Japan Travel Practical Tips

I. Documents Required for Visa Application

Basic identity documents: A passport valid for at least 6 months with no fewer than 2 blank visa pages, recent passport-sized color photos with a white background, and a fully completed visa application form.
Status certification documents: An employment certificate issued by the employer for employed applicants; a student ID or school enrollment certificate for students; a retirement certificate for retirees; and relevant occupational statements for freelancers.
Asset or simplified qualification documents: Standard applications require corresponding asset certificates. Applicants meeting simplified criteria may substitute asset certificates with relevant supporting documents, including a bachelor’s degree or above (graduated within 3 years), valid visas or previous travel records of developed countries, and household registration certificates of designated cities.
Single-entry tourist e-visas can be applied for online via the official "JAPAN eVISA" system. Specific document requirements are subject to the latest official notices and instructions from handling agencies.

II. Transportation Options

Urban Transportation

Rail transit is the backbone of urban travel. Subway and JR lines cover the vast majority of business districts, scenic spots and transport hubs, with flexible transfers available based on destinations.
Buses serve areas not covered by rail networks. The standard boarding rule is to enter through the rear door and exit through the front door.
Nationwide transit cards such as Suica and PASMO are recommended. They work on all types of public transport and can also be used for direct payment at convenience stores and vending machines. iPhone users can add virtual transit cards directly to their devices.
Taxis are suitable for short trips or when carrying heavy luggage. Japanese taxis are fitted with automatic doors – there is no need to open or close them manually.

Intercity Transportation

The Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major cities across Japan with frequent services and high punctuality, making it the most efficient option for long-distance intercity travel.
Long-distance buses cover extensive routes, with overnight services available to combine travel and rest.
Domestic flights are suitable for long-distance cross-regional trips, with more schedule options when booked in advance.

General Transportation Etiquette

Stand on the left side of escalators, keeping the right lane clear for fast passage.
Keep voices low on trains and subways, set mobile phones to silent mode, and avoid loud phone calls.
Follow the "alight first, board later" rule, queue in an orderly manner, and do not rush for seats.

III. Weather and Dressing Guide

Spring (March–May): Temperatures rise gradually with significant day-night temperature differences. The cherry blossom season is generally sunny. It is recommended to wear thin long-sleeve tops as inner layers, paired with a windbreaker, light coat or knit cardigan. A thin scarf can be useful for cool mornings and evenings.
Summer (June–August): The rainy season falls mostly in June, while July and August are hot and humid with occasional typhoons. Wear breathable short sleeves and shorts, and carry rain gear and sun protection. Indoor air conditioning is often set to a cool temperature, so a light outer layer is advisable.
Autumn (September–November): The weather is cool and pleasant. The fall foliage season brings mostly sunny days, and the day-night temperature gap widens as the season progresses. Layered dressing is recommended: long-sleeve inner wear with a light coat or windbreaker, and a thicker coat for late autumn.
Winter (December–February): Temperatures are low. Honshu sees occasional rain and snow, while Hokkaido experiences freezing conditions and heavy snowfall. Wear a thick down jacket, warm sweater, thermal underwear and non-slip winter shoes. For extremely cold areas like Hokkaido, additional warm accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves are necessary.

Note: Okinawa enjoys a warm climate year-round, requiring only a light coat in winter. Hokkaido has a longer period of severe cold in winter, for which extra thick warm gear is required.

IV. Payment Methods

Cash: Cash remains widely used in Japan. Small restaurants, street stalls, traditional guesthouses, some rural attractions and vending machines only accept cash. It is advisable to carry a reasonable amount of cash for backup.
Bank cards: International credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard have the widest acceptance, and work normally at large shopping malls, restaurants and hotels. UnionPay cards can be used directly in most core business districts, chain drugstores and major brand stores.
Mobile payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly accepted at large malls, chain convenience stores, drugstores and tourist-heavy locations in core cities like Tokyo and Osaka, but have limited coverage in smaller cities and rural areas.
Cash withdrawal: ATMs at 7-Eleven stores and post offices support cash withdrawal with overseas bank cards for on-demand cash top-ups.