Japan is a country that is on many of our bucket lists. With all the stories of culture, history, beauty and intrigue surrounding it, Japan has a magnetic pull for many travelers. But in addition to all the good stuff – between all the rules, customs and cultural differences, Japan can also sound a bit intimidating.

Whether you’re traveling for a few days on a stopover or spending a month there (like us), there are a few key things to keep in mind and prep for.

Yakkan Shoumei

Let’s get this one out of the way. Japan is extremely strict with certain medications. Any sort of amphetamines, narcotics, drugs like MDMA or weed, or anything with stimulants (many inhalers contain stimulants!) are strictly prohibited. Medicines like Adderall, even prescribed, are very illegal.

What about legal medications? If you have a 30+ day supply of any medicine, you’ll need to submit what’s called a Yakkan Shoumei form and get that approved prior to your arrival. Give it at least a week if you can – they’re very specific with their documentation requirements so there might be a bit of back and forth, and they’re only open M-F. Here’s a good Yakkan Shoumei form + Q&A resource in English, but be sure to also do your own research and check all your medicines against their prohibited list.

Useful Apps

In addition to the classics like Google Maps and Google Translate, here are some handy Japan-specific apps you should download for your trip:

  • JapanTaxi – In English and better than Uber, which just calls a taxi anyways
  • Yomiwa -. Automatic Sign Translator (also can practice your Japanese on there)
  • Yurekuru Call – Earthquake alerts
  • SuicaEng / EmartEX – Transit IC cards and train tickets
  • Rakuten – Not an app, but a great website for finding accommodations in Japan outside your typical Booking.com or Airbnb listings.

Japan Rail Pass – Yay or Nay?

I’m on a budget this month and plan to spend most of my time getting to know Kyoto, so I opted not to get a Rail Pass.

However, if you’re going to be doing a lot of traveling around Japan, it can definitely save you some $¥$¥ dough. Hyperpedia is a useful site for helping you plan the transport itineraries for your trips around Japan – you can also filter for routes that take the JR pass.

You can buy your JR pass online, but buy it in advance to save more.

Cash Money

Get your yen on! Japan is largely credit-card friendly, but I promise you’ll find yourself in situations needing cash.

Personally, I prefer to get foreign currencies from my bank or a local ATM, as I have always found currency exchanges to be a rip-off.

Semi-Pro Tip: If you’re an American who likes to travel, switch to a bank that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees and preferably refunds any ATM fees. Charles Schwab is a great one.

Learn a Little Japanese

You’re in their country, you should at least try.

  • Konnichiwa = Hello
  • Arigatou = Thank you (*add on “Gozaimasu” to be extra polite)
  • Sumimasen = Excuse me
  • Hai = Yes
  • “iie” = No (saying “no” in Japanese is complicated)

Here’s a lengthier guide to some helpful Japanese for your travels.

Other Helpful Articles