IC card (Suica / PASMO / ICOCA) — Tap-to-pay for trains, subways, buses, and conbini. iPhone: add Suica via Apple Wallet (works with US Apple ID since 2023; charge with US-issued credit card). One per traveler. Kids 6–11 get child-fare cards (issue at ticket office with passport). Under 6 = free on most trains, half on some buses.

Rail networks (very different operators):

JR (Japan Railways) — long-distance + Shinkansen + Yamanote/Chuo/Yamatoji/Sagano lines. JR-only IC discount transfers possible.
Tokyo Metro / Toei — Tokyo subway (separate companies, separate tickets unless you tap IC).
Osaka Metro — Midosuji, Tanimachi, Chuo, etc.
Kintetsu, Hankyu, Hanshin, Keio, Keihan — private lines for specific routes (Yomiuri Land = Keio; Uji ↔ Osaka has Kintetsu options).

Reading platform signs: Look for line color + line letter (e.g., M for Marunouchi pink, H for Hibiya silver, M for Midosuji red). Direction shown by terminal station name, not “northbound.”

Shinkansen seating: Reserved seats only — tickets show car number (○号車) and seat (1-B etc.). Cars 1–3 are usually unreserved on NOZOMI; we have reserved Car 16 (rear) outbound and Car 3 (front) return. Front-of-car (rows 1–2) and rear-of-car (last row) seats have wall space for large luggage. Oversized (>160 cm sum) needs advance reservation — our 4 carry-ons should not.

Taxi rules: Doors open/close automatically (don't grab the handle). Most accept IC card or credit. Roof light red 空車 = available, green 賃走 = occupied. ¥500 base + ¥80/280m. Family of 4 fits in regular taxi (driver + 3 back; or JapanTaxi / GO / DiDi apps for vans). Tipping forbidden.

Stroller etiquette: Major stations have elevators ("EV" signs); use them rather than escalators. Keep stroller folded on crowded trains. Theme parks rent strollers (¥1,000/day); bring lightweight one for cities.

Connectivity: Pre-order eSIM (Airalo, Ubigi, ~$15–30 for 16 days, 10–20 GB) — no pickup needed, install at airport. Alt: pocket WiFi rental at HND T3 arrivals (~¥800/day, 4 devices).

Cash: Carry ¥10–20k in small bills. Many shrines, small soba shops, Tsukiji stalls are cash-only. 7-Eleven & Family Mart ATMs accept foreign cards 24/7.

Translation: Google Translate camera mode for menus/signs is excellent. Most station signs are bilingual; small restaurants often are not.