Last updated on June 30th, 2023 at 11:01 am
Japan – the land of the rising sun, an intriguing country with a strikingly different landscape, culture, trends, and habits. Yet it made us feel warm and homely in the one week that we spent in Japan this summer.
We were both pleasantly surprised by our varied experiences here. So we’ve compiled a list of our first impressions of Japan. These are some interesting facts for those visiting Japan for the first time. Even if you are not headed there, this is a fun read on a totally unique culture.
1. Japan is One of the Safest Countries to Travel
It was our first time traveling in Japan, a culturally different country whose native language we did not speak. Yet we found it to be very trustworthy and safe. Everyone was very respectful of us and our belongings. We’d still be vigilant when we were out and about, but never once did we feel unsafe here.
Although natural disaster-wise, Earthquakes are quite common, and that is a different level of safety in Japan you need to keep in mind.
2. Punctuality is a Custom and Not a Choice in Japan
People in Japan are brought up in a time-conscious society where it is considered disrespectful to be late. Being on time is not a choice they make in life; it is a Japanese custom. You are considered late to the workplace if you do not arrive 10 minutes before a meeting starts.
As travelers, we experienced their punctuality through the railway system. The trains arrived and departed sharply on time. One of our friends even got their ticket refunded once when their train was delayed by a few minutes. You snooze, you lose, and be ahead of time if you cannot be on time here.
3. Japanese People Are Some of the Friendliest People
Let us just say we did not know what to expect from the people in Japan before we reached there. We were worried that the language would be a barrier. However, the locals went above and beyond to help us out when needed. On multiple occasions in various cities, we’ve had strangers stop and ask if we were doing okay or needed help. We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to make friends in Japan.
Related: How to spend 3 perfect days in Kyoto
4. English is Not Widely Spoken Everywhere in Japan
Japanese is their first language not everyone learns English in school. Being an inclusive society, you will find them speaking in Japanese amongst themselves. However, in most big cities and popular destinations, locals manage to speak English with tourists.
To be completely honest, we were somewhat surprised by how little English was spoken in a world-famous metropolitan city like Tokyo. Signboards on the local streets are primarily in Japanese, but we never had any issue with directions in major railway stations and points of attractions since they had English signboards there. Major train stations even have a separate English information counter. Most people in the hospitality industry, i.e., hotels and restaurants, speak fairly decent English.
We do recommend you at least learn to say thank you in Japanese – “Arigato-gozaimasu” it will go long way π
5. No Trash Cans on the Streets, Yet It’s So Clean
Now, this came as a huge surprise – how can a city not have trash cans in public places and be so clean at the same time?!
I am not even joking when I say that it was a struggle at first to keep looking for a trash can in Tokyo with no luck. A friend told us that it was considered rude to eat on the streets, so perhaps that’s why there is no garbage disposal outdoors. However, we found out the real reason for removing trash cans from the streets was a terrorist attack.
Back in 1995, a gas bomb was placed in a public garbage bin. In an aftermath of that incident, all bins were removed from the streets. Limited bins found at the train stations are transparent. TIP: Be prepared to carry your own trash till you get back to your hotel or find a bin at a shop or restaurant.
6. Train Etiquette – Silence is the Golden Rule
People are very well mannered in Japan, and you will see an example of that in train and bus stations. A queue is formed on the platform in front of each coach’s entrance minutes before the train arrives. The same is true at all the bus stops. You are expected to mute your phone on a train, and it goes without saying that people do not talk on the phone on trains. It was interesting how quiet the trains were compared to the cities we come from (read Mumbai & NYC).
7. Smoking is Allowed in Izakayas, Bars, and Restaurants
We both don’t smoke but don’t mind others doing so unless someone is smoking on our faces. If you are a non-smoker or cannot handle smoke, then be careful about going inside a bar or Izakaya.
8. You Will Have to Ask For Water and Your Check at the Restaurants
As in most other parts of the world, water is the first thing that you get asked in a restaurant. In Japan, however, we got asked for our drinks order but never specifically got asked for water. We thought it was a one-off incident, but when it happened at multiple restaurants and izakayas, we realized you just have to ask for it. The same goes for the check; they wonβt bring it to you unless you are ready to leave and ask for it yourself. Has anyone else experienced this as well?
9. Gaming Arcades Are a Big Thing
And when I say gaming arcades, I do not mean anything like the gaming arcades you see in the US. These are full-blown video game malls with multiple floors each hosting a variety of games. Pachinkos are gaming arcades primarily used for gambling. We snuck ourselves into a regular arcade to experience it. TIP: Although you will find Pachinko parlors almost everywhere in Japan, you must visit the Akihabara neighborhood in Tokyo for the best of Arcades, Anime, and Manga stores.
10. Japanese Onsens (hot springs) Are Different
Public Baths and Onsens are very popular in Japan and something you must experience. They are segregated with different pools for men and women, usually away from each other. TIP: Keep in mind that you are not allowed to wear a bathing suit inside public baths/onsens. Yup, no clothing allowed in Japanese onsens. This might come as a culture shock at first, but it’s a very common thing in Japan.
11. Those Famous Japanese Vending Machines – They Are For Real
Who doesn’t know about the famous Japanese vending machines?! Yes, it’s true. There are vending machines in every nook and corner. In the remotest of cities, in the middle of nowhere, on a mountaintop to the most obvious places like airports and train stations. You will never be left thirsty in this country.
TIP: Be careful about mineral water vs. ionized water when picking bottled water from vending machines. There were multiple times we wanted to get water but ended up selecting ionized water since all the bottles looked the same. Ionized water is a solution of salt, sugar, and water, which, although feels very refreshing in the heat but doesn’t do justice to simple H2O. Look for “Natural Mineral water” written on the bottle instead.
12. Carry Your Own Hand Wash and Sanitizer For Public Toilets
Yes, you heard that right! This was the other big thing I wish I had known before going to Japan. We still do not have a clear answer as to why they would leave such an important thing out of a bathroom. It was disappointing not to find handwash soap at most public toilets, especially in some of the train stations.
If you are a clean freak like me, then you will thank yourself for randomly carrying that travel-size soap bottle in your purse. Well, on the brighter side, at least they don’t charge for using public toilets like in Europe π
13. Western Style Toilets are Futuristic, While Japanese Style Toilets Give You a Workout
The western toilets in Japan are hi-tech! I think I spent way more time playing with the different automated features than anything else in all of my hotel rooms. No kidding! Can I get some of those warm heated massaging toilet seats here in the winter, please?
On the other hand, in most public places, you will find a mix of Japanese-style toilets as well. The Japanese toilet is very similar to Indian toilets (maybe an Asian thing), where the toilet bowl is on the ground, so be prepared to squat if you find yourself using it. I preferred to wait in line until a western loo became available.
14. Space is a Luxury in Japanese Houses, Especially in Big Cities
Finding spacious accommodation in Japan can be considered a luxury. Do not expect your hotel rooms or Airbnb apartments to be as spacious as their western counterparts. This is very much in line with the minimalistic Japanese lifestyle. All the Airbnbs we stayed at were really tiny apartments.
FACT: While we stayed at Airbnbs this summer, unknowingly at the time, let us tell you now that renting your property as an individual on Airbnb is illegal in Japan. It won’t become legal until the new law that passed in June 2017 comes into effect. On the other hand, some Ryokans or traditional Japanese guesthouses we stayed in were really comfortable and spacious.
Related: See a real Geisha in Kyoto for free with these easy tips
15. Leave Your Shoes at the Door
It’s a Japanese custom to remove your shoes before entering the house, so bear that in mind when checking in to your accommodation. All the BnBs and guesthouses will provide you with room slippers to walk inside the house. This didn’t come as a surprise to us, being raised in India and something we still follow at our own house. Perhaps it’s another Asian thing.
16. Relish the Local Japanese Food
You will find all kinds of interesting food items in local markets and restaurants, from vegetables to seafood to a variety of desserts. If you like to experiment with your food then you must try all these different local food in Japan.
However, in my case, I stuck to more common Japanese food items such as sushi, ramen, and tempura. But my go-to food in Japan was the Japanese curry, their take on the Indian curry. While Gaurav not only enjoyed the food here, he loved the Japanese Whiskey and beer, and I relished the hot Japanese Sake.
For my vegetarian friends, although the choices for you are few, there is hope. You will find Japanese curry restaurants easily, and they usually have veggie curry options. You can also opt for any tofu-based dish or vegetarian tempura or ramen; just make sure the ramen stock doesn’t have any meat.
Bonus: Shopping
Finally, make sure you leave some room in your luggage because shopping in Japan is another intriguing adventure that you’ll discover once you visit.
These are just a few things we observed during our first trip to Japan. But if you are further interested, you must also read these 25 interesting facts about Japan.
Do you have any other observations about Japan to share? We would love to hear in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed reading, then do share it with your friends and family.
Happy Traveling!
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Thanks for sharing guys, good tips for travellers to Japan! If we may add on some travel safety tips, definitely agree that Japan is super safe as you guys mention, but two potential pitfalls to watch out for are Roppongi/Shinjuku bar scams as well as groping on crowded trains (this is quite a problem locally).
Hope this helps! π
Thanks David! This is a great addition to Japan travel tips, luckily we didn’t experience any scams but definitely something to watch out for.
And also Japan is one of the most interesting countries (I guess; haven’t been yet) in the world many don’t know a thing about.
Speaking of the toilets, I was thinking they have these “smart Japanese toilets” everyone is speaking about, and that’s why they don’t have soap. But then I read the next point. Strange.
Japan was definitely one of the most intriguing countries we have been in. Just when we thought we knew what we’re getting into, we were surprised how much we didn’t know… lol. But we both loved Japan and can’t wait to go back someday in spring or autumn π
I like the way you show us your experience! I adore Japan and I have already made some plans to visit there one of these years. Asian life especially Japan’s for a geek and adventurere like me it’s a perfect place to explore.
Japan has so much history and adventure to offer hat you are going to fall in love! I hope you enjoy your trip Alexine.
Over time, travel has made me appreciate our differences as a people. Back then I would have probably said they are too uptight…but I am guessing a Japanese somewhere might say we are too loud! This is very interesting to learn!
Definitely, travel enriches us so much as individuals to be more tolerant of other cultures and traditions. It’s like doing field trips instead of reading books in school π
Oh my god I’d totally forgotten the no-trash-cans thing until I read this post, but as soon as I read that I IMMEDIATELY remembered being baffled by having to carry my trash around for hours! Definitely bring a backpack/handbag with a few extra pockets when traveling in Japan.
LOL, yeah we carried our trash more than anything else in our backpacks.
Cool post! I like Japanese etiquettes; they are in a real sense disciplined and punctual. How was the taste of the local food?
Thanks Nafisa! I am actually not a big fan of raw fish but you will be surprised by the variety of food I found there. We found almost Indian styled yet Japanese Curry everywhere π And they had some of the best Hibachi grill food!
Interesting comment about need to wait in a line to get on the train. You often see a lot of those videos on social media watching people getting pushed into the subways in Japan so I wonder if they changed that to waiting in line. Either way, very respectful country which is why it is so safe. Lovely post! Thanks for sharing.
These were Shinkasen, fast trains as opposed to the local trains within Tokyo whose video you might be talking about. But I was so amazed by how they follow the rules, incredible indeed!
Japan was one of my favorite destinations! I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. When we first used the trains, I couldn’t believe people actually lined up AND let everyone off before going on in an orderly fashion! NYC has a lot to learn from them. And no one uses their phone inside the trains, you could hear a pin drop even though the trains were packed. I wish more places were as polite as Japan!
Right! A lot of other cities need to learn from there.. lol But it felt kind of a relief in the pin drop silent train although awkward at first.
I love this! As a Japanese, I didn’t realize how much I take things for granted like clean streets, warm seated toilets and vending machines on every street – but I can totally see how foreign some of these things must occur for visitors π I never noticed the lack of soaps in public bathrooms though….I am a clean freak too (especially in public transportations! yuk!) and that would definitely bother me. Thanks for a fun post, I’m sure this will be helpful to others visiting Japan for the first time!
Haha Mo, I am so glad to hear this perspective from a local Japanese! Seriously I never imagined that I would get a culture shock in a good way in Japan π Love your country <3 I wish we had those toilet seats in the US as well .. lol
Such a nice list!! I was in Japan last year and some of these things brought me right back. You are so right about the silence on the trains. It’s unlike anywhere else in the world I’ve been, except maybe Singapore and Hong Kong on a good day… and YES, the no trash cans thing! So cool! So inspiring!!
I tell you that trash can thing was a mystery for me until I found out why!? Really respect this inspiring country π
Japan looks like an amazing place to visit. these are great tips!
Thanks Olivia!
I love all of these great tips. Everyone keep telling me how amazingly clean Japan is and how nice the people are. I really have to get a trip booked soon I guess π
Yes you do Michelle, hop on that plane! π
Great post! Japan seems so full of life and beauty. I can barely contain my excitement for this summer!!
Ohh How fun! I hope you have a great time in Japan. Such a unique country to visit π
What a great article! We’re about to head to Japan for the first time, so I’m sending these great tips to my husband.
So glad to hear that this was useful!! π We will be posting a few more posts about our Japan trip, mostly things to see. Hopefully will be able to publish before you go.
This is so helpful! I’ve never been to Japan, so some of these things would be great to know before a visit. I love that the streets are so clean, even without trash cans available — the thought of having no trash cans in public where I’m from is horrifying — it would be SO dirty!
Angela, Cannot agree more with you. Japan is a legend in cleanliness!! π
Beautiful photos! Japan looks like such an experience- I really do hope to visit some day! Also loving your outfits ππ
Thanks a lot girl!! These dresses were a random splurge in Seoul before heading to Japan. You need to wear their clothes to beat their heat π lol I hope you get to go there sooon!
This is super informative! I’m starting to dream up a Japan trip (if I can wrap my head around the lengthy flight). The trash can tip is especially helpful — I always get so frustrated when I can’t find public trash cans, but I’m glad to hear that littering isn’t prevalent there (how do they do it?!).
I can think of only 2 ways of how they keep it so clean – a) They don’t eat in public and b) they carry their trash home. Gosh, both of these options are unimaginable in my daily life at home.. lol π And don’t worry about the long flight, just take a break journey in between to stretch your legs.
Very informative and interesting post about Japanese culture. Thank you. Muting/silencing phone on trains/buses !!! Wow!! Thatβs real discipline.
I know! I had to be really conscious of not talking to my parents on the phone while on the train. Some things are so different culturally there but in a good way π
That is a great introduction to Japan. I am also surprised at not having soap at public toilets – chalo, we are not alone here. Do people drink ionized water so much in Japan?
Thanks Anu!! Haha yes, after 2 days of drinking ionized water every darn time we paid for plain water we were so frustrated. It took us a good 10 minutes of studying the vending machine to spot plain water bottle at last. π The struggle was real! I am so glad you noticed the soap thing too, that was probably the biggest culture shock I got there. Although all big malls and restaurant had soap it was the public areas like train stations that didn’t.
This is such a great post with really helpful information! Japan has really really been calling to me lately, I have not been, but I can not wait to go! Thanks for sharing such good information and I’m even more excited to go!
Yay!! I will be waiting for your Japan post girl so make it happen quick π
While my interests tend toward Europe, Japan is probably the top country in Asia I’d love to visit, mostly because I find the culture and history so fascinating. And I love the tips you’ve offered here. I’m bookmarking this for when I make those plans to Japan!
Aww thanks so much Lynne! You know, being originally from Asia I knew there would be cultural differences but just didn’t know what to expect. Which turned out great coz we were blown away by Japan. So much diversity in such a small country.. that itself is incredible. You will love discovering Japan if you like culture and history, give yourself more time in the country when you go π
Great post!
Thanks!!
This is AMAZING. I’ve always been excited about going to Japan and now ever more so! I love the bit about being on time — I would def fit in there. I hate it when people are late.
Thanks Emily!! Haha Then you would be highly respected in Japan!! I think it might be a struggle for me to fit in at first π
Love this post, has everything I need to know for the first visit. I’m obsessed with Japan, enjoyed this read. π
Thanks babe! Well I hope your obsession turns reality and you get to go there soon π
Great post! Sure does make me want to visit next year!
Oh perfect time to start planning for next year! Cherry Blossoms, Autumn colors are so beautiful there. We went in the summer and heat/humidity was a killer. So a little prep tip I guess, avoid going in summers. π
We are headed to Japan in March and are soo excited!! γ Great tips, pinned for future reference too! I especially appreciate the tip about carrying your own hand soap, can’t believe they don’t have that!
Yes please! You will be so happy that you carried it everywhere with you π More Japan blogs on the way .. you give me a reason to write them all before March.. lol