Japan is a vacation spot that pulls vacationers from all around the world. With its wealthy tradition, gorgeous landscapes, and heat hospitality, it’s no surprise vacationers maintain coming again. There are simply so many locations to discover that each journey looks 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 keep in mind our first journey to the Land of the Rising Solar, partly as a result of we bumped into fairly a number of hiccups alongside the way in which. So we need 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 be taught from our expertise and keep away from committing the identical errors.
Japan Finances Journey Errors
1. Dangerous Timing
Japan is a improbable year-round vacation spot, providing one thing attention-grabbing in each season. Nonetheless, to profit from your journey, it’s essential to align your expectations together with your timing.
As an example, should you’re dreaming of seeing cherry blossoms, needless to say their blooming season is fleeting — usually lasting simply a few weeks. Since sakura blooms at completely different occasions throughout Japan, you’ll have to 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, make sure to examine sakura forecasts to your particular vacation spot on-line earlier than reserving your journey.
If you happen to go to throughout sakura season, count on main parks to be filled with each locals and vacationers. To take pleasure in a quieter expertise, take into account in search of out smaller, lesser-known parks which might be much less crowded. Moreover, should you favor to keep away from crowds and excessive costs, avoid Japan’s busiest journey intervals. Main holidays see a surge in home journey, making transportation and lodging tougher to e-book and costlier. Listed here are some key holidays to be aware of:
- Golden Week: April 29 – Might 5
- Obon Competition: August 13 – 15
For these touring in winter, needless to say sunlight hours are shorter and lots of institutions shut earlier, particularly round New 12 months’s Day. Then again, should you’re visiting throughout summer time, be ready for intense warmth and humidity, generally even hotter than within the Philippines. In case your journey falls in July or August, make certain to pack gentle, breathable clothes to remain snug whereas exploring.
2. Dismissing Resort Location
As finances vacationers, our high precedence when reserving lodging is all the time the value. Nonetheless, value isn’t the one issue to think about. Location performs a major function too. Whether or not we’re reserving a lodge, hostel, or house, we all the time purpose for lodging which might be close to a prepare station. Japan’s transportation system, significantly its trains, is huge and environment friendly, and most of the nation’s main points of interest are simply accessible from prepare stations. The truth is, prepare 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 doable to discover a place that’s proper subsequent to every part, having a prepare station inside strolling distance can vastly simplify your journey expertise, whether or not you’re taking the prepare or hopping on a bus. It doesn’t need to be very near the primary station. So long as it’s inside strolling distance, it’s good. Japan can also be recognized for being very protected, so strolling even at night time is mostly tremendous.
That stated, you is perhaps tempted to go for a less expensive lodging that’s farther from the station. Whereas this will prevent cash upfront, take into account the additional value and time of transportation. The cash you save on a extra distant place is perhaps offset by prepare or bus fares, and also you’ll additionally spend extra time commuting and strolling, which may drain your vitality. In these circumstances, it’s typically price it to spend a bit extra on a spot that’s nearer to the station, because the comfort and time saved could make the marginally increased 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 charge, exceptionally well mannered folks, and well-planned cities that make navigating city areas seamless. Nonetheless, security doesn’t imply immunity from sudden incidents. Nobody plans to get sick, have an accident, or lose their baggage, however this stuff can occur, and coping with them whereas touring will be disturbing and expensive.
That’s why, though journey insurance coverage isn’t obligatory when visiting Japan, we extremely advocate getting one. It ensures that you just’re coated 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 sudden 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 another vacation spot, investing in journey insurance coverage is all the time a smart move. It’s a small worth to pay for peace of thoughts and monetary safety whereas exploring the world.
For worldwide locations, take into account 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 inexpensive charge.
4. Getting Confused About Vacationer Passes
Japan’s transportation business is extremely aggressive, with quite a few railway and bus firms 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 will be overwhelming, however choosing essentially the most cost-effective go relies upon solely in your itinerary.
Essentially the most well-known go is the JR Nationwide Cross, however a standard query we get is whether or not it’s really price it. The quick reply? It is dependent upon your journey plans. Many individuals assume they want a JR Cross, but when your journey entails only one or two close by cities, it’s typically not price it. The JR Nationwide Cross supplies the finest worth when your journey contains a number of long-distance journeys. If you happen to’re solely touring between Tokyo and Yokohama or exploring Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, you gained’t want a nationwide go. In these circumstances, a regional go is the higher choice.
Talking of regional passes, Kansai alone provides a staggering variety of selections, together with the Osaka Superb Cross (city-wide), Kansai-Through Cross, Hankyu Cross, Hanshin Cross, Kintetsu Cross, and JR Kansai Cross. One of the best one for you is dependent upon your itinerary and which prepare traces you’ll use most frequently. If you happen to 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 selections, it may be difficult to seek out the perfect match. However generally, there’s a regional or metropolis go that can be extra helpful than a nationwide JR Cross. Earlier than buying any go, all the time evaluate costs with particular person tickets and select the one which finest 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 prepare is an engineering marvel, providing a clean, quick, and environment friendly technique to journey. Plus, with Japan’s in depth railway community, it’s simple to default to trains as the first mode of transportation. Nonetheless, prepare fares — particularly for bullet trains — will be fairly costly, significantly should you don’t have a rail go.
If you happen to’re on a finances, buses are an important 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 will be substantial.
For longer journeys, in a single day buses provide much more advantages. First, the fare is less expensive than taking a prepare. Second, since you’re sleeping on the bus, you save on one night time of lodging, which is an enormous deal contemplating how costly lodges in Japan will be. Third, some locations in Japan are not accessible by prepare, however buses can take you there conveniently. And don’t fear — the buses in Japan are clear, quiet, and cozy.
In fact, in a single day buses aren’t for everybody. If you happen to’re touring with youngsters or favor a extra relaxed journey, it won’t be the most suitable choice. However should 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 largest 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 choice.
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 an important place to discover, particularly should you love Japanese meals merchandise. However extra importantly, a lot of them promote pre-cooked or ready-to-eat meals at a a lot cheaper price 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, generally by as much as 75%, simply to promote out their inventory. In case your lodging is close to a grocery store, this is usually a large money-saver!
In fact, this doesn’t imply you shouldn’t eat at eating places. You positively ought to! Japan has loads of inexpensive 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 final thing: Japan is filled with merchandising machines. You’ll discover them on each avenue nook, providing a fast and handy technique 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 cheaper price. So should you’re on a finances, attempt to restrict your merchandising machine purchases!
7. Leaving Passport on the Resort
Do you know that overseas vacationers can take pleasure in huge 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 need to 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! You should current your passport at checkout. If you happen to overlook it, they gained’t honor the tax-free low cost, so all the time deliver 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 stated, when you have the finances, don’t maintain again on experiencing the perfect of Japan! Whether or not it’s a elaborate sushi dinner, a ski journey to a snow resort, or a calming 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 generally known as a few of the most well mannered and useful folks on this planet, typically going out of their technique 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 comply with. The extra acquainted you’re with these cultural nuances, the smoother and extra rewarding your journey can be.
We’re additionally itemizing down some widespread fake pas or social slip-ups that many vacationers unknowingly commit. Whereas these will not be unlawful — and it’s extremely unlikely that you just’ll be thrown in jail for them — they will depart a poor impression. So, figuring out what to keep away from can go a great distance in serving to you join respectfully with locals and totally take pleasure in your journey.
8. Speaking Loudly on Public Transport
Japan’s public transportation system isn’t solely environment friendly and dependable but in addition remarkably quiet. Whether or not you’re on a prepare or a bus, it’s necessary to maintain noise to a minimal. Whereas it’s okay to speak together with your journey companions, make certain your voice is low and respectful. Different passengers don’t want to listen to your dialog.
One factor you need to 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 relation to utilizing escalators and elevators, and as vacationers, it’s good to comply with native etiquette to keep away from pointless disruptions.
In most of Japan, together with Tokyo, folks stand on the LEFT aspect of the escalator and depart the precise aspect open for individuals who need to stroll or overtake. Nonetheless, Osaka and most of Kansai do it the other approach — you stand on the RIGHT aspect, and other people stroll on the left.
Why the distinction? In response to a nikkei.com article, throughout the Osaka Expo in 1970, they adopted the worldwide normal of standing on the precise. Nonetheless, lots of people additionally query whether or not that is the actual cause.
However simply keep in mind, for many of Kansai Area, you stand on the precise of the escalator. That features Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, and extra. Nonetheless, Kyoto is an exception, as a result of apparently, the locals favor to face on the LEFT. However when you’re there, you’ll discover that each left and proper standing will be seen, presumably because of the excessive variety of vacationers. To be protected, simply observe the folks round you and comply with what they’re doing.
Some cities, like Nagoya and Saitama, have really began banning strolling on escalators resulting from security considerations. Extra locations might comply with go well with sooner or later. Nonetheless, 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. If you happen to’re not carrying something heavy and are ready, think about using the steps as an alternative. Second, maintain the door. If you happen to’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 flooring, you need to 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 attention-grabbing to see. Generally, even when we will take the prepare, we select to stroll as a result of it simply makes us comfortable. However should you plan on exploring on foot, there are some things you need to 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 proper aspect. If you happen to ever hear a small bell ringing, that’s a bicycle owner politely asking you to step apart — there gained’t be any loud honking right here! Additionally, should you’re new to the world, attempt to not put on earphones whereas strolling. They may forestall you from listening to necessary alerts like bike bells.
You’ll additionally discover yellow, textured pathways on sidewalks, stairs, crossings, and prepare platforms. These are referred to as Tenji blocks, they usually assist visually impaired people navigate the world. 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 sluggish and quickens as time runs out to cross. That is tremendous useful for visually impaired people, nevertheless it’s additionally a good way to remind your self when it’s good to hurry up!
Japan’s infrastructure is designed to be environment friendly and accessible for everybody, making strolling not simply simple but in addition a tremendous technique to expertise the nation. So go forward, take a stroll, and revel in each step of your journey, however all the time make certain 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 an enormous no-no. It’s simply not a part of the tradition. If you happen to seize a snack from a comfort retailer, the perfect 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. If you happen to’re at a park, discover a bench and take your time. And should you purchase a drink from a merchandising machine, it’s widespread follow to drink it proper there subsequent to the machine as an alternative of sipping whereas strolling.
There are some sensible causes for this, like avoiding spills and holding the streets clear, however there’s additionally a cultural aspect to it. A Japanese tour information as soon as advised us, “If you happen to eat, simply eat. Respect your meals.” They take meals significantly, they usually imagine you have to be current within the second whereas consuming. Actually, it makes a number of sense since you take pleasure in your meals extra if 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 Measurement
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 quick reply? It’s finest to keep away from it. Losing meals is mostly frowned upon wherever, however in Japan, meals is deeply revered, together with the individuals who put together it. If a neighborhood invitations you to their dwelling for a meal, ending every part in your plate is a should. Leaving meals behind would possibly make your host suppose you didn’t take pleasure in it.
If you happen to’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 should you don’t end your meal, nevertheless it’s nonetheless finest to keep away from losing meals. We get it: generally it’s onerous to gauge portion sizes in a unique nation. In Japan, although, sure dishes have a tendency to return in huge servings by default. Ramen is all the time a hefty bowl, okonomiyaki is normally massive and nice for sharing, and donburi (rice bowls) typically have a number of rice, even when the toppings don’t seem to be a lot. Some meals even include sudden aspect dishes.
That stated, parts in Japan aren’t all the time large. They will really be smaller in comparison with Western international locations. It actually is dependent upon the dish and the restaurant. So when unsure, simply ask! If you happen to’re feeling shy, the most secure strategy is to imagine the serving measurement is huge. 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 protected and order further later than threat losing meals!
13. Conserving 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 easy act of taking off your sneakers when getting into sure locations. Positive, in most lodges and eating places, you’re tremendous holding your sneakers on, however there are positively locations the place you’ll want to depart them on the door.
Temples and authentic castles are prime examples. If you go to these spots, you’ll normally discover an space devoted to shoe elimination. Typically, there’s a shoe cupboard the place you may retailer them when you discover, or in some circumstances, they’ll even provide you with a plastic bag to hold your sneakers round with you.
Conventional eating places even have this rule, as do some church buildings. So, if you’re touring round Japan, be prepared for that second if you’ll have to slide off your sneakers. So make certain your socks are as much as the duty — nothing too previous, no holes, and positively no funky smells! LOL
14. Entering into an Onsen Proper Away
Probably the most enjoyable and distinctive experiences you may have in Japan is soaking in an onsen, however there are some things you need to know earlier than diving in.
First, when you have tattoos, you would possibly hit a small roadblock. Historically, tattoos carry a stigma in Japan, and lots of onsens don’t enable them. Nonetheless, there are tattoo-friendly onsens in a number of cities, so simply do some analysis on-line. Generally, small tattoos are okay, however when unsure, it’s all the time finest to ask the employees beforehand.
In the case of the sort of onsen, there are two fundamental choices: public and personal. For each, you’ll have to get snug 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 truthfully, nobody can be looking at you. Persons are simply there to calm down. Nonetheless, should you’re not able to strip down in entrance of strangers, a personal onsen in a ryokan or a standard inn is perhaps a more sensible choice.
If you happen to select to go to a public onsen, there are some necessary guidelines to comply with. First, make certain to wash your self completely earlier than dipping in. Most onsens present bathe areas with handheld bathe heads. The secret’s to be clear earlier than soaking!
Second, do not forget that onsens are all about leisure. Maintain the noise stage 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 deliver a small towel with you, make certain it doesn’t contact the water. Some folks like to position it on their head, nevertheless it shouldn’t be moist or wrung out within the water.
Lastly, after you’re performed soaking, make sure to wipe off any extra water earlier than heading again to the locker room. This retains issues clear for everybody else. Get pleasure from your onsen expertise, and simply keep in mind: it’s all about leisure and respecting the area!
15. Tardiness
Being punctual in Japan is extraordinarily necessary, 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 every part operates with impeccable precision, being late is an enormous no-no. We’ve even skilled a scenario the place a prepare was delayed, and the employees personally apologized to each single passenger, one after the other. Not simply over the intercom, however nose to nose.
If you happen to’re becoming a member of a bunch tour, exhibiting up on time is essential. If you’re a part of a bunch, it’s not nearly you— different individuals are relying on you. Which means you need to all the time pay attention to the assembly occasions, particularly in relation to getting again to the bus or group rendezvous factors. If you happen to 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!
If you’re touring by yourself, it’s a bit extra relaxed, however there are nonetheless some issues to think about. First, keep in mind the time schedules for public transportation, significantly for bullet trains with reserved seats. If you happen to miss your scheduled prepare, you’ll doubtless need to rebook and lose money and time — and nobody needs that. Additionally, some points of interest are a bit removed from town heart, and buses might solely run on an hourly schedule. Miss your bus, and also you’ll be caught ready for an additional hour, which may throw off your plans.
One other factor to bear in mind is that many locations shut earlier throughout the winter months, so should you arrive too late, chances are you’ll miss out on some alternatives. Additionally, when visiting in style picture spots, be thoughtful of others. Don’t hog the proper shot and provides different guests an opportunity. The identical goes for onsens and lodge checkouts. If you happen to’ve booked a personal onsen, make certain to present up on time and don’t overstay your reservation. And in relation to lodges, make sure to take a look at on time to permit housekeeping sufficient time to organize for the subsequent friends.
Being conscious of time will enable you to profit from your journey and maintain every part operating easily!
Updates Log
2025 5 3 – First uploaded