Frequently asked questions about traveling to Japan

How many days do I need to travel to Japan?
We recommend a minimum of 10 days to see Tokyo, Kyoto, and take a day trip. If you have 14 days, you can create a more comprehensive itinerary by adding other cities of interest. And if you have 20 days, you can see most of the main attractions.

How do I get from Narita or Haneda to Tokyo?
If you arrive at Narita, the fastest way to get to Tokyo is by taking the Narita Express or the Skyliner on the Keisei Line. If you arrive at Haneda, you can travel by monorail.

How do I get from Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka and Kyoto?
If you're flying into KIX (Kansai Airport) and your final destination is Kyoto, we recommend the Haruka Express (included in the JR Pass). If your final destination is Osaka, we recommend either the Haruka Express (arriving at Umeda Station) or the Nankai Rapid Express (arriving at Namba Station).

What is the best time to travel to Japan?
The best seasons are spring and autumn. The mild weather, cherry blossoms, and the changing colors of the leaves in autumn make these the most appealing.

Japan uses flat-prong plugs, similar to those in the United States. The voltage in Japan is 100 V, with two different frequencies depending on whether you are in the east (50 Hz) or west (60 Hz) of the country.

Is Japan expensive?
There are many affordable flight deals to Japan. There are also plenty of budget accommodation options (it all depends on how far in advance you book).
Transportation isn't that cheap, but if you adapt your itinerary to the JR pass, you can travel all over the country.
The food and drinks are very affordable, so you'll eat and drink very well without spending too much.

Is it worth purchasing the JR Pass?
Basically, it depends on how many journeys you make during your trip using lines within the JR network and their price.
Saving money is one of the main reasons travelers buy a Japan Rail Pass. But that's not the only advantage; it's incredibly easy to use and saves you from having to buy tickets every time you board a JR train. Instead, you simply show your JR Pass. It also allows you to reserve seats, which is a huge benefit during peak hours as it guarantees you a seat and avoids having to stand on long journeys.
You can also use the Narita Express, the Tokyo Monorail, the Yamanote Line, among others.

How do I use the trains in Japan?
The train is the most common form of transportation in Japan. Using the trains is easy, as everything is very well signposted. There are announcements indicating the train's arrival time and platform, markings on the floor showing where to board the train, and so on.

How to use buses in Japan?
Generally, on Japanese buses you board at the back and exit at the front (though in some cases you board at the front and pay in advance). Some buses have a machine that gives you a numbered slip of paper which is then used to calculate the fare before you leave.

Is Japan a safe country?
Absolutely. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. So if you forget something, you'll most likely find it in a lost and found office.

Is speaking English enough? I don't speak Japanese.
Unfortunately, English isn't widely spoken in Japan. However, don't worry, because the Japanese are very friendly and will try to help you in any way they can. Outside of major cities, don't expect to find much English.

Can I use the subway or bus if I have the JR Pass?
No. No subway or bus network can be used with the JR Pass. Only JR train lines.

Do I need a visa to go to Japan?
Spanish citizens do not need a visa to travel to Japan. A valid passport is all that's required for stays of up to 90 days. Many American countries also offer visa-free travel programs for stays of up to three months, including Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, and Uruguay. Mexican citizens can stay in Japan for up to six months without a visa.

Do I need to exchange money beforehand, or can I withdraw money there?
Exchanging money at your bank before traveling is generally not the best idea. It's better to exchange money at the airport upon arrival in Japan, although this can vary slightly depending on fluctuating exchange rates and fees. As for ATMs, Japan Post usually accepts foreign cards, as do ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores (kombini).

Can I pay with a credit card in Japan?
In hotels, department stores, restaurant chains, and tourist areas, you can usually pay by credit card. In this case, traveling with a Revolut card is useful because you don't pay any currency exchange fees. However, small shops or even small neighborhood restaurants don't usually accept credit cards. That's why we recommend carrying enough cash.

Can I store my luggage in the station lockers?
All medium and large train stations have lockers for general use. Japanese people often use these lockers to store purchases or items they don't want to carry around all day. However, they generally don't fit large suitcases. If you want to leave your suitcase at the station to visit a city, you'll need to find a luggage office.

Can I travel with my luggage on the Shinkansen?
Yes, although sometimes the space isn't very large. Also, starting in May 2020, you have to reserve space (free of charge) for large suitcases on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines. This can be done at ticket offices or ticket machines. If you don't reserve space for your suitcase, you'll have to pay a 1,000 yen fine. For medium or small suitcases, you can place them in the overhead compartments or in front of your legs.
How can I get internet on my mobile phone in Japan?
In Japan, the most convenient way to get internet on your mobile phone is to use a pocket Wi-Fi device with unlimited high-speed data. You can also purchase a data SIM or eSIM card, depending on your phone model. In the latter case, you don't need to change the card, as it's topped up with a QR code.

Earthquakes and typhoons?
Japan is a country with considerable tectonic activity and experiences typhoons in certain months. However, most earthquakes are barely noticeable and are very localized. Those that are somewhat stronger usually have no lasting consequences. As for typhoons, they can bring locally heavy rainfall, but this generally passes by the next day.

What do I do if I get sick in Japan?
The Japanese healthcare system is excellent and efficient, but quite expensive without travel insurance. That's why we always recommend traveling with travel assistance insurance that includes good medical expense coverage.

Do I need to get vaccinated to travel to Japan?
No. There are no mandatory vaccinations you need to have to visit Japan.

Do you have to be naked in an onsen?
Yes. Onsen are traditional thermal baths and you always have to be completely naked in them, but they are usually separated by sex.

I have tattoos, can I go to an onsen?
It depends. As a rule, onsen do not allow entry to people with tattoos, whether Japanese or foreign. This is because tattoos are associated with the Japanese mafia, or yakuza, whose members often have tattoos. However, more and more onsen are now allowing entry to people with tattoos, and in some cases, they allow you to cover them up.