Planning a trip to Japan is exciting. There’s so much to look forward to: beautiful shrines, unforgettable food, ultra-efficient trains, and culture everywhere you look. But ask anyone who’s been, and they’ll usually say the same thing. They would’ve done a few things differently if they’d known better. Not because Japan disappointed them. Quite the opposite. It’s because it exceeded expectations, and they just hadn’t prepared for how much there is to experience.
If you’re thinking about going or already have your flights booked, here are eight things seasoned travellers often wish they’d known before their first visit.
1. Convenience stores are a revelation
Most people expect 24-hour shops to offer the bare basics, maybe some snacks, a sad sandwich, and bottled water. But in Japan, convenience stores are on a different level. They’re clean, efficient, and packed with genuinely good food.
From freshly made rice balls and warm bento boxes to surprisingly tasty desserts and quality coffee, it’s normal for locals to grab breakfast, lunch, or even dinner here. There are microwaves to heat up your food, hot water stations for instant noodles, and even ATMs that accept foreign cards.
This isn’t just a stopgap. You might find yourself deliberately choosing a convenience store meal over a restaurant, especially when you’re tired after a long day out.
2. Escorted tours make everything easier
While Japan is safe and incredibly well-organised, it can also be overwhelming, especially if you don’t speak the language. The train system, while brilliant, has layers of complexity. Local etiquette is subtle and unspoken. And there’s just so much to see that trying to plan it all can get stressful.
A lot of travellers say they wish they’d looked into escorted tours to Japan before their travels. Whether it’s a small group exploring temples, a guided journey through the countryside, or an entire 14-day itinerary, these tours take the pressure off. You don’t have to navigate the details, and you get to understand the context of what you’re seeing.
It’s not about following a flag around all day. The right escorted experiences give you freedom to enjoy Japan while making sure you don’t miss the special moments that are easy to overlook.
3. Cash is still king
Japan is modern in many ways, but cash remains the preferred method of payment in a surprising number of places. Small restaurants, market stalls, shrines, and local shops often don’t accept cards. Even when card machines are available, they might not work with international banks.
It’s a good idea to carry cash with you each day. ATMs are reliable, especially those in convenience stores or post offices, and currency exchange is straightforward. You don’t need to worry about safety either—Japan is known for low crime and lost wallets regularly being returned.
That said, keep your coins organised. The coin denominations are many, and you’ll end up using them all the time.
4. Food isn’t just sushi
One of the biggest surprises for many visitors is the sheer variety of food. Sushi is just a small piece of Japan’s culinary identity. In fact, it’s not even a daily food for most locals.
You’ll find steaming bowls of ramen tucked down alleyways, crisp tempura in historic eateries, grilled yakitori at night markets, and savoury okonomiyaki cooked right in front of you. The regional dishes vary wildly too, each area of Japan has its own food specialties worth trying.
Most menus have pictures, and many restaurants offer plastic food displays outside to help you decide. Don’t be shy about going into local spots. Even the smallest noodle bar can deliver a memorable meal.
5. Public transport is next level, but you need to plan
Trains in Japan are famously punctual, clean, and fast. They’re also complex. If you’re moving between cities, the high-speed shinkansen is a dream. But within cities, you’ll likely need to navigate multiple train lines, including private railways, municipal subways, and national lines. It can be confusing.
Most stations are well-signposted, and many now have English signage. But planning your routes ahead of time is a good habit. Sometimes changing from one line to another means walking long distances inside the station. Tickets can also be tricky if you’re unsure what type of pass or fare is best.
Leave extra time for transfers until you get used to it, and don’t hesitate to ask staff for help—they’re often incredibly helpful even if English is limited.
6. Local customs are subtle but important
Japanese culture places huge importance on respect and consideration for others. This shows up in daily habits that may be very different from what you’re used to.
Here are a few to be aware of:
- Quiet voices – Talking loudly in public, especially on trains, is frowned upon
- Shoes off indoors – Many places require you to remove your shoes, especially in traditional inns, some restaurants, and even fitting rooms
- No tipping – Tips are not expected, and leaving money can actually cause confusion
- Queue properly – People line up for everything, and jumping the queue is seen as very rude
- Handling money – Use the tray at the register instead of handing money directly
These things are easy to adapt to once you know, but going in blind can cause unintentional awkwardness.
7. Accommodation styles vary more than expected
Hotels aren’t the only option, and many visitors regret not trying different types of stays. Japan offers some truly unique experiences when it comes to accommodation.
You can stay in a traditional ryokan, sleeping on a futon over tatami mats, with dinner and breakfast served in your room. Capsule hotels provide a surprisingly comfortable, ultra-compact experience, especially in big cities. There are also mountain lodges, temple stays, and budget-friendly guesthouses that give you a different window into the culture.
Trying more than one type of accommodation during your trip makes it feel more immersive. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how much you connect with the places you visit.
8. You won’t see it all, and that’s OK
Japan is a long, narrow country with a huge amount of diversity. From snow-covered mountains in the north to tropical islands in the south, there’s too much to see in one visit.
Many travellers try to pack in as much as possible, only to end up exhausted and feeling like they missed the magic. The most memorable parts of Japan are often the quiet moments—the unexpected shrine down a side street, a cup of tea in a garden, or the view from a train window on a slow rural line.
Pick fewer places and stay longer in each one. You’ll see more than you think by doing less.
Don’t Just Visit, Experience It
Japan isn’t the kind of place you simply check off your list. It’s rich in detail, layered in meaning, and full of small wonders that stay with you long after you’ve left. Most travellers wish they’d had more time, a bit more guidance, and a better understanding of what really matters. Now that you do, you’re in a good place to plan smarter and travel deeper.