12 Tips for Travel in Japan

In no particular order:
1. Be ready to clean up after yourself in cafes - look for the place to stow your used tray, crockery and cutlery.
2. Carry a little towel - often there is no way to dry your hands after using the rest room.
3. There are almost no public garbage bins in Japan. Be prepared to carry your rubbish.
4. Smile and be polite. Japanese people will nod at you, it’s good to nod back.
5. Take off your shoes at entry to private residences and some public buildings like shrines and temples.
6. At home, Japanese people do not wash the dishes by immersion in the sink. There will be no plug. Use the sponge with detergent to clean item and rinse with running water.
7. Maybe also carry small pack of toilet tissue for emergency use in public restrooms.
8. Taxis often have self opening back doors- don’t use the handles.
9. In shops and taxis, place money for payment on the tray provided unless otherwise indicated.
10. Use as much of the language as you can manage.
11. Have some cash. Cash is more widely used than you might suspect.
12. Google maps and Google translate are your friends!
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Japan, do as the Japanese do.Read more