Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccines are recommended for Japan, like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, especially if you plan on trying street food, local cuisine, or engaging in close contact activities.
Japanese encephalitis is generally not necessary unless you’re planning rural travel or extended stays.
No yellow fever vaccine is needed unless you’re arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Japan, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for JapanCulture & Customs
Bow when greeting; it’s polite and shows respect. Remove shoes when entering someone’s home and sometimes in traditional accommodations and temples. Public displays of affection are rare and can be considered disrespectful. Avoid speaking loudly on public transport; it’s frowned upon. Tipping is not customary and can be seen as rude. For women, dress modestly—especially in religious sites. LGBTQ+ travelers usually face no issues in Japan, but public affection might attract attention. Use both hands to give or receive business cards.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Japan.
- Sushi: A classic dish of vinegared rice paired with seafood, often raw, and sometimes vegetables. It’s iconic for its simplicity and the skill required to make it. Sushi is a staple of Japanese cuisine that showcases the country’s emphasis on freshness and presentation.
- Ramen: A steaming bowl of wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and topped with ingredients like sliced pork, nori, or green onions. Ramen is wildly popular for its comforting and filling nature, as well as its regional variations.
- Tempura: Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. This dish is beloved for its crispy texture and is a great example of Japan’s ability to elevate simple ingredients through technique and presentation.
- Okonomiyaki: Often described as a Japanese savory pancake, it’s a mix of batter, cabbage, and various toppings like meat or seafood, cooked on a griddle. It’s a fun, customizable dish that reflects the casual dining culture of Japan.
- Sashimi: Thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, served without rice. It highlights the freshness and quality of the ingredients and is a must-try for understanding the Japanese appreciation for pure flavors.
- Yakitori: Skewered and grilled chicken, often enjoyed with a variety of seasonings and sauces. It’s popular as a street food and in izakayas (Japanese pubs), showcasing the Japanese knack for simple yet flavorful food.
Yes, tap water in Japan is safe to drink, and locals do so regularly. It’s fine for tourists too, so no need to worry about bottled or filtered water unless you prefer it for taste. Just fill up your bottle at any tap and save some yen.
The main language in Japan is
Japanese. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Japanese skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Japan includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - proficiency in Japan varies widely depending on the region and context. In major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, many younger people, especially in tourist areas, can communicate in basic English. Signs in public transportation and tourist attractions often include English translations, making navigation easier for non-Japanese speakers.
However, in rural areas, English proficiency tends to be lower, and communication might be challenging. Many locals may understand simple phrases but may not be comfortable speaking English fluently. Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on politeness, and many individuals may hesitate to speak English for fear of making mistakes.
While English is taught in schools, the focus is often on reading and writing rather than conversational skills. As a result, travelers may encounter a mix of helpful locals eager to assist and those who may struggle with English.
To enhance communication, it’s useful for travelers to learn a few basic Japanese phrases or use translation apps. Overall, while English is not universally spoken, many people are willing to help, making it possible to navigate the country with some effort and patience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Japan is JPY (¥).
Cash is still king in Japan. While big cities are increasingly card-friendly, many local spots, rural areas, and smaller shops might still prefer yen in your pocket. It’s wise to carry some cash, especially if you’re heading off the beaten path.
For ATMs, hit up 7-Eleven or Japan Post branches. Their machines are foreign card-friendly and often have English options. Avoid relying on random ATMs; you might find your card rejected.
Leave your dollars and euros at home. They’re not widely accepted. Instead, exchange your currency for yen at airports or major banks. Rates aren’t great at hotels or random kiosks. Also, consider getting a multi-currency travel card for better rates and convenience.
While Japan is modernizing its payment systems, don’t expect to swipe your card everywhere. Stick with Visa or MasterCard, and always have a backup plan with some cash stashed away.
Tipping in Japan is generally not expected and can even be seen as rude. Excellent service is considered standard, so instead of tipping, express your appreciation with a polite ”arigato” (thank you) or by leaving a small gift. If you must leave a tip, place it in an envelope to avoid direct hand-to-hand exchange.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.