Japanese culture can seem worlds apart from our own, and as such travelling in Tokyo can feel really quite alien. In fact, the people are some of the friendliest, politest and most welcoming people in the world. When you enter a building you’ll hear calls of “Irasshaimase”, which literally just means “welcome”. Once you know the tricks and customs of a culture, even one so different to your own, it can feel a whole lot easier to get by. Here’s a little cheat-sheet for your first time in Tokyo to make it that little bit easier.
Always walk on the left
Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, and rather than let the streets decend into chaos, in the most Japanese way possible they’ve created a system to make it work. When you’re walking down the street, always walk on the left. Except on escalators, where you stand on the left and walk on the right. And never jaywalk – you’ll notice as soon as you arrive that everyone waits for the lights before crossing.
There is no tipping culture
Japan is a really unique holiday destination for so many reasons, but partly because of their tipping culture. If you try to tip your server the money will be outright refused. They might even chase you down the street to return your money to you. However if you’re travelling in a large group, a restaurant might put a 10% gratuity on your check for service charge, but that’s down to the individual establishment. Check here for some of the best places to eat in Tokyo.
Drinking and smoking in public
Surprisingly, drinking on the walk or train home from work is relatively commonplace. Smoking, on the other hand, is not allowed on the sidewalks unless in special designated smoking zones, which are clearly marked and have an ashtray for use. Bars and restaurants usually allow smoking in designated areas too, as do the bullet trains, surprisingly. If you try to get away with walking down the street with a cigarette, you are liable to be stopped and fined.
Traveling around
The public transport in Japan is world-renowned for its efficiency, and users can buy travel cards to use on both trains and buses. These travel cards allow easy travel, and cost a deposit of a little over $5, which travellers can just top up as and when they require it. They make great little souvenirs when you return home too. Many people also choose to travel by taxicab around the city. A Tokyo taxi is easy to flag down, but it’s recommended you book your airport transfer before you arrive for the best value for money.
Enjoy the quiet
Despite being an immensely densely populated urban area, Tokyo has little pockets of tranquility all over the city, which are popular with workers in their lunch breaks, couples in love, and people wanting to escape the fast pace of city life. It’s not just glass high rises, there are little charms tucked away all over the city, from walled gardens, traditional cafes, temples, and even a beautiful tree-lined canal.
Tokyo is an incredible city for exploration, excitement, and all the sushi you could ever dream of. With these little tips in mind, you’re ready for an adventure!
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post, all opinions are my own
Thank you for reading - if you enjoyed this content, please consider buying me a coffee here or browse my Amazon wishlist I really appreciate your support and it helps to keep the site running and for my time 🙂