During our visit to Japan we were taken aback by the beauty of the country and the kindness of its people. As Americans we were surprised by several customs that differ from our own and wanted to share some helpful Japan travel tips to help ensure you experience the incredible culture of this unique country respectfully.
Of all the unique places we have visited over the past 10 years of extensive travel, none has impressed (and surprised) us as much as Japan. Everything from the food, culture and customs differ from those in America in the very best way.
You are bound to learn something new during your visit and I guarantee you will expand your point of view. Isn’t that what travel is for anyways?
Here’s a quick list of 20+ helpful Japan travel tips. This is a list of etiquette every American should know before visiting Japan for the first time, hope you enjoy!
Visiting Japan? Helpful Japan Travel Tips
#1. Japan is a tourist-friendly destination
The warm welcome was pleasant surprise for us, especially considering some of the popular European cities we have visited. In the age of social media, tourism is booming.
Cheap flights and stunning photos have us feeling more connected than ever. The only downside? Charming towns turn into bustling tourist destinations at the expense of locals.
In Japan however, we felt welcomed by all. We were greeted kindly everywhere we went. We asked several locals how they felt about tourism and most of them expressed delight that people were interested in their country.
On our part, we tried to be as respectful as possible by greeting everyone with bowed heads and konichiwa and being more quiet than usual. Our tiny efforts went a long way, which is why I hope you find this list of Japan travel tips helpful.
#2. Public transportation is effective, but can get tricky
Japan’s public transportation system is one of the most efficient in the world. Plus, Japan’s trains are some of the cleanest you’ll ever see.
Most folks are encouraged to get the JR Pass while visiting Japan to save money (we did and highly recommend doing the same).
But, I will admit — using the public transportation was very confusing for us. After purchasing the JR Pass, we didn’t do enough research on the various types of trains in Japan because we assumed the JR Pass would cover all the lines.
Turns out that’s not the case (and we learned the hard way).
We found ourselves frustrated a handful of times because we would try to hop on a train only to learn the JR Pass was invalid at the station.
As such, anyone looking for tips for visiting Japan for the first time, should spend time getting familiar with the transportation system. Get acquainted with the following lines: JR, the Tokyo Metro and Toei Lines.
If all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We relied on the friendly transportation staff on numerous occasions by simply flashing our JR Pass and asking which train to hop on to reach out destination the fastest.
Japan Travel Tips: All this to say, you can avoid making the same mistakes we did by reading this helpful article: Tokyo Subways and Trains.
#3. You’ll regret not getting pocket wifi
Rather than signing up for an exorbitant data plan through our cell service, we decided to use pocket-wifi while visiting Japan and saved $120 by doing so.
You’re going to need a reliable internet connection in Japan for the language barrier alone. Thankfully, Japan offers various pocket-wifi options and they are so helpful.
Pocket wifi is a small device you carry with you that automatically provides wifi service to your cell phone.
Tips for visiting Japan for the first time: Here’s a comprehensive look at the pocket-wifi we used and why I recommend it so highly for all first time visitors!
#4. Do not talk, drink or eat on trains (at all)
This was a pleasant surprise for us — 99% of our train rides were spent in silence. The only exception was one particular tide where a group of tourist stood out like a sore thumb because they were so noisy.
As such, one of the most helpful Japan travel tips I can offer is this: be considerate and don’t talk, eat or drink while taking the trail.
People who commute via train take the time to nap. Even folks that travel in groups avoid speaking to each other on the train.
This speaks to the considerate culture of the Japanese. They don’t want to impose on your personal space with their conversations.
#5. Trash cans are hard to come by, especially in Tokyo
This is a very helpful Japan travel tip to know in advance, especially if you live in a city with trash cans on every block.
In Japan, you may go miles without seeing a single trash can. I’m not joking. I held onto a piece of trash for over 30 minutes until I finally caved and used a restroom’s trash bin.
You would think that a city without trash cans would be littered all the time, but that is not the case at all.
Japan is an incredibly clean country and the locals take pride in keeping it that way. The streets of Tokyo are the cleanest I’ve ever seen because everyone respects the rules.
Japan Travel Tips: If lack of trash cans are a concern, bring a small bag, like this, with you for any immediate trash.
#6. Public restrooms are plenty (and free!)
Toilets in Japan are incredibly advanced. We’re talking heated seats, noise settings for privacy, auto-sensor flushers, bidets and the whole thing.
It’s quite the experience. We did not have a hard time finding public restrooms either, just make sure to bring sanitizer with you because some restrooms don’t have soap dispensers.
#7. Always walk on the left side of the street
Knowing this Japan travel tip will keep traffic flowing smoothly, especially in busy streets. It might seem counterintuitive, as most cities require you to walk on the right. But to the best of your ability, hang left – it will make it easier on everyone.
#8. Don’t rely solely on your credit card + always carry yen
Japan is ahead of the curve in so many things excepting accepting credit cards at all establishments. Several restaurants we visited were cash only establishments so I highly recommend carrying yen with you at all times.
Restaurants aside, a lot of popular tourist spots like museums, gardens and temples are CASH ONLY.
For example, we dined at a cash-only restaurant and barely had enough to cover the meal (we were unaware they didn’t accept credit cards until the check arrived).
The couple next to us didn’t have cash and had to run to the ATM for change. Speaking of ATMs…
#9. ATMs are easy to find and transaction fees are minimal
Thankfully, ATMs can be found in train stations, convenience stores (7-Elevens, Lawsons, etc.) and randomly peppered on the street. Most of these ATMS are open 24/7, so withdrawing cash any time of day won’t be too challenging.
We had to visit an ATM on two occasions (surprise, surprise) and only paid $1.10 to pull $100 and $2.20 to pull $200. Just remember to bring a debit card with you to avoid the exorbitant fees charged by credit cards.
Helpful Japan Travel Tip: We found that the minimum withdrawal option at 7-11 ATMs is about $100.
Japan Travel Tips: Restaurant Etiquette
#10. Most restaurants don’t open until 10am, which makes breakfast a challenge
We found it challenging to to find restaurants open before 10am/11am and resorted to quick bites at train stations to fill our empty morning stomachs.
Japan Travel Tip: If you’re spending the morning in Ginza, head to the Muji Hotel because they have a restaurant on the bottom floor that serves breakfast starting at 7:30 am – and it’s very inexpensive!
#11. Tipping while visiting Japan
Do NOT tip at restaurants in Japan.
This is an important Japan travel tip to remember because, unlike in the US, tipping in Japan is perceived as rude and could risk confusing the waiter.
Heck, because I like you, I’ll take this a step further and let you know you pay for your meal at the register, not table. After the check is received, you will take it to the cashier to settle up.
Japan Travel Tips: Don’t spend your precious vacation hours waiting for the server to approach your table ready to take payment. The waiter’s job is to deliver the check, your job is to pay at the register.
#12. Plastic food displays are huge in Japan!
You’ll see large displays of plastic dishes in glass containers outside of most restaurants. This is an effort to show you the meals offered and the portions you can expect. It makes ordering food a breeze because you always know what you’re ordering!
Tips for Visiting Japan: Food Culture
#13. Don’t eat and drink on the go
As someone that eats on the go, this was hard to manage. I’m accustomed to eating a pastry while walking between places but in Japan this is discouraged.
If you need to eat or drink, you must find a spot to sit and enjoy. You’ll notice signs around street vendors that clearly state “no eating/drink on the street.”
Honestly, I’m not sure why this rule exists but you won’t hear me complaining because it only adds to the cleanliness of Japan.
#14. No food should be off limits
I challenge you to accept the culture for what it is without labeling things as “strange.” Because nothing is strange. Everything is neutral until we tie a meaning to it, food is no different.
Be open to the culinary experiences of Japan and your trip will be enlightened tenfold. Try food from vending machines, train stations and malls – when else will you get the opportunity? Plus, the food is some of the best we’ve had.
For instance, we tried octopus on a stick at the Nishiki Market and I’m glad we did! In addition to unique foods, make sure to eat your weight in sushi and ramen, not doing so will be your biggest regret.
#15. Sadly, Japan has a weak coffee culture
It pains me to share this one. As someone that hails from Portland, Oregon, I am accustomed to quality coffee as early as 5am. Yet in Japan, I could not find a café open before 8am.
Worse still, 8 ounces will run around $3.50 – $4. If you want coffee before 8am, you’ll need to rely on 7-Eleven or Lawsons (the coffee isn’t bad and only costs $1.50).
Japan Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
#16. Expect long lines to well-reviewed/popular places
For example, we wanted to try a very popular sushi place before heading to the airport. The restaurant opened at 11am, and we arrived at 11:05. Well, the wait was already 2 hours long and we had to turn around. It’s fair to say that any well reviewed place will have long lines, plan accordingly.
#17. The early bird gets the worm – prioritize what you want to see and start early to avoid crowds
That empty photo of the bamboo forest above? Taken around 7am, my friends. The bamboo forest gets so busy mid-afternoon you’re practically guaranteed a bottle neck situation. If you’re interested in temples/shrines, go around sunrise, well before the crowds arrive.
Just make sure to check the opening hours because some shrines have an admission office and you won’t be allowed inside until they open.
We visited Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto at sunrise and only ran in a handful of people. On the other hand, we visited Kiyomizu-dera at sunset and the place was flooded with people to the point that we had to shuffle through crowds on the way out (see photo below).
#18. It’s easy to get around using English but learn basic words and phrases
It was obvious to me that locals appreciated our efforts to use simple phrases like konichiwa (hello) and arigato (thank you). Doing so paid off tenfold and made our experience in Japan a happier one. Here’s some additional basic phrases you shouldn’t leave home without:
- please: onegaishimasu
- goodbye: sayonara
- how much: ikura
- cheers! (when drinking): kanpai
#19. Learn the difference between temples & shrines
In hopes of not oversimplifying, temples are Buddhist and shrines are Shinto. In our experience, most temples and shrines are free and those that charge only ask a nominal fee ($3-$5 per person). I’m sure it goes without saying, but make sure to dress conservatively/appropriately when visiting temples and shrines.
Japanese Temples
Temples have large incense burners and house buddhist statues. Monks live and train at temples and it is not uncommon to see them wandering the grounds, especially early in the morning.
Did you know that Buddhism did not originate in Japan? It was introduced from China and India and is now an integral part of the Japanese culture.
Japanese Shrines
Shrines welcome visitors with sacred torii gates. Unlike Buddhism, Shintoism originated in ancient Japan and shares the belief that there are thousands of different gods in the world.
Temples are exceptionally sacred because it is believed that Japanese gods live within the objects housed in shrines. As such, some shrines will post signs prohibiting photography inside. It’s vital to abide by these rules.
#20. If you try to minimize your impact on the environment, bring reusable containers with you
We were surprised to find so much plastic in Japan. Plastic bags galore! I wish I would have known about this before our trip because I would have brought my reusable mug with me.
I hate being wasteful and had a hard time seeing all the plastic being used/tossed.
Minimize your impact by politely declining the bags offered in most stores and restaurants and bringing reusables with you. Here’s the water bottle I carry with me wherever I go.
#21. In Japanese culture, respect and consideration is key
We were acknowledged and promptly greeted everywhere we went and never once felt like intruders. One small thing that really impressed me was the way our names were called from waiting lists.
The host wouldn’t simply call out “Will” but rather “Will-sama.” Sama is a formal version of san and is used to refer to customers deserving of the upmost respect.
It’s such a little thing but it makes a huge difference! Japan’s culture of respect naturally made us want to be more respectful and considerate in return.
Japan Travel Tips: During our visit I noticed a lot of tourists blocking traffic while using their phones. Seems silly to mention, but if you are looking something up on your phone, step aside.
Further Reading
- Complete Guide to Japan | Plus 9 Day Expense Report
- Fall in Kyoto | Top 10 Things to See
- How Pocket Wifi Saved Us $120
Japan Travel Tips for First Time Visitors | Tips for Visiting Japan (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the most helpful Japan travel tips we found prudent to share for anyone planning to visit Japan for the first time. You are in for such an exciting trip!
- We felt warmly welcome as tourists
- Public transportation is effective and enjoyable, but can get tricky
- You’ll regret not getting pocket-wifi in Japan
- Do not talk, drink or eat on trains (at all)
- Trash cans are not easy to come by, especially in Tokyo
- Public restrooms are plenty (and free!)
- Always walk on the left side of the street
- Bring yen with you, don’t rely solely on your credit card
- ATMs are easy to find and transaction fees are minimal
- Most restaurants don’t open until 10am, which makes breakfast a challenge
- Tipping at restaurants in Japan
- Plastic display food is huge in Japan!
- Do not eat or drink while walking
- No food should be off limits
- Sadly, Japan has a weak coffee culture
- Expect long lines to well-reviewed/popular places
- The early bird gets the worm – prioritize what you want to see and start early to avoid crowds
- It’s easy to get around using English but learn basic words and phrases
- It’s good to now the difference between temples and shrines
- If you try to minimize your impact on the environment, bring reusable containers with you
- In Japanese culture, respect and consideration is key
I hope this quick list of 20 things every first time visitor to Japan should know. I am confident you will enjoy your trip as well – happy traveling!
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Sayonara,
Antonina
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Pin for later | Planning a Trip to Japan
Japan is so different from America! I definitely want to visit one day, just for the culture alone.
Thank you for this helpful post!
I’m sure you will love it! It far surpassed our (high) expectations! Please let me know if any questions pop up!
Fantastic information, thanks! Happy your encourage sustainability and discourage plastic use but confused why you would then encourage readers to eat octopus. Plant based diet is one of the best ways to save the planet. (Not to mention, octopus are very emotional and smart creatures.)
I second your opinions on Octopus and have since changed my diet (ever learning, ever improving). In terms of the plant-based diet part, I don’t feel it right to tell other folks what they should (or should not) do, but I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying being plant based!