Japan Pre-Departure FAQs
To help you feel fully prepared for your journey to Japan, we’ve put together this collection of frequently asked questions. It covers many of the common queries that arise in the weeks before travel and is designed to give you the confidence to explore with ease. Of course, if you still have questions after reading, you're very welcome to get in touch or schedule a call with your Destination Specialist.
Your Selective Asia Arrangements
What does the Meet & Greet include?
If your itinerary includes a Meet & Greet (listed on your Day 1 in Japan) you’ll be welcomed at the airport by an English-speaking assistant, who will accompany you to your hotel and provide all the essentials for your trip: train tickets, travel passes, vouchers and any additional documents.
Please note: Your pre-loaded IC card (to use on the metro) will be given to you on your first guided city tour day, not in your arrival pack or on any shared group tours.
What is the Self-guide App and how does it work?
The Self-guide App is your digital hub for travel in Japan – Andrew calls it the 'mothership'! It holds the most up-to-date version of your itinerary, including all your train bookings and activity details like start times, meeting points, and guide contact info. These aren't always repeated in your PDF or printed documents – it's all in the App.
You’ll also find curated destination content, handpicked restaurant suggestions, practical tips, and links to useful tools. It’s GPS-responsive, so really comes into its own once you're on the ground. You’ll receive access a couple of weeks before departure, giving you time to get familiar with it.
How do I use the data pack?
We include a portable data device so you can stay connected throughout your trip. It will be waiting at your first hotel with clear instructions and connects just like any Wi-Fi network – you can even link multiple devices (although this is limited).
There’s plenty of data for general browsing and using your Self-guide App on the move. We recommend saving big downloads for hotel Wi-Fi. At the end of your trip, pop the device into the prepaid envelope provided and drop it in any Japanese post box (there is one at the airport). It is very important you do not leave the country with it!
Will someone help me with station transfers?
Most station transfers in Japan are self-guided, meaning you won’t have a guide with you. But there’s no need to worry – our itineraries are specifically built to make these transfers straightforward. We choose stations that are close to your hotel, and you’ll have detailed step-by-step instructions to guide you.
Major stations have plenty of English signage, and station staff are usually happy to help. Plus, your Self-guide App is packed with support tools and directions to help you feel confident and capable on the move. Many of our travellers find navigating the system becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the trip.
If a metro or taxi ride is needed, these are straightforward and explained below.
Worried about luggage? That’s where Japan's excellent luggage forwarding system comes in. More on that in the Getting around Japan section below.
What travel passes will I be using?
Depending on your itinerary, your travel pack will include some or all of the following:
IC Card (SUICA or PASMO) – A rechargeable smart card used for trains, subways, buses and even small purchases in shops or vending machines (in applicable destinations)
Hakone Free Pass – Offers unlimited use of transport in the Hakone area, including trains, cable cars, boats and buses, plus discounts on attractions.
Hiroshima Tourist Pass – Includes unlimited travel on Hiroshima’s streetcars and the ferry to Miyajima.
All passes are provided on arrival and come pre-loaded with everything you need.
Getting Around Japan
What’s the difference between reserved and unreserved train seats in Japan?
We always reserve seats where possible in Japan as they guarantee you a specific seat on a particular train. This makes journeys especially smooth and comfortable, particularly if you're carrying luggage or travelling during busier times. If you miss your reserved train, you can usually board the next service and sit in the unreserved carriage instead.
Unreserved seats allow you to be more flexible with timings, but you’re not guaranteed a seat and may have to stand if it’s crowded.
Your carriage and seat numbers are shown on the train ticket as well as information on where to stand on the platform to board the train at the correct carriage.
How does Japan’s luggage forwarding system work?
Japan's luggage forwarding service is one of the country’s great travel secrets – smooth, fast and widely used. You’ll usually arrange it through your hotel by dropping your bags at reception the night before travel. They’ll arrive at your next hotel or chosen location 24-48 hours later (if in doubt, ask your current hotel’s front desk early in your stay so that you can be sure to get your bags to them in plenty of time for the next leg of the journey)
It’s reasonably priced, extremely reliable, and means you can travel light and stress-free. We think you’ll be amazed by how well it works.
Are there luggage lockers at train stations in Japan?
Yes. If your itinerary includes a day stop between destinations and you haven’t forwarded your luggage, most major stations have coin-operated lockers where you can safely store bags while you explore
How do I use Japan’s metro?
Japan’s metro systems are fast, efficient, and well-signposted in English. Using a prepaid IC card makes journeys simple – just tap in and out.
Maps can seem confusing at first, but transport apps and station staff are there to help. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be navigating like a pro!
Are buses easy to use in Japan?
Buses are particularly useful in cities like Kyoto, where train coverage is more limited. You usually board at the back and pay when you get off.
The easiest way to pay is with your IC card. If paying with cash, take a numbered ticket when you board and check the fare on the display screen at the front. Have the exact change ready, or use the change machine on the bus.
Day passes can be bought at major stations and are a good option if you're hopping on and off multiple times.
How do I use taxis in Japan?
Taxis are safe, clean, and easy to use. You can hail them at taxi ranks or on the street. Doors open automatically, and it’s usual to sit in the back unless the car is full.
Have your destination written in Japanese for clarity. You can use Google Translate to help with this – simply type or speak the name of your destination into the app, and it can display or even speak the Japanese translation aloud to your driver.
Tipping isn’t expected, and some drivers may insist on returning your change. Try to have small notes and coins on hand.
Local Tips & Experiences
Can I make restaurant reservations in advance?
Absolutely. Japan is packed with amazing places to eat, and you’ll find plenty of excellent options just by exploring. That said, if you have your heart set on a particular place or want to plan meals in advance, we recommend using Tabelog – Japan’s go-to restaurant review and booking platform. Their award listings are especially useful.
Your Self-guide App includes curated dining recommendations, and your guides will be happy to suggest more options along the way. Please note that we aren’t able to make bookings on your behalf, and we ask that if you make a reservation, you cancel promptly if your plans change – no-shows are becoming a growing concern in Japan.
What should I know about onsen etiquette?
Bathing in an onsen (hot spring) is a quintessential Japan experience. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s easy once you know the basics:
Onsen are mainly gender-separated.
You’ll bathe naked – no swimsuits allowed.
Tattoos can be an issue at some onsen, but attitudes are changing. Ask in advance or cover small tattoos with a plaster. Some onsen will provide plasters.
Bathers must wash thoroughly before entering the bath, typically in a dedicated pre-onsen area while seated on a stool.
Use your small towel for modesty while walking, but don’t put it in the water.
Give it a go – it’s wonderfully relaxing and uniquely Japanese.
Is language a problem in Japan, and what can I do to manage it?
Language can seem daunting, but in reality it’s rarely a major barrier. English is widely used on signage, public transport, and in hotels, especially in larger cities. People are often very helpful and used to communicating with travellers.
Google Translate is your best friend – it can scan text, translate signs and menus, or even speak out loud in Japanese during a conversation. It’s a great confidence booster when you need a little support.
Don’t worry – with a combination of friendly locals, smart apps, and a little preparation, you’ll be just fine.
Is tipping customary in Japan, where and when should I tip
Tipping in Japan is generally not customary and can even be seen as inappropriate in many situations. The culture emphasises hospitality as part of the service, so tips are neither expected nor encouraged in most cases. If you leave a tip in a restaurant, it is not unusual for the staff to return it to you in the street.
If you have any further questions or would prefer to talk things through, your Destination Specialist will be happy to arrange a pre-departure call.