13 Things You Should Know To Plan Your Japan Vacation Packages

Japan is one of the most wonderful destinations I have ever been to. The culture, traditions, cities, people, and natural beauty of Japan will make you fall in love with the place. Whether you want to move to Japan completely or want to make a quick getaway, there are some things that you should know before you plan your Japan Vacations.

In this article, we present 13 things that you should know before planning your Japan vacation packages.

Let us dive in and learn about each of these tips in detail!

1.    You don’t have to Tip

Be it taxis, hotels, bars, or restaurants. You don’t have to worry about tipping when in Japan. Japan doesn’t really have a culture of tipping, and most restaurants and other institutions don’t ask for any tips. In fact, in many situations, it is often considered rude to tip the waiter or to leave an extra amount than what is required. So it is best to only pay the amount mentioned on the bill while you’re visiting any restaurant or bars on your Japan vacation packages.

Checkout: Tips For Adventure Packed Japan Vacation

2.    Power Banks and Pocket Wi-Fi are lifesavers

One of the most important things to know when planning your Japan vacation packages is to always have a power bank and pocket Wi-Fi on you. Once you land in Japan, you will find you need your smartphone and the internet for a lot of purposes. Since most places and items in Japan do not use English, it becomes essential to use a translator to communicate. In addition to this, navigation through the city can also be a problem due to the Japanese script. Therefore you will need Google maps to navigate. In both cases, having a reliable connection and a battery backup that can serve you all day is very important.

3.    Be mindful of your Tattoos

Tattoos are not well received in Japan. You may not think much of it while showcasing your tattoos during your vacations, but in Japan, tattoos are considered taboo. It is mainly because of tattoos and gang symbols being affiliated to criminals and the Japanese mafia called the Yakuza. So if you’re planning to visit a hot spring on your Japan vacation packages, it is best to tell someone at the ‘onsen’ about your tattoos to avoid any trouble.

Related: Experience The Samurai Culture In This 8-Days Japan Vacation

4.    Keep your trash on you

Japan is one of the world’s cleanest countries. I mean, the streets in Japan are so spotless you can literally eat off of them. However, this doesn’t mean that there is an excellent garbage collection infrastructure. People of Japan just don’t litter. Surprisingly, there aren’t many trash cans and garbage bins in many areas of Japan. Most people usually carry their trash with them until they can find a place to dispose of them or until their reach home. Therefore, carrying a plastic bag with you is always a good idea for your Japan vacation packages.

5.    Smoking is only allowed at designated places

People in Japan love to smoke and drink, so much so that there aren’t any laws against drinking outdoors. However, you won’t find many people having a drink out in the open. Most people only drink in bars and restaurants or right outside the place they bought their drinks from.

However, when it comes to smoking, the laws are a bit strict. Smoking in public areas is not a good idea on your Japan vacation packages. There are designated places where you can light up a cigarette, and smoking anywhere else can land you in trouble. There various restaurants, hotels, and even train cars where smoking is allowed, so you’ll have no issues finding a good spot.

 Also Read: Young And Happening Night Life Of Japan

6.    You’ll have to take off your Shoes

During your Japan vacation packages, you will come across many situations where you will be required to take off your shoes. Almost everyone in japan takes off their shoes when they enter their homes, so if you’re at someone’s house, make sure you take off your shoes. Otherwise, it’s considered a sign of disrespect. In addition to homes, most restaurants also require people to take off their shoes when they enter in order to maintain the sanctity of the place.

7.    Wearing masks is not a new thing

Wearing a mask when stepping out may have become a worldwide norm since the Covid-19 outbreak in 2019. However, people of Japan have been wearing masks to protect themselves and others for a very long time. I traveled to Japan multiple times before the covid-19 pandemic and found that a lot of people in Japan wear surgical masks in order to protect themselves from pollen or to protect others in case they have the flu.

8.    English is not that common

English is not the common language of communication in Japan. In fact, most labels, billboards, and signs are written in Japanese. Therefore, having to translate things can be an issue. Most local store owners are not well versed in English. However, I found that the younger generation is quite familiar with the English language. You can always use google translate to communicate with other people to make things a lot easier.

9.    Finding an address can be an issue

When I first visited Japan, finding an address was one of the biggest issues I faced. Japan doesn’t follow a navigation system like most countries in the west. Most streets in Japan are not named, and therefore getting to my hotel was a major issue. You can, however, use google maps to navigate through the city or take the help of a local for directions.

10.   Keep calm and keep it down

People in Japan are very polite when in public places and are always mindful of people’s boundaries and convenience. Pointing at someone or something is a no-go in Japan, as it is considered rude. You should also keep a calm composure whenever you get into an argument with anyone. Your usual tone of voice and volume may be misinterpreted in japan. Be careful of your tone of voice and try not to be too loud when talking on the phone in public places or the trains.

11.   Get a rail pass

The transportation network in Japan is very reliable, and getting around town is fairly simple. Traveling between cities and different regions is also quite convenient because of bullet trains. Traveling on a bullet train in Japan is quite an experience in itself. However, the prices of the tickets for bullet trains can be notoriously high. Although for tourists traveling from overseas, the prices are much lower, and you can save even more by getting a rail pass if you plan to include multiple cities in your Japan vacation packages.

12.   Japan is Very Safe

Japan is an extremely safe country for travelers and locals alike. In fact, Japan often ranks up high on the list of the safest countries in the world. This makes Japan the perfect city for solo female travelers or any traveler for that matter. However, you should still take basic precautions when traveling in Japan, such as staying away from shady areas at night and avoid flaunting your riches.

13.   Prepare yourself for Japanese toilets

Interestingly one of the most popular things about Japanese technology is its advanced toilets known as Bidets. Japanese bidets are commonly found throughout the country. They are not your traditional water closets. Bidets are technologically advanced and offer various features, such as automatic seat controls and buttons to flush. In addition to bidets, you must also prepare yourself for the squatty potty as they are still a thing in Japan.