Hi! My son is wanting to travel to Japan after grade 12 next year. He’ll either be on his own or with one friend. They will both be 17 when they leave Vancouver, possibly turning 18 while they are away. He says he will be old enough to book into hostels, hotels and purchase transportation options. Does anybody have any experience with a 17 year old travelling to Japan?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Such a perfect started country - safe above and beyone. Make sure they buy a Japan Rail pass before they go - they can travel for a week on what it costs to go one way from Toyko to Osaka. Google translate on their phone will help if they get stuck.

+1 for get the Japan Rail pass before they go...... it is much more expensive when they are there. Remember to get a local sim for their phones at the airport, that is the easiest, cheapest place to get one... and it is really worth having one

I can't say anything about Japan but I did a 25 day trip through Europe with my boyfriend right after grad and was same age. It went very smoothly. And that was back in the day before the internet was there to save you when you were lost etc...haha.

If you send me a list of questions I’ll find out. My brother has lived there for 15 years and I’ve been a few times

I was 18 when I first traveled and stayed in hostels with no issues. I was not able to stay in a hotel until 21 though (without someone older to book), maybe things have changed, it has been some years!

Japan would be an amazing country to start out.. it clean safe and the people are very respectful.. it is just not a cheap country but worth every penny in my opinion.

Angie that’s not true anymore. Whether accommodation or food many budget friendly options.

Japan is the safest, cleanest, most polite country I know. Impress on your son the importance of learning the courtesies important to Japanese people if he wants to fit in. Easy to google appropriate behaviour there. Also, if he goes to Tokyo, he should be accustomed to big cities - Tokyo is I believe the largest population of any city worldwide, about 35 million I believe. If that’s intimidating perhaps begin in a smaller city like Kyoto

I cannot speak to the hostel front but my 18 year old couldn't even check into hotels in Canada when he drove from BC to ON last summer. We had to prepay and arrange for deposits via credit card before he arrived.

Hostelling International Tokyo states 15yo and under requires a parent.
https://www.hihostels.com/hostels/tokyo-hi-tokyo-central-yh
HIHOSTELS.COM
Tokyo - HI Tokyo Central YH

Japan is the safest country to travel to. They may want to do some research on food, and bigger cities will have enough English around. If they want to be adventurous and go off the main touristy sites, I would recommend doing tons of research and writing addresses in paper to communicate with taxi drivers if needed

It’s important to have wifi, organize to rent and pick up a pocket wifi at the airport.
They can buy a one week train ticket.
A lot of people don’t speak English and that’s a bit challenging.
The transport system is so organized.
I understand you’re worry though.
Just be smart and cautious everywhere they go even Japan which is safe for the most part.
If they have wifi then it’s easy to book a place and to have google maps for direction.

You can usually check with hotels and hostels before hand on what the check in age is! As someone who has travelled at 17 make sure he has a note saying he can leave the country that is notarized, I had some problems leaving!

Emily great idea.

Japan is VERY safe IMO. It has been a number of years since I was there but everyone is very accomodating and goes out of their way to help tourists. I would highly suggest looking into accomodations while he is still here and making whatever arrangements he might need ahead of time. He would have no issues purchasing train tickets etc.

Kyoto is a great city, very clean and lots of culture. People are polite and courteous

Japan is pretty expensive but like someone on here said worth the money to explore. The trains can take you almost anywhere in Japan.

I travelled to Japan by myself after grade 12 to meet two of my friends who also travelled by themselves. Japan is super safe and I would even recommend booking an airbnb since it's super convenient and affordable.
Not knowing any Japanese may be a bit difficult as I had a friend who translated for us, but it's not impossible. The trains can be quite confusing so I recommend downloading an app that has the train routes beforehand.
Overall, just make sure he has enough cash for spending and eating, otherwise there are ATMs, but the fee for one I used in 7/11 was a $5 CAD fee

Buy a rail pass before going and pick it up at the airport!

Also I recommend watching some videos before travelling involving local etiquette and what is considered disrespectful. For example, there is no tipping or drinking outside (if he was of age), be mindful of how loud he is being, and staying on the right-hand side of paths/escalators/stairs if he is not in a rush as the left is reserved for those running.

clean, safe, welcoming. I recomend he pins a canadian flag to his bag.

Get them the translation app that allows you to speak English and have the app translate and speak in Japanese. People will be happy to help a courteous respectful tourist

I’m happy to provide you info if you wanted to pm me about Japan

Check the legalities in Japan on Google

Japan is extremely safe! Even more so than Vancouver to be honest.
And the people tend to be very polite and helpful (train station attendants, hotel employees, etc.). There is a decent amount of English signage too but the people might not always speak the best English.

My daughter and two of her friends went to Japan after highschool graduation. They had a great time. They booked everything in advance. I got her a credit card under her name on our account for emergencies and such

And, as my 17 year old son and his pal discovered (I was with them, second of 2 Toyko trips) buying beer at the 7-11 is very Japanese - no Japanese 17 year old would dare not answer properly the electronic age verification tablet next to the check out. Vancouver boys were just a little less concerned with walking with the truth. That said it's a great trip, really safe and easy to navigate. Subway passes and Sim Cards are the real key to a good trip

English is not common there

If he wants to experience a beautiful culture, area and for cheap Cambodia and Thailand would be a better match for him.

Craig not as safe though

Karen if he is street smart he would do fine.

Craig c’mon man, I know Bangkok. Lately it’s probably the least safe place in SE Asia. Thailand has changed, and although I love Cambodia and Laos they are far more challenging for a kid than Japan is

Craig also, there is so much turmoil going on in countries that are close to them and the conflict is likely to have an effect on them. Even if covid wasn't a thing - I wouldn't go as an adult until things are more neutral. Traveling there isn't what it was 5-10 years ago.

Cory Cassel ?

Oddly my son and his friends have picked Japan as their graduation trip for next year as well. I spent 3 weeks in 2018 and found it safe, clean and wonderful. I am happy my kid has picked Japan.

I have been to Japan every year for the past 12 years (family) and their Hostels are all very safe. Honestly I'd be more wary of other visiting hostel guests more than the locals. If possible do some research on reviews once choices are narrowed down.
For the price, and depending on length of stay, a long term rental/air b&b may be a be a better option. They can use it as a base of operations with the Rail Pass to explore.
As others have mentioned, the further you get from the city, the less English is used and understood.
Cost of food is actually very cheap as long as you eat locally (Don't eat at Western hotels etc)
Also, during and after pandemic, Japan is still very much a cash-based society. Credit Cards are not always accepted and is actually troublesome for a lot of stores to use for payment.
Other tidbits
- Rent a pocket wifi when landing so the group has access to internet on the go always
- Respect their customs and manners (no loud talking on trains, or cutting lines, etc)
Be aware that everything runs ON TIME in Japan, to the second, including bullet trains.. give yourself ample time to find your way to the platform as train stations are huge multi floor complexes.

Matt your tidbits make such a huge difference in ones enjoyment of the trip.

Chris I learned the hard way as a first time visitor and bumbling foreigner... and got on the wrong bullet train without realizing it until much later lol.

Matt ha! Almost the same here. First time in Tokyo, knew my train left the airport on track 1. Didn't realize almost all trains left on track one and ended up in the beginnings of farm land at night before realizing my error.

Matt great run down. we rented airbnb when we were there a couple of years ago, all had free pocket wifi which is a life saver, and one even had four bikes for us to use ( in Kyoto ) which was a great way of getting around.. Can't wait to go back

Matt - all great tips! I would add - get the Bento Boxes at the train stations. Very good and very cheap. I would also add -NO walking around anywhere and eating or drinking coffee. The Japanese are extremely polite and find our habit here of wandering around while we eat take out - incredibly rude. Finally - no garbage - anywhere, ever. It’s the cleanest place I have ever travelled. They will have a blast. Great hiking. Lots of mountain biking.

Deb is been four years and I'm still trying to figure out their intricate rituals of elevator etiquette!

I’ve spent the past 10 years traveling to and from Japan, teaching Japanese students and leading Canadian school groups to Japan. It is an extremely safe country (safer than Canada). People are kind and contentious, the train system is excellent and has English available and the police may not speak English but can call an interpreter as needed. Prices are similar to Canada.
Japan is a formal country and everyone is expected to follow the rules and laws. Manners and dressing well are highly prioritized—it would be a good idea to learn all you can about basic Japanese manners. Attempts at speaking the language are also appreciated.

I went to Japan after my high school grad (I was 18) with a friend who was 20. Learning a few phrases in Japanese will help a lot, as will maybe learning to read katakana -- it's on lots of menus (takes practice but you can pick it up in a few days). You have to present your passport to check in to almost any hostel and people might have questions about his age, so airbnb may be easier. Japan rail pass is amazing for travelling, but if you don't speak even a little Japanese you'll have trouble outside of major cities. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara are great places to go and not too far from each other.

Pick up a small portable usb rechargeable fan off Amazon, will do wonders if they're planning to stay in hostels or capsule hotels.

It's very safe there. I am not worried about their safety.
I stayed in NZ when I was 16-17 as an exchange student and travelled alone during breaks. I survived fine too. I think your kids will be old enough.

An alternative to hostels and also pretty cheap are business hotels. But probably not as fun for a 17 year old? I was pretty introverted so would’ve preferred the extra privacy while travelling. We’ve stayed in Super Hotel but there are a number of chains fairly cheap, include breakfast and you get your own room. Also very clean! To people saying Japan is $$$ it depends on what you want. It’s really easy to get through Japan on a budget and still have a great time. I’ve been there 3x first was at 21. Very safe and clean. Rural areas he may have some trouble with absolutely no Japanese but in the city it’s fairly easy to get by.

Highly recommend! Always feel safe there. Some things are expensive but you can actually travel quite cheaply using hostels, cubicles, or businessman hotels. For Kyoto, I highly recommend the Pocket Hotel where you can get a basic private room for $30/night in the midst of everything. They're actually a chain and a great, safe, spotlessly clean alternative to bunk beds in a common area. They also always have one English speaking person on staff at all times.
Daily bus or transit passes are a deal. Dinners from department stores after 5pm give you cheap, delicious food. 7-11 and Daiso!
I've been four times now, knowing next to no Japanese, and have never had an issue. A lot of business transpires by pointing and bowing. Hero's to know a few basic phrases, though. And have them learn about customs so they don't inadvertently insult someone.
* They also need to be aware that if they're going to the Tokyo or Kyoto areas, by June it's damn hot. Expect full sun days with highs in the mid thirties and 90% humidity. I was just there in mid June and by 1pm it was time to start looking for indoor activities.

Might be an issue with his passport? 17 then turning legal age??
might want yo check in that.

TC I think you can get an adult passport at 16

Be sure he has a charge card for just in case. We got each of our boys one on our account (a 3rd & 4th card on our visa account). Of course strict instructions on what it could and could not be used for. Low limit and you can manage this limit online. When our oldest was in university he was travelling with a group to a competition and a drunk driver came towards them travelling the wrong way on a highway in eastern u.s. - no one was hurt but they had to stay overnight in a hotel and rent a vehicle to carry on the next day. Our son was the only one with enough money via the charge card so could pay for hotel rooms and vehicle rental. A life saver.

Karen agree that this is really important. My son had his own credit card with a low limit for his own purchases and ours with a very high limit. Unfortunately he became ill in Cambodia and had to be hospitalized and that emergency credit card was very handy!!!!!

I also paid for medical for my boys. I wanted to know they’d be safe and that wasn’t on their priority list.

We were just in Japan ( yes, during Covid ) while we were there, we stayed in airbnb which was extremely affordable, maybe check the age requirement for that. I highly recommend airbnb’s in Japan!! They’re amazing, clean, safe and you get a real Japanese experience. Also, I’ve been told to purchase transportation tickets at a discounted rate before leaving Canada as it is much cheaper. Best of luck!

Google translate! Also the train stations have English signage. Since he is 17, I recommend you get a supplemental credit card under your account in his name. Some banks offer this for free as part of the credit agreement. You will have access to account spending/balance if he uses it. The ATM in 7/11 accept major debit cards and just notify your bank before hand. Purchase some Japanese Yen at Vancouver Boulion (they take debit).

One tidbit that I didn't see while skimming the comments is to Google street view how to get to places from their accommodation's closest train station. Directions in Japan are TRICKY and most streets aren't labelled. Knowing landmarks will be helpful. In the bigger cities, there will be maps in random areas, usually around trains station, to help orient people.

my son went in his 20’s. he felt very safe. He left his wallet in a hostel bar and it was returned to him!
went everywhere on the subway. was with a friend for 2 weeks then one week in his own. went everywhere on subway pass. He said hostels were great! tokyo is such a young peoples place. I wasnt worried at all! Carry a secondary credit card with you not in your wallet just in case!

im not sure if he will be old enough to book into hotels? check into that!

just looked it up 18 for hotels but some 2-. hostels are younger to get into. more fun to go with a friend and safer

My daughter was 15 when she went

Very safe and disciplined country! Hostels are great to meet kindred international spirits to exchange travel knowledge.

I went to Australia on my own for 4 months when I was 17. It was the most incredible experience and boy did I ever grow up fast! Hostels were a great place to stay. I met so many wonderful people from all over the world. Even did some travelling with a few of them. If he’s taking anything of value, like a camera or laptop for example, make sure he gets them insured. If he wears glasses or contacts he should take his prescription with him and keep it in a safe place

Judy it's always a good idea to email important documents (prescriptions, copy of passport, etc) to yourself and then, as long as you have internet, you can access them!

He may want to find out beforehand if Japan will let a minor into the country alone, my suggestion is to email or call their embassy, there is a decent chance if they can let him in alone that he may need specific legal documents to get in or out of the country.
When he goes be sure he brings some Yen with him, and it's worth bringing a backup debit card, i've had a card eaten before while living abroad and it really saved me. Be sure that his pin number is four numbers in length as many international atm's do not accept longer numbers or shorter numbers. Depending on the length of his trip, there may be merits to getting a local sim card, but if so he should make sure to have his phone unlocked and it would be worth figuring out which brand falls into the bands his phone is compatible with before he leaves. Of course depending on where he's going and what season he's going in may vastly change what he packs, regardless though if he's staying in a hostel I suggest bringing a towel and a small clothesline as you can use it to partition off a bunk for a small amount of privacy and lastly I suggest printing out instructions of how to get to the first place he's staying when he gets off the plane and the full address in Japanese as well so that should his phone die or not work for whatever reason he doesn't have to try complex communications while jet-lagged.

I lied, one more thing. Don't stay in a hostel on your first day, they aren't any fun while Jet lagged and you're more likely to get sick if you don't get good rest.

while I dont know ages etc, the people in japan are very helpful. if he goes with a smile on his face and a good attitude he will have a blast. tell him to make sure to go to tokyo disney seas. best disney I the world imo

He'd have more fun when he's legal age there. Plus when he turn 19 you can put him as a second in a credit card, just in case.

Vincentammy Coles You can put your kids as a second even at a younger age. I had my daughter on mine when she was 16

Cheri really? Wow! Thats great!

Vincentammy Coles yep

They have an awesome luggage transfer system. At any hotel and many convenience stores you can drop your main bag and have it meet you at your next hotel, town or even at the airport. The Kumano Kodo for example is the most amazing hiking area and it’s easy to send most of your stuff onward and just hike with a small pack

I worked at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo (a while ago) and one needed to be 21 to make a reservation, a passport was required at check in. He may want to plan out his route out a bit and have at least one place researched in each city he is planning to visit as a plan B. Definitely register with the Canadian Embassy upon arrival.
What a fantastic year away it will be! Japan is such a neat place, the people are wonderful and helpful, as long as you follow the many rules they have there.

Get him a credit card. Both my kids had one at 16 on my account. It was very useful when my daughter was on a school trip.

Traveled there for 6 weeks when I was 18 (ahem, a few years ago). Mostly alone but also met penpals that I had at the time. I don't recall any major issues other than occasional communication issues. Be patient and friendly and everything will be fine.

Travelled with a Japanese woman a couple of years ago. Quite a different feeling to be not afraid wandering in new places at night as unescorted women. Very safe country.

As an aside, if I had traveled here at 17 for the first time, my head would have exploded. My first time to Tokyo, at 51, was a sensory overload as it was. Though, it also would have completely changed my opinion on the world in general and travel specifically.

We went at the end of 2019, beginning of 2020. airbnbs were super awesome, most of them sent us a booklet with very detailed instructions with photographs of landmarks on how to get to their apt from the closest train station. All provided a portable wifi so you could carry it with you and always be able to jump on the internet for directions/translations with your phone. Don't know what the age limit to book was but we also stayed in a capsule hotel in Tokyo and it was so convenient!

I don't know about Japan, but I went to Australia at 18 after highschool and had no issues with hostels. If he has a credit card to use while booking hostels or hotels that would be best, if not, make sure he has enough saved to pay for the deposit upfront in cash. my BF has only amazing things to say about how great Japan was when he went for a school trip when he was 17. Also, be aware cash is still king in Japan. Credit card and debt cards are not commonly used like in western countries. Also he should learn some basic Japanese. there is a free app called innovative that Japanese pod 101 put out to learn Japanese for free. And another app called HiNative that he can use while traveling if he gets stuck where native speakers answer questions on how to say or pronounce stuff. He shouldn't solely rely on Google translate - it's not that great for Japanese to English translation.

I would highly highly recommend they sign up for a G Adventures small group tour!! They’re one of the best small group tour companies in the world, Canadian owned, and they have tours ranging from NatGeo Journeys to ones for young folks in hostels on a tight budget. Could not say more great things, and they’ll still have all the freedom and free time to do what they choose, but they’ll have a local guide for insight, advice, and general organization to help them get around.

I know a young person about that age who ran all over Japan. As far as I know, little to no safety issues.

Google directions was the easiest way to find train schedules etc! Accurate!

My son went at 16 and 18. He loved it. One thing to know is that if he happens to miss a connection at the airport he will have to leave the airport in the evening and find a place to stay. My son was asked to leave as the airport is closed in the evening. His flight from Vancouver was 2 hours delayed so he missed his connecter. He did panic when he was asked to leave but luckily he able to go to the new capsule hotel nearby and he loved it.

You may find they have to be 18 to stay as an adult in legit hotels in Japan

When I travelled this young I wasn’t eligible to get a credit card. I had a joint one with my mom (her visa but in my name) for emergencies and for hotel bookings. Sure it’s different now with debit/visas

Got our Japan SIM card from Klook a couple years ago, super easy to get and staff at the kiosk at airport put it in and tested for us.