If it’s your first time in Japan, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many cultural differences when you first arrive.
A trip to Japan is unlike any other. There’s a reason why for so many travellers – myself included – their first time visiting Japan is so special.
But that doesn’t mean things always go smoothly!
Far from it, Japan’s unique culture, strict social etiquette and unspoken rules can make it an overwhelming country to navigate if you’re not prepared.
But you won’t need to worry about that. This post details everything you need to know to avoid any serious faux pas on your first trip to Japan and leave with nothing but positive memories.
Because if there’s one thing you guarantee, it’s that your first time in Japan will be one to remember. Whether you have 7 days in Japan or an entire month (or more!), memories of your first trip to Japan will stay with you for a lifetime – I promise.
Just to let you know… This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links. I may receive a small commission from them at no extra cost to you.
What to expect from your first trip to Japan
Japan is the kind of country that will stimulate your senses, open your mind and steal a piece of your heart, and its people, culture and mentality will stay with you long after you leave.
But, if it’s your first time in Japan, there’s a good chance you’ll feel a little lost when you arrive.
Don’t worry – that’s normal! I don’t want to scare you. On the contrary, Japan is one of my favourite countries, if not my favourite, and a very traveller-friendly one.
Everything in Japan is so reliable, safe and convenient that it’s the perfect destination for solo travellers, backpackers or first-time travellers in Asia.
But it’s also a very unique culture where everyone abides by certain unwritten (and written) laws.
That means a little knowledge of Japanese etiquette and customs will go a long way, especially on your first trip to Japan.
As you read through these first-time Japan travel tips, you’ll notice that most of the advice relates to the country’s social etiquette more than anything else.
I’ve also thrown in my best tips for making the most of your first time in Japan, as well as some handy money-saving hacks that first-timers often miss.
Tips for your first trip to Japan
Perhaps the most important thing to understand – and something you’re likely to notice as soon as you arrive in Japan – is that Japanese culture is built for efficiency.
Everybody has a place, everybody knows their place and nobody tries to take anybody else’s place.
When you’re waiting for a train, you stand within the painted lines on the ground. If somebody leaves a bag of money unattended, you don’t touch it.
If you’re going up an escalator, you stand on the same side as everybody else.
Everybody behaves in the best interests of society. Everyone knows how to make the system work. Everybody goes about their own business without concerning themselves with others.
You’ll probably feel like a bad person at first, as you ignore a red crossing light or forget to queue in the correct lane for the train.
But it won’t be long before you fall into the rhythm and leave feeling like a better version of who you arrived as. I certainly did.
Your first time in Japan will be eye-opening and thought-provoking if you’ll let it.
Knowing a little bit about Japanese etiquette and culture will only make that first trip to Japan even more special and help you appreciate the Japanese way of life a little more.
If you want to make the most of your time in Japan, try to remember a few of these points.
I appreciate that there are a lot – I’m going to be adding anything I think of with time! – but I promise it’s not as scary as it sounds and will make your first trip there all the better.
Practical advice for first-time travel to Japan
Getting around Japan is surprisingly easy – even if it doesn’t look like it! It just takes a little bit of getting used to.
And that’s what this first bunch of Japan tips are for.
A little preparation will go a long way if it’s your first time in Japan, so here is how to make sure you arrived as prepared as can be.
1 – Don’t worry too much about the language barrier
Unlike in many countries, English will only get you so far in Japan.
Although many people in the big cities speak at least a little English, you could go days without meeting someone who speaks a single word in smaller cities and towns.
Surprisingly, the language barrier isn’t as tricky as you might expect. Everything is very straightforward and logical in Japan, which makes it a lot easier to figure things out.
And when in doubt, sign language can get your further than you might think.
2 – Download some Japan travel apps
Those language barriers mentioned above are even easier than ever to overcome thanks to the internet – so take advantage of it!
We mostly used Google Translate for understanding menus and communicating with people who did not speak English, and it should be more than enough to help you through your first time in Japan.
I recommend pre-ordering a local sim card that you can collect from the airport when you arrive (or an e-sim like this one). Then you’ll have no problem understanding local signs and asking for help if and when you need it.
3 – Learn a few common Japanese phrases
Even with the Translate app downloaded onto your phone, try to learn a few phrases you’ll use regularly.
Politeness is a large part of Japanese culture and showing even a little effort to learn the language will be greatly appreciated by anyone you meet.
A few key phrases to learn are thank you, yes and hello. This video shares the key phrases you need and includes explanations by a native English speaker who lived in Japan for many years.
TIP: If you want to try your hand at a little more than the basics, this Japanese phrasebook is great to pop in your day bag during your trip to Japan. It comes with a CD so you can master pronunciation and experience the culture at home before you arrive.
4 – Take photos of names
Something I found really useful during my first trip to Japan was to simply take photos of words and names such as addresses.
Even if you don’t feel confident writing something down, you’ll be able to ask anyone for directions by showing them a photo your phone.
Just make sure you always have a good portable charger when you’re using your phone more than usual! I swear by Anker products for their reliability and longevity.
5 – Get a Japan Rail pass
If there’s one thing everyone should invest in for their first time in Japan, it’s a Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass, as it’s often called).
The JR Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to much of Japan’s rail network, including all JR trains and many of the high-speed shinkansen trains.
That means it’s possible to venture out on some pretty amazing day trips from Tokyo or any of Japan’s other major cities, without being restricted to one area.
Yes, you’re going to clench your teeth a little when you hand over your credit card details. I certainly had reservations and wondered if it was really necessary when I saw the price.
But if you want to really make the most of your trip to Japan, it’s going to be worth it. I promise!
With a Japan Rail pass, you’ll be able to see the snow monkeys bathing in hot springs (my favourite Japan experience!), visit Hokkaido from Tokyo in just a few hours and get a better insight into Japan as a whole.
You can also use it on the Narita Express trains, which connect Tokyo Narita Airport to the city centre.
The bullet train is by far the easiest and best way to travel around Japan, and buying a Japan Rail Pass will save you a TON of money.
It’s even cheaper if you buy it online before you arrive and includes free 24-48 hour delivery to most countries. If you don’t want to have it delivered for any reason, you can also pick it up when you arrive and still enjoy the pre-sale discount.
6 – Book your accommodation before you arrive
Most Japanese cities have an abundance of accommodation, but the best places always book up quickly.
And, if you plan on visiting any small towns or heading off the beaten path – something I highly recommend! – the accommodation options are much more limited.
For these reasons, I’d recommend booking accommodation for your entire trip to Japan as far in advance as possible.
If you’re not 100% sure of your Japan itinerary or want to be able to change your mind, both Hotels.com and Booking.com offer the option to filter accommodation with free cancellation so you can change your mind later at no cost. But be sure to have something!
7 – Pack a Japan travel adapter
Don’t get caught without power! Make sure you add an adapter to your Japan packing list if you’re likely to need one.
Japan mostly uses the US-style plug with two flat pins (plug type A). There is no room for a third pin, so you’ll need an adapter for devices with more than two pins.
Most worldwide to USA adapters work for Japan. If you don’t have one already, a universal adapter is your safest bet (and can be used on all other trips, too!).
8 – Pack hand sanitiser
Japan as a whole is easily the most logical place I’ve been. There are only a handful of things that didn’t seem to make sense in Japan (and they probably stood out more because of it).
One of those things was the lack of soap in public bathrooms.
Although Japan’s public toilets are very clean and have a load of fancy buttons to personalise your bathroom experience – and even play music while you do your business! – most of them are lacking in soap.
I would say less than 40% of the public toilets I used in Japan had soap at the sinks so pack a small travel-friendly hand sanitiser to be on the safe side.
9 – Don’t be alarmed if the toilet sings
Or chirps, or makes water sounds.
I’m sure you’ve heard about Japanese toilets before (here’s a quick intro, if you haven’t!) but something I wasn’t prepared for were the sound effects.
It’s pretty common for public toilets to make, er, more pleasant sounds while you do your business, but it can give you a fright if you’re not expecting it!
The idea of a singing, speaking toilet might sound a little strange to your right now. After your first time in Japan, a silent toilet will feel equally strange!
10 – Stay safe online
Something you’ll notice during your first time in Japan is how safe the country is. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and frequently ranks top in studies and rankings.
While that’s great news for travellers, it also means it’s easy to get complacent.
If there’s one area you might want to be extra careful, it’s online.
WiFi in Japan (when you can find it) is usually pretty fast, but it’s not unusual for networks to be unsecure.
Therefore, if you’ll be connecting to the hotel or public WiFi at any point during your trip, it’s worth ensuring you have a VPN on your phone, laptop and other devices. My go-to is NordVPN for its reliability and affordability.
Alternatively – and espeically if you have several devices – it’s worth considering getting a WiFi device for your trip to Japan. I use and recommend the Solis Lite, which also doubles up as a handy power bank.
It works around the world and allows unlimited data, so you can use it on every trip to ensure your WiFi is always secure.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Alajode readers can save 15% on both their device and any data plans. Simply purchase your device using this link and enter the code ‘ALAJODE’ at checkout.
Insider travel tip
If you haven’t already booked your flights, I recommend using WayAway to find the best options. Not only do they aggregate the largest number of supplies and the best prices, but you can also get 10% cashback with a WayAway Plus membership!
WayAway Plus is one of my favourite travel hacks because you can save money on almost anything. You just use their search engine to find the best deals and get up to 10% of the cost back in cold hard cash (in your Paypal account).
I love it so much that I’ve teamed up with them to give Alajode readers an exclusive discount of 55% (less than $4 per month)! Sign up using this link and enter the code “ALAJODE” to save on your next travel bookings.
With a destination like Japan, you could save hundreds of dollars in just one trip.
11 – Cover your tattoos
You can pretty much wear whatever you like in Japan, but try to cover any tattoos.
Even though they are becoming more common, especially among young people and in districts such as Harajuku, tattoos are still associated with the Yakuza – a Japanese gang.
For this reasons, tattoos are not widely socially accepted in Japan, no matter how pretty yours might be. While it’s not a legal requirement to cover them, doing so will show respect for local customs.
12 – Stand on the… right?
Cars drive on the left in Japan, but it’s not so straightforward for pedestrians.
In some cities (e.g. Tokyo), the humans follow the traffic and stand on the left, but in others (e.g. Osaka) it is expected that you stand on the right.
It won’t take you long to figure out which side you should be on because everybody will be following the rules, but it’s something to remember when you travel between cities!
And, as we found out, the people stood behind you will probably all move over if you randomly switch sides on the escalator… that can be a fun game to play!
13 – Take several types of card
I would normally recommend travelling with only one or two cards but ATMs are pretty hit and miss in Japan.
Every machine seems to favour different kinds of credit and debit cards, so it’s good to have a few options.
We found American Express to be the most reliable and sometimes the only card that would work for cash withdrawals.
Read next: the best bank accounts and credit cards for travellers
14 – Get a Suica card
A Suica card is a pre-loaded card that you can use all over Japan.
Once topped up, you can use your Suica card like a contactless card on subway trains, in some convenience stores and even at some of the many vending machines and avoid any credit/debit card issues.
You can also click here to reserve yours online before you go and simply collect it when you arrive.
15 – Most hotels are well-equipped
Every room we stayed in – including several rental apartments – came with all the toiletries you could need as well as toothbrushes, cotton pads and sometimes even a face mask!
There’s no need to pack body wash, but it might be a good idea to bring your own shampoo – especially if you’re blonde, as sometimes the shampoo provided is designed for black hair.
RELATED READ: Where to stay in Osaka.
Japanese Etiquette Tips to know for your first time in Japan
Japanese etiquette is one of the most important things to know before your first time visiting Japan – especially if you want to experience things like a Japanese onsen!
Nobody will call you out if you do make a cultural faux pas – the Japanese are too polite to do something like that – but you’ll fit in much more easily and make yourself more welcome if you’re aware of the following:
16 – Be ready to bow
Bowing is a sign of respect in Japan, so don’t be alarmed if someone dips their head towards you.
It might feel unnatural to bow at strangers at first, but you’ll be doing it on auto-pilot by the time you leave (and maybe for a while after you return home!).
Bowing etiquette in Japan is a huge topic and one that I can’t cover in this post – because there’s too much to say and I have too little knowledge – but I found this guide a good way to familiarise myself with the practice.
17 – Do not tip
This is one that many people find hard on their first time in Japan, especially first time visitors from the United States, but can cause offence if you’re not careful.
Tipping is considered insulting in Japan, even in situations where it would be rude not to tip elsewhere, such as in restaurants and taxis.
Please feel bad or guilty by not leaving a tip – and don’t let the guilt trip you into leaving a tip. The recipient will only find it awkward at best and insulting at worst, so you’re being kinder by not leaving a tip!
18 – Respect your food
In other words: do not stab your food. (Yes, really!).
There are quite a few Japanese customs that centre around chopstick usage, but the mains one to remember are that you should never point your chopsticks and should never stab your food with them.
Fun fact: Japanese culture frowns upon stabbing food in any way because this is seen as disrespectful to the food.
This can be pretty tricky to grasp if you usually eat with a fork, but using chopsticks definitely makes it easier to avoid!
19 – Pack slip-on shoes
As you travel around Japan, you’ll find yourself constantly taking your shoes off to enter homes, restaurants and sometimes even Starbucks.
It’s a whole lot easier to get on board with this custom if you have slip-on shoes that are easy to take off and put back on. Just make sure you’re wearing hole-free socks!
Shoes to wear in Japan:
20 – Wait your turn
If you thought the British were keen on queuing, the Japanese take it to a whole new level!
It’s not unusual for queues lines to be clearly painted on the ground so you know exactly where you should be standing when waiting in line.
At train stations, there may even be two or three queues lines for the next trains to arrive – so make sure you get in the right lane!
21 – Slurp your noodles
While some countries considering loud eating rude, it is expected in Japan.
Slurping your noodles is a sign that you are enjoying the food and can’t eat it quickly enough (because it’s so good!).
Similarly, slurping hot soup or liquid shows your eagerness to eat it despite it being hot.
The one thing I haven’t figured out is how to do this without burning your tongue…
22 – Hold the soup
If you’re from a country where soup is normally considered a starter, you’ll have to change your habits in Japan.
It’s very common to order miso soup alongside your main dish – but don’t finish it first. When you’re in Japan, your soup should last the entire length of your meal.
23 – Avoid using your phone in public
One of the first things you’ll probably notice during your first time in Japan is how quiet it is.
Even in the middle of a busy Tokyo street, you’ll barely hear more than a whisper from the hundreds of people around you.
Even though nobody will say anything if you do make noise, it’s best to avoid disrupting this peace by going somewhere private if you need to take a phone call.
DON’T TRAVEL TO JAPAN WITHOUT INSURANCE!
If you only do one thing before your trip to Japan, please make sure you have adequate travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers you for healthcare and cancellations, as well as any activities you plan to do because Japan has some of the most expensive healthcare in the world!
As of 2023, I use and recommend Heymondo because they offer greater cover – they cover things that most insurers won’t – and 24/7 assistance no matter where you’re going (or where you’re from!).
They offer options for single trips, long stays and annual coverage, so they’re a great budget-friendly (yet sufficient) option for digital nomads and frequent travellers, too.
24 – Blow your nose privately
This one is kind of tricky if you end up with the kind of cold I had in Osaka, but try not to blow your nose in public.
As much as I hate to admit it, I didn’t realise this was a faux pas in Japan until I’d already done it a few times, but blowing your nose is considered bad manners.
This one is hard if you hate sniffing but sniff until you can go somewhere private and, if you must, turn away and have a discreet wipe.
25 – Don’t point (with anything)
This one is simple, but easy to forget!
If you need to point at something, do so with an open palm. Pointing with your finger – or a chopstick – is considered rude.
26 – Wear the right slippers
Something you’ll quickly become accustomed to is the fact that you’ll have to change into slippers when entering most Japanese houses and many Japanese restaurants (and sometimes even Starbucks!).
This is always obvious and pretty straightforward, with slippers provided for you.
What isn’t always so obvious is that you should change from your house slippers to special toilet slippers when using the bathroom.
Again, these will be provided for you and can normally be found just outside the toilet door so you won’t forget. But don’t mistake them for someone else’s left-behind footwear – these are there for you to change into!
27 – Watch out for the ladies only carriages
If you’re female, this won’t be a problem for you. In fact, you might not even notice!
But if you’re male, watch out for the ladies only carriages on public trains. That is, if you don’t want to be the subject of giggles!
28 – Avoid eating in public
Even though Japan is full of great takeaway food, Japanese people don’t tend to eat on the street – even street food.
This might explain the lack of rubbish bins everywhere!
So, while I fully encourage you to indulge in the wild and wonderful world of Japanese cuisine, especially if it’s your first time in Japan, keep to eating indoors.
Making the most of your first trip to Japan
So, now you know what to do in Japan – and, more importantly, what not to do! – these final travel tips will focus on making the most of your first time in Japan.
Although none of these Japan tips are essential, they will certainly make your first trip to Japan a more enjoyable one and give you even more memories to take away with you.
29 – Stay in a traditional Japanese house/ryokan
If there’s one experience everyone should have in Japan, this is it. Staying in a ryokan – a traditional Japanese home – is an experience like no other and one that everyone should experience during their first time visiting Japan.
The idea of sleeping on a thin floor mattress may not sound too appealing, but I promise it’s one of the best sleeps you’ll ever have.
What’s more, because of the sliding door design that allows multiple rooms to open out into one larger room, most ryokans can accommodate even larger groups and families.
Japan has no shortage of ryokan accommodation and you can find them on all major accommodation sites – many of which offer free cancellation – including:
30 – Get out at night and enjoy the Japanese nightlife
Japan is a night country and staying in will mean missing some of the best experiences in Japan. Even the quiet city of Kyoto has lots to do at night.
It took us a few days to realise this, but the country seems to wake up after dark. Tokyo nightlife in particular is especially bright, loud and eccentric – and it’s incredibly fun to immerse yourself in!
If you want to get the full Japan experience and really understand its culture, you’ll want to head out after dark. Luckily it’s very safe and there’s a LOT to do!
31 – Reserve your seats for travel
Once you have your Japan Rail pass, you’ll need to make reservations for most journeys you wish to make.
Even though you can ride some JR routes without a seat reservation, I would recommend reserving a seat anyway.
It’s completely free to do so, makes sure you can sit with your friends or family and guarantees you a spot on the occasional busy train, so there’s no reasaon not to. However, many tourists aren’t aware of this rule and end up separated from their travel companions.
32 – Go to the ticket counter
You can reserve Japan Rail seats at one of the many ticket machines, but ordering them at the counter is much easier.
Not only are the staff super friendly and sure to brighten your day, they may even be able to suggest a better route or help you find the best available seats.
This happened to us on a number of occasions and meant we could fit even more into our Japan itinerary.
33 – Don’t open the taxi door
Most taxis in Japan are automatic and operated by the driver. This is something that took me surprise at first, and I (embarrassingly) tried to open the door myself.
Big mistake! If nothing else, the rear left door and boot will both be automatic, but it’s not uncommon for all the doors to be opened and closed by the driver.
Just sit back, enjoy the ride and then let the driver open all the doors when you arrive at your destination.
34 – Pay your bus fare when you get off
Unlike most places, there’s no need to pay your bus fare upfront in Japan (just make sure you have enough cash or enough money on your Suica card to pay for the ride!).
At every bus stop, departing passengers pay the driver as they leave the front of the bus before joining passengers are let on via the rear doors.
Once again, this is just another example of Japan’s flawless organisation systems, and something that makes travel in Japan easy once you realise how it works.
Sometimes you will take a ticket when you board and sometimes not, but you’ll always pay at the front when you get off.
35 – Store luggage behind seats on trains
With the exception of the Narita Express, most trains in Japan don’t have a designated luggage rack.
There is plenty of room, even for large suitcases, in the overhead rails, but bags can usually be placed behind the back row of seats in the carriage if you can’t lift them that high.
The seats are very spacious so there is usually also room at your seat. If there isn’t room, though, simply drop them off behind the last row before settling into your seat for the journey.
36 – Buy food from the convenience store
While convenience store food in other countries might make you think of cheap ready meals and unhealthy snacks, things are (once again) different in Japan.
Many Japanese people eat at least one meal a day from a convenience store (or ‘konbini’, as they are called) – and you should too!
Even though food in Japan isn’t as pricey as some people would lead you to believe (especially because there’s no need to tip – see above), convenience store food is also a great way to save some yen during your Japan trip.
Plus, the food is healthy and tasty! Seriously – Japanese convenience stores may just be the best in the world.
Like everything else in Japan, the quality of the food is high and the variety of takeaway options is enough to keep things interesting for your entire trip to Japan.
37 – Put your money in the tray
When paying for items in a convenience store – or any other store – you might see a little tray on the counter.
If this is the case, place your money on the tray instead of handing it directly to the cashier. They will also put your change in this tray and you can take it from there.
If you try to pass the money directly to the cashier, they will most likely ask you to place it in the tray. If they do take it directly, they will be uncomfortable doing so.
Again, this is a custom that can be hard to remember at first, but you’ll quickly get used to it (and you’ll feel weird placing money into someone’s hand for a while after your trip!).
38 – Consider travelling to Japan out of peak season
Many foreign tourists time their first trip to Japan with cherry blossom season so that they can experience the ‘hanami’ (flower viewing festival).
While it’s a great time to visit Japan and a great way to get a real taste for Japanese culture, it’s not the only time worth visiting.
Far from it, Japan has something to offer in every season!
Japan in winter is especially enchanting, with fewer crowds competing for the tourist attractions, cosy tiny bars, warming ramen and views of Mount Fuji capped in snow. It’s also the best time to visit Hokkaido and enjoy its onsen towns, ski slopes and snow festivals.
If you’re willing to forego seeing the cherry blossoms during your first time in Japan, you’ll see an entirely different side to the entire country if you visit off-season.
39 – Plan day trips to save time
Thanks to the speed and efficiency of the bullet trains, it’s easy to visit many places on a day trip from a major city, even if the long distances make it seem otherwise.
Because of this, you may just be surprised at how much you can squeeze into your first trip to Japan – without needing to run around and constantly check in to new places.
Always check the train times because you may just be surprised. And don’t book hotels in different cities until you’ve checked whether it’s possible to keep it simple and visit on a day trip instead.
Japan Travel Planning
Even though I found Japan surprisingly easy to travel, it still pays to be prepared.
In fact, it’s one country where you’ll really save yourself some time and money (not to mention stress!) by having as much prepped in advance as possible.
Here is a checklist of things to have prepared before you go:
Shinkansen Tickets
The Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer for anybody who wants to see more than one part of Japan.
Booking in advance is super simple – much simpler than buying in Japan – AND comes with free 24-48 hour delivery.
I booked through JRailPass.com and can’t recommend them more for their price, efficiency and customer service.
Travel Insurance
The good news: things generally run smoothly in Japan and, when they don’t, the healthcare is some of the best in the world.
The bad news: when things don’t go to plan, it can be very expensive.
That’s why travel insurance is a must in Japan.
Since moving to Portugal, I use and recommend True Traveller because they cover a wide range of activities and circumstances.
If you’re resident outside of Europe, EKTA travel insurance offers affordable, transparent and extensive coverage all over the world.
WiFi/Sim Card
Getting a sim card in Japan is tricky (and expensive!). Unfortunately, I waited until I was there and learned the hard way, so I highly recommend arranging your WiFi situation before you go.
The best way to stay connected while travelling Japan is with an eSim that you can use right away or this local sim with unlimited data that you can pick up on arrival.
Save on flights to Japan
Did you know that you can save up to 10% on flights with a cashback service?
With WayAway Plus, you can find the cheapest flights, transfers and other travel services and receive part of your purchase back in cash. It goes straight to your Paypal account!
I use WayAway to book all my flights so that I can save extra and have secured an exclusive discount for Alajode readers to do the same.
Use this link and the code ‘ALAJODE’ to save a massive 55% on your yearly membership plan and start saving. That mean you’ll get up to 10% off all travel services for less than $4 per month. In just one trip to Japan, that could save you hundreds of dollars!
VPN
Not only does a VPN help protect you and your data while travelling, it can also help you access geo-locked content.
That’s something that comes in really handy in a place like Japan, especially if you don’t speak the local language!
NordVPN is the one I use and trust, and currently has this great deal available.
Airport Transfers
If you’ll be arriving late or staying somewhere fairly remote, consider booking an airport transfer on arrival.
This will take a whole lot of stress out of an already confusing situation when you land in Japan, especially after a long flight.
I’ve found this website has the best prices and the widest availability (sometimes in places where there aren’t even taxis!).
I’ll be bringing my surfshark vpn to Japan next month, any idea if it works there?