What to Know Before Going to Japan

Japan is one of those destinations that when you mention it to people they get starry eyed and talk about how they dream of going there one day. Getting there and seeing the country is not as hard as you think, and I’d like to make it a little easier. This guide will start a series going in depth on the areas of Japan that I’ve visited and some tips on things to do, places to see, and treats to eat. Here are some frequently asked questions I’ve received about Japan.

Getting Around

The best preparation you can do for a trip to Japan is buying a JR Rail Pass. It must be purchased before you enter the country and while the cost is a bit high upfront ($$$) the money and time you save is invaluable. The Rail Pass allows you to ride any of the long distance bullet trains, most local trains, and includes discounts for activities (???)

Money

Japan is a cash dependent country. The stories of businessmen walking around with their entirely weekly paycheck in cash is absolutely spot on. 90% of the time you’ll need cash. I made sure to use Charles Schwab investor checking which refunds all ATM fees and has no foreign transaction fees.

Language

I don’t recommend going to Japan without knowing at least a few simple words - hello, thank you, small, large. While most Japanese people you meet will have learned English in school, the easiest way to get a question answered is going to be writing it down since they are more comfortable reading English as opposed to speaking it.

Solo Travel

Japan is probably the easiest place to be alone in, especially Tokyo. There are plenty of things to do and even going out to eat is easier since all restaurants have a “table-for-one” area where you can sit alone and enjoy a nice meal without feeling awkward. Crime is pretty much non-existent and people are generally cordial.

An excerpt of this post has been published on Forbes and the Level Up by Forbes Newsletter.