Japan Travel Tips for
First-Time Visitors from
the USA & Australia

Japan is one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations — but it operates by its own rules. For first-time visitors from the USA and Australia, the differences can be surprising: a cash-first economy, a no-tipping culture, complex etiquette around shoes and onsen, and a transport system that is simultaneously brilliant and bewildering.

This guide covers the practical essentials that will make your Hokkaido trip smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful. Think of it as the briefing your travel agent forgot to give you.

Cash Is Still King in Japan

Despite Japan's reputation for technology, it remains a predominantly cash-based society. Many restaurants, smaller shops, rural attractions, and local transport still do not accept credit cards. This surprises almost every first-time visitor from the USA or Australia, where card payments are universal.

The solution is simple: withdraw cash as soon as you land. 7-Eleven ATMs and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards. Most other ATMs (including those at Japanese banks) do not accept foreign cards.

Do Not Tip — Ever

Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can actually cause offence. In restaurants, hotels, taxis, and tour services, the price you see is the price you pay — no service charge, no tip expected.

If you leave money on the table after a meal, staff will often chase you down the street to return it, assuming you forgot it. The concept of a service tip simply does not translate in Japan. The high standard of service you'll experience is considered a professional baseline, not something that requires additional reward.

Hokkaido's wide open landscapes are best explored at your own pace with a private driver.

Get a Suica or IC Card

A Suica card (or its Hokkaido equivalent, the Kitaca) is a rechargeable IC card that works like a transit card for trains, buses, and subways across Japan. More importantly, it can also be used to pay at convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants.

Pick one up at any JR station upon arrival. Load it with ¥3,000–5,000 to start. You can now add Suica to Apple Wallet or Google Pay before you leave home, which is even more convenient.

Shoes Off — The Indoor Rule

Japan has a strict indoor/outdoor shoe distinction. You will be expected to remove your shoes when entering traditional restaurants (those with tatami seating), ryokan (traditional inns), many temples, and some private homes.

The rule is simple: if there's a step up at the entrance and a row of slippers, take your shoes off and leave them at the entrance. Slippers will be provided. There are also special toilet slippers in bathrooms — remember to swap back when you leave the bathroom (forgetting is a common and embarrassing mistake).

Practical tip: wear shoes that slip on and off easily, and make sure your socks are presentable. Wearing socks with holes is considered embarrassing in Japan.

Onsen Etiquette: What You Need to Know

Hokkaido is famous for its onsen (hot spring baths), and visiting one is a highlight of any trip. However, onsen have strict rules that differ significantly from Western spa culture.

Internet & Communication

Staying connected in Japan is easy and affordable. The two main options are a pocket Wi-Fi device (rented at the airport) or a Japan SIM card. Both provide fast, reliable data coverage across Hokkaido, including most rural areas.

Google Translate's camera feature (point your phone at Japanese text to see an instant translation) is invaluable for menus and signs. Download the Japanese language pack for offline use before you leave home.

Sapporo's winter illuminations make the city magical after dark — a highlight of any Hokkaido visit.

Language: More English Than You Think

English proficiency varies widely in Hokkaido. In Sapporo and major tourist areas (Niseko, Otaru), you'll find English menus, English-speaking staff, and English signage. In rural areas and smaller towns, English is much rarer.

Key phrases to learn: "Sumimasen" (excuse me / sorry), "Arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you very much), "Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?" (Do you speak English?), and "Kore wo kudasai" (I'll have this one — useful for pointing at menus).

Japanese people are generally very helpful and will go out of their way to assist confused tourists, even with limited shared language. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Safety & Emergency Information

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare, and lost property is routinely handed in to police. That said, there are a few things to be aware of:

Frequently Asked Questions