Japan Travel Tips: Food, Apps, and Money Hacks

Traveling to Japan is an incredible experience, but it can also feel overwhelming if it’s your first time. From figuring out trains to trying new foods, there’s a lot to plan for. I’ve put together some practical tips from my recent trip, plus a few food recommendations, apps, and money hacks that really made my visit smoother and more fun.

Japan is a food lover’s paradise. From Tokyo to Kyoto, the choices can be endless, but I’ve narrowed it down based on what my friends and I tried.

In Tokyo, here are a few must-try spots: Food in Tokyo Map. We explored local eateries, ramen shops, and sushi bars. One tip: don’t shy away from smaller, hole-in-the-wall restaurants—they often have the most authentic flavors.

In Kyoto, food is a mix of traditional Japanese cuisine and modern cafés: Food in Kyoto Map. Kyoto is famous for kaiseki (traditional multi-course meals), matcha desserts, and street food like yatsuhashi.

7/11 Recommendations – Yes, convenience stores in Japan are on another level! Some of my favorites include:

• Pork, ham, cheese, and lettuce salad – SO GOOD, perfect for a quick meal.

• Egg salad sandwich – a classic that never disappoints.

• Strawberry and cream sandwich – sweet and fresh, my go-to treat.

• Chicken, veggies, sweet potato salad – also SO GOOD.

• Coolish ice cream – soft serve in a squeezable pouch, perfect for dessert on the go.

Honestly, the 7/11 food alone is worth trying at least once. The quality and variety are amazing. 

Below are just some of my food snaps while in Japan, these little bites made exploring the cities even more fun!

Handling money in Japan is different from many countries, so here are some practical tips:

1. Coins are essential – Bring a coin purse or buy one there. You’ll need coins for vending machines, small purchases, and train tickets.

2. Cash – For our trip, exchanging around $400 worked well. ATMs are everywhere, but having cash is handy.

3. IC Card – Get a Suica or Pasmo card when you arrive. If you have an iPhone, you can sometimes set it up beforehand. We loaded ours with ¥20,000 per card. You’ll use it for trains, buses, and even some stores like 7/11.

4. Check for credit card acceptance – Not everywhere takes cards, so always ask before ordering if you’re not sure.

Japan’s train system is efficient but can look intimidating at first. Here’s what helped:

• Google Maps works great – Download offline maps for the areas you’ll visit so you can navigate even without Wi-Fi.

• Don’t stress about taxis – Sometimes, taking a taxi is worth it. Spending an hour on trains versus 15 minutes in a taxi is a no-brainer, especially if you’re tired or traveling with luggage.

• IC Card – Again, this is your best friend for transportation. No need to buy individual tickets each time, and it works in multiple cities.

Japan has a lot of apps that make traveling smoother. Here’s a list of what we found essential:

• Google Translate – A must-have for reading signs, menus, or communicating with locals.

• Go – Taxi App – Super easy to use for booking rides.

• Suica – Manage your IC card for trains, buses, and some purchases.

• Flush – Japan has public toilets everywhere, but this app helps you find them instantly.

• ecbo cloak – Perfect for finding luggage lockers when you want to explore hands-free.

• Payke – Scan product barcodes to translate ingredients and get store coupons.

• LUUP – Rent scooters or bikes for short trips around the city.

• Klook – Buy tickets to attractions like teamLAB and other experiences in advance.

• Bring your passport – It’s required for certain things, and it also lets you get tax-free prices at eligible stores. Note: the duty-free rules will change in 2026, so check before your trip.

• KitKats – Japan is famous for unique KitKat flavors. I tried the Mt. Fuji flavor (blueberry cheesecake) and loved it. Definitely worth sampling a few!

Japan can feel overwhelming at first, but with these tips, it’s much easier to enjoy. Having cash, using an IC card, downloading the right apps, and trying local foods makes a huge difference. Don’t overthink the train system—Google Maps works well, and taxis can save a lot of time. And for food lovers, don’t miss convenience stores or local specialty restaurants.

Traveling in Japan is about balance: plan enough so you don’t get lost, but also leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Whether it’s tasting a new KitKat flavor, riding a bike around a quiet Kyoto street, or finding a tucked-away ramen shop in Tokyo, these little moments make the trip unforgettable.

So pack your coin purse, load your IC card, download your apps, and get ready for an amazing adventure in Japan. If you’re already missing it as I do, you can read our Day 1–8 itinerary in Japan blogs here—they’re full of practical tips and food snaps to help you plan your own trip.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo