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| japan [2025/02/09 13:33] – [Advice for visitors to Japan] particles | japan [2025/04/17 17:11] (current) – [Can I get a bank account as a visitor?] particles |
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| * [[why_japan|Why did I move to Japan? / Why do I love Japan?]] | * [[why_japan|Why did I move to Japan? / Why do I love Japan?]] |
| * [[journal:令和7年2月02日|令和7年2月02日]] | * [[journal:令和7年2月02日|令和7年2月02日]] |
| | * [[Suica reactivation]] - a report I wrote about reactivating a Suica that supposedly had expired using the JR Central workaround. |
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| ===== Advice for visitors to Japan ===== | ===== Advice for visitors to Japan ===== |
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| This section contains suggestions and notes for temporary visitors((I use the "resident" to describe "people who have residence cards" because the change of visa status changes how many systems work, for the better. Temporary visitors who do not have residence cards often find some systems more annoying to use or deal with. Residence cards are only issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justice to long-term visa holders (over 90 days).)) (i.e., people staying in Japan on the temporary visitor visa) to Japan. | This section contains suggestions and notes for temporary visitors((I use the "resident" to describe "people who have residence cards" (a 在留カード) because the change of visa status changes how many systems work, for the better. Temporary visitors who do not have residence cards often find some systems more annoying to use or deal with. Residence cards are only issued by the Japanese Ministry of Justice to long-term visa holders (over 90 days).)) (i.e., people staying in Japan on the temporary visitor visa) to Japan. |
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| * Use [[https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp|Visit Japan Web]] to fill out immigration and customs forms and get a QR to pass through customs/immigration quickly. **Screenshot the QR code and information so that when you land, it's available even if your phone has trouble connecting to cell service.** | * Use [[https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp|Visit Japan Web]] to fill out immigration and customs forms and get a QR to pass through customs/immigration quickly. **Screenshot the QR code and information so that when you land, it's available even if your phone has trouble connecting to cell service.** |
| * For an introduction to Japanese language that’s practical and relevant to complete beginners traveling to Japan for the first time, watch [[https://youtu.be/CCGO6kbtfM4|Japanese for Zero Level]], which includes basic Japanese phrases that are practical and useful. | * **For an introduction to Japanese language that’s practical and relevant to complete beginners traveling to Japan for the first time, watch [[https://youtu.be/CCGO6kbtfM4|Japanese for Zero Level]], which includes basic Japanese phrases that are practical and useful.** |
| | * **For restaurants specifically, there is a complementary video to the above video called [[https://youtu.be/ltgeVWxaV0c|Zero Level Japanese at the Restaurant]] which is specifically geared towards ordering food and eating in Japan, which is like, a cornerstone activity.** |
| * Install [[https://nerv.app/en|NERV Disaster Prevention]] and configure it to send notifications. Tap and hold the “Map” button to show the Strong Motion Monitor, which shows the realtime ground sensor data in Japan, and enable notifications. NERV provides English disaster preparedness information, which is critical in Japan. If you’re from an earthquake prone area and you’re used to them, this is not as important. Earthquake Early Warnings issued by the government are sent to mobile phones without any app installed—but NERV will provide information on less severe earthquakes, tsunami, and other severe weather. | * Install [[https://nerv.app/en|NERV Disaster Prevention]] and configure it to send notifications. Tap and hold the “Map” button to show the Strong Motion Monitor, which shows the realtime ground sensor data in Japan, and enable notifications. NERV provides English disaster preparedness information, which is critical in Japan. If you’re from an earthquake prone area and you’re used to them, this is not as important. Earthquake Early Warnings issued by the government are sent to mobile phones without any app installed—but NERV will provide information on less severe earthquakes, tsunami, and other severe weather. |
| * Carry a minimum of ¥10,000 in cash at all times. The odds of you running into a shop that takes only cash are relatively low, but if your cards aren’t accepted for some reason, you want to have cash for a taxi or similar uses. | * Carry a minimum of ¥10,000 in cash at all times. The odds of you running into a shop that takes only cash are relatively low, but if your cards aren’t accepted for some reason, you want to have cash for a taxi or similar uses. |
| * Check your prescriptions/drugs before coming into Japan: [[https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html|Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan]]. | * Check your prescriptions/drugs before coming into Japan: [[https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html|Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan]]. |
| * From the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department: [[https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/safe_society/victim_of_crime/ninpo.html|Tips for protecting yourself from crime or other trouble]] and [[https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/safe_society/victim_of_crime/sakariba_topics.html| Crime prevention tips in entertainment and nightlife districts]]. Particularly of note is the **map of dangerous areas** on the second link, which includes areas of relative danger. Japan is a relatively safe place, but even in safe places, crime does occur. Pre-plan bars and nightlife activities to avoid danger. If you are approached or propositioned by a street hawker, politely decline and walk away. In areas like Akihabara, girls tend to advertise maid cafes and the like—and these have relatively low danger, but they are expensive and it’s best to plan these types of activities in-advance. | * From the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department: [[https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/safe_society/victim_of_crime/ninpo.html|Tips for protecting yourself from crime or other trouble]] and [[https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/safe_society/victim_of_crime/sakariba_topics.html| Crime prevention tips in entertainment and nightlife districts]]. Particularly of note is the **map of dangerous areas** on the second link, which includes areas of relative danger. Japan is a relatively safe place, but even in safe places, crime does occur. Pre-plan bars and nightlife activities to avoid danger. If you are approached or propositioned by a street hawker, politely decline and walk away. In areas like Akihabara, girls tend to advertise maid cafes and the like—and these have relatively low danger, but they are expensive and it’s best to plan these types of activities in-advance. |
| * **Pay attention to what is going on around you** and walk with intention. Normally I would not suggest this, but if you must go to Kabukicho or similar areas, put your headphones in and don't make eye contact with people who speak english, wear dark clothes, and want to talk to you. | * **Pay attention to what is going on around you** and walk with intention. Normally I would not suggest this, but if you must go to Kabukicho or similar areas, be cautious. Put your headphones in and don't make eye contact with people who speak english fluently and are wearing dark clothes. |
| * The train system stops operating at around midnight with a few exceptions for the New Year’s holiday. Many venues have their closing time aligned to the last train departure, but this assumes you only need to go on one line in one direction. Make sure to plan your return trip adequately. Taxis have a nighttime surcharge if you need them after the trains close for the night. | * The train system stops operating at around midnight with a few exceptions for the New Year’s holiday. Many venues have their closing time aligned to the last train departure, but this assumes you only need to go on one line in one direction. Make sure to plan your return trip adequately. Taxis have a nighttime surcharge if you need them after the trains close for the night. |
| * [[https://www3.apahotel.com/about/|APA Hotels]] are [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APA_Group_(Japan)#Controversy|controversial]] because [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toshio_Motoya|the president of APA Group]] denies the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanjing_Massacre|Rape of Nanjing]]. Though they are cheap, many choose not to stay at these hotels. If you think that you can ignore the controversy, there are often leaflets in each room. Many APA Hotels do not allow you to control the heating and air conditioning, and tend to be uncontrollable in both the summer and winter as a result. Some APA Hotels, like [[https://www3.apahotel.com/hotel/syutoken/tokyo/shinagawa-sengakuji-ekimae/|APA Hotel Shinagawa Sengakuji Ekimae]] do not allow you to open the windows too. | * [[https://www3.apahotel.com/about/|APA Hotels]] are [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APA_Group_(Japan)#Controversy|controversial]] because [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toshio_Motoya|the president of APA Group]] denies the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanjing_Massacre|Rape of Nanjing]]. Though they are cheap, many choose not to stay at these hotels. If you think that you can ignore the controversy, there are often leaflets in each room. Many APA Hotels do not allow you to control the heating and air conditioning, and tend to be uncontrollable in both the summer and winter as a result. Some APA Hotels, like [[https://www3.apahotel.com/hotel/syutoken/tokyo/shinagawa-sengakuji-ekimae/|APA Hotel Shinagawa Sengakuji Ekimae]] do not allow you to open the windows too. |
| * If you see an area map near your hotel, take a picture of it, especially if it includes evacuation location or emergency information. In Tokyo and areas close to the ocean or Sea of Japan, you should have a general idea of where you're staying relative to the water, in case of disaster. | * If you see an area map near your hotel, take a picture of it, especially if it includes evacuation location or emergency information. In Tokyo and areas close to the ocean or Sea of Japan, you should have a general idea of where you're staying relative to the water, in case of disaster. |
| * Eat food that you buy at the place you bought it from, or outside of a convenience store. Do not walk while eating food. | * Eat food that you buy at the place you bought it from, or outside of a convenience store. Do not walk while eating food. |
| * As one of my friends put it, it is "not the meta" to carry a reusable water bottle. You can use [[https://www.mymizu.co/home-en#app-en|my mizu]] to find places to refill your water bottle, but most people buy and recycle water from vending machines or convenience stores. | * You can use [[https://www.mymizu.co/home-en#app-en|my mizu]] to find places to refill your water bottle, but most people buy and recycle water from vending machines or convenience stores. |
| * Ignore the signs that say not to walk on escalators. The left side in Kanto/Tokyo is for standing, the right is for walking. **If every Japanese person is ignoring a rule**, you should ignore the rule. In Osaka, people usually walk on the right instead of the left and stand on the right on escalators. | * Ignore the signs that say not to walk on escalators. The left side in Kanto/Tokyo is for standing, the right is for walking. **If every Japanese person is ignoring a rule**, you should ignore the rule. In Osaka, people usually walk on the right instead of the left and stand on the right on escalators. |
| * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaywalking|Jaywalking]] is a notable contra to this, and similarly, seeing just a couple Japanese breaking the rules doesn't give you the right to. No country is perfect -- not even Japan. Even if 1-2 people jaywalk, you should not. //Break the rules only if it would be beneficial to everyone to do so. If it would be selfish to do so, do not break the rules.// | * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaywalking|Jaywalking]] is a notable contra to this, and similarly, seeing just a couple Japanese breaking the rules doesn't give you the right to. No country is perfect -- not even Japan. Even if 1-2 people jaywalk, you should not. //Break the rules only if it would be beneficial to everyone to do so. If it would be selfish to do so, do not break the rules.// |
| * Generally, just **pay attention** to what's going on around you. If everyone is being quiet, don't talk loudly or make a loud noise. Trains are usually quiet and packed because if people are being loud, it turns into a miserable situation for everybody. Japanese people line up for things. **You are in a foreign country and benefit from observing what others are doing**. The foreigners that report feeling uncomfortable usually have not followed this pattern. Even other foreigners in Japan will judge you if you're being obnoxious. | * Generally, just **pay attention** to what's going on around you. If everyone is being quiet, don't talk loudly or make a loud noise. Trains are usually quiet and packed because if people are being loud, it turns into a miserable situation for everybody. Japanese people line up for things. **You are in a foreign country and benefit from observing what others are doing**. The foreigners that report feeling uncomfortable usually have not followed this pattern. Even other foreigners in Japan will judge you if you're being obnoxious. |
| * [[https://atadistance.net/2020/05/04/what-to-say-at-checkout-in-japan-with-apple-pay/|Don’t say Apple Pay]] -- instead say "Visa Touch". Apple Pay from overseas iPhones does not even get detected by the terminals in Japan when in the "Apple Pay" mode. Japanese NFC payment standards -- iD, QuicPay, and Suica -- are the only ones recognized if the terminal is put into this mode. "Visa Touch" is the payment method of choice. | * [[https://atadistance.net/2020/05/04/what-to-say-at-checkout-in-japan-with-apple-pay/|Don’t say Apple Pay]] -- instead say "Visa Touch". Apple Pay from overseas iPhones does not even get detected by the terminals in Japan when in the "Apple Pay" mode. Japanese NFC payment standards -- iD, QuicPay, and Suica -- are the only ones recognized if the terminal is put into this mode. "Visa Touch" is the payment method of choice. |
| | * [[https://chargespot.jp/global/|ChargeSPOT]] operates a very good network of battery rental stations in Japan, particularly major metro areas. You do need the app installed and setup to rent though. I recommend avoiding the JUREN network, because you need to return your battery to the exact station you rented from. With ChargeSPOT, you can return a rental battery to any station on the network. This basically means every convenience store in Tokyo. |
| * Sunglasses are uncommon in Japan, and I don't advise wearing them unless necessary. Sunglasses obscure the eyes and generally speaking make people uncomfortable. Do not wear them indoors. | * Sunglasses are uncommon in Japan, and I don't advise wearing them unless necessary. Sunglasses obscure the eyes and generally speaking make people uncomfortable. Do not wear them indoors. |
| * Tattoos are not acceptable indoors at onsens (hot springs) unless covered, and there are usually still size restrictions on coverings. | * Tattoos are not acceptable indoors at onsens (hot springs) unless covered, and there are usually still size restrictions on coverings. |
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| * [[https://atadistance.net/apple-pay-suica/|Apple Pay Suica]] guide from [[https://atadistance.net/japan-type-bank/#about|Kanjo over at At A Distance]], and an accompanying [[https://atadistance.net/all-about-apple-pay-suica-recharge/|Apple Pay Suica Recharge Guide]]. If you have an iPhone, odds are you should be using Apple Pay Suica in Japan for transit instead of buying Welcome Suica/Suica IC cards. | * [[https://atadistance.net/apple-pay-suica/|Apple Pay Suica]] guide from [[https://atadistance.net/japan-type-bank/#about|Kanjo over at At A Distance]], and an accompanying [[https://atadistance.net/all-about-apple-pay-suica-recharge/|Apple Pay Suica Recharge Guide]]. If you have an iPhone, odds are you should be using Apple Pay Suica in Japan for transit instead of buying Welcome Suica/Suica IC cards. |
| | * [[https://atadistance.net/all-about-suica-app|All About Suica app]] covers using the Suica app when you have Mobile Suica on iPhone, including how to enable features like "Touch and Go! Shinkansen", low-fare balance audible alerts, your Suica number, etc. |
| * Patrick McKenzie's [[https://www.kalzumeus.com/japan-recommendations/|Japan Travel Recommendations]], which includes various suggestions for more fun travel things. | * Patrick McKenzie's [[https://www.kalzumeus.com/japan-recommendations/|Japan Travel Recommendations]], which includes various suggestions for more fun travel things. |
| * Do note that he mentions the [[https://japanrailpass.net/en/|Japan Rail Pass]] being more of a calculation these days. [[https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/|Japan Guide]] has a helpful calculator that will allow you to figure out if the Japan Rail Pass is actually economically worth it when in Japan. | * Do note that he mentions the [[https://japanrailpass.net/en/|Japan Rail Pass]] being more of a calculation these days. [[https://www.japan-guide.com/railpass/|Japan Guide]] has a helpful calculator that will allow you to figure out if the Japan Rail Pass is actually economically worth it when in Japan. [[https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/calculator/|NAVITIME Japan also has a convenient calculator]]. |
| * The Japan Rail Pass is also slightly more annoying to use than Suica or transportation IC cards in-general, because it's limited to JR lines, but IC cards work on private rail networks too (including Tokyo Disney's own on-island/park transit system). | * The Japan Rail Pass is also slightly more annoying to use than Suica or transportation IC cards in-general, because it's limited to JR lines, but IC cards work on private rail networks too (including Tokyo Disney's own on-island/park transit system). |
| * [[https://youtu.be/i_kYN7f8qUg|Unspoken rules not to break in Japan]] video from Abroad in Japan, which is also a great channel and reference. | * [[https://youtu.be/i_kYN7f8qUg|Unspoken rules not to break in Japan]] video from Abroad in Japan, which is also a great channel and reference. |
| | * [[https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/guide/NTJhowto0061-en/|How to use a taxi]] is a really good guide on taxi hailing in Japan, and in-particular, the symbols that are used to indicate availability. This is an article from NAVITIME, a popular mapping app in Japan, so it does have upsells to their service. However, it is still quite useful. |
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| ==== Advice on where to stay in Tokyo ==== | ==== Advice on where to stay in Tokyo ==== |
| ==== Can I get a bank account as a visitor? ==== | ==== Can I get a bank account as a visitor? ==== |
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| No. | No((It is a crime to sell or buy bank accounts in Japan. Only long-term residents can have real bank accounts, which means that they can accept and transfer money and do a lot of other things. You absolutely need a Residence Card for this. You cannot get a Residence Card if you have "temporary visitor" status, or the digital nomad visa. If you have a Residence Card, it must have at least 3 months remaining, for you to get a bank account.)). |
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| ==== Can I get a Japanese Visa/iD payment method as a visitor? ==== | ==== Can I get a Japanese Visa/iD payment method as a visitor? ==== |
| * [[https://en.tokyo-midtown.com/shop/1546/|Sakura Pharmacy Tokyo Midtown]] is great for OTC drugs, general pharmacy needs, and COVID-19 tests in English. However, there is a caveat: sometimes there is no English speaking staff available. If you're in or near Roppongi, it's worth a visit I guess if you need a pharmacy. I have not visited Tokyo Midtown Clinic, but they're in the same building, and they seem to advertise English speaking services. | * [[https://en.tokyo-midtown.com/shop/1546/|Sakura Pharmacy Tokyo Midtown]] is great for OTC drugs, general pharmacy needs, and COVID-19 tests in English. However, there is a caveat: sometimes there is no English speaking staff available. If you're in or near Roppongi, it's worth a visit I guess if you need a pharmacy. I have not visited Tokyo Midtown Clinic, but they're in the same building, and they seem to advertise English speaking services. |
| * I have never been to [[https://www.international-clinic.tokyo/message/|Tokyo Station International Clinic]] but they have upfront pricing and seemed to be geared towards tourists who do not have Japanese health insurance. I've heard they're expensive for routine care for residents, but maybe it's okay for a one-off visit for a non-resident. | * I have never been to [[https://www.international-clinic.tokyo/message/|Tokyo Station International Clinic]] but they have upfront pricing and seemed to be geared towards tourists who do not have Japanese health insurance. I've heard they're expensive for routine care for residents, but maybe it's okay for a one-off visit for a non-resident. |
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| | See also: [[https://tabunka.tokyo-tsunagari.or.jp/useful/guide_eng/disease/01.html|TIPS for Tokyo Life: Seeking Medical Attention]]. This is a really useful resource that describes the available medical systems in Japan and tips for using them. This site is geared towards foreign residents, but this particular page is also extremely useful for visitors experiencing medical emergencies. Also useful: [[https://tabunka.tokyo-tsunagari.or.jp/useful/guide_eng/disease/02.html|TIPS for Tokyo Life: Buying Medicine]]. |
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| | The [[https://www.hokeniryo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/iryo/iryo_hoken/medical_info_eng|Tokyo Metropolitan Government guide to medical care for tourists and foreign residents]] is also worth a read. |
| | ===== Topics for foreign residents of Japan ===== |
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| | This is a set of topics for foreign residents of Japan (i.e., people who have residence cards/在留カード) who are unfamiliar with some domestic systems and/or assorted residence-specific topics. |
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| | * [[cash card|What is a Cash Card / キャッシュカード?]] |
| | * [[advice coe holders|Advice for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) holders]] who are actively moving to Japan or in the process of moving, or have just moved. |
| | * I've put my advice related to administrative procedures, disaster preparedness, and other bureaucratic matters that are unrelated to tourism here. |
| | * [[pet bottle recycling|The specific recycling bin I use to store PET bottles ready for recycling before group collection day]] is, imho, a must-buy if you get a lot of PET bottles. |
