Planning · Culture

20 Common Japan Travel Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

The most common first-timer mistakes in Japan — from over-packed itineraries to trash bins and rail passes — and simple fixes.

By the Japan Starter team ·

Japan is easy to travel, but first-timers make the same handful of mistakes. Avoid these and your trip will run more smoothly.

Planning mistakes

  1. Trying to see too much. Changing hotels every night wastes hours. Spend at least 3–4 nights in Tokyo and Kyoto. See how many days you need.
  2. Buying a JR Pass by default. Since the 2023 price rise, many routes are cheaper with individual tickets — check first.
  3. Booking Kyoto late in peak season. Book early for cherry blossom and autumn.
  4. Ignoring Japanese holidays. Golden Week, Obon and New Year are very busy.
  5. Not reserving popular attractions. Ghibli Museum, teamLab, Shibuya Sky, some restaurants and theme parks sell out.

Money mistakes

  1. Carrying no cash. See how much cash to bring.
  2. Accepting home-currency conversion at ATMs and terminals — always pay in yen.
  3. Tipping. It isn't expected and can cause confusion.

Getting-around mistakes

  1. Hauling big suitcases on trains. Use luggage forwarding, and note oversized-baggage rules on the Shinkansen.
  2. Not getting an IC card. A Suica or ICOCA (or a mobile version) saves endless ticket buying.
  3. Taking taxis everywhere. Trains are faster and far cheaper.
  4. Standing on the wrong side of escalators. Usually stand left in Tokyo, right in Osaka — just follow others.

Etiquette mistakes

  1. Talking on the phone on trains. Set to silent mode.
  2. Eating while walking in busy streets and shrines — eat near the stall.
  3. Looking for bins. Public bins are rare; carry a small bag for your rubbish.
  4. Wearing shoes on tatami or using toilet slippers outside the toilet.
  5. Chasing geisha for photos in Gion — some private lanes now ban photography.
  6. Skipping the wash before an onsen. See our onsen guide.

Health and comfort mistakes

  1. Underestimating the walking — bring broken-in shoes.
  2. Not checking medication rules. Some common medicines (including certain stimulant-containing products) are restricted — see our entry guide.

Read our full etiquette guide for more.

Frequently asked questions

What should you not do in Japan as a tourist?

Avoid tipping, talking on phones on trains, wearing shoes on tatami, eating while walking in crowded areas, skipping washing before onsen, and photographing geisha on private streets.

Official sources & further reading

Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel:

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Useful guides & destinations