Japan's Ultimate City-by-City Adventure Guide

If you plan to visit multiple cities, a JR Pass can save you significant money. For example, a round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto already costs almost as much as a 7-day pass. However, if you're staying in one city, it may not be worth the investment.

Major cities have English signage in train stations and popular tourist areas. Many restaurants offer picture menus or plastic food displays. While learning basic phrases is helpful and appreciated, you can get by without speaking Japanese in tourist areas.

Wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath. No swimsuits are allowed - onsen bathing is done nude. Cover your modesty with the small towel provided when walking around, but don't put it in the bath water.

For most modern phones, an eSIM is the most convenient option. Purchase and install it before your trip for immediate connectivity upon arrival. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, pocket WiFi devices are widely available for rental and offer unlimited data for multiple devices. Traditional physical SIM cards are also available but require phone compatibility and manual installation.