Everyone and their mother (and probably their dog) are heading to Japan right now, and so are you! Buckle up, because we’ve put together the ultimate list of things we learned on our first visit in 2025—things we wish we had known before going and things we absolutely nailed!
1. You Might See Cherry Blossoms Earlier Than Expected
When we booked our trip from mid-February to early March, we were convinced we’d miss cherry blossom season. Every guide we read said they typically bloom from mid to late March. We were bummed—who wouldn’t want to experience Japan with cherry blossoms in full bloom?
Surprise! We saw our first cherry blossoms in Tokyo, then even more in Nara—during a snowstorm, no less (which was absolutely magical). Osaka also had some early bloomers. Even now, sitting at home in mid-March and checking Japan news, we see that Tokyo is experiencing a fantastic cherry blossom bloom. So if you’re visiting Japan in late winter or early March, keep an eye out—you might get lucky!
2. The Weather Can Be Unpredictable
Japan’s weather can shift unexpectedly, so be prepared! Before our trip, we checked the forecast and saw moderate temperatures, which we thought meant a light jacket and some layers would suffice. Wrong. What we found in our time in Tokyo and Kyoto was that the wind is what makes it cold. It’s a wet cold that cuts right through you and can leave you feeling chilly even in moderate temperatures. If you’re visiting in the winter months, pack accordingly—bring toques, gloves, and warm socks to stay comfortable.
We ended up buying HeatTech from Uniqlo for about $30 CAD, which was a lifesaver. For most of our trip, temperatures ranged between 4-8°C (39-46°F), but later, they jumped to 18°C (64°F)! Pack wisely—layers are your best friend.
3. Cash is Still King (But Not as Much as You Think)
Japan is modern in many ways, and while cash is still widely used, you don’t need to worry too much about using foreign cards. We traveled for two weeks and only withdrew 35,000 yen (about $240 USD / $189 CAD) for two people, which ended up being the perfect amount—we left with just a few hundred yen remaining!
The only places where we had to use cash were ramen shops scattered throughout each city—more on our favorite ramen spots here (……). Trust me, we had some of the best ramen in multiple cities during our stay!
We had no issues using our American Express, Mastercard, and Visa in most places. 7-Eleven ATMs are reliable for cash withdrawals, and convenience stores, department stores, and most restaurants accept credit cards. So don’t stress too much about carrying loads of cash—it’s good to have some, but your cards will be accepted in more places than you might expect.
A good food budget for two people for two weeks is about $1,000 CAD. This worked well for us, and as a Canadian, you will be surprised at how far your money can go in Japan. For example, a typical Starbucks run for a couple in Canada might cost about $40 CAD for breakfast. In Japan, we got two drinks, three sandwiches, yogurt, and a muffin for only $29 CAD—INSANE! Dining out daily in Japan is much more affordable than in North America, so budgeting accordingly can help you enjoy all the amazing food without breaking the bank.
4. Trains Are the Best Way to Get Around (Skip the JR Pass!)
Japan’s train system is incredible—efficient, clean, and always on time. However, we do not recommend getting a JR Pass unless you plan on taking multiple long-distance Shinkansen rides. The hefty $500 per person/week price tag is steep if you’re not constantly moving between cities.
Instead, we used a 3-day Tokyo Metro Pass and a Suica card for local travel. For Shinkansen tickets, we booked them on Klook (affiliate link here), which was super easy and convenient. This saved us a lot of money compared to the JR Pass.
As for rush hour—don’t necessarily avoid it. Yes, the trains are packed, but it’s all part of the experience! If you’re in a rush, you may have to wait longer for a spot, but it’s not as overwhelming as some might think.
5. Food Culture: Know the Do’s and Don’ts
Japan’s food is legendary, but there are some etiquette rules to keep in mind:
- No eating while walking – It’s considered rude, especially in crowded areas. However, outside convenience stores, there are small slanted ledges where you can stand and eat. Many convenience stores also have seating areas inside.
- No tipping – Service is already included in the price, and tipping can even be seen as offensive. There’s no tip option when paying with a card, so it’s easy to remember.
- Slurping is encouraged – If you’re eating ramen, don’t hold back! Slurping is a sign of enjoyment. Our first ramen shop in Shibuya was incredible, and the locals sitting next to us were enthusiastically slurping their noodles. We quickly learned that it’s not just accepted—it’s encouraged!
- Learn basic phrases – A simple “Itadakimasu” (said before eating) and “Gochisousama deshita” (after eating) go a long way in showing appreciation. The Japanese people really appreciate small gestures like these! However, if some words are harder to pronounce, we found that just saying ‘Arigato’ was sufficient throughout our time in Japan.
6. Convenience Stores Are a Game-Changer
Japanese konbini (convenience stores) like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are next-level amazing. You’ve probably seen them all over TikTok for their Fami Chiki at Family Mart or the egg sandwiches at 7-Eleven, but they truly live up to the hype.
We ended up at convenience stores every single day, trying different snacks. Some of our favorites were:
- Fried chicken (Fami Chiki)
- Pancakes from 7-Eleven (perfect for making a DIY breakfast sandwich)
- Smoothies, which were surprisingly delicious
7. Public Trash Cans Are Rare
Japan is incredibly clean, but public trash cans and recycling bins are almost non-existent. It might not seem like a big deal now, but trust me—you’ll notice it when you’re carrying around empty water bottles for hours. We learned this the hard way, especially after picking up snacks and drinks from convenience stores only to realize we had nowhere to dispose of the wrappers and bottles.
At first, we thought we just weren’t looking hard enough, but nope—public trash cans are genuinely rare. The reason? Japan has a strong culture of taking your trash home. If you do need to throw something away, the best place to do so is at convenience stores or inside train stations, where bins are sometimes available near vending machines.
Pro tip: Eat your convenience store food at the store and throw away the trash before continuing your day. This will save you from lugging around garbage while walking 20,000+ steps a day!
8. Respect for Quietness
In Japan, quietness is valued—especially in public spaces like trains, restaurants, and temples. You’ll quickly notice that trains are eerily silent—no one is chatting loudly, and signs even ask passengers to refrain from talking on the phone.
We immediately noticed this when we got on our first train in Tokyo. We were whispering to each other but still felt like we were too loud because literally everyone around us was sitting in complete silence. Even during rush hour, when trains are packed, the only sounds you hear are the occasional station announcements and the soft hum of the train itself.
It’s not just on public transport—the same level of quiet respect applies at temples and shrines. When we visited Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, the atmosphere was incredibly serene, and people were either walking in silence or speaking in hushed tones. It really enhances the experience, making it feel more spiritual and immersive.
Even on the streets, Japan has an overall calmness that’s very different from the loud, bustling cities we’re used to. It’s something we really came to appreciate—just another small way Japan’s culture of respect shines through.
While whispering to your travel companions is okay, be mindful of your volume and avoid long conversations. It’s all part of the cultural respect for others.
9. WiFi and SIM Cards
Free public WiFi isn’t as common as you’d think. We highly recommend using Airalo for an eSIM (affiliate link here). It was super easy to install, worked flawlessly across Japan, and provided great coverage for the entire two weeks. Another great option for an eSIM is from Klook, which also offers reliable coverage and an easy setup process.
If you prefer, pocket WiFi is another solid option, especially if you’re traveling with a group and want to share a single connection.
10. Bowing, Not Handshakes
Bowing is the standard greeting and sign of respect in Japan. While handshakes aren’t unheard of, bowing is far more common, especially in formal settings. There are different bowing angles for different situations, but as a tourist, a simple nod or slight bow is appreciated and shows politeness.
You’ll notice that customer service interactions also include bows—whether it’s at a hotel, restaurant, or even a convenience store. It’s a small cultural difference but adds to the overall experience of traveling in Japan. Fun fact:Even the deer in Nara bow! Known as the “bowing deer,” they have learned to bow to visitors, often in exchange for treats. It’s yet another charming example of Japan’s culture of respect.
11. Walking Will Be Your Main Activity
Be prepared to walk—a lot! Walking 20,000+ steps a day is not uncommon when exploring Japan’s cities, temples, and bustling streets. The best way to experience Japan is on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must.
I wore Lululemon Cityverse shoes, and I could not be happier. They held up amazingly well and were so comfortable that most days, I didn’t even feel like I had walked that much. Investing in a quality pair of walking shoes with good support will make a huge difference in your experience.
12. Collecting Train Station Stamps
If you love collecting unique souvenirs, you’ll love Japan’s eki stamps—special stamps available at train stations across the country. These beautifully designed stamps feature landmarks or symbols from the area, making them a fun way to document your travels.
Sometimes, the stamps can be hard to find, but station attendants are always happy to help if you ask! Many tourist spots and major train stations have dedicated stamp stations, so be on the lookout and bring a small notebook to collect them as a free and memorable keepsake.
13. High-Tech Toilets Everywhere
Japan is known for its next-level toilets, and once you experience them, you’ll never want to go back! Almost every restroom we visited had a toilet with a heated seat, a bidet function, and, in many cases, a music generator or white noise feature for privacy.
At first, we laughed at how fancy the toilets were, but by the end of the trip, we were completely spoiled by them. Nothing feels better than sitting down on a warm toilet seat in the middle of winter, and the bidet function—once you get used to it—is an absolute game-changer.
We also noticed that public restrooms, even in train stations and parks, were incredibly clean compared to what we’re used to back home. In department stores and some hotels, the toilets even had multiple bidet settings, deodorizers, and sound masking options to ensure total comfort and privacy.
By the time we were heading back home, we were already Googling how to get a Japanese-style bidet for our own bathrooms. Trust us—you’ll miss them the moment you leave Japan!
Whether you’re in a hotel, shopping mall, train station, or even a roadside rest stop, you’ll find these high-tech toilets everywhere. They truly add a level of comfort and convenience to daily life in Japan!
14. The Language Barrier
Yes, there is definitely a language barrier in Japan. I speak only English, and I was challenged with this right away on our first day while checking into the hotel. However, Japanese people are incredibly kind and always try their best to communicate with you if there is a barrier.
Google Translate will become your best friend. You’ll quickly realize that whenever there’s a challenge, either you or the person you’re speaking with will pull out Google Translate, and all will be well. Most menus, signs, and transportation information have English translations, so getting around isn’t difficult, but for more complex conversations, a translation app is a lifesaver.
15. Luggage Storage Options
If you plan to move around a lot in Japan, luggage storage is a must-know tip. We switched locations about every three nights, traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, then Osaka, the Kumano Kodo trail, back to Osaka, and finally Narita. Here’s how we managed our luggage along the way:
- Hotel Storage: Almost all hotels offer free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out. This was incredibly helpful when we arrived in a city early but couldn’t check in until 4 PM.
- Bounce Storage Lockers: When we hiked the Kumano Kodo trail, we used Bounce storage lockers. They cost about 800 yen per day, are safe, easy to use through the Bounce app, and can store your bags for however long you need.
- Train Station Lockers: Japan’s train stations have luggage lockers, which are very convenient for short-term storage. However, they typically have a limit of 3 days, so plan accordingly!
Japan is an incredible country with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. We learned so much on our first trip, and we hope these tips help you prepare for yours! Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, indulging in ramen, or riding the Shinkansen, Japan is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Have you visited Japan? What surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
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