20 Things to Know Before Visiting Japan for the First Time

Many first-time visitors to Japan are surprised not by the tourist attractions, but by everyday life.

Restaurants usually serve free water or tea. You do not need to tip. There are very few trash bins on the streets.

These are simple customs. If you know them before your trip, you can:

• Order food without stress • Pay smoothly • Avoid small problems • Enjoy your trip with confidence

This guide explains 20 common things in Japan that many travelers do not expect. It is especially helpful if Okinawa is your first stop in Japan.

Quick Overview

Restaurants & Food

1. Free water or tea
2. No tipping
3. Pay at the register
4. Order first at ticket machines
5. Staff usually give you space until you ask for help

Street & Shopping

6. Quiet public spaces
7. Choose a place to make phone calls
8. Few trash bins outside
9. Plastic bags are not free
10. Convenience stores can heat your food
11. Many vending machines
12. Some places still accept cash only

Hotels & Daily Life

13. Take off your shoes indoors
14. Different slippers for rooms and toilets
15. Be careful in tatami rooms
16. No photos in some areas
17. Line up naturally

When You Need Help

18. Free public toilets
19. Buy medicine at drugstores
20. “Sumimasen” helps in many situations

Restaurants & Food

1. Free water or tea

Restaurants usually serve free water or tea. In many countries, water costs money, so this can be surprising. Some places are self-service. This is the same in Okinawa.

2. No tipping

You do not need to tip in restaurants, hotels, or taxis. Service fees may already be included. If you try to tip, staff may feel confused.

3. Pay at the register

In many restaurants, you take the bill to the register to pay. In Okinawa’s local diners, you may pay near the kitchen counter.

4. Order first at ticket machines

Ramen shops, Okinawa soba shops, and small diners often use ticket machines. You buy your meal ticket before sitting down. Many machines have photos, so it is easy to choose.

5. Staff usually give you space until you ask for help

Japanese staff usually do not approach customers unless they need help. This is to let you shop or eat comfortably. If you need help, say “Sumimasen” (Excuse me).

Good to Know – Restaurants

One more helpful tip: If you are unsure, look at what other customers do or say “Sumimasen.” Most people will be happy to help.

Street & Shopping

6. Quiet public spaces

People stay quiet on trains, buses, hotel hallways, and in hospitals. Speaking softly is appreciated.

7. Choose a place to make phone calls

Long phone calls inside trains or quiet shops are not common. Short calls or stepping outside is fine.

8. Few trash bins outside

Japan has a “take your trash home” culture. Vending machine bins are only for bottles and cans. Please do not put other trash there.

Some convenience stores allow you to use their trash bins, but rules differ. If you are not sure, take the trash back to your hotel.

If you plan to eat while walking, carry a small trash bag.

9. Plastic bags are not free

Stores charge 3–5 yen for plastic bags. A small eco-bag is useful.

10. Convenience stores can heat your food

Staff may ask: “Atatame-masu ka?” (pronounced: ah-tah-tah-meh-mahs-kah) You can answer: • “Hai” (Yes) • “Daijoubu desu” (No, thank you)

11. Many vending machines

Japan has vending machines everywhere. In Okinawa, you can find sanpin tea and shikuwasa drinks easily.

12. Some places still accept cash only

Cash is needed at: • Local diners • Beach showers • Coin parking • Small shops • Tempura stands

Even if you mainly use cards, carrying 5,000–10,000 yen is helpful.

Good to Know – Street & Shopping

Because trash bins are rare, carrying a small trash bag makes your day easier.

Hotels & Daily Life

13. Take off your shoes indoors

This is common in ryokan, guesthouses, and Japanese homes. Look for a step or sign near the entrance.

14. Different slippers for rooms and toilets

Room slippers and toilet slippers are separate. Do not bring toilet slippers back into the room.

15. Be careful in tatami rooms

Do not wear shoes on tatami. Lift your suitcase instead of dragging it.

16. No photos in some areas

Some shrines, temples, shops, and areas with other customers do not allow photos. If unsure, ask or avoid taking pictures.

17. Line up naturally

People line up at bus stops, registers, and popular shops. Avoid cutting in line.

Good to Know – Hotels & Daily Life

If you are unsure about shoes or slippers, check signs or follow what others do.

When You Need Help

18. Free public toilets

You can use toilets for free in convenience stores, malls, parks, and roadside stations. Most public toilets are clean and well maintained.

19. Buy medicine at drugstores

You can buy cold medicine, stomach medicine, and painkillers at drugstores. If you cannot explain your symptoms, show them using a translation app.

20. “Sumimasen” helps in many situations

“Sumimasen” (Excuse me) is the most useful word in Japan. Use it when: • Getting a staff member’s attention • Asking for directions • Saying a light apology

“Arigatou” (Thank you) is also helpful.

Good to Know – When You Need Help

If you say “Sumimasen,” most people will be happy to help. Do not worry if your English is simple. Many people understand simple English words.

More Helpful Guides

• Renting a Car in Okinawa • Japan Convenience Store Tips • How to Choose a Hotel in Okinawa

Travel Checklist Before Your Trip

☐ I know tipping is not needed ☐ I know that water is usually free in restaurants ☐ I will carry 5,000–10,000 yen in cash ☐ I will bring a small eco-bag ☐ I will carry a small trash bag ☐ I can say “Sumimasen” and “Arigatou” ☐ I know when to remove my shoes

Conclusion

Japan has many simple customs. At first, they may seem unusual. But most of them come from one idea: Everyone should feel comfortable.

You do not need to remember everything. If you watch what others do or say “Sumimasen,” people will usually be happy to help.

Knowing these simple customs before you travel will help you enjoy Japan—and Okinawa—with more confidence and less stress.

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