15 Tips for First-Time Travellers to Japan
Discover the wonders of Japan, from the neon-lit energy of Tokyo to the ancient traditions of Kyoto and the culinary delights of Osaka. This guide covers essential arrival points, major cities, and iconic natural beauty, offering first-time visitors a comprehensive overview of this fascinating country.
Narita International Airport
Narita Airport is where visitors arriving in Japan can take advantage of luggage delivery services, purchase a data sim or WiFi router, and pick up their rail pass.
Tokyo
Tokyo is a diverse metropolis with many accommodation options, and visitors commonly travel from Narita Airport to explore Tokyo before riding the bullet train to Kyoto and Osaka.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a common destination for first-time visitors to Japan who travel by bullet train from Tokyo.
Osaka
Osaka is a common destination for first-time visitors to Japan who travel by bullet train from Tokyo.
Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station is a large and sometimes confusing station where travelers can purchase Ekiben before boarding the shinkansen to other cities.
Nippori Station
Nippori Station is one of the stations that the Keisei Skyliner provides a direct route to from Narita Airport.
Hakata
Hakata is a city where the SmartEx app can be used to tap through ticket gates at any shinkansen station between Tokyo and Hakata.
Kagoshima-Chuo Station
smartEX can also be used on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji can be seen from the Tokaido Shinkansen, especially from seat E (or seat D in Green Class).