My first trip to Japan was a disaster. Not culturally — Japan is wonderful — but logistically. I didn't know what I was doing. I wasted money on the wrong passes, I got lost constantly, and I ate at chain restaurants because I couldn't figure out the good places. My third trip, last month, was completely different. I knew the tricks. I knew the hacks. I knew what to skip and what to prioritize. So I'm writing this down for anyone planning their first trip. These are the 10 things I genuinely wish someone had told me.
1. The JR Pass Is Not Always Worth It
Everyone says 'get the JR Pass.' It's practically a meme at this point. But the pass has gotten expensive — it's now about $340 for 7 days. If you're doing a Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka loop and taking the Shinkansen a few times, it pays off. But if you're staying mostly in Tokyo or doing a single round trip, you're better off just buying individual tickets. I did the math on my last trip: I took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto and back, plus a few local JR lines, and it was cheaper to buy individually. Don't blindly follow the advice. Do the math for your specific itinerary.
2. Bring a Small Towel Everywhere
Public restrooms in Japan are clean and plentiful. But they often don't have paper towels or hand dryers. You'll wash your hands, then look around like an idiot for something to dry them on. A small hand towel in your bag solves this. Also, some temples and traditional restaurants have you remove your shoes — a towel helps if you need to wipe your feet before putting them back on. It sounds silly, but after a few days you'll see why it's essential.
3. The Best Food Is Not on Google Maps
Tourist-heavy areas have restaurants with English menus and high Google ratings. Those are fine, but the real gems are the tiny shops with no online presence. Walk into a side street in a residential area. Look for a place with a red lantern and a curtain. If it has a vending machine outside where you buy tickets (common in ramen shops), you're in a good spot. The ticket machine means they don't speak English, and the food is going to be amazing. My best meal in Osaka was at a 4-seat ramen shop that had 6 reviews on Google. It was the best ramen I've ever had.
4. Cash Is Still King (But Less Than Before)
Japan is famous for being cash-heavy. That's changing, but slowly. Big cities like Tokyo and Osaka accept cards almost everywhere now — even convenience stores and many small shops. But smaller towns, local restaurants, and temples are still cash-only. Always carry at least 10,000 yen (about $70) in cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven are the most reliable for withdrawing. Don't use the ATMs at post offices — they often don't work with foreign cards.
5. Don't Try to Do Too Much
This is the biggest mistake first-timers make. They try to see Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, and Hakone in 10 days. You'll spend half your trip on trains and checking in and out of hotels. Pick two cities max. Tokyo and Kyoto is a classic combo. Or Tokyo and Osaka. Or just Tokyo for a week — there's enough to fill a month. The pace of Japan is slower than you expect. Meals take time. Getting to attractions takes time. Enjoy the journey, don't rush the checklist.