🇯🇵 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:
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Police (Kōban): Dial 110
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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):
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Australia: 2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku | 📞 +81 3 5232 4111
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USA: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku | 📞 +81 3 3224 5000
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UK: No. 1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku | 📞 +81 3 5211 1100
02. 🚅 Transport & Travel Essentials
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Book long-distance trains using:
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The SmartEX App (for Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu lines)
🔸 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:
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Google Maps – Navigate Japan’s streets and public transport with live updates.
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NAVITIME Japan Travel – Japan-specific app with offline maps, Wi-Fi finders, route planning, and travel guides.
05. 💴 Money Matters
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Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
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Cash is essential in rural areas.
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Use 7-Eleven ATMs — they accept most foreign cards.
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Urban Japan is increasingly card-friendly (especially with IC payments like Suica).
06. 🎎 Cultural Etiquette
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Shoes off indoors (especially homes and ryokan)
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No phone calls on public transport
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Bowing is a common, respectful greeting
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Tipping is not required — and can even be considered rude
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Trash bins are rare — carry your rubbish until you find one
07. 🏨 Accommodation Tips
Book early during peak seasons:
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Cherry Blossoms: March–April
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Autumn Leaves: October–November
Popular options:
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Business hotels – Budget-friendly and clean
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Ryokan – Traditional Japanese inns
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Capsule hotels – Unique and cost-effective
08. ✨ Bonus Tips
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Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are lifesavers
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High-tech toilets usually have an “English” button
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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)
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Dates: June 7–17, 2025
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Location: Hie Shrine, Tokyo
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Highlights: One of Tokyo's three major Shinto festivals, featuring a grand procession through central Tokyo on even-numbered years.
💃 Yosakoi Soran Festival (Sapporo)
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Dates: June 4–8, 2025
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Location: Odori Park, Sapporo
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Highlights: A dynamic dance festival combining traditional yosakoi dance with modern music, attracting teams from across Japan.
🎭 Torigoe Matsuri (Tokyo)
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Dates: Early June 2025
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Location: Torigoe Shrine, Tokyo
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Highlights: Known for its energetic mikoshi (portable shrine) parades and traditional music performances.
🐎 Chagu Chagu Umakko (Iwate)
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Date: June 14, 2025
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Location: Morioka, Iwate Prefecture
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Highlights: A unique parade featuring elaborately decorated horses, celebrating the region's equestrian culture.
🌾 Sumiyoshi Taisha Rice Planting Festival (Osaka)
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Date: June 14, 2025
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Location: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka
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Highlights: A traditional ceremony praying for a good harvest, featuring rice planting rituals and performances.
🌺 Bunkyō Hydrangea Festival (Tokyo)
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Dates: Throughout June 2025
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Location: Hakusan Shrine, Tokyo
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Highlights: Over 3,000 hydrangea plants in bloom, with weekend events including tea ceremonies and music performances.
🏯 Osaka Castle Yagura Turret Openings
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Dates: June 2025 (specific dates TBA)
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Location: Osaka Castle, Osaka
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Highlights: Rare opportunity to explore the historic turrets of Osaka Castle, offering insights into its architectural significance.
🎆 Firefly Viewing Festivals (Various Locations)
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Dates: Mid to Late June 2025
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Locations: Nationwide, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and rural areas
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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.
