From Seoul to Tokyo: The Ultimate First-Time Travel Guide to Japan for Koreans

Planning your first trip from South Korea to Japan? Whether it’s Tokyo’s futuristic energy, Kyoto’s serene temples, or Osaka’s street food buzz, Japan offers Korean travelers a seamless blend of excitement, culture, and convenience. With visa-free travel, short flights, and cultural similarities, the journey from Seoul to Tokyo is one of Asia’s easiest and most rewarding.

To make it even smoother, don’t forget to stay connected with a reliable eSIM—a must for navigating Japan’s urban sprawl, translating menus, booking transport, and staying in touch with family back in Korea. An eSIM ensures seamless connectivity without dealing with physical SIM cards or airport kiosks.

Why Japan is Perfect for Korean Travelers?

• Visa-Free Entry: South Korean passport holders can enter Japan without a visa for up to 90 days.
• Quick Flights: Direct flights from Seoul to Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka make travel easy and affordable. Some routes even take under two hours.
• Cultural Comfort: Shared Confucian roots, similar food preferences, and high-tech infrastructure make Japan feel familiar yet refreshing.
• Well-Marked Transport: Japan’s subway and train systems are tourist-friendly with English and Korean signage in most major cities.
• Convenient Time Zone: With just a one-hour difference, there’s no jet lag to worry about.
• Shopping & Pop Culture: From anime and manga to electronics and skincare, Japan offers plenty for Korean tourists who love K-culture crossovers.

Currency Exchange and Budget Tips

• Bring Some Yen: Use Korean Won to exchange for Japanese Yen at Korean banks or airport kiosks for better rates.
• Credit Cards Work, But Cash is King: While Japan is advancing digitally, many local eateries, guesthouses, and temples still prefer cash.
• IC Cards: Get a Suica or Pasmo card for convenient subway rides, convenience store purchases, and vending machines.
• Tax-Free Shopping: Look for stores that offer tax-free purchases to foreigners—just show your passport.

Must-Have Travel Apps for Japan

Make your cross-border trip smoother by downloading these apps in advance (and using a fast data connection via eSIM):

• Google Translate or Papago – For reading Japanese menus, signs, or speaking with locals
• NAVITIME or Japan Travel App – For accurate public transport navigation
• Tabelog – Discover restaurant reviews by locals with ratings and menus
• Yurekuru Call – Get real-time earthquake alerts in your area
• LINE – The most popular messaging app in Japan, helpful for connecting with local friends or hosts
• Voye Global – To help you stay connected throughout your journey in Japan.

Pro Tip: Set up your eSIM before departure from Korea so your internet works the moment you land in Japan.

Key Etiquette Tips to Remember

• Quiet is Polite: Keep phone calls to a minimum on trains, and speak quietly in public spaces.
• No Tipping Culture: Tipping is not expected and may even be considered rude.
• Shoes Off Indoors: Always remove your shoes when entering homes, traditional inns (ryokan), or some restaurants.
• Queue Up: Always wait your turn, especially when boarding trains, at cash counters, and escalators.
• Respect Personal Space: Japan values order and quiet, so avoid loud behavior or standing too close in public settings.

What to Pack for Your Japan Trip?

Pack light but smart. Include comfortable walking shoes for long days exploring cities, a compact umbrella or light rain jacket (weather can shift quickly), and layered clothing depending on the season. Bring a power bank, universal adapter (Japan uses Type A plugs), reusable shopping bags for stores that charge for plastic, and modest clothing for visiting temples or shrines. Don’t forget your passport, IC card, and install your eSIM from Voye Global ahead of time so you’re ready to go from the moment you land.

What Souvenirs to Bring Back from Japan?

Japan is a paradise for thoughtful souvenirs. For family and friends, consider bringing back regional snacks like Tokyo Banana, matcha KitKats, or local mochi. Character goods such as Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and Studio Ghibli items are loved by all ages. Beauty lovers will appreciate Japanese skincare and cosmetics from brands like Shiseido, Hada Labo, or DHC. For something traditional, opt for handmade chopsticks, tenugui cloths, or folding fans from Kyoto. Stationery fans will love Japanese pens, washi tape, and notebooks. And don’t forget to check for tax-free shopping—just show your passport at checkout.

Staying Connected with Voye Global eSIM

Whether you’re hopping on a Shinkansen, navigating Shibuya’s busy crossings, or video calling family back home, a stable internet connection is essential. That’s where Voye Global comes in.

Voye Global is your travel-ready eSIM provider, offering secure, high-speed data in Japan and over 130 countries worldwide. No physical SIM cards, no waiting at airport kiosks—just instant connectivity via a QR code or app.

What Voye Global Offers:

• Instant QR activation—get connected within minutes
• Flexible data plans: 7, 15, or 30 days depending on your itinerary
• Reliable 4G/LTE coverage across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and rural areas
• Transparent pricing with no hidden roaming fees
• Ideal for streaming, map use, remote work, booking tickets, and more
• Multilingual customer support in Korean and English

Whether you’re a solo backpacker, digital nomad, family traveler, or on a business trip, Voye Global ensures you stay online securely throughout your journey in Japan.

FAQs for Korean Travelers Visiting Japan

Q1: Do Koreans need a visa to visit Japan?
A: No, South Korean citizens can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.

Q2: Can I buy a local SIM card in Japan?
A: Yes, but using an eSIM like Voye Global is much more convenient and saves time upon arrival. You can also switch between countries easily without removing SIM cards.

Q3: Will my Korean phone work in Japan?
A: Most modern Korean smartphones support Japan’s mobile bands and are compatible with eSIM. Just ensure your device is eSIM-enabled.

Q4: Is it safe to travel solo in Japan?
A: Yes, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travelers, including solo female travelers.

Q5: What’s the best way to get around in Tokyo?
A: Use IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) and apps like NAVITIME or Google Maps. Your Voye Global eSIM helps you stay connected underground and in busy areas.

Q6: Can I use my Korean credit card in Japan?
A: Yes, but some smaller shops may prefer cash. You can withdraw Yen using Korean cards at major convenience store ATMs.

Q7: Do I need a power adapter for my devices?
A: Japan uses Type A plugs (same as the U.S.) with 100V power. Most Korean electronics are compatible, but check your device specs just in case.

Q8: Are Korean and Japanese similar enough to understand each other?
A: Not entirely. While there are cultural similarities, the languages are distinct. Using a translation app with your eSIM data will be helpful.