8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going To Japan

Japan was unlike any place I’ve ever been before… but there are several things you should know before traveling to Japan.

View of Tokyo from the Bunkyo Civic Center; January 2020

I really got a taste for a culture that hasn’t been influenced by Western practices, and while that’s the best kind of travel, the kind that challenges us – it’s also the kind that requires some preliminary precautions before taking off.

What should I know before traveling to Japan?

Japan is very different culturally than other popular travel destinations like Europe, Australia, and the United States – as Japanese culture prides itself on the following:

🇯🇵 Cultural Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan

Being aware of how Japanese culture and etiquette works can help you to prepare for your trip to Japan.

8 Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan

Here are 8 things that I wish I knew before going to Japan, and 8 things that I hope you take into consideration if you’re about to go to Japan!

1.     English is Sparse

English is not widely spoken in Japan, and you may find yourself struggling to communicate basic needs while in the country.

Given I’ve traveled places where the English is excellent (i.e., Europe, Israel, and other English speaking-countries like Australia and New Zealand), I truly expected the Japanese to have the same fluency in English – but the truth is, finding someone in Japan who speaks English will be a challenge.

I had to play charades in ramen restaurants to get them to bring me vegetarian ramen, and the staff in the metro/subway stations had to use google translate to converse with me.

Disclaimer: The link below contains an affiliate link for the pocket translator. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

One of my friends on my tour actually purchased a pocket translator, and while you definitely don’t need one to survive – I do believe that in Japan, it comes in handy. 

 

2.     7 Eleven is EVERYWHERE

It was one of the first things that I noticed in Tokyo. 

Coming across a 7 Eleven truck in Tokyo beside a 7 Eleven store… contemplating their strange, international existence.

7 Eleven and FamilyMart in Japan will be great resources for travelers looking to buy a quick snack with at least some English on the packaging to understand exactly what it is you’re about to eat.

Inside a 7 Eleven in Osaka, Japan – where you’ll find you’re American comfort foods despite being six-thousand-something miles away.

 

3.     It Smells Like Fish…

… everywhere. There was a time that I was walking through the bakery aisle of a store, on the complete opposite end of where the fish was…

… and yet, it still somehow smelled like fish. 

Be prepared for a lot of not-so-sweet smells like that, during your trip – you’ll have to travel to Paris, for that.

 

4.     Japan is a Cash Society

Japan is a cash oriented society. I read and learned of this before leaving for my trip, and while I was in Japan I learned that it was very true. 

Credit cards aren’t as widely used there like they are in the U.S., Australia, or New Zealand.

Before leaving for your trip, ensure that you take enough cash with you, as well as an ATM card for emergencies. 

 

5.     Public Trash Cans Aren’t a Thing

My tour guide in Japan told me that the Japanese usually hold their trash until they get home, and wait to dispose it there!

It’s quite ironic, really, because Japan is pretty darn clean despite their lack of public trash bins.

view of castle in osaka

Viewing a castle in Osaka, Japan; January 2020

 

6.     The Subway & Metro in Tokyo are Separate

The words ‘subway’ and ‘metro’ are used interchangeably throughout the majority of the world… but not in Tokyo. The subway and metro are two separate forms of public transportation in Japan.

If you buy a ticket for the subway system, and exit at a station that is a part of their metro system… you’ll have to buy a separate ticket to return home. 

This happened to me while I was in Jiyugaoka – which was totally worth the trip there and the hassle of buying a one-way ticket back… but it’s something I wish I would’ve known.

The table below will break down the differences between the Tokyo metro and Tokyo subway (as they aren’t one and the same):

🚇 Tokyo Metro vs. Toei Subway — What’s the Difference?

Category 🚇 Tokyo Metro 🚆 Toei Subway (Tokyo Subway)
Operator Operated by Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. Operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Toei)
Number of Lines 9 subway lines 4 subway lines
Main Coverage Central Tokyo and major commercial districts (Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku, Ueno) Connects residential areas and outer wards with central Tokyo
Used by Tourists? Yes — this is the system most visitors use most often Less common for tourists, but still useful depending on destination
Fare System Distance-based fares within Tokyo Metro only Separate distance-based fares — transfers between Metro & Toei cost extra
Transfers Between Systems Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway are separate systems. Transferring between them often requires exiting ticket gates and paying an additional fare.
IC Cards (Suica / Pasmo) Both systems accept Suica and Pasmo cards, making transfers easier — though not cheaper.
Best For First-time visitors, sightseeing, shopping districts Local commuting, niche routes, and specific neighborhoods

 

7.     Being Vegetarian/Vegan Will Be difficult in Japan

Yes, it’s true that when traveling in Japan – it could be challenging to find vegetarian and vegan meals on a frequent basis since the country utilizes a lot of fish in their traditional cuisine.

However, it’s not impossible! If you guys have read my packing list posts, then you know how I always bring granola bars and packets with oatmeal with me around the world. 

vegan food in japan

I got lucky on my way to Jiyugaoka and found a Bio c’ Bon – a chain health food store that I’ve found across Europe.

Like Israel, the Japanese tend to have savory breakfast options: with rice and a lot of fish. 

This is as good as it usually gets in Japan for someone who is on a plant-based diet: rice, pickled veggies, and sautéed kelp. Oh, and smothered in soy sauce… but this was actually pretty darn good!

 If that doesn’t sound too appetizing to you, you should try bringing some of your own breakfast alternatives. 

 

8.     Japan Isn’t as Futuristic as I Expected

With the stories, I had heard of Tokyo being Manhattan on steroids, the glorious, copious, vending machines (which I did like and came in handy and were reasonably priced!), the bullet trains, the cleanliness…

… I expected to feel like I was in the future. 

But in all honesty – the things I have seen in Australia and New Zealand, alongside the security in Israel, I didn’t find Japan to be all that futuristic. 

Is Japan really that clean?

Yes, Japan is clean – Kyoto was almost Perth level clean.

But as an American, there is a lot of culture shock: the no trash cans, the cash, the lack of English, the face masks to prevent illness or the spreading of gems, the strong levels of respect and modesty…

… Japan is a cool place to go, but it’s not like living in the year 2030. I guess we’ll see what that’s like when we get there.

🇯🇵 FAQ FOR TRAVELING TO JAPAN 🇯🇵

Want to hear it all said out loud? Check out my YouTube, ‘8 Things You Should Know Before You Go To Japan’ video below!

I hope this article helped you prepare for your trip to Japan!

Additional articles you might find helpful include:

To read more about Japan, click here. 

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Last updated: January 1, 2026

Asia, JapanStephanie Safdietokyo, japan, japanese, kyoto, osaka, mount fuji