NorthWest WaJapan travel
The services and tips I'd point a friend to before their first trip.
Staying connected
An eSIM is the easiest way to have data from the moment you land. I'd suggest Airalo eSIM — set it up at home before you fly.
Tours & experiences
GetYourGuide
Food tours, day trips to Nikko or Mt. Fuji and more. Browse GetYourGuide
Viator
A wide choice of guided tours with flexible cancellation. Browse Viator
Klook
Great for Japan-specific attractions like teamLab and theme parks. Browse Klook
Rail passes & tickets
Shinkansen tickets, regional rail passes and airport transfers can all be booked ahead on Klook. Check whether a pass actually saves money for your route.
Where to stay
Agoda
Strong selection of Japanese business hotels and ryokan. Search Agoda
Booking.com
Easy to compare and often free cancellation. Search Booking.com
Travel insurance
Don't travel without it. SafetyWing offers flexible travel medical coverage.
Practical tips from my years there
- Plugs: Japan uses Type A (two flat pins, like Canada). Bring an adapter if you have a three-prong plug.
- Emergencies: 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance.
- Escalators: stand on the left in Tokyo, on the right in Osaka.
- Cash: carry some yen — smaller shops, shrines and rural areas may not take cards.
- Tax-free shopping (from Nov 1, 2026): you now pay tax at the till and get it back when you leave Japan. Keep purchases and receipts together, and arrive early to scan your passport at the airport tax-free kiosk before check-in.
Before you fly: plan your trip
Affiliate note: some links on these pages are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, NorthWest Wa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I'd suggest to a friend.