Japan

Japan is compact yet incredibly varied, and your experience will feel very different in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido or Okinawa. Start by choosing a rough route: many first-time visitors follow a Tokyo–Hakone–Kyoto–Osaka loop, adding side trips to Nara or Hiroshima. Use Hello’s trip planning tools to pin down train times, key sights like Senso-ji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Miyajima, and daily walking routes.

Japan’s cities are safe and walkable, but distances can be deceptive, especially in Tokyo. Plan travel time between neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa and Odaiba carefully. Convenience stores (konbini) such as FamilyMart and Lawson are everywhere and great for snacks, quick meals, and ATMs.

Most signage in major cities is in both Japanese and English, but smaller towns may use only Japanese. A Hello eSIM gives you data from the moment you land, so you can rely on maps and translation apps without worrying about roaming charges. Keep key phrases such as “sumimasen” (excuse me), “arigato” (thank you), and “Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?” (Do you speak English?) handy in your notes. Plan at least one slower day in each city to wander aimlessly—you’ll discover tiny shrines, kissaten cafés, and local markets that never make it into guidebooks.

Japan’s public transport is famously punctual, and trains are your best friend. The Shinkansen bullet trains link major cities at high speed, with reserved and non-reserved cars. On busy days and holidays, book seats in advance, especially on popular routes like Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka. Use Hello’s trip planning to store your train numbers, departure tracks, and seat reservations in one place.

Inside cities, rechargeable IC cards like Suica or Pasmo (Tokyo) and Icoca (Kansai) work on trains, subways, and buses. Tap in and out instead of buying single tickets. Taxis are reliable but more expensive, with starting fares typically around ¥500–¥700 (roughly US$3–5). Late-night trains can be limited, so check the last departure when going out.

Station layouts can be complex, especially multi-level hubs like Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. Give yourself extra time to transfer and follow color-coded signs. If you get lost, station staff are helpful—show them your destination written in Japanese.

With a Hello eSIM, you can navigate underground corridors, check live departure boards, and reroute quickly if service changes. For longer stays, track transport spending with Hello’s budget tracking feature to see how much you’re putting into passes, Shinkansen tickets, and local transit.

Food is a highlight in Japan, whether you’re slurping ramen at a tiny counter or savoring a multi-course kaiseki in Kyoto. Don’t just stick to sushi—try regional specialties: okonomiyaki in Osaka, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, miso ramen in Sapporo, and yakitori in Tokyo’s backstreet alleys like Omoide Yokocho.

For quick, inexpensive meals, look for chains or ticket-machine restaurants around stations, where you can eat well for ¥700–¥1,200 (US$5–9). Many menus have pictures or plastic food displays; if you’re unsure, point and ask "Kore wa nan desu ka?" (What is this?). Use your Hello eSIM to check reviews and find places with English-friendly menus.

When sharing dishes or set menus, Hello’s expense splitting feature makes it easy to divide costs among travel companions, especially when some order extra drinks or sides. You can also log what you spend each day on dining with Hello’s budget tracking, which helps you balance indulgent splurges, like omakase sushi or wagyu, with cheaper noodle or curry nights.

Remember common etiquette: many restaurants provide wet towels; use them before eating, and avoid walking while eating in busy streets or trains. In small izakaya bars, ordering a drink and at least one dish per person is expected.

Japan is modern but still surprisingly cash-friendly. While card and mobile payments are common in big cities, small restaurants, temple donation boxes, and rural shops may be cash-only. Aim to carry at least ¥10,000–¥20,000 (US$70–140) for daily expenses. ATMs that accept international cards are widely available in 7-Eleven and major banks.

Prices vary: local lunches can start around ¥700 (US$5), coffee around ¥400–¥600 (US$3–4), and entry to major attractions between ¥500–¥2,000 (US$3–14). Use Hello’s budget tracking to record purchases in yen so you can see how your spending is trending and adjust mid-trip.

Reliable data is invaluable for maps, translation, and train timetables. Buying and activating a Hello eSIM before you land keeps you connected from the airport, so you don’t need to hunt for Wi‑Fi or physical SIM counters after a long flight. This is especially helpful when figuring out airport transfers from Narita, Haneda, or Kansai.

Day-to-day, sort your trash carefully; Japan takes recycling seriously, and bins are less common than you might expect. Carry a small reusable bag for litter. Public toilets are clean and plentiful, often with advanced washlet features—just look for the flush icon if the panel seems intimidating!