Japan is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel in: trains run to the minute, streets are spotless and people go out of their way to help. A little preparation still makes a big difference, especially on a first visit.
Getting around
Check whether a Japan Rail Pass suits your route before you buy one; for a simple Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka trip, individual tickets are often cheaper. Load a rechargeable IC card such as Suica or ICOCA on your phone for local trains, buses and convenience stores.
Eating well
Some of the best meals cost very little. Try a standing soba bar at a station, a set lunch at a neighbourhood restaurant or a seat at a busy yakitori counter. Tipping isn't expected, and many smaller places are cash only.
A few manners that matter
Take your shoes off where you see a step up or a row of slippers, keep your voice low on trains and wash thoroughly before entering an onsen. Nobody expects visitors to know every custom, but the effort is always appreciated.
2 thoughts on “A First-Timer’s Guide to Japan: Culture, Food & Etiquette”
The IC card on the phone tip saved us so much time. We never had to queue for a ticket machine once.
Happy it helped, Hannah! It works in most taxis and vending machines too.