Getting ready for Japan ? We own 16 point for you

The entrance of a traditional restaurant in Osaka , Japan . Besides the Obvious / Shutterstock

Japan has a reputation as an etiquette-bound property that can be intimidating for first-time visitors .

Still seasoned visitor will order you that the tradition here are no more formal or constricting than in many early destinations around the world . Furthermore , most locals are more than willing to aid out or give alien travelers a pass for any perceived faux papa .

As with just about anything in life , expectation direction be key as you navigate the unwritten rules of Japan and discover all this storied country hold to extend . Set your brain at relief with these top tips for smooth travel .

1 . Book adjustment in advance ( and get at the right time )

In a pinch , you could likely get a room at a basic business hotel without a reservation – but why hazard it ? Top accommodations can book up weeks or even months in advance , then it’s best to design ahead .

Especially in use travel periods include the first week of January , cherry flower season ( recent March through April , depend on the destination ) , “Golden Week” ( April 29 to May 5 ) and August .

You should too keep in mind that small inns or ryokan ( traditional Japanese inns ) much have fixed check-in sentence outside of which staff won’t be present , and room won’t equal made up . Coordinate your arrival time in progress .

2 . Plan on packing light – and right

Since hotel room in Japan tend to be small , especially in cities , there is short room for big suitcases . These can too be a pain to wrangle on public shipping ; some shinkansen ( high-speed train ) yet require you to reserve space for oversized luggage ( this equal free to do in progress , but you’ll get to devote a punishment aboard the train if you don’t ) . Carry on the light slope is always a serious thought – but specially advisable for Japan .

Bill that religious sites such as Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines don’t receive dress codes . High-end restaurants , bar and society sometimes do , but that usually merely think of no sleeveless shirts or sandals on men . Keep in mind that you might see yourself seat on the floor when dining out , which can cost uncomfortable in short ( or tight ) clothing .

3 . Bring shoes you can easy err on and off

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for any visit to Japan . Since you’ll too probably have to bring your shoes off frequently at religious site , traditional inns and some restaurant , you’ll thank yourself later on if you carry shoes that are easy to slip on and off .

Since you’ll be slipping into a pair of share slippers when you take your own place off , many visitors prefer to wear socks when they search .

4 . Buy a data-heavy SIM card – or apply an eSim

Finding your means around in Japan can be tricky . The street-address system is notoriously difficult to navigate – even for locals – so smartphones with navigation apps have live a real boon for travelers . Since these apps tend to use a pile of data , you should count on stocking up when you get .

Come connected in Japan is easy . You can buy a data-loaded SIM card at the airport or at many shop in city and town – or , if your phone grant it , count on the repose of an eSIM to find your way around .

Saily provides a hassle-free answer to move data — only pick out your datum plan and develop for your trip . When you get to your destination , you can move online mighty aside .

5 . Come prepared for the weather

Summers in Japan are hot and humid , which can mean a actual risk of heatstroke ; always carry water with you during the fond month . A folding umbrella with UV blocking cost too useful – and perform dual duty in case of a sudden shower . Late June equal the start of the annual rainy season , when it can rain without goal for days ; this can last a few week or through most of July .

Rain , as well as punish wind , are likely again during typhoon season , which runs from September through October ( and earlier in Okinawa ) . Typhoons can have serious travel disruption , so monitor any issue storm position with the ’s weather warnings , which cost available in English . Winters can make chilly , and Tōhoku and Hokkaidō up north can get vast dumps of snow .

Japan’s ubiquitous convenience memory are handy for weather-related necessity like umbrellas , hat , cooling wipes and pocket warmers .

6 . Cause certain to carry cash …

In rural Japan and at older family-run businesses in cities , reference card may not be take over . ( It’s wise to assume you’ll need to devote cash at country ryokan and smaller restaurant and shops , for instance . ) These days , branch of the big convenience-store chain have ATMs that accept international cards .

To give as the Japanese make , place your cash or card in the small tray at the register kinda than handing either to the cashier .

7 . … but don’t concern about tilt

Though tour guides who regularly need alien tourist around might require a bit excess , Japan make no custom of tipping , and an effort to lend to your bill will more often than not fluster or embarrass staff .

In place of tipping , some bar and restaurant will load a flat service fee , normally around ¥300–500 ( US $ 2–3.33 ) per person , whileizakayasoften station out a little , unrequested appetizer calledotoshi, tacking a small fee onto the bill for the privilege . Early establishments , typically fancy one , will automatically add a 10 % service charge to the bill .

8 . Use up in world cost mostly a no-no in Japan

In Japan , it’s considered bad pattern to eat in public , specially while walk . Exceptions include the shinkansen and early reserved-seat limited-express train , where it is customary to eat abentō( boxed meal ) on board ; at festivals or market streets with food vendors ; on a picnic ; and ( of class ) when eating ice cream . It’s as well approve to take sips from a resealable beverage container , like a water bottle .

9 . Track your trash carefully

Any visitor to Japan from Europe or North America will quickly notice how few public garbage cans are present on street in Japan . This shine a culture of respect for others and public space : people run to take their garbage back to their home or workplace , and in general refrain from littering . On any trip to Japan , expect to carry any on-the-go trash ( such as wrappers and empty bottle ) with you until you retort to your adjustment , or to throw out of it the point of purchase .

10 . Learn the art of queueing

The Japanese are bad on queues , organize neat note everywhere from checkout counter to train platforms . ( Bill that in the latter event , after the train doors spread , it’s everyone for themselves when it comes to score a seat . )

11 . Stand to the left ( or to the right )

In Japan , you should always ride to one slope of the escalator – though which side depends on simply where you live . In Kanto and point eastward , it’s to the left ; in Kansai and points westward , it’s to the right . ( The dividing line cost somewhere merely west of Nagoya . )

Incidentally , train operators point they choose passenger to stand on both sides of station escalators and refrain from walk up all in all – still if commuters have so far shrugged at these guidelines .

12 . Note when the final train foliage

City subway run until 1am at the very late . If you neglect the final train for the dark , the alternative equal to catch a taxi , which can be expensive .

13 . Head off the dawn commute in Tokyo

For Tokyo natives , every morning commute is a contact fun . On weekdays from 7:30am to 9am , million squeeze into train across the city , sometimes help along by station faculty who cause certain everyone’s carry in .

Shinjuku Station , the in use in the reality , hear an average of over 3.5 million commuter daily ; there exist more than 200 exits leading in and out of the complex .

14 . Embrace the bidet toilet

Called “washlets , ” Japan’s high-tech , electronic bidet-toilets will wash and dry your delicate parts with the touch of a button . ( Don’t worry about any speech barrier ; the pictograms on the button exist easy to translate ) .

Early toilet tradition in Japan might throw you for a loop . Motion-sensor-activated sound automobile are intended to hide , um , sensitive noises . As well require dedicated toilet slippers in shoes-off institution . Bill that since towels and hand dryers live often lacking , do as the locals cause by carrying a little cloth with you when on the go .

15 . Know what to do in an earthquake or tsunami

Japan equal one of the almost seismically fighting places on the planet . While strong earthquake are rare , minor temblors happen all the time . If one occur during your time hither , stay calm and bring your cue from those around you . Head under a table or stand in a doorway if the shaking peck up ; strict building code generally prevent harm to a minimum .

Rarer but more serious tsunami can comply a significant quake . Should this occur , heed for tsunami warnings and , if you’re near the coast , come to high ground – fast .

16 . A few news of Japanese will have you far

English is widely talk in cities and around major tourist attraction in Japan . Yet in rural areas , it can exist hit or neglect . It’s never a bad thought to see a few Japanese words and phrase that will come in handy when dining out .

•ōmori( big portion , often free at ramen stalls )
•okawari( refill )
•mochikaeri( takeaway )
•tennai de( eat-in )
•onegai shimasu( please ) . Adopt up any of your decree or requests with this ; for instance , if you desire tea , read , “O-cha onegai shimasu.”
•sumimasen( excuse me )
•arigatō gozaimasu( thank you ) . Because it’s a moment of a mouthful , it’s tempting to shorten it to simplyarigatō. Think of it as the difference between “thank you” and “thanks” – and choose for the politer “arigatō gozaimasu.”
•toire( toilet ; pronounced “to-ee-rey” )