11 Unique Things You Need To Know Before Travelling To Japan

Here are 11 things to know before travelling to Japan. I have completely fallen in love with Japan and have visited twice in a year, both solo and with my younger sister.

While every country has its own customs, Japan truly has different local customs and etiquette. Being a good traveller also means reading up on how to respect local culture. We do not want to be that rude and annoying tourist we sometimes see on social media, right?

I’m giving you 11 things you need to know before travelling to Japan. These will save you a lot of weird faces or confusion. You might wonder why there are no trash cans on the streets of Japan or why that person is looking at you funny while you walk the streets of Tokyo drinking your iced latte.

I got you!

Bring a plastic trash bag

Japan has no trash cans on the streets! Compared to most countries, where there are trash cans on every corner, I found that super weird, and I still do. 

Apparently, years ago, there was an incident with a bomb being hidden in a trash can, and since then, the Japanese government removed all public trash cans from the streets. I only saw a public trash can at the larger train stations.

To save yourself some trouble, bring a plastic bag (save one of those plastic bags you get at 7-Eleven) for your own trash. Keep that with you until you see a public trash can or dispose of it in your hotel.

No drinking or eating while walking

I don’t know where this custom originated, but it’s one of the first things I learned when travelling to Japan. The funny thing is you’ll see a lot of vending machines on the streets in Japan.

But the proper thing to do is get your convenience store sandwich and vending machine iced coffee and stand still on the side of the street while eating or drinking. I’ve noticed the locals doing this; the only people who don’t are the clueless foreigners.

Don’t be like them!

Queue up everywhere!

One of the things I love about Japan is the structured society. Compared to the rudeness and chaos in other Western countries like my own, it’s a good experience.

There are no cutting lines, people are mindful of others, people speak to each other respectfully, and being courteous is the standard.

It doesn’t matter where you go, whether it’s a restaurant, getting on the train or bus or wherever you need to wait a moment, you’re going to line up.

Even getting on a crowded subway means getting in line. I love it.

Be prepared to wait when eating out

Most restaurants don’t take reservations. You just show up and join the queue. Restaurants are used to it and have a great system for their customers. Usually, you leave your name and just wait outside.

Japan’s popularity has increased immensely in the last few years. Waiting in line for restaurants is common practice. It’s even normal to wait in line before opening just to get in there on time.

Do not open or close taxi doors

I was very happy to read this somewhere before I came to Japan! Most taxis in Japan have automatic doors, so that’s one reason.

But even in Kyoto, I took an Uber, and the Uber driver got up to open and close the door for me. It’s so freaking polite! I guess this is one of the ways courtesy in Japan shows.

I had the most friendly Uber driver in Kyoto. While he didn’t speak English, he used a translation app to communicate with me, trying to make small talk. It was the cutest thing ever.

Watch what you wear

While I do believe you should wear what you want and feel comfortable in, I also believe in respecting local customs. What you might wear at home might not be the best choice in other countries.

If you’re like me, you want to avoid unwanted attention, and how you dress is one way to do so.

Japan, and especially Tokyo, is more liberal than the smaller, lesser-known towns and cities in Japan. While some fashion might be awesome or extravagant, I didn’t see a lot of cleavage, for example.

I was also told that not wearing a bra is not done in Japan or wearing super tight, up your crack, leggings for that matter too (those should be illegal everywhere, in my opinion).

Dress based on what feels good to you while respecting local customs.

Etiquette when visiting shrines

Every country has religious etiquette that we must follow when visiting. Locals still use most religious sights for prayers, so please pay attention to that.

One of the first things I learned is not to enter a torii gate in the centre but to walk a little to the left or right of the centre path.

And if you want to learn how to do a prayer, do this:

• Bow deeply twice
• Clap your hands twice
• Join your palms when offering your prayers
• Lastly, bow once.

You can find a lot of information on how to visit Japanese Shinto Shrines and more about Japanese Manners and Etiquette

Wear your walking shoes

Japan is a country where you’re going to be walking a lot, like 20k steps a day. Even if you’re taking public transport, there’s still a lot of walking when exploring neighbourhoods.

Kyoto, for example, has less public transport than Tokyo, and sometimes, it’s easier to walk than take the subway for just one stop. Time-wise, walking rather than taking the subway would be the same. 

Most iconic sights in Kyoto are also not near public transport, so you’ll still have to walk at least 10 minutes to reach your point of interest.

If you love walking, Japan is going to be great!

There are so many tourists

I’ve said before that Japan has seen an immense influx of tourists in the last few years. I also believe that the low YEN (which means more YEN for your bucks) has contributed to that.

Japan always had that image of being super expensive, especially Tokyo! But in reality, it’s all very affordable.

But, yes, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto can get incredibly crowded, which can detract from the experience. The only thing you can do about it is to avoid travelling to Japan during the high season.

Skip June (rainy season), July and August (too hot), cherry blossom season, or fall foliage season. Winter can be good, but expect it to be very cold and snowy, which can add to the charm.

I think the best time to visit Japan is at the end of September and in May. These months are between the popular months, so it will be less crowded and good weather.

No tipping in Japan

Tipping is not common and not necessary in Japan. However, I’ve seen some places that cater more to tourists and are on the hipper side that accept tips. Some places also ask for a cover charge or seating fee, which they only ask from tourists. That’s just a different way of asking for a tip or service charge.

Be careful of tourist scams

While Japan might look like a decent and honest country, which it really is, nothing is perfect. While walking around Shinjuku, I heard a recording playing in English on the streets, warning tourists about establishments charging higher prices.

I paid attention to this, and it is true. Some places have higher prices on their English menus than local Japanese ones. I guess it’s common practice to try to scam tourists worldwide, including in Japan.

Don’t worry too much about it. I’ve only seen it happen in just a few places.

Japan is truly a great country to visit, with such an interesting culture and even better food! And just like every other country, there are things to know before travelling to Japan! I love the customs in Japan, and I love how organized the country and its people are.

Whether you’re travelling to Japan solo or with friends, it’s going to be epic anyway! This list of 11 things you need to know before travelling to Japan is going to help you!