Travelling in Japan
Do’s: Smart Tips for a Better Trip
Bow when greeting: A slight bow is a respectful way to say hello or thank you.
Stand on the correct side of escalators: Left side in most of Japan, but right side in Osaka.
Be punctual: Time is sacred in Japan. Arriving late is considered disrespectful. Cancel a reservation if you vant make it.
Use polite language: Even basic phrases like arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) go a long way.
Take your shoes off indoors: At homes, traditional inns (ryokan), temples, and some restaurants.
Carry your trash: Public bins are rare. Bring a small bag for wrappers and bottles.
Use quiet voices in public: Especially on trains and buses — phone calls are frowned upon.
Respect photography rules: Some temples and shrines prohibit photos.
Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t eat while walking: It’s considered rude, even if the food is from a street vendor. Often they have areas where you can eat what you bought.
Don’t tip: Service is exceptional, but tipping is not customary and may confuse staff. Tour guides and tour drivers normally do accept tips though.
Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice: This resembles a funeral ritual.
Don’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick: Also associated with funerary customs.
Don’t blow your nose loudly in public: Use tissues discreetly.
Don’t jaywalk: Always wait for the green pedestrian light.
Don’t touch people unnecessarily: Handshakes are okay, but hugs are uncommon.
What Makes Japanese Food So Special?
Seasonality: Menus change with the seasons, using fresh ingredients like bamboo shoots in spring or matsutake mushrooms in autumn.
Presentation: Every dish is beautifully arranged — even a simple bento box looks like edible origami.
Balance: Meals often include rice, soup, pickles, and a protein, creating harmony in taste and nutrition.
Regional specialties: Each area has its own culinary pride — Hiroshima okonomiyaki, Hokkaido seafood, Osaka takoyaki, and Kyoto kaiseki.
Kombinis: Japan’s Convenience Store Heaven
Japan’s convenience stores — known as kombinis — are legendary. Far beyond what you'd expect from a corner shop, they’re clean, efficient, and packed with high-quality food and essentials. I personally always go to one before returning to the hotel room at night.
Top Chains:
7-Eleven
Lawson
FamilyMart
Why Kombinis Are Awesome:
🥪 Fresh meals: Bento boxes, onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, and salads — all made daily.
☕ Hot & cold drinks: Coffee machines, matcha lattes, and seasonal beverages. Smoothies are great too.
🍡 Snacks galore: From mochi and melon pan to spicy chips and chocolate. And lots of ice cream.
🍗 Hot food: Fried chicken (karaage-kun), oden, steamed buns — ready to eat.
💳 Services: ATMs, bill payment, ticket booking, and even luggage delivery.
🧼 Toiletries & travel gear: Toothbrushes, umbrellas, SIM cards, and more.
When to Visit: Japan is beautiful year‑round
Spring (March–May): Cherry Blossoms & Renewal
Cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom across the country, turning parks and riversides into pink wonderlands. Hanami (flower-viewing) picnics bring locals and tourists together under blooming trees. Mild temperatures make it perfect for walking tours and temple visits.
Highlights:
Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto for iconic sakura views. Seasonal treats like sakura mochi and pink-themed drinks.Traditional festivals like Takayama Spring Festival.
Vibe: Romantic, joyful, and full of life — spring is Japan’s most celebrated season.
Summer (June–August): Festivals & Fireworks
Japan comes alive with matsuri (festivals), fireworks, and street food. Coastal areas and islands like Okinawa are perfect for beach escapes. Vibrant yukatas, taiko drums, and lantern-lit nights create magical atmospheres.
Highlights:
Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Firework shows like Sumida River Fireworks Festival. Hiking in the Japanese Alps or visiting lavender fields in Hokkaido.
Note: It’s very hot and humid, especially in cities.
Vibe: Energetic, colorful, and festive — summer is a celebration of community and tradition.
Autumn (September–November): Foliage & Serenity
Maple leaves (momiji) turn mountains and temples into fiery landscapes of red, orange, and gold. Crisp air and clear skies make it ideal for outdoor adventures. But the last few years, Summer did last longer pushing Fall into end October/start November. Seasonal foods like roasted chestnuts, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes dominate menus.
Highlights:
Arashiyama in Kyoto and Nikko for breathtaking foliage. Autumn festivals and harvest celebrations. Less crowded than spring, with equally stunning scenery.
Vibe: Reflective, cozy, and visually stunning — autumn is Japan’s most photogenic season.
Winter (December–February): Snow & Stillness
Snow transforms castles, temples, and villages into serene dreamscapes. Skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido and Nagano are world-class. Onsen (hot springs) offer relaxation, especially in snowy settings.
Highlights:
Jigokudani Monkey Park: snow monkeys soaking in hot springs. Sapporo Snow Festival: massive ice sculptures and winter fun. Traditional New Year celebrations and illuminations.
Note: Cold temperatures, but well-heated indoors and cozy atmospheres everywhere.
Vibe: Peaceful, magical, and introspective — winter is perfect for slowing down and soaking in tradition.
Mainland Japan: Where Trains Glide and Temples Whisper
Traveling across mainland Japan is a masterclass in efficiency. The Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima with breathtaking speed and punctuality. Regional rail passes — like the JR East Pass or Kansai Area Pass — make it easy to explore specific regions affordably. IC cards like Suica and PASMO let you tap into subways, buses, and even vending machines with ease. Its easier to take trains than renting a car.
Japan’s public transport is clean, intuitive, and safe — ideal for solo travelers and families alike.
Luggage Forwarding: Travel Light, Move Freely
One of Japan’s best-kept secrets is its luggage forwarding service (known as takkyubin). For a modest fee, you can send your suitcase ahead to your next hotel, freeing you to travel unburdened. It’s especially helpful when navigating busy train stations or hopping between cities.
Pros: Stress-free travel days, no dragging heavy bags, reliable delivery.
Cons: Tricky with Airbnb stays — many hosts can't accept deliveries or store luggage, so check in advance.
Tip: Always carry a small backpack with essentials for 1–2 days while your luggage is in transit.
Okinawa: Japan’s Tropical Escape — Where You Need a Car
Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, a chain of islands with a distinctly tropical vibe. Think turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a slower pace of life. But unlike the mainland, public transport here is sparse.
Buses exist but are infrequent and unreliable for tourists.
Naha Monorail is the only rail system — and it’s short.
To truly explore Okinawa — from the majestic cliffs of Cape Manzamo to the world-class Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium — renting a car is essential. Roads are well-maintained, signage is bilingual, and driving is on the left.
Driving Tips:
Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a credit card in drivers name.
Use Google Maps or GPS systems that accept phone numbers as destinations.
Parking is widely available and often free at tourist spots. If you're exploring Naha, the capital of Okinawa, you'll find that getting around is surprisingly easy — especially if you're driving. One of the most convenient spots to park is at AEON Mall, a popular shopping center . Its free and the monorail stops right at the mall.
Smart Travel Tips
Cash vs card: cards are widely accepted now, but still keep a little cas on you for the small shops. Otherwise there are konbibis with ATM everywhere.
Mobile Suica: Load your transit card onto your phone for seamless travel.
Pocket Wi-Fi: Stay connected with a rental device or local SIM.
Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk a lot — and some places require you to remove them.
Pack light: Hotel rooms and trains have limited space.
Use Google Translate: Especially helpful for menus, signs, and basic communication.