Updated March 2025
In this guide I give lots of tips for any future travelers of Japan and I also lay out some BABYMETAL locations to visit. This guide should be useful to both first time travelers, as well as experience travelers who may discover something new.
The information here comes from my personal experiences, as well as tips from the community. Images are all my own.
An indispensable website that is very useful to use is the Japan Guide website. It is very well prepared, featuring the major highlights to do in most cities, with times, prices and more. Though they do not list smaller things that might still be great places to visit.
Table of Contents
Flights
You can use systems such as Google Flights to check several airlines at once. It also lets you set up alerts to tell you when the price goes up, or down. Also check airlines that operate from your city (especially you live in a hub for an airline). Even check if they don’t have international flights from there, or to Japan, as they may have very cheap connecting flights.
To note: Times it’s most expensive to travel to Japan: Christmas/New Year’s, Cherry Blossom (Sakura) season (March-April), Golden week (end of April/start of May), and Summer.
Stay alert for price drops, as they happen frequently (I have seen $500~ USD tickets from the US multiple times a year).
As for where to land, for most people there are 3 main options:
- Narita. Tokyo’s main International airport, about an hour away from downtown. The one with the most international flights, and generally cheaper.
- Haneda. Tokyo’s main Domestic airport (though does have international flights), minutes away from downtown. Better for getting into the city or taking a connecting flight in Japan than Narita, but less available flights, and generally more expensive.
- KIX. The main airport for the Kansai region, around 40 minutes to downtown Osaka. A better option than the other 2 if you plan to explore this region of Japan, or south/west of it.
- An option for a few cities is Nagoya’s Central Japan Airport. Good if you need to go to Nagoya/Aichi prefecture (also well placed as it’s between Kansai and Tokyo).
Accommodation
Japan has several options for accommodations: Hotels, Airbnb, Ryokan, Capsule, etc.
If you haven’t tried Airbnb yet, Japan may be a good place to try it. Prices are very competitive, the country is safe, and it may be a good chance to see what a Japanese home is like. Sadly, Japan enacted a new “Minpaku” law in June 2018, this means there are fewer Airbnb options, but still have a look.
At least in my case, I only go to my accommodation to sleep, so the #1 thing is that it be close to a station (preferably one with multiple lines). For example, in the Kansai region, I generally stay near Osaka/Umeda station or Shin-Osaka station, as I have easy access not just to the rest of Osaka, but also to all the other nearby cities to do day trips to (Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, etc.). It might cost a bit more, but I save in travel costs and time.
Transportation
IC Card
They are used for public transportation mostly, but also serve to buy things from vending machines and convenience stores (and more). It helps to mitigate the amount of coins you will have to haul around (but always have cash on you). The main difference between the different named cards is where they are sold (almost all of them work in major cities). The most common ones people buy are the Suica or Pasmo, which are sold in the Tokyo area, and the Icoca, sold in the Kansai area (Kyoto/Osaka). Icoca is more accepted in smaller towns (or specific types of transportation), so if you can get it, that one is better. You can get them at any machine that sells tickets in a station (english is available). Also remember to keep them sufficiently charged.
The initial cost to get a card is 2000 yen (500 for the card, 1500 charge). You can get your any remaining charge back at the end of your trip if you like. They do last 10 years, in case you think you will return, keeping it might make it easier for your next time around (they are also cool souvenirs).
Local/Regional Passes
In general, the more time you stay in the same city/region, the better the savings, but sometimes even day passes are worth it.
For example, in Tokyo, it might help some people to get the Tokyo Metro Pass. It includes all the subways for 24, 48, or 72 hours for ¥800, ¥1200, and ¥1500, respectively. Given that even a single stop is at least ¥200, you can easily save money.
Regional passes, such as the Kansai JR Pass (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.) can be great if you plan to stay long in an area and will not get the National JR Pass.
Buses
Generally the cheapest option for long-distance transportation, but also the slowest. To make the most out of your time there, try and check night buses, as you lose less “valuable” day time, and also save on booking a hotel. More info.
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
By far the quickest and most convenient way of traveling medium to long distances in Japan, however they tend to be the most expensive option (a JR Pass could help with this, depending on how much you plan to travel, see below).
Contrary to what most believe, a shinkansen trip could be faster (and possibly cheaper) than a flight once you include travel to and from the airport and the wait. But on trips that are very long (pretty much anywhere to Sapporo, for example), flights are a much better option.
You can buy a ticket once you get to the station, reserve one before, or even use your IC Card (if you have enough funds) and simply hop on a non-reserved car.
Note: A new rule for oversized luggage will come into effect in May 2020 along the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen (all the ones West/South of Tokyo), this does not affect the other lines to the North [See map]. Passengers with luggage pieces whose height, width and depth add up to more than 160cm, will be required to make a seat reservation in the last row of seats. It will not be possible to bring oversized luggage into non-reserved cars.
Passengers without a reservation for their oversized luggage will be asked to move their luggage to a space specified by the train conductor and pay a 1000 yen surcharge which is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. It will be possible to make reservations in advance at ticket offices or through the smartEX app.
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
If you have researched travel to Japan, you have probably heard of this one.
This pass lets you use almost any train operated by the Japan Railways Group (largest network in the country), including the bullet train (Shinkansen). It also includes the Narita express to/from Narita airport, the Tokyo Monorail to/from Haneda Airport, the JR Ferry to Miyajima, as well as some JR buses and non-JR trains. This excludes all subways and many local/regional train lines.
It used to be an amazing offering that Japanese residents were jealous of (as it is only sold to international visitors), but not anymore. Sadly, in late 2023 the JR Pass had a massive increase in price of around 70%, making it far less worthwhile than before. If I have to give my honest opinion, the national JR Pass is basically impossible to pay off now. The only way it’s worth it is to make constant long-trips using the Shinkansen or limited express trains, which I’m sure 95% of people will not do.
The national JR Pass is sold for 7, 14, or 21 days. It comes with 2 options: Ordinary or Green. The green car is basically the business class cars available on most shinkansen and limited express trains. They are generally less crowded, with larger seats and more foot space. For the vast majority of people, the ordinary class should be more than sufficient.
| Type | Ordinary | Green | ||
| Duration | Adult | Child | Adult | Child |
| 7-day | ¥50,000 | ¥25,000 | ¥70,000 | ¥35,000 |
| 14-day | ¥80,000 | ¥40,000 | ¥110,000 | ¥55,000 |
| 21-day | ¥100,000 | ¥50,000 | ¥140,000 | ¥70,000 |
I recommend using a JR Pass calculator (like this one) to see if it’s worth it for your situation.
With that said, do check out the Regional JR Passes, as there are some good deals to be found. Read in the section below.
On the positive side, it still retains it’s convenience factor, being able to hop on any non-reserved seat (even on the Tokaido Shinkansen) without getting specific tickets gives great peace of mind. Plus, they recently converted it from a large “pamphlet” into a “regular ticket”, meaning it’s much smaller than before, doesn’t get destroyed with rain, and you can now pass automated gates and reserve tickets with the machines! No need to wait for someone or wait in line at the booking counter, as was the case before.
Some restrictions on the pass include that the fastest Shinkansen on the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu line, the Nozomi and Mizuho, can only be riden by paying a supplemental fee.
But it does include many buses, as well as other means of transport like the Miyajima Island ferry, the Narita express (Tokyo to/from Narita Airport), the JR Rapid airport service (Osaka to/from KIX airport), and the JR Haruka Ltd. (Kyoto to/from KIX airport).
Reservations: You can reserve spots on the shinkansen (and other trains). Some (like the Narita Express, or the Tohoku shinkansen) are mandatory. There is (in general) not a real need to reserve on most shinkansen, unless you are planning to travel on a holiday weekend (then I would absolutely get a reservation beforehand).
Acquiring the pass: You have to purchase it through the official website or travel agents, you will get the pass at train stations or specific offices in Japan (including the airport).
- Official website: advantages include being able to get the pass just with your passport (no need for a voucher) as well as being able to reserve seats even before arriving in Japan.
- Travel Agents: the benefits would be possible discounts, and/or to combine the purchase with other products (such as a sim card), but you have to order it in time to receive the voucher through the mail at your home and take it for exchange in Japan. Some popular options:
Regional JR Pass
Although the national JR pass might not be worth it for most anymore, regional passes might still be worth it.
For example, even after a 50% increase, the Tohoku pass at ¥30,000 for 5 days or the new ¥48,000 for 10 days is an incredible deal for exploring the region, as just a roundtrip between Aomori and Tokyo is already ¥36,000.
Here is a comprehensive list of all the regional passes available.
Taxis
For most, there is no need to use taxis as public transportation is plentiful in most large cities in Japan. They can be useful in smaller towns, if you have a tight schedule, or in cities like Kyoto where transportation links aren’t always the best. You can find more information about taxis here.
Other Tips
- Taikubin: Baggage delivery services. The benefit, really, is if you are moving between cities. This depends on how you move, but I had a large bag, and Japanese trains aren’t really made to take luggage (Shinkansen do have space, though). When I moved from city to city, I simply asked in the hotel lobby (or konbini) about the Takuhaibin service. They can send your bag to your destination (hotel/konbini/airport) in under 24 hours for very little (like $10-15 dollars), and that gave me the liberty to move around the day as I pleased. Just remember to carry essentials in your backpack (including next day’s clothes).
- Be sure to avoid (if possible) the rush hours, especially in large cities such as Tokyo. The morning rush hour peak is between 8AM and 9AM, and the evening one around 5PM. Note that the morning one is more concentrated.
- Trains stop running around midnight, so please check when the last/first trains/buses run, before getting stranded. Taxis are NOT cheap.
Food
The great thing about Japan is the amount, variety and quality of food available, and generally at affordable prices (compared to most developed nations). There is a reason Tokyo boasts the most Michelin-star restaurants for any city in the world. Be sure to enjoy local dishes, as well as takes on international ones as well. convenience store food is actually better than what might seem at first, and can be great when one doesn’t have much time (or is getting on a long train ride).
For reviews and reservations, Tabelog is the number one website in Japan. Do note that their rating system is far more strict than in other countries (or even Google Maps in Japan), with far less 5 star reviews given. As of early 2025 the restaurant with the highest rating has 4.66 stars out of 5. Only 3% of restaurant are over 3.5 stars, and just the top 0.07% of restaurants have over 4 stars. So if you see a restaurant in the mid-to-low 3 stars range, it’s actually probably a very good one.
Money
- Cash is still king in most of Japan. I’d recommend always having cash on you, as many places don’t accept credit/debit cards, even in some very expensive restaurants, so always be prepared. If you are running low, 7/11’s have ATM’s that accept international credit/debit cards.
- In most cases, Japanese prices are as listed (tax is included).
- Inform your bank that you are traveling abroad, so you don’t get any surprises when using your credit card.
- I’ve found that exchange rates at the airports in Japan are competitive, take a look when you arrive.
- An IC Card (read above) is a great tool not just to pay for your public transportation, but also at convenience stores, vending machines, and even some restaurants. It really helps to mitigate the amount of coins you will have to carry.
- Tax-free shopping: when making purchases above ¥5,000 at licensed stores/malls in a single day, you can save on the 10% sales tax. Having your passport with you is required. Generally, you pay the full price and get the refund at a customer service desk. In late 2026, Japan will change the system.
Apps
- Google Maps: pretty much everyone will already have it installed. Just wanted to add that it gives you lots of information, such as the platform for the train arrives, the stations the train stops at, the cost, when the next train comes, which is the recommended car to exit quicker, etc.
- Visit Japan Web: used for a smoother immigration process upon entry, and gives you a QR code for tax-free shopping.
- SmartEX: app/website used for reserving seats on the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen. Apart from reservations, if purchased ahead of time, you can find very good discounts.
- NERV: we don’t want to think about it, but natural disasters can happen. In Japan your phone will probably automatically inform you of any alerts sent out by the government, but this app also helps you stay informed and get notifications of any events in your area.
Things To Take With You When Your Out And About
- Cash (as explained before)
- A coin purse, or something like that. The lowest denomination cash bill is equivalent to around $6.50~ dollars, so you will have lots of coins. Having an IC card will help mitigate this issue.
- An umbrella and a waterproof bag/backpack. It rains a lot in Japan. I recommend a small, extendable, umbrella, they sell them for cheap at any convenience store.
Mobile Data
Although you can find wi-fi in Japan, mobile data comes in handy. First, check if your carrier has free (or low cost) roaming, sometimes that’s the best and simplest option. If they don’t, or simply prefer a Japan-specific sim, there are 3 popular options:
- E-Sim: For most this will be the simplest option, no need for pick-up when arriving, it activates in your phone automatically.
- Traditional Sim: Simple, put in your phone and go. But, you either have to order it sent to your home beforehand or pick it up in Japan (generally the airport).
- Pocket Wi-Fi: Not as popular as before, but could be a cheaper option if travelling in a group. On the negative side you have to charge it and lug around an additional device.
Networks:
- Docomo: leader in the Japanese market with the highest coverage area.
- Softbank: supposedly has the best connection stability within it’s coverage area.
- Au: second largest mobile phone carrier in Japan.
- Rakuten: newcomer into the market.
Here are some recommendations based on what I (or friends) have used (in no particular order):
| Company | Mobal | Airalo | Journey Japan eSim | Holafly | Japan Experience |
| Type | Traditional Sim and eSim | eSim | eSim | eSim | Traditional Sim, eSim and pocket WiFi |
| Network | Softbank and Docomo | Softbank | Docomo | AU | Docomo |
| Description | Offers short and long term (3+ month) options. | Offers options starting with 1gb for 5 USD | All options last 30 days | Unlimited data for the amount of days you want | Has tons of options. |
| Example | 50 gb for 16 days for ¥6,490 (43 USD) [traditional Sim] | 10gb for 30 days for 18 USD | 20gb for 30 days for 29 USD | 10 days unlimited for 37 USD | 3 gb per day for 15 days for 80 USD [pocket wifi] |
Other
Tickets to an event: If you want to get tickets for an event, the Japanese systems are complicated in most cases. There are various proxy websites, such as govoyagin.com and Bridge.jp. They charge a small fee ($20 on a $90 ticket for example), and send it to your hotel. Remember these are better used for before the tickets are sold out. If they are sold out, sites such as Viagogo and Stubhub are your best bet as a foreigner. But if the show doesn’t appear there, try the proxy websites, as they can generally help you get resale tickets off of Japanese websites.
If you are interested specifically in BABYMETAL tickets, check this guide.
Konbini: 7/11’s and other convenience stores are a god-send in Japan. You can find them in every block, and they will make your trip easier. They almost always have ATM’s, and the food there is great if you are returning to your accommodation tired.
Japanese Cultural Customs
Tips: Do not tip. Ever. If you happen to appreciate a service sooo much at a hotel, for example, you can tip, but it must be inside an envelope. Tipping at restaurants, or straight to hand will essentially never be accepted, and you will get weird looks.
Smoking: Japan has rather “lax” smoking laws compared to most other developed nations. That doesn’t mean you can smoke wherever, though. For the most part, in restaurants (and other indoor public locations) you are permitted to smoke (just check if they have smoking areas, or if they don’t allow it entirely). As for outside, you can generally see special locations to smoke around the cities. You will see boxes or ash trays on the street and in stations. Smoking is prohibited in trains, except for certain special areas.
Photos: If taking photos of people, you should ask if it is okay to post them online, and if they want their face obscured. Japanese respect privacy very much.
Language
Do not worry about not knowing Japanese. Signs at stations, and announcements are also made in english. That said, Japan is a nation with few english speakers, but again, do not fear, as the locals are accustomed to people not knowing Japanese and will try their best to understand what you are trying to say.
Useful phrases (written as pronounced in English):
- Ohaiyō Gozaimas – Good Morning
- Konnichiwa (short a) – Hello/Good Afternoon
- Arigatō – Thanks
- Arigatō Gozaimas – Thank you
- Sumimasen – Excuse me/sorry
- Hai – Yes
- Īe – No
- Eigo – English (when asking about menus in a restaurant this is very helpful)
- Nihongo – Japanese (I’ve been asked once or twice when it comes to explaining things)
Specific Area Tips
Tokyo
Things To Do
- Tokyo Sky Tree: 2nd tallest building in the world, need I say more? Yes! There is a restaurant up top, be sure to reserve in advance, it’s fine dining at an amazing height.
- Shibuya: lots of places to eat and shop. Also home of the Shibuya Crossing, one of the most famous places of Japan.
- Tokyo Tower (though better seen from a distance).
- Akihabara: the electronic and Otaku District. No shortage of anime, manga, or maid cafe’s.
- Ginza: known for it’s upscale shopping (think: the Rodeo Drive of Japan). It’s not all expensive, though, there are more affordable shops (like the 12-story Uniqlo).
- Tsukiji Market: up until 2018, the busiest fish market in the world. It has all now moved to Toyosu. That one is nice, but many restaurants remained here, and it still has the atmosphere of the old market.
- Events: by far some of the best things to do in this city are concerts/shows/festivals, anything you like!
Other Tips
- Tokyo Metro Card: If you plan to move a lot, this pass could save money. 24-hour (¥800), 48-hour (¥1,200), 72-hour (¥1,500)
- If you need to transfer to/from Narita and Haneda airports, use the Keisei Access Express. 90 min/1800 yen.
Kansai Region
Kyoto
The longest-reigning capital of Japan, a must visit.
- Kiyomizudera temple.
- Pontocho. Some of the finest eating over the river. Short walk from Kiyomizudera.
- Fushimi Inari. Famous tori gates.
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Nishiki Market
- Arashiyama. Has so many things to do: bamboo grove, shrines, the monkey park, food, treats, small gifts, a great place to go.
Osaka
- Osaka Castle
- Cosmo Tower. Amazing view of the bay and Osaka.
- Minami (Namba). Most recognizable, you must go at night and see the lights for yourself.
Kobe
- Kobe beef, of course!
- Kobe Bay is really beautiful as well.
Nara
- First capital of Japan, has temples that go back to the 6th century.
- Tons of deer.
The best thing about these cities is that they are so close together, a good way to see them all (And save) may be to stay in 1 city, and move from there.
Himeji
Located between the Kansai region and Hiroshima, it is in an excellent place to stop mid-way. The castle and the garden next to it are must-sees.
Hiroshima
- Museum: Of course, you cannot miss the museum, its very thought-provoking, they do not hold back on any details, they show how truly awful it was.
- Miyajima Island is very beautiful, it has lots of deer just wandering around. At the base is a small town, with lots of shops. At the top is an amazing view, with some paths going to a shrine (go with time, as the cable car closed at 5, and it takes over an hour of walking).
- Hiroshima Castle: has a great view of the city and the mountains at the top, and a good museum inside.
- Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima style): local food specialty
Nagoya
Located between the Kansai region and Tokyo, another great place for a stop.
The food here is some of the best in Japan. 2 things that must be tried at least once are the Miso-katsu at any Misokatsu Yabaton, and the Hitsumabushi, best eaten at the Atsuta Horaiken (be early, reservations are on an arrival basis, and they go fast).
A great thing about this city is that it’s the closest “big city” to Suzuka, where they hold the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix in October.
Fuji Fives Lakes
Around 1 hour away from Tokyo is Fuji Five Lakes, with great views of Mount Fuji.
- Take note that it’s very difficult to see the mountain. In Summer it’s basically impossible (but it is the only time it can be climbed), best time is Winter, very early in the morning.
- Temples and Onsen provide relaxation.
- If your not into relaxing, go to Fuji-Q. Roller coasters galore.
BABYMETAL-Related Places To Visit
Map with these locations (and more) marked.
Tokyo:
- Tower Records Shibuya and Shinjuku: Innumerable events held here. They have BM/SG CD’s, DVD’s, and magazines for sale.
- Trio Akihabara and Nakano: best places to get older merch.
- Asagaya Shinmeigu shrine: where they filmed the Megitsune music video.
- Fox God bar: BM-themed bar owned by a fan.
Hiroshima & Onomichi:
- Suzuka Photobook Pilgramage: innumerable amount of locations Su visited for her graduation photobook (and more).
Osaka:
- Restaurant with signatures: the girls ate here after a show in 2015 and put their signatures on the wall.
- Dotombori: picture the girls took in front of the famous crab restaurant in Dotombori before their first event outside Tokyo.
Okinawa:
- Yui and Moa Photobook Pilgrimage: Yui’s places are much easier than Moa’s, as her’s are in central Okinawa, meanwhile Moa’s are far away, and since they are fields, hard to know the exact locations.
Nagoya:
If you are interested specifically in BABYMETAL tickets, check this guide.
Finally, and I cannot stress this enough: DO NOT OVERPLAN. Have a plan on what you want to do, but if you start having fun, or discover something new you want to do, DO IT! Take it easy, walk around, explore, don’t worry about not being able to do something, as there is so much to do, just have fun and enjoy this beautiful country.