Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling in Japan

The first time I traveled to Japan was when I was 15 years old. At that time, I knew very little about the language and culture of the country. Over the next 10 days, I traveled around areas like Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama, and Tokyo with my high school classmates. I began to fall in love with the culture and discover things to keep in mind when traveling around Japan. Before traveling to another country, we can take time to learn about different aspects of the country such as customs, manners, and the transportation system.

In Japan, there may be some customs and manners that are unfamiliar to you. Unlike the United States and Canada, Japan does not have a tipping culture. This means that when paying for food, a taxi ride, or even a haircut, you should not give an additional tip for the service. It is also important to carry cash with you when traveling because many businesses are cash-only. When paying at the counter, there is a small tray to place the money in, instead of handing it directly to the cashier. 

One reason that Japan is known for its cleanliness is due to the big culture around trash etiquette. You will find very few public trash cans across the country because people are encouraged to take their trash home with them. When throwing items out, they are sorted into categories such as burnable, non-burnable, glass, cans, and PET bottles. However, do not be dismayed while traveling because you can usually find trash cans in convenience stores. 

Lastly, while public transportation is quite convenient in Japan, there are some important things to keep in mind. First, the metro systems do not run on a 24-hour schedule. You have to be aware of the train schedules so you do not miss the last train. Second, knowing the train etiquette is necessary. When boarding the train, people line up orderly beside the doors. This allows for people to exit the train safely first in order to make room for the new passengers. The train is a public space so people avoid talking or laughing too loudly. Also eating in the train, especially foods with strong smells, is frowned upon. Third, the weekday rush hour can be quite tight and overwhelming for many travelers. However, this can easily be avoided by not using the trains in the morning from 7:00-9:30am and in the evening from 5:30-7:30pm. 

Although it may seem like there are many customs and information to keep in mind when traveling in Japan, it is important to remember that each culture has many aspects that make it unique. Money culture, trash etiquette, and public transportation are important to know about if you are considering traveling in Japan. As you travel, I encourage you to take note of travel tips that you could share with others to help them on their future journeys.