May 14, 2025 0 Verity Colquhoun

🇯🇵 Your Japan Starter Pack: Everything You Need Before You Land

Planning a trip to Japan? Whether it's your first time or your tenth, this Japan Travel Starter Pack is your go-to guide for stress-free travel. We’ve pulled together all the essentials: how to ride the Shinkansen, get around with IC cards, handle local etiquette, access must-have apps, and more — all in one place.

01. 🆘 Emergency Information

Save these numbers:

Police (Kōban): Dial 110
Ambulance/Fire: Dial 119

Japan Visitor Hotline:
📞 +81-50-3816-2787 — 24/7 English-speaking help for emergencies, lost passports, or basic questions.

Embassy Info (Tokyo):

Australia: 2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku | 📞 +81 3 5232 4111
USA: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku | 📞 +81 3 3224 5000
UK: No. 1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku | 📞 +81 3 5211 1100

02. 🚅 Transport & Travel Essentials

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Book long-distance trains using:

The SmartEX App (for Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu lines)
The JR Central Online Booking Portal

🔸 Choose reserved or non-reserved seats.
🔸 IC cards like Suica and Pasmo can’t be used for Shinkansen travel.

03. 📲 Welcome Suica Mobile App (Transport & Shopping)

Easily access a virtual Suica card on your phone — perfect for transit and shopping across Japan.

✅ Available on Apple Wallet and compatible Android devices
✅ Top up with Apple Pay
✅ Use it on subways, trains, vending machines, and even konbini

04. 📱 Essential Apps for eSIM Users in Japan

Having data via eSIM is a huge advantage — here are must-have apps to get the most out of it:

Google Maps – Navigate Japan’s streets and public transport with live updates.
NAVITIME Japan Travel – Japan-specific app with offline maps, Wi-Fi finders, route planning, and travel guides.

05. 💴 Money Matters

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Cash is essential in rural areas.
Use 7-Eleven ATMs — they accept most foreign cards.
Urban Japan is increasingly card-friendly (especially with IC payments like Suica).

06. 🎎 Cultural Etiquette

Shoes off indoors (especially homes and ryokan)
No phone calls on public transport
Bowing is a common, respectful greeting
Tipping is not required — and can even be considered rude
Trash bins are rare — carry your rubbish until you find one

07. 🏨 Accommodation Tips

Book early during peak seasons:

Cherry Blossoms: March–April
Autumn Leaves: October–November

Popular options:

Business hotels – Budget-friendly and clean
Ryokan – Traditional Japanese inns
Capsule hotels – Unique and cost-effective

08. ✨ Bonus Tips

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are lifesavers
High-tech toilets usually have an “English” button
Wi-Fi is limited, but your eSIM keeps you covered

🎉 What's On in Japan – June 2025

June in Japan marks the beginning of summer, bringing a vibrant array of festivals and events. Here's a selection of notable happenings:

🌸 Sannō Matsuri (Tokyo)

Dates: June 7–17, 2025
Location: Hie Shrine, Tokyo
Highlights: One of Tokyo's three major Shinto festivals, featuring a grand procession through central Tokyo on even-numbered years.

💃 Yosakoi Soran Festival (Sapporo)

Dates: June 4–8, 2025
Location: Odori Park, Sapporo
Highlights: A dynamic dance festival combining traditional yosakoi dance with modern music, attracting teams from across Japan.

🎭 Torigoe Matsuri (Tokyo)

Dates: Early June 2025
Location: Torigoe Shrine, Tokyo
Highlights: Known for its energetic mikoshi (portable shrine) parades and traditional music performances.

🐎 Chagu Chagu Umakko (Iwate)

Date: June 14, 2025
Location: Morioka, Iwate Prefecture
Highlights: A unique parade featuring elaborately decorated horses, celebrating the region's equestrian culture.

🌾 Sumiyoshi Taisha Rice Planting Festival (Osaka)

Date: June 14, 2025
Location: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka
Highlights: A traditional ceremony praying for a good harvest, featuring rice planting rituals and performances.

🌺 Bunkyō Hydrangea Festival (Tokyo)

Dates: Throughout June 2025
Location: Hakusan Shrine, Tokyo
Highlights: Over 3,000 hydrangea plants in bloom, with weekend events including tea ceremonies and music performances.

🏯 Osaka Castle Yagura Turret Openings

Dates: June 2025 (specific dates TBA)
Location: Osaka Castle, Osaka
Highlights: Rare opportunity to explore the historic turrets of Osaka Castle, offering insights into its architectural significance.

🎆 Firefly Viewing Festivals (Various Locations)

Dates: Mid to Late June 2025
Locations: Nationwide, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and rural areas
Highlights: Evening events celebrating the fleeting beauty of fireflies, often accompanied by food stalls and traditional music.

Tip: June is the start of Japan's rainy season (tsuyu), so pack an umbrella or raincoat. Despite the showers, the lush greenery and vibrant festivals make it a delightful time to visit.