15 Things To Know Before Travelling To Japan (What Tourists Always Get Wrong)
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Planning a trip and wondering what to know before travelling to Japan? Here’s the truth: Japan is one of the most organised, respectful, and culturally unique countries I’ve ever visited.
So, basically, Don’t be an asshole and show respect to the country you’re a guest to.
After travelling to Japan multiple times, both solo and with my sister, one thing hit me immediately: how structured everything is. People queue for everything. Trains, restaurants, even the exact spot where the subway doors will open.
No one pushes, no one cuts, and everything just works. Coming from Europe, where people will happily skip a line without thinking twice, this felt like a completely different world.
If you’re visiting for the first time, there are a few cultural norms and unspoken rules that will make your trip either smooth and enjoyable or slightly uncomfortable if you ignore them. And no, this isn’t about being perfect, but about being aware so you don’t unknowingly come across as rude.
These are the things that genuinely surprised me, the small habits I had to adjust, and the mistakes I’ve seen other tourists make over and over again.
If you’re still planning your trip, I’ve put everything together in my Japan travel guides and tips to help you map out your itinerary properly.
15 things to know before travelling to Japan
Cultural etiquette you need to respect
1. Don’t eat or drink while walking (don’t litter)
This is one of the first things I noticed in Japan, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to spot a tourist.
You’ll see vending machines everywhere, which makes it tempting to grab a drink and keep walking. But locals don’t do that. They’ll stand to the side, quickly eat or drink, and then move on.
It’s not about not eating and drinking. It’s just better to stop and step to the side. The opinion on this matter is a little unclear. While I saw signs from street vendors in Tokyo and Kyoto, saying to not walking and eating.
There are locals who say that it’s not that big of a deal and it’s more about not making a mess or littering.
2. Queueing is not optional, it’s the standard
People queue for everything. And I mean everything. Trains, buses, restaurants, even the exact spot where the train doors will open. There are actual markings on the ground, and people follow them without question.
Coming from Europe, where people will absolutely cut in line if they get the chance, this felt like a breath of fresh air.
But here’s the thing: I’ve seen tourists completely ignore this and just walk straight to the front, especially on platforms. It’s awkward, it’s obvious, and yes, people notice.
Just follow the line. It’s there for a reason.
3. Public transport is quiet, and that’s intentional
If you’re used to loud phone calls, music, or FaceTiming on public transport, this will feel very different. It became a normal thing in Western countries, and I absolutely detest it.
Trains and subways in Japan are quiet. People are on their phones, reading, or just sitting peacefully. No one is having loud conversations, and definitely no one is shouting into their phone.
And yet, I still saw tourists doing exactly that.
It’s one of those things that instantly makes you stand out, and not in a good way. If you need to take a call, keep it short and quiet or wait until you get off.
4. Respect the bowing culture (you don’t need to master it)
Bowing is a big part of Japanese culture, and you’ll see it everywhere. In shops, restaurants, hotels.
You don’t need to perfect it, and no one expects you to. But acknowledging it goes a long way. A small nod of the head, a polite smile, or a simple “arigato gozaimasu” is more than enough. It shows effort, and that’s what matters.
Everyday things in Japan that will surprise you
5. There are barely any trash cans in public
This one confused me so much on my first trip.
You’ll be walking around all day, grabbing snacks from 7-Eleven, coffees from vending machines, and then suddenly realise… there’s nowhere to throw anything away.
Japan has very few public trash cans. You’ll mostly find them at larger train stations, but that’s it.
So what do you do? You carry your trash with you.
I always kept a small plastic bag in my tote and just used that throughout the day. It sounds annoying, but honestly, you get used to it quickly.
What I don’t understand is how some tourists still manage to randomly dump there trash on the streets. Just don’t. Carry it with you and throw it away at your hotel. It’s really not that hard.
6. Don’t open or close taxi doors yourself
This is one of those small things that can feel awkward if you don’t know it beforehand.
Most taxi doors in Japan open and close automatically. The driver controls it, not you.
The first time I got into a taxi, I had to physically stop myself from reaching for the handle. It’s such a habit.
In Kyoto, the Uber driver got out of the car to open and close the door for me. It felt overly polite at first, but it’s just part of the culture and the service.
7. You will walk… a lot
Even if you think you’re going to rely on public transport, you’ll still end up walking way more than expected.
I was easily hitting 20,000 steps a day without even trying.
Cities like Tokyo are huge, and while the transport system is incredible, you’ll still walk between stations, through neighbourhoods, and to get to actual sights. And some of these stations are massive.
Kyoto is even more noticeable. Some of the most beautiful temples and areas aren’t directly next to public transport, so you’ll be walking at least 10–15 minutes to reach them.
In Kyoto, the subway system is less extensive, so sometimes walking takes just as long as taking the subway.
Bring comfortable shoes. Not cute shoes. Comfortable shoes.
8. Be prepared to wait in line for restaurants
Japan does not operate on “just book a table and show up” in the same way many Western countries do.
A lot of restaurants don’t take reservations. You simply show up, put your name down, and wait. And yes, sometimes that means waiting in line before the place even opens.
At first, I found it a bit intense, but it’s completely normal there. And to be fair, the system is usually very organised and efficient.
If there’s a place you really want to try, go early or be prepared to wait. It’s part of the experience. I waited for 45 minutes in line at an amazing tonkatsu restaurant in Tokyo, but it was worth the wait.
Practical tips that make your trip easier (and what tourists get wrong)
9. Japan is still very much a cash-based society
This surprises a lot of people. You’d expect a country as advanced as Japan to be fully card-friendly, but that’s not always the case.
Smaller restaurants, local shops, and even some temples only accept cash. I always made sure to carry enough yen with me, especially when exploring smaller areas or Kyoto.
There are ATMs in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, and they’re easy to use with foreign cards, so it’s not a big issue. Just don’t rely on your card for everything.
10. Get a (digital) suica IC card immediately
If you want to make your life easier in Japan, get a Suica as soon as you arrive.
You can use it for:
- trains and metros
- buses
- convenience stores
- vending machines
It saves you from buying individual tickets every time, which gets old very quickly. You can easily add the Suica card to your iPhone wallet and top it up whenever you run out. So convenient and so easy.
I used my Suica card constantly. It just makes everything smoother, especially in cities like Tokyo where you’re using public transport all the time.
11. There is no tipping culture
Tipping is not expected in Japan. In fact, it can feel uncomfortable or even rude in some situations. But, with the massive influx of tourist the last years, the locals know that in some cultures people tip. Don’t worry, it’s not offensive.
Good service is already included in the experience. You don’t need to add anything extra. I’ve seen a few touristy places accept tips or add a cover charge, but in general, just don’t tip.
12. Japan is more crowded than you think
Japan is not some quiet, hidden gem anymore. Places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka can get incredibly busy, especially during cherry blossom season or autumn.
If you go in peak season, expect:
- long lines
- packed streets
- busy trains
If that’s not your thing, aim for shoulder seasons like June or autumn. You’ll still get great weather, but with fewer people.
13. Dress modestly (yes, it actually matters)
I’m all for wearing what you want. Always. But I also believe in reading the room and respecting local culture.
Japan, especially outside of Tokyo, is more modest than you might expect. I didn’t see a lot of cleavage, super short outfits, or active wear.
If you’re trying to avoid unwanted attention and just feel comfortable, it’s something to keep in mind. You don’t need to change your style. Just be aware of the environment you’re in.
14. Tourist scams exist (but they’re not the norm)
Japan is incredibly safe, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There are awful people everywhere.
In areas like Shinjuku, I actually heard announcements warning tourists about being overcharged in certain bars or restaurants. I also noticed that some places had different pricing on English menus compared to Japanese ones.
That said, this is not the majority. Most places are honest and straightforward. Just use common sense, and if something feels off, leave.
15. Learn a few basic Japanese phrases
This should be standard when travelling anywhere, but it makes a real difference in Japan.
Even just knowing:
- hello = konnichiwa (use during the day)
- good morning = ohayou gozaimasu
- good evening = konbanwa
- excuse me = sumimasen
- thank you = arigato gozaimasu (polite form)
It goes a long way. People really appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
Do’s and don’ts in Japan (quick guide for first-time visitors)
If you remember nothing else from this post, remember this.
Do:
- Queue properly and follow the lines (yes, even on train platforms)
- Carry your trash with you until you find a bin
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases
- Be quiet and respectful on public transport
- Pay attention to local customs, especially at temples and shrines
Don’t:
- Eat or drink while walking around
- Talk loudly or take phone calls on trains
- Tip in restaurants or taxis
- Ignore queues or try to skip ahead
- Leave trash behind (just don’t be that person)
You don’t need to be perfect, but making an effort here makes a huge difference in how your trip feels and how you’re perceived.
Common mistakes tourists make in Japan (and how to avoid them)
Thinking the rules don’t apply to you
I’ve seen tourists walk straight past queues, especially at train platforms, as if it doesn’t matter.
It does.
You might not get called out directly, but people notice. And in a country where respect and order are such a big deal, it stands out immediately.
Underestimating how structured everything is
Japan runs on quiet, order, and mutual respect.
If you’re used to more chaotic environments, it can feel strict at first. But once you lean into it, it actually makes everything smoother and less stressful.
Honestly, it made me realise how unorganised things feel back home.
Treating Japan like a “theme park”
And I’ll be honest, this is something that genuinely frustrates me. Japan is not just a bucket list destination or a backdrop for your photos. It’s a country with real people and real cultural values.
I’ve seen and heard way too many examples of tourists damaging cherry blossoms, carving names into bamboo, or just completely ignoring basic respect.
It’s actually very simple. Don’t litter. Don’t damage things. Don’t treat a place like it exists for your entertainment.
You don’t need to understand every cultural detail, but basic respect should not be optional.
It’s not just “bad tourist behaviour”, it’s straight-up disrespectful.
Only sticking to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
I get it, these places are popular for a reason. But they’re also the most crowded.
If you have the time, explore beyond the main cities. Some of my favourite moments in Japan were in quieter areas where things felt more local and less overwhelming.
Plan your trip
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Travelling to Japan? This is what will make or break your experience
Japan is an incredible destination, but knowing these things before travelling to Japan will make your trip smoother, more respectful, and honestly, far more enjoyable.
Start planning your trip with all my Japan itinerary and travel guides so you know exactly where to go and how to structure your time.
Ready to dive deeper into Japan?
- My 10-Day Itinerary to Japan: What’s Worth It, What I’d Skip (Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka)
- 2-day Itinerary to kyoto for First Timers (Avoid the Crowds + See the Best Spots)
- 5-Day Itinerary to Tokyo for First Timers: What’s Worth It (and What’s Not)
