Finally. After being closed to tourists for over two and a half years, Japan reopened to visa- and agent-free foreign tourism in October 2022. Americans can visit Japan without applying for a visa, needing to book a group tour or special agent, testing on arrival or having to quarantine. Fully vaccinated travelers don't even have to get a pre-departure test if they show a vaccination card on arrival.

Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. I've spent over 50 nights in Japan over the past six years, visiting eight different cities.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or it's been a while since you've visited, here are my must-knows and must-do's now that Japan has reopened for tourism.

What to know before visiting Japan

Japanese culture has more layers, rules and norms than any culture I've explored. However, the good news is that you don't need to know too much to start.

Japan is a very cash-based society

Bring your favorite travel credit card with you, but be prepared to pay for a lot of expenses in cash. A vast majority of Japanese consumers prefer to pay with cash, and cash may be the only way to pay at many places, such as vending machines, food stalls and many restaurants.

To reduce your ATM fees, use one of NerdWallet's favorite banks for international travel, such as the Schwab Investor Checking account.

Hotel rooms are tiny

(Photo by JT Genter)

Prepare for culture shock when you open your hotel room door. Japanese hotels can be tiny — even by New York City standards. Hopefully, you won't spend too much time in your room. However, make sure to check the room size when searching for hotel rooms and factor that into your booking decision.

Be considerate

Although the Japanese have plenty of outlets for creative expression, typically, being loud or boisterous in public isn't one of them.

Be careful not to cut in lines. Don't spit or throw trash on the ground. Try to be thoughtful and considerate of others, even more than you would back home.

Don't tip

The advice for tipping in Japan is rather simple: Don't do it.

Japanese people who aren't familiar with visitors' tipping culture might be confused or even insulted by your well-meaning gesture. Instead, try to use your words and actions to communicate your appreciation.

Use technology

Technology makes travel so much easier, and that's especially true in Japan. Use your tools throughout your visit to make the trip easier.

For example, Google Maps is incredibly useful in Japan — including recommending which subway car to board and which subway exit to use. And Google Translate is a critical tool for translating the complex Japanese language.

Best things to do in Japan

One of the best things about Japan is that there’s something for everyone. Enjoy exhibits? Japan offers incredibly diverse museums filled with antiquities. Are you a foodie? With fresh tuna from Tsukiji fish market and more types of ramen than you knew existed, Japan is a gastrophile's paradise.

Eat noodles

Honestly, it doesn't matter what kind. Just find a noodle shop — preferably one with a line — and order something from the menu. I've yet to be disappointed when doing this.