Don’t Just Go to Japan. Go Right. –Part 1

GoFeisty! is here to fuel the bold, the bright, and the fearless with content that empowers, uplifts, and makes life more fun!
Today, we’re talking about Japan—a dream destination for many, especially with the weak yen making it extra attractive. As a Japan native, I’m here to share essential basics and respectful travel tips to help you start your journey off right.

Should You Get the JR Pass?

I used to buy the JR Pass every time I visited Japan—but no more. In 2023, prices shot up (7-day pass went from ¥29,650 to ¥50,000), and unless you’re hopping between cities on the Shinkansen constantly, it’s not the great deal it once was.
If you plan to stay in one region or enjoy a slower-paced trip, it might not be worth it. Also, JR Pass doesn’t cover Nozomi Shinkansen without a surcharge.

Still interested? Do your homework early. You can buy the JR Pass after arriving in Japan (within 28 days of arrival), but it’s more expensive.
🔗 Buy it online here

How to Book Shinkansen Without a JR Pass

Yes, foreign travelers can book bullet train tickets without a JR Pass!
Here are the best services available (with English support) that allow non-residents of Japan to book Shinkansen tickets easily online—no JR Pass needed.

1. SmartEX
・Covers Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen (Tokyo ⇄ Osaka ⇄ Hiroshima ⇄ Hakata)
・Supports foreign credit cards
・Book online or via app, in English
・Reserve Nozomi trains (the fastest type—not covered by JR Pass!)
・Use mobile ticket or pick up at the station
Best for: travelers going between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka who want speed and flexibility.

2. JR West Online Train Reservation
・Covers Sanyo and Hokuriku Shinkansen (Osaka ⇄ Kanazawa ⇄ Hakata)
・Supports foreign credit cards
・English, Chinese, Korean available
Great for western Japan trips

3. Eki-net (JR East)
・Covers Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen (JR East area)
・English interface available
・More registration steps, but fully usable for foreign tourists

You don’t need a JR Pass to ride Japan’s amazing bullet trains.
Just plan ahead, and ride like a pro.！

2. Must-Have: PASMO or SUICA IC Cards

PASMO and Suica are rechargeable smart cards that make traveling around Japan super simple. Tap in and out on trains, subways, and buses (No Shinkansen) —no ticket machines needed.

Learn about PASMO here!

Learn about SUICA here!

What’s the difference?
・PASMO is issued by private railway and subway companies (like Tokyo Metro, Keikyu, etc.)
・Suica is issued by JR East

So if you’re buying from a JR station: you will get Suica. From a Metro or private railway station: you will get PASMO.

There’s also a “Welcome Suica” with no deposit, good for 28 days only for visitors/
Learn about Welcome Suica here!

Apps & Apple Pay:
Want to skip the physical card? Use the PASMO or SUICA apps with Apple Pay! Great for topping up with your credit card, even while you’re still abroad and the exchange rate is good.

Learn about PASMO App here!
Learn about SUICA App here!

This is my PASMO App. It’s a total game-changer.
No need to carry cash. No need to  find a ticket machine. You can top it up in your own currency while the exchange rate is good—super handy. I will add some $$ now for my summer trip!

Both PASMO and Suica work across:
JR trains, subways, private railways
Buses
Convenience stores and vending machines
Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc.

What About Other IC Cards?

PASMO and Suica are the most well-known IC cards in the Tokyo area—but they’re not the only ones!
There are several regional IC cards across Japan, such as:
ICOCA (Kansai region – Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)
TOICA (Nagoya area)
Kitaca (Hokkaido)
SUGOCA (Fukuoka and Kyushu)
nimoca (Kyushu)
manaca (Nagoya area)
Hayakaken (Fukuoka)

Good news!: These cards are interoperable, meaning you can use most of them in the same places as PASMO and Suica—on trains, buses, vending machines, and convenience stores across major cities.

You don’t need to worry about choosing “the right one” for travel. Just get one that’s available where you arrive, and you’re set!

Just tap your IC card or smartphone here!

Once you land in Japan, your transportation is handled. Just book your flight and hotel—you’re good to go!

3. Be a Respectful Visitor

Japan is thrilled to welcome you—but so are millions of other tourists.
Over-tourism is real. In places like Kyoto, Kamakura, or Mount Fuji, there are just too many visitors, and locals’ daily lives are being affected.

Some residents can’t get on their own buses.
Others find their neighborhoods overcrowded and noisy.
And yes—littering and poor tourist behavior have become serious issues, too.

Let’s not be part of the problem.　It’s not just about snapping the perfect photo—it’s about leaving no trace behind. Let’s make sure we’re the kind of travelers Japan is happy to welcome back.

4. How to Talk to Locals Without Freaking Them Out

When I travel outside the English-speaking world, I always ask in the local language first. Even if the answer is “no,” speaking slowly and kindly in English usually gets me a friendly, helpful response.
Most Japanese people aren’t fluent in English—and they’re often shy about using it. But they’re also incredibly kind and helpful… if you show effort.

Try these simple Japanese phrases:

“Sumimasen（すいません）” (Excuse me / Sorry)

“Konnichiwa（こんにちは）” (Hello)

“Eigo wakarimasu ka?（えいご、わかりますか？）” (Do you understand English?)

Just trying to speak Japanese—even badly—shows respect.
Locals will open up if they see you’re making an effort.

That’s your essential prep list for traveling Japan right. There’s more to come, but start here—and travel with curiosity and good manners, and Let’s Go Feisty!