9 Things No One Tells You About Tokyo (But You Really Should Know!)

You’ve seen the photos: neon lights, sushi that looks like art, serene shrines tucked between skyscrapers, people wearing fashion-forward outfits that somehow work, and toilets with more buttons than a spaceship.

Tokyo is all that and more—but also, it’s kind of its own universe. A wildly wonderful, sometimes baffling, always fascinating universe.

And if you’re planning your very first trip? Let me be the first to say: You’re in for a ride.
A good one. A thrilling one. But also, a ride with unexpected twists like, “Wait… there is an escalator etiquette?”, or “Wow, I can get freshly made salmon rice balls in convenience stores?”, or “Did I just walk into a silent elevator filled with bowing people and soft music?”

I get it. I’ve been in your shoes—excited, overwhelmed, reading blog after blog at midnight trying to make sense of train passes, transport options, and why there are so many kinds of KitKats.

And here’s what I learned after falling in love with Tokyo, getting lost a few times, and discovering the joy of buying hot canned coffee from a vending machine at 2 AM:

There’s a lot no one tells you about this city.

Sure, you’ll find articles full of the usual must-dos—visit Asakusa, cross Shibuya Scramble, eat all the ramen.

But I’m here to give you the stuff between the lines. The stuff you learn from actually being in Tokyo. The kind of intel that makes you feel like you’ve got a local friend who’s already made the mistakes (hi, that’s me).

So let’s dive into the lesser-known facts, unspoken rules, and delightful surprises of Tokyo life. Ready?

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1 . Tokyo Trains and Subways Are a Marvel—Until They’re a Maze

Okay, real talk: Tokyo’s train system is nothing short of a modern miracle.

It’s fast, shockingly punctual (I’ve seen apologies issued for trains being 30 seconds late), and so clean you could probably eat your sandwich off the floor.

But let’s not pretend it’s a walk in the park—especially for first-time visitors and/or tourists.

You see, Tokyo doesn’t have one train system. Oh no. It has multiple overlapping systems run by different companies.

There’s JR (Japan Rail), Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, private railways like Keio and Tokyu, and then a few more just for fun. Each has its own ticket machines, gates, maps, entrances, exits, and more.

The result? A spaghetti bowl of stations and platforms that can make your brain feel like it’s buffering.

“Wait, I thought I was at Shinjuku Station?”

Ohhh, friend. Shinjuku isn’t a station—it’s an entire underground city with over 200 exits and multiple companies sharing one chaotic transport hub.

You might walk 15 minutes underground just transferring from one train line to another, only to pop up somewhere you didn’t mean to go. That’s if you are not paying close attention to the 1000+ direction signs throughout the station.

The Ticket Confusion Struggle Is Real

One of the biggest “no one told me” moments? You can’t just buy one train pass and be done with it.

A Tokyo Metro (subway) pass won’t work on JR (Japan Rail) train lines. A JR pass won’t get you through the metro or Toei subway gate. And your paper ticket? Only works for the line you bought it from.

The Solution:

ALWAYS get yourself an IC card (Suica or Pasmo). It’s a magical little tap card that works on pretty much everything—trains, subways, buses, vending machines, convenience stores, and even public lockers.

You just load money onto it, tap in and out, and let the card do all the ticket calculating and paying behind the scenes. no sweat at all.

trust me, it’s your new best friend when traveling in Tokyo (or any other Japanese city, because it can be used in all of Japan).

Pro Tip:

You can now download a digital Suica or Pasmo card directly into your Apple Wallet app (iPhone users, rejoice!) for easy topping up its balance straight from your iPhone.

If you don’t have an iPhone, just buy a physical Pasmo or Suica card from train station, IC card machines, and convenience stores

And yes, you can return it for a cash refund before you leave Japan and get some yen back.

Want to learn everything about the amazing IC card (Pasmo or Suica) before getting one? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

Train App to the Rescue

Don’t even think about navigating the trains without help. Download Google Maps (best) or Japan Travel by Navitime.

These apps tell you which trains to take, what platform to go to, how much it’ll cost, how many minutes until the next one arrives, and even which train car to board for the most efficient exit. It’s basically cheating—but the good kind.

Bonus Tip:

Google Maps (best) is surprisingly accurate in Tokyo—but be sure to double-check what line and operator it’s directing you to. “Shinjuku” might mean the JR station… or the metro one… you get the idea.

But Once You Get the Hang of It…

There’s nothing like gliding smoothly through Tokyo, transferring like a local, swiping your IC card with confidence, and arriving exactly where you meant to.

Tokyo trains can take you to ancient temples, hole-in-the-wall ramen spots, or straight to the heart of a neon-lit nightlife district.

You just need a few practice runs (and maybe a snack for emotional support).

So yes, Tokyo trains are a marvel. But like all great relationships, they take a little getting used to.

The good news? You’ll be zipping around the city like a pro in no time—and laughing at how intimidating it all felt on day one.

2 . Rush Hour Is Not for the Faint of Heart

Yes, train-pushers are real in Japan.

It’s 8:15 AM on a weekday in Tokyo. You innocently step onto the platform, sipping your vending machine coffee, ready for a chill morning adventure.

You see a train approaching, already packed to cartoon levels of capacity. And just when you think, “Surely no one else can fit in there,” a dozen more people somehow squeeze in… with the help of official train pushers (called oshiya), whose literal job is to gently shove human beings into train cars.

Like they’re packing a suitcase that’s definitely not going to zip.

Welcome to Tokyo rush hour. It’s not a myth. It’s not an exaggeration.

It’s real, it’s intense, and if you’re not prepared, it can feel a little like being stuck inside a very polite human Jenga game.

When Not to Travel (Unless You Enjoy Intensely Close Contact With Strangers)

Morning rush hour usually runs from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, and evening rush is from about 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Trains during these hours can reach over 200% capacity—and yes, that’s a real statistic. That means not only is every seat taken, but people are standing shoulder-to-shoulder, face-to-back, nose-to-glass door, while trying to pretend none of this is happening.

Somehow, no one panics. Everyone just silently endures it. Honestly? It’s kind of impressive.

But as a tourist who’s not trying to commute to an office in Tokyo, you don’t need to suffer through it.

Your Golden Strategy: Avoid, Avoid, Avoid

One of the biggest perks of being a tourist is flexibility. You’re not on a daily grind schedule—so take advantage of it.

Plan your train rides either after 10 AM and before 4 PM, or after 7:30 PM, and you’ll find the trains are way less crowded, much more comfortable, and honestly, more enjoyable. You’ll be able to actually see the scenery instead of someone’s backpack.

Bonus Tip (Women Only):

Some train cars are labeled “Women Only” during rush hour. These are pink colored, and clearly marked in both Japanese and English on the platforms and are a safe, peaceful option for female travelers—especially if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowd.

Pack Light, Ride Right

If you absolutely must travel during rush hour (hey, sometimes it happens), ditch the massive backpack. You’ll be that person blocking everyone’s path and collecting silent stares of disapproval.

Go for a compact crossbody or backpack you can hold in front of you. It’s more polite, and you won’t accidentally whack a stranger in the face every time the train lurches.

Etiquette Hack:

During crowded rides, Japanese people tend to put their backpacks or bags either at their feet or carry them in front of their chest to minimize space and avoid bumping others.

It’s a small gesture, but very appreciated.

Stay Calm, Be Zen

Crowded Tokyo trains are kind of like being in an elevator that moves at 80km/h (or 50 mph for those of you from the U.S.A) and somehow stops every 2 minutes.

You’ll get bumped. You’ll be squished. But no one complains. Everyone just quietly scrolls their phone, listens to a podcast, or stares at the floor in dignified silence.

Follow their lead. Take a deep breath, think of the sushi you’re about to eat, and know this moment will pass—usually in under 15 minutes.

Tokyo’s rush hour can be intense, no doubt—but with the right mindset and a bit of planning, you can totally avoid the chaos or handle it like a local. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the pushers.

3 . Convenience Stores Are… Actually Magical

Where else can you pay your bills, eat freshly made rice balls or sandwiches, buy a new shirt or underwear, and ship your luggage to anywhere in Japan—all in one stop?

Forget everything you know about convenience stores. Seriously. Just toss it out the window.

Because Japanese convenience stores—or konbini—are in a league of their own. In fact, calling them “convenience stores” feels like an insult.

They’re more like ultra-efficient, always-there-for-you support hubs with fluorescent lighting and shockingly good food.

Whether it’s 7-Eleven (yes, that 7-Eleven, but trust me, it hits different here), FamilyMart, or Lawson, each chain has its own cult following—and after your first visit, you’ll understand why.

The Food Is So Good, It’s Kind of Ridiculous

If you’re picturing sad, rubbery hot dogs and stale donuts under a heat lamp, you’re in for the best surprise of your trip.

Japanese konbini food is fresh, delicious, affordable, and weirdly addictive.

Need a quick breakfast before catching the shinkansen? Grab a fluffy egg salad sandwich or maple syrup and butter pancakes.

Craving a late-night snack after walking 20,000 steps around Shibuya? Pick up some crunchy-outside-juicy-inside karaage (Japanese fried chicken), onigiri (rice balls), or even cold soba noodles with dipping sauce.

Pro Tip:

They’ll heat up your bento box at checkout, and yes—it tastes homemade. Like, suspiciously so. Who’s in the back cooking these, somebody’s grandma?

And don’t skip dessert. Matcha cream puffs. Cheesecake in a cup. Milk custard pudding. Seasonal mochi with sweet red bean paste in side. They’re all cheap and surprisingly legit.

Coffee, Alcohol, and… Steamed Buns?!

Want a hot latte at 2 AM? Done.

Iced coffee in a can for 120 yen? Also done.

Or deliciously and freshly packed rice balls (onigiri) for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.

Even steamed buns (like chicken or pork-filled nikuman) kept warm in little countertop cases await your late-night cravings.

A single-serving of sake, or a cold beer to wind down in your hotel room? Yep.

And just when you think it can’t get better, there’s the frappuccino and smoothie making station—because of course they thought of that too.

But Wait, There’s More: Services Galore

Konbini don’t just feed you. They take care of you with your everyday life needs.

• Need cash? ATMs inside 7-Eleven accept international cards and almost always work flawlessly.

• Want to print train tickets, event passes, or documents? Use the multi-function copy machines—English instructions available.

• Have luggage to ship across Japan? Many konbini offer takkyubin (luggage forwarding services) so you don’t have to lug your bags on the trains.

• Out of toiletries? They’ve got travel-sized everything, including deodorant, sunscreen, hair conditioner, razors, lipsticks, umbrellas, underwears, white T-shirts, and even pantyhose (because why not).

They’re Everywhere—Like, Everywhere

You’ll never be more than five minutes away from a konbini. In the middle of Tokyo? Hundreds. In the countryside? Still there. At the top of a random mountain trail? Somehow, yes.

Some stores even play a little jingle when you walk in, and after a week in Japan, that melody might haunt your dreams—in the best way.

4 . You’ll Walk. A Lot. Wear Good Shoes That Can Take a Beating

Your step counter’s about to file for overtime pay.

Here’s the thing no one really warns you about before your first trip to Tokyo (or honestly, most of Japan): you’re going to walk. A LOT.

Like, “Oops I just hit 25,000 steps and it’s only 3 PM” a lot.

And it doesn’t feel that extreme at first because Japan is sneakily walkable. You’ll think, “Oh, it’s just a short stroll to the next stop,” and then suddenly it’s 7pm, your feet feel like bricks, and your ankles are questioning your life choices.

Why So Much Walking?

Let’s break it down:

• Train stations are huge. Shinjuku Station isn’t just a train station—it’s basically a small city. Getting from one platform to another might take 10 minutes, plus two escalators and an underground shopping mall detour (true story).

• Exploration is addictive. Tokyo’s neighborhoods are made for wandering. One minute you’re admiring a shrine, the next you’re knee-deep in quirky vintage shops, and then someone mentions “hidden ramen spot,” and off you go.

• Even when you ride the train, you walk. From the train to the correct exit, then from the exit to the destination. Then after checking out the attractions, back to the train station and the platform.

All this means your shoes? Yeah, they matter. A lot.

Fashion Is Fun, but Function Is Forever

You can wear nice shoes—this is Tokyo, after all, one of the fashion capitals of the universe—but they better be able to hold their own.

Think supportive sneakers or walking shoes. Chunky boots? Probably okay in cooler months.

Strappy sandals with zero support? Absolutely not, friend. Leave those for Instagram, not for the ten hours you’ll spend hunting for Studio Ghibli merch and tech gadgets across five districts.

Pro tip:

Break in your shoes before the trip. This is not the time to debut your shiny new pair. Blisters in Tokyo? Not the vibe.

Don’t Forget the Socks

Sounds silly, but your socks will make or break your day. Go for breathable, cushioned socks that won’t bunch up or slide down while you’re walking through Ueno Park or pacing through the Tsukiji outer market, trying to decide which grilled seafood skewer to commit to.

Bonus points:

Bring a backup pair in your day bag. Nothing like a fresh pair of socks mid-day to feel reborn.

You Might Be Taking Shoes Off Indoors

In Japan, you’ll often be asked to remove your shoes indoors—especially in traditional places like temples, ryokan (Japanese inns), or even certain restaurants.

This is where clean, hole-free socks and slip-on shoes come in handy. Wrestling with laces every five minutes is not the energy we’re going for here.

Extra tip:

Some places provide slippers for indoor use, but they can be hilariously small if you have large feet.

If you’re visiting in cooler months and plan on visiting multiple temples or homes, consider bringing your own pair of compact, packable indoor slippers just in case.

So yes, walking is a big part of your Japan experience—but with the right footwear, it won’t feel like a chore.

Take care of your feet, and they’ll take care of you. And hey—your travel photos will look even better when your smile isn’t hiding the pain of angry blisters.

5 . Trash Cans Are Rare, But Cleanliness Is Sacred

Welcome to Tokyo: where the streets are spotless… and you’re carrying your empty coffee cup for six hours.

Here’s one of Tokyo’s great mysteries: How is this city so clean when there are basically no public trash cans anywhere?

Like, seriously. You’ll be walking around with an ice cream wrapper, hunting for a garbage bin like it’s a mythical creature.

Spoiler: You probably won’t find one.

But here’s the twist—you also won’t find litter. Not even a rogue gum wrapper. Not even during festivals with thousands of people.

It’s magical. It’s mind-blowing. And it’s 100% cultural.

Cleanliness Is a Collective Responsibility in Japan

In Japan, keeping public spaces clean isn’t left to sanitation workers or city ordinances—it’s something everyone takes personal responsibility for.

The idea is simple: you bring your trash home with you, because your trash is your personal responsibility. Or, at the very least, you hold onto it until you find the right place to dispose of it.

So no, you’re not imagining it:

• The parks are spotless.
• The train stations gleam.
• Even the back alleys somehow look like they’ve been vacuumed.

This is partly thanks to Japanese etiquette, and partly because of deeply rooted values around mindfulness and consideration for others.

No one wants to inconvenience someone else with their mess. So they don’t.

Where Can You Actually Throw Stuff Away?

Okay, so if trash cans are elusive, where can you actually dispose of your garbage? Here’s the inside scoop:

• Convenience stores (konbini): These are your best friends. Most 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson locations have trash bins inside or just outside the entrance. But note: they’re usually for things you bought there, not your entire day’s trash haul. So be considerate.

• Train stations: Some larger stations like Tokyo, Shibuya, or Shinjuku station may have bins—typically near vending machines or by the exits. But again, they’re few and far between, and often separated for recycling.

• Theme parks, museums, and shopping malls: These places tend to provide clearly labeled trash stations. Sometimes with impressively complex sorting systems. (More on that in a sec.)

• Fast food restaurants or food courts: Eat-in areas usually have disposal stations. And pro tip—you often sort your own trash. Cups go here, straws there, food waste in another bin. It feels like a test you weren’t warned about.

Japan Takes Recycling Seriously

It’s not just about throwing away trash—it’s about throwing it away correctly. Japan is big on separating waste:

• Combustibles (burnable items like paper napkins)
• Non-combustibles (like plastic wrappers or broken umbrellas)
• PET bottles, cans, and glass—usually with their own bins
• Bottle caps and labels? Sometimes they go in another bin.

Yes, it’s a lot. But honestly, it’s kind of inspiring. You’ll come back from Japan wanting to sort your trash with military precision.

What You Should Do (a.k.a. How Not to Be That Tourist)

Let’s be real—you will end up with some trash while exploring Tokyo. Here’s how to stay polite (and sane):

• Bring a small plastic or reusable bag in your daypack to collect your trash as you go. It’s a little extra effort, but trust me—it saves you a lot of awkward fumbling.

• Finish snacks or drinks near where you bought them. Many vending machines have tiny bins next to them just for bottles. Don’t take it to go unless you’re ready to babysit that empty can all afternoon.

• Don’t leave garbage behind on trains, in parks, or at temples—even if you think there’s staff to clean it. There is, but the expectation is you’ll do your part.

So yes, the lack of trash cans might throw you at first. But after a few days, you’ll start to get it.

There’s something kind of lovely about a culture where cleanliness isn’t enforced—it’s just deeply respected.

And who knows? You might come home and start wondering why you suddenly get annoyed at gum wrappers on the sidewalk. Welcome to the Japan effect.

6 . Escalator Etiquette Is a Whole Thing

Welcome to Japan, where even the escalators are more organized than most of our lives.

Let’s talk about something oddly specific but strangely important: how to stand on an escalator. Yep, that moving staircase you don’t usually think twice about? In Tokyo, there are unspoken rules, and trust me—you want to follow them.

Here’s the golden rule, burned into the collective Tokyo consciousness:

Stand on the left, walk on the right.
Or, in simpler terms: pick a lane and stick to it.

If you plan on riding the escalator and just chilling (a.k.a. not climbing it like you’re training for Mt. Fuji), you politely scoot to the left side and let others pass you on the right.

It’s a smooth, unwritten system of social harmony—until a confused tourist stops in the middle, blocking both sides, and throws the whole thing into chaos.

But Wait, It Gets Trickier…

Just when you think you’ve nailed it, you hop on a shinkansen to Osaka or Kyoto, and boom—the escalator rules change.

• In Tokyo, it’s stand left, walk right.

• In Osaka, it’s stand right, walk left.

Why? Honestly, no one knows for sure. Some say it dates back to samurai sword-drawing traditions (really), others think it’s just the Kansai area being Kansai.

Either way, if you’re traveling between regions, don’t be surprised if the flow reverses—and don’t take it personally when a local gives you that polite-but-awkward side-eye.

Why This Matters (More Than You’d Think)

You might be wondering, Why does this even matter? Here’s the thing:

• Tokyo is a fast-paced, high-efficiency machine, and escalators are part of that machine.

• People are often rushing to work, catching trains, or just being very punctual humans.

• Blocking the fast lane (aka the walking side) can cause gridlock, frustration, and a little passive-aggressive sighing—which in Japan, is basically the equivalent of yelling.

Being mindful of this small social cue shows locals that you’re observant and respectful of their norms. Plus, it’s a quick way to not be “that tourist.”

Escalator Pro Tips

• If you’re wearing a backpack, swing it to your front so you’re not whacking people behind you. Yes, it happens more than you’d think.

• No sudden stops or photos at the top or bottom of the escalator. People behind you will have exactly 0.3 seconds to react before you cause a domino effect.

• Traveling with kids or a group? Huddle to one side together to keep the other lane open.

So yes, escalator etiquette might feel like a minor detail… until you’re standing in the middle of one at Shinjuku Station during rush hour and wondering why you suddenly feel like a traffic cone.

Embrace the lane life. It’s weirdly satisfying, and it’s one of those little things that helps you blend in and travel Tokyo with a little more ease (and way less awkwardness).

You’ll never look at escalators the same way again.

7 . Vending Machines Are Everywhere—and Kinda Epic

The only time you’ll ever be excited to spend 120 yen on a canned coffee.

You know how in most countries, vending machines are sad little boxes filled with stale chips and questionable soda?

Yeah, not in Japan. In Tokyo, vending machines are a way of life—and they’re honestly kinda magical.

You’ll find them literally everywhere: On sidewalks, inside train stations, in quiet alleyways, next to temples, at scenic viewpoints, inside office buildings, in hotel lobbies, and even on top of Mount Fuji (I am not kidding).

They get refilled daily with fresh goodies, sometimes multiple times per day.

If you go more than 200 meters without spotting a vending machine, are you even in Tokyo?

What Do They Sell?

Short answer: Everything. But let’s break it down:

Drinks Galore

This is the bread and butter of Tokyo vending machines. You’ll find:

• Hot and cold coffees (canned and surprisingly good—Boss Coffee or Georgia are local faves)

• A variety of teas, from green tea to barley tea and weirdly addictive lemon tea. Then we have all the milk tea as well.

• Bottled water (sparkling and still)

• Vitamin water or fruit-flavored bottled water

• Fruity juices and weird flavor experiments (lychee soda, anyone?)

• Sports drinks like Pocari Sweat that sound like sci-fi potions but are great for staying hydrated during hot days or summer time

Here’s the cool part: Many machines offer both hot and cold drinks—in the same machine. You’ll spot the red labels for hot drinks and blue for cold. It’s like Japan said, “Why not both?” and delivered.

Snacks & More

While drink vending machines are most common, you’ll also stumble upon machines selling:

• Instant ramen cups

• Ice cream (including limited-edition Haagen-Dazs flavors you didn’t know you needed)

• Cakes, sandwiches, and fried chicken (yes, from a machine!). I kid you not – Check out this viral strawberry cream cake IN A CAN, sold at several vending machines in Tokyo.

• Cute little toys, gachapon, and collectibles

• Umbrellas, batteries, SIM cards, socks, and even neckties—because life comes at you fast and unexpectedly

There are even some themed vending machines that are attractions in their own right—like the ones in Akihabara, where you can buy mystery boxes, anime merch, or (very questionably) used books and vintage stuff.

Pro Tip:

Always carry some coins or small bills (¥100 and ¥500 coins are your best friends). While many machines now accept IC cards like Suica or PASMO, not all of them do.

Why It’s Everyone’s Go-to

• Feeling parched on a long walk? Grab a cold drink fast without hunting down a store.

• Want to wake up on the train platform in the morning? Pop in a hot and ready-to-go coffee, no barista required.

• Rain came out of nowhere? There’s probably a vending machine umbrella with your name on it nearby.

• You’re craving something, but it’s 2 AM and all the shops are closed? Boom—vending machine to the rescue.

They’re fast, cheap, reliable, and somehow always stocked. You may arrive in Japan skeptical, but by day three, you’ll be scanning the streets like a hawk thinking, “Where’s my next matcha latte-in-a-can?”

So yes, vending machines in Tokyo are epic—not just because they’re everywhere, but because they’re a weirdly comforting part of the travel experience.

They’re always there for you. They never judge. They accept all your various coins and give you something delightful in return.

It’s the closest thing to magic you can buy from a box.

8 . English Is Hit or Miss—But People Are Super Helpful

You may not always understand each other, but you’ll definitely feel the love.

Here’s the honest truth: while Japan is an incredibly tourist-friendly country in many ways, fluent English speakers are not as common as you might expect in a place as futuristic as Tokyo.

Don’t get me wrong—Tokyo’s got English signage in train stations, touristy menus, and plenty of helpful resources. But when it comes to casual conversations? It’s a bit of a mixed bag.

You’ll meet people who speak some English, others who understand more than they let on, and many who will give you a polite smile, followed by a mild panic behind the eyes when you launch into a question like, “Hi, do you know where I can find the best soba noodle shop around here?”

So… Should You Be Worried?

Not at all. Because what Japan may lack in widespread English fluency, it makes up for in sheer helpfulness and kindness.

People will go above and beyond to help you, even if there’s a language barrier the size of Mt. Fuji standing between you.

• You might point to a map, looking lost, and the next thing you know, someone is walking you three blocks to your destination, all while apologizing for their “bad English.”

• You might try asking for directions, only to end up in a delightful game of charades-meets-Pictionary with a convenience store clerk determined to help you find the nearest train station.

• Or you could find yourself with a restaurant menu that’s entirely in Japanese—but a kind server will whip out Google Translate, draw little symbols next to the dish names, and do their best to guide you through.

• And if they can’t help? They’ll often go get someone who can. Or pull out their phone. Or smile and bow ten times while trying to help anyway.

Real Talk Tip:

Don’t assume someone understands English just because they nod politely. Japanese people are famously gracious listeners—sometimes they’re just being kind! Keep things simple, slow, and clear.

How to Prep Like a Pro

If you want to make things smoother (and feel like a travel ninja while you’re at it), here are a few quick tips:

• Download Google Translate, and pre-load the Japanese language pack. Use the camera feature to translate menus, signs, and train notices instantly.

• Learn a few basic phrases—“Sumimasen” (excuse me), “Eigo o hanasemasu ka?” (Do you speak English?), and “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) go a long way.

• Use translation apps with voice input if you really get stuck—it helps bridge the gap quickly and respectfully.

• Have your hotel or destination name written in Japanese, especially when asking for help with taxis or directions. Screenshots of addresses are your best friend.

• Also, never underestimate pointing at things, smiling, and the good ol’ thumbs-up. Somehow, you’ll get there. And honestly, you might just find these little moments of connection and effort are some of the most heartwarming parts of your trip.

So yes—English in Tokyo is a bit hit or miss, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be lost or frustrated. Quite the opposite.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much help is offered, how many people want to make sure you’re okay, and how deeply kind the average Tokyoite is.

It’s not just about the language—it’s about the kindness that transcends it.

And hey, if you accidentally say something wildly incorrect in Japanese? Smile, laugh, and carry on. You’re officially doing the Tokyo thing right.

You’ll Leave Wanting to Come Back (Immediately)

Tokyo has that sneaky way of overwhelming you and then making you fall in love with it—hard. The mix of old and new, quiet and chaos, vending machines and Michelin stars—it gets under your skin (in the best way).

Tip: Don’t try to see it all. See enough to fall in love. Then start planning your next trip on the flight home. (Trust me—it’s inevitable.)

Tokyo isn’t just a destination. It’s an experience. A delicious, dazzling, slightly confusing experience that will leave you smiling, full, and maybe just a little lost in the best way possible.

If this is your first trip, I hope these little truths help you feel a bit more prepared, a lot less stressed, and extra excited.

And hey—if you’ve already been, let me know what surprised you most. I’m always adding to the “no one tells you this” collection!

Want more Japan travel tips? I’ve got you. You’ll find more guides, hacks, packing lists, and deep dives across this blog—all written by someone who’s been in your shoes (probably with sore feet and an onigiri in hand).

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One minute, you’re looking up the best places to stay, and the next, you’re knee-deep in forum discussions about when best to go to Japan according to your preferences, which cities to visit, how long to stay, which historical landmarks to check out, where to shop or eat, and more (we’ve all been there!).

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Post You Might be Interested In

– Have questions you need answered on Yamato Transport Luggage Forwarding and Delivery Service ? Read my detailed post on it here.

– Wonder what awesome tips you could get in order to hit the ground running and navigate Japan smoothly and stress-free, with or without a JR Pass ? Read my “12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease” post here.

– Interested in knowing more about the all-time favorite and super awesome Pasmo and Suica IC cards? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

– Wonder what the JR Pass everyone talks about all the time is? More importantly, if getting a JR Pass would be a good idea and save you a lot of money on transportation costs in your trip? Get concise and practical answers here in my “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?“ post.

– Do you need an easy, convenient, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo with luggages ? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here. Going to Haneda airport instead? Read this post.

– Do you need a fast, easy, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo ? Read my “The Narita Express (N’EX) : Fast and Easy Travel from Airport to Tokyo” post here.