Getting around Japan
Suica on iPhone, some cash anyway, Google Maps (yes, here), big train stations, comfortable shoes - and look up luggage forwarding.
Japan's transport is amazing - but the stations are huge, the walking adds up, and I wish I'd known about luggage forwarding earlier.
Use Suica on iPhone
The Suica card on iPhone was really one of the best things. You can add it to your Apple Wallet, charge it with Apple Pay, and use it for trains, metros, buses, 7-Eleven and many other stores.
It makes everything easier because you don't need to buy tickets all the time or worry too much about cash for transport.
Still keep cash with you
Even if Suica and card payments are very useful, I'd still keep some cash. Japan is modern, but some places still feel a bit old-school.
You may need cash for smaller restaurants, temples, local shops or specific machines. It's just easier to always have some with you.
Use Google Maps - it works really well in Japan
Unlike Seoul, Google Maps works really well in Japan. I used it a lot for trains, metros, walking routes and opening hours.
It also tells you which platform to use, which exit to take and sometimes which train car is best. This is really useful because Japanese stations can be huge and confusing, especially in Tokyo.
Be ready for huge train stations in Tokyo
Tokyo stations can feel like small cities. Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Shibuya or Ikebukuro are really big, and you can easily lose time just trying to find the right exit.
I'd recommend checking the exit number on Google Maps before leaving the station. Taking the wrong exit can make you walk 15 minutes more, even if you technically arrived at the right station.
Don't underestimate walking distances
Even if public transport is amazing, you'll probably walk a lot in Japan. The stations are big, temples are spread out, and in Kyoto you often walk between bus stops, shrines and small streets.
I'd really recommend bringing comfortable shoes. Japan is not the place where you want to break in new shoes.
Use luggage forwarding
One thing I wish I had known before is luggage forwarding. You can send your suitcase from one hotel to another, which is very useful if you're going from Tokyo to Kyoto or spending one night in Hakone.
I didn't know it existed, so when we went to Hakone and Kyoto, we just kept our hotel room and paid for two hotel rooms.
Next time, I'd definitely look into luggage forwarding because carrying suitcases in train stations and small streets is not fun.