A Complete Shopping Guide for First-Time Visitors Japanese convenience stores receive a lot of attention from international visitors—and for good reason. However, if you want lower prices, a wider selection of fresh food, and a closer look at how people in Japan actually shop every day, visit a Japanese supermarket. Japanese supermarkets offer much more … Read more
Japanese Vending Machines: How to Use Them, Pay and Choose Drinks Japanese vending machines are easy to use even if you cannot read Japanese. Most machines sell drinks and accept cash, while many also accept transportation IC cards such as Suica, PASMO and ICOCA. To buy a drink, check the price and temperature label, insert … Read more
The Unwritten Rules of Waiting in Line in Japan One of the first things many visitors notice in Japan is how neatly people wait in line. Passengers form orderly rows on train platforms. Customers wait quietly outside popular restaurants. Even when a new store opens or a limited-edition product goes on sale, people often remain … Read more
Everything First-Time Visitors Need to Know Japan is famous for its clean, high-tech toilets. But for first-time visitors, using one can sometimes be confusing. You may see: The good news is that public toilets in Japan are usually clean, safe, and easy to use once you understand the basics. This guide explains: Quick Answer Public … Read more
The Meaning Behind Japan’s No-Shoes Culture One of the first cultural differences many visitors notice in Japan is that people remove their shoes before entering certain places. You may be asked to take off your shoes when visiting: For many travelers, this can feel unfamiliar or even confusing. Why do Japanese people remove their shoes? … Read more
How Japanese Convenience Stores Really Work Everything First-Time Visitors Should Know If you’ve never visited Japan before, you may think a convenience store is simply a place to buy drinks and snacks. In Japan, convenience stores—known locally as “konbini” (コンビニ)—are much more than that. They are an essential part of everyday life. Whether you need … Read more
A Complete Guide to Cash, Cards, IC Cards and Mobile Payments Japan is often described as a cash-based country. That description is no longer entirely accurate. Credit cards, contactless payments, transportation IC cards and QR-code payments are now widely used, especially in major cities. Japan’s cashless payment ratio reached 58.0% in 2025, with credit cards … Read more
How to Use Self-Checkout Machines in Japan A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Visitors Self-checkout machines are becoming increasingly common in Japan. You may find them at: At first, a Japanese self-checkout machine can look intimidating. The screen may be in Japanese, the machine may ask several questions, and you may not know where to place … Read more
Where Are the Trash Bins in Japan? Why They’re So Hard to Find (And What You Should Do Instead) If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, there’s a good chance you’ll experience this situation. You finish a drink, look around, and suddenly realize… There isn’t a trash bin anywhere. Many visitors are surprised that … Read more