Japan is a vacation spot that draws vacationers from all around the world. With its wealthy tradition, beautiful landscapes, and heat hospitality, it’s no marvel vacationers maintain coming again. There are simply so many locations to discover that each journey looks like visiting a completely new vacation spot. Whether or not you’re attempting to find the freshest sushi, exploring centuries-old castles, or making an attempt to see the cherry blossoms, Japan guarantees an unforgettable expertise.
Apart from the Philippines, Japan holds a really particular place in our hearts — it’s truly our most visited nation ever. However we nonetheless bear in mind our first journey to the Land of the Rising Solar, partly as a result of we bumped into fairly a number of hiccups alongside the way in which. So we need to share with you a number of the issues we want we had identified or carried out in another way once we began touring to Japan. Hopefully, you possibly can study from our expertise and keep away from committing the identical errors.
Japan Price range Journey Errors
1. Dangerous Timing
Japan is a unbelievable year-round vacation spot, providing one thing fascinating in each season. Nevertheless, to take advantage of your journey, it’s essential to align your expectations along with your timing.
For example, for those who’re dreaming of seeing cherry blossoms, remember that their blooming season is fleeting — sometimes lasting simply a few weeks. Since sakura blooms at totally different instances throughout Japan, you’ll must plan accordingly. Blossoms seem earlier in southern cities similar to Fukuoka and Nagasaki and later in northern areas like Hokkaido. To catch them at their peak, be sure you verify sakura forecasts to your particular vacation spot on-line earlier than reserving your journey.
In the event you go to throughout sakura season, anticipate main parks to be full of each locals and vacationers. To take pleasure in a quieter expertise, take into account searching for out smaller, lesser-known parks which can be much less crowded. Moreover, for those who favor to keep away from crowds and excessive costs, keep away from Japan’s busiest journey durations. Main holidays see a surge in home journey, making transportation and lodging tougher to ebook and dearer. Listed below are some key holidays to be aware of:
- Golden Week: April 29 – Might 5
- Obon Competition: August 13 – 15
For these touring in winter, remember that daylight are shorter and plenty of institutions shut earlier, particularly round New Yr’s Day. However, for those who’re visiting throughout summer time, be ready for intense warmth and humidity, typically even hotter than within the Philippines. In case your journey falls in July or August, be sure that to pack gentle, breathable clothes to remain snug whereas exploring.
2. Dismissing Lodge Location
As funds vacationers, our high precedence when reserving lodging is at all times the value. Nevertheless, price isn’t the one issue to contemplate. Location performs a major position too. Whether or not we’re reserving a lodge, hostel, or residence, we at all times intention for lodging which can be close to a practice station. Japan’s transportation system, significantly its trains, is huge and environment friendly, and lots of the nation’s main points of interest are simply accessible from practice stations. Actually, practice stations in lots of cities additionally function hubs for bus pickups and drop-offs, making them central factors for getting round.
Whereas it’s not at all times doable to discover a place that’s proper subsequent to every thing, having a practice station inside strolling distance can significantly simplify your journey expertise, whether or not you’re taking the practice or hopping on a bus. It doesn’t should be very near the principle station. So long as it’s inside strolling distance, it’s good. Japan can be identified for being very protected, so strolling even at night time is usually high-quality.
That mentioned, you is perhaps tempted to go for a less expensive lodging that’s farther from the station. Whereas this could prevent cash upfront, take into account the additional price and time of transportation. The cash you save on a extra distant place is perhaps offset by practice or bus fares, and also you’ll additionally spend extra time commuting and strolling, which may drain your power. In these circumstances, it’s usually price it to spend a little bit extra on a spot that’s nearer to the station, because the comfort and time saved could make the marginally larger value worthwhile in the long term.
3. Touring With out Insurance coverage
Japan is likely one of the most secure nations on this planet, with a low crime fee, exceptionally well mannered folks, and well-planned cities that make navigating city areas seamless. Nevertheless, security doesn’t imply immunity from sudden incidents. Nobody plans to get sick, have an accident, or lose their baggage, however these items can occur, and coping with them whereas touring may be annoying and dear.
That’s why, although journey insurance coverage isn’t necessary when visiting Japan, we extremely advocate getting one. It ensures that you simply’re coated in case of medical emergencies, journey cancellations, misplaced baggage, or accidents, permitting you to take pleasure in a worry-free journey. Journey is unpredictable, and irrespective of how fastidiously you intend, dangers are at all times current. We all know a number of vacationers who’ve encountered sudden diseases or accidents however didn’t have to fret about bills as a result of they had been insured.
So, whether or not you’re touring to Japan or another vacation spot, investing in journey insurance coverage is at all times a smart move. It’s a small value to pay for peace of thoughts and monetary safety whereas exploring the world.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can GET IT HERE! Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive fee.
4. Getting Confused About Vacationer Passes
Japan’s transportation business is extremely aggressive, with quite a few railway and bus corporations providing all kinds of passes. From city-specific and prefectural passes to regional and nationwide choices, every comes with its personal benefits and limitations. Choosing the proper one may be overwhelming, however choosing essentially the most cost-effective cross relies upon totally in your itinerary.
Probably the most well-known cross is the JR Nationwide Cross, however a typical query we get is whether or not it’s truly price it. The brief reply? It is determined by your journey plans. Many individuals assume they want a JR Cross, but when your journey entails only one or two close by cities, it’s usually not price it. The JR Nationwide Cross supplies the greatest worth when your journey consists of a number of long-distance journeys. In the event you’re solely touring between Tokyo and Yokohama or exploring Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, you gained’t want a nationwide cross. In these circumstances, a regional cross is the higher choice.
Talking of regional passes, Kansai alone presents a staggering variety of decisions, together with the Osaka Wonderful Cross (city-wide), Kansai-Via Cross, Hankyu Cross, Hanshin Cross, Kintetsu Cross, and JR Kansai Cross. The most effective one for you is determined by your itinerary and which practice traces you’ll use most frequently. In the event you want an in depth breakdown of those passes, take a look at this text: JAPAN TRAIN & BUS PASSES.
Past Kansai, Chubu (Central Japan), Kyushu, and Tokyo even have their very own transportation passes, giving vacationers an abundance of choices. With so many decisions, it may be difficult to search out the most effective match. However typically, there’s a regional or metropolis cross that shall be extra helpful than a nationwide JR Cross. Earlier than buying any cross, at all times evaluate costs with particular person tickets and select the one which greatest matches your deliberate routes!
5. Sticking to Trains
Many vacationers, particularly Filipinos, are simply amazed by Japan’s trains — and for good purpose. The Shinkansen or bullet practice is an engineering marvel, providing a clean, quick, and environment friendly method to journey. Plus, with Japan’s intensive railway community, it’s straightforward to default to trains as the first mode of transportation. Nevertheless, practice fares — particularly for bullet trains — may be fairly costly, significantly for those who don’t have a rail cross.
In the event you’re on a funds, buses are an incredible different price contemplating. For instance, when touring between Fukuoka and Hiroshima, a bus ticket is considerably cheaper than a Shinkansen fare. Sure, the journey time is longer, however the financial savings may be substantial.
For longer journeys, in a single day buses provide much more advantages. First, the fare is less expensive than taking a practice. Second, since you’re sleeping on the bus, you save on one night time of lodging, which is an enormous deal contemplating how costly inns in Japan may be. Third, some locations in Japan are not accessible by practice, however buses can take you there conveniently. And don’t fear — the buses in Japan are clear, quiet, and cozy.
In fact, in a single day buses aren’t for everybody. In the event you’re touring with youngsters or favor a extra relaxed journey, it may not be the most suitable choice. However for those who’re bodily ready and don’t thoughts sleeping on a bus, it can save you lots whereas nonetheless exploring Japan effectively!
6. Consuming Out All of the Time
One of many largest bills when touring is meals. Whereas we completely encourage you to attempt native eating places and immerse your self in Japan’s wonderful meals scene, consuming out on a regular basis isn’t essentially the most budget-friendly choice.
Once we go to Japan, we attempt to strike a stability between consuming at good eating places and saving cash by shopping for meals from supermarkets. Japanese supermarkets are an incredible place to discover, particularly for those who love Japanese meals merchandise. However extra importantly, a lot of them promote pre-cooked or ready-to-eat meals at a a lot lower cost than eating places — and even comfort shops!
TIP! Go to the grocery store round 7 PM or 8 PM, simply earlier than closing time. Many supermarkets low cost their remaining ready-to-eat meals, typically by as much as 75%, simply to promote out their inventory. In case your lodging is close to a grocery store, this generally is a big money-saver!
In fact, this doesn’t imply you shouldn’t eat at eating places. You undoubtedly ought to! Japan has loads of inexpensive choices, together with random ramen retailers, so that you don’t at all times have to interrupt the financial institution to take pleasure in good meals.
One very last thing: Japan is stuffed with merchandising machines. You’ll discover them on each road nook, providing a fast and handy method to seize drinks or snacks. However as tempting as they’re, shopping for from merchandising machines on a regular basis provides up. Supermarkets and even comfort shops normally promote the identical drinks at a lower cost. So for those who’re on a funds, attempt to restrict your merchandising machine purchases!
7. Leaving Passport on the Lodge
Do you know that overseas vacationers can take pleasure in large reductions when buying in licensed tax-free retailers in Japan? Simply search for the “Tax-Free” signal or brand! In case your one-time buy is not less than ¥5000, you don’t should pay the tax.
Some shops, like Don Quijote, have devoted tax-free counters the place you possibly can course of your buy with out tax. REMINDER! It’s essential to current your passport at checkout. In the event you neglect it, they gained’t honor the tax-free low cost, so at all times carry it with you when buying. After processing, the shop will connect a receipt to your passport, which is able to later be collected on the airport earlier than you undergo Immigration when leaving Japan.
That mentioned, you probably have the funds, don’t maintain again on experiencing the most effective of Japan! Whether or not it’s a flowery sushi dinner, a ski journey to a snow resort, or a calming dip in an onsen, go for it! These experiences are distinctive to Japan, and indulging in them isn’t simply rewarding but in addition an effective way to assist the native financial system.
Japan Dos and Don’ts
The Japanese are often known as a number of the most well mannered and useful folks on this planet, usually going out of their method to help vacationers. As guests, it’s solely proper that we present the identical respect by studying and following their customs. In Japan, many unwritten guidelines form on a regular basis life — guidelines that each locals and vacationers are anticipated to comply with. The extra acquainted you might be with these cultural nuances, the smoother and extra rewarding your journey shall be.
We’re additionally itemizing down some widespread fake pas or social slip-ups that many vacationers unknowingly commit. Whereas these aren’t unlawful — and it’s extremely unlikely that you simply’ll be thrown in jail for them — they’ll go away a poor impression. So, figuring out what to keep away from can go a great distance in serving to you join respectfully with locals and absolutely take pleasure in your journey.
8. Speaking Loudly on Public Transport
Japan’s public transportation system will not be solely environment friendly and dependable but in addition remarkably quiet. Whether or not you’re on a practice or a bus, it’s vital to maintain noise to a minimal. Whereas it’s okay to speak along with your journey companions, be sure that your voice is low and respectful. Different passengers don’t want to listen to your dialog.
One factor it’s best to completely keep away from is speaking on the telephone whereas commuting. In Japan, many locals use their journey time to relaxation or unwind, particularly due to the nation’s demanding work tradition. As vacationers, it’s important to respect this unwritten rule and assist preserve the peaceable environment.
9. Ignoring Escalator & Elevator Etiquette
Japan has many unwritten guidelines on the subject of utilizing escalators and elevators, and as vacationers, it’s good to comply with native etiquette to keep away from pointless disruptions.
In most of Japan, together with Tokyo, folks stand on the LEFT aspect of the escalator and go away the proper aspect open for many who need to stroll or overtake. Nevertheless, Osaka and most of Kansai do it the alternative method — you stand on the RIGHT aspect, and folks stroll on the left.
Why the distinction? In response to a nikkei.com article, through the Osaka Expo in 1970, they adopted the worldwide normal of standing on the proper. Nevertheless, lots of people additionally query whether or not that is the actual purpose.
However simply bear in mind, for many of Kansai Area, you stand on the proper of the escalator. That features Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, and extra. Nevertheless, Kyoto is an exception, as a result of apparently, the locals favor to face on the LEFT. However when you’re there, you’ll discover that each left and proper standing may be seen, probably as a result of excessive variety of vacationers. To be protected, simply observe the folks round you and comply with what they’re doing.
Some cities, like Nagoya and Saitama, have truly began banning strolling on escalators as a result of security issues. Extra locations might comply with swimsuit sooner or later. Nevertheless, because it takes time for folks to regulate, you would possibly nonetheless see folks strolling on escalators in these areas.
Japan additionally has unstated guidelines for utilizing elevators. First, give precedence to PWDs or Individuals with Disabilities. In the event you’re not carrying something heavy and are ready, think about using the steps as an alternative. Second, maintain the door. In the event you’re standing subsequent to the management panel, you’re anticipated to press the buttons for others and maintain the door open. And if everyone seems to be getting off on the similar flooring, it’s best to exit final after holding the door for others.
These small gestures are a part of Japan’s tradition of respect and consideration, which makes public areas extra environment friendly and nice for everybody!
10. Blocking Devoted Pathways
Strolling round Japan is such a enjoyable expertise! The streets are clear, the environment are peaceable, and there’s at all times one thing fascinating to see. Generally, even when we are able to take the practice, we select to stroll as a result of it simply makes us completely satisfied. However for those who plan on exploring on foot, there are some things it’s best to know.
First, take note of the sidewalk indicators. In lots of locations, there are designated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, so be sure you’re strolling on the proper aspect. In the event you ever hear a small bell ringing, that’s a bicycle owner politely asking you to step apart — there gained’t be any loud honking right here! Additionally, for those who’re new to the world, attempt to not put on earphones whereas strolling. They could forestall you from listening to vital indicators like bike bells.
You’ll additionally discover yellow, textured pathways on sidewalks, stairs, crossings, and practice platforms. These are referred to as Tenji blocks, they usually assist visually impaired people navigate the world. Simply be conscious to not block these paths!
At pedestrian crossings, you would possibly hear a bird-like sound coming from the cease lights. It begins gradual and hurries up as time runs out to cross. That is tremendous useful for visually impaired people, nevertheless it’s additionally an effective way to remind your self when you’ll want to hurry up!
Japan’s infrastructure is designed to be environment friendly and accessible for everybody, making strolling not simply straightforward but in addition an incredible method to expertise the nation. So go forward, take a stroll, and luxuriate in each step of your journey, however at all times be sure that to be thoughtful of others too.
11. Consuming Whereas Strolling
Consuming in public areas isn’t unlawful in Japan, however consuming whereas strolling? That’s an enormous no-no. It’s simply not a part of the tradition. In the event you seize a snack from a comfort retailer, the most effective factor to do is eat it when you’re nonetheless within the space, both inside the shop or simply exterior, so long as you’re not on the transfer. In the event you’re at a park, discover a bench and take your time. And for those who purchase a drink from a merchandising machine, it’s widespread follow to drink it proper there subsequent to the machine as an alternative of sipping whereas strolling.
There are some sensible causes for this, like avoiding spills and preserving the streets clear, however there’s additionally a cultural aspect to it. A Japanese tour information as soon as advised us, “In the event you eat, simply eat. Respect your meals.” They take meals significantly, they usually consider you ought to be current within the second whereas consuming. Truthfully, it makes a variety of sense since you take pleasure in your meals extra while you’re not distracted. So subsequent time you seize a chunk in Japan, take a second, discover a spot, and actually savor it!
12. Miscalculating Meals Serving Measurement
Somebody as soon as requested us if it’s okay to depart leftovers when consuming out in Japan or if it’s thought of impolite. The brief reply? It’s greatest to keep away from it. Losing meals is usually frowned upon anyplace, however in Japan, meals is deeply revered, together with the individuals who put together it. If an area invitations you to their residence for a meal, ending every thing in your plate is a should. Leaving meals behind would possibly make your host suppose you didn’t take pleasure in it.
In the event you’re eating at a small, family-run ramen store, a mom-and-pop restaurant, or a sushi bar — particularly if the chef prepares your meal proper in entrance of you — leaving leftovers is taken into account rude. The one exception? Ramen broth. It’s fairly regular for folks to depart some soup behind.
At meals courts or quick meals locations, no person will name you out for those who don’t end your meal, nevertheless it’s nonetheless greatest to keep away from losing meals. We get it: typically it’s exhausting to gauge portion sizes in a distinct nation. In Japan, although, sure dishes have a tendency to return in large servings by default. Ramen is at all times a hefty bowl, okonomiyaki is normally giant and nice for sharing, and donburi (rice bowls) usually have a variety of rice, even when the toppings don’t seem to be a lot. Some meals even include sudden aspect dishes.
That mentioned, parts in Japan aren’t at all times big. They will truly be smaller in comparison with Western nations. It actually is determined by the dish and the restaurant. So when doubtful, simply ask! In the event you’re feeling shy, the most secure strategy is to imagine the serving dimension is large. You possibly can at all times order extra if wanted, however leaving meals behind can really feel disrespectful to the one that cooked it, particularly in smaller eateries. Higher to play it protected and order further later than threat losing meals!
13. Holding Sneakers on at Sure Websites
One factor you’ll discover whereas exploring Japan is how a lot the tradition values cleanliness. It’s a reasonably large deal right here, and it extends to the straightforward act of taking off your footwear when coming into sure locations. Positive, in most inns and eating places, you’re high-quality preserving your footwear on, however there are undoubtedly locations the place you’ll want to depart them on the door.
Temples and authentic castles are prime examples. While you go to these spots, you’ll normally discover an space devoted to shoe removing. Typically, there’s a shoe cupboard the place you possibly can retailer them when you discover, or in some circumstances, they’ll even offer you a plastic bag to hold your footwear round with you.
Conventional eating places even have this rule, as do some church buildings. So, while you’re touring round Japan, be prepared for that second while you’ll have to slide off your footwear. So be sure that your socks are as much as the duty — nothing too previous, no holes, and undoubtedly no funky smells! LOL
14. Moving into an Onsen Proper Away
One of the vital stress-free and distinctive experiences you possibly can have in Japan is soaking in an onsen, however there are some things it’s best to know earlier than diving in.
First, you probably have tattoos, you would possibly hit a small roadblock. Historically, tattoos carry a stigma in Japan, and plenty of onsens don’t permit them. Nevertheless, there are tattoo-friendly onsens in a number of cities, so simply do some analysis on-line. Generally, small tattoos are okay, however when doubtful, it’s at all times greatest to ask the employees beforehand.
With regards to the kind of onsen, there are two principal choices: public and non-public. For each, you’ll must get snug with the concept of being fully bare. Sure, all clothes — swimsuits, trunks, something — is a no-go. However don’t fear, the areas for women and men are separate, and truthfully, nobody shall be gazing you. Individuals are simply there to loosen up. Nevertheless, for those who’re not able to strip down in entrance of strangers, a personal onsen in a ryokan or a conventional inn is perhaps a better option.
In the event you select to go to a public onsen, there are some vital guidelines to comply with. First, be sure that to wash your self completely earlier than dipping in. Most onsens present bathe areas with handheld bathe heads. The hot button is to be clear earlier than soaking!
Second, keep in mind that onsens are all about leisure. Maintain the noise degree down, and don’t splash the water round. It’s not a swimming pool, so keep away from any form of swimming or vigorous exercise. Third, whereas it’s widespread to carry a small towel with you, be sure that it doesn’t contact the water. Some folks like to put it on their head, nevertheless it shouldn’t be moist or wrung out within the water.
Lastly, after you’re carried out soaking, be sure you wipe off any extra water earlier than heading again to the locker room. This retains issues clear for everybody else. Take pleasure in your onsen expertise, and simply bear in mind: it’s all about leisure and respecting the house!
15. Tardiness
Being punctual in Japan is extraordinarily vital, and it’s one thing that’s ingrained within the tradition. We all know it may be straightforward to run late, however particularly in Japan, the place every thing operates with impeccable precision, being late is an enormous no-no. We’ve even skilled a scenario the place a practice was delayed, and the employees personally apologized to each single passenger, one after the other. Not simply over the intercom, however head to head.
In the event you’re becoming a member of a bunch tour, exhibiting up on time is essential. While you’re a part of a bunch, it’s not nearly you— different individuals are relying on you. Which means it’s best to at all times pay attention to the assembly instances, particularly on the subject of getting again to the bus or group rendezvous factors. In the event you trigger a delay, don’t be shocked if the information calls you out. We’ve seen it occur. As soon as, somebody was simply 5 minutes late, and it was an enormous deal. The information and the remainder of the group had been visibly annoyed. Fortunately, we’ve managed to keep away from such conditions, even after late nights!
While you’re touring by yourself, it’s a bit extra relaxed, however there are nonetheless some issues to contemplate. First, bear in mind the time schedules for public transportation, significantly for bullet trains with reserved seats. In the event you miss your scheduled practice, you’ll doubtless should rebook and lose money and time — and nobody needs that. Additionally, some points of interest are a bit removed from the town middle, and buses might solely run on an hourly schedule. Miss your bus, and also you’ll be caught ready for one more hour, which may throw off your plans.
One other factor to remember is that many locations shut earlier through the winter months, so for those who arrive too late, you could miss out on some alternatives. Additionally, when visiting standard picture spots, be thoughtful of others. Don’t hog the proper shot and provides different guests an opportunity. The identical goes for onsens and lodge checkouts. In the event you’ve booked a personal onsen, be sure that to present up on time and don’t overstay your reservation. And on the subject of inns, be sure you take a look at on time to permit housekeeping sufficient time to organize for the subsequent company.
Being conscious of time will make it easier to take advantage of your journey and maintain every thing working easily!
Updates Log
2025 5 3 – First uploaded
