Japan Travel Tips

Japan is a year-round travel destination as each season has its unique highlights. From spring with the cherry blossoms, the summer with many festivals, the autumn foliage, to the skiing during the winter. If you plan on traveling to Japan, there are many things to prepare before any trip and more so for an Japan vacation. For money exchange in Japan, you can exchange for Japanese yen cash in your home country first with your bank or you can bring your foreign currency to Japan to exchange. For packing clothing, the temperatures are different during each season, which affects what attire you would pack and wear. You will travel stress-free when it comes to accommodations, transportation, and admission into attractions if you are traveling with a Japan group tour. If you are traveling by yourself, these Japan Travel Tips will be helpful to you if you have any questions or concerns on Japan Travel also. Before your departure, you may have some questions as to what to bring or what to prepare. You can refer to our useful travel tips page that may help. If you have any further questions or need any suggestions on Japan Travel Tips or Japan Chauffeur Services, please feel free to ask our Japan travel advisors.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Can you give me some travel tips before traveling to Japan?

Please read our page with Japan travel tips. It contains many suggestions and introductions, including the Japan SIM card, what to pack, shopping, money exchange, internet, and wifi, how to behave, etc. If you have specific questions, you can directly ask our representatives.
Do I need to exchange for yen before traveling to Japan?

Before departure, you can exchange for Japanese yen cash in your home country first, or you can bring your foreign currency to Japan to exchange. Generally speaking, Japan is a country that uses cash, as some places accept credit cards, but cash will be more convenient. It would be recommended to bring extra cash currency of your country to exchange in case you need more money. There are also ATMs at the post office or 7-Eleven in Japan.
The Japan tour tips you provided are very useful, thank you!

We are willing to help you know the basics and importance of the country. It can help you make a better plan before departure, know what you're going into, and deal with emergencies or anything unpredictable that may happen while traveling.
Do you need to tip at restaurants, taxis, and hotels in Japan?

Tips are generally not required or customary in Japan. Even tipping in restaurants is considered impolite as most restaurants require customers to pay for their meals at the front register, rather than leaving tips behind with the waiter or waitress. With the increase of foreign visitors, some places you can give tips, including bars, clubs, etc. If you are booking a tour with us, the tour package price actually includes the service charge and tip for the tour guide and driver. If you think the other party's services are very good, you can give more if you'd like.
What clothes do I need to bring for a trip to Japan?

Please refer to what to pack on our website. Due to the different seasons, the clothes to prepare in advance when packing will vary.
Can you give me some advice on purchasing a SIM card in Japan?

We suggest that you buy a local SIM card when you get to Japan, mainly because the cost of international roaming is very expensive. There are mobile phone cards sold at all major airports in Japan. When you purchase a card, you can listen to the suggestions of what they offer.
Any suggestions for traveling to Japan in September?

The weather in September is generally good between summer and autumn. The number of tourists that visit Japan in September will be less than in the summer in July and August. It should be noted that September is also the typhoon season in Japan. Please pay attention to the forecast ahead of time if you plan on visiting in September.
What’s the best way to travel between cities in Japan?

It depends on where you’re going. But for most purposes, Private chauffeur is the most convenient way. Public transportation is also an option, such as Shinkansen and public buses.

Customers' Reviews

Rosalind Wong 

Travel Date：April. 15th 2024
Travel Route: 7 days to travel out of Tokyo to the north of Honshu

I booked Japan Holiday for a car and driver for 7 days to travel out of Tokyo to the north of Honshu. Our group of 8 fitted into the 9- seater comfortably with luggage in April 2024. I planned the itinerary with their rep Lydia, who was always prompt and helpful with her replies and suggestions. She was quick to respond to queries which made the overall planning and booking process easier. The guide and driver Snake-San was wonderful, on time and accommodating. Everything was done professionally and we had a wonderful time. The price of the private tour was very reasonable as well. We were very happy with the service. I would recommend this company.
Anthony Lobo 

Travel Date：Feb. 19th 2024
Travel Route: Narita Airport Private Transfer Service

We used the driving service for our first trip to Japan, and it could not have gone smoother. It was easy to find and meet our driver when we arrived at the airport and when we were picked up to head back to the airport. I would definitely recommend this service for any first timers. Honestly, it took the stress out of traveling to and from the airport and easily accommodated my family of 5. Communication was easy and everyone was extremely helpful/friendly. If you are concerned about using the subway system for the first time, I’d use this driving service to ease your mind.
Glen Saro 

Travel Date：Feb. 8th 2024
Travel Route: Hakuba Bus Tour from Tokyo

Japan Holiday Transport and Chauffeur.
We booked several transfers within Japan, Firstly, from the Airport to our accommodation in Tokyo and then to and from Hakuba. Their buses and bus drivers were always on time and comfortable for our party of 13 people + luggage. Great experience. Driver was very safe and polite. He was professional and able to guide/explain about Hakuba. It was snowy and Safety is the upmost important. Lydia from their office was always polite and she also responded within 24 hours. Trustworthy company with local knowledge.
Lydia Cheam 

Travel Date：January 25th 2024
Travel Route: Hakone Day Tour

My family and I took an 8/9 hours transportation/tour of Hakone with Japan Holiday, and they were amazing! Our driver was very gentle, helpful and thoughtful :) we were traveling with an infant and elderly parents, and he would inform us if the weather seemed colder and that he would wait nearby if we wanted to run back into the car quickly, or he would head over to the restaurants/tea house to check if they were open before letting us out. Really appreciated it! Also, James was very responsive and helpful when coordinating our travels prior to the trip. Thanks so much and would definitely book again when we need a tour/transport!
Sandeep Khosla 

Travel Date：November 26th 2023
Travel Route: Osaka-Hakuba-Kyoto-Tokyo

Please convey our gratitude to the company that employs him. And thank you for making wonderful arrangements for us. We have already told many of our friends and relatives about your company and excellent service.

We were reasonably satisfied with the return trip. I used this service for a business day trip meeting from Tokyo to Hakone. prompt service! on time! and thanks to them I had a good meeting and got back to Tokyo in time for business dinner meeting. thank you!

We are in awe of Japanese culture and hospitality. We will surely be returning for another trip.

Many thanks again