🧭 Japan Travel Tips（旅行のヒント）
Smart tips for transportation, Wi-Fi, emergencies, and more—travel Japan with peace of mind.
💳 Cash or Card?（現金とキャッシュレス）
Imagine this: you've just finished a delicious meal at a cozy ramen shop—but when you reach for your credit card, the staff kindly says, “Cash only.”
Yes, even in modern Japan, this still happens! Understanding when and where to use cash or card can save you stress during your trip.
➤ Yes and no. Cards work at major stores and hotels, but local spots often prefer cash.
- ✔️ Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) are accepted in most hotels and department stores.
- ✔️ Suica / PASMO / PayPay are handy for trains, vending machines, and many shops.
- ✔️ 7-Eleven / Japan Post ATMs support international cards and English menus.
- ❌ No tips required! – It’s not part of the Japanese custom. Exact change is appreciated though.
💡 Tip: Always carry at least 5,000 to 10,000 yen in cash, especially when exploring local neighborhoods or rural areas.
📶 Internet Access & Wi-Fi（ネット接続とWi-Fi）
You just landed at the airport and want to let your family know you've arrived safely. But... where's the Wi-Fi? In Japan, internet access is usually reliable—but knowing your options in advance can save time and frustration.
🆓 Free Wi-Fi
- Available at airports, stations, cafes, and konbini.
- May require registration (email or SNS login).
- Best for short use or emergencies.
📡 Pocket Wi-Fi
- High-speed & unlimited data.
- Rent at airports or book online before arrival.
- Great for group or family trips.
📱 SIM / eSIM
- Easy setup for solo travelers.
- Buy at airports or electronics stores (BIC CAMERA, Yodobashi).
- Recommended for 1–2 week stays.
🔄 Pro Tip: Download “Japan Wi-Fi Auto-connect” to seamlessly connect to public networks without hassle. It saves you time and keeps you online!
🛒 Useful Stores: Convenience & Drugstores（便利なお店）
Lost your umbrella in a sudden shower? Need snacks late at night? Or searching for medicine with English instructions? Japan’s convenience stores and drugstores are incredibly helpful for travelers.
🏪 Convenience Stores
- Open 24/7 – great for snacks, drinks, and even SIM cards.
- Services: ATM, ticketing, bill payment, printing.
- Major chains: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart.
💊 Drugstores
- Perfect for medicine, masks, cosmetics, and travel items.
- Look for “Tax-Free” signs – show your passport!
- Popular chains: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Sundrug.
📌 Note: English may not always be spoken, but many stores use translation apps or pictograms to assist tourists. Products are clearly labeled.
⛑️ Emergency & Medical Support（緊急時の対応）
Feeling sick in a foreign country can be scary. What if you can’t explain your symptoms? What number do you call in an emergency? Don’t worry—Japan has support systems in place, even for non-Japanese speakers.
📞 119 = Ambulance / Fire
Call this number for serious injuries, fires, or medical emergencies.
👮 110 = Police
Call this number to report accidents, theft, or urgent criminal matters.
🗣️ Multilingual Support: The Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) is available 24/7 with English, Chinese, and Korean support. They can help you call an ambulance, find a hospital, or handle other emergencies.
🏥 Hospitals & Clinics:
Large city hospitals often have English-speaking staff or translation tools. Ask your hotel or tourist center for recommended clinics nearby.
- ✅ You can call emergency numbers without a Japanese phone plan.
- ✅ You won’t be asked to pay on the spot in most serious situations.
- ✅ Tourist centers can help you find help quickly.
💡 Tip: Keep your passport, hotel address, and any allergy or medication notes with you in case of emergency.
🧳 Luggage & Lockers（身軽に旅するコツ）
Dragging a suitcase through crowded train stations or narrow alleys? Don’t worry—Japan offers plenty of smart ways to lighten your load. Here are common traveler struggles and how to solve them.
📦 Problem 1: “I want to explore before hotel check-in.”
Use coin lockers at train stations or tourist hubs. Most take IC cards or cash and offer multiple sizes. Apps like “ekilocker” help you find available lockers nearby.
📮 Problem 2: “I’m changing hotels and don’t want to carry my bags.”
Use a luggage delivery service (takkyubin) like Yamato or Sagawa. Hotels and convenience stores can arrange next-day delivery between accommodations. Reliable, affordable, and hassle-free!
🏞️ Problem 3: “I’m taking a day trip and want to travel light.”
Many tourist information centers, major department stores, or train stations offer temporary baggage storage. It’s perfect if coin lockers are full or if your luggage is too large.
✨ Travel smart: A lighter load means more flexibility, comfort, and peace of mind. Focus on the experience—not the luggage!
