Cultures are different and the language barrier could be significant. But whatever concerns you have about traveling to Japan can be addressed with the steps below.

One of the first things you might notice when traveling to Japan is the prevalence of cash. Most anywhere you go will accept paper money or coins. But many places won't accept credit or debit cards. So you might want to keep this in mind before you set off for your destination.

If you don't want to travel with a lot of cash, at least take a proper bank card. Capital One, for example, will allow you to withdraw money in a foreign nation without big fees. You'll also notice there are more coins in circulation that you might be used to seeing. In fact every denomination worth 500 yen or less is in the form of a coin. So you might also want to bring a bag or purse to allow you to take all that metal around with you. There are coin purses for sale all throughout Japan, though, so it's easy to find one if you forget.

Fortunately, there are automatic teller machines in many different places around the country. So it's not a huge hassle to get the cash you need before you need it. But if you wait too long, you might get caught in a sticky situation.

Traveling around Japan might be a bit different than what you're expecting. But there is a very useful option -- especially for those who want to travel far and wide. You can pick up a pass to ride aboard the Japan Rail. And it only costs roughly $250 for a full week long pass. 

This will allow you to take the high speed rail anywhere the line travels. And you can get where you're going simply and safely. Of course, if you're staying in a particular area -- specifically Tokyo -- there are other options. In fact, the city's subway is quite affordable and convenient. 

You'll need to figure out for yourself which option makes the most sense. And it really will depend on how much you want to see when traveling to Japan. But whether train or subway, this nation has a fairly advanced network of public transport.

We're not saying you should be fluent in Japanese before you consider traveling to Japan. But knowing the bare essentials will go a long way in a place with a very different national language. 

"Eigo o hanashimasu ka?" means "Do you speak English?" And you'll probably find more folks than you think are at least able to communicate with you. But you'll probably have the best luck at a common gathering place. Check out the train station or airport for a higher likelihood of finding an English speaker.

There are tourist attractions throughout the nation. And chances are, you'll be able to find someone you can ask a question or just shoot the breeze with. Even those who tell you they don't speak much of the language might be selling themselves short. If they answer your question in English, they probably know enough to carry on a simple conversation.

One of the toughest transitions might be differences in high tech services. Mobile devices will need a Wi Fi hot spot, which is easy to find in shops around Japan. And these gadgets work quite well at getting you the connectivity you need wherever you're staying.

Having access to a smart device will help you in ways you might not even consider. Translations and conversions will be a big part of your trip. And you can handle a lot of these tasks with your cellphone. 

There's also entertainment to consider. And if you want to watch your favorite shows in Japan, you might need a virtual private network. This will allow your computer to show sites that aren't available in the region. Traveling to Japan can be a lot of fun -- especially when you've got a familiar streaming service to watch.

You might go through your entire trip without visiting what you consider a supermarket. As it turns out, convenience stores and vending machines are far more popular. And they are incredibly helpful, too. 

Shopping at convenience stores will give you access to a wide variety of necessities for a reasonable price. Get a complete meal, a snack, or many other things you might need as you're traveling to Japan. 

There are also vendors in many different places throughout the country. And you might find that some bargain hunting really pays off. Sticking to areas away from tourist spots will likely lead to finding the best prices. Be careful when venturing too far off the beaten path. But it can be a rewarding and financially advantageous proposition to shop around.

We hope our tips have helped you plan your international getaway a bit more easily. If so, share this article witht he world travelers in your life. And leave us a comment below if you have any final thoughts or questions.

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