Things We Got Wrong in Japan - So You Don't Have To

Public transport in Japan is calm, quiet, and incredibly efficient. What stood out to us most was how quiet it was. Not silent, but close.

People generally avoid loud conversations, keep phones on silent, and do not take calls while seated. If someone needs to speak, they usually move towards the end of the car.

Another thing you'll quickly notice is how boarding works. People line up neatly and let passengers get off before boarding. It keeps everything moving smoothly, especially during peak hours.

Eating is generally fine on long-distance trains like the Shinkansen, especially when there are tray tables. But on local trains, subways, and city buses, people usually do not eat.

Official resource: JNTO guide to Japanese manners and etiquette ↗

We made this mistake once, and that was enough. In Hirosaki, right after getting down from the train, we saw a city bus going towards our hotel area and hopped on with our check-in bags.

A few minutes later, we heard a recorded message saying large or cumbersome luggage is not recommended on city buses. The driver did not say anything, but it was clear this was not ideal.

In smaller buses and crowded spaces, luggage quickly becomes a problem. Use cabs when you have checkin sized bags. Use coin lockers when you are sightseeing between hotel check-ins, and consider luggage forwarding for longer routes.

Official resource: Yamato Hands-Free Travel and luggage forwarding ↗

On the Tokaido-Sanyo-Kyushu Shinkansen, oversized luggage needs planning. If your baggage is over 160 cm in total dimensions, you need to reserve a seat with oversized baggage space.

This is easy to miss when you are focused only on train times. If you are traveling with large suitcases, check the luggage rule before booking your Shinkansen seat.

Official resource: JR Central oversized baggage rules ↗

This one caught us off guard. Our hotel in Hirosaki was about a mile from the station. We had an early morning train at 5:26 am, so we booked a taxi for 4:50 am the night before.

The taxi never showed up. It was raining, the streets were empty, and we ended up walking with all our luggage.

If you have an early train in a smaller city, stay closer to the station when possible. At minimum, have a backup plan that does not depend entirely on a taxi arriving.

Stations in Japan are well designed, but elevator access is not always the fastest route. Sometimes you need to walk farther, take a different exit, or follow a longer path to avoid stairs.

If you are carrying luggage, give yourself extra time and follow elevator signs instead of blindly taking the shortest route on the map.

Japan is modern, but cash is still very relevant. We ran into this multiple times: temples in Kyoto, a traditional restaurant in Tokyo, and small entrance counters where cards were not accepted.

One time, we had to walk around 40 minutes in the rain just to find an ATM before entering a temple. After that, we always kept cash with us.

My rule now: carry enough cash for food, temple entrances, local buses, coin lockers, and unexpected small purchases.

If you are using a JR Pass or regional rail pass, treat it like cash. Our JR East Pass clearly said that it could not be reissued if lost. Keep it with your passport or in one fixed travel pouch. Do not casually slide it into random pockets during station transfers.

Official resource: JR East Pass terms and conditions ↗

You will find WiFi in airports, stations, some trains, hotels, and cafes. But it is not something I would depend on completely.

We used mobile data constantly for maps, translation, train platforms, exits, restaurant checks, and quick direction confirmations. An eSIM, local SIM, or pocket WiFi makes the trip much less stressful.

Japan is extremely organized, but stations can still be overwhelming. At Ueno, we had limited time to collect our JR East Pass, move between sections, and catch the next train.

Google Maps helped a lot, but we also confirmed with station staff whenever we were unsure. That combination saved us time and stress.

This is one of the biggest lessons from our Japan train days: read the ticket email carefully, follow the platform details, and ask staff before guessing.

Trash cans are not as common as you might expect. You can go a long stretch without seeing one, especially outside stations or convenience stores. Carry a small bag for wrappers or tissues and throw them away later at your hotel, station, or konbini.

This is not a strict rule, but it is something you notice quickly. People generally do not snack casually while walking around. Instead, they eat near the shop, at a designated area, beside vending machines, or once they sit down somewhere. When in doubt, pause and eat instead of walking through a crowded street with food.

Tipping is not part of the culture in Japan. It can confuse staff and may be politely refused.

Good service is already expected and included, so a polite thank you is enough.

Official resource: JNTO Japan travel planning basics ↗

Some stations in Japan feel like a mini city, with restaurants, bakeries, bento counters, souvenir shops, and endless things to browse.

Others are just a platform, a vending machine, and maybe one konbini. If you are traveling through smaller towns, buy snacks and water before you need them.