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20 Essential Things To Know Before travel to Japan On Solo Trip

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travelling to japan

Japan is a fascinating country filled with unique attractions and incredible experiences, delicious food, and rich culture, especially for those travel to Japan. But it comes with its own set of challenges. Remember to stay hydrated while travel to Japan: Carry a water bottle to enjoy your adventures comfortably. However, for first-time visitors travel to Japan, navigating the transport options and busy stations can feel overwhelming.

We learned a lot of valuable lessons. If you’re planning a trip, there are a few essential things to keep in mind to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Don’t rush your traveling to Japan: Enjoy each moment and take plenty of photos. Here’s a rundown of the top 20 things you should know before traveling to Japan.

While travel to Japan Respect local customs and traditions. Understanding the cultural nuances will enhance your experience while traveling to Japan.

Travel to Japan: Key Takeaways

  • Best Times to Visit: Cherry blossom season (March-May) and autumn (October-December).
  • Utilize luggage delivery: services at Narita Airport.
  • Stay Connected: Get connected with a data eSIM or WiFi router.
  • Language: English is common in cities, but learning basic Japanese phrases helps.
  • Accommodation: Choose locations near train stations for convenience.
  • Cash is still king in Japan: always have some on hand.
  • Gatting the Around Japan: Use a SUICA card for local transport.
  • Activities Advice: Book activities in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Tipping: Not expected or required in Japan.
  • Travel to Japan: Be open to new experiences and embrace the culture.
  • Assist during your traveling to Japan: Use translation apps to bridge language gaps.

1.When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan?

The best time travel to Japan really depends on what you want to see. If you’re keen on cherry blossoms, plan your trip between mid-March and early April. For autumn leaves, November is the month to aim for. However, these timings can vary yearly due to weather conditions.

  • Spring: Cherry blossoms (mid-March to early April)
  • Autumn: Fall foliage (November)
  • Winter: Skiing (December to February)
  • Summer: Hot and humid (July to September)

Avoid:

  • Golden Week (early May): One of Japan’s busiest travel periods
  • Rainy season (mid-June to early July): Unpredictable showers

Avoid travel to japan during Golden Week in early May, as it’s a peak holiday time, and many places will be crowded and expensive. Also, consider the rainy season from mid-June to early July, which can bring unpredictable weather. Must to do when Traveling to Japan Visit shrines and temples to appreciate the culture.

2.Take Advantage of Luggage Delivery Services

When you arrive at Narita Airport, consider using the luggage delivery services. These services allow you to send your bags to your hotel or other destinations across Japan. Just fill out the delivery form, and you can travel to Japan without the hassle of heavy luggage. It’s a great way to start your trip stress-free.

3.Make Sure You Have an eSIM and Pocket Wifi

Staying connected is crucial when traveling. At the airport, you can find shops that offer data SIM cards or portable WiFi routers. This is especially handy if you’re traveling in a group. You can even book these online in advance and pick them up upon arrival. We recommend using aloSIM for a hassle-free experience

4.Store Luggage at Stations or Lockers

When you arrive at your destination, you can use luggage storage services at major train stations. If you didn’t use the delivery service from Narita, this is a good time to send your bags to your hotel or store them in a coin locker.

5.Language Barrier

Getting around Japan with limited Japanese is manageable, especially in big cities where English signage is common. However, in rural areas, English may be less prevalent. It’s a good idea to have a translation app handy and learn a few basic phrases:

  • Hello: こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
  • Thank you: ありがとう (Arigatou)
  • Excuse me: すみません (Sumimasen)

6.Where to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo has something for everyone:

Ryokan: Experience traditional Japanese hospitality

Ryokan can be called a traditional legacy hotel. It is like the old times of Japan. Every visitor will feel like a king there. Japanese clothes are also provided there. If you are coming here from outside, it will be a new experience, every small part of which will make you enjoy and experience something new.

Hotels: Easy and reliable

Airbnbs: Great for longer stays

Pro Tip: Book near train stations for maximum convenience. Prices range widely, so plan according to your budget and travel goals.

Tokyo offers a wide range of accommodation options. You have various choices for where to stay:

there’s something for every budget. Consider what type of experience you want when choosing where to stay.

7.Do You Need Cash in Japan?

Cash

Yes, you do! While some places accept cards, many restaurants and small shops only take cash. We recommend withdrawing around $200-$300 upon arrival. Use ATMs at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which often have no withdrawal fees. There are parking places required change to make the payment at all places where the parking is chargeable.

8.Buy Shinkansen Tickets via Smartphone App

To save time, use the SmartEx app to purchase your shinkansen tickets. It’s user-friendly and available in English. Just follow these steps:

  1. Buy an IC card (like SUICA).
  2. Install the SmartEx app.
  3. Register your credit card.
  4. Connect your IC card to the app.
  5. Book your shinkansen tickets.

9.Storing Bags and Luggage on the Shinkansen

Worried about where to put your luggage on the shinkansen? There are designated spaces for larger bags and overhead shelves for smaller items. This makes traveling with luggage much easier.

10.Using the Toilets on Shinkansen and in Train Stations

Japan is known for its cleanliness, and this extends to restrooms on trains and in stations. You’ll find clean toilets on the shinkansen, so you don’t have to worry about finding one before boarding

11.Know How to Access Your Money

When you land, you can exchange currency at the airport. After that, many convenience stores and banks have ATMs that accept international cards. Post offices and 7/11s are reliable options for withdrawing cash.

These tips should help you navigate your first trip to Japan with ease. For more information, check out travel guides or forums to get the latest updates and advice. Happy travels!

12.Getting Around Japan

Japan’s public transport is top-notch. Here are some tips:

  • IC Card: Get a digital IC card for easy travel on trains and buses.
  • Google Maps: Use it for navigation; it’s very reliable.
  • Shinkansen: Don’t miss riding the bullet train at least once!

Get yourself a SUICA card as soon as you arrive. We opted for the Welcome SUICA, which lasts 30 days. You can use it for trains, buses, and even at convenience stores. If you have an iPhone, consider downloading the digital version to avoid losing your card.

13.Tips for Taking the Shinkansen

  • Arrive Early: Tokyo Station is massive and can be overwhelming. We recommend arriving at least two hours early to find your gate and buy an Ekiben (a bento box for the train).
  • Book Oversized Luggage Seats: If you have large bags, make sure to book seats that accommodate them. We learned this the hard way when our luggage was in the wrong spot on the train.

14.Should You Buy a JR Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass used to be a great deal, but prices have increased significantly. For most travelers, it’s often cheaper to buy individual tickets, especially for the Tokyo-Kyoto route. Consider a JR Pass only if you plan to travel extensively across Japan.

15.Book Activities Well in Advance

We made the mistake of not booking activities ahead of time, especially for popular spots like Shibuya Sky. If you want to experience the best views or activities, book them in advance to avoid disappointment.

16.Japan Is Expensive

Expect to spend between $100-$200 per day, depending on your location. Tokyo and Kyoto are pricier than Osaka. For accommodation, budget around $70-$140 per night. Food can be affordable if you eat at convenience stores or local eateries.

17.Convenience Stores Are Amazing

Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart offer a wide variety of delicious food options. We often had breakfast, lunch, and dinner from these stores and were never disappointed. The quality is top-notch!

18.Japanese Vending Machines

Japan has a unique vending machine culture. You can find machines that serve everything from drinks to hot meals. Make sure to explore and try some of the more unusual offerings, like cake in a can or freshly prepared ramen. Traveling to Japan then Try local street food for an authentic experience before trying to vending machines for food.

19.No Public Trash Cans

You’ll notice a lack of public trash cans in Japan. This means you’ll need to carry your trash with you until you find a place to dispose of it, like a convenience store. Japan is incredibly clean, so this is part of their effort to maintain cleanliness.

20.Tiny Restaurants and Ordering Machines

Before Travel to Japan Learn about local etiquette when dining out. Many restaurants in Japan are small and have limited seating. Some use vending machines for ordering food. You’ll need to select your meal, pay, and then hand the ticket to the staff. It’s a unique experience! If you are looking for such food items then the best option for you can be Family Mart where you will get food items easily.

Travel to Japan is unlike any other country—polite, peaceful, punctual, and packed with surprises. By following these 20 tips, you’ll navigate the culture, transport, and everyday challenges like a pro.

Ready for your Japan trip? Bookmark this guide, pack your bags, and dive into one of the most unforgettable travel adventures of your life.

Arigatou gozaimasu & happy travels!

As you prepare for traveling to Japan, consider these important tips to maximize your enjoyment and minimize any stress.

Travel to Japan offers a blend of traditional and modern experiences, making it a unique destination for travelers worldwide.

If you like to travel to Wildlife sanctuary.

Mysteries of Gorilla Trekking in Congo: 3 Unforgettable Hours with Gorillas, Less Crowd but Risky Travel

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Banner image showing a dense green African jungle with a solo trekker wearing a backpack observing a family of gorillas, including adults and babies, interacting peacefully. Bold green text reads: “Mysteries of Gorilla Trekking in Congo: 3 Unforgettable Hours with Gorillas, Less Crowd but Risky Travel!” Subtext in yellow italics says: “Continent of Africa.”

Gorilla Trekking in the Heart of Africa: Welcome to DRC

What country am I in right now?

  • Republic of Congo  
  • Central African Republic  
  • South Sudan  
  • Uganda  
  • Rwanda  
  • Burundi  
  • Tanzania  
  • Zambia  
  • Angola

Table of Contents

What was my travel motivation?

Our motive was to reach Kahuzi National Park in DRC and track the gorillas there.  Hopefully, we entered Rwanda after crossing the border on time and then came back to DRC from Rwanda, as we had to go again in the jungle for gorilla tracking.

Why was road travel so frustrating?

I have never seen such bad roads in any country in Africa or even outside Africa.

  • The roads are broken
  • There is a terrible traffic jam
  • People block the roads to ask for money
  • Vulnerable people are thrown out on the keel of plywood on the roads
  • Stop the car, give money – this has become common

When my phone was about to be snatched!

A boy came from here, he almost put his hand in and took away my phone. I was saved just when I was taking it out.

People were repeatedly saying:

“Hold the phone” 

“I will snatch the phone”

“It is unsafe to get out; I was not even allowed to get out of the vehicle”

Why vlogging became a struggle?

Seriously, I couldn’t even make videos.

  • My head started hurting
  • Vlogging seemed impossible
  • I felt unsafe
  • Had to remain constantly alert

Gorilla Tracking in Congo – Brother, what a scene!

Brother, don’t come down, I have even closed the gateThe bus stops, but we cannot get down. They are saying, “Don’t get down, the gate has also been closed.” And the person standing in front is saying, “Stay inside.” Everyone else was getting down in front, but we were not being allowed to get down. Brother, the scene itself had become tight. I shouted, “Brother give me the bag quickly!” Our guide from above also got angry at us, “Why have you come so late?” Brother, what is our fault?

The Unsafe Conditions in Transit!

Seriously brother, there was no such thing as security. Brother, wear a belt, otherwise if something happens who will be responsible?

There was so much crowd, don’t even ask. Brothers were running away in panic, someone is taking the goods, no one cares. There was tension everywhere.

Brother, all of them looked like robbers!

“Yeah all robbers. Yeah all bad things here.” This is what I was feeling. What a place it is friend!

Everywhere there is crowd, noise, fear. Petrol pumps are closed, don’t know if we get petrol or not. If you take out the camera, people talk in reverse. Someone is stopping a bike, someone is shouting something. There is a net of insects everywhere. All the people are shouting seeing me –

“Hey fair man! Hey fair man!”

Going out means – bad situation brother!

Brother, what kind of an area is this?

The situation was such that it was already 10:15 in the morning. The guide himself got down and sent the driver with us – he said this guy will take you to Kahuzi-Biga National Park. And yes – if we don’t see the gorilla, the only reason is that we are late.

But brother, the money has to be spent on tracking!

Gorilla Tracking – A game of permits and money

Let me tell you one thing 

I have been to Rwanda as well as Uganda. Gorilla tracking takes place in both places. Uganda:

Only 150 permits are issued daily.

Price: $800-$850

Permits are issued from their capital, Kampala.

Rwanda:

Permit rate: $1500

Plus tour charges extra.

DRC Congo:

Price:- $400 All are included: permit, guide.
Only pick-up/drop in $150 extra.

People think that even $400 is enough. But Congo is much cheaper than Rwanda’s $1500 and Uganda’s $850.

Gorilla – almost extinct from the world

To be honest, gorillas have almost disappeared from the world. If you have seen one in a zoo, it would either be a chimpanzee or a man dressed as a gorilla. Seeing a wild gorilla is a once in a lifetime feeling.

Lake Kivu – A little peace, a little sight

On my right was Lake Kivu – and we were driving parallel to it. What a sight it was brother – jungle, lake, and open fields of coffee. Beautiful sight!

Kivu region has two provinces: South Kivu and North Kivu. We were now heading from South Kivu’s capital Bukavu towards the national park.

China’s occupation – Chinese people everywhere

Wherever road construction was going on, Chinese people were standing wearing helmets. They are involved everywhere – roads, projects, work. Brother, China has occupied every place in the world, Congo is also one of them.

Soldiers in the jungle – with guns

Here, soldiers are found in the jungles too – with big guns. After every 200-300 meters, two men were seen standing. Brother, the scene was serious.

And then we entered the National Park…

“Actually why, is this the administration office?”

And finally we entered the national park. Brother, what should I say – there was fear as well as excitement. This journey was absolutely amazing.

Gorilla Trekking in Congo – An Unforgettable Experience

Is Gorilla Trekking Dangerous?

As we arrived at Kahuzi-Biega National Park—still catching our breath from being late—the first thing we were told was that gorilla trekking can be physically challenging, especially in slippery terrain, dense forests, and unpredictable weather. But danger? Only if you break the rules. Gorillas, especially the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, don’t attack unless provoked. So yes, gorilla trekking isn’t dangerous if you’re respectful and follow ranger instructions.

Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical?

As we arrived at Kahuzi-Biega National Park—still catching our breath from being late—the first thing we were told was that gorilla trekking can be physically challenging, especially in slippery terrain, dense forests, and unpredictable weather. But danger? Only if you break the rules. Gorillas, especially the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, don’t attack unless provoked. So yes, gorilla trekking isn’t dangerous if you’re respectful and follow ranger instructions.

Where Do Gorillas Live?

Absolutely. Organizations like WWF and Gorilla Doctors ensure that the practice of gorilla trekking remains ethical. There’s a balance between tourism and conservation. Visitors bring in money, which helps protect the gorillas and their natural habitats. And don’t worry, there’s no petting or feeding—everything is done at a respectful distance.

Are Gorillas Extinct?

As we trekked through the muddy jungle, we learned that gorillas live in the rainforests of central and eastern Africa. Our guide shared that this area, between the mountains of Kahuzi and Biega, is the only place on Earth where Eastern Lowland Gorillas live. Other gorilla habitats include Rwanda, Uganda, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, and parts of the Congo Basin.

How Many Gorillas Are Left in the World?

Globally, there are about 250,000 gorillas. But if you break it down:

Cross River Gorillas: 42,000

Mountain Gorillas: 1,000

Eastern Lowland Gorillas: 6,800

Western Lowland Gorillas: The largest population

What Do Gorillas Look Like?

Seeing a Silverback Gorilla up close was like witnessing a real-life King Kong. The Eastern Lowland Gorillas are larger and more muscular than Mountain Gorillas. They have broader shoulders, longer arms, and calmer eyes. Their faces are a bit longer, although in Kahuzi-Biega, it’s slightly rounder.

Silverback Gorilla Height and Weight

The Silverback we saw was around 5.5 to 6 feet tall when standing upright. As for weight? Around 215 kg or more—that’s nearly three times heavier than an average man. One swing of his 30-inch-wide arms and you’d feel it even from a distance.

Silverback Gorilla Habitat

They live deep in dense, mountainous forests—their habitat ranges from 600 to 2,600 meters in altitude, rich in vegetation and fruits. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is their home, and it’s filled with steep hills, muddy trails, and thick flora.

What Do Gorillas Eat?

Gorillas are vegetarian. They primarily feed on fruits, leaves, shoots, and stems. Some even eat plants that cause itching in humans, like the one our guide showed us that chimpanzees like to munch on. Their diet changes with seasons, but they don’t eat meat.

Interesting Facts About Gorillas

  • Gorillas live in family groups called troops.
  • A troop is led by one dominant male, the Silverback.
  • They live up to 45–50 years in the wild.
  • Eastern Lowland Gorillas follow a polygamous system, while Mountain Gorillas follow polyandry.

Their eyes reflect curiosity and calm intelligence.

What Countries Do Gorillas Live In?

  • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Eastern & Western Gorillas
  • Rwanda & Uganda – Mountain Gorillas

Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria – Western Lowland & Cross River Gorillas

Gorilla Trekking Congo Reviews – What Was It Like?

Our experience at Kahuzi-Biega was intense, muddy, thrilling—and deeply moving. This 1 day gorilla trekking Congo experience, although short, left a lifelong impression. If you’re wondering “Is gorilla trekking expensive?” or “How much does it cost to visit the gorillas?”, here’s what you need to know.

How Much Does Trekking Cost?

We paid $400 per person. This was just for the gorilla trekking permit. The price can vary depending on the country and time of year.

Is the Gorilla Permit Refundable?

No. Gorilla permits are usually non-refundable, since the fees go toward conservation efforts. But most operators will reschedule in case of emergencies.

What is the Cheapest Gorilla Permit?

The cheapest permits are found in DR Congo, starting around $200–$400, compared to Rwanda’s $1,500 and Uganda’s $700. So if you’re searching for the cheapest way to see gorillas, DRC is the answer.

How Do I Book a Gorilla Permit?

You can book through:

  • Tour companies
  • National Park offices

Conservation agencies like the WWF

Which Country is Best for Gorillas?

That depends. If you want raw adventure and fewer tourists—go for Congo. For a more organized, but pricier trip—choose Rwanda or Uganda.

Where Are Gorillas Free?

In their natural habitats—they roam free in national parks like:

  • Virunga National Park (DRC)
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)
  • Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DRC) – only for Eastern Lowland Gorillas

Where is the Best Place for Gorilla Trekking?

If you ask me? Kahuzi-Biega in Congo. It’s raw, less touristy, cheaper, and gives you a one-of-a-kind experience with the world’s largest gorilla species.

Is Gorilla Trekking Dangerous?

The soil of the jungle was so wet that every other step was slipping. We wore formal shoes, there was no branch to hold our hands – and there were only thorns on the way. Danger occurs only when you break the rules; the rangers clearly said: 5-7 meters distance, no loud noise. The gorillas were quiet as long as we remained quiet.

$400 Ka Permit – How Much Does Trekking Cost?

● Permit (DRC): $400 pp (non-refundable)
● Transport: $150 jeep + ranger fees
● Compare: Uganda $700, Rwanda $1,500 – Is gorilla trekking expensive? Yes, but DRC every cheaper permit offering for the gorillas trekking.

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Congo Reviews

We were late from the 9:00 AM slot, trek started at 11:36 AM. After just an hour of walk, we spotted a silverback Eastern Lowland Gorilla at a distance of 15 feet – Gorilla Trekking Congo review: adrenaline + awe!

What Do Gorillas Look Like? (Silverback Height & Weight)

  • Height: 5.5-6 ft stand kare to
  • Silverback weight: 215 kg+ (Three average humans!)

Face: Eastern lowland ka little long, but Kahuzi-Biega is comparatively round.

Silverback Gorilla Habitat – Where Do Gorillas Live?

Dense montane rain-forest between 600-2,600 m altitude. Apart from Kahuzi-Biega in the DRC, mountain gorillas are only found in the Virunga-Bwindi ecosystem of Uganda & Rwanda.

Gorilla Habitat and Food / FACT – What Do Gorillas Eat?

Pure Vegetarians: Fruits, Leaves, Shoots. The ranger showed us the itchy plant that even chimpanzees eat – if humans get a whiff of it, it starts itching.

Interesting Facts About Gorillas

  1. Family = Troop (5-30 members)
  2. Eastern Lowland = Polygamous (1 male, many females)
  3. Mountain Gorilla = Polyandrous (1 female, multiple males)
  4. Lifespan 45-50 years wild mein

There are only 6,800 Eastern Lowland and 1,000 Mountain gorillas left – are the gorillas extinct? No, but they are critically endangered.

Trek Continues – “Brother, pajama ko socks ke andar daalo!”

The jungle ants cut each other in pairs; then we understood why the ranger had been saying this repeatedly. The slope was so steep that one could literally climb it with a pair of hands. Still, a complete 9-member family was seen – 1 silverback, 3 females, 2 infants, 3 juveniles.

Gorilla Trekking Ethics – Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical?

The fees go to the conservation fund. Strict mask protocol prevents zoonotic diseases. NGOs like WWF, Gorilla Doctors, Dian Fossey Fund monitor them – only responsible tourism protects them.

How to See Gorillas Cheaply? / What Is the Cheapest Gorilla Permit?

  • Book off-season (Mar-May, Oct-Nov) DRC permit – $200-400
  • Combine with Lake Kivu ferry to skip costly charters
  • DIY border crossing (Burundi → Uvira → Bukavu) par time + risk samjho

Are gorilla permits refundable? Generally no – reschedule options limited.

Cross-Border Odyssey – Gorilla Trekking Congo Travel Story

Kampala ($800 permit) miss kiya, Kigali ($1,500) unavailable, phir Burundi se bikes pakad kar DRC entry. Uvira → Kamanyola → Rwanda border flip-flop, finally Bukavu pahunch-kar Lake Kivu ferry (VIP $50, normal $40) book ki. Road 7 hrs militiamen se bhari, isleye Where is the best place for gorilla trekking? – logistic + safety dekh ke answer badal sakta hai; humne lake route choose kiya.

“Mzungu, mzungu!” – Goma Flight ke Pehle Bukavu City Experience

Foreign faces rare; har corner se nazar thi. Phone nikalte hi “keep it down!” warnings. Over-welcome + over-whelm – Bukavu easily most intimidating cities I’ve seen in 110+ countries.

Where Are Gorillas Free? / Which Country Is Best for Gorillas?

  • Virunga NP, DRC – raw adventure
  • Bwindi Impenetrable, Uganda – dense forest photography
  • Volcanoes NP, Rwanda – organised but pricey
  • Kahuzi-Biega, DRC – Eastern Lowland exclusive

Mission Accomplished – Gorilla Trekking Congo Review in One Line

Luck of rupees, sleepless nights, border hustles – but when a 400-pound silverbuck looks him in the eye, all the hard work is worth it!

Quick Reference FAQ

  • Is gorilla trekking dangerous? Safe if rules follow karo.
  • How many gorillas are left in the world? 250k total; only 6.8k Eastern Lowland.
  • Silverback gorilla height? 5.5-6 ft.
  • Silverback gorilla weight? 150-215 kg+.
  • How do I book a gorilla permit? Park HQ, licensed operators, or recognised NGOs.
  • Where is the cheapest place to see gorillas? DR Congo (Kahuzi-Biega & Virunga).
  • How much does trekking cost? $200-1,500 depending on country & season.

Story Credit To – Passenger Paramvir