🇯🇵 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Japan
- Zamhyrre Perral
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
by NextDestination Travel and Tours
Here are 10 tips to help you enjoy Japan to the fullest and avoid rookie mistakes.
1. 💴 Cash is Still King
Japan loves technology, but many places still prefer cash — especially small shops and local restaurants. ATMs at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart work with most foreign cards, but expect to pay a small fee.
Pro tip: Carry a coin purse — Japanese coins go up to ¥500 and you’ll get a lot of them.
2. 🚆 Train Etiquette is Serious Business
Japan’s trains are quiet zones. Loud conversations, phone calls, and eating are discouraged. People also line up neatly before boarding, and stand on the correct side of escalators (left in Tokyo, right in Osaka).
3. 👟 You’ll Walk… A Lot
Even though the train network is fantastic, stations are huge and attractions can be far apart. Expect to walk 15,000+ steps a day.
Tip: Comfortable shoes aren’t optional — they’re essential.
4. 🍜 Not All Restaurants Have English Menus
Outside major tourist areas, menus might only be in Japanese. Learn a few key phrases or use a translation app.
Bonus: Many restaurants display sampuru (plastic food models) — just point to what you want.
5. 🏪 Convenience Stores are Life-Savers
FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven aren’t your average convenience stores — they sell surprisingly tasty meals, snacks, coffee, and even travel essentials at affordable prices.
6. 🗑️ Trash Bins Are Rare
You might carry your trash for hours before finding a bin. Bring a small bag for waste and be ready to sort recyclables like bottles and cans.
7. ⏱️ Japan is Punctual to the Second
If the train leaves at 8:01, it will leave at 8:01. Missing it by seconds means waiting for the next one. Always arrive early, especially for the Shinkansen.
8. 📏 Respect the Rules — Even the Unspoken Ones
From standing on the correct side of escalators to avoiding eating while walking, Japan’s etiquette keeps things running smoothly.
9. 🌸 Cherry Blossoms Don’t Last Long
If you’re visiting for sakura season, plan carefully — blooms last only 1–2 weeks and dates vary depending on the region.
10. 🗺️ It’s Better with a Plan
Japan has so much to see that “winging it” can make you miss out. A rough itinerary helps you maximize your trip without feeling rushed.
💼 Travel Tip from NextDestinationTravel We’ve helped countless travelers create unforgettable Japan trips — from visa processing to custom itineraries and hotel
bookings.
Don’t leave your Japan adventure to chance — let us handle it for you.
📩 Message us today and start your journey to the Land of the Rising Sun!
📍 Visit us at: 2566 Tejeron Sta. Ana, Manila
📞 Call or Viber: 0926 786 1703 / (02) 85341295
📧 Email: nextdestinationintltravel@gmail.com
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