Japan was an incredible country unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. It was at the top of Spencer’s bucket list and really wanted to do it on our own instead of with a trip. Since I’m a compulsive travel planner – awesome wife- I got to work reading and research. With all the research, it was still a country that amazed me at every turn. Here’s my list of important tips for visiting Japan for the first time!
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The first thing that I learned (and absolutely loved) about Japan is that the people are very polite. Not only with general manners, but they think about those around them. The way people interact not only with others but also places is so impressive. Every place was left as good as they found it (if not better).
- Shintoism is the traditional religion. Shinto is a polytheist religion with millions of gods. You’ll find shrines throughout the country dedicated to various gods (i.e. the Fushimi Inari Shrine dedicated to the god of rice!)
- Even though Shintoism is the most common religion, many people are not very religious. Most don’t visit a Shrine every day, despite belief.

Fun Fact: Sengen-sama is the goddess of Mount Fuji. If you want to be truly polite, you would say “Fuji-san” to add a “sir” at the end.

- Sometimes you’ll see people in traditional outfits. It’s not uncommon to see people wearing kimonos in the city (especially Kyoto). They’re not offended if tourists wear kimonos either, it’s considered a way of showing respect for their culture. Please be sure to ask for permission before taking a photo.
- Even pre-covid, people wore face masks. Some wore it all the time to prevent inhaling other germs, others it was because they were not feeling well. If that’s not the epitome of caring about others, I don’t know what is.
- Arcades are very popular for people of all ages. From dancing games to claws, you could find any type of game to enjoy. Spencer and I even did a 3D haunted game that was incredibly creepy!
- Japan is a very cash-friendly country. The crime rate is so low that people don’t feel uncomfortable carrying cash. I was surprised at how often cash was required. Even at some restaurants!

Travel Tip for Visiting Japan: The 10% tax is not always included in the shelf price. I couldn’t figure out the rules. Also, you can buy things tax free, but that’s only over 5,000 Yen.
- The bullet trains are incredibly easy to use. Since the train was our primary form of transportation, I was ready to get lost or end up in another town that I didn’t intend to visit. However, there were plenty of signs to help guide us and we ended up not getting lost!
- People do lots of things while on public transportation. From eating meals to sleeping, you can do pretty much anything – EXCEPT talk on the phone – as that will disturb others.
- The JR Pass is recommended for anyone doing multiple cities in a trip, but be aware it does NOT cover all of your transportation expenses in Japan. There are trains, subways, and buses that are not included in the JR pass. Learn all about whether or not the JR pass is worth it.
- It’s a bit difficult to find fruit in Japan. We were mostly able to find oranges and apples in some places, but they were expensive. So if you enjoy having fruit, be sure to go grocery shopping to stock up on your favorites.
- Try the desserts even if you don’t have a sweet tooth. I LOVE sweets – if it has chocolate in the name, I’m there. But the sweets and desserts in Japan aren’t that sweet. They’re often works of art but they’re not overly sweet.
- There are a LOT of stairs in Japan. In many of the cities, it was easy to find an escalator or elevator, but in some of the lesser-known places they were hard to find. Even at the temples, there were stairs usually to get in. Often there are handicapped accessible entrances but they are not convenient. Just something to be aware of.
- There are vending machines EVERYWHERE, selling pretty much ANYTHING. While soda and water were the most common vending machines we saw, we also found some that had canned hot coffee and hot tea! We found one gem in Akihabara that had all the items wrapped in white paper so we had no idea what we were buying. It ended up being a three-pack of Kit-Kat bars in a variety of flavors.
- Be prepared to take your shoes off when you enter somewhere. All of our accommodation provided us with in-room slippers for when we took our shoes off in the room. It was expected and anticipated. It’s a sign of respect for the place you’re staying in – don’t drag the outside in and all around the room!

Travel Tip for Visiting Japan: The tap water is drinkable, but it sometimes smells like chlorine. So if that is worrisome, bring a filter, or put the water in a container overnight.
- Smoking on the streets is prohibited. There are only a few places where you can smoke that are marked and easily avoided by non-smokers.
- Public toilets are easy to find and are free and clean! There may not be soap, but running water and an actual toilet are great. If you go to the bathroom a lot, it’s nice to have the peace of mind.

Fun Fact: Some of the public restrooms have bidets that not only wash but dry you, have music so people don’t have to hear you do your business, or even are warmed!
- Onsens (or ryokens) are to be used naked. Having your hair down or tattoos are sometimes forbidden, so be sure to check before you go! Also, some onsens have mixed-gender baths – be sure to research this before visiting so you aren’t surprised.
- Restaurants may bring out warm, wet towels when you sit down. This is for cleaning your hands before the meal (NOT your face – that’s considered impolite).
- Do not put chopsticks vertically in your rice. I knew this before traveling, but did happen to see someone do it, and the locals’ reaction wasn’t a good one. It’s a sign of disrespect to the dead. Place your chopsticks horizontally on your plate or bowl or the chopstick holder that has been provided.
- People bow to everyone as a sign of respect. While you don’t have to do it if you feel uncomfortable, it’s an easy way to be polite to people.
Travel Tip for Visiting Japan: Tipping is not expected in Japan. They do their work based on honor and duty. If you’d like to tip a Yen or two is appropriate.

I tried to keep this post short and concise for the most important tips for visiting Japan. Hopefully these make your trip go smoothly and you don’t have too many cultural faux-pas (or any at all!)
I absolutely loved Japan, it’s such a unique country, but I wish I had known about the cash thing before visiting. I’m so used to paying with credit card that I often didn’t bring enough cash.
My son just moved to Japan and he will be stationed there for 2 years. Thank you for the tips! I plan on visiting sometime next year.
Kyoto shrine is a great place full of history! But regardless, its important to be mindful of the culture and their values. Also, avoid eating on the streets, its not common culture.l