Traveling internationally can be scary for a first-timer! So we have compiled a list of top things to remember or look into before going to Japan!
1.) Learn the train system.
Japan relies heavily on its train system and learning how to navigate the tunnels and railways will help you save money on taxis and give you an authentic experience! However, it’s important to do all of your research on what trains you will be using as the JRP does not cover all bullet trains.
2.) Choose your season carefully.
Japan experiences all four seasons and there is no “best” time to visit! It all comes down to personal preference. We believe June-September is the best time. It’s after the spring cherry blossoms, so there are not as many tourists. However, the summer months in Japan get extremely humid so if that is a no-go for you, maybe don’t visit around this time.
Spring:
Springtime in Japan is its most popular time of year — cherry blossoms, mild temperature. Need we say more? Although those positives are very nice, the crowds at this time of year are crazy and the prices will be more expensive. Sometimes you have to book stuff 12 months in advance.
Summer:
Summer in Japan is prime typhoon season, which means hot and humid weather alongside rain showers that come and go. Despite the cons of the weather, Japan’s summer festivals are personally our favorite and the tourist crowds are not nearly as bad.
Autumn:
Autumn in Japan has a stunning sight of the foliage changing along with the weather finally cooling down. The tourism crowd does pick up slightly during this time but not nearly as bad as during the cherry blossom season.
Winter:
Winter in Japan is usually the least popular with crowds, but skiing is very popular in Japan so the ski mountains will be incredibly busy.
3.) Be aware of national holidays & important dates.
- January 1 (national holiday)
New Year (shogatsu):
This is the most important holiday in Japan. While only January 1 is designated as a national holiday, many businesses remain closed through January 3. More information is available on the New Year and Visiting during New Year pages. - Second Monday of January (national holiday)
Coming of Age (seijin no hi):
The coming of age of young adults is celebrated on this national holiday. The age of legal adulthood in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 in 2022. - February 3
Beginning of spring (setsubun):
Setsubun is not a national holiday, but celebrated at shrines and temples nationwide. More information is available on the Setsubun page. - February 11 (national holiday)
National Foundation Day (kenkoku kinenbi):
According to the earliest Japanese history records, on this day in the year 660 BC the first Japanese emperor was crowned. - February 14
Valentine’s Day:
In Japan, women give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day. It is not a national holiday. More information is available on the Valentine’s Day page. - February 23 (national holiday)
Emperor’s Birthday (tenno no tanjobi):
The birthday of the current emperor is always a national holiday. If the emperor changes, the national holiday changes to the birthday date of the new emperor. - March 3
Doll’s Festival (hina matsuri):
On this day, families with girls wish their daughters a successful and happy life. Dolls are displayed in the house together with peach blossoms. - March 14
White Day:
The opposite of Valentine’s Day: Men give cakes or chocolates to women. It is not a national holiday. More information is available on the White Day page. - Around March 20 (national holiday)
Spring Equinox Day (shunbun no hi):
Graves are visited during the week (ohigan) of the Equinox Day. - April 29 (national holiday)
Showa Day (Showa no hi):
The birthday of former Emperor Showa. Before 2007, April 29 was known as Greenery Day (now celebrated on May 4). Showa Day is part of the Golden Week. - May 3 (national holiday)
Constitution Day (kenpo kinenbi):
A national holiday remembering the new constitution, which was put into effect after the war. More information is available on the Golden Week page. - May 4 (national holiday)
Greenery Day (midori no hi):
Until 2006, Greenery Day was celebrated on April 29, the former Emperor Showa’s birthday, due to the emperor’s love for plants and nature. It is now celebrated on May 4 and is part of the Golden Week. - May 5 (national holiday)
Children’s Day (kodomo no hi):
Also called boy’s festival. More information is available on the Golden Week page. - July/August 7
Star Festival (tanabata):
Tanabata is a festival rather than a national holiday. More information is available on the Tanabata page. - Third Monday of July (national holiday)
Ocean Day (umi no hi):
A recently introduced national holiday to celebrate the ocean. The day marks the return of Emperor Meiji from a boat trip to Hokkaido in 1876. - August 11 (national holiday)
Mountain Day (yama no hi):
Newly introduced in 2016, this national holiday celebrates mountains. - July/August 13-15
Obon:
Obon is a Buddhist event to commemorate deceased ancestors. More information is available on the Obon page. - Third Monday of September (national holiday)
Respect for the Aged Day (keiro no hi):
Respect for the elderly and longevity are celebrated on this national holiday. - Around September 23 (national holiday)
Autumn Equinox Day (shubun no hi):
Graves are visited during the week (ohigan) of the Equinox Day. - Second Monday of October (national holiday)
Health and Sports Day (taiiku no hi):
On that day in 1964, the Olympic games of Tokyo were opened. - November 3 (national holiday)
Culture Day (bunka no hi):
A day for promotion of culture and the love of freedom and peace. On culture day, schools and the government award selected persons for their special, cultural achievements. The day was originally a public holiday because it was Emperor Meiji‘s birthday. Later in 1946, the post-war constitution was promulgated on the this date which led to the establishment of Culture Day. - November 15
Seven-Five-Three (shichigosan):
Girls of age three and seven and boys of age three and five are celebrated on Shichigosan around November 15, and it is prayed for their good health and growth. - November 23 (national holiday)
Labor Thanksgiving Day (kinro kansha no hi):
A national holiday for honoring labour. - December 24-25
Christmas:
Christmas is not a national holiday, but shopping malls are heavily decorated in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and many people follow some local Christmas traditions, such as eating chicken and a Christmas cake or having a dinner with one’s partner. - December 31
New Year’s Eve (omisoka):
December 31 is not a national holiday. More information is available on the New Year page.
4.) Pack light.
No matter how many times you tell yourself you won’t buy that much, you will. Clothes, souvenirs, stationery and so much more!
5.) Learn the cultural do’s and don’ts.
While I won’t list out every difference, it is important to learn the Japanese etiquette.
