Journey Within

Trains are kept quiet. Avoid speaking loudly or talking on the phone.

Always remove shoes before entering homes, some restaurants, temples, and ryokans.

Wait patiently in line everywhere - trains, elevators, food stalls, etc.

While cards work in major cities, many places in rural areas are cash-only. Keep ¥1,000 and ¥500 coins handy.

Service charges are included. Tipping may confuse staff.

Prepaid cards that work on trains, buses, and even vending machines.

Great value for long-distance travel (Tokyo ↔ Kyoto ↔ Osaka, etc.). Activate it as soon as possible after arrival.

Use "Takkyubin" to send luggage between hotels and travel light.

Arrive early. Being 1-2 minutes late may mean missing your train.

Especially when eating ramen or soba. It's a way to express deliciousness.

Often seen outside restaurants. Useful if you don't speak Japanese.

Free water is "omizu", and tea (ocha) is often also free.

Eat near food stalls or restaurants.

7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are everywhere and surprisingly high quality.

Bring your passport for purchases over ¥5,000 at participating stores.

They're everywhere. Bring coins for quick snacks and drinks.