8 things to know before visiting Japan for the first time

Japan is likely to be on the top of everyone’s bucket list; the dreamy gardens, the food, the culture, Mount Fuji are all reasons why many people are eager to explore this beautiful country. But besides the carefully saved Pinterest pins and TT videos, planning a trip to Japan may come as bit of an overwhelming experience. Japan was the 50th country I visited, so you’d think that planning an itinerary at this point comes as second nature. It normally does, but Japan gave me a bit of a headache. Since it is an incredibly touristy country to visit, there are must-do and must-see blogs and videos left right and centre. So, I didn’t want to bother writing another one of those. Instead here’s a list of things that are good to know before visiting Japan, especially as a solo female traveller. I hope these top tips and recommendations will help you create an itinerary that best suits your interests and travel styles, to have the most magical trip to Japan. 

Whether Japan is a quick stop on a longer journey or a destination you’ve been dreaming about for years, moments of stillness can matter just as much as the sights you see. Between busy train stations, neon-lit streets, and packed itineraries, it can be easy to forget to pause.

If you’re looking for a more grounded way to travel, my free Travel Wellness Routine Builder offers gentle tools like a printable checklist, reflective prompts, and simple rituals to help you stay centred while exploring. It’s designed to support slower, more intentional travel, even in the middle of a vibrant city like Tokyo or Kyoto.

1. Pick your battles 

Unless you have months and months to visit and do everything you see online, I would highly recommend making a list of your top priorities, things you don’t want to miss. Even if you’re going for 10-14 days, you are not likely to tick everything off your list, and that’s okay. Japan is a big country, and I kind of hate the online pressure that people face to discover every part of it at once. If you do that, you are more likely to find the whole planning experience overwhelming. Instead pick one or two things/areas to explore throughly at once. After talking to other people about their similar experiences, I think less is definitely more when it comes to planning a trip to Japan. T

2. A surprising amount of places don’t accept cards 

And I don’t mean the small, middle-of-nowhere, random corner shop, but some of the most touristy places, gardens and shrines you are likely to visit. I found this to be the case mostly in Kyoto, so I would highly recommend always keeping enough cash on you for the day at least.

3. Tokyo as a first time solo travel experience 

Japan always comes highly recommended for first time solo female travellers, but I would actually like to tweak that statement a little. While Japan in general is very safe and solo traveler friendly, there are certain parts of it, especially Tokyo, that I would not recommend to a first time solo female traveller. The city is overwhelmingly huge, and one of the most challenging cities to navigate. While I travel a lot alone, and did a few solo days/experiences in Japan too, I am glad I actually went with family when I arrived to Tokyo. Figuring out the metro system, or which end of an underground tunnel I should go to, was stressful and tricky at times. Even finding an Uber in some of the bigger zebra crossings came as a challenge at times, so I personally wouldn’t say Tokyo is for newbie solo traveller who's seeking comfort. Seeking challenge, certainly, but not comfort and ease. 

4. I would avoid visiting Mount Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo 

It is doable, but can be very tiring, involving a lot of changes on public transport. Instead I would opt for the 2-day Mount Fuji pass around the area, and book an overnight stay. This way you get to do the most of the 2-day pass and have a better experience exploring the area. As there are lots of things to see and do around Mount Fuji, you can even spend 2-3 nights here easily.  

5. Bamboo forest alternatives 

If the bamboo forest in Kyoto gets too busy for your liking (and it does get super busy), you can find similar vibes around the North-West part of the city. I would highly recommend renting a bike and cycling through this area, as besides some bamboo forests, you will also find gorgeous rice fields a little bit quieter, more authentic of an atmosphere. 

6. Plan with time to spare in Tokyo 

I already talked about how big of a city Tokyo is and how overwhelming it can get. You may also want to make a mental note of how long it can take to get from A to B. Even if Google Maps says one thing, by the time you figure some stops or crossings out, you may end up having to count for an extra 20-30 minutes. We often found this to be a case, so going for brunch to somewhere that’s only 25 minutes Uber on Google, may end up being a longer journey. Just something to be mindful of. 

7. English isn’t widely spoken

And I’m not ignorant, nor do I expect everyone to speak English wherever I go. But it surprised me how little English most people speak, given how touristy Japan gets. Even where there are tourists shopping/spending time on a daily basis, you are likely to come across locals who speak very limited English. So, just be prepared either by learning enough Japanese to get by or always making sure you have an app at hand to translate. 

8. You may find that it’s a bit overhyped 

I had one of the highest expectations for Japan, and if I am completely honest with you, I didn’t find it as amazing as some people make it out to be. I kind of felt bad, because everyone online seems to speak so highly of it, and I thought maybe I’m looking at it from the wrong angle. I am lucky enough that I have explored many other countries in Asia, and in comparison, I found each of them pretty amazing and interesting, so Japan just didn’t stand out that much. I feel like the online world can really hype certain places up, and I feel like I fell victim of that a little. You may find the same, or you may be absolutely blown away by it. That’s the beauty of travelling, but I felt like sharing my honest opinion. 

This brings me to the end of my list, I hope you found my tips and recommendations useful as you are preparing your trip to Japan.