Since starting The Royal Tour, I’ve had the opportunity to visit more than 30 countries. Most of those, specifically in Europe, are very western in culture. Yes, there are some differences from life here in the U.S., but largely, Americans can navigate without too many issues. Japan, while a modern country with easily used infrastructure, has some pretty stark differences from the States, and those are apparent from the moment of arrival.

I’ve now visited Japan twice, staying in four different cities over those trips, and can point to some cultural differences that you are almost certain to encounter. I’ve listed those here, endeavoring to separate them into basic categories for easier comprehension. These are not the only differences between the U.S. and Japan, naturally, but some that will affect you in terms of your travel experience.

Transportation

Japan, overall, has the best public transportation system of any country I’ve ever visited. However, there are some things to note. Specifically:

1. Metro and bus tickets require cash

Ok. This isn’t 100% true, as tourists can purchase a pre-paid transport card at the airport. But assuming you don’t, ticket machines for the various metro and local train systems require cash. Likewise, bus fares are paid in cash onboard, and many of those don’t give change. (Ticket machines for the Narita Airport Express and Shinkansen – bullet train – do take credit cards.)

2. Train station access can be weird

Some of the best dining in Japan is at the major train stations. Conveyor belt sushi in Kyoto Station, Ramen Street in Tokyo Station… these are just a couple examples. However, those huge stations can be hard to navigate, as passing from one side to the other can often only be done via a single difficult to find walkway. Otherwise, getting through means passing a ticket barrier. On my most recent trip, it took me about 20 minutes to find a way through Tokyo Station to access the aforementioned Ramen Street. And my plan to sip whiskey at a station whiskey bar was thwarted when it was beyond the ticket section.

3. It is not a cultural norm to give up seats

In the U.S. or Europe, elderly riders of transport can expect for others to give up their seats for them. Ditto for those with mobility issues. Here in Japan, while some individuals will do so, giving up one’s seat is not an expectation. I’ve seen young businessmen literally bowl past older riders with canes to take seats.

4. Accessibility for those with mobility issues is limited

For individuals with mobility issues, it isn’t just a matter of not having a seat on a bus or train. Most metro stations will have an elevator or escalator, but perhaps only one. And with some stations being huge (with entrances over multiple blocks), that single accessibility point might not be apparent or convenient. The ADA is not a thing here, and as hard as it is to believe, the accessibility issues have actually gotten better here since my first trip. But locals with mobility concerns apparently just don’t take public transit often, or do so knowing exactly how to navigate, and society is less concerned. (It can be even harder to get around with luggage, so be aware of that.)

Likewise, benches – both in stations and in the country as a whole – are limited. Take opportunities to sit when you can, since it might be a while before there is another.

5. Uber exists, but not the way you’re used to

Uber exists in Japan, but it isn’t widespread, since the transportation system is so good. So “normal” Ubers aren’t a thing here. Rather, you will be limited to Uber Black – luxury vehicles – or Uber Taxi, which is a taxi but with an Uber surcharge. And while those will drop you off where you are going, they are limited to picking up from designated spots. You are probably better off using actual taxis if you aren’t able to navigate the transport system.

Walking

I’m listing this as a separate category. There are a couple things to keep in mind when walking around.

6. Walking protocols are different here

Japan is a country that drives on the left. So they also walk on the left. Escalators are meant for people to be able to pass you on the right, so if you are just standing, move to the left.

Speaking of standing, don’t stand blocking a passageway or sidewalk, or you may be pushed (physically, though not with intent to harm) to the side. The culture here is not to block others.

Finally, Japanese wait for the lights to cross the street, and don’t jaywalk. I am not sure if it will be ticketed if you’re caught, but just don’t.

7. You might have to carry trash with you

Japan is clean. It is incredibly clean. That is even more shocking when you realize there are very few public trash cans, especially along the streets. You are expected to carry your trash with you until you find a place to dispose of it. So if you get a coffee to go, just know you might be carrying the cup for a couple hours until you find a trash can. (Try a public restroom if you need a trash can immediately.)

Surfaces

I guess if you aren’t walking, you’re sitting or lying down. That might be a bit different here.

8. Check your hotel or Airbnb’s sleeping arrangements

If you book a hotel in the U.S., you’ll have a bed to sleep in. Here in Japan, it might be a traditional tatami mat instead. I especially found this to be the case when I looked at Airbnb options.

9. Floor dining is a thing

Likewise, some more traditional restaurants have floor seating, on mats or cushions. I tried to look at photos on Google listings ahead of time, but traveling with my older parents, we had to choose a different restaurant a couple times when we found it to only have floor seating.

10. Japanese toilets are confusing and awesome

Yes, this is a surface you’ll be sitting on. Japanese toilets are not the toilets you know. They appear space-age, full of wonderful buttons. These might give you a front or back stream of water, heat the seat, enable music for privacy, or actually flush the toilet. At many hotels, buttons will be in English, but not always. There are websites you can use to look up which characters mean what. But you’ll enjoy having a warm bottom from the heated seat!

Dining

The food is one of the best parts of visiting Japan, but there are some things you should know when it comes to dining out.

11. Google Maps isn’t totally complete

Google Maps tends to be my go-to to pre-select dining options. But in Japan, it is far from complete. Many restaurants don’t come up at all, and the hours of a number of others are wrong. So have a backup plan, or just use Google to find a cluster of reasonable options.

12. English can be a no-go

While illegal in most of the world, in Japan you can be refused service at a restaurant for not speaking Japanese. Restaurant reservation pages might only be in Japanese, and your reservation request might be denied if it is apparent you are a tourist. And there are horror stories of Americans somehow making a reservation – and prepaying – for a top restaurant and being refused service or a refund upon showing up. Just know that here in Japan, it is not illegal for them to do this. There is nothing you can do. I check reviews ahead of time and look for issues.

And even in cases where you’re able to eat, menus (or machines to order) might only be in Japanese. A combination of pictures, Google Translate, and gesturing has helped me navigate those occasions, and I find it fun, but it might be rough on others, especially those with dietary restrictions.

13. Some restaurants only do one thing

In the States, those with dietary restrictions can typically find things to eat anywhere. Menus are diverse. In Japan, many restaurants just do a single thing. For instance, a ramen shop specializing in miso ramen might only serve miso ramen. You might be able to customize it in terms of toppings, but if you don’t like – or can’t eat – miso, you might be out of luck. For more variety, find an izakaya, a sort of Japanese pub. (Just know that most of the best food is at those single item small joints.)

14. You might have to pay in cash

In a post-Covid world, it is shocking to me how many restaurants in Japan are still cash only. This is mostly true of those small places, especially those with machine order (ramen joints are almost all this system). As with transportation, you’ll often need cash to dine out, so be fore-armed with plenty. (Unless you pre-pay at a machine, payment – with cash or card – is almost always done at a front register, either with your table number or after asking for the bill and taking it up with you.)

Japan is an amazing place. It is one of my favorite places I’ve been. But there are some things that are culturally different, as the list above shows. Just be aware of these before you arrive, and you’ll find it much easier to navigate.

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