Helpful Tips 💡

🚶🏻‍♀️ Walking & escalators – In Tokyo, stand on the left. In Osaka, stand on the right.

🚂 Last trains – In Tokyo, most last trains depart around midnight (00:00).

🚮 Trash bins are quite rare to come across – After the 1995 sarin attack, most public bins were removed. You’ll find bins in convenience stores—carry a small bag with you just in case.

🧳 You can ship your luggage almost anywhere in Japan from hotels or convenience stores. It’s easy, affordable, and a huge upgrade to your trip. Tip: send your luggage the day before check-out. AirTag / SmartTag = very useful for tracking.

💵 Japan is a strange mix of cutting-edge technology and the exact opposite. When it comes to money, some businesses still prefer cash over digital payments—so it’s recommended to carry some cash with you at all times.

ATMs at 7-Eleven stores (which are everywhere) usually offer relatively low and reasonable exchange fees.

⚠️ Be cautious. Japan is very safe, but avoid offers from strangers in nightlife areas, some are scams.

📦 Not many people know this, but Japan has Amazon - and it’s often very cheap, sometimes even cheaper than stores, with delivery usually within a day.

It’s also worth comparing prices with Yodobashi Camera, a huge department store with almost everything (not just cameras). Prices there are often lower than official stores, and sometimes even cheaper than Amazon, since Amazon doesn’t offer Tax-Free.

Bottom line: before making a big purchase, check both - this can save quite a bit.

💳 iPhone users can create a digital Suica or Pasmo card through the Wallet app.

Note: money loaded onto the digital card cannot be refunded back to your credit card.

💎If you lose something valuable in Japan, there’s a very high chance (over 90%) you’ll get it back through the police.

🛒 Overall, Japan is about 20–30% cheaper than Western countries in many cases—leave room for shopping.

🛍️ Japan has great local brands worth checking out: Uniqlo, Muji, Daiso, Nintendo, Sony, GU and more. Spend over ¥5,000 (~$30–35 USD)? Show your passport and ask for Tax-Free. Note: consumables (like cosmetics) will be sealed and cannot be used before leaving Japan.

📱 Recommended apps: Google Maps, Google Translate, Airalo, Wolt, GO (Taxi), Ecbo Cloak.

🚲 In major cities, it’s easy to find bike rental stations - a fun and refreshing way to explore.

💰 Besides public transport, IC cards (Suica / Pasmo) can also be used in many shops and restaurants.

🥶 In mountainous areas, temperatures can be very low. If you don’t have access to your suitcase, make sure to carry warm clothing in your day bag.

✔️ COVID impacted many businesses - some closed permanently, others changed hours. Always check in advance before heading out.

⌛ The Japanese are very punctual - arrive on time for reservations.

🚆 Shinkansen tips: Arrive at the station about 30 minutes early, grab snacks, and enjoy the ride. If you didn’t reach your assigned car in time, no problem - you can board any car and move between cars once the train departs. Missed your train? Your ticket is usually valid for another train the same day (non-reserved cars). Seat reservations are not always required, but useful for families/groups who want to sit together.

🧘🏻‍♀️ Lines are usually a good sign, waiting patiently often pays off.

✍🏻 You can buy a special book and collect stamps from temples. Available at most temples, with a larger selection at bigger ones. Look for: 朱印 (Shuin). Each temple has a unique design. It could be a special and meaningful souvenir.

↔️ Fun fact! Kyoto is an anagram of Tokyo.

🚕 Taxis - Not cheap, but efficient. If heading to a Shinkansen, tell the driver and they’ll drop you at the best entrance. Note: a taxi from Tokyo to Narita Airport can be very expensive.

🍴 Tipping is not customary in Japan.

🧃 There are over 5 million vending machines in Japan, even in remote areas.

🍜 Unlike in the West, big chains are often high quality: Ichiran (ramen), Sushiro (conveyor sushi), Yoshinoya (beef bowls), Barbacoa (BBQ buffet).

⏰ Japanese people eat dinner relatively early - aim for around 6–7 PM.

🧳 Lockers are available in train stations. Make sure to use early though, they fill up fast.

🍕 Many restaurants close on Mondays after a busy weekend - always check the hours.

🪑 There are very few public benches in Japan, mainly in parks and stations. Consider a small foldable seat if needed.

🍶 Tap water are safe to drink in Japan. Bottled water is cheap and widely available.

🍱 Try Ekiben, local bento boxes sold at stations - part of the experience.

😷 Seasonal illnesses are common, and crowds and trains increase exposure. Carry sanitizer or wipes.

👕 Even in winter, indoor places can be warm, so I would dress in layers.

🏨 Some hotels charge a small local tax at check-in or check-out.

🎫 You may receive two train tickets: Fare ticket and reserved seat ticket. Insert both at the gate together.

🌦️ Weather gear: Cold? Heat packs. Hot? Fans / parasols. Rain? Umbrellas. All available at convenience stores.