Top 10 Tourist Travel Tips for Japan – great for first time visitors in Japan
Japan is a dynamic country with a perfect mix of deep rooted culture and new modern trends. It can be very overwhelming to visit this country as a tourist because there are so many layers to understand in this culture. It should go without saying that tourists should always make an effort to be respectful of other cultures when traveling – which is why I’ve put together Travel Tips for Japan!
The below guide on travel tips for Japan is designed to educate you on what is expected of you as a tourist. People that are traveling to Japan for the first time will particularly benefit from this list as things that are common in other countries are disrespectful (ie #1 below) and vice versa (ie #4 below). I quickly picked up on a lot of important details that will help you be a knowledgeable and respectful tourist in Japan. Read more below for my Top 10 Travel Tips for Japan!
Related Post: Tokyo, Japan City Guide
1. Tipping in Japan
The number one travel tip for Japan is about tipping. Believe it or not, tipping is not required or expected in Japan. In fact, it can be considered rude to tip (quite the opposite expectations)!
The service industry is paid well by their employer so tipping is not required. Some nicer restaurants will add a small surcharge to the bill while others don’t expect it at all.
2. Keep to the Left
When it doubt, keep to the left. This goes for driving, walking, and riding on an escalator in the subway. The right side of the lane/path/walkway/road is strictly dedicated to passing. You might say “psh, this seems silly, we have the same guideline in the USA” – but trust me – Japan follows this guideline to the T.
I was amazed by the obedience and order of each and every pedestrian in Tokyo – it was almost as if there was a law forbidding you to walk on the right side. When riding the metro, people would queue up and wait in order to stand on the left side rather than “cut the line” and stand on the right side.
3. No Shoes Inside
You may be required to take your shoes off before entering a temple, house, or restaurant. Shoes are considered dirty and disrespectful. Some places will offer you slippers to wear while others will have you stay barefoot. Respect their wishes and follow the guidance from the locals.
My first time in Japan, I was unprepared for this and wore difficult shoes to take on/off. Some people prefer sandals for this reason. Other people prefer sneakers so they still have socks on once taking their shoes off.
4. Slurping
Slurping is a sign of respect. You are more than welcome to slurp your noodles while in a restaurant to show your appreciation. Also, don’t be disgusted if you hear others around you doing it too… it’s normal.
5. Yen Currency … Cash is King
The national currency of Japan is the yen (JPY). Check current conversions here – usually about 1,000 yen is $7USD.
Hotels, stores, and restaurants will typically accept credit card. However, cash is still preferred for street vendors, markets, and some tourist destinations like castles. Always carry yen currency with you in a variety of bills to be prepared.
I had to learn the hard way that the ATMs in Japan aren’t always reliable. Some ATMs only work for Japanese debit cards and bank cards. Instead, look for 7-Elevens as they were the most accommodating for international bank cards when it came to ATMs.
BONUS TIP: Don’t forget to inform your credit card company of your international travels
6. The Toilets are Intense
If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the toilets.
I was shocked when I used my first toilet in Japan. There were about 100 buttons of different settings and options (of course none were explained in English so I really had no idea what I was doing). You’ll find that some bathrooms have the option to play music for privacy, to heat my seat, act as a bidet, or more. It’s quite intriguing.
7. Squat Toilet
On the other hand, there are some toilets that are still “eastern” – ie: a hole in the ground. This is typically found in rural areas. I saw far more in China than I did in Japan, but either way, be prepared to squat to use the restroom.
Bonus Travel Tips for Japan: Bring extra toilet paper with you. The squat toilets either don’t have it available or cost money to use!
8. Public Transportation is very Sufficient
The public transportation system is amazing in Japan. There are over 2,000 stations in Tokyo alone! It can certainly be overwhelming as a tourist so download the map in advance and study up on which stops are near the best attractions.
PS: It’s also considered rude to talk on a phone or eat food while riding the metro in Japan. You’ll notice very few locals doing this (although you will see locals falling asleep on someone else’s shoulder and magically waking up exactly in time for their stop)!!
9. Convenience Stores are… convenient!
Go figure! 🙂 This might be one of the obvious Travel Tips for Japan but still very valuable! There are Convenience Stores on every corner in Tokyo (similar to all urban Asian cities). The 3 most popular are 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson. You can find essentially anything you need in these stores – snacks, water, clothes, medical supplies, etc.
10. Cover Your Tattoos
Japanese culture tends to view tattoos as a direct association with criminal gangs. You won’t see any locals with (visible) tattoos and it is recommended for tourists to cover theirs as well.
Final Thoughts on Travel Tips for Japan
There you have it, the best travel tips for Japan. This list is particularly helpful for those who are traveling to Japan for the first time.
First Time Japan Travel Tips:
- Tipping isn’t expected
- Keep To The Left
- No Shoes Inside
- Slurping is okay!
- Keep Yen Currency Available
- Toilet Buttons
- Squat Toilets
- Public Transportation is reliable
- Utilize Convenience Stores
- Cover your tattoos
Related Post: Tokyo, Japan City Guide
Looking for more “Know Before You Go” Guides? Check out my full series below:
