Japan FAQ Guide

Under popular demand from many friends, acquaintances and mutuals, I have done an FAQ guide for anyone who is a first-timer, frequent traveller or anyone planning to live in Japan. I have divided this into three sections: First-time Visitors, Regular Travellers and Living in Tokyo. 

Please understand that this is from my point of view coming from someone who speaks Japanese, has lived there and last went to the country in December 2023. It is your choice to mix and match what I say to your liking.  

How long should I stay in Japan?

First-Timers – 2 weeks maximum in 3-4 cities. I’d recommend Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with the fourth being Yokohama or Nara.
Frequent Travellers – 3 weeks to a month if you’re financially able to and want to see more places and friends. Go to cities or towns in other regions e.g. Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and Okinawa if possible.
Living in Tokyo – Depends on the visa you get.

When’s the cheapest and best time to go? 

Due to inflation in the current climate, it’s best to book 9 months to a year beforehand as prices can surge unexpectedly.

The best sales for cheap flights are usually in January or September. Best time to go is mid to late May, early to mid September and November. Avoid Golden Week which is usually early May.

Commercially, attending Summer festivals can also get incredibly hot from June all the way until September (28° – 40°) so if you’re not a fan of the heat, don’t go. Around Halloween, it’s still quite warm (23° average) during October till early December.

Sakura/Hanami season

Around mid to late January, there are announcement sites about when it is predicted for the best time to go view the full bloom. Commercially, Sakura season (March/April) has been getting later and later due to climate change so follow this site for more information on when to go before deciding. 

– Hanami Viewing (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
– Sakura themed Food & Drinks (from 2017 so likely to have changed)

Hotel or Airbnb?

First-Timers and Frequent Travellers – Hotel for definite. I’m not sure about Airbnb as a tourist.
Living in Tokyo – It is best to stay in a clean sharedhouse, GG House is not too bad. Avoid World Unite! Shiohama House if you were recommended to them. If you have a host family, you can save a bit of money but I think if you are financially alright then an apartment for yourself would be best. English teaching jobs should provide you with accommodation before arrival.

How much spending money do I need to bring?

This can vary depending on how much of a spender you are, this is an estimation that includes buying souvenirs, eating out and transportation around cities or towns.
First-Timers – £400-600
Frequent Travellers – £800 – £1200

Should I buy a IC Card or JR Rail Pass?

JR Rail Pass for First-Timers, then if you are a Frequent Traveller, I would say get both especially if you are exploring cities more. IC Card is very convenient for metro/tube/underground train in every major city. I have used mine in Kansai, Kyushu and Kanto only. Purchase like you would at any city in the world from the metro station machines and pay ¥500 to get your IC Card then top up whenever you want. JR Rail Pass is something I highly recommend for people who have never been to Japan because if you go to one of the most popular cities e.g Tokyo to Kyoto, instead of paying approximately ¥14,000 (£95) one-way, you could pay about ¥28000 (£203) for one week. The price of JR Rail Pass does go up every year so please check the link below for updated prices.

 Please see more information about prices and more below:   
- IC Cards (Japan oyster cards) 
- JR Rail Pass 

How should my manners be in Japan?

– Don’t be a hot mess (e.g. shouting, starting a fight or be an uncultured swine)
– Following don’t be an uncultured swine, read up on basic mannerisms and cultural things about Japan.
– Don’t spit on the streets even if you see old men do it.
– Japanese people are socially awkward (because of the culture) so be a bit of wary of being outspoken, vulgar and too honest.
– While drinking, don’t be white girl drunk in the streets. Police will get involved.
– Avoid talking on the phone in public transport (Shinkansens have people to take calls in the spaces before passenger cars).
– Don’t act kawaii and be an anime character. You’ll embarrass yourself, they just won’t tell you to your face.

 Things that are ok to do in Japan can be read here. 

Will I see the same things from the media in Japan?

You can read this to crush some of your hopes, dreams and expectations of Japan if you are expecting things from anime and manga to happen to you. Other than that, the setting is accurate to what you see in dramas, anime etc. however the people and other aspects will differ.

Do I need to speak Japanese?

Yes in my opinion. If you are in a city, basic greetings and sentences are necessary if they do not provide an English menu or speak English. However I personally believe it is not as English friendly as Taiwan. Look for ℹ or ? on information counters or a police station if you are lost or need help. Please speak slowly in English (but not slowly and stupidly like how the media portrays people to do) so people can understand.

The more out of the major cities you go e.g. rural areas and small towns, the more Japanese you’ll have to speak. If you speak Japanese, they get a sense of “you sound like you’re learning the language well, so I won’t speak English at all to you.”

Where can I eat or drink for cheap?

There is actually a range of affordable restaurants that I recommend along with conibini snacks from Family Mart, Lawsons, Sunkus and 7/11.

Vegetarian or vegan friendly?

Vegan, I’m not sure sorry. For vegetarian, I did write an article below that has a recommendation of places to go to. I am constantly asked about a non-pork ramen but an alternative is chicken broth and I’ll find out specific places soon.

Vegetarian friendly restaurants 

Can I eat and walk?

– Unless it’s ice-cream, no. So either eat it there (at the conbini or restaurant etc.) or wait until you get to your hotel/home.
– Children are an exception (under 5 years old I think).
– Another exception is if you are at a festival or market but I recommend to copy other locals and see what they do.

Where do you recommend to go fashion shopping?

I can only recommend for women so please bare with me. But please read the advice I’m going to provide you below:
– Firstly, try before you buy always. Refund is possible but I have never seen anyone do it, nor myself. I have only exchanged with receipt.
– M and One Size is the standard size which equals to a UK Size 10/12. L would be about 12/14. I rarely see XL (16) in the stores I shopped at (except PUNYUS, they cater to bigger clothes).
– For casual Japanese brands worldwide, try GU, Uniqlo or しまむら. They will have bigger sizes. Also try and find stretchy material products with cotton and polyester in the clothes you buy.

For brands to shop at around Japan, please see my article below:
Recommended Brands
Bigger Size Shoes in Japan  

Where should I go clubbing?

I can only recommend you three places that I have been to and the other place has been highly recommended by friends.

- Garam (Reggae/Dancehall) in Shinjuku
- Harlem  (R&B/Hip-Hop/Dancehall) in Shibuya
- Sound Museum Vision (EDM/House/Techno) in Shibuya
- Ghost (Hip-Hop) in Osaka.