15 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Japan

A practical survival guide for first-time visitors, from someone who learned the hard way.

1. Cash Is Still King

Despite being a tech-forward country, Japan is surprisingly cash-dependent. Many restaurants, small shops, and local businesses don’t accept credit cards. Always carry ¥10,000–20,000 (∼$70–140). The best ATMs for foreign cards are at 7-Eleven — they’re everywhere and available 24/7.

2. Convenience Stores Are Life-Changing

Japanese konbini (convenience stores) are nothing like what you’re used to. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson serve restaurant-quality meals, have international ATMs, sell concert tickets, accept package deliveries, and even offer printing services. They’re open 24/7. You will eat at one. You will love it.

3. Taxi Doors Open By Themselves

This surprises every first-time visitor. The rear passenger door of Japanese taxis opens and closes automatically. Don’t touch it — the driver controls it. Also: no tipping. Ever. Base fare is around ¥500–710.

4. Onsen Have Rules (Important Ones)

You MUST wash your entire body at the shower station BEFORE entering the bath. Swimsuits are not worn. Small towels shouldn’t touch the water. Tattoos may be restricted — look for “tattoo-friendly” signs. Don’t let this scare you — onsen are one of Japan’s greatest experiences.

5. There Are Almost No Trash Cans

This is the thing that confuses tourists most. Japan has almost no public trash cans (a security measure since the 1995 subway attacks). You’re expected to carry your trash with you until you find a bin at a convenience store or train station. Bring a small plastic bag.

6. Trains Are Incredible (But Confusing)

Japan’s train system is one of the best in the world — fast, clean, and almost always on time. But the network is complex. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at any station (works like a tap-to-pay card for all trains, buses, and even vending machines). Google Maps gives excellent real-time train directions in Japan.

7. Tipping Is Not a Thing

Do not tip at restaurants, hotels, taxis, or anywhere else. It can actually be considered rude or confusing. The service is already excellent — that’s just the standard.

8. Learn These 5 Japanese Phrases

• Sumimasen (すみません) — Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (most useful word in Japan)

• Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) — Thank you (formal)

• Kore kudasai (これください) — This one please (point and say it)

• Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか) — How much?

• Eigo hanasemasu ka? (英語話せますか) — Do you speak English?

9. Tax-Free Shopping Saves You 10%

Foreign tourists can get a 10% consumption tax refund on purchases over ¥5,000 at participating stores. Look for “Tax Free” signs. You’ll need your passport. Don Quijote, BIC Camera, and most department stores offer this.

10. You Can Send Your Luggage Ahead

Japan has an amazing luggage forwarding service called takkyubin. Yamato Transport (look for the black cat logo) will pick up your suitcase from any hotel or convenience store and deliver it to your next destination for about ¥1,500–2,500 per bag. Takes 1–2 days. This is a game-changer for shinkansen travel.

11. Train Station Coin Lockers Exist

Most major train stations have coin lockers in various sizes. Small (¥300–400), medium (¥500–600), and large (¥700–800). They now accept IC cards in addition to coins. If lockers are full, services like ecbo cloak let you book luggage storage at nearby shops.

12. Emergency Numbers Are Simple

110 for police. 119 for fire/ambulance. These work from any phone, even without a SIM card. For English-speaking help, call the JNTO Tourist Helpline: 0570-000-911 (available 24/7). Save these numbers before your trip.

13. Slurping Noodles Is Polite

At ramen and soba shops, slurping your noodles isn’t rude — it’s expected. It shows you’re enjoying the food and actually helps cool the noodles. Don’t be shy about it.

14. Escalator Etiquette Varies by City

In Tokyo, stand on the left side and walk on the right. In Osaka, it’s the opposite — stand on the right, walk on the left. Watch what locals do and follow their lead.

15. A Free App Can Replace 10 Others

Instead of downloading separate apps for restaurants, translation, navigation, and emergencies, there’s a free web-based tool that combines all of these into one page. Japan Travel Concierge uses your GPS to find nearby restaurants, hospitals, ATMs, train info, luggage storage, and more — with built-in cultural tips in 5 languages.

Try it free: Japan Travel Concierge

No download. No sign-up. Just open and go.