Plan your Japan trip without
the overwhelm
5 essential tips to prepare for your trip to Japan without stress
Planning a trip to Japan is exciting, but without the right preparation, it can quickly feel overwhelming.
Japan is easy to travel in, but it has its own rhythm, habits, and small rules that are worth knowing in advance.
Here are 5 simple but essential tips to help you plan smart, stay relaxed, and enjoy your trip from the moment you land.
1. Book your accommodation early
Japan fills up fast, especially during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage season.
My advice
Book your accommodation 3 to 6 months in advance if you’re traveling to popular cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka.
Also, choose places close to major train stations. It saves time, energy, and a lot of unnecessary walking with luggage.
You can check :
AGODA : Hotel booking platform with strong deals in Asia, especially Japan.
TRIP : All-in-one travel platform for flights, hotels, trains, and activities
BOOKING.COM Global online travel platform that allows users to book accommodations, flights, rental cars, and experiences. rm with strong deals
2. Learn a few basic Japanese phrases
You don’t need to speak Japanese fluently.
Knowing just a few polite phrases already makes a big difference.
Useful phrases to remember:
ありがとう (Arigatou)
Thank you
すみません (Sumimasen)
Excuse me or sorry
これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?)
What is this?
People appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
3. Get reliable internet access
Japan is easy to navigate if you’re connected.
Best options for travelers:
eSIM or local SIM card
Pocket Wi-Fi (not recommend)
Having internet lets you use Google Maps, check train schedules, translate menus, and feel confident moving around.
Some E-sims options :
4. Respect local customs
Respect and consideration are a big part of daily life in Japan.
Simple things to keep in mind:
Remove your shoes when asked
Line up properly in public spaces
Wait at red lights, even if the street is empty
These habits are easy to follow and make interactions smoother everywhere you go.
5. Always carry some cash
Japan is modern, but cash is still widely used.
Many small restaurants, temples, and local shops don’t accept cards.
You can withdraw cash easily at ATMs in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or Japan Post.
Always keep a bit of cash on you, especially outside major cities.
So...
Preparing well is what makes a Japan trip feel smooth and enjoyable.
A little planning, cultural awareness, and the right tools will let you focus on what really matters: discovering Japan and enjoying every moment.
Plan Your Japan Trip More Easily
If you're going to Jpaan you're probably facing :
Too much information
How to organize
Don’t know where to go
Train system feels confusing
Afraid of missing places
Planning a trip to Japan usually breaks at the same point: you save a lot of places, but don’t know how to turn them into a realistic route. Cities are large, distances are not intuitive, and it’s hard to know what actually fits in one day.
This guide was created to solve that. It helps you understand how places connect, how many days make sense per area, and how to build an itinerary that flows.
With the interactive map, you can explore curated spots across Japan, follow ready-made itineraries and day trips, mix my routes with your own, and adapt everything to your pac
I created my Japan Travel Guide to help you organize your trip in a clear, realistic way.
Details on what you'll have
Best of both world : touristy & off the beaten path places
+ 1000 things to do, filterable by category & tags
Lifetime access to my itinerary and all future updates.
10 to 30 days curated itineraries, fully customizable
Kanto (Tokyo & surroundings) Day by Day customizable Itinerary (10 to 15 days)
Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara...) Day by day Itinerary customizable (13 to 15 days)
Tokyo Guide by Neighborhood (23 special ward)
15+ additional day trips detailed for exploring nearby destinations from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto.
Interactive map with all key spots marked & filterable by category & tags
Benefit from in-depth practical advice (navigation, accomodation, restaurants, cultural experiences)
PDF & Excel sheets (with less updates than online version)
What it looks like on the app :
If you prefer something fully tailored, I also offer a 100% custom travel planning service.
I design a day-by-day itinerary based on your dates, interests, budget, travel pace, and priorities. You simply follow the plan and enjoy your trip.
And if you like flexible, editable itineraries, you can also find my ready-made itineraries on Holicay.
They’re ideal if you want a solid base you can customize with your travel companions.
Marie creator behind @Tabimawari
Hi, I’m Marie, the creator behind @tabimawari.
I lived in Kyoto, learned Japanese, and keep returning to explore Japan beyond the obvious.
Planning a trip to Japan usually breaks at the same point: you save a lot of places, but don’t know how to turn them into a realistic route. Cities are large, distances are not intuitive, and it’s hard to know what actually fits in one day.
This guide was created to solve that. It helps you understand how places connect, how many days make sense per area, and how to build an itinerary that flows.
With the interactive map, you can explore curated spots across Japan, follow ready-made itineraries and day trips, mix my routes with your own, and adapt everything to your pace.
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MY NEWSLETTER
Japan Monthly by Tabimawari : Subscribe to get a monthly email packed with inspiration, local tips, and events happening across Japan straight from someone who’s lived and traveled a lot.
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Marie creator behind @Tabimawari
Hi, I’m Marie.
French islander from Reunion island, Japan lover, and travel planner behind Tabimawari.
I spent a year living in Kyoto, learning Japanese and falling in love with the culture. Since then, I’ve kept going back, exploring every corner from Tokyo to the tiniest hidden towns.
I created these guides after spending months planning, testing, and fine-tuning every detail so you don’t have to. Inside, you’ll find:
✅ Interactive maps
✅ Step-by-step directions
✅ Local spots + travel tips
✅ Offline use
Each guide is made with care, based on real-life travel, not generic blog advice.
This is what I wish I had on my first trip to Japan and now it’s yours.
MY SOCIALS
MY NEWSLETTER
Plan your Japan trip without
the overwhelm
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