Step 04 of 4 — After leaving the airport

First 3 Hours

You're in Japan. Set up your IC card, learn the essentials, and settle in. More to do here than you might expect.

14 tasks7 required

General guidance only — entry requirements change frequently. Verify with official Japanese government sources before traveling.

— / 14

Set up Suica or ICOCA (IC card)Required

Present passport at hotel check-in (required by law)Required

Store heavy luggage in a coin locker if checking in early

Forward luggage to next hotel via Yamato (optional)

No tipping — anywhere, everRequired

Keep cash ready — many places are still cash-onlyRequired

How to use restaurant ticket machines (食券機)

Learn essential train etiquetteRequired

Stand on the correct escalator side

Master the convenience store — Japan's best-kept secret

Cashless payments: what works for foreign cards

Eat your first Japanese meal

Test Google Maps transit directionsRequired

Save emergency numbers in your phoneRequired