If there is anything that I have learned from traveling, it’s that it is not only fun and exciting, but a valuable learning experience. To open yourself up to a foreign place with different traditions, customs, and people than you is truly eye-opening and wonderful! Each country has their own culture, beliefs, organized practices etc., that can be so similar or so completely different to your own. However sometimes when you travel, there are things about the country that may catch you off guard. Even things that may be simple practices in one country may be something that you’re unaccustomed to or are unaware of. In a country you’re familiar with it’s easy to take something for granted as common knowledge or practice, but to a new visitor, it can be quite a culture shock!

Although no one can’t be expected to follow unfamiliar societal norms perfectly, or understand everything about the way a foreign country is run, I think just knowing a bit beforehand can be tremendously helpful and also help people to keep a respectful mindset of the country they are visiting. It ensures that they’ll be less of a chance to encounter an uncomfortable social situation or moments of confusion. Not to mention that knowing things about the country that you travel to can prove useful and convenient in the most unexpected of ways sometimes!

So here are just a few things that may be useful to know if you ever plan on visiting Japan and also some customs that are commonly followed throughout the country. Perhaps some of these practices are similar to your country, or may seem like common knowledge, but to some they may in fact be eye-opening or surprising information. We hope they might prove interesting or helpful to know for you!

We have done a previous post about some customs to know before visiting Japan, so feel free to check that out as well!

 

1. Trains come exactly to the minute

I don’t know about you, but I have come to expect that forms of public transportation are not always the most reliable when it comes to timeliness. In Japan, it seems that trains are run on a tight schedule. If you’ve ever been, you’d see that during the work week, tons and tons of people are hustling to get to their train. As the train is the main form of transportation for many peoples’ commute to work, it is imperative that each train comes on time. Not only that, but with the vast amount of trains operating within a single city, a strict schedule must be kept to avoid collisions and other disasters.

Most of the time, trains in Japan come on time, exactly when it says it will. So if you’re running late to catch your train, there is a good chance you may just miss it! However there are occasional problems that arise on the tracks, that cause serious delays. People expect the train to come exactly on time, so when it doesn't people are usually waiting and it gets even more crowded. As a sidenote, if the train seems overly crowded, and you think there is no way you’ll fit, there are usually designated pushers during peak hours that will literally push you into the train so that you will fit and the train doors can close. It may seem comical, but it really does serve a purpose as getting people in and the train moving on time is very important!

Tip: If you ever want to take the train in Japan, try to be waiting a bit early to get on on time to avoid the rush of people running to their train, and make sure you get on the right train! Don’t be alarmed if someone in uniform begins pushing people into the train, and if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, it may be best to avoid peak hours, especially at busy stations!
JR Passes are a convenient way to get around Japan!

2. There are no paper towels in the bathroom

This may seem mildly inconvenient to those who are used to having them in abundance in restrooms, but it is actually a more environmentally friendly practice. This is a useful heads up though, and we recommend carrying a handkerchief or small towel with you instead! Some restrooms may have hand dryers but it’s definitely not a guarantee or the most sanitary way of drying your hands, so a small towel is definitely something to keep in mind!

Tip: Bring a small towel or handkerchief with you for drying hands. In some places, especially by train stations, people pass out pocket tissue packets too, so collect those if they hand them to you! It may come in handy!

3. Tattoos may limit entrance to certain places

For Japan, tattoos have long carried a stigma stemming from their cultural history. At more traditional places like onsens, sentos, ryokans and places where a tattoo may be displayed, you may be denied access to the establishment. Tattoos are not regarded the same as they might be in the United States due to a deep history with them, so it's something to be aware of if you do have one so you’re not caught unaware. It’s best to err on the conservative side with your tattoos should you wish to enter a ryokan or public bath. If you’re searching for an onsen place that openly allows tattoos, we recommend Kinosaki Onsen*.

*Please note: The bathhouses themselves allow tattoos, but ryokans may have their own separate rules regarding them.

Tip: To avoid scenarios where entrance may be denied, we recommend calling or asking the establishment in question ahead of time.

4. Convenience Store food is good

Many people are shocked when I recommend eating the food offered at convenience stores. But I stand by this recommendation! Many of them, especially in major cities, are open late if not 24 hours. If you need something quick, or are running low on funds, convenience stores are a great option. Sure the term “good” is relative, and you're not going to get Michelin star quality, but generally convenience store foods in Japan garner a favorable response.

Some people may be worried about whether they can trust the quality and freshness of convenience store foods, but trust me when I say, it’s a far cry different from the ones in the United States (or at least the ones I’ve experienced). The food is generally fresh and tasty! There is no shortage of options either from bentos, to endless selections of cup noodles, to sandwiches, and more! Japanese foods are aplenty, but there are more familiar foods (to a wider demographic) as well like traditional ham sandwiches and egg salad sandwiches.

Tip: Each convenience store in Japan may have a specific food item that they’re known for or an unique reason to go visit, so we definitely recommend a little research to find one that suits your needs. And as a tidbit of bonus information, most convenience stores also come with WiFi, so head to the nearest major convenience store when in need. Knowledge is power!

5. Squat style toilets

Once in awhile, you hear about someone’s shock when discovering a squat-style toilet in a Japanese public restroom, especially from people living in countries where this is not at all common to see. For those unaware, it may be a bit shocking and cause a little stress if you’re caught off-guard by it. I mean imagine walking into a public restroom stall only to find a toilet built into the floor when you were expecting to see a western-style one! So I thought it best to put it in this list, that yes, there are squat style restrooms and you may in fact come across a stall with it.

Squat style toilets resemble a urinal built into the ground, and I suppose it kind of is. Essentially, you are supposed to put your feet on either side of it and hover over the toilet to do your business. Some people are inconvenienced by this and state that it can be strenuous on thighs and knees, especially if the whole restroom is built in this fashion, but usually now in days you can find at least one stall with a western-style toilet.

Tip: …

So there are our 5 interesting and/or useful things we think might be good to know about Japan. Are any of these something you’re glad you found out beforehand? Were you already aware of these facts or is it something you’re already used to? What else have you found to be interesting or useful to know about the information? We’d love to know all of your thoughts, opinions, and also find out more about your own culture and traditions! We always love hearing your feedback on our Destination Japan Facebook page!

Also check out our recommended list of things you need for travel to Japan for more travel information and tips!