Travelling in Japan: A Practical, Inspiring Guide for Modern Explorers
Japan is where ancient shrines meet futuristic skylines, where bullet trains glide past snow-capped peaks, and where order, art, and innovation live side-by-side. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Japan will both challenge and reward you. But it’s also a destination where staying connected is essential — from navigating complex transport systems to translating restaurant menus. In this guide, we’ll show you how to explore Japan with confidence, cultural fluency, and the seamless support of a Runway eSIM.
Regions to Explore Beyond the Obvious
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka often steal the spotlight — and rightly so. But Japan is a patchwork of fascinating regions, each offering a different experience:
- Kanazawa: Samurai houses, gold-leaf art, and one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
- Kumano Kodo: Sacred pilgrimage trails through forested mountains.
- Naoshima: Japan’s premier art island, filled with outdoor installations and museums.
- Hokkaido: Fresh seafood, wild landscapes, and top-notch skiing in winter.
- Okinawa: Tropical beaches and a culture distinct from mainland Japan.
Having mobile data on demand means you can go further — using real-time maps, language help, and bookings as you go.
Mastering Public Transport
Japan’s rail system is famously efficient but can feel intimidating. Here’s how to make it work for you:
- Japan Rail Pass: Ideal for long-distance travel, but check if it suits your route.
- IC Cards: Suica or Pasmo cards work across metro, buses, and some convenience stores.
- Hyperdia or Google Maps: Indispensable for train times, transfers and platform info.
- Quiet zones: Avoid phone calls and loud conversations while on trains.
With a Runway eSIM, you’re never cut off — perfect for navigating transfers or adjusting plans in real-time.
What to Eat (and How to Order It)
Japan is one of the world’s most food-obsessed nations. But many local restaurants don’t have English menus or websites:
- Ramen: Regional styles abound — try miso in Sapporo, shoyu in Tokyo.
- Kaiseki: Multi-course haute cuisine, often served in ryokans.
- Izakaya: Japanese gastropubs where small plates and drinks flow freely.
- Convenience store fare: Surprisingly delicious and cheap — perfect for travellers.
Use your eSIM to translate menus, search reviews on Tabelog, or follow food bloggers for hidden gems.
Connectivity in Japan
Public Wi-Fi in Japan is still patchy and often requires local logins or registrations. That’s why a Runway eSIM is the smart traveller’s choice:
- Immediate mobile data on arrival
- Cheaper data abroad than most traditional network providers
- Consistent coverage across cities, vineyards, villages and ski slopes
- Flexible plans that suit short getaways or longer European adventures
Whether you’re following Google Maps in Kyoto’s alleyways or translating museum signage in Nara, a Runway eSIM makes it all frictionless.
Cultural Pointers to Travel Thoughtfully
- Don’t tip: It’s not customary and can even be seen as rude.
- Shoes off indoors: Especially in homes, temples, and some restaurants.
- Queue politely: You’ll notice orderly lines for everything — follow suit.
- Learn greetings: “Konnichiwa” (hello), “Arigatou” (thank you), and a bow go a long way.
- Cash is still common: Many restaurants and small shops don’t accept cards.
Experiences Worth Building Around
Japan is not just about seeing — it’s about doing. Consider:
- Staying in a ryokan: Traditional inns with tatami mats and hot baths.
- Onsen bathing: Natural hot springs, often in scenic mountain areas.
- Hanami: Cherry blossom viewing in spring (book ahead!)
- Sumo tournament: Held in Tokyo, Osaka and other cities across the year.
- Ghibli Museum: A must for animation fans — tickets must be booked in advance.
Mobile access is crucial for making reservations, navigating rules, and seizing last-minute opportunities.
What to Pack for Japan
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk — a lot.
- Power adaptor: Japan uses type A/B plugs and 100V electricity.
- Portable charger: Your phone will work overtime here.
- Daypack: Many cities have coin lockers for luggage.
- Offline backups: Save digital tickets, hotel names, and addresses.
Tech Tips
- Camera-ready spots: Fushimi Inari, TeamLab Borderless, Mount Fuji.
- Tripod etiquette: Often frowned upon in busy or sacred areas.
- Drone use: Heavily restricted — check local rules before flying.
- Editing apps: Try Lightroom Mobile or VSCO to enhance your shots.
- Cloud backup: Use your eSIM’s data to automatically back up photos while you travel.
Japan is orderly, elegant, and full of subtlety. To explore it well, you need the freedom to move, adapt, and discover at your own pace — which is where a Runway eSIM really shines.
Travel smarter, stay connected, and unlock the layers of Japan with every step.
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