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Planning your first trip to Japan and wondering what nobody tells you before you go?

Japan is an amazing country, but there are quite a few little things that can surprise you when you arrive. From trains that actually leave on time to restaurants where nobody comes to your table until you call them, there are some things that are much easier when you know them beforehand.

After spending 20 days traveling around Japan, I picked up quite a few lessons along the way.

So before you pack your bags, here are my Japan travel tips for first-time visitors — including some things I learned the easy way, and a few I learned the hard way. 😂

1. Be Early for Trains and Buses

This is probably one of the simplest tips I can give you.

Don’t arrive at the station at the exact departure time.

Japanese trains are famous for being punctual, and buses generally run on schedule too, although road traffic can cause delays. Japan Travel

If your train leaves at 10:00, don’t think, “I’ll reach the platform at 10:00.”

Reach the station early.

You may need a few extra minutes just to find the correct platform, especially at a large station.

And trust me, running through a Japanese train station with luggage isn’t how you want to start your morning.

2. Finding the Right Platform Can Be Confusing

Japanese stations are generally well organized.

The signs are good.

The platforms are clearly numbered.

And there are usually plenty of directions.

But if you’re visiting Japan for the first time, finding the correct platform can still be confusing.

Sometimes you need to find the right line, then the right platform, then make sure you’re boarding the correct train going in the correct direction.

Take your time.

Look at the platform signs and train displays before boarding.

After a couple of days, you’ll probably wonder why you ever found it difficult.

3. Keep Some Cash With You

Japan is becoming increasingly cashless, especially in major cities, but you should still carry some Japanese yen.

Some smaller restaurants and shops may only accept cash, and cash can be particularly important outside major urban areas. Japan Travel

I personally used cash quite a lot during my trip.

So don’t arrive thinking your card will work absolutely everywhere.

Keep enough cash with you for the day.

You don’t need to walk around carrying your entire travel budget, but having some yen in your wallet can save you from an awkward situation when you find a restaurant that doesn’t accept cards.

4. You Can Use Cash for Transportation Too

You can use IC cards such as Suica and PASMO for many transportation journeys, and they’re extremely convenient.

But I personally used cash to buy train tickets quite often.

And honestly, I didn’t mind it.

When buying a ticket at a counter, you can confirm your destination and make sure you’re entering the correct station or route. For someone visiting Japan for the first time, that extra confirmation can sometimes be useful.

If you prefer the convenience of an IC card, go for it.

If you’re more comfortable buying individual tickets, that’s perfectly fine too.

For the full breakdown, check my Japan Transportation Guide.

5. Learn to Read the Station Signs

If you’re going to use trains and buses a lot, spend a little time learning how the signs work.

Once you understand:

• Platform numbers
• Train destinations
• Departure times
• Line names
• Direction
• Bus stop numbers

things become much easier.

You don’t need to learn Japanese to understand everything.

Just learn how to read the information in front of you.

And always double-check before boarding.

6. Don’t Forget to Check Your Last Train

Here’s one I learned personally.

On my first day in Japan, I was exploring around Shibuya and Udagawacho and completely lost track of time.

And yep…

I missed my last train.

I ended up waiting until around 4 AM for the next one.

Thankfully, the streets were still lively, I met people and actually had a great time.

So it became a funny travel memory rather than a disaster.

But don’t copy me. 😂

If you’re planning to stay out late, check the last train before you start your night.

7. Take Your Shoes Off When You See the Signs

This one is important.

If you see a bunch of shoes or slippers near an entrance, there’s a very good chance you’re expected to remove your shoes.

This can happen in traditional accommodation, some restaurants, temples, homes and other places.

Usually, you’ll find slippers to use inside.

JNTO specifically recommends watching for these customs and notes that shoes may need to be removed in homes, traditional accommodation, some restaurants, temples and similar places. Japan Travel

Basically:

See shoes piled up? Stop before walking in.

8. Don’t Expect Tipping

Japan doesn’t have the same tipping culture you’ll find in countries like the US.

At normal restaurants, bars, cafés, taxis and hotels, tipping isn’t generally expected. Japan Travel

So don’t sit there wondering how much you’re supposed to leave.

Enjoy your meal, say thank you and you’re good to go.

9. Restaurants May Not Come Looking for You

This one surprised me at first.

In many Japanese restaurants, the server won’t necessarily come to your table every few minutes asking if you’re ready to order.

Sometimes you need to call the server or press a button at your table.

You’ll often see a small button or ordering system.

Press it.

Someone will come over.

Simple.

And honestly, I quite like this system. You can actually sit there and decide what you want without someone constantly asking if you’re ready.

10. Check the Menu Before Sitting Down

This can save you from an awkward situation.

Before sitting down at a restaurant, have a quick look at the menu if it’s available outside or at the entrance.

Make sure there is something you actually want to eat and that you understand roughly what you’re ordering.

Once you’re sitting at the table, getting up and walking away because nothing looks suitable can feel awkward.

Especially if it’s a tiny restaurant.

11. Learn a Few Basic Japanese Words

You don’t need to become fluent in Japanese before your holiday.

But learning a few simple words makes communication much easier and can make everyday interactions more pleasant.

Start with:

• Arigato gozaimasu — Thank you
• Sumimasen — Excuse me / Sorry
• Ohayo gozaimasu — Good morning
• Konnichiwa — Hello
• Konbanwa — Good evening
• Onegaishimasu — Please

Even making a small effort goes a long way.

JNTO also recommends basic phrases such as sumimasen and arigato gozaimasu for everyday interactions. Japan Travel

12. Use Google Lens for Translation

Google Lens can be incredibly useful in Japan.

Point your phone at a menu, sign or piece of information and you can often get a quick translation.

It isn’t perfect, but it’s much better than staring at a page of Japanese characters wondering what you’ve just ordered.

13. Samsung Phones Have a Handy Advantage

If you’re using a Samsung phone like me, check the built-in translation features before your trip.

I barely needed another translation app during my 20-day trip because the translation tools on my phone were good enough for most of what I needed.

So before downloading ten different apps, check what your own phone can already do.

14. Be Prepared to Carry Your Own Trash

One thing you’ll notice pretty quickly in Japan:

There aren’t always trash cans when you need one.

Japan places a strong emphasis on keeping public spaces clean, and visitors are encouraged to carry their waste until they find an appropriate place to dispose of it. Japan Travel

My advice?

Carry a small bag in your backpack.

Put your snack wrappers, receipts and other small rubbish inside it until you find somewhere to dispose of them.

It’s simple and makes life much easier.

15. Wear Comfortable, Broken-In Shoes

This is not the trip to test your brand-new shoes.

You are going to walk.

A lot.

Sometimes you’ll walk because you’re exploring a neighborhood. Sometimes you’ll walk because a station is much bigger than you expected. And sometimes you’ll walk because you took the wrong exit. 😂

Wear a good pair of comfortable, broken-in shoes.

Your feet are going to become one of the most important parts of your Japan trip.

16. Get Some Rest

This sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget.

You’re excited.

You have places to see.

You want to wake up early.

You want to stay out late.

Then you do this for several days and suddenly your body is asking for a holiday from your holiday.

Give yourself some rest.

Especially after long walking days.

You’re coming to Japan to enjoy it, not to suffer.

17. Learn to Use Chopsticks

You’re going to encounter chopsticks everywhere.

Don’t worry if you’re not an expert.

Just practice before you come.

And if you genuinely can’t use them, don’t panic. Ask for another utensil when available.

You don’t need perfect chopstick skills to enjoy Japanese food.

18. Don’t Be Too Loud on Public Transport

Japanese trains and buses are generally quiet.

Keep your voice down and avoid loud phone conversations.

It’s also good etiquette to keep your phone on silent and let passengers get off before you board. Japan Travel

You don’t need to memorize a hundred etiquette rules.

Just observe what people around you are doing.

19. Don’t Assume a Taxi Is the Best Option

Japanese taxis are clean and reliable, but they can be expensive compared with public transportation.

For most sightseeing, trains and buses are going to be much more practical.

Use taxis when you genuinely need them—such as when you’re carrying heavy luggage, traveling somewhere without convenient public transport, or when the convenience is worth the extra cost.

Otherwise, save your money for ramen. 😂

20. Tokyo Has More Shrines and Temples Than You Think

Japan has an incredible number of temples and shrines.

And if you love them, you’re going to love Japan.

But here’s a warning:

Your phone gallery may become 70% shrine photos.

You’ll see another beautiful gate.

Then another temple.

Then another shrine.

And you’ll think, “Okay, one more.”

Next thing you know, you’ve taken 300 photos of wooden buildings and torii gates.

So enjoy them—but try to mix your trip up.

21. Mix Modern Japan With Traditional Japan

This is one of my biggest recommendations.

Don’t spend your entire trip visiting temples.

And don’t spend your entire trip inside shopping malls either.

Mix it up.

Do some:

Nature + Culture + Modern City + Food + History + Nightlife

That’s when you really start getting a feel for Japan.

One day you might be surrounded by Tokyo’s skyscrapers.

The next you’re looking at a shrine.

Then you’re hiking somewhere surrounded by nature.

That contrast is one of the things that makes traveling around Japan so enjoyable.

22. Collect Train Station Stamps

Here’s a fun little souvenir idea.

Take a small notebook with you.

You can collect station stamps and other stamps you find during your travels.

It’s inexpensive, doesn’t take up much luggage space and gives you something personal to take home.

Instead of buying another generic souvenir, you’ll have a little travel diary made from the places you actually visited.

23. Keep an Eye Out for Manhole Covers

Okay, this one might sound strange.

But Japan has some seriously interesting manhole covers.

Many places have their own designs, often connected to local culture or landmarks.

Once you start noticing them, you’ll probably start photographing them.

And suddenly you’ve got another completely unexpected collection in your phone.

Don’t judge me. 😂

24. Don’t Try to Follow the Perfect Itinerary

This might be the most important of all my Japan travel tips.

You don’t need to visit every famous place.

You don’t need to eat at every restaurant you’ve saved.

You don’t need to wake up at 5 AM every day.

And you definitely don’t need to copy someone else’s trip exactly.

Build a rough plan.

Then leave some space.

Maybe you find a neighborhood you love.

Maybe you spend longer at a temple.

Maybe the weather changes your plans.

Maybe you get lost.

That’s okay.

Some of the best travel memories come from the things you didn’t plan.

25. Don’t Be Afraid of Making Mistakes

Japan can feel intimidating before your first trip.

The language is different.

The trains look complicated.

The etiquette seems unfamiliar.

And there are moments when you’ll probably wonder if you’re doing something wrong.

You probably will.

And that’s okay.

I missed my train.

I had to figure out confusing platforms.

I had to work out menus and signs.

I had to learn how different everyday things work.

But after a few days, you start getting comfortable.

You learn.

You adapt.

And eventually, something that seemed complicated on your first day becomes completely normal.

A Few More Things I Learned in Japan

After spending 20 days traveling around the country, there are a few small things I’d keep in mind.

Carry a small backpack or day bag. You’ll want somewhere to keep your water, wallet, camera and that little bag of rubbish.

Don’t overload your schedule. Long walking days can be exhausting.

Keep some emergency cash. Even if you mostly use cards.

Observe before worrying. If you’re unsure about etiquette, look at what everyone else is doing.

Ask when you’re confused. You don’t need to understand every Japanese custom before arriving.

And remember that Japan isn’t a museum.

People live and work here.

So be respectful, pay attention to your surroundings and treat the places you visit with the same respect you’d want visitors to show your home.

What I Wish I Knew Before My First Japan Trip

If I had to reduce everything in this article to just a few things, I’d say:

Be early.

Carry cash.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Learn a few Japanese words.

Check your last train.

Carry your rubbish.

Take your shoes off when required.

Don’t worry about perfect etiquette. Just be respectful.

And get enough sleep.

Because after all those long walks, you’re going to need it.

You’re coming to Japan to enjoy it, not to suffer.

More Japan Travel Guides

If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, these guides can help you with the next steps:

Japan Travel Guide — Start here for a broader overview of planning your trip.

Japan Transportation Guide — Learn how trains, buses, IC cards, Shinkansen and other transportation work.

Japan Travel Cost — Work out how much you should budget for accommodation, food, transportation and activities.

Best Time to Visit Japan — Choose the right season based on weather, crowds, hiking, cherry blossoms, Fuji and more.

Japan 7-Day Itinerary — Planning a one-week trip? Here’s a practical route to get you started.

And if Osaka is part of your trip, don’t forget to check out my Osaka Castle guide.

Final Thoughts

Your first trip to Japan might feel slightly overwhelming.

And honestly, that’s completely normal.

You don’t need to know everything before you arrive.

Learn the basics, keep an open mind, be respectful and give yourself enough time to actually enjoy where you are.

You’ll probably make a few mistakes.

You might miss a train.

You might order something you can’t pronounce.

You might walk into the wrong platform.

You might spend five minutes trying to understand a ticket machine.

And that’s okay.

Those little moments are part of traveling.

Japan is a country where nature, culture, history and modern life can all exist within the same trip. Don’t limit yourself to just one side.

Explore.

Eat.

Walk.

Get lost.

Learn.

And most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Because you’re coming to Japan to enjoy it—not to suffer.