Trip readiness checklist for Japan

What to pack

Japan is spotless, polite, and full of stairs. Pack light, pack tidy, and bring shoes you can slip off without a wrestling match — you'll remove them more than you'd expect.

• Slip-on shoes

  You'll take shoes off at temples, traditional inns (ryokan), and some restaurants. Easy on/off saves daily fuss.

• Some cash and a coin purse

  Japan is more cash-friendly than you'd think; smaller shops, shrines, and some restaurants still prefer it.

• A small hand towel

  Many public restrooms don't supply paper towels — locals carry their own. So should you.

• Comfortable walking shoes

  Days easily top 20,000 steps across stations and temple grounds.

When to go

Cherry blossom (late Mar–Apr) and autumn leaves (Nov) are stunning and rammed — book early. Summer is hot and humid; winter is quieter and clear. Avoid Golden Week (early May) and Obon (mid-Aug) unless you enjoy company.

Money & getting around

Japan runs on the yen (¥), and while cards are increasingly accepted, cash still rules at small spots and shrines. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card — tap it for trains, buses, even vending machines. Tipping isn't a thing here; attempting to tip causes polite confusion, so don't.

Local quirks worth knowing

Japan runs on consideration for the people around you. Watch what locals do for ten seconds, copy it, and you'll be fine.

• Trains are silent

  No phone calls, conversations at a murmur. It's not a rule posted anywhere — it's just everyone.

• Don't eat while walking

  Buy the street food, then stand or sit near the stall to eat it. Same for drinks from vending machines.

• Carry your trash

  Public bins barely exist, yet nothing is littered. Bring a small bag and take it back to your hotel.

• Queue on the painted lines

  Train platforms have marked queuing spots. Everyone uses them. Everyone.