Michelle has just returned from her unforgettable walking holiday in Japan. Michelle travelled on our Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage adventure and enjoyed an unforgettable two weeks trekking and being immersed in Japanese culture. After soaking in the sights and fascinating culture of this incredible country, she’s here to help demystify your first visit. With years of adventuring and exploration under her belt, Michelle is sharing her top tips. From navigating the train system to understanding the local customs, these essential tips will help you make the most of your adventure in Japan!

Data connectivity! Having internet access to hand was such a boon. I used the powers of Google all the time for instant translations (sometimes with comical results, but you would get the gist of it) and for getting around – Google Maps was excellent for navigating the public transport system and for generally getting around.

Shop around for the best data deals. You might be able to purchase an international package with your mobile provider, or you might find a better deal with alternative options such as an eSIM (for compatible smartphones). You can also purchase a pre-paid SIM card on arrival. These are readily available from kiosks at the airport for you to slot into your phone – remember to check that your phone is not locked to your network provider.

It’s not as daunting as you might think.

On our Japan walking holidays – both guided and self-guided – we include a shared shuttle transfer on arrival which takes away any stress of “arrival shock” after a long journey and reeling with the effects of jet lag.

Japan has an incredible train network which makes getting around really quite straightforward. There are plenty of helpful station staff about, and with plenty of multi-lingual (Japanese and English) signage and announcements, the experience is made as smooth as possible.

As mentioned before, Google was an incredibly powerful tool for getting around, and with the efficiency and punctuality that the Japanese train network is famed for, I found this to be a reliable source of information and guidance.

Having an IC card (e.g. Suica or ICOCA) is super convenient. Similar to the Oyster card in London or the Octopus card in Hong Kong, this card can be pre-loaded with credit and used to pay for almost anything in Japan! Not only can this be used on the public transport system, but also for small purchases in shops, vending machines and coin lockers – essentially anywhere that has an IC card reader.

Loading up the card with credit, also known as charging the card, is really easy with charging machines available at train/subway stations and most convenience stores e.g Lawson, 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and a handy option to select English language instructions.

An IC card is supplied on our guided and self-guided tours.

Japanese bathing culture is developed from the ancient custom of “washing and purifying one’s body”, and bathing is revered as a relaxing way to end a day.

There is a strict order of events in all public baths and onsen (natural hot spring baths).

Leave your self-consciousness and your clothes behind at the changing rooms. This is the time to push beyond any bashfulness and get comfortable in your birthday suit.

The ritual always begins with a thorough wash.

Communal bathrooms have shower stations, with a low stool, where you are to scrub yourself squeaky clean before entering the shared baths.

When you enter the bath, your wash towel should not touch the water. You can fold this up and rest it on top of your head while you soak.

Typically there are baths of different temperatures – just like Goldilocks, find the bath with the temperature that suits you. Adding hot or cold water to adjust the temperature is a no-no.

Relaxing in the hot bath, you can enjoy the restorative effects and soothe your muscles, soaking away the fatigues and stresses of the day.

Once you are done with the bath, give your body a wipe down with your wash towel before exiting so you don’t drip water all over the changing room.

If you have any tattoos, please be respectful and cover these up with plasters when visiting public baths.

At ryokan and some hotels, you might initially be slightly surprised to see guests wandering about in uniformly-patterned robes. These are yukata – an informal cotton robe worn by both sexes, wrapped around the body and fastened with a sash (called an obi). Yukata are provided at all ryokan, and it is entirely normal to wear these in communal areas and to dinner, and even to sleep in.

The yukata is worn over your undergarments, and wrapped around the body with the left side over the right. (This is important, as wearing of the yukata with right side over left is reserved for the deceased.) The obi is then wrapped around your waist (lower on the hips for men) first front to back, and then to the front again, with the knot (or bow for women) tied on your right hip.

A traditional coat is also supplied for cooler weather, which is worn over the yukata.

Japan is a society where cash is king so it is a good idea to have a supply of cash with you, particularly when you visit more remote areas and smaller villages. ATMs are readily available at ubiquitously located convenience stores. However, in larger towns and cities, major credit cards are also accepted at many establishments.

Always a potentially awkward and culturally-sensitive subject.

You might be glad to know that tipping is not customary in Japan. In Japanese culture, good service is provided as standard for all service-related industries like hotels, taxis, restaurants and bars, and tips are not expected.

In some situations, for example for a tour guide or interpreter, tipping can be appreciated and a small gift would also be appropriate. Tips should be in clean bills in an envelope – cash envelopes with attractive designs are available locally, have a look in stationery shops, convenience stores or 100 Yen shops for these – and presented with both hands with a small bow.

A small considered gift from the heart, for example a token from your hometown, shows a personal touch in the expression of gratitude.

Michelle travelled on our guided Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and is also our product manager for our self-guided Rising Sun Japan Walking Explorer. She would be delighted to answer any questions you may have. You can email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her on +44 (0)17687 73966.