What to Know Before Going to Japan

Japan Travel Tips

The following are our best tips for traveling to Japan. You’ll find both Japanese customs to be aware of along with some more logistical tips—all of which will help you have a smoother journey.

Pack light

Traveling in Japan involves lots of public transit like trains and subways, so it’s important to pack as light as possible. Hotel rooms can be small in Japan, especially in cities, so the fewer bags you have the better. A small carry-on-sized suitcase is your best bet—if you do check a larger suitcase, be prepared to lift it onto trains and do lots of walking with it.

Don’t tip extra

Unlike in the US, Japan doesn’t have a tipping culture. Instead, you’ll find that some restaurants add a service fee, no more than 10% or so, to the check. When dining out, don’t defy cultural norms by adding extra gratuity to your bill.

Medication must be marked

All prescription medication must be in its original prescription bottle—no unmarked prescription medication is allowed. And certain drugs that are available OTC in the US are illegal in Japan (like Nyquil, for example), so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with which medications you can and can’t bring into Japan.

Be prepared to carry out your trash

You won’t find many public trash cans in Japan. While convenience stores typically have garbage cans, they’re hard to find just out on the streets—so any trash you accumulate through the day you should be prepared to keep in your bag or pocket until you can find a trash can.

Carry cash

Since plenty of local shops and restaurants in smaller towns are still cash-only, make sure to carry Japanese yen in cash at all times. If you don’t get the cash from your bank before you go abroad, it’s easy to find ATMs in Japan. And when paying in cash (or with card), you don’t typically hand your currency directly to the cashier—instead, place it in the small tray at the register.

Expect to take your shoes off 

Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, along with comfortable socks in good condition, since it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering homes, carpeted spaces, and even certain sections of some restaurants. This is one of the few rules for which the Japanese will not make allowance just because you are a foreigner. Slippers are usually provided in these instances, and sometimes you’ll even be provided with separate slippers for the toilet.

And be mindful of dripping umbrellas when entering a home, shop, or restaurant. Some establishments provide plastic covers for umbrellas. Make sure not to enter with a dripping wet umbrella without this cover.

Don’t blow your nose in front of other people

Refrain from blowing your nose in front of other people. In Japan, people only use paper tissue for this—like in other Asian countries, it is considered rude to blow your nose in a handkerchief and stuff it in your pocket afterward. And never blow your nose at a meal!

Don’t eat while standing or walking in the street

This one isn’t just because you won’t find a public garbage can to throw out your trash (though that’s a helpful deterrent)—in Japan it’s not common to eat while walking or standing in public. The only times you might find exceptions to this rule are for eating at a counter (e.g., ramen) or for eating ice cream in the street.

Don’t point your finger, foot, or chopsticks at people

If you have to indicate an object or direction to someone, wave your fingers with the palm downwards.

Small presents are appreciated (and in some situations, expected)

If you are visiting a Japanese friend or a business acquaintance, you’ll probably be given a small present. It’s good to bring something from the US to give in return for these occasions, like a souvenir with a phrase in English printed on it or a consumable item such as a local food specialty. Even if you don’t expect to meet a previous acquaintance, it’s nice to have some little presents for an occasional kindness you may be met with while traveling.

Avoid expressing your opinion too directly 

In Japanese society, people have what they call honne (real opinion) and tatemae (public opinion). They will express the latter in most situations so as not to disturb the group harmony, while the former is said only to close friends or relatives. Harmony is the key value in Japanese society. They place great emphasis on politeness, personal responsibility, and working together for the universal good rather than the individual good. They present facts that might be disagreeable in a gentle and indirect fashion, and they see working in harmony as the crucial ingredient for working productively. They do not openly criticize, insult, or put anyone on the spot.

Be mindful of your non-verbal communication

In Japan, folks often rely on facial expression, tone of voice, and posture to tell them what someone feels. Frowning while someone is speaking can be interpreted as a sign of disagreement, and notice when you or others make certain gestures—for example, scratching or placing an open hand on the back of the head can mean someone telling you “no.” If you are approached by someone crossing their forearms or pointer fingers in an X shape in front of them, they are communicating that something is not permitted. And be mindful of your verbal communication, too—namely, don’t speak loudly in public to show consideration for those around you.

When possible, wait to be introduced—it can be considered impolite to introduce yourself. The traditional form of greeting is the bow. How far you bow depends upon your relationship to the other person as well as the situation. While the deeper you bow, the more respect you show, a foreign visitor may bow the head slightly since no one expects foreigners to generally understand the subtle nuances of bowing.

Japanese Onsen Etiquette

A Japanese onsen is a hot spring and the bathing facilities around it. Onsen come in many varieties—some have traditional inns (ryokans) set up around them while some are for public day use, and they can be indoor or outdoor. Japan is full of natural hot springs, and there are some 3,000 onsen in the country that capitalize on the healing and relaxing properties of soaking in hot, mineral-rich waters. Below are the customs and etiquette you should be aware of before using onsen for the first time.

Shower before entering the bath

At both sento (public baths) and onsen (thermal springs) it’s customary to wash yourself before entering the bathing water since many people will use the same bathing water and because bathing is done completely naked.

Cool the water (slightly) if you have to

When you’re using an individual bath at an onsen, you might find that the water is quite hot—it’s often between 105 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s too hot for you, you can add a bit of cold water, but not so much that it becomes tepid or the next person won’t appreciate it.

Use your robe and towel correctly

You’ll often be given a cotton robe, a yukata, at inns. You wear this to the onsen and around the inn, even to dinner at times. Make sure you cross it left over right in front, as the opposite way is only used to bury the dead. You will also receive a small, useful towel—you can use it to cover yourself in the outer bath area once you have disrobed, and to wash and dry yourself in the bathing area. But make sure it never touches the water—people typically place them on their heads or on the side of the bath while they’re in the water.

Know which dressing room to use

Usually the men’s room is on the left and has a blue curtain with “otoko” or “dono-sama” written on it. The women’s room is usually on the right, with a red curtain reading “onna.” If you are not sure, ask.

Check the onsen’s rules if you have tattoos

Traditionally, many onsen didn’t allow folks with tattoos. But over time, those rules have become much more relaxed. Before visiting an onsen, check the establishment’s rules on tattoos if you have them. Some places might be ok with small designs, some might permit you if you cover your tattoos with stickers, and some have no problems with tattoos (you’ll find this increasingly in more touristed areas). Still, some onsen prohibit tattooed guests from using the facilities, so it’s best to check.