What You Should Know Before Visiting Japan

Japan is a unique and vibrant country that has always fascinated the west. If you’re planning a trip to the land of the rising sun, be sure to follow these tips.

Get Carded

Suica cards will get you around on the subway, metro and Japan Rail, and they can be refilled easily at convenience stores. Taxis are expensive in this country, so download the Hyperdia app to make rail travel easier. The app is free for one month and is incredibly helpful to foreign travelers.

Be Clean

Littering is a big no-no in Japan, a country that takes pride in its clean streets and recycling. Trashcans are also hard to find so you’ll have to hold on to your trash before tossing it. Shoes are considered dirty so most restaurants will require you to remove them. Socks are fine for most places; slippers are provided for bathrooms. If you’re wondering why people are wearing masks, it’s to avoid catching or spreading a cold, not because there’s an airborne disease going around.

Show Respect

Saying thank you is common, so don’t be afraid to let loose your arigatou and be sure to add a gozimasu for non-acquaintances and elders as a sign of respect. Bows are used to greet people, with how low you go signifying how much respect is given. It is also respectful to keep your voice down in public. Westerners are stereotyped as loud and vulgar, even if it’s on a cell phone, so chat quietly with your friends.

No Tips

Tipping is not an institution in Japan, so much so it’s considered rude. For a restaurant or taxi, doing a good job does not require a monetary reward, so extra cash is seen more as a bribe, but if you’re a Westerner they’ll understand and just hand it back with a smile.