What to know about traveling to Japan? 7 tips from frequent travelers

Japan has long fascinated travelers.

But many of its most famous qualities – from cuisine to the country’s national civil culture – can initially confuse even outsiders.

To help travelers bridge the cultural gap, CNBC Travel asked repeat visitors for their best advice when visiting Japan.

“Japanese culture is about respecting the environment and the people around you. Don’t talk on the phone on public transport and in confined areas when other people are present.

Also, savoring your food is an important show of respect, so don’t eat while walking. Instead, sit back and enjoy every bite.

And be prepared to hold rubbish around the city as you travel and visit the city – the chances of finding a rubbish bin are slim to none! Locals generally carry a small bag with them to carry the day’s trash until they return home. Japan is very clean and you will find the public toilets spotless compared to other countries. Basically, try not to leave a trace.”

— Tyler Monahan, assistant golf caddy manager based in New Jersey, married to a Japanese national. He made three trips to Japan for a total of 155 days.

“The trains are extremely punctual, so two minutes is a big deal: if it doesn’t arrive on time, it’s a different train! If you miss a train in a big city like Osaka or Tokyo, another will arrive in a few minutes, so you don’t worry. In the countryside though, it could take hours, or tomorrow!

Also, you are familiar with the concept of “last train”. The whole The train scene, both public and private, closes roughly between midnight and 5am, which can seem a little early in big cities, so be careful. In rural areas, it can be much earlier. Be prepared to take a taxi or, if you like, explore this nocturnal world – perhaps in a jazz club that stays open until the first train leaves – which in big cities represents an entire economy in its own right.

— Henry Rose, Seattle-based architect, who has made more than 10 trips to Japan.

“Exchanging ‘meishi’ It is a glorious and serious tradition in Japan. The cards are presented with both hands and with a deep bow. It’s also one of the most unexpected and fun icebreakers you can use to meet new people.

Get cards printed entirely in Japanese – you can use Google Translate for translation. Kinkos staff, located in all major cities in Japan, will guide you through the entire process. After that, the locals will be shocked and absolutely happy to have meishi for them. On my last trip to Japan, I had 100 postcards printed in Kyoto. I distributed them throughout the rest of the trip, always with a smile.”

—Oliver Horovitz, New York-based travel writer who has visited Japan three times.

“Bare feet in Japan is a big no. Travelers should expect to take off their shoes often in Japan and should always have socks on when doing so. Taking off shoes might also happen in unexpected places, like a restaurant.

Additionally, it is common to have slippers at the entrance to public restrooms, with the expectation that restroom visitors will use them and return them promptly. Be sure to bring and wear only the best socks (clean and without holes) while in Japan. If you have a collection of fun or interesting socks, wear them in Japan where they can be seen and admired!”

— Jolaine Pfeifer, school administrator in Aspen, Colorado. She has made nine trips to Japan, as well as spent her middle and high school years in Yokosuka.

“Rest assured, the only resemblance these little oases have to their US counterparts is in the name! Stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson are spotlessly clean and have just about everything you could need, including some reference items I look for every time:

• A great selection of onigiri, sandwich-sized rice triangles wrapped in seaweed and filled with ingredients like salmon, tuna, eggs and pickled plums.

• Coffee, especially at 7-Eleven. The state-of-the-art automated machines grind the beans and brew some of the best coffee I’ve ever had, with many preference options such as temperature, brew strength, milk, sweeteners and flavors.
• These little bottles of flavored Vitamin C shots called You-C1000, which I really enjoyed in the winter on cross-country skiing adventures in Hokkaido. They come in tasty flavors like apple, orange or lemon and are a convenient way to get vitamin C every day.”

— Jeffrey Cole, a Colorado-based leadership coach, who has made four trips to Japan, spanning from the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern island of Miyakojima.

“The language and cultural barrier is real and a local will show you things in places you could never see on your own.

I did this at Tsukiji Fish Market. I had been there maybe five times before, but I finally took a guide with my grandfather and it was a whole new world. I also did it at Akihabara Electric Town and on many culinary tours.”

— Miles Ashton, A Based in Chicago entrepreneur who has made more than 10 trips to Japan, including a nine-month stint in Tokyo.

“Not only is the layout great, with a different department on each level, but the merchandise is extensive and unique. There are 60 stores across the country and they focus on hobby, home improvement and lifestyle products.

It’s a great place to find affordable, non-touristy gifts. They have the best pens, papers and organizers, as well as camping supplies – if it’s small, efficient and practical, they have it!

Two of the coolest things I’ve purchased are a foldable Shoji lamp and a circular carrying case that contains a flower-shaped ice pack to keep under your hat, as well as a freezable U-shaped neck ring.”

— Kris Beyer, owner of New York-based Destroyer Park golf course. He has made over 20 trips to Japan and lived there as a child and teenager. Kris’s father, Dick “The Destroyer” Beyerhe was a famous wrestler in Japan.

Editor’s note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.