Japan Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Your First Trip

Visiting Japan for the first time is an exciting experience, particularly the mix of ancient culture and modern urban living, stunning scenery and world-class cuisine. Tokyo has a vibrant street life, historic temples in Kyoto, and many other attractions in between. By taking a little preparation before you go on your holiday, you can ensure that your holiday will run more smoothly and be more enjoyable. In addition, if you are coming from the UAE, you can also make your traveling plan easier with Japan Tour Packages from Dubai which can arrange flights as well as accommodation, sightseeing and other traveling plans.

This Japan Travel Guide is about the essentials of travelling for the first time. Knowing about the travel needs, local customs, weather, communication, and transportation will make you feel more confident upon arriving. There is an efficient public transportation system that can be found in Japan and English is generally understood at main airports, hotels, tourist attractions and transportation nodes.

Select the proper time to visit Japan.

While Japan is a year-round destination, the best time to visit will depend on what you want to experience. Cherry blossoms are popular in spring, and colourful foliage and pleasant weather in autumn. Summer is a hot and humid time, but it's a great time for festivals and mountain areas. Snow experiences, skiing and hot spring visits are best enjoyed in the winter. Look at the seasonal weather of each place before deciding on your travel plan.

Create a well-structured and thoughtful plan for your trip to Japan.

There are countless places in Japan and if you are planning to visit the whole country in just a few days, you might get tired. For the first time, one can concentrate on Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and then choose one or two places of interest within the range from Nara to Hakone, and Mount Fuji, depending on one's time. A good travel programme should consist of sightseeing, cultural activities, shopping, eating out and free time to explore without the pressure of time.

Become familiar with Japan's transportation system.

The major benefits of a trip in Japan is the public transport. Connecting major cities and tourist destinations are trains, subways, buses and the Shinkansen High Speed trains. Prepaid IC cards like Suica, PASMO and ICOCA can help with making daily travel easier, but availability and usage may differ from region to region and service to service.

Don't automatically buy a rail pass, compare individual train fares before travelling from city to city. If you're new to the area, Google maps or a Japanese transit-planning app can also help you navigate more easily.

Understand money and payments

The currency in Japan is the yen or ¥. While credit and debit cards are popular in big cities, there are still instances where it is helpful to have some cash with you, such as small restaurants, local shops, rural areas, temples, and attractions. International cards are accepted at ATMs, but visitors should not expect to be able to pay with just their cards.

Speak and act with Japanese etiquette and respect

Politeness and consideration for others are well regarded in Japan. Speak quietly while traveling in public transit, don't call on the train, take turns to get on and off the train, and get off the train before getting on. Some traditional restaurants, temples and homes may require the removal of shoes when entering.

Respectfully dress at temples and shrines and follow local instructions. It is also polite to learn a few basic Japanese greetings, like the word “Arigato gozaimasu” which translates to thank you.

Become ready for language and Internet needs

Japanese is the official language, and English is understandable in most tourist centers, airports, hotels and transportation networks. It may be more difficult to communicate in English in smaller towns and local businesses, so downloading a translation app might help.

Ideally, if you have a strong mobile internet connection, you can use maps, translation, train timetables, restaurant search and online bookings as well. You might want to get an eSIM card, SIM card, or pocket wi-fi before or after you arrive.

Always check visa requirements before departure

The visa requirements are not based on the UAE residence only but are determined by the nationality and residence status of the applicant. Currently, UAE citizens with eligible ordinary passports are allowed to travel to Japan without visa for a period of 90 days for tourism.

Requirements for UAE residents (non UAE nationals) are dependent on the nationality of the passport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan says that foreigners residing in the UAE who meet the requirements could apply via the Japan eVISA system or application process. Please check the most recent requirements before your travel.

Pack for the Season

How much you pack will depend on the time and place where you will be traveling. Train rides and much walking while exploring Japanese cities make comfortable walking shoes a must-have. Bring appropriate seasonal attire, a portable power bank, travel documents, your regular medication and if needed, a Type A plug adapter. The electrical currents in Japan are 100V, and the outlets are Type A.

Conclusion

When you make your trip to Japan, it may be beneficial to make a first visit with a well-planned program in order to see and experience the country in a comfortable way, and to have the opportunity to enjoy the cultural, technological, culinary and natural aspects of Japan. Simple preparations can ease the way if you know what to expect and do, such as picking the right time of year and arranging for transport, taking cash and knowing the local courtesies.

This Japan Travel Guide can serve as a reference for creating your travel plan and documents. For those who would like a more structured vacation where all your needs are fulfilled such as lodging, tourist activities and transportation, then explore Japan Tour Packages is the ideal way to plan your first Japan holiday.