Hotels by Hood

Last updated: October 27, 2026 · By the Hotels by Hood team

Japan is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel in — trains run on time, cities are safe and clean, and people are famously helpful. But a few things work differently from home, and some rules changed in 2026. Here is what to know before your first trip.

1. Fill in Visit Japan Web before you land

Visit Japan Web is the government’s free online service for immigration and customs forms. Fill it in before your flight and you get QR codes to show on arrival, which can speed things up. It is optional — paper forms are still available on flights — but it saves time after a long journey.

2. Get an IC card for trains and buses

Rechargeable IC cards such as Suica, PASMO and ICOCA let you tap in and out of trains, subways and most city buses, and pay at convenience stores and many shops. The easiest options for visitors:

• On iPhone: add Suica, PASMO or ICOCA to Apple Wallet and top up with a card. Some overseas-issued cards may not work for top-ups, so have a backup.
• Physical card: the Welcome Suica card for visitors is sold at Narita and Haneda airports and major JR stations in Tokyo. It is valid for 28 days and the remaining balance is not refunded.

Good to know: you can use any of these cards across Japan, but a single journey has to start and end within the same IC card area. For long trips — for example Tokyo to Kyoto — buy a separate train ticket.

3. Do the math before buying a JR Pass

The 7-day Japan Rail Pass now costs ¥50,000 on the official website (¥53,000 through overseas agents since October 2026). For a classic Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo trip, buying individual tickets usually comes out cheaper. The pass makes sense only if you plan several long-distance rides in one week. Also note: the fastest Nozomi trains are not covered without an extra fee.

4. Big suitcase? Reserve the right shinkansen seat

On the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu shinkansen (the line between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka), bags with total dimensions (length + width + height) over 160 cm need a reserved seat with an oversized-luggage space. Book it when you buy your ticket. Many travelers skip the hassle by sending suitcases between hotels with a luggage-forwarding service, which most hotels can arrange.

5. Carry some cash — and know the new departure tax

Cards are widely accepted in cities, but small restaurants, food stalls, temples and shrines may be cash-only. Keep some yen with you. Convenience-store ATMs are the easiest place to withdraw cash with a foreign card.

Japan’s departure tax (the “International Tourist Tax”) rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person from July 1, 2026. It is normally collected with your airline ticket, but it is worth knowing when you compare fares.

6. Tax-free shopping works differently from November 2026

From November 1, 2026, Japan switches from instant tax-free shopping to a refund system. In practice:

• Show your passport when you buy; the purchase is recorded electronically.
• Claim your refund at customs when you leave Japan — before you check in for your flight.
• Take the goods out of Japan within 90 days of purchase (up from 30 days).
• Consumables (cosmetics, snacks and so on) no longer need sealed bags, but you lose the refund if you use them in Japan.

Leave a little extra time at the airport if you plan to claim refunds.

7. There is no tipping

Tipping is not part of Japanese culture, and leaving money on the table can cause confusion — staff may run after you to return it. Good service is simply expected.

8. Keep it quiet on trains

Avoid phone calls on trains, keep your voice low, and set your phone to silent. Line up at the marked spots on the platform and let people off first. On escalators, people usually stand on the left in Tokyo and on the right in Osaka — just follow the person in front of you.

9. Carry your trash

Public trash cans are surprisingly rare. Carry a small bag for your rubbish and throw it away at your hotel or at the bins beside convenience stores. Eating while walking down busy streets is also frowned upon in many places — most people finish food where they buy it.

10. Know when to take your shoes off

Take your shoes off when entering a traditional inn (ryokan), many temple buildings, some restaurants with tatami floors, and fitting rooms. Look for a step up at the entrance or a row of slippers. At hot spring baths (onsen), wash thoroughly before getting in, and be aware that some baths still refuse guests with tattoos.

Where to stay on your first trip

Choosing the right neighborhood saves hours of travel time. Our guides only list hotels rated 9.0+ by guests:

• Where to stay in Asakusa, Tokyo — temples, old Tokyo and calmer nights
• All our Tokyo neighborhood guides

We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.

Search Tokyo hotels on Agoda →

Sources

• Japan National Tourism Organization — Changes to tax-free shopping
• Travel Voice — Departure tax rise to ¥3,000
• NAVITIME Travel — Suica & PASMO guide (2026)

Rules and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.