Currency & Money

• Currency: Japanese Yen (¥ / JPY).

• ATMs: Reliable ATMs are easy to find in major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Sapporo) and convenience stores, especially 7-Eleven, which works well with most foreign cards.

• Cards vs cash: Credit cards and tap-to-pay (including Apple Pay) are widely accepted in cities and larger shops, but small restaurants, shrines, and rural areas may still be cash-only.

• Tipping: Japan has a no-tip culture; service charges are included, and tipping can be confusing. The main exception is small cash envelopes for ryokan attendants or optional tips for private guides/drivers.

Language

• Official language: Japanese.

• English use: English signage is standard in trains, subways, major attractions, and airports. In big cities, hotel staff and many restaurant workers have basic English; in more rural areas, you’ll rely more on gestures, maps, and translation apps.

• Family tip: Have kids learn a few words—arigato (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me/sorry), konnichiwa (hello). It’s fun, and locals really appreciate the effort.

When to Go

Japan is truly a year-round destination, but the feel of your trip changes a lot by season.

• Spring (March–May):

  • Late March–April = famous cherry blossom season in many regions, but also the most crowded and expensive time of year. Golden Week (late April–early May) brings heavy domestic travel and some closures.

  • Great for: blossoms, mild weather, first-time visitors (if you’re okay with crowds).

• Summer (June–August):

  • June brings heat and rainy season; July–August is hot, humid, and festival-packed (Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, fireworks, Obon). Mountains and northern areas (Hakone, Nagano, Hokkaido) are lovely for hiking and cooler temps.

• Autumn (September–November):

  • Comfortable temperatures, with spectacular fall foliage peaking in October–November, especially in Kyoto. Crowds increase again in November at popular leaf-viewing spots.

• Winter (December–February):

  • Cold and often clear in cities, with legendary powder snow for skiers in Hokkaido and northern Honshu; lower crowds and better hotel deals outside peak holiday periods.

Family sweet spots:

• Late May, October, and early November often balance pleasant weather, good scenery, and more manageable crowds.

Airports & Access

For most families, the easiest entry points are:

• Tokyo – Haneda (HND): Closest to central Tokyo; great for families wanting a short transfer after a long flight.

• Tokyo – Narita (NRT): More international long-haul options; fast train access (Narita Express) into Tokyo. ATMs and currency exchange are plentiful on arrival.

• Osaka – Kansai (KIX): Best for itineraries focused on Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and western Japan; serves as a natural exit airport for “Tokyo in / Osaka out” routes.

Open-jaw flights (into Tokyo, out of Osaka or vice-versa) save valuable family time by avoiding backtracking.

Getting Around

Trains & Shinkansen (Bullet Trains)

• The Shinkansen network is fast, punctual, and very family-friendly—assigned seats, clean restrooms, and plenty of snack options.

• Families can book Ordinary, Green (business), or Gran Class (first) seats, depending on budget and comfort preferences.

City transit & Suica

• Subways and local trains are the easiest way to move around Tokyo and other major cities.

• A Suica transit card (physical or loaded into Apple Wallet) lets you tap in/out on trains, buses, and even buy snacks at vending machines and convenience stores.

Private transfers & taxis

• For arrival days, late-night flights, or with younger kids + luggage, private airport transfers or taxis can be a sanity saver—especially Narita → Tokyo or KIX → Kyoto/Osaka.