Are you one in thirty million?
That is, one of the millions planning a trip to Japan in the next year?
If so, there are a few things to know ahead of time. With the weakening US dollar and rising inflation in Japan’s tourist sector, travel costs are creeping up—so now’s the time to plan!
Japan is having a moment. What was once hard to navigate without the language is now more accessible, thanks to tools like Google Maps and translation apps. Social media is full of tips, but stitching them into a balanced itinerary can feel overwhelming.
Rather than adding to the endless list of “must-dos,” I’ve taken a page out of Zen, focusing on what not to do—simple actions that can save time, money, and enhance your experience. After three years of living and working in Japan, returning as a traveler over the decades, and leading a group of yoga students across five cities last fall, I’ve learned that eliminating small missteps can have a big impact.
Here are my 10 tips for traveling more like a pro—and less like a tourist.
1. Don’t Try to Do Too Much
One of the biggest mistakes first-timers make is overloading their itineraries. Imagine a 7-10 day trip to England and trying to visit London, Manchester (Osaka), the Cotswolds (Hakone), Brighton, and Stonehenge–all in one go. Exhausting, right? Yet that’s how many Japan itineraries read.
Instead, slow down, embrace the Zen. Japan’s beauty is in the details. Just as you could spend a week exploring only London, the same holds true for Tokyo or Kyoto. You’ll keep costs down and go deeper in a shorter time. Ten days is a bare minimum, best spent on Tokyo and Kyoto with perhaps a 2-night stop in between somewhere more rural.
2. Do Some Basic Research
If you studied abroad in college, chances are, you had an extensive pre-departure reading list. The complexity and nuance of Japan warrants study ahead of time, especially if it’s your first trip to Asia.
Imagine showing up in England with no clue as to the royal family, Church of England, or current events. Yet, Western tourists turn up in Japan without knowing the difference between Buddhism and Shintoism, the roles of Emperor and Shogun, or the relevant details of the Kobe Earthquake, Sarin Gas Attacks, Fukushima Disaster or recent Abe Assassination.
It’s easy to see a lot but understand little. It’s too much to process on-the-fly, so start reading, now!
3. Travel Light—No Checked Bags
Japan’s public transit is excellent, but there’s no room for bulky luggage on crowded trains or in small coin lockers. You’ll encounter lots of stairs, out-of-service escalators, and rainy-day treks when taxis are scarce. If you want to be a true mass-transit ninja, carry-on only!
4. Skip Big Hotels Near Major Train Stations
Booking near a major train station sounds convenient, but the major chains often lack local character. Just like staying in Times Square isn’t the real New York, staying in hotel chains near major stations isn’t the real Japan. Instead, stay in a residential neighborhood where you tune into the rhythm of local life. Many small hotels offer perks like free breakfast buffets and washing machines— at better prices.
5. Keep Your Voice Down on the Train
Japan’s trains are clean, fast, and quiet. Don’t be the loud, chatty foreigner. Most passengers are reading, napping, or quietly commuting before/after a hard day at Japan, Inc. Use the time to observe your surroundings or reflect. Look out the window and enjoy the ride—it’s the perfect moment for mindfulness.
6. Be Aware of Your Space
Japan’s streets and sidewalks can be narrow and busy. Don’t block foot traffic as your chatting with your companions. Japanese are spatially aware and pay as much attention when they walk as we do driving a car in rush hour.
7. Carry Your Trash
Trash bins are rare in Japan, especially after the 1990s Sarin Gas attacks. Foreigners have a reputation for being careless with garbage. Carry your trash until you find a bin—don’t leave it on the street thinking you’re “in the right” because you’re frustrated. Those were horrific times; I was there.
8. Dress for Success
Japan values appearance. Sure, athleisure is everywhere these days—but should it be? In Japan, dressing slightly more polished gets you better service and shows respect. Comfort is key, but lean tailored over casual. Locals layer thoughtfully—think vests under coats, not over hoodies. And yoga pants are for…yoga!
9. Be Polite—and Adapt in Customer Service Situations
A notable change for longtime visitors is the rise of foreign staff. Check nametags before you speak—you may need to shift from polite and indirect to more assertive if dealing with someone from a low-context culture like China or Korea. If things go awry, escalate. Be kind though, as many foreign workers are also trying to figure out Japan’s norms–just like you!
10. Don’t Skip “Cool Japan”
Would you go to Europe and only visit churches? Don’t skip Tokyo’s nightlife and youth culture just to see another shrine. Much of Japan comes alive after dark. Explore trendy neighborhoods, indie galleries, live music (rock, jazz, blues), and late-night ramen spots. Canned tours often miss this entirely, offering only a couple of hours shopping in Shibuya and a run through the “Scramble” intersection. As you can imagine, the hipsters have relocated due to the high concentration of tourists there.
Now You’re Ready to Travel Like a Pro
Avoiding these common pitfalls will give you a more authentic and less frustrating experience. Japan offers the full spectrum of yin and yang, from peaceful meditation in Zen garden temples to nightlife that goes until the first train. By traveling thoughtfully, you may just find yourself rewarded with a complimentary sake or an insider invite to a local hangout.
