Tips on travelling in Japan?
 

I have some friends who are going to Japan for the first time. I would appreciate any tips for first time travelers there. Thanks in advance,
Cheers, Guy.

Buy a book on Japan travel. Way too many things to list, the books are really helpful.

Look into a Japan SIM card.
Download a translator like Owll.

Like most countries, Japan is a collection of regions:

Watch: James May: Our Man in Japan.

Then, as above, find the right book/websites:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/things-to-know-before-traveling-to-japan

https://journeybybackpack.com/destinations/japan/japan-travel-guide/

I spent a lot of time in Japan with Foreign Military Sales efforts and the quick Sate Department guides were essential.

There are a ton of helpful videos on Youtube. I sometimes watch them to tide me over until I can make my next trip there. I had one planned about 10 years ago and it got canceled at the last minute and I've been pissed ever since.

The best piece of advice I got was if you need help or directions, ask a young woman. Most Japanese young men don't seem to want to talk to you, perhaps they're too unsure about their English. Young women, on the other hand, want to practice their English and seemed to go out of their way to help but they'll want to talk the whole time.

Where are your friends planning to go?

The Japanese are taught English in school, IIRC, for 8 years. But many don't get a chance to practice, so will likely not want to try to speak it. But If you are able to write it down or type it out on your phone, they are more likely to be able to read and understand it.
Japanese are very focused on being polite. Try to be polite and patient.

Learn a few words, especially around politeness, please (dozo), thank you (domo arigato), excuse me (sumimasen), I'm sorry (gomenasai).

Google Translate is your friend! Also Google maps will give you step by step directions through the train stations! Very helpful! Makes using the public transportation for a foreigner very easy.
We just spent 2 weeks in Tokyo and then to Kyoto. We love Kyoto! Cant wait to go back.

Get them to search Abroad in Japan videos on YT, lots of good info from an Englishman that lives there.

JR Rail pass!

JR is not the only rail line in Japan, but they are the largest, and the pass lets you go almost anywhere. The smaller, local trams and subways may be different lines, so those may or may not be covered by agreements with JR.

Wear muted business clothing, bathe and don't wear perfume, don't stare, be polite and try to speak basic Nihongo or have a map to point at "Doko ___ desu ka?" "Domo arigato".
Public bathrooms are scarce so don't pass them by.
Men in charge may be gruff or impatient but they are simple doing their lousy 12hr job diligently.
Small bow and look down solves 99% of communication problems.
It's a well oiled fast moving machine and there are problems with foreigners right now.
You are there to be a positive addition.

Download the SUICA card into your Apple Wallet to pay for the Trains. You can also download the Shinkansen Ap to reserve / pay for travel.
With the Suica card you fund it very easily and you simply walk through the gates in the stations.

Exactly. Also, do not be the ignorant tourist that is disrespectful of their culture. This pretty much goes for everywhere you visit. You are a guest, please act accordingly.

Suica cards rock! Load one up on your phone. Travel like a local.

Use Google to navigate. It is amazing.

Eat at 7-11. I know. But trust me.

Do outdoor / hikey sort of stuff. Japan is incredibly beautiful. Personal experience hiking Nakasendo trail and Yakushima Island. Amazing.

Get lost.

Don't do large nasty, impersonal tours. If you do a tour or hire a guide, hire local and personal.

Research and do what you want. I thought it was so very cool that Vash researched a bunch of specialty fishing shops and other places to geek out.

Eat adventurously. Take risks.

We were in Japan in September. It was hot as Hades. Which sort of made things tough. But Japan was really awesome. I was shocked how affordable and approachable everything was. Very fun place. Enjoy.

We too were shocked at how affordable JApan was!! Food was down right cheap!! We ate at a lot of small local restaurants. MAke sure you have a tleast one meal of Shabu Shabu!! You can find all you can eat places that are fantastic!! ITs a beef eating feast!

I'm not suggesting that this sort of thing is still available, but when we lived in Japan in the mid 80s, there was a place that we would go that was all you can eat. You had a griddle in the middle of the table, and then they had a place that had a selection of prepared (sliced, cleaned, etc...) meats, veggies, sauces, etc...). You'd get what you wanted, go back to your table and cook it. The only thing was that if you took food that you didn't cook/eat, they would fine you (we never had that issue). It was ¥1000 per person. For the 2.5 years that we lived there, the exchange rate varied between ~200 and 250 yen to the dollar, so it was $4-5 each for my parents and I.

This is all great/helpful information, currently planning a trip for 2026. 3 weeks visiting Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo.

Timely thread... Planning a trip soon.

That sounds like fun ;)

We were in Tokyo, Kyoto, Yakushima Island, Nagasaki more or less.

Favorite place was Nagasaki. Few tourists, maybe some Koreans. Almost zero caucasians. It had a much more chill vibe vs Tokyo with the insanity that is cooked in with a huge population.

Fun story. We ate at some notable restaurant that had millions of pictures of celebrities (some not particularly famous) on the walls. I asked if they wanted my photo when we were paying. They almost fell for it.

The garden (Kenroken) at the Kanazawa castle is awesome (not to mention the castle itself - just like being in a Kurosawa movie), especially when the cherry blossoms 🌸 are out!

IC card app. Covers most train lines in Tokyo. And some stores take it and so do the vending machines