Japan is a vacation spot that pulls vacationers from all around the world. With its wealthy tradition, beautiful landscapes, and heat hospitality, it’s no surprise vacationers maintain coming again. There are simply so many locations to discover that each journey appears like visiting a wholly new vacation spot. Whether or not you’re attempting to find the freshest sushi, exploring centuries-old castles, or attempting to see the cherry blossoms, Japan guarantees an unforgettable expertise.
Except for the Philippines, Japan holds a really particular place in our hearts — it’s really our most visited nation ever. However we nonetheless bear in mind our first journey to the Land of the Rising Solar, partly as a result of we bumped into fairly a couple of hiccups alongside the way in which. So we wish to share with you a few of the issues we want we had recognized or performed in a different way once we began touring to Japan. Hopefully, you may study from our expertise and keep away from committing the identical errors.
Japan Finances Journey Errors
1. Dangerous Timing
Japan is a incredible year-round vacation spot, providing one thing fascinating in each season. Nevertheless, to benefit from your journey, it’s essential to align your expectations along with your timing.
As an example, in case you’re dreaming of seeing cherry blossoms, take into account that their blooming season is fleeting — sometimes lasting simply a few weeks. Since sakura blooms at totally different occasions throughout Japan, you’ll must plan accordingly. Blossoms seem earlier in southern cities comparable to Fukuoka and Nagasaki and later in northern areas like Hokkaido. To catch them at their peak, you’ll want to test sakura forecasts in your particular vacation spot on-line earlier than reserving your journey.
Should you go to throughout sakura season, count on main parks to be filled with each locals and vacationers. To take pleasure in a quieter expertise, contemplate looking for out smaller, lesser-known parks which can be much less crowded. Moreover, in case you choose to keep away from crowds and excessive costs, keep away from Japan’s busiest journey durations. Main holidays see a surge in home journey, making transportation and lodging tougher to e book and costlier. Listed below are some key holidays to pay attention to:
- Golden Week: April 29 – Could 5
- Obon Pageant: August 13 – 15
For these touring in winter, take into account that sunlight hours are shorter and plenty of institutions shut earlier, particularly round New 12 months’s Day. Then again, in case you’re visiting throughout summer season, be ready for intense warmth and humidity, typically even hotter than within the Philippines. In case your journey falls in July or August, be sure that to pack gentle, breathable clothes to remain comfy whereas exploring.
2. Dismissing Resort Location
As funds vacationers, our prime precedence when reserving lodging is all the time the value. Nevertheless, value isn’t the one issue to contemplate. Location performs a major function too. Whether or not we’re reserving a resort, hostel, or house, we all the time goal for lodging which can be close to a practice station. Japan’s transportation system, notably its trains, is huge and environment friendly, and lots of the nation’s main sights are simply accessible from practice stations. The truth is, practice stations in lots of cities additionally function hubs for bus pickups and drop-offs, making them central factors for getting round.
Whereas it’s not all the time attainable to discover a place that’s proper subsequent to all the things, having a practice station inside strolling distance can drastically simplify your journey expertise, whether or not you’re taking the practice or hopping on a bus. It doesn’t should be very near the primary station. So long as it’s inside strolling distance, it’s good. Japan can be recognized for being very secure, so strolling even at evening is usually tremendous.
That mentioned, you is perhaps tempted to go for a less expensive lodging that’s farther from the station. Whereas this may prevent cash upfront, contemplate the additional value and time of transportation. The cash you save on a extra distant place is perhaps offset by practice or bus fares, and also you’ll additionally spend extra time commuting and strolling, which may drain your vitality. In these instances, it’s usually price it to spend a bit of extra on a spot that’s nearer to the station, because the comfort and time saved could make the marginally greater worth worthwhile in the long term.
3. Touring With out Insurance coverage
Japan is among the most secure international locations on this planet, with a low crime fee, exceptionally well mannered folks, and well-planned cities that make navigating city areas seamless. Nevertheless, security doesn’t imply immunity from surprising incidents. Nobody plans to get sick, have an accident, or lose their baggage, however these items can occur, and coping with them whereas touring may be tense and dear.
That’s why, regardless that journey insurance coverage isn’t obligatory when visiting Japan, we extremely advocate getting one. It ensures that you simply’re lined in case of medical emergencies, journey cancellations, misplaced baggage, or accidents, permitting you to take pleasure in a worry-free journey. Journey is unpredictable, and irrespective of how rigorously you intend, dangers are all the time current. We all know a number of vacationers who’ve encountered surprising sicknesses or accidents however didn’t have to fret about bills as a result of they have been insured.
So, whether or not you’re touring to Japan or some other vacation spot, investing in journey insurance coverage is all the time a good move. It’s a small worth to pay for peace of thoughts and monetary safety whereas exploring the world.
For worldwide locations, contemplate PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to GET IT HERE! Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced fee.
4. Getting Confused About Vacationer Passes
Japan’s transportation business is extremely aggressive, with quite a few railway and bus corporations providing all kinds of passes. From city-specific and prefectural passes to regional and nationwide choices, every comes with its personal benefits and limitations. Selecting the best one may be overwhelming, however choosing essentially the most cost-effective cross relies upon completely in your itinerary.
Essentially the most well-known cross is the JR Nationwide Go, however a typical query we get is whether or not it’s really price it. The brief reply? It will depend on your journey plans. Many individuals assume they want a JR Go, but when your journey includes only one or two close by cities, it’s usually not price it. The JR Nationwide Go gives the greatest worth when your journey contains a number of long-distance journeys. Should you’re solely touring between Tokyo and Yokohama or exploring Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, you received’t want a nationwide cross. In these instances, a regional cross is the higher possibility.
Talking of regional passes, Kansai alone presents a staggering variety of decisions, together with the Osaka Wonderful Go (city-wide), Kansai-Via Go, Hankyu Go, Hanshin Go, Kintetsu Go, and JR Kansai Go. The most effective one for you will depend on your itinerary and which practice strains you’ll use most frequently. Should you want an in depth breakdown of those passes, take a look at this text: JAPAN TRAIN & BUS PASSES.
Past Kansai, Chubu (Central Japan), Kyushu, and Tokyo even have their very own transportation passes, giving vacationers an abundance of choices. With so many decisions, it may be difficult to search out one of the best match. However most often, there’s a regional or metropolis cross that might be extra helpful than a nationwide JR Go. Earlier than buying any cross, all the time examine costs with particular person tickets and select the one which greatest matches your deliberate routes!
5. Sticking to Trains
Many vacationers, particularly Filipinos, are simply amazed by Japan’s trains — and for good cause. The Shinkansen or bullet practice is an engineering marvel, providing a easy, quick, and environment friendly approach to journey. Plus, with Japan’s intensive railway community, it’s simple to default to trains as the first mode of transportation. Nevertheless, practice fares — particularly for bullet trains — may be fairly costly, notably in case you don’t have a rail cross.
Should you’re on a funds, buses are a fantastic various price contemplating. For instance, when touring between Fukuoka and Hiroshima, a bus ticket is considerably cheaper than a Shinkansen fare. Sure, the journey time is longer, however the financial savings may be substantial.
For longer journeys, in a single day buses supply much more advantages. First, the fare is less expensive than taking a practice. Second, since you’re sleeping on the bus, you save on one evening of lodging, which is a giant deal contemplating how costly accommodations in Japan may be. Third, some locations in Japan are not accessible by practice, however buses can take you there conveniently. And don’t fear — the buses in Japan are clear, quiet, and comfy.
In fact, in a single day buses aren’t for everybody. Should you’re touring with youngsters or choose a extra relaxed journey, it may not be the best choice. However in case you’re bodily ready and don’t thoughts sleeping on a bus, it can save you loads whereas nonetheless exploring Japan effectively!
6. Consuming Out All of the Time
One of many greatest bills when touring is meals. Whereas we completely encourage you to attempt native eating places and immerse your self in Japan’s wonderful meals scene, consuming out on a regular basis isn’t essentially the most budget-friendly possibility.
After we go to Japan, we attempt to strike a steadiness between consuming at good eating places and saving cash by shopping for meals from supermarkets. Japanese supermarkets are a fantastic place to discover, particularly in case you love Japanese meals merchandise. However extra importantly, lots of them promote pre-cooked or ready-to-eat meals at a a lot lower cost than eating places — and even comfort shops!
TIP! Go to the grocery store round 7 PM or 8 PM, simply earlier than closing time. Many supermarkets low cost their remaining ready-to-eat meals, typically by as much as 75%, simply to promote out their inventory. In case your lodging is close to a grocery store, this generally is a enormous money-saver!
In fact, this doesn’t imply you shouldn’t eat at eating places. You undoubtedly ought to! Japan has loads of reasonably priced choices, together with random ramen retailers, so that you don’t all the time have to interrupt the financial institution to take pleasure in good meals.
One last item: Japan is filled with merchandising machines. You’ll discover them on each avenue nook, providing a fast and handy approach to seize drinks or snacks. However as tempting as they’re, shopping for from merchandising machines on a regular basis provides up. Supermarkets and even comfort shops normally promote the identical drinks at a lower cost. So in case you’re on a funds, attempt to restrict your merchandising machine purchases!
7. Leaving Passport on the Resort
Do you know that international vacationers can take pleasure in large reductions when procuring in licensed tax-free retailers in Japan? Simply search for the “Tax-Free” signal or emblem! In case your one-time buy is at the least ¥5000, you don’t should pay the tax.
Some shops, like Don Quijote, have devoted tax-free counters the place you may course of your buy with out tax. REMINDER! It’s essential to current your passport at checkout. Should you overlook it, they received’t honor the tax-free low cost, so all the time carry it with you when procuring. After processing, the shop will connect a receipt to your passport, which is able to later be collected on the airport earlier than you undergo Immigration when leaving Japan.
That mentioned, when you’ve got the funds, don’t maintain again on experiencing one of the best of Japan! Whether or not it’s a elaborate sushi dinner, a ski journey to a snow resort, or a soothing dip in an onsen, go for it! These experiences are distinctive to Japan, and indulging in them isn’t simply rewarding but in addition a good way to help the native economic system.
Japan Dos and Don’ts
The Japanese are often known as a few of the most well mannered and useful folks on this planet, usually going out of their approach to help vacationers. As guests, it’s solely proper that we present the identical respect by studying and following their customs. In Japan, many unwritten guidelines form on a regular basis life — guidelines that each locals and vacationers are anticipated to observe. The extra acquainted you might be with these cultural nuances, the smoother and extra rewarding your journey might be.
We’re additionally itemizing down some widespread fake pas or social slip-ups that many vacationers unknowingly commit. Whereas these usually are not unlawful — and it’s extremely unlikely that you simply’ll be thrown in jail for them — they will go away a poor impression. So, realizing what to keep away from can go a good distance in serving to you join respectfully with locals and absolutely take pleasure in your journey.
8. Speaking Loudly on Public Transport
Japan’s public transportation system shouldn’t be solely environment friendly and dependable but in addition remarkably quiet. Whether or not you’re on a practice or a bus, it’s essential to maintain noise to a minimal. Whereas it’s okay to speak along with your journey companions, be sure that your voice is low and respectful. Different passengers don’t want to listen to your dialog.
One factor you must completely keep away from is speaking on the telephone whereas commuting. In Japan, many locals use their journey time to relaxation or unwind, particularly due to the nation’s demanding work tradition. As vacationers, it’s important to respect this unwritten rule and assist preserve the peaceable environment.
9. Ignoring Escalator & Elevator Etiquette
Japan has many unwritten guidelines in terms of utilizing escalators and elevators, and as vacationers, it’s good to observe native etiquette to keep away from pointless disruptions.
In most of Japan, together with Tokyo, folks stand on the LEFT facet of the escalator and go away the proper facet open for individuals who wish to stroll or overtake. Nevertheless, Osaka and most of Kansai do it the alternative means — you stand on the RIGHT facet, and folks stroll on the left.
Why the distinction? Based on a nikkei.com article, throughout the Osaka Expo in 1970, they adopted the worldwide commonplace of standing on the proper. Nevertheless, lots of people additionally query whether or not that is the actual cause.
However simply bear in mind, for many of Kansai Area, you stand on the proper of the escalator. That features Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, and extra. Nevertheless, Kyoto is an exception, as a result of apparently, the locals choose to face on the LEFT. However when you’re there, you’ll discover that each left and proper standing may be seen, presumably because of the excessive variety of vacationers. To be secure, simply observe the folks round you and observe what they’re doing.
Some cities, like Nagoya and Saitama, have really began banning strolling on escalators because of security considerations. Extra locations could observe go well with sooner or later. Nevertheless, because it takes time for folks to regulate, you would possibly nonetheless see folks strolling on escalators in these areas.
Japan additionally has unstated guidelines for utilizing elevators. First, give precedence to PWDs or Individuals with Disabilities. Should you’re not carrying something heavy and are ready, think about using the steps as a substitute. Second, maintain the door. Should you’re standing subsequent to the management panel, you’re anticipated to press the buttons for others and maintain the door open. And if everyone seems to be getting off on the identical ground, you must exit final after holding the door for others.
These small gestures are a part of Japan’s tradition of respect and consideration, which makes public areas extra environment friendly and nice for everybody!
10. Blocking Devoted Pathways
Strolling round Japan is such a enjoyable expertise! The streets are clear, the environment are peaceable, and there’s all the time one thing fascinating to see. Typically, even when we are able to take the practice, we select to stroll as a result of it simply makes us glad. However in case you plan on exploring on foot, there are some things you must know.
First, take note of the sidewalk indicators. In lots of locations, there are designated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, so be sure you’re strolling on the right facet. Should you ever hear a small bell ringing, that’s a bike owner politely asking you to step apart — there received’t be any loud honking right here! Additionally, in case you’re new to the realm, attempt to not put on earphones whereas strolling. They could stop you from listening to essential alerts like bike bells.
You’ll additionally discover yellow, textured pathways on sidewalks, stairs, crossings, and practice platforms. These are known as Tenji blocks, they usually assist visually impaired people navigate the realm. Simply be conscious to not block these paths!
At pedestrian crossings, you would possibly hear a bird-like sound coming from the cease lights. It begins gradual and quickens as time runs out to cross. That is tremendous useful for visually impaired people, however it’s additionally a good way to remind your self when it is advisable hurry up!
Japan’s infrastructure is designed to be environment friendly and accessible for everybody, making strolling not simply simple but in addition an incredible approach to expertise the nation. So go forward, take a stroll, and luxuriate in each step of your journey, however all the time be sure that to be thoughtful of others too.
11. Consuming Whereas Strolling
Consuming in public areas isn’t unlawful in Japan, however consuming whereas strolling? That’s a giant no-no. It’s simply not a part of the tradition. Should you seize a snack from a comfort retailer, one of the best factor to do is eat it when you’re nonetheless within the space, both inside the shop or simply outdoors, so long as you’re not on the transfer. Should you’re at a park, discover a bench and take your time. And in case you purchase a drink from a merchandising machine, it’s widespread apply to drink it proper there subsequent to the machine as a substitute of sipping whereas strolling.
There are some sensible causes for this, like avoiding spills and preserving the streets clear, however there’s additionally a cultural facet to it. A Japanese tour information as soon as advised us, “Should you eat, simply eat. Respect your meals.” They take meals severely, they usually imagine you need to be current within the second whereas consuming. Truthfully, it makes quite a lot of sense since you take pleasure in your meals extra while you’re not distracted. So subsequent time you seize a chunk in Japan, take a second, discover a spot, and actually savor it!
12. Miscalculating Meals Serving Dimension
Somebody as soon as requested us if it’s okay to depart leftovers when consuming out in Japan or if it’s thought of impolite. The brief reply? It’s greatest to keep away from it. Losing meals is usually frowned upon wherever, however in Japan, meals is deeply revered, together with the individuals who put together it. If an area invitations you to their dwelling for a meal, ending all the things in your plate is a should. Leaving meals behind would possibly make your host assume you didn’t take pleasure in it.
Should you’re eating at a small, family-run ramen store, a mom-and-pop restaurant, or a sushi bar — particularly if the chef prepares your meal proper in entrance of you — leaving leftovers is taken into account rude. The one exception? Ramen broth. It’s fairly regular for folks to depart some soup behind.
At meals courts or quick meals locations, no one will name you out in case you don’t end your meal, however it’s nonetheless greatest to keep away from losing meals. We get it: typically it’s laborious to gauge portion sizes in a unique nation. In Japan, although, sure dishes have a tendency to return in large servings by default. Ramen is all the time a hefty bowl, okonomiyaki is normally giant and nice for sharing, and donburi (rice bowls) usually have quite a lot of rice, even when the toppings don’t seem to be a lot. Some meals even include surprising facet dishes.
That mentioned, parts in Japan aren’t all the time enormous. They will really be smaller in comparison with Western international locations. It actually will depend on the dish and the restaurant. So when unsure, simply ask! Should you’re feeling shy, the most secure strategy is to imagine the serving dimension is large. You’ll be able to all the time order extra if wanted, however leaving meals behind can really feel disrespectful to the one that cooked it, particularly in smaller eateries. Higher to play it secure and order additional later than danger losing meals!
13. Protecting Sneakers on at Sure Websites
One factor you’ll discover whereas exploring Japan is how a lot the tradition values cleanliness. It’s a fairly large deal right here, and it extends to the straightforward act of taking off your footwear when coming into sure locations. Positive, in most accommodations and eating places, you’re tremendous preserving your footwear on, however there are undoubtedly locations the place you’ll want to depart them on the door.
Temples and authentic castles are prime examples. While you go to these spots, you’ll normally discover an space devoted to shoe removing. Typically, there’s a shoe cupboard the place you may retailer them when you discover, or in some instances, they’ll even provide you with a plastic bag to hold your footwear round with you.
Conventional eating places even have this rule, as do some church buildings. So, while you’re touring round Japan, be prepared for that second while you’ll have to slide off your footwear. So be sure that your socks are as much as the duty — nothing too outdated, no holes, and undoubtedly no funky smells! LOL
14. Entering into an Onsen Proper Away
Some of the stress-free and distinctive experiences you may have in Japan is soaking in an onsen, however there are some things you must know earlier than diving in.
First, when you’ve got tattoos, you would possibly hit a small roadblock. Historically, tattoos carry a stigma in Japan, and plenty of onsens don’t enable them. Nevertheless, there are tattoo-friendly onsens in a number of cities, so simply perform a little analysis on-line. Typically, small tattoos are okay, however when unsure, it’s all the time greatest to ask the workers beforehand.
Relating to the kind of onsen, there are two fundamental choices: public and personal. For each, you’ll must get comfy with the thought of being utterly bare. Sure, all clothes — swimsuits, trunks, something — is a no-go. However don’t fear, the areas for women and men are separate, and actually, nobody might be gazing you. Persons are simply there to chill out. Nevertheless, in case you’re not able to strip down in entrance of strangers, a non-public onsen in a ryokan or a conventional inn is perhaps a more sensible choice.
Should you select to go to a public onsen, there are some essential guidelines to observe. First, be sure that to wash your self totally earlier than dipping in. Most onsens present bathe areas with handheld bathe heads. The secret is to be clear earlier than soaking!
Second, do not forget that onsens are all about leisure. Hold the noise degree down, and don’t splash the water round. It’s not a swimming pool, so keep away from any sort of swimming or vigorous exercise. Third, whereas it’s widespread to carry a small towel with you, be sure that it doesn’t contact the water. Some folks like to put it on their head, however it shouldn’t be moist or wrung out within the water.
Lastly, after you’re performed soaking, you’ll want to wipe off any extra water earlier than heading again to the locker room. This retains issues clear for everybody else. Take pleasure in your onsen expertise, and simply bear in mind: it’s all about leisure and respecting the house!
15. Tardiness
Being punctual in Japan is extraordinarily essential, and it’s one thing that’s ingrained within the tradition. We all know it may be simple to run late, however particularly in Japan, the place all the things operates with impeccable precision, being late is a giant no-no. We’ve even skilled a scenario the place a practice was delayed, and the workers personally apologized to each single passenger, one after the other. Not simply over the intercom, however head to head.
Should you’re becoming a member of a gaggle tour, exhibiting up on time is essential. While you’re a part of a gaggle, it’s not nearly you— different individuals are relying on you. Which means you must all the time concentrate on the assembly occasions, particularly in terms of getting again to the bus or group rendezvous factors. Should you trigger a delay, don’t be shocked if the information calls you out. We’ve seen it occur. As soon as, somebody was simply 5 minutes late, and it was an enormous deal. The information and the remainder of the group have been visibly annoyed. Fortunately, we’ve managed to keep away from such conditions, even after late nights!
While you’re touring by yourself, it’s a bit extra relaxed, however there are nonetheless some issues to contemplate. First, bear in mind the time schedules for public transportation, notably for bullet trains with reserved seats. Should you miss your scheduled practice, you’ll probably should rebook and lose money and time — and nobody desires that. Additionally, some sights are a bit removed from town heart, and buses could solely run on an hourly schedule. Miss your bus, and also you’ll be caught ready for one more hour, which may throw off your plans.
One other factor to remember is that many locations shut earlier throughout the winter months, so in case you arrive too late, it’s possible you’ll miss out on some alternatives. Additionally, when visiting common photograph spots, be thoughtful of others. Don’t hog the proper shot and provides different guests an opportunity. The identical goes for onsens and resort checkouts. Should you’ve booked a non-public onsen, be sure that to present up on time and don’t overstay your reservation. And in terms of accommodations, you’ll want to take a look at on time to permit housekeeping sufficient time to arrange for the subsequent company.
Being conscious of time will assist you benefit from your journey and maintain all the things operating easily!
Updates Log
2025 5 3 – First uploaded
