Having lived in Tokyo for several years now, we've witnessed the reactions of first-time visitors to Japan more times than we can count. With Japan high up on many traveller's wish lists, we have a steady string of friends coming to visit and our photo walk events allow us to regularly meet new people, many of whom have just arrived and looking to make new friends. Then of course we have our own memories of what it was like the first time we encountered the Land of the Rising Sun.
And you know what we realised? That the answer to the question, ‘What do you think of Japan so far?' is almost invariably the same. Seriously, we could preempt these responses like the pages of a book we know verbatim. So we thought that we'd share some of the most common surprising first impressions we hear from foreign visitors to Japan.
1. Lack of public rubbish bins/trash cans
This is one of the first things most visitors notice when they arrive in Japan. Where are all the rubbish bins? It's almost funny that this is one of the first impressions visitors have when there is so much to take in, but it's true. You don't realise how much you are used to having them around until you can't find one. Japan is quite astonishing for the fact that the streets are pristine, yet you'll be hard-pressed to find a public place to dispose of trash anywhere.
While convenience stores are usually your best bet, many (especially in major tourist spots) have opted to move them inside for use by customers only or have removed them entirely so they are not inundated with the responsibility of disposing large amounts of waste, collection of which, by the way, is not free or fully covered by taxes. You pay by the bag. So you can quickly see why a business in the centre of town doesn't want to spend all day bagging garbage and then paying for the privilege.
So what do the Japanese do? They take their trash home with them and dispose of it there, where they must place their garbage in special plastic bags you buy from the local supermarket or convenience store. In this way, each time you put your trash out, you are paying a little something for it and it is expected that each member of society takes individual responsibility for what they consume.
As a tourist, you'll have the benefit of having your hotel or accommodation take care of this for you, but be prepared to carry your trash around all day with you until you return!
2. Silence on trains
The Japanese place great emphasis on making public spaces comfortable for all. Rowdiness, talking loudly on your phone or any other mode of public disturbance is generally frowned upon. While it is not prohibited to speak to others on the train (except on your mobile phone), most people don't, or else they keep their voices down in respect to those around them. For many visitors coming from countries where people speak more freely on trains, this difference is quickly noticed, many likening Japanese trains to libraries. So channel your “inside” voice or grab a good book and generally shhhh.
3. No walking and eating (at the same time)
I will never forget the Japanese intern we had at my company in Australia (pre our blogging life) who brought this cultural difference so vividly to my attention. After lunch, I remember her coming back to the office looking pale and somewhat astounded. I asked her if everything was OK and she said that she'd just seen something really strange. “I was just walking back to the office and I saw a man.” Starting to get a little worried, I asked her what this man was doing. “Well, he was walking down the street…in a business suit…EATING a banana!” Her eyes were wide with astonishment and genuine shock. I let out a relieved chuckle and informed her that eating while walking was a completely normal thing in Australia, even for business men. He was probably on his own way back from lunch or on his way to a meeting, I told her. “Really?” she said, surprised. “Japanese people don't eat on-the-go like that.”
You probably never think about it if you're from a place where eating while out and about is commonplace, but you'll probably notice the fact that no one else is doing it when you get to Japan. In Australia, it is not unusual to see people eating sandwiches or biting into a piece of fruit while walking. If it is something that we can easily eat without stopping, especially if we are pressed for time, we multi-task. In Japan, it is seen as embarrassing. Of course, situations like festivals where everyone is eating on the streets are an exception, but everyday eating and walking is atypical behaviour rather than the norm, and as a general rule most Japanese try to avoid doing it.
4. Queues
Perhaps this is less surprising nowadays after the news of Japanese people queuing calmly and politely for food rations following the earthquake and tsunami in 2011 made international headlines. But seeing such public order in action, from queuing at a restaurant, waiting your turn in line to pray at a shrine or biding your time in a traffic jam, is usually still a point of note for most foreign visitors.
5. Why is no one wearing sunglasses?
Coming from a country where we are taught to wear sunglasses from a young age for UV protection and where most people drive and battle the constant glare, sunglasses are always within close reach. We take them on every trip, no matter where we are going. It was summer the first time we came to Japan and on our first outing in the streets of Narita, our sunglasses naturally came with us. The fact that all the Japanese people around us were not wearing them, despite being an intensely sunny day, was so apparent that one Aussie girl we passed by (of course also wearing sunglasses) actually stopped to point it out. “Hey, we're the only people wearing sunnies!” she exclaimed.
While I think this is changing somewhat, and can also depend on occupation/hobbies and age (more and more younger people are wearing them as fashion accessories), on the whole, most Japanese people don't wear sunglasses. When I've asked Japanese people about why this is the case, they have cited reasons such as it being embarrassing and that it draws attention to yourself, like you are trying to be a rapper in a music video. They seemed to think that only a “certain kind” of person or that only young people trying to make a fashion statement would wear them. None of the people we spoke to had considered it from a health or illness prevention perspective. Actually one person asked us, “Do foreigners have really poor eyesight? Can they not see without sunglasses?” Well, I guess to this you could say yes and no. In our case, we have become so used to wearing them that we do feel rather blind when we forget them! And while Japan has changed us in many ways, this is a habit that we don't wish to break.
6. It's really crowded
This might seem like a bizarre point to put on a list of “surprising” things for visitors in Japan. Most people understand that Japan has a high population and a small land mass. They are prepared for busy streets and trains (and to see if those station staff in white gloves who “push” passengers onto trains really exist – they do, by the way), but to actually experience trains during rush hour in a city like Tokyo or to navigate some of the busiest train stations in the world, moving literally millions of people every day, is a surprising experience for most people when they realise just how busy it can get. So order your morning coffee with a double shot of endurance and patience and be prepared to get so close to others you'll know what their coffee order was as well.
7. You should leave the cards at home
No, don't do that, but be prepared for not being able to use them most of the time. Most first-time visitors have this image of what Japan is like in their minds and they generally surmise that since Japan is at the cutting edge of many of the latest technologies that electronic payment is an everyday occurrence. Think again. While credit cards can be used at some places like big hotels and major department stores, Japan is still very much a cash society. Don't expect to be able to use your card in most places. As for paying with a debit card? Not an option, even when you have a Japanese bank account.
So withdrawing cash from ATMs is the easiest way, but don't expect that all ATMs or that even most ATMs will accept your foreign card. When we visited Japan for the first time, the only place that would accept our Australian bank card was the post office. But don't fear, I'm pleased to say that several years later, 7/11 ATMs are now a more readily available option. I've never known anyone who couldn't withdraw there since they got the same kind of international ATMs they have at the post office.
8. Just how kind Japanese people are
Probably one of the biggest worries foreigners have before visiting Japan is the language barrier. Not only is Japanese a completely foreign language for most, the complex writing system means that it is difficult to read anything and to be able to look up the meaning. However, despite communication not being easy at times, Japanese people are generally really kind and I think everyone who visits Japan goes home with a story of someone going above and beyond to help them, often when neither of them barely spoke a word of each others' languages. In fact, it is largely in thanks to the amazing hospitality that we have received in Japan that we have adopted an active philosophy of paying it forward. The kindness of a stranger can make all the difference sometimes.
Angela says
February 17, 2019 at 4:10 amI’m leaving for Japan in 114 days with my husband, and I have not mentioned it to him but I am terrified. I’ve always wanted to go since I was a young teenager and now years later I am finally realizing my dream. My biggest fear is of getting lost. The subway in Japan looks like a strange twisted maze when I checked online, and we are coming into Narita Airport and heading to Akihabra. Any advice for us getting there in relatively one piece? XD
Dan Richardson says
March 27, 2019 at 3:37 pmI went to Japan by myself last year for a couple weeks, don’t be terrified, I was only 20 and had never gone to another country and did just fine. One thing I would recommend is using the Japan Official Travel App for trains (this is also especially useful if you purchase a JR Rail Pass). Alternatively if you say “sumimasen [the place you want to go] ikitai” to any train worker they will almost always point you towards the correct train. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, Japanese people are usually very friendly, even children will actively help lost tourists there.
Wayne says
September 22, 2018 at 7:34 amMy trip to Japan was in November 2017. I left my phone on a tour bus my second day there. The tour guide found my phone and on his day off the next day he dropped it off at the tour guide office. I asked a woman at the help desk at my hotel to call the tour company. She located my phone the next day at one of the many offices. When I arrived at the tour company office they were charging my phone for me.
Mis says
March 30, 2018 at 3:54 pmHi Jessica, as a first timer travelling to Tokyo and Kyoto for a week with hubby and a teenager, what would you recommend….Package tour or plan myself? Your reply would be greatly appreciated.
Jessica Korteman says
April 24, 2018 at 8:37 amHi Mis,
I would say plan yourself. Japan may seem like a place where a package tour might be necessary given language and cultural barriers but it is really not as difficult to get around as many people imagine.
Many of our readers have written in a little worried about traveling to Japan for the first time (including with teenagers) and after their trips have written back saying that they had a great time. The transportation system is excellent and can get you to all major destinations easily. Sure, you may get lost sometimes, but it’s an extremely safe country with very friendly people, and I think trying to navigate a new place all becomes part of the adventure!
If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. :)
Lindsey says
March 24, 2018 at 5:58 pmI am in Japan only a few days and I have so many questions why no one wear sunglasses, beanie, no hand sanitizer, no trash can, no paper tower in the bathroom even they aware of the cleaness. Thanks for your article, it’s clear me up now! I ate soft serve ice cream while walking once at the train station and realized later Japanese stand in a corner and eat the ice cream. I was so ashamed! ?
Jessica Korteman says
April 24, 2018 at 8:28 amNever mind, Lindsey! At least you’ll know how to eat your soft cream next time! ;)
Fawaz says
March 10, 2018 at 12:44 pmI got back from Japan two weeks ago and was really curious about the sunglasses.
I noticed that nobody was wearing them while I was there, so much so that I decided to squint instead of wearing my brand new Tom Ford sunglasses I had packed for this trip.
I feel that people in Japan are so conscientious of others that the last thing I wanted to appear like was an ostentatious gajin. Lol
On my return I was like wondering if this was actually a thing or something I had just sort of imagined.
Thanks for confirming it!
Jessica Korteman says
April 24, 2018 at 8:25 amHaha You were definitely not imagining it, Fawaz! Glad to have been able to help explain it.
Peter says
November 21, 2017 at 11:04 amHaving just returned from Japan I find your observations are spot on, but I would add another one: Toilets, washrooms, bathrooms, WC or whichever you use. To have a heated seat with shower and bidet built in is fantastic and should be something all houses in Canada have. Also, as an older traveller, to have public toilets almost everywhere is great, and they were nearly all clean and un-vandalised. The only thing I did find strange is that many of them had no means of drying your hands, no hot air blower or paper towels. Fortunately it was warm out and my hands dried pretty quick.
Jessica Korteman says
November 21, 2017 at 11:53 amHi Peter, thanks for reading! Yep, you’re right, toilets would be another great one to add to the list! As you discovered, the no paper towels/hand dryers thing is fairly common. Japanese people tend to carry a small towel with them for these occasions.
Hope you enjoyed your trip to Japan! We have lots more posts as well as videos on Japan if you’re ever planning another trip or just want to be transported back. :)
Madhavi says
July 21, 2016 at 8:54 pmWell summed. Absolutely a wonderful place, and I can just be so impressed with them for cleanliness, silence, discipline, humility and care they take to not inconvenience others with their activities. .
Kathryn says
November 23, 2015 at 11:57 pmI’m Australian and I was raised to NOT eat while walking down the street. It’s gross watching someone shove food in their gob while walking. It might not be unusual to see it but it is rude. That’s not to mention people who hoe into Maccas and other stinky food on public transport!
On the sunglasses, the lighter your eye colour, the more light sensitive your eyes are so there is a logical reason.
Goalie Dave says
May 29, 2016 at 2:41 pmI’m a Canadian and we eat ice cream cones as we walk down the street and nobody gives a darn.
zzzisle says
October 23, 2015 at 11:44 amwhen i first visited japan, what surprised me was the number of vending machines. they are virtually everywhere, just like what you have mentioned. but i was really amazed to find canned soup in some of the vending machines.
Hector says
October 21, 2015 at 9:43 amThanks for the heads up, visiting next summer :)
Joella says
September 22, 2015 at 1:49 amThe part about not eating made me laugh. I’d heard of that before as I used to read a blog by a woman who was teaching English in Japan with Westgate. One lunch time she got told off by her boss?as a coworker had seen her eating an ice cream outside! Fortunately I knew about this before we visited Japan earlier this year. However, it didn’t occur to me that this could apply to coffee too. One day Justin and I had these really great flat whites in the back street of omotesando. We were standing in a lovely patch of sun outside and this man came over saying very firmly ” No! No!” And made us move! Haha!!
Jessica Korteman says
October 1, 2015 at 1:04 pmOh my! There are eyes everywhere! Haha I can only imagine your astonishment. Don’t you dare take another sip of that flat white on our streets! ;) Although, I’d say that most Japanese people probably wouldn’t be as forward as that man, especially considering that you are foreigners. Mostly it’s just disapproving looks. Haha
gracebuchele says
July 28, 2015 at 9:55 pmThis is so on point! I remember being really shocked by the lack of trash cans and sunglasses :)
Jessica Korteman says
August 7, 2015 at 10:58 amHaha I know, right? They are small things that suddenly become really noticeable when they’re not there!
Annie says
June 27, 2015 at 4:25 amI’ve been preparing for my upcoming trip to Japan (next month) for a year now, I’ve read a lot about all sorts of things about Japan, from Onsen etiquette to how Japanese people deal with dating foreigners, but I can’t believe they wouldn’t wear sunglasses NOT to attract attention to themselves!! And the NOT eating and walking… Especially in such a fast paced world of salarymen and salesmen running from one appointment to the next. Thank you so much for this article! However I don’t think I will stop the eating and walking: I’m going during the hot summer and I’ll be eating my ice-cream while walking about, for sure! :-)
Jessica - Notes of Nomads says
July 2, 2015 at 9:52 pmThank you, Annie! So glad to hear that you learned something new from this post. Yes, ice cream is a tricky one but, don’t worry, no one will stop you! ;)
If you happen to be in Tokyo on July 12th, we’ll be hosting a fun Instameet at one of our favourite summer festivals! You’re more than welcome to attend. Details will hopefully be up on the blog in a few hours. In any case, have a wonderful trip to Japan!
Annie says
July 4, 2015 at 4:38 pmThanks Jessica and thank you so much for the kind offer! Unfortunately, I’m only arriving in Japan on the 21st July… :-( But if you have any other fun gatherings planned between the 21st and the 30th July, please let me know! I went to look for the details of the instameet but couldn’t find them (probably didn’t look in the right place) However, I’ve seen your Summer Matsuri page and noticed that you don’t have an article about the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto nor the Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Maybe you’re planning to add to your matsuri journey this year? I’m planning to attend both so maybe I can see you both there? If not, have a great time in Japan too! :-)
Jessica - Notes of Nomads says
July 7, 2015 at 5:12 amHi Annie, shame you won’t be able to make it. Unfortunately, that will be our only event for July, but you can find all our events here in any case: https://notesofnomads.com/category/events-2/
We’d love to visit Kyoto and Osaka this summer but since we recently made a trip there, we’ll have to skip it this year. We will be constantly adding to the festival write-ups on our site though.
Have a wonderful trip to Japan! You’ll have a blast! :)
Dangras says
July 3, 2015 at 11:12 amJapanese people don’t usually do eating while walking (and I’m Japanese) but there are some places whrere it’s recommended like Asakusa and some local shopping streets. So eating ice cream is not strange in such place:) Have a good trip!
Annie says
July 4, 2015 at 4:43 pmThanks a lot Dagras! I’m now reassured as there are a lot of flavours only found in Japan that I’d like to try ;-)
Les Petits Pas de Juls says
May 5, 2015 at 6:29 pmLove this post! How interesting! I love the fact that there’s no trash cans in the streets! specially if it prevents people from throwing trash away and have them more responsible about it (even more so now that I’ve reduced my own trash to almost nothing lately).
Like Britt, the not-eating-on-the-go surprised me but I love the idea too! We should definitely enjoy our meals without hurring to our next appointment. I truly enjoy eating out, sitting somewhere, be it in a park or at a restaurant.
And the shades! oh yes! nowhere without them either (well, today I could, as it is raining in Paris…)
You just made me more anxious to visit Japan some day!
Jessica - Notes of Nomads says
May 14, 2015 at 11:32 amThanks Jul’! I find it really interesting that in Japan less trash cans = less rubbish on the streets. In Australia we are taught from a young age not to litter and there are ample bins around to dispose of waste appropriately, yet littering is still a huge problem.
Not eating on-the-go in Japan is actually not to do with enjoying meals more (although that’s a good point too!). It’s just that they deem it embarrassing. Instead they would rather run into a ramen shop and down a bowl of noodles in 5 minutes. It’s the eating while walking/not in a designated eating situation (like a picnic etc) that they find out of place.
Yes, the shades! Come visit us and we can be sunglass buddies! :)
lemisstache says
May 4, 2015 at 5:18 pmI agree on all points, especially on number 8. I’m missing Japan now, reading your post! I’ve been to Tokyo and Osaka just last year and would love to go back there in a heartbeat. :)
lemisstache says
May 4, 2015 at 5:21 pmOne more thing, it’s safe to drink from their faucet. Coming from a third world country like the Philippines, I find this truly amazing. :)
Jessica - Notes of Nomads says
May 5, 2015 at 10:19 amNumber 8 is one of the top reasons we love Japan so much. Yes, being able to drink tap water would definitely be surprising if that’s not something you can usually do back home. The first time we visited Japan we had just come from India, so we were in the habit of only consuming bottled or boiled water. When the owners of the hostel we were staying at in Kyoto saw us brushing our teeth with bottled water, they were like, “Don’t worry, you don’t need to do that here.” Haha
Britt Skrabanek says
May 4, 2015 at 11:46 amLove, love, love this piece! Now we know how to be prepared for our trip some day.
I love the not eating on the go. I always try to sit and savor my meal, except when it comes to my occasional chocolate croissant and latte pick up in the city. For some reason I love to walk slowly, enjoying the city and my treat on my way back to work.
The sunglasses thing killed me. We do love our shades, and I guarantee the majority of us do it because we want to look like we’re in a rap video. ;)
Jessica - Notes of Nomads says
May 5, 2015 at 10:11 amYes, it’s our common goal. ;)
Walking slowly with a latte in hand is one of my favourite things to do too. :)
Thanks for your kind words. We’re waiting for your visit to Japan!
Cheshire Cat says
May 4, 2015 at 1:04 amVery nice article, Jessica. I’ve been to Japan 5 times and had a great experience each time! My fav story is getting on to the bus mis-reading the Kanji :) and ending up 10 miles from my destination. The bus driver found out my mistake and declined to accept the fare. The people really are extremely nice in Japan.
Jessica - Notes of Nomads says
May 5, 2015 at 10:07 amWhat a lovely story! It would be awesome to fill up this comments section with people’s experiences of such hospitality in Japan. Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your story! :)