How to Pay:

• PASMO, Suica Cards, or IC cards - get at the train station

• Bring a coin purse - Will get a lot of coin as change, and can use with vending machines.

• Use 7/11 ATMs to withdraw cash - lowest fees and located everywhere 

______________________________

• Early Birds Be Warned - Many shops don't open until 10-11am. Mornings for: shrines, parks, neighborhoods, planning routes, and breakfast.

• A lot of fresh food at stores (like bentos) will become discounted after 7:30PM.

______________________________

Experiences and gifts you can bring home

• Knives Japan has great quality knives. Do prior research and look at local knife shops.

• Chopsticks and Chopsticks rests Hundreds of designs and styles and can get them personalized.

• Furoshiki Cloth Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths most commonly used to wrap presents, foods, and clothes. They come in beautiful colors and designs and are eco-friendly as the cloths are used repeatedly.

• Tea Tea is a great souvenir item from Japan.

• Paper Lantern Souvenir to get in Japan and can get them customized

• Temple charms (omikuji)

• Sake cups

• Japanese hand fan

• Japanese cookware

• Movie Theaters in Japan Most movie theaters in Japan sell exclusive merchandise based on recent movies

• Beauty products - face masks, face sunscreen

• Foods: Ramen noodles, artisan miso/soy sauce and seasonal kitkat, Umeshu (Plum wine is incredibly popular in Japan)

• Stationary Stores unique themed stationary accessories. Anime themed pens and desk accessories.

______________________________

• Hands - sells almost everything you need! A heaven for stationary, handicraft and minis lovers especially. Be prepared to spend at least a few hours if you want to look through every floor of the building.

• LOFT - Shopping store with souvenirs and stationery. Multiple floors and many items.

• MEGA Don Quijote - Incredibly stimulating place that you must visit once or many times. The MEGA ones in Japan have about eight floors for almost everything you need. From fresh produce and vegetables, grocery, clothing, snacks, home appliances, hobbies and collectibles, cosmetics, and hygiene, household items. Whatever you can think of, they will have!

______________________________

Stamp Collecting

Unique way to keep track of places you visit. Many places have a free unique stamp you can collect. Keep a pen to write date/location of where you got the stamp.

• Train stations, Airports, Bus stations, Merchandise stores, Theme parks, Rest stop, Zoos, Sightseeing spots like castles

• Buy a stamp book at stationery stores in Japan or online or Bring your own

• Goshuincho (Shrine stamp book): At almost any shrine, and typical stamps are Y 300 - 1000 yen each. They are unique souvenirs for shrines in Japan.

Note: Do not use a goshuincho (shrine stamp book) for stamp collecting. They are meant to be used for shrines.

______________________________

Always have passport on you

Etiquette:

1. Bowing instead of handshakes or hugs when greeting.

2. Quietness in public spaces—people speak softly

3. shoes off indoors at homes, some restaurants, shrines and some changing rooms.

4. Cash-based society—credit cards are not always accepted.

5. When a Japanese local makes plans to meet with you, this is real friendship.

6. Punctuality—being on time is super important! don't be late.

7. Vending machines everywhere—from drinks to hot meals, Japan has them!

8. No tipping—it’s not expected and can be seen as rude.

9. Slurping noodles is okay—shows appreciation for the food!

10. Polite language and bowing to show respect in daily interactions.

11. Space-saving living—small hotel rooms and compact homes. Consider this in public as well.

12. Public baths (onsen)—bathing naked with others might feel strange!

13. Sorting garbage—strict recycling and waste separation rules.

14. Public displays of affection (like kissing or hugging) are rare.

15. Face masks—many people wear them when sick or to avoid spreading germs.

16. No “to-go” boxes at many restaurants—leftovers usually aren’t taken home.

17. No substitutions or special requests in restaurants

18. Sunglasses: Japanese don't often wear sunglasses.

19. Queuing: Hop in line, don't cut, push, or shove. It's respect for peace and harmony. The crumble of a society starts with one action

20. Jay Walking: Don't jaywalk. Cross the street at legally.

21. Escalator Etiquette:

• One side for standing and one side for passing.

• Tokyo is stand on left and walk on right. Osaka is opposite.