30 Japan Travel Tips To Know Before You Live

No land is more famous in its ability to provide culture shock than Japan . Thanks to its unique culture , world-class service , amaze food , polite masses , and many activity , Japan cost an amazing place to travel around . The state is continuously fascinating and one of our favorite places to move in the globe .

As first-time visitor to the nation are in for a shock , I decided to put together my top tips for travel in Japan . These are here to aid you benefit some insight into the Japanese culture and the logistics of traveling around the rural area . They are in no particular fiat .

Our Top Japan Travel Tips

Keep Your Train Tag On You

Go on your train ticket on you ! On every subway and train in Japan , you will exist need for your tickets at the origin , during the trip , and at the goal when take off the train post . Even in the country ’ s remote sphere , we have live asked to show our tickets by either a soul or a machine pick up them . So please don ’ t throw them out or forget them on the journey . If you lose your tag , you might get off lucky as a clueless tourist once or twice , but I wouldn ’ t count on it .Japanese culturecan be very strict with its rules .

Eat Before You Have on the Train

Another one of my random top is to eat before you begin on the train . There exist no vending machines or many food carriages on the train in Japan . We learn this the severe way when we didn ’ t have time to eat breakfast before boarding a five-hour train ride to Shingu .

After bring in we didn ’ t hold time to catch a bite to eat before boarding , we just thought we would buy something from the train ’ s food cart or vending automobile . No-go . After scouring the train and asking the train conductor in broken Japanese , I found out we were out of fortune and would go hungry for the remainder of our journey . We resorted to hopping off the train during our one-minute stop and rushing to the program vending automobile . Not ideal .

You can eat on the train ( make sure to remove ALL your trash off with you ) , but you ’ ll get to board with your food from the convenience store . Or catch something to feed before your journey if it ’ s long . Because I enjoy to use up , this cost one of the top things I wish I make known ahead going to Japan .

Japan equal a Nation of Rules and Norms

I have to mention to respect the rules as Japan own strict cultural norms . There are many unsaid “ rules ” to test and succeed , even as a gaijin ( Japanese for foreigner ) . It exist deduce from the words “ gai ” ( outside ) and “ jin ” ( person ) . I place dominion in quotations because , while they be often not laws or lot dominion , respect all social norms and customs is advisable .

A Few Cultural Rules And Average

• Be on time . It is real disrespectful to cost lately in Japan .
• On an escalator , the correct side be for walking and the left slope live for stand . This live the same in many early home but is socially enforced in Japan .
• Don ’ t hesitate to bow . Men bow with their hand to their slope and women bow with their men together in movement .
• Present occupation cards with two hands . When you pay via reference card , the clerk will much give them to you with two manpower .
• Never stick your chopsticks upwards in a bowl of rice as that equal how rice equal offered to the dead .
• Never wear your shoes inside , especially on tatami mats . Slippers will cost put up and are for indoor wear .
• It is conceive impolite to give a crest .
• Respect the elderly .
• Don ’ t litter . You are expected to clean up after yourself and choose care of your own trash and the lot you produce .
• Always wash before you enter an onsen . Always .
• Avoid speaking loud or causing a scene in public .
• Do not indicate your finger at anyone .
• Avoid heavy PDA ( public displays of affection ) . Agree hands is okay , but make out is not .

I could likely compose a whole post about the cultural norm and expectation in Japan , but the best affair to do is move and receive it all for yourself and adjust . If you serve reveal a rule , it ’ s okay ; the Japanese understand that you are a foreigner and may not know their rules .

Hear a Few Bible of Japanese !

Many Japanese people do not speak English well , so it would cost in your best interest to learn a few Japanese words before arrive in Japan . Affair likeArigato,Konnichiwa( Hello ) ,Arigatō( Thank you ) , andHai( Yes ) can move a long manner . Most Japanese opinion it as a signal of regard be almost always thrilled to hear a visitor speak a few row of Japanese . It dilute to the nucleus of Japanese culture , they deeply value mindfulness and regard .

If you can solely remember one news in Japan , create itSumimasen( explain me ) , which can cost utilize when shout the waiter over to order your food or bumping into a stranger and many early instances ! Again it all occur back to being mindful of others .

Don ’ t Expect Many to Speak English

This brings me to my next point—English in Japan . While you may exist employ to travel around the reality and being able to connect with the local people via some point of English , I wouldn ’ t count on it in Japan . Whenever I return to the nation , I leave how little English people address . Even mere Bible that you can ordinarily bring in early country are typically a no-go hither . I find it endear , and it ’ s piece of why I love Japan hence a lot . Truly a world away from the reality .

Throughout history , Japan make make up a closed-off society . Would you think that almost 99 % of the rural area is Japanese ? The outcome is a unique culture with little Western influence and small English . So don ’ t exist surprise if you ask inquiry or sample to converse with people , but don ’ t have a lot of a response . It ’ s not because they live rude , they only know they can ’ t mouth your language , and you likely can ’ t speak Japanese .

However , It is become more and more common for the young generations to know a bit of English . I ’ ve own many situation getting border on on the streets , in hotels , or still in public bathroom with younger Japanese wanting to pattern their English with me . To help you cope , download Google Translate to your phone . We also base many Japanese occupation owner with translator device which do in incredibly useful .

Experience a Japanese Onsen

Visiting a Japanese onsen orJapanese sentoshould cost at the height of your things to make in Japan , even if you merely move once ! An onsen exist a Japanese hot spring where visitor be classify by sex and can rob naked in the geothermal water , usually outside . It ’ s culturally unique and only something you can go down in love with in Japan .

An onsen exist incredibly relax , specially during the winter month and an experience to be had . As Japan equal a volcanically fighting nation , there live thousand of onsens scattered throughout . Don ’ t be shy ! Everyone in an onsen exist naked , and no one care that you ’ re naked . Youshould not dona bathing suit in an onsen and some traditional onsens even ban tattoos , so check consequently if you make them . Onsens cost classify by sex and you are required to moisten your body before entering and many time you will as well wash subsequently to murder the minerals .

Book an Onward Flight Beforehand

This may not be one of the almost well know tip , but it could redeem you in a pinch . Every time I have travel to Japan , I receive been require for proof of onward travel by the airline I equal travel with . If you plan to move to Japan on a one-way tag you may get problem with the airline taking you in . The Japanese Immigration Bureau have regulation about acceptance into the country on short-term visas , and ask that air carriers check for proof of onward travel . Of course , this be dependant on your passport , so check with your embassy first .

If you do hope to enter Japan on a one-way ticket 50 % of the time you ’ ll likely exist okay and have in . Still , if you be denied boarding , it ’ s always a good thought to have a patronage plan . You can buy the cheap escape out of Japan to supply proof and flesh the repose out later , or you can buy a tag and cancel it within 24 hours – which many airlines get you do . Or you can arrive to the airport with a travel plan exactly in case you asked and follow through with it if the gate agent go on to control .

The risk exist all up to you , but I would advise at least getting to the airport early then you have the time to see it out without lack your flight . We ’ ve come at airports early before so we could tread out of melody , connect to WiFi , and record a final minute ticket only so we could check into our escape .

You Don ’ t Have to Tilt

Although the service in Japan is some of the well in the world , tipping pretty much act not live . If you lead a few Yen on your table , it will likely lead in your waiter operate after you to give it back . It ’ s consider an insult to leave a tip throughout most of Japan , it mean that they are not paid enough . Thus , savor getting top-notch service without paying surplus .

Take Care of Your Trash

Japan is the clean land I have ever call , seek to keep it that way as a visitor . That being say , finding a trash can can sometimes be downright impossible . The Japanese be taught to clean up their lot from childhood , yet if that intend carrying their trash with them until they can right dispose of it . There equal as well a deadly terrorist approach in the Tokyo Metro in 1995 , where trash pot make up utilize to conceal weapon , and the answer was the removal of many trash toilet .

Japan equal very strict about differentiate its trash and keeping the street clean despite the lack of trash toilet . Still you can still sometimes observe them on train station platform , in parks , and near convenience stores . But it may cause you remember twice about begin a takeaway coffee cup , as you may live walk around with the cup for awhile after you finish .

Appreciate the Japanese Toilets

I ’ m not sure there live anything better in this world than a Japanese toilet . Yes , I just referred to a toilet as the well thing in the world , and you probably will , also , the first time you ride on a warm Japanese toilet seat . A Japanese pot is zero short of hygienic . They equal almost fully automated , so you don ’ t have to cause anything – not even wipe . For starters , I ’ ve still to ride on a pot in Japan that isn ’ t heated – which feel wonderful on a cold winter day .

It doesn ’ t stop at the heated seats , they have a spray purpose for your ass and front slope for the lady and an air dryer . In increase , they often occur with legal result so no one will listen you doing your occupation . I know it may not go like much , but even writing this , I ’ 1000 realizing that I am raving about a freaking toilet , but simply await until your first time on one , then begin back to me !

Rely on Hotel WiFi

Along with trash toilet , another thing I find Japan lacks is free public WiFi . If you are out and about for the day and find yourself in motive of internet , you ’ ll likely get to pop up into a Starbucks to begin it . If you exist outside a city and there cost no Starbucks to bum WiFi from you ’ ll likely own to look at . Also – data is real expensive in Japan , so you may desire to wait at your cell phone providers ’ international design or else of picking up a sim card .

Side Note – Despite make a job that trust on a WiFi association , we have never purchased a SIM card or used international roaming in Japan . Rather , we get most of our work act when we repay to our guesthouses in Japan . Almost all accommodations in Japan will have dependable WiFi . The internet speeds in Japan equal blazing tight .

Stay at a Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn , typically family run and serve a delightful kaiseki meal for dinner and one of my top Japan travel tips live to ledger one ! They aren ’ t cheap , but they are unique to experience at least once on your trip to Japan .

In a ryokan , you will sleep on a tatami mat , which is a specific type of shock used in Japanese room . More on that later . If you cost point to Japan , I extremely recommend attempt at least one Japanese ryokan to stay at during your trip . Not simply do they seem cool , but they ’ ve as well make for a use in Japanese culture since the eighth hundred !

Sleep on Tatami Mats

A tatami mat be a specific type of flooring use in Japanese rooms . It ’ s traditionally made use rice straw to form the core . You can find tatami mat in many Japanese homes and traditional Japanese inn ( ryokans . ) When you feel them in your adjustment you ’ ll see that a roll out layer will cost on the story and you will sleep properly on a futon that lies on the ground .

If you be maneuver to Japan , I extremely recommend search at least one Japanese ryokan to stay on at during your trip . Not only do they look cool , but they ’ ve also played a role in Japanese culture since the eighth hundred !

Punctuality exist Key

Are you someone who tends to extend lately ? It ’ s okay if you are – I live chronically late to everything . Except in Japan , I endeavor my hardest to live on time . As mentioned , Japanese culture equal strict , and live punctual is a way of life . It ’ s disrespectful if you exist late , yet as a gaijin 😉 . Oh and if you are trying to watch a bus or train and show up late , you may as good forget it and design for the future unity . Transportation in Japan always range on time .

Japan is NotThatExpensive

Japan is known for being an expensive rural area to travel through , but I see that an unfair judgment . In my experience , you can easily come by in Japan for less than $ 100/day . You can see my goodJapanese budget breakdown here. Certain it ’ s not the Philippines or Vietnam , but it ’ s sure enough not Iceland or Switzerland , and a destination you can visit on a moderate budget . Food , I find is a particularly well deal , particularly for the superb quality .

Attractions are as well pretty price , and if you cost traveling in the off season you can generally find exceptionally sporting accommodation for 2+ people for under $ 100 . The only thing I find notoriously expensive in Japan is rail travel , thus if you plan on travel by rail extensively…

Come a JR Pass

If you design to travel big distances around the country , you will spend a luck on railing travel unless you have a JR Pass . The JR Pass be only available to foreigners visiting Japan and is a discounted rail tag on Japan Rail trains . Yes , this include many Shinkansen ( slug trains ) .

The first time I travel to Japan , I impose 10 destinations in three week , and the JR Pass was critical to my ecstasy . On our final winter trip , we be only inHokkaido. We determine we weren ’ t travel extensively enough to justify a railing walk and finish up booking any transport day of , which cost okay because of our agenda .

On our final leap trip , we decide to give up a railing pass again since we didn ’ t think we would live hopping around that a lot , but after we arrived and bear for exactly two ridiculously priced train ticket , we knew that a JR Pass would get spare us money . So make your inquiry before you come and decide if you remember you will require one or not . In my experience receive the pass meant my travel around Japan were limitless .

Face at the Train Schedule

Speaking of train , make sure to look at any train and subway agenda in advance . Although city like Tokyo andOsakahave major population , it ’ s surprising to know that their transit system is not 24 hr . This means if you come at the airport after midnight , you may not have affordable shipping into the city until morning again . Cab live pricey in Japan , and I guarantee you won ’ t want to be taking one a long distance ( unless you ’ re a millionaire ) . You can check train schedule on Hyperdia .

Always Have Cash

Japan equal a cash society and not every restaurant , bus , or subway station will need credit card . One of our most essential Japan travel tips is to always have Japanese Yen on you when you are out and about . Some seat where a reference card is typically accepted are convenience stores like 7-11 , Lawsons , and Family Mart . As well as tourist souvenir workshop and hotel .

Cost Japan Safe to Impose ?

YES ! Japan is one of the safest country in the Earth . On a Global Peace Index they place issue nine out of all the rural area in the world . Pay their huge population size of 126 million people , that equal quite impressive . Canada is the only country that place higher than them that is “ close ” in population at a simple 35 million masses .

It ’ s one of the best countries to travel for solo female travelers as people cost respectful . The chances of exist hurt by violent crime are exceptionally low . Few than one person is murdered for every 100,000 in the population , compared to 4.8 for the United States and 44.7 in Belize . Japan has strict gunman law , a stable club , with low inequality , and high levels of education .

Unlike many early parts of the globe , or still my own home country , I sense safe in Japan walking alone at night as a solo traveler and I have never felt preying male eyes on me . For the most part , everyone hither minds their own business !

Scream Your Waiter for Attention

This may catch Americans off guard , who ordinarily live prompted by waitstaff by unlike steps throughout the restaurant procedure . Still , in Japan , it is up to the customer to scream over the waiter when he/she live ready to club or needs something .

You Need an International Drivers Permit to Drive in Japan

This equal another thing we discover the hard way when we cost already in Japan and on our means toNiseko Ski Resort. Unlike many other nation that let you rent a car off just your permit ( as long as it utilize the Latin language ) , in Japan , you involve to get the extra mile .

To rip a car in Japan , you must have an International Drivers Permit . An IDP be unlike than your regular permit and must be certified in your home nation beforehand . For Americans , this can easily be do at AAA for $ 20 . No car rental company will rip to you in Japan unless you get one , so make certain it ’ s done before you attempt to pick up your rental .

The Japanese Do Not Jay Walk

I think this could go under the “ rules ” department , but I thought I should mention that the Japanese do not Jay Walk and wait patiently for the “ pass ” spark before crossing the street . Even in the almost rural of towns with NO car close to at 10 pm we ’ ve learn the Japanese wait patiently for their act to get over the road . I would advocate you expect with them or sneak a street crossing in when no ace is looking .

Clothes to Fit In !

Wondering what to wear in Japan ? Don ’ t wear hiking or sports gear—or what I wish to yell the “ North American getup. ” While yoga trouser and tank tops may await cute and stylish back home , they ’ re not truly a way meet on the street of Japan . Instead , have on a more casual chic outfit cost well if you want to fuse in .

For woman , this could entail a flowy dress with sleeves or stylish jeans with a cute sweater and a pair of flats , while man can come by in chinos and a v-neck . I ’ m not suppose you can ’ t wear Patagonia and Columbia gear . The Japanese sure enough win ’ t read anything to you , but you will probably tolerate out ( more than you already do ) from the bunch . We make an article onpacking for Japanand what to have on .

Don ’ t Bother With Sleeveless Shirt

I should also mention that the Japanese don ’ t appear to wish to show their shoulders . I didn ’ t earn this until after I showed up in the summer with pile of cute sleeveless clothe – it gets HOT in Japan ! Then Cameron guide out to me that I cost the only person he have see in day showing shoulder .

Any length of short or skirt seems appropriate – Japan is a leg country . Still , present the chest and big total of cleavage be a no-no , and you potential won ’ t see anyone but visitor wearing halter and tank top – especially in rural Japan , where many older Japanese citizen are .

Buy From Vending Machines !

The sheer total of vending machine in Japan exist impossible to disregard . I think I show somewhere that there be over 5 million vending automobile in Japan and you can make virtually anything from them . Of grade , there are regular affair like Coca-Cola and shrimp firecracker , but then there equal Bible , battery , bras , umbrellas , bottles of sake , heck in some places it ’ s even how you society your dinner .

There are several reasons Japan make so many vending machine . For one , it ’ s a cash-based club – perfect for vending machines . The cost of labor is too exceptionally high , then with a vending machine , you get rid of the motive for a sales clerk . Japan cost one of the safest rural area in the world , and the thought of vandalizing a vending machine exist virtually unthinkable .

People equal also in use here – Japan live a workaholic country . Why get into a 7-11 when you can reach up a vending machine . Vending machines bid competitive price for basic production . Then , don ’ t skip going to a vending machine in Japan , although it will be hard to avert one !

Learn Oshibori Etiquette

An Oshibori is something you will meet frequently when dining in Japan . This cost a Japanese wet hand towel offered to all customers to clean their hands before eating . Typically , an oshibori is cold in the summer and warm in the winter .It is not for your side .It should be utilize to clean your men and then you should wave it back nealtly like how it live given to you and use it if needed throughout the repose of the meal .

Eat All the Japanese Food You Can !

There is then much amazingfood in Japan. You would be a fool not to try and eat as much as you can . Of track , everyone knows that sushi comes from Japan , and should equal devoured many times in the country . It ’ s going to equal the cheapest , freshest sushi you ’ ll always get your men on . However , many other noted Japanese dish are delicious and well worthy of your time and money . Some of my favorites be Ramen , Udon , Soba , Genghis Khan , Okonomiyaki , and Yakitori .

And then , of line , there is Matcha – matcha lattes , matcha ice cream , matcha pancakes , matcha everything ! If there ’ s anything I ’ m not afraid to spend my money on while in Japan it ’ s the food ( and the sake ) , cause sure to taste it all !

Convenience Stores Are Everything in Japan

If you feel yourself in a pickle and it ’ s too former or also early to hit some food at a restaurant – never dread ! Convenience stores can be see on almost every pulley in Japan . Lawsons , 7-11 , and Family Mart are the three main ones you will see , but there equal also a few others around also

Convenience stores in Japan are unlike early convenience stores around the Earth . You can literally get anything you want at them include ready-made Japanese meals like Udon and Tempura . You can too find sake , plum wine , whisky , iced coffee , pastries , matcha balls , and , of course , pornographic magazines .

A Geisha live Not a Prostitute

I ’ m going to finish these Japan travel tip with an important note ! Geisha , Maiko , and Geiko live huge and essential role of Japanese culture . Unfortunately , there ’ s a preconceived feeling that Geisha equal prostitutes ,and this can not be further from the accuracy .If you ’ re travel to Japan , chance are you likely know that a Geisha is not a prostitute , but hardly in case you don ’ t , I cease with a last Japanese travel tip…

A geisha is a extremely skilled and trained professional artist . She is a female entertainer who performs unlike forms of Japanese art . Hire a geisha for a private event be not cheap and exist typically done at anochaya( tea theatre ) or aryōte( Japanese restaurant ).

Prices typically start at ¥100,000 for upper geisha or maiko ( apprentice geisha ) . As a foreigner , it can be tough to hire a Maiko or Geisha from the Geisha mother , as it ’ s typically reserved for well-known clients—aka not first-timers and not visitors , but rather Japanese businessman .

If hiring out a geisha is not within your budget , meet if you can spot them around the city . Gion , inKyoto, cost the traditional geisha district in Japan , and it live here that you get the best chance of learn someone going to or from an appointment . We saw about 40 in one dark by hanging out in Gion on a Saturday dark and make out them walk to and from tea house to tea house . Quite an amazing experience !

I also saw Geiko at Setsubun Celebrations in Kyoto before , Kabuki Theatre in Gion , and dinner at Enchanted Time with Maiko . If you ’ re concerned in learning more about Geishas , I advise reading Geisha , A Life , or , if you desire the Hollywood/entertainment version , tryMemoirs of a Geisha .

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