KNOW BEFORE YOU GO / USEFUL INFO

A Guide to Japan: FAQs | Train Pass | Paying in Japan | Train Manners | Combini | Meal Manners | Shrines & Temples

A Suica or Pasmo train IC card is a must need when you arrive in Japan. In Japan, especially major cities like Tokyo, you will be using the railroad and metro networks as your main mode of transportation. You could buy a one time train ticket, but that would be a hassle to calculate every time you get on the train. However, with a Pasmo or Suica card, you can simply charge money into the card and use it at any station. Just simply tap on the sensors at the ticketing gate and it calculates everything for you. It saves your precious time especially if you have a list of things to do in Tokyo Japan. You wont have an embarrassing gaijin or foreigner moment.

HOW TO ACQUIRE A SUICA CARD

Acquiring a Suica or Pasmo requires almost the same exact steps. You can get one at almost any station at a Suica or Pasmo machine. If you can’t find one, you can always ask a station staff member and they will make one for you.

When arriving in Japan, withdraw your money and get cash. All 7-Elevens have an international atm where you can use withdraw cash for a small international exchange fee (Usually around 200-300 Yen). While many places do take major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, etc.) there will be a lot of cases where cards will not be accepted. Many places like train stations, taxis/buses, and family owned/private restaurants will only take cash.

As part of your Tokyo tour, we believe that visiting a Combini or Convenience store is worth your time. If you need a drink, some quick food to grab or basic necessities like toiletries, batteries etc. then the Combini is where you should go. Most common chain stores are 7-eleven, Lawson, Family Mart and New Days. The food at Combini’s are delicious as well! The rice balls are always a favorite. Many Combini's even take Train IC cards for payment, so if you invested in one already, they can come in handy at Combini's.

Japan is a country built on etiquette’s and politeness. Before you go to Japan, make sure you know these simple phrases and meal manners. Click into each item for more information.

On one of your Tokyo tours with us, you will most likely be visiting Shrines and Temples. While our Tokyo guides will teach you about the proper etiquette’s and features of one, here’s a little cheat sheet of some basics before coming to Japan! Click into each item for more information.