Things Travelers Often Struggle With After Arriving in Japan

These are points where travelers often think, “I didn’t expect this!” and end up feeling confused.
Your vacation should be enjoyable, so it would be a waste to spend time feeling anxious or stressed!
Let’s smoothly get through the situations that many travelers struggle with.

■The “No Trash Can” Problem■
After enjoying street food, you may have nowhere to throw away skewers or paper plates and end up carrying them around for hours.

■So Many Stairs■
Especially in older subway stations. Moving around with a large suitcase can feel like a workout.

■Complicated Train Stations■
Stations like Shinjuku and Umeda are often called “dungeons.” If you exit from the wrong gate, you may have to walk an extra 15 minutes to reach your destination.

■Scarcity of Vegetarian and Vegan Options■
Because dashi (fish-based soup stock) is used in many dishes, eating out can be difficult for people with strict dietary restrictions.

■ATMs Closing at Night■
Some bank ATMs are not open 24 hours (convenience store ATMs are usually safer to rely on).

■Unreliable Wi-Fi Spots■
Even if a place says “Free Wi-Fi,” you may need to register, or the connection might not work well.

■No Smoking While Walking■
In some areas, smoking outside designated smoking areas can result in a fine.

■Early Last Orders at Restaurants■
After around 10 p.m., many restaurants begin to close unless they are chain restaurants or izakaya.

■Rush Hour Trains■
The morning rush between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. can be so crowded that you may feel your feet lift off the ground.

■Taking Shoes On and Off Frequently■
You may need to remove your shoes several times a day, so shoes with laces can become inconvenient.

■Limited English Communication■
Even in tourist areas, translation apps are often necessary for detailed explanations or when problems occur.

■Confusing Address System■
Many streets in Japan do not have names, so getting around without Google Maps can be very difficult.

■Very Strong Heating in Winter■
Trains and department stores can be heated so strongly that you might sweat inside while it’s freezing outside.

■Loose Change Clutters Up My Wallet■
Small coins quickly pile up and make your wallet heavy (charging money onto an IC card helps!).

■Taxi Doors■
Taxi doors open and close automatically. If you try to open them yourself, the driver may be surprised.

■Confusion About Toilet Paper■
In Japan, toilet paper can be flushed. Some visitors get confused because in their home country it must be thrown in a trash bin.

■Fruit Prices■
Apples and strawberries can sometimes be so expensive that they look like jewels.

■The Purpose of Oshibori■
You might feel like wiping your face with it, but it is basically meant for cleaning your hands.

■Silence on Trains■
If you are happily chatting with friends, you may feel silent pressure from people around you.

■Over Packaging of Souvenirs■
A single snack may be individually wrapped, placed in a box, and then put into a bag… which creates a lot of trash.