Got questions about Japan? I had tons too. After years of answering the same ones (and discovering new ones), here’s the ultimate FAQ β from practical stuff to the awkward questions nobody wants to ask out loud. No judgment, just answers.
Entry and Paperwork
Do I need a visa?
Depends on your nationality. Many countries have visa exemptions for short tourist stays (often up to 90 days). Check Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before booking.
What is Visit Japan Web?
An online service to complete immigration and customs procedures before arrival. Not mandatory (you can fill paper forms on the plane), but it saves time.
Do I need to carry my passport everywhere?
Yes. Police can ask for ID, and not having it can result in a fine. Keep it in a secure pouch.
Why did my hotel photocopy my passport?
It’s the law. Hotels must record nationality and passport numbers for foreign visitors.
Can I bring beef jerky/ham/meat products?
No. Japan strictly prohibits importing meat and animal products to prevent disease. Fines can reach 3 million yen. Finish your jerky before boarding.
What about fruits and vegetables?
Also regulated. Assume “not allowed” unless you’ve verified otherwise.
Is travel insurance required?
Not legally, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Japan can be astronomical without coverage.
Money and Shopping
Is Japan still “cash-only”?
Less and less. Cards work at major chains, but cash is still king at small shops, izakayas, and rural areas. Always carry some.
Which credit cards work best?
Visa and Mastercard have the widest acceptance. JCB too (it’s Japanese). Amex is hit-or-miss.
Where can I withdraw cash with a foreign card?
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Elevens) accept international cards 24/7. Limit: 100,000 yen per withdrawal.
Do ATMs really close early?
Some do, but convenience store ATMs (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are available around the clock.
How do I pay at the register?
Place money or cards on the small tray provided. Don’t hand it directly.
Should I tip?
No. Tipping doesn’t exist in Japan. Attempting to tip can create awkwardness β staff might even chase you to return it.
How does tax-free shopping work?
At approved stores, show your passport to buy without the 10% consumption tax. Note: from November 2026, the system switches to refunds (you pay tax, then claim it back).
What’s the departure tax?
1,000 yen per departure from Japan (included in your ticket). It may increase to 3,000 yen soon.
Transportation
The ultimate transport hack?
Get an IC card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA). Load it, tap it, go. Works for small purchases too.
What’s Welcome Suica?
An IC card for tourists, valid 28 days. No deposit to reclaim, perfect for short trips.
Can I add Suica to my iPhone?
Yes! Apple Wallet lets you add Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA. You can even transfer a physical card (it stops working after).
Is the JR Pass worth it in 2026?
Only if you travel a lot. At 70,000 yen for 7 days, a simple Tokyo-Kyoto round trip (~27,000 yen) doesn’t come close. Do the math first.
Are regional passes a better deal?
Often yes. JR East, JR West, and others offer targeted passes that fit specific itineraries better.
What are “oversized baggage” rules on the Shinkansen?
Luggage over 160 cm (L+W+H) requires reserving a seat with a baggage area. Don’t show up with a giant suitcase without a reservation.
Can I eat on the Shinkansen?
Yes! It’s tradition. Grab an ekiben (station bento) and enjoy the scenery.
What about local trains?
Not forbidden, but avoid eating during rush hour. A discreet onigiri is fine; a smelly curry less so.
Are women-only cars real?
Yes, during morning rush hours. Look for pink markings on platforms.
How do taxis work?
The rear door opens automatically. Don’t try to open it yourself.
What’s takkyubin?
Door-to-door luggage delivery service. Send your suitcase to your next hotel and travel light. Life-changing.
Do I need a SIM/eSIM?
Highly recommended. Maps, translators, and transit apps work much better with mobile data than hunting for free Wi-Fi.
Accommodation
Why are Japanese hotels so strict about check-in rules?
Often it’s about legal compliance (passport registration) and operations, not distrust.
What’s a ryokan?
A traditional inn with tatami floors, futons, onsen, and often included meals. More expensive and etiquette-heavy than regular hotels, but a unique experience.
Do I take off my shoes at a ryokan?
Yes, at the entrance. Non-negotiable.
Are love hotels “sketchy”?
Not necessarily. They’re short-stay hotels, often kitschy and themed, focused on privacy. Tourists can stay, and they’re sometimes cheaper than business hotels.
Are capsule hotels really that small?
Yes. It’s a pod with a mattress, TV, and curtain. Perfect for a budget night, less so for claustrophobes.
Capsule hotel etiquette in one sentence?
Stay silent. Phone calls and conversations happen in common areas only.
Is there a hotel tax in Kyoto?
Yes, and it’s increasing in March 2026. Up to 10,000 yen per person per night for high-end stays.
Etiquette and Society
Do I need to bow constantly?
No. A slight head nod is fine for thank-yous and greetings. Nobody expects a perfect bow.
No phone calls on trains β myth or reality?
Reality. Keep phones on silent, no calls. Near priority seats, some lines ask you to turn phones off when crowded.
Why are trains so quiet?
It’s the “don’t bother others” norm. It’s respect, not hostility.
Eating while walking β forbidden or not?
Not forbidden, but frowned upon in crowded areas. Eat near where you bought it, or find a bench.
Why are there no trash cans?
Long story. Solution: carry your trash and dispose of it when you find a bin (often near konbini).
Do I need to sort trash?
Yes. Cans, glass, plastic, burnables β follow the labels on the bins.
Can I take photos anywhere?
No. Many places ban photography. Respect signs and don’t take close-ups of people without permission.
Can I photograph geishas/maikos in Kyoto?
No. Don’t stop them, don’t follow them, don’t photograph them without permission. It’s harassment.
Is there a ritual to follow at temples/shrines?
Guides explain the basics (purification, offering, prayer), but nobody expects perfection. Be respectful and observe what locals do.
Escalators: left side or right side?
Tokyo = stand left. Osaka = stand right. But some cities now encourage standing still on both sides for safety.
Is queueing really sacred?
Yes. Cutting lines is one of the fastest ways to get negative attention.
Is street smoking allowed?
Often no. Many cities have designated smoking areas and fines for violations.
Food and Dining
Is slurping noodles rude?
No! Slurping ramen or soba is normal, even expected.
The cardinal chopstick sin?
Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice. It resembles funeral offerings.
How do I ask for the check without speaking Japanese?
Make an X with your index fingers. The server will understand.
Is tap water safe to drink?
Yes, excellent even. Restaurants serve free tap water automatically.
Is being vegetarian in Japan doable?
Doable but tricky. “Vegetarian” can be interpreted differently, and dashi (broth) often contains fish. Be very specific.
Are allergens labeled?
On packaged foods, 7 major allergens are mandatory (egg, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanut, shrimp, crab). At restaurants, it’s less systematic β prepare an allergy card.
Can I go to an izakaya without speaking Japanese?
Yes! Picture menus, pointing, and translation apps are your friends.
Is it rude to customize orders?
Simple requests are fine, but complex substitutions can be difficult. Stay flexible.
Safety and Health
Emergency numbers?
110 = Police. 119 = Fire/Ambulance.
Is there a tourist help line?
Yes: Japan Visitor Hotline, 24/7, multilingual: +81-50-3816-2787.
How do I prepare for earthquakes/typhoons?
Install the “Safety Tips” app (supervised by the Tourism Agency) which sends alerts in multiple languages.
Can I bring my prescription medications?
Careful! Some common medications are illegal in Japan even with a prescription. Verify on Japan’s Ministry of Health website.
What about ADHD medications (Adderall, etc.)?
Prohibited. Research thoroughly before traveling with stimulants.
What’s the legal drinking age?
20. Same for smoking.
Can I drink in public?
Generally yes, but keep it low-key and watch for area-specific bans (especially during events).
Are bar scams real?
Yes, especially in Kabukicho and Roppongi. Beware of touts, don’t leave drinks unattended, and avoid bars where strangers “invite” you from the street.
I lost something β what do I do?
Check the station where you lost it, then the lost-and-found center. You can also file a report online with the police.
Awkward (But Important) Questions
Do I really have to be naked in onsen?
Yes. Full nudity, no swimsuits. It’s standard in traditional baths.
Can I bring my phone into the onsen?
No. No photos in changing rooms or bathing areas.
I have tattoos β am I banned from onsen?
Often yes. Most places prohibit tattoos. Solutions: private baths, tattoo-friendly establishments (some towns like Kinosaki advertise this), or cover-up patches for small tattoos.
Are Japanese toilets really that complicated?
They have lots of buttons, yes. Look for the “STOP” button if things get out of hand. And careful β some panels have emergency call buttons near the flush. Read before pressing.
Do love hotels show up on credit card statements?
It depends. If discretion matters, pay cash.
Is Japan welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers?
The vibe is generally non-confrontational, but legal protections are limited. Same-sex marriage isn’t nationally recognized. Discretion may be wise depending on the situation.
Why is everyone so quiet on trains?
They’re not mad β it’s the “don’t disturb others” norm. Relax, put your headphones in, and enjoy the peace.
I’m scared of making a mistake and being judged…
Take a breath. Experienced travelers will tell you: most mistakes are forgivable if you’re polite and well-meaning. Japan is less “strict” than it seems from the outside. You’re going to be fine.
Things That Actually Surprise Foreigners
Why do Japanese people ask about my blood type?
In Japan, blood type is thought to indicate personality β kind of like astrology in the West. Type A is meticulous, B is creative, O is a leader, AB is unpredictable. Don’t be surprised if it comes up in casual conversation.
What’s with all the vending machines everywhere?
There are over 5 million of them. Hot drinks, cold drinks, soup, noodles, umbrellas, ties… you name it. Some even sell full meals. It’s the “exactly what you need, when you need it” culture.
Do trains REALLY run exactly on time?
Yes. The Shinkansen’s average delay is measured in seconds per year. If a train is more than 5 minutes late, passengers sometimes receive a delay certificate to show their employer.
Why do taxi doors open by themselves?
The driver operates a lever from the front. It’s a gesture of service and politeness. Never pull the handle yourself β you might break the mechanism.
Why is KFC a Christmas tradition?
A brilliant 1970s marketing campaign: “Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii” (Christmas means Kentucky). It stuck so well that families order weeks in advance. Fried chicken became Japan’s Christmas dinner.
How is convenience store food so good?
One of Japan’s great mysteries. 7-Eleven bread, Lawson onigiri, FamilyMart desserts β everything is surprisingly fresh and delicious. Japanese konbini are nothing like convenience stores elsewhere.
Why do people hand out free tissue packs on the street?
It’s advertising. The tissue packs contain flyers for services β often massage parlors, English schools, or bars. Useful for blowing your nose, and you might discover a nice izakaya.
What are those buttons to call the waiter?
Many restaurants have a button or tablet at each table to summon staff. Press it when you’re ready β no desperate hand-waving or hoping someone notices you.
Why do toilets have so many buttons?
Front bidet, rear bidet, pressure, temperature, waterfall sounds to cover embarrassing noises… Japanese toilets are an experience. Some even analyze your health. The future is now.
Why do 5 and 50 yen coins have holes?
Historically, to distinguish them from other coins and save metal. Today, it makes them easy to identify by touch β handy when paying without looking.
Why is fruit so expensive and perfect?
Japanese fruit is often grown as luxury goods β square melons, $100 grape bunches, giant strawberries. It’s horticultural art, meant for gifting. For everyday fruit, supermarkets have affordable options.
What are “fukubukuro” (lucky bags)?
Mystery bags sold by stores at New Year. You pay a fixed price and receive items worth more β but you don’t know what’s inside. The surprise is part of the fun.
Why are 100 yen stores so good?
Daiso, Seria, Can Do… These stores offer surprising quality for the price. Kitchen tools, stationery, organization β some items are worth much more. Budget traveler paradise.
Are all those KitKat flavors real?
Yes! Matcha, sake, wasabi, sweet potato, cheesecake, melon, strawberry… Over 300 regional and seasonal flavors exist. Collecting KitKats is part of the journey.
Why is gift wrapping so elaborate?
The art of wrapping (tsutsumi) is taken seriously. Even a simple purchase will be wrapped with care. It’s a form of respect for the recipient. Staff almost apologize if wrapping isn’t perfect.
How do lost items get returned so reliably?
Japan’s lost-and-found return rate is legendary. Wallets, phones, umbrellas β everything ends up in ultra-organized lost-and-found centers. The culture of honesty plays a big part.
Are capsule hotels worth trying?
For the experience, at least one night! It’s minimalist but clean, quiet (hopefully), and cheaper than regular hotels. Perfect if you’re out late and just need a bed.
Is it really safe to walk alone at night?
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Streets are calm, well-lit, and assaults are rare. Stay aware like anywhere, but relax β most people get home without incident.
Why are Tokyo streets so narrow and unnamed?
Japanese addresses are based on districts and blocks, not streets. It’s confusing at first, but Google Maps is your friend. Even Japanese people get lost sometimes.
What exactly is a “love hotel”?
Hotels designed for privacy β themed rooms, jacuzzis, private karaoke. Mainly used by Japanese couples (apartments are small!), but tourists can stay too. Entrances are often discreet with a photo panel to choose your room.
Why are there foot baths at hot springs?
“Ashiyu” are free public foot baths near onsen towns. Perfect for resting after a walk, without undressing. Soak your feet, watch people pass by, relax.
Do people really squat over toilets?
Squat toilets still exist in some places (old stations, parks). If you find one, look for a stall with a Western-style seat β there’s almost always at least one.
Why don’t many Japanese people wear sunglasses?
It’s cultural β wearing dark glasses can seem distant or “mafia-like.” Many use umbrellas or visors instead. Times are changing, but you’ll still notice it.