Japan Life Tips For Beginners

Posted on 12/06/2022 Last updated on 01/11/2024

If you are reading this, it means that you are on your way to Japan or plan on traveling in the near future. Here are some tips you should consider while you’re here. I’ve been in Japan for 7 months now it everything is still a learning process, but I found it helpful to do these things while being here in Japan. No matter how long you plan on staying, whether it be for a year or your whole life, these are my Top 5 invaluable suggestions for you!

Tip #1: Get an IC Card Once You Land

Photo by photoB

Coming in several varieties depending on part of Japan and train line (Suica, Icoca, Pasmo, etc.) this card will allow you to use public transportation all around Japan if the supporting system is available, so carry coins just in case. The IC card not only allows you to use it for transportation, but you can use it for purchasing food or drinks from vending machines and some restaurants. You can have the card on your E-wallet if you don’t want a physical card, but I would recommend carrying the card.

Tip #2: Get Cash!

Photo by ゴッツええかも

Ah, yes cash! If you come to a country that is heavily based on the usage of cards you will get used to paying with cash. From my experience when traveling and during my daily life in Japan I use cash. I carry a good amount of cash to make sure that I can pay for things. Now you will be thinking how much should you carry? And is it safe to have a large amount?

For the first question the answer is based on judgment on what you want to do during the day. You can carry 10,000 yen which is the equivalent of 90 USD. This amount should get you through the day of basic traveling but if you want more don’t worry just go to your local convenience store and use their ATM and take more cash out. When it comes to safety, Japan is comparatively very safe, so you generally don’t have to worry even when carrying around a large amount. Just be sure to exercise basic common sense when it comes to handling money (and your personal well-being) and you’ll be fine.

Tip #3: Explore!

Photo by goudo

This is one of the most important things to do while you are here in Japan, go out and travel. Look around your town and you might find a hidden gem; you can travel and have your mind expanded by all the culture that Japan has to offer. If you don’t know Japanese like me, don’t worry, use Google translate.

Another reason why you want to explore Japan is to keep your mind busy if you feel homesick. You can take pictures and send them back to your friends and family. Festivals are also fantastic to witness, and you will enjoy it. With some research you can travel to different parts of Japan and look, eat and participate in festivals that locals do.

Tip #4: Get a Bicycle!

Photo by photoB

If you know how to ride a bicycle, my advice is to get a bicycle. This method of transportation is one of the most used in Japan. There are fancy bicycles that are electric if you want to go quicker, cheap ones and expensive ones. A bicycle allows me to stay in shape and get to locations in my town that are far by walking.

If you are really into adventures, then you can go to different towns or prefectures just make sure you have a bicycle bag for the train if you don’t want to ride your bike back home.

Tip #5: Just Relax and Enjoy Life!

Photo by たぐぱん

If you made it to this last tip that means you have decided to live in Japan. This might be the most important tip of all. You just must enjoy life while you can, look at new things and make the best out of it. There will be times when you are down and sad, but stop for the moment, take a breath and look around.

Go eat some sushi and play games in a Taito Station or take a walk around the park. Try out an onsen! Do what you like to do and make connections with as many people as you can no matter how long you plan on staying in Japan, life will be different, and you can look back and see how far you’ve come along.

In conclusion, these tips should be able to get a better flow with life in Japan, not everything will be easy at first, but you need to make the best out of it. If you fall, you must get up and continue the experience that you are taking part of and fall into a path that you think is appropriate for you.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: アクティブ少女の非日常 on PhotoAC

Additional photos by photoB , ゴッツええかも , goudo & たぐぱん