially My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo)
Movie for Adults: Tampopo (a “Ramen Western”)
Book for adults: Memoirs of a Geisha by: Arthur Golden
Book for kids: All About Japan by: Willmarie Moore
Must-See Sights
Hire a tour guide for your first day in Japan.
Visit Akihabara in Tokyo for all things electronic.
Explore Asakusa in Tokyo for a traditional neighborhood with temples and shrines.
See our list of the Favorite Sights in Tokyo .
Shop at a mall, like GinzaMitsukoshi in Tokyo.
Experience Harajuku in Tokyo.
Eat as much as you can at a Dominique Ansel Bakery.
Take a bullet train.
Shop in train stations for great ramen, sushi and collectibles.
Walk across the Shibuya intersection in Tokyo-known as “The busiest intersection in the world.”
Visit the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto.
Eat at the revolving sushi restaurant in the Kyoto train station.
Gaze at the temple, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto.
Walk through the Okochi-Sanso Villa Garden in Arashiyama.
Language Basics
At first sight, the Japanese language seems overwhelming, but you only need to know a few words to make an impact on people you will meet. As with any other country, if you learn and use a few words in Japanese, it helps. This article from the Japan Times explains the culture of politeness in Japan.
Hello kon’nichiwa (Kohn-nee-chee-wah)
Goodbye sayōnara (seye-oh-nar-a)
Yes hai (ha-ee)
No īe (ee-eh)
Please onegaishimasu (oh-neh-geye-shee-ma-soo)
Thank you arigatōgozaimas (ah-ree-gah-toh-go-zeye-mas)
I’m sorry/Excuse me sumimasen (soo-mee-mah-sehn)
Japan Cuisine
Must try: Ramen, sushi, Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake filled with custard or bean-paste), onigiri (rice ball with filling).
Drink: sake, Latte with 3-D art.
Street food: Matarashi dango (rice dough balls on a skewer with sweet soy sauce). Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake filled with custard or bean-paste).
Splurge: Kobe beef.
Convenience Stores: Great option for a cheap meal. These can be readily found and offer hot food as well as sandwiches and onigiri (rice ball with filling).