10 Essential Tips for Travelers Visiting Japan

Since COVID-19 has subsided, many tourists from around the world have returned to Japan. Here in Tokyo, I see numerous tourists enjoying various aspects of Japan every day. For those planning to visit Japan soon, I’ll share 10 essential tips that you should know before coming here. These tips will help you make the most of your trip to Japan.

1. Some Basic Japanese Words to Communicate with Locals

When traveling, it’s important to know a few basic words of the local language. Here are some essential words to remember when traveling in Japan:

「こんにちは」 (Konnichiwa) – “Hello”

「ありがとう」 (Arigatou) – “Thank you.”
This casual way of expressing gratitude is often enough for travelers. If you want to be more polite, say ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu).

「すみません」 (Sumimasen) – “Excuse me.”
This can be used when you bump into someone or to express thanks when someone does something for you. If you need to apologize sincerely, you can use ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai).

2. You Don’t Have to Tip

In Japan, the service fee is included in the cost of meals. One of my American friends once left some coins on the table as a tip. A few minutes after he left the restaurant, the server came running after him to return the coins, saying, “You left your coins.” If you really want to tip, let them know explicitly. Note that “tip” is pronounced “chip” in Japanese, so try saying “chip” if “tip” is not understood.

3. Language Barrier

In Japan, you will encounter five types of characters: hiragana, katakana, kanji, alphabet, and numbers. In urban areas and on public transport, signs often include English, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese. However, in small shops and local restaurants, you may only find Japanese. For those traveling outside major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, it’s advisable to have a translation app like Google Translate ready and to rent a mobile Wi-Fi router.

The Japanese language is quite different from English, so use plain and simple sentences for better translation accuracy. Also, be specific when you ask local people something using a translator. For example, “Is there any good place to eat around here?” might translate poorly. Instead, ask, “Is there any good place to drink coffee around here?” or “Is there a good place to try this local specialty around here?”

4. Steering Wheel on the Right Side and Driving on the Left Lane

In Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road, similar to the UK and Thailand. Most rental cars have the steering wheel on the right. Be cautious, as roads can be narrow, especially in residential areas. If you’re not used to driving on the left, stick to larger roads when possible. 

Tip — Wear (or rent) non-studded tires if your destination is in mountain regions. If you rent a car for a road trip, the weather can be very bad, especially in mountain regions. Some of my friends rent a car in warm, sunny Tokyo in winter. But their destination was hit by a terrible blizzard, and they had to call roadside assistance and pay extra money.
Guide For People Who Plan to Drive in Japan

5. People Queue

In crowded places like the city center of Tokyo, you’ll often need to queue to get into popular restaurants or cafes. Always find the last person in line and queue behind them. The rule is to line up along the store’s wall or lines to avoid obstructing pedestrians. If unsure, ask the person at the end of the line by pointing to the phrases below.

「最後尾の方ですか？」
(Saikoubi no kata desu ka?)
“Are you the last person in line?”

「はい」
(Hai)
“Yes.”

「いいえ」
(I-ie)
”No.”

6. Public Transport is Very Punctual

Japanese public transport is generally very punctual, except for unavoidable delays like traffic jams or natural disasters. To avoid missing your train, arrive at your station at least five minutes before your departure time.

7. Hard to Find a Trash Can

Trash cans can be found inside shopping malls, convenience stores, and next to vending machines, but they are primarily intended for disposing of waste from items purchased at those locations. In particular, the trash cans next to vending machines are meant for empty plastic bottles and cans.

When you have trash while out, it’s best to keep it until you find a trash can. If you can’t find a trash can, dispose of it in your hotel’s trash bin. It’s a good idea to bring a plastic zipper bag. I always carry zipper bags from IKEA or DAISO (the 100 yen shop ) to store trash and take it home when I can’t find a trash can.

IKEA Japan stores: https://www.ikea.com/jp/en/stores/
DAISO Japan stores: https://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/en/shop

8. Rent a Mobile Wi-Fi

If you’re the type who likes to google on the go, definitely rent a pocket Wi-Fi. Free public Wi-Fi is not as common, and having a personal connection is more reliable. See the article below for more information.
How about Free Public Wi-Fi in Japan?

9. A Cash-Based Society

In urban areas, chain stores, and shopping malls, you can use cashless payment methods such as credit cards and QR code payments. However, in rural areas and at small individual shops, even in Tokyo, many places still only accept cash. Please read the following article for locations where you can exchange or withdraw money.
Exchange and Withdraw Cash in Japan

10. Wallets with Heavy Coins

In Japan, coins worth up to about 5 USD are used. There are a total of six types of coins ranging from 1 yen to 500 yen (approximately 5 USD). Travelers who are not familiar with Japanese coins often find their wallets becoming heavy with change. Since Japan is a cash-based society, there are many opportunities to use coins. If you want to lighten your wallet, refer to the article below for tips on managing your coins.
Would you like to get rid of coins in your wallet?
How to “Danshari” with Your Leftover Coins in Japan?

You may also want to read:
Things to Prepare Before Coming to Japan
What to Wear in Tokyo, Japan for All Seasons – Clothing Tips