Table Of Contents

1. #1. Spend a Night in a Space Age Capsule Hotels
2. #2. Explore a Dream World in TeamLab Planet Tokyo
3. #3. Get Spooked By Godzilla
4. #4. Explore the Strange World of Love Hotels
5. #5. Act like a Kid Again at Tokyo DisneySea
6. #6. Explore the Walled City inside Kawasaki Warehouse
7. #7. Get Grossed out at the Parasite Museum
8. #8. Try Cream Puffs too Cute to Eat!
9. #9. Experience Cuteness Overload at a Maid Cafe
10. #10. Dine at Ramen Restaurant from around Japan in Yokohama
11. #11. Dine on Sushi around a Conveyor Belt
12. #12. Cheer, Scream and Sing-a-long at a Baseball Game
13. #13. See a Professional Sumo Match
14. #14. Catch some Kabuki
15. #15. Fish for your Dinner
16. #16. Soak in the Healing Waters at Onsen

#1. Spend a Night in a Space Age Capsule Hotels

Capsule Hotels are one of the most unique forms of accommodation and are only available in Japan (although it’s slowly starting to catch on elsewhere). Capsule hotels are not just a super cool thing to experience but also a great way to save money! They’re a great place to stay the first night you arrive since you’re bound to crash hard, and there’s no point shelling out for a luxury hotel you won’t even notice until you’ve had a good night’s sleep.

Capsule hotels are found all over the city and are great since they’re most often in fantastic locations outside train stations. Capsule hotels are divided into male and female floors where you’ll get a single capsule to sleep inside. While the capsule is little more than a person-shaped rectangular cube, most are more spacious than you’d imagine and come with your own personal light, tv, bedding, place to plug in all your devices and even air conditioning. It feels like sleeping in a spaceship in your own little pod. Outside your capsule, you can use all the amenities in the hotel. They are complete with spotless showers, places to sit and eat (always filled with lots of vending machines), and some even have massage chair floors where you can relax and read.

#2. Explore a Dream World in TeamLab Planet Tokyo

The TeamLab Planets exhibition in Tokyo is a truly unique and immersive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. This digital art museum features a wide range of interactive installations that use cutting-edge technology to create mesmerizing displays of light, sound, and movement.

One of the standout exhibits is the Forest of Lamps, which is a room filled with thousands of glowing lanterns that respond to your movements. As you walk through the room, the lanterns change color and shape, creating an ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere. Another must-see exhibit is the Crystal World, a cavern-like space filled with crystal-like structures that seem to grow and change as you move through the space. The installation uses light and sound to create an immersive and sensory experience that is truly unlike anything else.

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#3. Get Spooked By Godzilla

In amongst the neon jungle, which is Shinjuku, keep your eyes peeled for a monster poking his head out. Don’t think it’s the jet lag that is indeed Godzilla himself towering above you. Hotel Gracery plays host to the beast, and if you want to see what it’s like to be in Godzilla’s head, you can visit the Bonjour cafe on the 8th floor. This cafe has a small menu but does offer a great view from outside Godzilla’s head across Shinjuku. Godzilla is such an iconic part of Japanese entertainment, so seeing him in the “flesh” here in Shinjuku makes you feel like you’re in Japan!

#4. Explore the Strange World of Love Hotels

If capsule hotels seem a little claustrophobic, you can check out a “Love Hotel.” These Love Hotels aren’t for the faint of heart, but you will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All over Tokyo and other parts of Japan, you’ll see these types of hotels on various corners of the city. The rooms are rented by the hour and per night, so you can imagine what kind of clientele they are geared towards…But does that mean you can’t go as a tourist to fulfil your curiosity? Absolutely not! These hotels aren’t as seedy as you might imagine. They’re actually pretty incredible or at least incredibly weird.

Each room is themed for a different interest; some have rotating beds, others are covered floor to ceiling in Hello Kitty paraphernalia, and others even have heart-shaped jacuzzis! These hotel rooms are so cutesy because around 90% of love hotels in Japan are designed by women. Being developed by women means that they are more likely to come inside than be weirded out by a sketchy-looking hotel. Also, for this reason, the hotels are always super clean and extremely private. Some check-in desks are entirely run by touch screens, so you don’t even need to interact with a real human on your way in! Definitely a unique experience.

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#5. Act like a Kid Again at Tokyo DisneySea

One of my favourite parts of Tokyo is DisneySea, and while visiting what might on paper feel like an American theme park seems odd on a list of uniquely JAPANESE adventures, DisneySea is unlike any of its North American counterparts. The influence of Japan’s creative culture made this park so wondrous. It is famously known as the best theme park in the world. Unlike Disneyland, which has been replicated almost brick for brick worldwide (even in Japan), DisneySea is one of a kind. Here you’ll be able to ride the most immersive and original rides in all of Disney and visit the seven ports inspired by fictional and historical seaside locations. You can visit Ariel’s Kingdom or Aladdin’s Castle. DisneySea is also home to Duffy the Bear, a character you’ll only find here in Tokyo!

#6. Explore the Walled City inside Kawasaki Warehouse

I am a HUGE fan of the arcades in Japan! I have sunk way more money than I’m proud of trying to win a stuffed Pokemon character. All arcades in Japan are worth checking out for a great night out, but none are as weird as Kawasaki Warehouse. The warehouse arcade is located about 30 minutes outside the city but is well worth the trip. Inside what looks like an old, rusted-over building, you’ll find the almost picture-perfect recreation of the gritty streets of Kowloon.

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Kowloon is the famous crime-filled, walled city of China that has been the inspiration for apocalyptic environments for years. Spread out over multiple floors, this place, made to look like a crumbling city, is actually an arcade. Set amongst the rotting walls, dirty clothing lines, and shady retail signage are real arcade games you can play in this haunting setting. Don’t worry; nothing is dirty; it’s all for the show! Every inch of this place is themed and decorated to ensure an eerier atmosphere permeates the entire place; even the men’s bathroom is made to look covered in filth (although the women’s washroom was spared this treatment).

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#7. Get Grossed out at the Parasite Museum

Located in the suburb of Meguro, you’ll find one of the weirdest museums in the world. In this museum, you’ll be introduced to the world of parasites. And trust me, after visiting, you’ll wonder how many of them might be living inside you right now! The museum is the only one of its kind, and a few minutes into the exhibits, you might be able to imagine why. The museum has collected over 45,000 parasites, now displayed in jars along the walls. They even have an 8.8-meter-long tapeworm which proves the resiliency of these parasites. While this might not be for everyone, the uniqueness of the subject matter is something to be amazed at. And for those of you with a strong stomach, you might be pretty surprised by these creatures. I found it interesting and enjoyed the curator’s dedication to the subjects.

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#8. Try Cream Puffs too Cute to Eat!

If you’re looking for something a little more fun and carefree, go to this dreamy little cafe which serves up some of the most delicious and, perhaps, too-good-to-eat pastries. If you’re a fan of anime, specifically Studio Ghibli, visiting Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is almost a requirement for your trip to Japan.

This cafe is run by a Ghibli family member, and her creations are therefore deemed “official” Ghibli products. Walking up to the shop is like stepping into a Ghibli film; the street looks almost picture-perfect, just like the animes. Each cream puff is made to look like the popular character “Totoro” and is filled with either custard, chocolate or caramel banana. You can make reservations here, but if you feel like the reservations system online is too complicated without being able to speak or read Japanese, you can also show up when they open and get in line to nab one of these delicious treats.

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#9. Experience Cuteness Overload at a Maid Cafe

As soon as you get into Tokyo and start walking around the streets at night, you’ll immediately see dozens of maids on the road handing out flyers. If you’ve never heard of a ‘Maid Cafe‘ before, this sight might be a little strange and shocking. But the reality of these Maid Cafes is a lot less lurid than you might expect. In Japan, Maid Cafes are popular restaurants where the waitresses dress up in cute maid costumes and act as “servants” to their customers or “masters.”

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Although these cafes were originally introduced for the amusement of the men in Japan, these days, they have become more of a tourist attraction. And, therefore, a little less salacious. Inside you’ll be doted on by a given maid. You’ll also eat food in adorable shapes and designs, learn cutesy songs and even take a kawaii (cute) picture with your maid as a commemorative souvenir. It’s weird, it’s cute, and it’s worth checking out for a unique experience.

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#10. Dine at Ramen Restaurant from around Japan in Yokohama

Although it’s dubbed a “museum”, the experience you’ll have at the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is more in line with a trip to Epcot. The museum is almost like visiting a food-themed amusement park which sends you back in time in tastes and visuals. The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum was first opened in 1994 as a one-stop shop for people to sample all different varieties of Ramen. The interior of the museum is designed to replicate the streets of Japan in 1958. There are nine different restaurants open throughout the two lower floors serving up all sorts of different variations of ramen. Each one specializes in a regional flavour profile. Like travelling all across the country in one day!

#11. Dine on Sushi around a Conveyor Belt

While conveyor belt sushi restaurants have started popping up in other locations around the world, they got their start here in Japan, and if you’ve never visited one before, then this is the best place to start! Conveyor belt sushi restaurants are all over Tokyo, and you can’t go wrong with them. If there is a lineup outside the door, that is always a good sign that it’s going to be delicious! Lines move quickly since diners usually don’t spend an enormous amount of time here, so don’t be afraid of waiting.

Once you get inside, you’ll be seated around an actual moving conveyor belt. On the belt are dozens of plates with pieces of sushi on top. Each of the plates is a different colour and/or pattern. Those colours or patterns denote the cost of the sushi. Just grab what you want and keep the empty plates. The plates are used to calculate your bill at the end of the meal. The sushi is cheap and delicious, and you’ll often be more enticed into trying something new. It’s hard not to be curious when you see it right there in front of you.

#12. Cheer, Scream and Sing-a-long at a Baseball Game

Are you thinking of baseball? C’mon, now we have that in North America too! That’s not something we want to do when we’re halfway across the world. Well, trust me, this isn’t baseball as you know it. I mean, sure, yes, the rules are the same. And in essence, the game itself is pretty similar, but the experience surrounding the game is worth your time! Baseball games in Japan are like a huge party. Everyone sings a different anthem when each player comes to the plate. There are designated cheering sections where the entire group will stand, dance and cheer.

Not only are there special themed foods you can buy in the stadium, but you’re also allowed to bring any food or drink you want. That’s right, you can even bring your own alcohol! Before you arrive at the stadium, dozens of street vendors sell freshly cooked yakisoba, sushi and more to take inside with you! It’s so much fun, and you don’t need to be able to speak Japanese to be able to follow the action!

#13. See a Professional Sumo Match

Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport. And if you’re visiting Tokyo during the season these matches take place, it’s your duty as a traveller to make your way to see a game. Sumo is one of those things that seem not to exist outside Japan. Its traditional roots and cultural importance are so strong that it never took off anywhere else. The matches are surprisingly exciting. And the crowd is so passionate that you’ll cheer with them even if you’ve never seen a game before or understand the rules. Tickets sometimes sell out during busy times of the year, so it’s worth buying tickets in advance.

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#14. Catch some Kabuki

Another very traditional thing to do in Japan is to see a Kabuki performance. Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama known for its stylized performance and elaborate make-up. Despite the show being in Japanese, much like Opera, you can get a program where there will usually be a translation in English. That way you can understand a bit of the plot. But the expressions and performances are so strong and evocative that you’ll be able to follow along without it.

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#15. Fish for your Dinner

Walking into Zauo restaurant, you’ll think you’ve stepped onto a fishing boat. A giant wooden ship is installed over the top of dozens of tanks of water. Guests stand excitedly with a fishing rod on the boat’s edge, ready to nab their dinner. That’s right, here at Zauo, you eat what you catch! Be warned that if you catch something, you must eat it; there’s no throwing it back. But that’s half the fun! Just don’t come in with a specific meal in mind, be open to trying something new. Once you catch your fish, you get to choose how it’s cooked and seasoned. Then it will be served at your table. The cost is probably a little inflated compared to a typical seafood restaurant, but the novelty value is real. And it’s definitely a memorable meal.

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#16. Soak in the Healing Waters at Onsen

Odaiba Oedo Onsen combines a traditional Japanese onsen spa and a journey back in time. Designed to look like the Edo period, this onsen is the perfect place to unwind. Especially after your long flight! An ‘onsen’ is a Japanese hot spring and bathing facility. Here, men and women are divided into two separate areas, where they can soak in a giant, naturally heated hot spring completely in the nude. No bathing suits allowed (hence the gender separation.) You can use these small towels provided to cover your private parts. But the atmosphere is so relaxed, and no one is looking, so it feels totally normal, and you’d be surprised how freeing it feels!

The Odaiba Oedo Onsen also has a zen-like garden where you’ll find a long foot bath. To use the outdoor foot bath and gardens, you’ll put on your traditional Yukata. This part of the spa is clothed, so both men and women can use it together. Onsens are such a special part of Japanese culture. And while it seems intimidating, it’s immensely calming and a must-do for anyone visiting Japan.

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*A Note about Animal Cafes

While I will readily admit that animal cafes look UBER adorable and are found on many lists of “things to do in Japan,” I see them as wildly conflicting. On my first trip to Japan, I visited an owl cafe in Asakusa, which was well-reviewed as to how they treated their animals, but after visiting, I felt awful. I had gone for a weird experience, and while it was that, I just felt so sad for the animals.

Even though I did see how loved they were by the carers, owls are nocturnal, and to have them out during the day and trapped inside felt so cruel. Various other types of animal cafes suffer from the same kind of thing, and while I know, they feel like something you NEED to do while in Japan, I would ask you to heavily consider the welfare of the animals before you think about spending time there. You can get so many weird experiences in Japan that shouldn’t be your primary destination.

Whether you’re a fan of art, culture, or technology, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and eclectic city. From visiting the ancient temples and shrines to experiencing the latest advancements in technology, these 16 unique and amazing experiences are a must-see for anyone visiting Tokyo. So why not start planning your trip today and experience all that this incredible city has to offer?

The post 16 Unique and Amazing Experiences You Can’t-Miss in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. #1 Learn Some Japanese
   • Japanese Phrases
2. #2 Convenience Stores are much more than Convenience Stores
   • Best Things to Eat in a Konbini
3. #3 Get A Wifi Hotspot
   • Navigating in Japan
4. #4 It's Not as Expensive as you Think
5. #5 It's HUGE! 
6. #6 Public Transport Can be Daunting but Once you Figure it Out it's INCREDIBLE!
7. #7 Smoking is Prevalent
8. #8 There Are Few Garbage Cans in Public
9. #9 Cash is KING
10. #10 The Toilets are that AWESOME
11. #11 No Tipping

#1 Learn Some Japanese

I think one of the biggest mistakes that English speakers make when they’re travelling is assuming that everyone, around the world, will speak some form of English. This is definitely NOT the case. Even in a metropolis like Tokyo, there should be no assumptions that people will speak English to you. While learning English is becoming more and more popular, the older generations have yet to come around. And why should they after all?!

That being said, there are English menus and English speakers in the more touristy area. So if you feel like you can’t survive with Japanese alone, then there are places you can seek out. If you do find someone who speaks English, remember to speak slowly. (But please, do not do this in a condescending way!) English speakers tend to fast very fast. If someone is still learning English, speaking slowly will better allow them to translate and respond in due time.

Japanese Phrases

But don’t feel like just because you can’t read or speak the language, you’re out of luck. Japanese people are some of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever met. Even if we couldn’t communicate with language, they would take time and a considerable amount of effort to help me with whatever I needed. Rudimentary sign language works well, as does pointing and a kind smile. But what works even better is to try and learn a few phrases in Japanese before leaving for your trip. Put all that time on your long-haul flight to good use! Simple things like, “thank you”, “excuse me” or “please” go a long way in showing gratitude and humility. People will respond to this and give it back to you in leaps and bounds. 

Her are a few useful phrases:
Thank You | arigatou gozaimasu
Please |  onegaishimasu
Excuse Me |  sumimasen
Yes | hai
No | iie
I’m Sorry | gomen nasai
I Don’t understand Japanese |  nihongo ga wakarimasen
Can you speak English? | eigo o hanasemasu ka?

If you are interested in learning some key phrases when eating at restaurants check out this guide!

#2 Convenience Stores are much more than Convenience Stores

In North America, Europe, Australia and other countries I’ve visited, conveniences stores sell little more than candy bars, magazines, chips and dreadfully reheated pizza and hot dogs. But in Japan, convenience stores (also called Konbini) will become your go-to spot for everything from breakfasts, quick snacks and even fantastic bento boxes perfect for picnics. Japanese convenience stores sell ready to eat MEALS which taste incredible! Breakfast in Japan is a savoury meal and the bento boxes sold in stores like 7/11, Lawsons and Family Mart were just as good as some fancy meals I’ve had in restaurants back in Canada. They will even reheat it up for you at the cash.

Best Things to Eat in a Konbini

Onigiri which is rice and fish wrapped in seaweed costs just over a dollar and is a delicious treat if you’re on the go.  Don’t miss out on the drinks either. In Japan, convenience stores sell alcohol as well as other beverages, so its the perfect place to stock up on new and exciting sake flavours, unique tea blends and even seasonal sodas. Konbinis also have an amazing selection of seasonal specialties. This is best exemplified around Sakura season!

But my favourite things to buy are the sweets. Various stores sell delicious packaged soft pancakes with maple syrups and butter sandwiched in between. While not traditionally Japanese, this treat is unforgettable. The sweet pastries, like melon bread, are also the perfect thing to grab for a mid-day snack. If it’s a hot day, don’t pass up one of the various ice cream flavours. Green tea is exceptionally favourable in Japan. And if you’re looking for something more traditional, try the dango. Dango is a Japanese sweet dumpling made from mochiko (rice flour). They are often different colours and paired with a warm green tea (oh yeah, they also have hot tea in heated containers inside the store) it’s the perfect thing to eat on a cold day.

#3 Get A Wifi Hotspot

While Japan might be seen as the mecca of technology and innovation, there are still some areas where Japan is lagging behind. One of those things is public wifi. While in other countries you might be able to get by hopping into coffee shops and open wifi zones to get your dose of the internet, in Japan, this is EXTREMELY rare. I got so many weird looks when I would ask for the wifi password and not because of the language barrier. But there is an easy and relatively cheap solution, a wifi hotspot.

There is a myriad of companies which offer these devices, and they can be shipped directly to your hotel, picked up at the airport or grabbed at your local convenience store. If you’re apprehensive about getting to your hotel without wifi, then the terminal might be your best option, but we opted for the hotel delivery, and it was there waiting for us upon check-in. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, they will often provide these for their guests as an additional incentive for staying at their spot.

Navigating in Japan

The best advice when choosing from all the different companies offering this service is to get the fastest speed possible, and unlimited data. While the cheaper options might seem just as good, you’d be surprised how much you might use it. Sure, getting lost is all part of the fun of travelling, but when you’re hungry and tired being able to navigate yourself to a hot bowl of ramen quickly is just what the doctor ordered. In Japan, they use a very different addressing system then is used in most Western countries.

Rather than streets having names, they give blocks numbers and leave the space in between the blocks, streets, nameless. This can be EXTREMELY CONFUSING if you’re trying to look for a particular restaurant or address, so using the feature on google maps where you can track your orientation to that little blue dot marking your destination was often our saving grace.

#4 It’s Not as Expensive as you Think

One thing I hear over and over again, especially from older people, is how expensive they think Japan is. While it’s not as cheap as places in South East Asia, Japan isn’t as expensive as it’s made out to be. I always say that “it’s as expensive as you want it to be.” If you want to eat at a Michelin star restaurant, you’ll easily have to spend upwards of $200. But there are also HUNDREDS of FANTASTIC restaurants where you can eat for under $10-$20.

A simple bowl of ramen is almost never over 1000 yen. And these are very filling and extremely delicious. As mentioned above, convenience stores are your best friend for quick meals which taste amazing. In places like Europe, you’d be hard-pressed to find this kind of quality food for a similar price.

Additionally, in Europe, most museums and attractions will run you easily 20 euros. Whereas most institutions in Japan are funded by the government and are free to enter. Temples and Shrines are also free to enter and explore. And in my opinion, temples and shrines are some of the most amazing things to see and experience in Japan. Places like Kiyomizu-dera, Sensoji and Tenryu-ji, Fushimi Inari and Meiji are truly some of the best highlights of Japan.

Transportation Costs

While the taxis are indeed costly, they are also the foolish option. The Metro system is astonishing and can get you anywhere you want to go at lightning speed. Unless you’re hauling colossal luggage, take the metro. This isn’t just true for big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Everywhere you go in Japan has a marvelous public transport system which is relatively inexpensive given the breadth of distance they cover

Accommodation in Japan

Accommodation can be the most expensive part of your trip (aside from your flight). But with a little research, you can find some great options. The Centurion, Washington and Remm brand hotels in Toyko offer spacious (in Japanese terms) rooms at reasonable prices. If you’re looking for something even cheaper, stay in the novel “Capsule Hotels” which are unique to Japan. These literal capsules sleep one person, and while they might look like coffins, they are surprisingly comfortable with individual TVs, headsets and even pyjamas. The high-end capsule hotels will still only run you about $50/night. Some of the capsule hotels also have private onsens (spas) on site which can be a relaxing end to a busy day. 

With the advent of Airbnb, you can find entire apartments for rent with private kitchens, city views and spectacular private gardens. These are indeed the way to feel like you’re living like a local. If you’re staying with a larger group, you can find some incredible options at inexpensive prices. For two people, the apartments can run just as much as a low-mid price hotel, but the larger houses which can hold up 6-8 people are where you find your dollar goes the farthest. 

#5 It’s HUGE! 

One thing people underestimate when travelling around Japan is its size. While it looks like a small little island, there is so much to see and do. Getting a rail pass is a great idea to help save money while taking the train all over the country. This way you pay one upfront cost but then have the freedom to travel as much as you want without having to worry about how much each trip will cost.

Tokyo itself is enormous. Although it’s just one city, it is home to over nine million people and spans over 2,000 km². If you decide to stay in the western part of Tokyo, like Shibuya, travelling all the way to the eastern districts, like Asakusa, can take over an hour on the metro and perhaps even longer by car due to all the traffic. But don’t like that deter you. If you take some time to plan out what you want to see, you can divide it up into areas and spend the day travelling around those sections, so you don’t have to hop back and forth on the metro. For instance; Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku can be explored one day and then Ueno, Asakusa and Akihabara another day and so on.

#6 Public Transport Can be Daunting but Once you Figure it Out it’s INCREDIBLE!

When looking at the map of the metro systems around Japan, you might be overcome with fear and confusion. There are so many lines, so many colours and so little English. But don’t let that get you down. There are lots of ways to make this daunting task as simple as pie. Firstly, ensure you have your portable wifi with you and download the Hyperdia app or even google maps will do. These apps will help plan your journey out. You may have to change lines, and adding additional levels of confusion, change trains brands on even a short journey. But there is a very easy way to avoid any fare confusion, upon arrival buy a metro pass.

Metro Passes

The metro passes in Tokyo are called “passmo” or “suica”. If you have a rail pass, you can also use this to pay for your metro fares if it is on a JR rail car. Passmo and Suica cards can be loaded with money. All you have to do it tap your card on the way into the station and tap on the way out. And your fare will automatically be calculated for you when you do. Unlike other systems around the world, there is no standard set fare. The price of your trip is dependent on how far you’re going. While this is completely something, you can figure out, if you have pre-loaded cards it just makes it that much easier.

Unlike anywhere else in the world, the Japanese metro is always on time. A few years ago one of their trains was 20 SECONDS late, and they sent out a newsletter apologizing. In Toronto, I’ve frequently had to wait over 20 MINUTES for a bus. Without the slightest bit of an explanation so suffice to say; this system was a dream come true for timely planners like myself. If you run into any problems, you can always press the “help” button on the self-serve kiosks. These also always have an “English” option on the screen. But if you press “help,” a real person will come to your aid. They might not speak a lot of English, but they will be able to help you figure it out despite that fact. Just point to where you want to go and they’ll do the rest.

Rules for the Subway

Be sure that when you’re on the train, you keep your voice down and don’t talk on the phone. Both these things are considered very rude and will get you some serious side eye from fellow passengers. Eating and drinking on the metro are also prohibited. On some train, during specific periods of the day, there are “female only” cars.  My husband and I made the mistake of getting on one of these cars. I looked around and saw that there were only women in the car. And all the women were giving my husband some weird looks. I immediately knew there was something amiss. Luckily we were able to get off at the next stop. And going forward was sure to check the cars identifications before we got on.

#7 Smoking is Prevalent

Another somewhat dated characteristic of Japan is the prevalence of smokers. In the rest of the world, smoking inside is a huge taboo and most of the time it is illegal. But in Japan, this is not the case. Even in hotels, you need to make sure you get a non-smoking room. If not, you might end up staying in a musty, smoke-scented room for your entire visit.

Smoking in restaurants is typically isolated to certain areas, and cafes have walled in the room dedicated for smokers. Although there is a slow shift away from smoking by the younger generation, it is definitely a shock for westerners. Recently some Japanese companies started giving their employees who don’t smoke more vacations days. So perhaps this incentive will lead to more people giving up the nasty habit.

#8 There Are Few Garbage Cans in Public

If you decide to grab a drink from a convenience store and drink it on the road, you might be surprised to see that there won’t be many places to put your garbage on your journey. The Japanese are dedicated to cleanliness, and even the smokers won’t be seen throwing their cigarette butts on the street. The inclination not to litter is so strong that people carry around little baggies for their garbage in their knapsacks or purses and then dispose of the trash at home. 

And when it comes to trash they are extremely diligent in sorting it. You might see three or even four different options for garbage when you finally find a refuse area. Most Japanese people don’t eat or drink while walking. Instead, they stand outside the vending machine area or convenience store and finish their meal or drink there, then quickly dispose of their garbage in the cans beside the store. Try to be local and follow suit.

#9 Cash is KING

Another eccentricity of Japan is the fact that you NEED cash here. Credit cards aren’t the norm, and many many places you’ll visit won’t even have a machine. In Japan, printed money and coinage are viewed as pieces of art which someone took the time to produce whereas cards just don’t have the same cultural value. We were shocked by this and had to take out cash a few times on our trip to ensure we didn’t get stuck anywhere without money to pay for a meal or transit or even a drink.

In addition to not being able to use credit cards, taking money out of your bank account can be very difficult too since most ATMs only accept Japanese cards. But not to fear, 7-Eleven is here! ATMs at 7-Elevens will process foreign cards, so hit them up for cash whenever you’re running low. If you’re worried about taking too much money out at one time in the fear that it might be stolen, I would push those fears out of your mind. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and pickpocketing is almost unheard of. 

#10 The Toilets are that AWESOME

If you know anyone who has ever been to Japan or ever been obsessed with Japanese culture, you’ll know that the toilet situation is much talked about. Toilets in Japan are much more than just a plastic seat. The Japanese take cleanliness very seriously, and so it is no surprise that they would want any bathroom activities to be as clean as possible. Modern Japanese toilets are sleek, electronic devices with an array of functions which makes going to the washroom a life-changing experience. The standard Japanese toilet has a keypad featuring symbols indicating the following: raise the lid, raise the seat, large flush, small flush, rear and front bidet, dry, and stop. 

If you’ve ever dreaded going to a public washroom, fear no more, public washrooms are cleaner here than some North American hospitals. There are still a few squat toilets left in Japan, but most larger cities have been updated to the modern versions. The one thing to be aware of is that on a few rare occasions you’ll visit a bathroom where the toilet paper is not provided. Be sure to check the paper situation before entering the stall in case you need to purchase some from the vending machine before doing your business.

#11 No Tipping

Finally, tipping. The conundrum many travels face when visiting a different city. When to tip, how much, how often etc. Well, in Japan it is very simple. Don’t do it. Ever. It is considered very rude to tip in Japan so avoid doing it all together. Japanese people take service very seriously and good service should be a given, not something that is rewarded. If you are given change after your meal, don’t leave it behind, chances are someone will chase you down the road to give it back to you because they thought you left it behind.  

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