10 Things You Must Know When Traveling to Japan for the First Time
We are BLEZ Pharmacy, located on Kokusai-dori in Asakusa, Tokyo. Despite the progress of globalization and the improvement of living standards, resulting in increasingly similar lifestyles, traveling abroad still presents many different and “inconvenient” situations. Some situations may not apply to everyone or every scenario. Additionally, to make travel more convenient for visitors, local authorities have implemented many user-friendly changes. We hope that by sharing these tips, we can enhance your travel experience.
1. Cash
While credit card or electronic payment is mainstream in many countries, Japan still primarily operates on cash transactions. Despite efforts by the government and businesses to promote electronic payments, many traditional eateries still accept only cash. Nowadays, in popular tourist areas of Tokyo like Asakusa and Shinjuku, credit card and electronic payments are widely accepted. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as a precaution when traveling in Japan.
2. Hotel Check-in and Check-out Times
Unlike the common practice of checking out at noon and checking in at 1 PM in many countries, most hotels in Japan require check-out by 10 AM and check-in after 3 PM. To better utilize your time and plan your itinerary, please pay attention to the check-in and check-out times of the hotel you booked.
3. Hotel Breakfast
People accustomed to breakfast culture in Southeast Asia and other East Asian countries might be disappointed with breakfast options in Japan. Besides chain coffee shops, it might be challenging to find dedicated breakfast spots. Many tourists resolve breakfast by purchasing items like rice balls and sandwiches from nearby convenience stores. If you prioritize a quality and balanced breakfast, it is recommended to opt for the hotel breakfast when booking your stay. Most Japanese hotel buffets not only offer traditional Japanese breakfast with rice and fish dishes but also include various Western breakfast options, including salads and fruits to help you maintain fiber intake during your trip.
4.Transportation
If you are a visitor from regions like the United States or China, you might find Japan’s traffic directions confusing. Be particularly attentive to the bus directions when transferring to avoid taking the wrong route. Additionally, first-time visitors to cities like Tokyo and Osaka might find the subway maps complex. The quickest way to navigate for tourists is to use Google Maps and follow the suggested routes strictly.
5. Noise
People sensitive to noise will notice that Japan’s airports and most hotels have carpets to create a quieter environment. Additionally, Japanese people are strict about noise in public places, such as prohibiting phone calls, ringing phones, and playing music or game sounds aloud on the subway and buses. Many restaurants and stores also have no-phone signs. Please be mindful of these rules to enjoy your trip without disturbing the locals.
6.Luggage
Like most tourist destinations worldwide, most hotels in Japan offer free luggage storage for their guests. To lighten your load, you can also use coin-operated lockers at nearby subway stations for temporary luggage storage. Moreover, on subways, if you don’t want to hold your bag all the time, you can place it on the overhead rack above the seats. Just remember to take your belongings with you when you leave.
7.Smoking
In recent years, Japan has become stricter about smoking in public places. If you smoke, please book a smoking room at your hotel or ask the hotel staff about the location of smoking rooms. Public smoking areas are usually available near subway stations and large shopping centers. Walking while smoking on the streets might result in fines from the police, and smoking in non-smoking hotel rooms will incur specific fines from the hotel. For a pleasant vacation, please pay attention to these regulations.
8.Restrooms
Most restrooms in Japan are free, and you can find them in shopping centers, subway stations, and other places when needed. Toilet paper in Japan is water-soluble, so please dispose of it in the toilet rather than the trash bin, which is for sanitary napkins. Due to varying construction times, some toilets require manual flushing, some use buttons, and others flush automatically. Pay attention to these differences, especially in subway restrooms, to avoid pressing the emergency help button mistakenly, as subway staff will come to assist you. If you do need emergency help in the restroom, press the help button.
9.Garbage
Garbage sorting in Japan might not be unfamiliar to many people. If you drink water outside, plastic bottles, cans, and glass bottles can be easily disposed of near vending machines and convenience stores. For other types of garbage, tourists might find it convenient to bring it back to the hotel for disposal.
10.Health Management
Last but most importantly, health. Many tourists experience diarrhea or constipation due to unfamiliar water or dietary habits. Japan’s maritime climate, characterized by humidity and frequent rain, may cause discomfort for those sensitive to weather changes, such as people with low blood pressure or arthritis. Long flights in dry cabin air can also lead to cold symptoms. Additionally, some tourists suffer from heatstroke after prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity during the summer. These health issues can disrupt travel plans or even pose serious health risks. If you encounter health issues during your trip to Japan, feel free to visit BLEZ Pharmacy in Asakusa. Our Japanese pharmacists provide professional medical consultations, and we have staff who speak Chinese and English to assist you.
Japan offers beautiful scenery all year round, convenient transportation, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal destination for tourists worldwide. For first-time visitors to Japan, many unforeseen situations may arise. We hope that considering the factors mentioned above in your travel plans will help you better organize your trip and enjoy a pleasant, relaxing time.
