Practical Information

So your journey through Japan starts relaxed and well prepared, we've gathered the essentials here – from money and IC cards to getting online, getting around, safety, tipping and health. Japan is famously easy, clean and safe to travel in, so a little preparation is all you need to arrive ready to focus on the temples, cities, food and mountains that make a Japaventura trip so special.

Whether it's your first time in Japan or you already know the country, these notes will help you feel confident from the moment you land.

Japan is high-tech, but it remains surprisingly cash-friendly, so always carry some yen – smaller restaurants, temples, markets and rural spots may not take cards. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, department stores and city restaurants. The easiest way to withdraw yen with a UK card is at 7-Eleven (and post office) ATMs, which reliably accept foreign cards.

Invaluable for day-to-day spending is a rechargeable IC card (Suica, Pasmo or ICOCA, including a version in Apple/Google Wallet): tap it for trains, buses, convenience stores and vending machines. When paying, it's polite to place cash or your card on the little tray provided rather than handing it over directly.

Japan is extremely well connected, though free public Wi-Fi can be patchy and fiddly to log into. The easiest solution is a pocket Wi-Fi device (rentable at the airport) or an eSIM/local SIM – well worth it for navigation, translation and train times, all of which you'll use constantly.

Google Maps works brilliantly for Japan's trains and metros, giving platforms and exact times. Hotel Wi-Fi is reliable, so if you'd rather travel light on data, that's usually enough for the evenings.

We suggest a main bag of around 20 kg plus a small daypack. A wheeled case or soft holdall is fine – but do try to pack light, as you'll sometimes carry your own bag through busy stations, up steps and onto trains where large-luggage space is limited (oversized bags on the bullet train may need a reserved seat).

A brilliant Japanese convenience is takkyubin luggage forwarding: your main case can be sent ahead between hotels for a small fee, so you travel with just an overnight bag – ask your guide or hotel. Coin lockers at stations are handy for day trips. A packing list comes with your booking confirmation.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime and a strong culture of honesty – lost property is often handed in. You can walk around comfortably day and night. The main things to be aware of aren't crime but nature: Japan is prone to earthquakes and, in late summer, typhoons.

There's no need to worry – buildings are built to cope and warnings are excellent – but it's worth downloading a disaster-alert app (such as NHK World or Safety Tips) and knowing your hotel's exits. Your guide will keep you informed of any weather affecting travel. Otherwise, simply take normal care with your belongings and enjoy the freedom.

This one surprises many visitors: tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion or even mild offence. Excellent, attentive service is simply the standard, and it's already reflected in the price – so there's no need to tip in restaurants, taxis or hotels, and leaving coins on a table may see someone chase after you to return them.

If you'd like to show thanks for something exceptional (a private guide, for instance), the graceful way is a small gift or a tip presented in an envelope with both hands. On your trip, your guide will let you know if any gesture is appropriate – but as a rule, a sincere 'arigatō gozaimasu' is the best tip of all.

Japan's railways are a highlight in themselves – punctual to the minute, spotless and far-reaching, from the famous shinkansen (bullet train) to local lines. Your itinerary and guide will handle the routing, but a few things help:

• Use your IC card for local trains and metros (just tap in and out), and reserved tickets for the shinkansen.
• Trains leave exactly on time, so aim to be on the platform a few minutes early.
• Queue at the platform markings, let passengers off first, and keep phones on silent.
• Keep noise down – carriages are quiet, and phone calls are a no-no.

Google Maps gives precise platforms and times, which makes it all remarkably easy.

Japan has an excellent standard of healthcare and hygiene, and no special vaccinations are required – just make sure your routine jabs (such as tetanus) are up to date, and see your GP or a travel-health clinic if you have any questions. Reassuringly, tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan.

Pharmacies are widespread for minor ailments, though staff may speak limited English, so a translation app helps. Note that some medicines common in the UK are restricted in Japan (certain cold and allergy remedies), so bring any personal medication in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription, and check the rules if you take regular medication. Arrange travel insurance that covers medical care, and you're set.

Respecting nature and quiet

Japan takes cleanliness and order seriously, and it's part of the pleasure of travelling here. You'll notice there are very few public bins – the custom is to carry your rubbish with you until you can dispose of it properly (and separate it for recycling). In temples, gardens and the mountains, keep noise low, stay on the paths, and take only photographs, so these beautiful places stay beautiful.

In tune with local life

Japanese culture is built on consideration for others. Follow the quiet rhythm of a place, watch what locals do and do likewise, and meet people with a smile and a small bow. Buy crafts directly from local makers, and always ask before photographing people. A little Japanese and a lot of politeness are warmly received wherever you go.