{"id":261,"date":"2025-08-27T10:59:22","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T10:59:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/?post_type=blog&#038;p=261"},"modified":"2026-03-21T19:49:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T02:49:41","slug":"15-essential-things-to-know-before-visiting-japan-travel-tips-you-cant-miss","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/blog\/15-essential-things-to-know-before-visiting-japan-travel-tips-you-cant-miss\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Things No One Tells You Before Visiting Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone and their mother (and probably their dog) are heading to Japan right now, and so are you! Buckle up, because we\u2019ve put together the ultimate list of things we learned on our first visit in 2025\u2014things we wish we had known before going and things we absolutely nailed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/31214-1920x1080-desktop-1080p-japan-background-image.webp?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3649\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-you-might-see-cherry-blossoms-earlier-than-expected\">1. You Might See Cherry Blossoms Earlier Than Expected<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>When we booked our trip from mid-February to early March, we were convinced we\u2019d miss cherry blossom season. Every guide we read said they typically bloom from mid to late March. We were bummed\u2014who wouldn\u2019t want to experience Japan with cherry blossoms in full bloom?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Surprise! We saw our first cherry blossoms in Tokyo, then even more in Nara\u2014during a snowstorm, no less (which was absolutely magical). Osaka also had some early bloomers. Even now, sitting at home in mid-March and checking Japan news, we see that Tokyo is experiencing a fantastic cherry blossom bloom. So if you\u2019re visiting Japan in late winter or early March, keep an eye out\u2014you might get lucky!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"swiper-wrapper-c1f1cef79a441dda\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-the-weather-can-be-unpredictable\">2. The Weather Can Be Unpredictable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan\u2019s weather can shift unexpectedly, so be prepared! Before our trip, we checked the forecast and saw moderate temperatures, which we thought meant a light jacket and some layers would suffice. Wrong. What we found in our time in Tokyo and Kyoto was that the&nbsp;wind&nbsp;is what makes it cold. It\u2019s a wet cold that cuts right through you and can leave you feeling chilly even in moderate temperatures. If you\u2019re visiting in the winter months,&nbsp;pack accordingly\u2014bring toques, gloves, and warm socks to stay comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We ended up buying&nbsp;HeatTech from Uniqlo for about $30 CAD, which was a lifesaver. For most of our trip, temperatures ranged between&nbsp;4-8\u00b0C (39-46\u00b0F), but later, they jumped to&nbsp;18\u00b0C (64\u00b0F)! Pack wisely\u2014layers are your best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Image.webp?resize=580%2C415&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3683\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-cash-is-still-king-but-not-as-much-as-you-think\">3. Cash is Still King (But Not as Much as You Think)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan is modern in many ways, and while cash is still widely used, you&nbsp;don\u2019t need to worry too much about using foreign cards. We traveled for&nbsp;two weeks&nbsp;and only withdrew&nbsp;35,000 yen (about $240 USD \/ $189 CAD) for two people, which ended up being&nbsp;the perfect amount\u2014we left with just a few hundred yen remaining!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only places where we&nbsp;had to use cash&nbsp;were ramen shops scattered throughout each city\u2014more on our favorite ramen spots here (\u2026\u2026). Trust me, we had some of the best ramen in multiple cities during our stay!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We had&nbsp;no issues using our American Express, Mastercard, and Visa&nbsp;in most places.&nbsp;7-Eleven ATMs&nbsp;are reliable for cash withdrawals, and&nbsp;convenience stores, department stores, and most restaurants accept credit cards. So don\u2019t stress too much about carrying loads of cash\u2014it\u2019s good to have some, but your cards will be accepted in more places than you might expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good&nbsp;food budget for two people for two weeks is about $1,000 CAD. This worked well for us, and as a Canadian, you will be surprised at how far your money can go in Japan. For example, a typical&nbsp;Starbucks run for a couple in Canada&nbsp;might cost about&nbsp;$40 CAD&nbsp;for breakfast. In Japan, we got&nbsp;two drinks, three sandwiches, yogurt, and a muffin for only $29 CAD\u2014INSANE! Dining out daily in Japan is much more affordable than in North America, so budgeting accordingly can help you enjoy all the amazing food without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Image-1.webp?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3684\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-trains-are-the-best-way-to-get-around-skip-the-jr-pass\">4. Trains Are the Best Way to Get Around (Skip the JR Pass!)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan\u2019s train system is incredible\u2014efficient, clean, and always on time. However, we&nbsp;do not recommend getting a JR Pass&nbsp;unless you plan on taking multiple long-distance Shinkansen rides. The hefty&nbsp;$500 per person\/week price tag&nbsp;is steep if you\u2019re not constantly moving between cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, we used a&nbsp;3-day Tokyo Metro Pass&nbsp;and a&nbsp;Suica card&nbsp;for local travel. For Shinkansen tickets, we booked them&nbsp;on Klook (affiliate link here), which was super easy and convenient. This saved us a lot of money compared to the JR Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for rush hour\u2014don\u2019t necessarily avoid it. Yes, the trains are packed, but it\u2019s all part of the experience! If you\u2019re in a rush, you may have to wait longer for a spot, but it\u2019s not as overwhelming as some might think.<video controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/video-439_singular_display.mp4\"><\/video><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-food-culture-know-the-do-s-and-don-ts\">5. Food Culture: Know the Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan\u2019s food is legendary, but there are some etiquette rules to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No eating while walking\u00a0\u2013 It\u2019s considered rude, especially in crowded areas. However,\u00a0outside convenience stores, there are small slanted ledges where you can stand and eat.\u00a0Many convenience stores also have seating areas inside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No tipping\u00a0\u2013 Service is already included in the price, and tipping can even be seen as offensive.\u00a0There\u2019s no tip option when paying with a card, so it\u2019s easy to remember.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slurping is encouraged\u00a0\u2013 If you\u2019re eating ramen, don\u2019t hold back! Slurping is a sign of enjoyment. Our first ramen shop in Shibuya was incredible, and the locals sitting next to us were enthusiastically slurping their noodles. We quickly learned that it\u2019s not just accepted\u2014it\u2019s encouraged!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn basic phrases\u00a0\u2013 A simple \u201cItadakimasu\u201d (said before eating) and \u201cGochisousama deshita\u201d (after eating) go a long way in showing appreciation. The Japanese people really appreciate small gestures like these! However, if some words are harder to pronounce, we found that just saying \u2018Arigato\u2019 was sufficient throughout our time in Japan.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3384.mov\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-convenience-stores-are-a-game-changer\">6. Convenience Stores Are a Game-Changer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Japanese&nbsp;konbini (convenience stores)&nbsp;like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are&nbsp;next-level amazing. You\u2019ve probably seen them all over TikTok for their&nbsp;Fami Chiki at Family Mart&nbsp;or the&nbsp;egg sandwiches at 7-Eleven, but they truly live up to the hype.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We ended up at convenience stores&nbsp;every single day, trying different snacks. Some of our favorites were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fried chicken (Fami Chiki)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pancakes from 7-Eleven (perfect for making a DIY breakfast sandwich)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoothies, which were surprisingly delicious<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3320.webp?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3696\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-public-trash-cans-are-rare\">7. Public Trash Cans Are Rare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan is incredibly clean, but&nbsp;public trash cans and recycling bins are almost non-existent. It might not seem like a big deal now, but trust me\u2014you\u2019ll notice it when you\u2019re carrying around empty water bottles for hours. We learned this the hard way, especially after picking up snacks and drinks from convenience stores only to realize we had nowhere to dispose of the wrappers and bottles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, we thought we just weren\u2019t looking hard enough, but nope\u2014public trash cans are genuinely rare. The reason? Japan has a strong culture of&nbsp;taking your trash home. If you do need to throw something away, the best place to do so is at&nbsp;convenience stores&nbsp;or&nbsp;inside train stations, where bins are sometimes available near vending machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro tip:&nbsp;Eat your convenience store food&nbsp;at the store&nbsp;and throw away the trash before continuing your day. This will save you from lugging around garbage while walking&nbsp;20,000+ steps a day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4039.webp?resize=777%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3695\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-respect-for-quietness\">8. Respect for Quietness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japan,&nbsp;quietness is valued\u2014especially in public spaces like trains, restaurants, and temples. You\u2019ll quickly notice that&nbsp;trains are eerily silent\u2014no one is chatting loudly, and signs even ask passengers to&nbsp;refrain from talking on the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We immediately noticed this when we got on our first train in Tokyo. We were whispering to each other but still felt like we were too loud because literally&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;around us was sitting in complete silence. Even during rush hour, when trains are packed, the only sounds you hear are the occasional station announcements and the soft hum of the train itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not just on public transport\u2014the same level of quiet respect applies at&nbsp;temples and shrines. When we visited Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, the atmosphere was incredibly serene, and people were either walking in silence or speaking in hushed tones. It really enhances the experience, making it feel more spiritual and immersive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even on the streets, Japan has an overall calmness that\u2019s very different from the loud, bustling cities we\u2019re used to. It\u2019s something we really came to appreciate\u2014just another small way Japan\u2019s culture of respect shines through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While whispering to your travel companions is okay,&nbsp;be mindful of your volume&nbsp;and avoid long conversations. It\u2019s all part of the cultural respect for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9469.webp?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3693\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-wifi-and-sim-cards\">9. WiFi and SIM Cards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Free public WiFi isn\u2019t as common as you\u2019d think. We&nbsp;highly recommend using Airalo for an eSIM (affiliate link here). It was&nbsp;super easy to install, worked flawlessly across Japan, and provided great coverage for the entire two weeks.&nbsp;Another great option for an eSIM is from&nbsp;Klook, which also offers reliable coverage and an easy setup process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you prefer,&nbsp;pocket WiFi&nbsp;is another solid option, especially if you\u2019re traveling with a group and want to share a single connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Local, regional and global eSIMs for travellers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay connected, wherever you travel, at affordable rates<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"form-link-image logo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.airalo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.wway.io\/travelpayouts\/brands\/logo\/541@svg\" alt=\"logo\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Search<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"pb_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelpayouts.com\/?marker=587744.poweredby&amp;utm_source=powered_by&amp;utm_medium=network&amp;utm_campaign=541&amp;utm_keyword=promo_8588\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tp.media\/powered_by\/img\/tp.png\" alt=\"powered_by\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-bowing-not-handshakes\">10. Bowing, Not Handshakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Bowing is the standard greeting and sign of respect in Japan. While handshakes aren\u2019t unheard of, bowing is far more common, especially in formal settings.&nbsp;There are different bowing angles for different situations, but as a tourist, a simple nod or slight bow is appreciated and shows politeness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll notice that customer service interactions also include bows\u2014whether it\u2019s at a hotel, restaurant, or even a convenience store. It\u2019s a small cultural difference but adds to the overall experience of traveling in Japan.&nbsp;Fun fact:Even the deer in Nara bow! Known as the \u201cbowing deer,\u201d they have learned to bow to visitors, often in exchange for treats. It\u2019s yet another charming example of Japan\u2019s culture of respect.<video controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3656.mp4\"><\/video><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-walking-will-be-your-main-activity\">11. Walking Will Be Your Main Activity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Be prepared to&nbsp;walk\u2014a lot! Walking&nbsp;20,000+ steps a day&nbsp;is not uncommon when exploring Japan\u2019s cities, temples, and bustling streets. The best way to experience Japan is on foot, so&nbsp;comfortable shoes are a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I wore&nbsp;Lululemon Cityverse shoes, and I could not be happier. They held up amazingly well and were so comfortable that most days, I didn\u2019t even feel like I had walked that much. Investing in a quality pair of&nbsp;walking shoes with good support&nbsp;will make a huge difference in your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3799.webp?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3691\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-collecting-train-station-stamps\">12. Collecting Train Station Stamps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>If you love collecting unique souvenirs, you\u2019ll love Japan\u2019s&nbsp;eki stamps\u2014special stamps available at train stations across the country. These beautifully designed stamps feature landmarks or symbols from the area, making them a fun way to document your travels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, the stamps can be hard to find, but&nbsp;station attendants are always happy to help&nbsp;if you ask! Many tourist spots and major train stations have dedicated stamp stations, so be on the lookout and bring a small notebook to collect them as a free and memorable keepsake.<video controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3279.mov\"><\/video><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-13-high-tech-toilets-everywhere\">13. High-Tech Toilets Everywhere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan is known for its&nbsp;next-level toilets, and once you experience them, you\u2019ll never want to go back! Almost every restroom we visited had a toilet with a&nbsp;heated seat, a&nbsp;bidet function, and, in many cases, a&nbsp;music generator&nbsp;or white noise feature for privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, we laughed at how fancy the toilets were, but by the end of the trip, we were&nbsp;completely spoiled by them. Nothing feels better than sitting down on a&nbsp;warm toilet seat in the middle of winter, and the&nbsp;bidet function\u2014once you get used to it\u2014is an absolute game-changer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also noticed that&nbsp;public restrooms, even in train stations and parks, were incredibly clean&nbsp;compared to what we\u2019re used to back home. In department stores and some hotels, the toilets even had&nbsp;multiple bidet settings, deodorizers, and sound masking options&nbsp;to ensure total comfort and privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the time we were heading back home, we were already Googling how to get a Japanese-style bidet for our own bathrooms. Trust us\u2014you\u2019ll miss them the moment you leave Japan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re in a hotel, shopping mall, train station, or even a roadside rest stop, you\u2019ll find these&nbsp;high-tech toilets everywhere. They truly add a level of comfort and convenience to daily life in Japan!<video controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/A8BF59C8-3752-4603-8AF7-D1DA5F969635.mp4\"><\/video><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-14-the-language-barrier\">14. The Language Barrier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, there is definitely a&nbsp;language barrier&nbsp;in Japan. I speak only English, and I was challenged with this right away on our first day while checking into the hotel. However,&nbsp;Japanese people are incredibly kind and always try their best to communicate with you&nbsp;if there is a barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Translate will become your best friend.&nbsp;You\u2019ll quickly realize that whenever there\u2019s a challenge, either you or the person you\u2019re speaking with will pull out Google Translate, and all will be well. Most menus, signs, and transportation information have&nbsp;English translations, so getting around isn\u2019t difficult, but for more complex conversations, a translation app is a lifesaver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Image-3.webp?resize=1024%2C580&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3698\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-15-luggage-storage-options\">15. Luggage Storage Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>If you plan to move around a lot in Japan,&nbsp;luggage storage is a must-know tip. We switched locations about every three nights, traveling from&nbsp;Tokyo to Kyoto, then Osaka, the Kumano Kodo trail, back to Osaka, and finally Narita. Here\u2019s how we managed our luggage along the way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hotel Storage:\u00a0Almost all hotels offer\u00a0free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out. This was incredibly helpful when we arrived in a city early but couldn\u2019t check in until 4 PM.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bounce Storage Lockers:\u00a0When we hiked the Kumano Kodo trail, we used\u00a0Bounce storage lockers. They cost\u00a0about 800 yen per day, are\u00a0safe,\u00a0easy to use\u00a0through the Bounce app, and can store your bags for however long you need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Train Station Lockers:\u00a0Japan\u2019s\u00a0train stations have luggage lockers, which are very convenient for short-term storage. However, they typically\u00a0have a limit of 3 days, so plan accordingly!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Image-2.webp?resize=640%2C431&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3689\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan is an incredible country with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. We learned so much on our first trip, and we hope these tips help you prepare for yours! Whether you\u2019re chasing cherry blossoms, indulging in ramen, or riding the Shinkansen, Japan is sure to leave a lasting impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you visited Japan? What surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!<video controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_3950.mov\"><\/video><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/tag\/dream-vacation\/\">Dream vacation<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/tag\/japan\/\">Japan<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/tag\/kyoto\/\">Kyoto<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/tag\/osaka\/\">Osaka<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/tag\/our-trips-abroad\/\">Our Trips Abroad<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":262,"template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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