First-Timer's Guide to Japan: What to Know Before You Go
Smile Memory Team
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Your First Trip to Japan
Japan is a favourite destination for many Thai travelers — and for good reason. Here's a short guide for your first visit.
Seasons at a Glance
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season, usually late March to April in Tokyo and Kyoto (earlier in the south, later in Hokkaido). Beautiful but crowded and often pricier.
- Autumn (October-November): Colourful autumn leaves and mild weather — also a popular, busy season.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with a rainy season in early summer in most of the country. Festival season.
- Winter (December-February): Snow and skiing in Hokkaido and the mountains. Cold but beautiful.
Japanese Etiquette Basics
- Bowing: A slight bow when greeting or thanking someone is appreciated.
- Shoes Off: Remove your shoes when entering homes, some restaurants and some temple halls — look for a step up or a shoe rack.
- Quiet on Trains: Keep your voice down and your phone on silent.
- Tipping: Not customary in Japan; staff may politely decline a tip.
- Chopsticks: Never stick them upright in rice (this is a funeral custom).
Must-Try Foods
- Ramen — Every region has its own style
- Sushi — Conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) is fun and affordable
- Takoyaki — Osaka's famous batter balls filled with octopus
- Matcha — Green tea in drinks and sweets
- Wagyu — If your budget allows, try Japanese beef
Money Tips
- Cards and IC cards are widely accepted in cities, but some small shops, temples and rural places take cash only — carry some yen.
- ATMs at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven usually accept foreign cards.
- Many stores offer tax-free shopping to visitors who show their passport. From 1 November 2026 Japan is moving to a refund system: you pay the tax at the shop and claim it back after your purchases are checked when you leave Japan. Check the official Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website for the current procedure.
Getting Around
- On a group tour, transport between sights is usually arranged for you.
- If you explore on your own, a rechargeable IC card such as Suica or PASMO makes trains and buses easy (a mobile version works on some smartphones).
- Download offline maps for the cities you will visit.
Japan blends ancient traditions with modern city life. Whether it's your first or fifth visit, there's always something new to discover.
