Local Japanese Holiday Tips, Here's How!

Visiting Japan has always been a top destination for tourists looking to travel abroad. Well, the end of this year is the perfect time to spend special moments before 2023 ends.

For beginners or first-time travelers to Japan, you need to know some important things that can help you enjoy Japan like a local. Check out and note these Japan travel tips below!

1. Choose the Right Season to Visit

When traveling to a country with four seasons, you really need to consider the timing of your visit. Besides being able to enjoy different atmospheres, you also need to decide what clothes and equipment to bring.

Well, there are 3 seasons that Ballers can choose from! Spring in March and April, when cherry blossoms bloom beautifully. Then there is autumn from September to November with cooler weather and reddish maple leaves adorning the trees. For tourists aiming for a snowy vacation, you can come from December to February during winter.

Meanwhile, for those who want to travel during summer, June is the right time to see hydrangeas. For the Japanese themselves, summer is not a popular season for tourism. Therefore, it is easier to find flights and accommodation at more affordable prices.

As a recommendation, in July and August, you can visit the Karuizawa mountains or Hokkaido in the north for cool natural attractions. Avoid traveling on Japanese holidays such as Golden Week (May 3-7) and Silver Week (Sept 16-18) because various tourist destinations are also crowded with locals.

2. Bring Cash

Although cashless payment methods are already popular in Japan, don't underestimate cash payments when traveling to Japan. You still need to bring cash if you want to buy street food. Some restaurants with ordering methods via vending machines also only accept cash payments.

However, if you run out of cash, Ballers can withdraw cash at ATMs available in department stores and convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.

3. Shop at Duty-Free Stores

Just like in Indonesia, which charges an 11% VAT for consumption tax, Japan also imposes a 10% consumption tax. Well, you can save money by shopping at these duty-free stores! Usually, there is a "Tax-Free Store" sign outside the store. You only need to spend a minimum of ¥5,000 before tax at the store in one day to enjoy the tax deduction. Make sure you only pay at the duty-free counter by showing your passport.

Duty-free shopping is now available at several stores, such as Uniqlo, Muji, ABC-Mart, Don Quijote (discount store), Matsumoto Kiyoshi (cosmetics store), and department stores like Daimaru and Takashimaya.

There are two categories of goods eligible for duty-free shopping in Japan: General Goods and Consumables. Make sure the goods purchased are for personal consumption only and taken out of Japan.

For consumables such as food, cosmetics, and alcohol, you need to spend between ¥5,000 and ¥500,000 before tax in one day. Then your purchases will be sealed in plastic bags that must be taken out of the country within 30 days. Avoid consuming or opening them while you are in Japan. However, if you shop in large quantities, you can ask the staff to pack them in smaller bags to fit in your luggage.

Additional tip for Ballers, compare prices before buying and look for tourist promos online too!

4. Make Restaurant Reservations Far in Advance

Not only do you need to reserve flight tickets and accommodation for your Japan trip, but you also need to reserve your desired restaurants far in advance.

Long queues at Japanese restaurants are normal, especially with tourists during certain seasons. By making reservations beforehand, you can avoid long queues and directly enjoy authentic Japanese dishes.

Most restaurants only accept reservations by phone. However, don't worry, Ballers! You can also ask your hotel for assistance in making reservations.

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5. Avoid Traveling by Train During Rush Hour

Important information to remember, Ballers! Rush hour in Japan is usually from 8 - 9:30 AM and 5:30 - 7:30 PM. To ensure your trip is safe, it's best to avoid these busy hours. If you're not aware of rush hour, you might find yourself squeezed in with Japanese commuters on their way to and from work.

6. Always Carry an Extra Bag for Trash

It's no secret that Japan is famous for its cleanliness. Unfortunately, there aren't many trash cans available in public restrooms or even malls. Therefore, as a rule-abiding tourist, it's best to always carry an extra bag to store your trash. You can dispose of it when you arrive at your hotel or when you find a trash can.

7. Download Navigation Apps

If you are a first-time traveler, getting around in Japan might be confusing. Not only due to language differences, but you might also find the complex city layout unfamiliar. To help you survive in Japan, you will need the assistance of several navigation apps.

• Japan Travel by Navitime

This app helps you find the best train and bus route recommendations. You can also select your JR Pass type to show options covered by your pass.

• Google Translate

Of course, you will need this app to overcome language differences. Not only that, but Google Translate can also translate digitally using the camera. This will greatly help you understand Japanese menus. Just scan the text you want to translate with your phone camera.

• Gurunavi

If you want to go on a culinary tour in Japan, this app should be on your phone. Gurunavi is a review app that can provide references to the best restaurants. From menu prices, credit card payment methods, maps, restaurant operating hours, directions, and phone numbers.

8. Use Suica/PASMO Card on iPhone

To access the navigation apps above, you'll need to use a Suica/PASMO card if you're an iPhone user. While you can buy a physical card, it's more practical to have a digital one to avoid the risk of losing it.

You must have this card if you want to use public transportation in Japan. Like e-money cards in Indonesia, Suica/PASMO cards make it easier for you to travel around Japan. Especially for iPhone users, Suica/PASMO cards can now be added to the Wallet app and topped up with Apple Pay.

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9. Ensure Your Luggage Size Complies with Regulations

For tourists, especially those planning to ride the Tokaido, Sanyo, or Kyushu Shinkansen, make sure your luggage size is no more than 160 cm (sum of length, width, and height), as the available luggage space usually accommodates cabin-sized luggage or no larger than 24”.

If your luggage is larger than 160 cm or exceeds the size of a 26” suitcase, it's advisable to make a reservation for a seat with a larger luggage area. These seats are usually located in the last row of some train cars.

Please note that if you violate this rule, you will be subject to a fine of ¥1,000. For items such as sports equipment and baby strollers that are larger than 160 cm, a reservation is also required if you wish to store them in a larger luggage area.

10. Try Food and Drinks from Konbini

Who isn't familiar with this convenience store? Konbini is a must-visit place when you are in Japan. At Konbini, you can try ready-to-eat food like onigiri and even desserts. For drinks, there's warm bottled milk tea, and konbini's signature coffee.

Not only food and drink menus, you can also find mobile phone SIM cards, ATMs, and other necessities. Complete, isn't it? That's why this place is where tourists look for souvenirs. In Konbini, you can also find Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven.

11. Stay Overnight at an Onsen Ryokan

It feels incomplete to visit Japan without experiencing an overnight stay at an Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. With just one night's stay, you can enjoy a rich culture with characteristic interiors. In fact, they have their own natural hot springs. For dinner, you will be served akaiseki, an elaborate meal. Usually, you will be served the best seasonal products in the area, such as wagyu beef, sashimi, and fruits and vegetables.

Those are 11 tips for a vacation in Japan like a local. Are there any tips you didn't know before? Hopefully, these tips help Ballers when exploring Japan!

Also, make sure your journey is smooth when exploring interesting places in Japan. For a 7-14 day trip, a 24-inch polycarbonate suitcase is suitable to bring when vacationing in Japan. Coupled with 360° German technology wheels that facilitate navigation on all surfaces, your vacation will be more peaceful and safe. Find out more Baller products and find your preferred suitcase now!