Japan is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in the world — but it’s also easy to make mistakes that cost you time, money, or cause unintentional offense. Here are 15 mistakes to avoid on your first trip.
- Not booking the Ghibli Museum in advance
Tickets sell out weeks in advance and cannot be bought at the door. If the Ghibli Museum is on your list, book on the 10th of the month for the following month — they sell out in minutes.
- Assuming everywhere accepts cards
Japan is still largely a cash society outside major tourist areas. Always carry yen, especially if you’re visiting shrines, temples, local restaurants, or rural areas.
- Forgetting to validate your JR Pass
Your JR Pass must be validated at a JR office before use. Many visitors arrive, try to use their pass, and discover it hasn’t been activated. Do this immediately upon arrival.
- Being too loud on public transport
Talking on the phone, playing audio without headphones, and speaking loudly are all considered rude on Japanese trains. Keep conversations quiet and keep your phone on silent.
- Not removing shoes when required
Many traditional restaurants, ryokan, temples, and homes require you to remove your shoes at the entrance. Look for a step up at the entrance (called a genkan) — this signals that shoes come off.
- Tipping
Never tip in Japan. It’s considered rude and can cause genuine confusion or offense. The price is the price.
- Underestimating distances
Japan looks manageable on a map but the distances between cities are significant. Tokyo to Kyoto is 500km. Plan your itinerary with travel times in mind and don’t try to squeeze too many cities into a short trip.
- Not getting an IC card immediately
Get a Suica or ICOCA card at the airport the moment you arrive. Without one, buying individual tickets for every journey is time-consuming and confusing.
- Overlooking convenience stores
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are not the convenience stores you know from home. They sell genuinely excellent food, have ATMs that accept foreign cards, and offer dozens of useful services. Use them constantly.
- Only staying in Tokyo
Tokyo is extraordinary but Japan has so much more to offer. Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, and Kanazawa are all within easy reach by bullet train. Don’t spend your whole trip in one city.
- Not downloading offline maps
Mobile data can be unreliable in tunnels and rural areas. Download Google Maps offline for the areas you’re visiting before you leave your accommodation each day.
- Visiting Kyoto in peak season without booking ahead
Kyoto during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November) is extremely crowded. Hotels sell out months in advance and popular spots like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama are packed. Book early or visit at a different time.
- Ignoring the food outside tourist areas
The best food in Japan is rarely near the tourist attractions. Walk a few streets away from the main sights and look for small local restaurants with handwritten menus and no English signage — these are usually the best.
- Not trying an onsen
Many visitors are nervous about the rules or the nudity. Don’t be. Follow the basic etiquette (wash before entering, no tattoos at most places, no swimming costumes), and you’ll have one of the most relaxing experiences of your trip.
- Leaving Japan without trying everything
Japan has a culture of regional specialties — every city and prefecture has its own unique food, drinks, and crafts. Try everything, buy the local specialties, and eat at every opportunity. You’ll regret the things you didn’t try far more than the things you did.
