Japan is often seen as a place with many etiquette rules that can seem daunting to first-time visitors. However, the traditions here are no stricter than in many other countries around the world. Most locals are quite accommodating and understanding of foreign travelers' mistakes.
Managing your expectations is crucial. To help ease your mind, here are our top tips for a smooth journey through Japan.
1. Reserve Your Accommodation in Advance (and Plan Your Arrival)
While it’s possible to find last-minute rooms at basic business hotels, it’s better to plan ahead. Popular accommodations can fill up weeks or even months in advance. Busy travel times include the first week of January, cherry blossom season (late March through April), “Golden Week” (April 29 to May 5), and August.
Smaller inns or ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) often have specific check-in times when staff is available, so coordinate your arrival accordingly.
2. Pack Light for Your Trip
Hotel rooms in Japan, especially in cities, are generally compact, so there’s not much space for large suitcases. Packing lightly is always advisable, and particularly so in Japan. Note that religious sites like Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines don’t have dress codes, but high-end restaurants, bars, and clubs might, typically asking men to avoid sleeveless shirts or sandals.
3. Get a Data-Heavy SIM Card at the Airport
Navigating Japan’s streets can be challenging due to the complex address system. Smartphones with navigation apps are essential. To ensure you have enough data, purchase a data-heavy SIM card upon arrival at the airport.
4. Wear Shoes That Are Easy to Slip On and Off
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. You’ll need to remove your shoes frequently at religious sites, traditional inns, and some restaurants, so bring footwear that’s easy to slip on and off. Many people prefer to wear socks as they’ll often be using communal slippers.
5. Familiarize Yourself with Bidet Toilets
Japan’s high-tech bidet toilets, known as “washlets,” offer various features for washing and drying. The buttons have easy-to-understand pictograms. Be aware that many places have motion-sensor-activated sound machines to cover up any bathroom noises and dedicated toilet slippers in places where you remove your shoes. Also, carry a small cloth, as towels and hand dryers are often absent.
6. Be Prepared for the Weather
Summers in Japan are hot and humid, so staying hydrated and carrying a UV-blocking folding umbrella is recommended. The rainy season starts in late June and can last through most of July. Typhoon season from September to October can also bring heavy rains and winds, so keep an eye on weather updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency. Winters can be cold, and northern regions like Tōhoku and Hokkaidō get heavy snow.
7. Carry Cash
Credit cards might not be accepted in rural areas and older, family-run businesses. Always have cash on hand, especially for country ryokan and smaller shops and restaurants. At checkout, place your money or card in the small tray provided rather than handing it directly to the cashier.
8. Don’t Worry About Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion or embarrassment. Some bars and restaurants might include a small service fee, typically around ¥300–500 per person, while fancier places might add a 10% service charge to your bill.
9. Master the Art of Queueing
The Japanese are meticulous about forming orderly queues, whether at check-out counters or train platforms. Once train doors open, it’s first-come, first-served for seats.
10. Stand on the Correct Side of the Escalator
In Kanto and eastern Japan, stand on the left side of the escalator; in Kansai and western Japan, stand on the right. Note that train operators prefer passengers to stand on both sides to prevent walking, though this guideline is often ignored.
11. Note the Last Train Times
City subways generally run until around 1am. If you miss the last train, taxis are an alternative, but they can be costly.
12. Avoid the Tokyo Morning Rush Hour
The morning commute in Tokyo can be extremely crowded. On weekdays from 7:30am to 9am, millions of people cram into trains. Shinjuku Station, the busiest in the world, sees over 3.5 million commuters daily with more than 200 exits.
13. Refrain from Eating in Public
Eating while walking is generally considered impolite. Exceptions include eating on the shinkansen (bullet train) and other reserved-seat limited-express trains, at festivals or market streets, during picnics, and of course, if you’re enjoying ice cream. Drinking from resealable beverage containers like water bottles is fine.
14. Know How to Respond to Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Japan is one of the most seismically active countries. While major earthquakes are rare, minor tremors are common. Stay calm and follow the locals' lead. Seek cover under a table or stand in a doorway if the shaking intensifies. Tsunami warnings follow significant quakes; if near the coast, move to higher ground quickly.
15. Learn Some Basic Japanese
English is commonly spoken in cities and around tourist spots, but less so in rural areas. Useful phrases include:
omori (large portion, often free at ramen stalls)
okawari (refill)
mochikaeri (takeaway)
tennai de (eat-in)
onegai shimasu (please). For example, to request tea, say “O-cha onegai shimasu.”
sumimasen (excuse me)
arigato gozaimasu (thank you). It’s more polite than simply “arigato.”
toire (toilet; pronounced “to-ee-rey”)
With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Japan's unique cultural landscape and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Comments