American Express Japan Travel Guide for a Stress Free Trip

Japan is a country that seamlessly blends traditional and modern culture, making it an exciting destination for travelers. With its unique customs and etiquette, it's essential to understand what to expect before your trip.

To ensure a stress-free trip, it's crucial to learn some basic Japanese phrases, such as "konnichiwa" (hello), "arigatou" (thank you), and "sumimasen" (excuse me). This will help you navigate everyday situations and interactions with locals.

Japan has a well-developed public transportation system, with efficient trains and buses connecting major cities and tourist attractions. The famous bullet train, known as the Shinkansen, is a convenient and scenic way to travel between cities.

Traveling to Japan during cherry blossom season (March-April) is a popular choice, but it's also the busiest time of the year. If you're looking for smaller crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season (April-May or September-November).

Travel Planning is a crucial part of any trip. American Express Japan Travel offers a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip.

Research is key when traveling to Japan, where the language and culture can be vastly different from what you're used to. Start by learning basic Japanese phrases and familiarizing yourself with the local customs.

The American Express Japan Travel guide recommends visiting Japan during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and comfortable. These periods are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Japan has a well-connected public transportation system, making it easy to get around. The Shinkansen bullet train is a convenient option for long-distance travel, with speeds reaching up to 320 kilometers per hour.

To make the most of your trip, consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo card, which can be used to ride buses, trains, and subways across Japan. These prepaid cards are widely accepted and can be easily refilled at convenience stores or train stations.

Accommodation options in Japan range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. The American Express Japan Travel guide recommends booking your hotel in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Japan is famous for its delicious cuisine, with popular dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura. Be sure to try some local specialties during your trip, and don't be afraid to try new things – you might discover a new favorite food!

Before you embark on your American Express Japan travel adventure, make sure to check the expiration date of your passport, as it should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Japan.

Japan requires a valid passport and a visa for some nationalities, so ensure you research the specific requirements for your country of citizenship.

Also, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as medical costs in Japan can be high.

Before you go, it's essential to know that credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, but the usage rate is relatively low compared to other developed nations and Western countries.

You can use your credit card in many places, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, but be prepared for some instances where cash is the only option.

In Japan, it's common for small shops, street vendors, and some restaurants to only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some local currency, the yen, on hand.

Many ATMs in Japan accept foreign cards, including credit cards, and can dispense cash in local currency.

Credit cards can't be used at some locations, such as vending machines, public transportation, and some convenience stores, so it's a good idea to have cash or a prepaid IC card for these situations.

If you find yourself in a situation where you don't have enough Japanese yen, don't worry, you can exchange your home currency for yen at foreign currency exchange spots.

Conversion rates and handling fees will differ at each currency exchange spot, so shop around to find the best deal.

Very few retailers accept currencies other than Japanese yen, so it's essential to have the right form of payment.

You can exchange your cash at a foreign currency exchange spot, and this will give you the Japanese yen you need.

Japan has a low credit card usage rate compared to the West, with 84% of people owning credit cards, but still a firmly rooted cash-based society.

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas like Tokyo and Osaka, but not as much in individual-owned stores in the suburbs and countryside.

You'll find that credit cards are accepted at almost all hotels, ryokan, hostels, and guest houses, and you can pay by card when making an advance reservation.

However, some lodging facilities only accept cash, so it's best to confirm beforehand whether they're cash-only if they ask for onsite payment.

While credit cards are becoming more common, it's still safer to bring cash along with your credit cards when traveling in Japan.

In fact, many places with entrance fees, such as Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and castles, only accept cash.

When booking a stay in Japan, it's essential to know the payment options. Credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, ryokan, hostels, and guest houses.

You'll typically pay by card when making an advance reservation, but it's always a good idea to confirm if the lodging facility accepts cash. Some places only accept cash, so it's best to ask upfront.

American Express is a popular credit card option in Japan, and it's widely accepted at most travel-related businesses. You can use it to book your accommodations and pay for other travel expenses.

Make sure to confirm the payment terms with your lodging facility before making your reservation, especially if they ask for onsite payment.

If you're planning a trip to Japan, you have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

You can find very tidy hostels in Japan, often in prime locations, and they're a good way to budget travel in the country. They're more expensive than hostels in South-East Asia, but still a great option for travelers on a tight budget.

For a more luxurious experience, consider booking a room at a hotel like the Andaz Tokyo, which offers king-size beds, panoramic views of the city, and a rooftop bar with stunning sunset views.

The average rate for a ryokan experience, which includes traditional Japanese hospitality and atmosphere, is JPY 20,000 per person per night, or around $200.

Andaz Tokyo is a luxurious hotel located in one of the tallest skyscrapers in the area.

You'll arrive on the 51st floor and be checked in from the lounge, not from behind a desk. This sets the tone for a more personalized and relaxed experience.

The hotel's king-size beds are a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise through the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. You can watch the sun rise while still in bed!

The AO Spa is a must-visit, where you can indulge in kombucha tea facials and other treatments. The spa's tea-infused cocktails are also worth trying.

Finish your day with a visit to the Rooftop Bar on the 52nd floor, which offers partly open-air seating and stunning views of Tokyo Bay during sunset.

If you're looking for a luxurious stay in Tokyo, consider the Andaz Tokyo, where you can check in from the lounge on the 51st floor of a skyscraper. You'll have access to a king-size bed, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, and a Rooftop Bar on the 52nd floor.

For a more budget-friendly option in Japan, you can stay in hostel dorms, which are super clean and often located in prime areas. They're a bit pricier than in some Southeast Asian countries, but still a great value.

Booking a private room or an independent hotel on Booking.com or Airbnb can be a more cost-effective option for groups of two or more. This way, you can offset the costs with rewards points from your credit card, such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* Card.

The Ryokan Experience is a unique and memorable accommodation option in Japan. You can find these traditional inns everywhere, especially around hot springs.

One of the best things about Ryokans is that you get much more than just a place to sleep. It's an immersive experience of traditional Japanese hospitality and atmosphere.

The cost of a Ryokan stay can vary greatly depending on the level of luxury and location, but you can expect to pay around JPY 20,000 per person per night, which is roughly $200.

Tatami rooms, futon beds, and onsen baths are all standard features of a Ryokan stay. You'll also get a kaiseki-like dinner brought to your room, which is a fine dining experience in itself.

Keep in mind that the kaiseki dinner alone can be worth the price of a Ryokan stay, especially when you consider that it's a standard price you can find in restaurants.