Discover our super comprehensive E-Book about Japan to ensure your trip is a real success!
📍 4 ready-made itineraries!
🗺️ A Google Maps map with over 600 points of interest!
🍜 Lots of off-the-beaten-track places to visit!
🤑 Discounts that refund your purchase price!
After spending 2 months exploring the Land of the Rising Sun with Simon, we jotted down quite a few things we want to share with you! And we’re kicking off this series of articles on Japan with the Top 10 Things You Absolutely Need to Know Before Traveling There! The culture is so different from ours that there are a few key points worth highlighting and keeping in mind once you’re on site. The Japanese are very respectful, so it’s nice if you can be too—and avoid offending them.
We even wrote an E-book on Japan (FR only) to help you prepare your trip as best as possible and save you hours and hours of online research (yes, we’ve been there!). This digital guide was designed to help you from A to Z in organizing your journey, with ready-to-use itineraries, a Google Maps with over 600 spots pinned, and tons of tips. You’ll even get discounts that make up for the cost of the book itself!
But let's get back to our article!
It won’t come as a surprise that Japan doesn’t use the euro! The local currency is the yen, its symbol is “¥” and its abbreviation is “JPY.”
As of August 2025, the exchange rate is €1 = ¥171.
This rate fluctuates a lot, so we recommend checking it once you’re there to get accurate numbers for your stay and purchases. For example, when we were in Japan between March and May 2025: €1 = ¥160. In just 3 months, it shifted by 10 yen (not huge, but still a change).
When it comes to payments, keep in mind that cash is still very common in Japan, and some businesses (small shops, tiny restaurants, street food stalls, etc.) don’t accept cards.
The best solution in this case is to have an international bank card that lets you withdraw cash directly in Japan (with a fixed ATM fee of about ¥220, so 1.30€) and, of course, pay by card with no extra charges.
Even with those small ATM fees, this option is better than exchanging your euros in France, since banks usually apply a poor exchange rate.
During our trip, we used the Visa ULTIM card from BoursoBank (which we’ve had since 2021 and absolutely love). It’s free (as long as you make at least one payment per month) and charges no fees on payments or withdrawals, no matter the currency. Perfect for travelers!
And if you’re not yet a client, by using our referral code LEGA1596 (or the link in the button below) when opening your first account, you’ll receive a bonus ranging from €80 to €220 (depending on the current offer and conditions). A nice gift! 🎁😉
Maybe you didn’t know this, but in Japan they drive on the left side of the road, just like in the UK!
But here’s a particularity (unlike in the UK): the International Driving Permit isn’t recognized in Japan!
Not super convenient if you were planning to drive during your stay… But don’t worry, there’s a solution: you need to get your license translated into Japanese by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
Here are your options:
And if you’re planning to rent a car in Japan, we recommend going through DiscoverCars or Booking. They’re the best platforms, comparing hundreds of agencies to give you the best offers with no hidden fees. We’ve been using DiscoverCars for years because their rates always include unlimited mileage, theft protection, and at least partial coverage. But since not all Japanese cities are available there, we also tried Booking—and had no issues at all (with unlimited mileage too)!
Of course, all of this info—and much more—can be found in our Japan E-Book! We even included a complete driving guide, with tips on parking (free or cheapest options), overnight van spots, ferry crossing info, etc., to make your road trip a breeze.
Still on the topic of getting around, but this time let’s talk about public transport. And trust us, in Japan it’s a whole other world!
First thing to know: buses (and sometimes even trains) can actually be ahead of schedule. Yep, you read that right—early! So if you don’t want to watch your bus drive off without you, show up a few minutes early.
Another quirk: in 90% of cases, you’ll need to tap your card both when boarding AND when getting off. Unlike back home, where you validate once, in Japan it’s when you exit that they calculate the actual distance you traveled and the exact fare to deduct. Easy to forget at first (yep, speaking from experience 🤭). Luckily, there’s plenty of staff in stations, always friendly and ready to remind you—or even help if you’re lost. Don’t hesitate to ask, they’ll be happy to assist!
But be careful: not every subway or train stops everywhere! Unlike in Europe, there are different services: “local,” “rapid,” “express”… If you pick the wrong one, you could end up 10 stations too far, almost outside Tokyo (yep… also happened to us 😅). Always double-check the info on station platforms or use Google Maps / Navitime, which are very reliable.
And one last major point: there’s no public transport at night! After midnight (sometimes even 11:30 PM for some lines), no more trains or buses. That leaves you with bikes, e-scooters, or taxis… and taxis can get really pricey! Our advice: plan your evenings well to avoid getting stranded. And if you absolutely need a taxi, we’ll share a little tip at the end of the article to help you pay less 😉.
Spoiler alert: not really… 😅
Yes, in big cities you’ll find free Wi-Fi pretty easily, but it’s still limited. Even in Tokyo, there are uncovered areas…
Of course, you can always connect in hotels, cafés, libraries, museums, and sometimes even on certain long-distance trains, but honestly, if you’re relying only on that to stay connected, you might struggle a bit.
The most practical solution (the one we used and 200% recommend) is to get a Saily eSIM! With it, no need to remove your SIM card or hunt for a local one upon arrival. Purchase and installation are instant via the Saily app, and your plan activates automatically as soon as you set foot in Japan! What more could you want?!
Oh, yes! They now even offer an unlimited plan, so you can travel stress-free without worrying about exceeding your data limit.
Bonus: you can get 5% off with our promo code FOXTROTTEURS5.
⚠️ Don’t forget to enter the code FOXTROTTEURS5 before paying to get your discount (it doesn’t apply automatically).
A little shopping tip! In Japan, listed prices are usually before tax (about 95% of the time). So when you see a price tag in a store, remember to add about 10% consumption tax to know the final checkout price. Not super fun when you’re not expecting it…
But here’s the good news for us travelers: in certain certified stores (you’ll spot them easily with the “Tax Free Shop” logo), you can get these taxes exempted! 🎉
To qualify, you need to spend at least ¥5,500 (about €33) in a single purchase and present your passport at checkout.
Note: you cannot exceed ¥200,000 (around €1,200) in total purchases per person for your entire trip, and stores log everything via your passport, so it’s impossible to cheat. At departure, at the airport, your passport will be scanned to check if you stayed within the limit (if not, you’ll need to repay the exempted taxes).
Currently, Tax Refund is done directly in-store. You pay tax-free, and proof is recorded in your passport. In some cases, you’ll pay the full price including tax and then claim the refund at a secondary counter, but the principle is the same.
⚠️ From November 1, 2026, the system will change: Tax Refund will only be available at the airport upon departure. So plan extra time if you want to benefit, and make sure to keep all your receipts!
Traveling in Japan means discovering a whole set of little habits different from back home. Some are well-known, others very cute, others a bit surprising… but all worth respecting to avoid looking like the rude tourist!
What to do ✅
What to avoid 🚫
With these tips, you’ll navigate Japan like a pro!
It’s impossible to visit Japan without trying a public bath at least once! It’s a relaxing and cultural experience not to miss. But first, a few things to know.
What’s the difference between an onsen and a sentō?
Rules to respect:
You can search for this type of accommodation on Booking by carefully checking the details of the room (because a lot of accommodations have public baths, but it's rarer and more upscale to have this in your own room):
Honestly, onsens and sentōs are incredibly relaxing. The best ones are in nature: soaking in hot water surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, or rice fields is unforgettable. And if you try an outdoor bath (rotenburo), it’s pure magic! 😍
This may surprise you, but in Japan you’ll find almost no garbage bins in public spaces! The idea is simple: everyone is responsible for their own trash. And it works—streets are spotless compared to ours!
So, bring a small bag to carry your waste during the day, and dispose of it back at your accommodation.
The only exceptions: in front of konbini (convenience stores) or street-food shops. You can eat what you just bought right there and throw the trash in their bins.
Another key detail: waste sorting is strict in Japan. Burnable vs. non-burnable, and sometimes more specific categories (plastics, bottles, cans, etc.). Not a huge issue as a tourist, but if you rent an apartment, you’ll probably have to comply—so it’s best to follow the rules.
This isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Japan, but the sun is really strong there, especially in spring and summer.
We’ve already had days in April with a UV index of 6 as early as 9 a.m., even though it was only 15°C…
The Japanese are real pros when it comes to sun protection: you’ll see tons of UV-protective clothing, arm sleeves, hood-style caps with fabric covering the mouth and neck, and even parasols or umbrellas used purely for sun protection.
On your end, make sure to bring (or buy there) sunscreen and stay hydrated. That way you’ll avoid those surprise sunburns when spending the whole day outside exploring temples and gardens! 😉
It’s not a myth—Japanese toilets are truly fascinating and above all the rest!
First, you should know that in Japan, toilets are everywhere (in stations, parks, stores…) and most importantly, they’re clean and free! A real blessing compared to back home.
But the real star is the Japanese high-tech toilet! Equipped with a control panel worthy of an airplane cockpit: water jets, cleaning options, sound effects to cover noises, and sometimes even heated seats (a dream in winter!).
Of course, not every toilet is ultra-modern. You’ll also find regular Western-style toilets, just like in Europe.
We even stumbled upon Japanese-style squat toilets, which really surprised us. They don’t look the same as the ones we know and are actually much easier to use and aim with. Surprised? Not really!
In some public places, you’ll even find toilets designed for specific needs, like for people with stomas (surgical opening for waste collection), featuring a small sink and a special showerhead. It was our first time seeing this—huge respect for such inclusivity!
No matter where you go, you can count on clean, well-thought-out toilets. And that’s honestly amazing!
There’s still so much more to say about Japan! Here are a few extra things we think are always useful to know:
So, you’ve made it to the end of this article! We’ve shared the 10 things to know (plus some bonuses) before visiting Japan. We hope this info helps you plan and anticipate your trip smoothly. Don’t miss the “Tips” section at the end for even more practical advice!
As mentioned earlier, we also wrote a Japan E-Book after our 2-month stay! It gathers all the info we researched before and during the trip, what we experienced, and especially what we wish we’d known in advance. Inside, you’ll find 4 ready-to-use itineraries, tons of advice, discounts, and a Google Map with over 600 spots!
💸 Since you’ve made it this far, here’s a thank-you gift: use code FOXJAPON10 for 10% off the E-Book!
If you haven’t booked your flights to Japan yet, you can do it here:
➡️ Plus, enjoy €10 off your first booking with Ulysse using our referral code PL316TD9L (just enter it before payment by checking the “referral/promo/gift card code” box).
And don’t forget to share your tips and experiences in the comments for other travelers! 😉
1. Power outlets are different in Japan (type A & B), so pack an adapter!
2. Bring shoes that are easy to slip on/off and socks without holes—you’ll often need to remove your shoes.
3. Carry a roomy coin purse (and ideally for bills too), since you’ll have a lot of coins and cash.
4. Avoid visiting during Golden Week (April 29 – May 6) when the whole country is on holiday. If you can’t, stick to less crowded areas.
5. Taxis are very expensive—download the “Go” app (a taxi price comparison). But set up your account before leaving France, as SMS validation won’t work in Japan.
6. Like driving on the left, many habits are reversed: queues, walking, escalators. If you’re standing still on an escalator, stand to the left!
How about we chat?