What should you pay attention to when traveling to Japan?7 Tips for Frequent Travelers

Japan has long been a magnet for tourists.

But many of its best-known qualities—from its cuisine to its national civility—can also initially confuse outsiders.

To help travelers bridge the cultural gap, CNBC Travel asked frequent travelers for their best advice when visiting Japan.

1. Speak softly and take away the trash

“Japanese culture values respect for the environment and the people around you. Don’t talk on the phone on public transportation and in tight areas around other people.

Also, tasting food is an important sign of respect, so don’t eat while walking. Instead, sit back and enjoy every bite.

When traveling and sightseeing, be prepared to leave litter around the city – the chances of finding a bin are next to zero! Locals usually carry a small bag to hold the day’s trash until they return home. Japan is very clean and you will find public bathrooms spotless compared to other countries. Basically, try not to leave any traces. ”

— Tyler Monahan is an assistant golf caddy manager in New Jersey who is married to a Japanese citizen. He visited Japan three times, totaling 155 days.

2. Punctuality is key (same goes for jazz clubs)

“Trains are very punctual, so two minutes is a big deal – if it doesn’t arrive at the exact time, there’s another train! If you miss a train in a big city like Osaka or Tokyo, it’s a few minutes away There will be another train arriving, so don’t worry. In the countryside though, it could be a few hours, or tomorrow!

Unlike many cities where trains stop and allow ample boarding time, trains in Japan arrive and depart quickly. “Two minutes matter,” said architect Henry Ross.

Source: Oliver Horowitz

In addition, understand the concept of “last train”.overall The public and private train scene closes between approximately midnight and 5am, which seems a little early in a big city, so be aware. In rural areas, it may be much earlier. Be prepared to take a cab or, if you prefer, explore this nighttime world – perhaps at a jazz club that stays open until the first train pulls off – which in the big cities is an entire economy in itself. ”

— Henry Rose is a Seattle architect who has traveled to Japan more than 10 times.

3. Make friends and get Japanese business cards

“Exchanging ‘meishi’ This is Japan’s glorious and serious tradition. When passing cards, both hands are required and a deep bow is required. It’s also one of the most unexpected and fun icebreakers you can use to meet new people.

Author Oliver Horovitz (right) stands next to a man examining Horovitz’s business card.

Source: Oliver Horowitz

Get cards printed entirely in Japanese – you can use Google Translate to translate. Kinkos has staff located in all major cities in Japan who will guide you through the entire process. After this, the locals will be shocked and very happy that you served them delicious food. The last time I went to Japan, I printed 100 cards in Kyoto. I handed them out for the rest of the trip, always making them smile. ”

—Oliver Horowitz, A New York travel writer who has visited Japan three times.

4. Bring fun socks

“Being barefoot is taboo in Japan. Travelers should always take off their shoes in Japan and be sure to wear socks when taking off their shoes. Taking off your shoes can even happen in unexpected places, such as restaurants.

Travelers may consider wearing tabi socks, a split-toed Japanese sock that dates back to the 1400s and can be worn with flip-flops.

Tina Horn | Stocks | Getty Images

In addition, slippers are usually placed at the entrance of public bathrooms and people who use the toilet are expected to use these slippers and return them promptly. While in Japan, be sure to bring and wear only the best (clean and hole-free) socks. If you have a collection of interesting socks, wear them in Japan where you can really see and appreciate them! ”

— Jolaine Pfeifer, a school administrator in Aspen, Colorado.In addition to spending her junior high and high school years in Yokosuka, she also traveled to Japan nine times.

5. Don’t knock convenience stores

“Don’t worry, the only thing these little oases have in common with their American counterparts is the name! Stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson’s are spotless and have just about anything you could need, including a few go-to items I look for every time:

The selection is onigiri, which are sandwich-sized triangles of rice wrapped in seaweed and stuffed with things like salmon, tuna, eggs and pickled plums.

Participants taste rice balls at the 7-Eleven Japan Product Conference in Tokyo on January 23, 2024. Employees and suppliers gathered to discuss the taste, texture and fillings of Japanese rice balls, one of 7-Eleven’s most important products, with more than $2.1 billion sold annually.

Noriko Hayashi | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Coffee – especially coffee from 7-11. State-of-the-art automated machines grind coffee beans and brew some of the best coffee I’ve ever had, with lots of preference options like temperature, brew strength, milk, sweetener, and flavor.
These little bottles of flavored vitamin C drinks are called You-C1000 and I really enjoyed them during my winter backcountry ski adventures in Hokkaido. They come in delicious flavors like apple, orange or lemon and are a convenient way to get your daily dose of vitamin C. “

— Colorado State leadership coach Jeffrey Cole has visited Japan four times, from Hokkaido in the north to Miyakojima in the south.

6. Hire a tour guide – even if you think you don’t need one

“Language and cultural barriers are real, and locals will show you things about the place that you would never see on your own.

I made this at Tsukiji Fish Market. I had been there maybe five times before, but finally it was with my grandfather, and it was a whole new world.I’ve done this too Akihabara Electric City and many food tours. ”

— Miles Ashton, A Headquartered in Chicago An entrepreneur who has been to Japan more than 10 times, including living in Tokyo for 9 months.

7. Shopping at Tokyu HANDS

“Not only is the layout stunning, with different departments on each floor, but the range of merchandise is rich and unique. There are 60 stores nationwide, focusing on hobby, home improvement and lifestyle products.

This is a great place to find affordable non-travel gifts. They have the best pens, paper and notepads, and camping supplies – if it’s small, efficient, and practical, they’ve got it!

Tokyu Hands, which has been renamed Hands, is known for selling themed home and beauty novelties.

Source: Oliver Horowitz

Two of the coolest things I’ve ever bought are a collapsible Shoji lamp and a round cooler that holds a flower-shaped ice pack that fits under a hat, and a freezable U-shaped neck ring. ”