10 things you need to know before traveling to Japan

Traveling to Japan takes some planning — after all, it’s not every day you get to go halfway across the world. The more you know about the country, the better your experience will be (and that goes for any destination, really).

We spent a month in Japan and got to enjoy the very best it has to offer: centuries-old temples in Kyoto, Tokyo’s vibrant energy, the powerful history of Hiroshima and the stunning landscapes of the Japanese Alps and the Nakasendo Road. Japan is wonderfully diverse, but to truly enjoy it, a little preparation goes a long way.

It’s not just about putting together the perfect script to visit Japan. It’s also important to understand how the country works, how tourists are expected to behave, and what you need to know before and during your trip. Besides showing respect for the country and its people, being prepared will help you avoid countless hiccups along the way.

In this post, I’ve listed ten things you should know before visiting Japan — whether to steer clear of awkward situations, avoid unintentionally offending anyone, or simply to make sure your trip runs smoothly, without surprises or unnecessary stress.

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10 things you need to know before traveling to Japan

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1 – Silence on public transport 

We tend to be a lively bunch, but it’s best to tone it down when using public transportation in Japan. 

In Japan, silence is the norm and it’s expected. Don’t talk, don’t shout, don’t sing, and absolutely keep your phone on silent mode. If you want to listen to music, podcast or get a call, use headphones and keep your voice to yourself. 

Honestly, if I could bring one Japanese custom back home, it would be this one. I found the calm and respectful atmosphere on public transport absolutely amazing. 
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2 – Always have cash on hand 

Despite being one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, many places in Japan still operate on a cash-only basis—especially small restaurants and traditional shops. One of the ryokans we stayed at (the most authentic of our trip) only accepted cash, as did several fantastic restaurants in Tokyo and many establishments in the small towns we visited. 

We brought some dollar bills with us, but the easiest and most practical way we found to get cash was through ATMs, which are everywhere, from the streets to convenience stores. We withdrew yen in those ATM, paying a fixed fee per transaction (if I remember correctly, ¥200 per withdrawal). Before you go, be sure to check the fees and withdrawal limits with your bank. 
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3 – Convenience stores will save you 

Convenience stores in Japan are lifesavers. They’re everywhere, open XNUMX/XNUMX, and they sell everything—literally everything! The food is surprisingly good, always fresh, and super affordable. They saved us more than once, especially after long, exhausting days when all we wanted was a shower and some rest but had zero energy left to find a restaurant. Sure, they weren’t our most memorable meals, but the convenience and cost-effectiveness were unbeatable. They’re easy to spot—look for XNUMX-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson, among others. Don’t hesitate to take full advantage!

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4 – Be responsible for your trash

Everyone knows Japan’s streets are spotlessly clean. But what really stood out to me? There are almost no trash cans! If we saw more than one during the whole trip, it was a lot. 

That’s because the Japanese take care of their own waste. People carry a small bag in their purse or backpack and throw their trash away at home. 

So always have a bag with you to store whatever waste you produce, and dispose of it later at your hotel.  

Another thing to note: some public restrooms don’t have paper towels or hand dryers. Most people carry a small personal towel for drying their hands—hygienic, waste-free, and energy-efficient. We only caught on after walking around with wet hands until a hotel in Toyama gifted us a cute little towel that became our trusty companion for the rest of the trip.
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5 – No eating while walking

One cultural habit that really surprised me in Japan: people don’t eat while walking down the street, or while riding the subway, bus, or train.. 

Eating on the go is considered impolite. If you buy something to eat, you either eat it right there, next to the store, kiosk, or vending machine, or take it back home or to your hotel. 

The one exception is the Shinkansen (bullet train), where eating is usual and acepted.In fact, stations usually have shops selling ready-made meals specifically for train journeys, like the adorable ones in the photo above, themed after the Tokaido Shinkansen, which runs past Mount Fuji between Tokyo and Nagoya. 

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6 – Language: little English, lots of kindness

Despite efforts to promote English ahead of the 2020/2021 Olympics, the truth is that most people in Japan don’t speak English, and those who do usually have only a basic command of the language.. 

But honestly? The kindness and helpfulness of the Japanese people more than make up for any language barrier. Google Translate was a lifesaver, of course, but with a little patience and goodwill, we had no trouble communicating throughout the trip. 

You’ll also find English signage, especially in metro and train stations and at tourist attractions, which helps a lot.
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7 – No tipping required

Tipping isn’t part of the culture in Japan. Excellent service is already included in the price, and trying to leave a tip might be seen as strange, or even offensive.

We heard that if you leave money on the table, the waiter will run after you thinking you forgot it. We didn’t test this out, but honestly, I believe it! 
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8 – One dish per person

In most restaurants, the norm is to order one dish per person. Sharing a plate isn’t common, and in many cases, the staff won’t quite understand if you try. They’ll just stand there waiting for you to “complete” the order and may insist on it. 

We were traveling as two adults and two children, and even when we knew one dish would be more than enough for the girls to share, we still had to order one for each. Add to that the fact that kids’ menus are extremely rare and, well, you can imagine the waste.

Until, one day at a pizzeria, we had the idea to ask if we could order two appetizers and two pizzas. The waitress agreed, so we went for it: two portions of olives, two pizzas. Problem solved. Here’s a little tip for you😉

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9 – Don’t count on free Wi-Fi 

Unlike many Western countries, free Wi-Fi is not so easy to come by in Japan. Hotels usually offer it, but the moment you step outside, welcome back to the early 2000s, baby 😉.

And trust me, getting around without Google Maps and Google Translate is nearly impossible. Even if you’ve downloaded offline maps and language packs, some key features don’t work, or don’t work as you expect it to work without internet access. 

If your mobile plan doesn’t cover Japan, consider using an eSim (and use code DANAE2375 for a discount!). I used an eSIM, and my husband used his provider’s international plan; both gave us excellent coverage everywhere we went.

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10 – The best way to get around is by rail (train and subway)

Forget taxis and rental cars. The most convenient and efficient way to travel in Japan is by train. The railway and subway systems are vast, punctual, and spotless. And where the trains don’t go, reliable buses will take you. In Tokyo the only time we used a bus was to visit TeamLabs. But in Kyoto, we used buses regularly and without any issues.

Depending on the length of your trip and how much you plan to move around, it might be worth getting a rail pass. The Japan Rail Pass covers the entire country and allows unlimited travel (including on the Shinkansen) for a set number of consecutive days (7, 14, or 21). For our our month-long trip there we bought the 21-day pass. There are also regional passes, like one for Kansai and Hokuriku, or this one for eastern Japan which can be more budget-friendly. Choose the one that fits your itinerary best. 

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Bonus tips:

-Always carry ¥100 coins – they’re the most commonly used, especially in vending machines.

- Seasons in Japan are well defined. Summers (even in Tokyo and Kyoto) are hot and humid, while winters can be very cold. Check the weather forecast before packing.

-Japanese cuisine goes far beyond sushi and sashimi.Try dishes like the many types of ramen, soba, and udon. Venture even further and try okonomiyaki, yakitori, gyoza, donburi, yakiniku, tonkatsu, gyudon, and more. But be aware: most restaurants specialize in a single dish type. If it’s a sushi place, they’ll only serve sushi. If it’s soba, it’s all about soba, and so on.

- Traveling in Japan can be more affordable than you’d expect. In our experience, we spent less in Japan than we did on recent trips to Western Europe or the U.S. Lodging in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto can be pricey, but overall, the trip cost less than we anticipated.
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If you want to keep everything organized and avoid any headaches, here are the links I personally use when planning my trips:
– 🛏️ Accommodation: Booking
– ☀️ Tours & activities: Civitatis& Get Your Guide
– 📱 eSIM for mobile data: Airalo e-SIM
– 🚗 Car rental: RentCars
– 🧳Travel gear and essentials: Amazon

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