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🇯🇵Japan

Travel Risk Intelligence · Updated regularly

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Japan Digital Travel Overview

Cash Still Matters

Japan is a mix of ultra-modern tech and cash culture. Many small restaurants, shrines, and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry ¥10,000-20,000.

IC Cards Are King

Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA contactless cards work for trains, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines. Get one at any station.

Reservation Culture

Popular restaurants and attractions require advance reservations. Walk-ins often impossible at high-rated places.

Essential Apps for Japan

Suica/PASMO (Apple Wallet)

Critical

Contactless IC card for trains, buses, convenience stores. Add to Apple Wallet or buy physical card.

Google Maps

Critical

Excellent transit navigation — shows train times, transfers, platform numbers.

Navitime

High Priority

Japan transit app with real-time delays, last train alerts, JR Pass route filtering.

PayPay

High Priority

Japan's most popular QR payment app. Accepted at many restaurants and shops.

Tabelog

Medium

Japan's #1 restaurant review. Ratings strict — 3.5+ is excellent.

Google Translate

High Priority

Camera translation for menus and signs. Download Japanese offline pack.

Payment Guide for Japan

Cash is Essential

Japan is more cash-dependent than expected. Always carry ¥10,000-20,000. Many small restaurants and temples are cash-only.

IC Cards

Suica/PASMO rechargeable cards accepted at trains, convenience stores, vending machines, and many shops.

International Cards

Visa/Mastercard accepted at major retailers, hotels, department stores. Many small restaurants are cash-only.

ATMs

7-Eleven ATMs and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept foreign cards. Regular bank ATMs often reject them.

Transport in Japan

JR Pass

Unlimited JR trains including Shinkansen. Activate at JR office with passport. 7/14/21 day options.

IC Card Transit

Suica/PASMO on all trains and buses. Tap in, tap out. Fare calculated automatically.

Shinkansen

Reserve via SmartEX app or station offices. Non-reserved cars available but can be packed.

Taxis

Clean and safe but expensive (¥700+ base). Doors open automatically. Show destination on phone.

SIM & Connectivity in Japan

Tourist SIM

Buy at airport. IIJmio, Mobal, Sakura Mobile. Data-only from ¥2,000 for 7-30 days.

eSIM

Ubigi, Airalo, Holafly work seamlessly. Activate before arrival.

Free WiFi

Good WiFi at stations, convenience stores, tourist spots. Japan Connected Free Wi-Fi app recommended.

Pocket WiFi

Rent portable router at airport. Share with group. Return at departure.

Tickets & Bookings in Japan

Shinkansen

Book via SmartEX app, JR offices, or machines. Nozomi not covered by JR Pass.

Restaurants

Popular places require reservations. Use Tabelog, Omakase, or hotel concierge.

Attractions

TeamLab, Ghibli Museum sell out weeks ahead. Book online early.

Events

Sumo tickets sell out instantly. Check months in advance.

Common Mistakes in Japan

Avoid these common pitfalls to save time and frustration.

Not Carrying Enough Cash

Critical

Many places are cash-only. Always have ¥10,000+.

Trying to Tip

Medium

Tipping is rude in Japan. Staff may return the money.

Not Reserving Restaurants

High Risk

Walk-ins often fail at popular spots. Reserve via Tabelog.

Talking on Trains

Medium

Phone calls are socially unacceptable on trains.

Wrong Shinkansen with JR Pass

High Risk

JR Pass does NOT cover Nozomi/Mizuho trains.

Pre-Departure Checklist for Japan

Complete these before your trip.

Digital Setup

Add Suica to Apple Wallet or plan to buy at airport
Download Google Maps + offline Japan map
Download Google Translate + Japanese offline pack
Book eSIM or pocket WiFi

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months)
Visit Japan Web registration
JR Pass voucher if purchased

Money

Get ¥30,000-50,000 cash
Notify bank of Japan travel
Know 7-Eleven ATM locations

Bookings

Reserve restaurants 2+ weeks ahead
Buy attraction tickets in advance

FAQ — Japan

Answers to the most common questions.

If traveling between cities, 7-day JR Pass saves money. For Tokyo-only, IC card is sufficient.

Affordable for food (¥800-1500 meals). Hotels and transport are the big costs.

In major cities, mostly yes. Google Translate camera works well.

Recommended Tools

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