If you’ve already watched the video, you know the basics. You know Japan’s clean, safe, and full of etiquette rules that are easy to mess up if no one tells you.
But this blog goes further.
Here, we’ll unpack the why behind the advice—and give you bonus insights that didn’t fit into the video. These are the things locals learn by living here, and the details that make your trip smoother, smarter, and way more fun.
IC Cards Are Smarter Than You Think
You don’t need to unlock your phone to tap in at the station? Awesome. But let’s go beyond that.
IC cards like Suica and Pasmo can be used for:
- Trains and buses (of course)
- Vending machines
- Convenience stores (yes, 7-Eleven accepts them)
- Coin lockers at stations
- Taxis (especially in Tokyo and Osaka)
For more info on how to use IC Cards, check out our post about it.
How to Get Food That Doesn’t Disappoint
Tabelog and Google Maps are great—but context matters.
A restaurant with 3.4 stars on Tabelog might actually be amazing (as Japanese people tend to give 3 stars for a good experience, and it goes up from there). Likewise, a place with 4.5 stars on Google Maps could be popular only because it caters to tourists. But if most of the reviews are in Japanese then you’ve found a certified gold gem.
Extra Strategy:
- Use Tabelog filters for lunch/dinner pricing and “non-smoking” if you’re sensitive
- Look at review dates—pre-2020 info might not reflect today’s quality
- Restaurants that specialize in one thing (e.g., just tonkatsu or just udon) tend to be better than places with giant menus
And yes—ask the hotel staff or your Airbnb host. They usually have a shortlist they love recommending.
Understanding Japan’s Mixed Relationship With Credit Cards
Japan’s finally catching up with cashless payments, but it’s still a mixed bag.
Some systems (like IC card auto-recharge) require Japanese-issued credit cards. That’s why you might not be able to link your foreign card even if it seems like it should work.
Where credit cards might fail:
- Small family restaurants
- Outdoor markets and festivals
- Cheap ramen joints with vending machines
- Taxi rides in rural areas
Backup plan: Keep 10,000 yen in cash on you. Break it at a convenience store if you need smaller bills.
Safety in Japan Isn’t the Same as “No Risk”
Japan’s low crime rate is real—but the kinds of risks are just different:
- People won’t snatch your phone off a table
- But they might silently photograph you if you’re dressed in a way that draws attention
- You won’t get mugged walking home at night
- But someone might bump into you with full force and pretend it was your fault (yes, Butsukari Otoko is a thing)
Train Safety Tip: Use the women-only cars (if you’re a woman, obviously) during morning rush hours (usually the first or last car). They’re clearly labeled in pink.
Dress Codes Are Unspoken But Strong
You don’t need to change your entire wardrobe, but context helps:
- In Kyoto, people dress up more—especially in Gion or when visiting temples
- At the beach? Shorts, tank tops, whatever
- Downtown Tokyo at night? Dress like you’re going to be in someone’s Instagram story
Cultural tip: Revealing outfits are often linked in the public eye as messy, even if that’s completely unfair. Just know what kind of attention you might draw. Read about it in our blog Why Your Outfit Might Be Riskier Than You Think.
Trains Make Distances Short—But Don’t Walk Too Much
Japan’s trains are lightning fast, but walking between attractions can burn you out fast. Even within Kyoto, people underestimate the time it takes to walk from, say, Kiyomizu-dera to Ginkaku-ji.
Use Google Maps not just for directions, but for pacing. Search your destination and look at “Popular Times” to avoid the worst crowds.
The JR Pass: Think Before You Buy
If you’re not going long distances frequently, skip the JR Pass. It doesn’t cover:
- Nozomi Shinkansen (the fastest one)
- Private lines (like Odakyu to Hakone or Kintetsu in Nara)
Use a calculator to check: 👉 JR Pass Worth-It Calculator
Instead, consider regional passes or just pay-as-you-go. Shinkansen tickets can be booked online, and you can choose your seat.
Navigating Train Stations Like a Local
Shinjuku Station has over 200 exits. Tokyo Station is a city. Use:
- The station’s official map (Google “Tokyo Station map JR East”)
- Google Street View to check exits
- Navitime or Japan Travel by Navitime for transfers
If you get lost: Look for signs with “出口” (deguchi = exit). Elevators are marked clearly. And station staff are super helpful. Sometimes it’s best just to take any exit and get to the outside world, and then navigate from there.
We have station guides for Tokyo Station and Kyoto Station! While we don’t have a blog on it, we do have a video on Osaka Station.
Understanding Restaurant Norms
Japan has a few dining customs that catch people off guard:
Otoshi – That little dish you didn’t order? It’s a table charge. You’re not being scammed—it’s normal at izakaya.
No Sharing – Many cafés and dessert spots expect one item per person. This is about keeping the business sustainable.
「シェアしてもいいですか？」(Shea shite mo ii desu ka? – Is it okay to share?)
They’ll usually respond politely with: 「ごめんなさい」 or 「申し訳ありません」 (Sorry), but that still means no.
Silent Service – Waiters won’t check in unless you call them. Don’t worry—it’s not bad service, it’s respectful.
Bonus Phrase: To call staff, just say 「すみません」(Sumimasen!) — It’s not rude; it’s how everyone does it.
Trash Can Logic
Yes, trash cans are hard to find. That’s because public bins were removed in the 90s due to safety concerns—and because Japanese people usually take their trash home.
Where you CAN find bins:
- Station platforms (small bins near vending machines)
- Department store food courts
- Convenience stores (for items bought there)
Not for everything: Many bins are labeled. Burnable. PET bottles. Cans. Learn the icon system—or carry a bag until you get back to your hotel.
Final Thought: Follow the Vibe
You don’t need to memorize every rule. You just need to observe.
- Do what the locals do
- Lower your volume
- Return your tray
- Don’t take up priority seats on public transit
And when you’re not sure? Just ask. Or smile, bow slightly, and say:
「大丈夫ですか？」 (Daijoubu desu ka? — Is this okay?)
Most of the time, it is. And if it’s not, someone will kindly let you know.
Final Takeaway
Use your common sense. Don’t just memorize the rules—try to feel them.
When in doubt, do what the Japanese people around you are doing.
And remember: Japan isn’t about perfection. It’s about harmony, respect, and occasionally… a vending machine that sells hot corn soup in a can. 🍜
