Your First Trip to Japan: A Chennai Resident's Guide

August 10, 2025

Your First Trip to Japan: A Chennai Resident's Guide By Astro Explorex Contributo

For most Chennai travelers, Japan is a captivating mix of advanced modernity and ancient tradition. From the sleek Shinkansen bullet trains and chaotic city streets to tranquil temples and path-filled cherry blossom avenues, Japan has long fascinated Indian travelers. For a first-time visitor from Chennai, it can be both exciting and a bit intimidating. Below is a how-to guide to ensuring that your first trip to Japan is seamless, rewarding, and unforgettable.

1. Planning Your Travel: Flights & Visa

The majority of Chennaiites travel to Japan from Chennai via connecting flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. Some of the favourite airlines are Singapore Airlines, ANA, Japan Airlines, and AirAsia. Advance booking of tickets 2-3 months prior tends to guarantee cheaper fares and seat availability.

Indian passport holders need a tourist visa to visit Japan. Fortunately, the process has become more streamlined in recent years. VFS Global handles applications from Chennai, and required documents include:

1. A confirmed return ticket

2.Hotel bookings

3.A bank statement

4.A detailed itinerary

Pro tip: Frequent travelers or those with Schengen or US visas may benefit from Japan's relaxed multiple-entry visa norms.

2. Choosing the Right Season

Chennai has a tropical climate, and thus Japan's unique seasons provide welcome relief. The peak seasons for first-time travelers are:

Spring (March to May): Renowned for cherry blossoms (sakura). Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are filled with pink and white blossoms.

Autumn (September to November): Famous for sharp weather and blazing red maple foliage, perfect for temple tours and treks.

Avoid the peak summer months (June to August), especially during Japan’s humid monsoon and typhoon season.

3. Culture Shock & Etiquette

For a Chennai resident, Japan’s social etiquette may feel formal but is rooted in respect. Here are a few cultural tips:

Bow instead of shaking hands.

Keep noise low on public transport.

Always remove shoes before entering homes or certain traditional accommodations (ryokan).

Be on time—Japanese culture values time.

Vegetarian and vegan food may be scarce in Japan. South Indian vegetarians can take solace in convenient store fares, konbini rice balls (onigiri), or approaching Indian restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka.

4. Must-Visit Cities and Attractions

Tokyo: A bustling metropolis. Must-sees include Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara (electronics and anime), and Meiji Shrine.

Kyoto: Japan's cultural center. Don't miss Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and Gion—the geisha quarter.

Osaka: Popular for eating and nightlife. Have takoyaki (octopus balls), visit Osaka Castle, and walk around Dotonbori.

Nara & Hiroshima: Both ideal for day trips, full of history and nature.

Anime and manga enthusiasts in Chennai will love a trip to Studio Ghibli Museum or Pokémon Center Tokyo.

5. Transport & Language Tips

Japan's transportation network is second to none. First-time visitors are advised to buy a Japan Rail Pass prior to arrival, particularly for travel between cities.

English signage is available in large cities, but the local population doesn't always speak the language. A few essential Japanese expressions—such as Arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) or Sumimasen (excuse me)—will prove very helpful.

Use apps such as:

Google Translate (with camera feature)

HyperDiaor NAVITIME (transport)

Japan Official Travel App (JNTO)

6. Currency and Connectivity

The Japanese yen remains mostly cash-based in smaller towns. Although large cities have card acceptance, always keep some cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven stores usually accept Indian international debit/credit cards.

Renting a pocket Wi-Fi at the airport or purchasing a prepaid SIM guarantees smooth navigation and communication.

7. Budgeting Advice for Chennai Travelers

Japan is known to be expensive, but astute Chennai travelers can budget effectively by:

Staying at business hotels or capsule hotels

Dining at 100-yen shops or neighborhood diners

Making the most of free sightseeing opportunities such as shrines, public parks, and festivals

For a Chennaiite, the difference between the madcap charm of T. Nagar and Zen tranquility of Kyoto might be enormous—but that's Japan for you. It's a land of traditions woven seamlessly with skyscrapers that touch the clouds, and where courtesy is not only learned—it is lived.

With a little forethought and a willingness to take risks, your first visit to Japan won't just be a trip from one country to another—but from one culture to another.