Tokyo is an incredible city to visit. The blend of traditional Japanese buildings with the modern gives the city a unique feel; there are Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples right next to skyscrapers and bright LED signs advertising karaoke bars. The place is popular for a reason. However, you may find that Tokyo is very different from home. It's easy to make mistakes that could make your trip less exciting and more frustrating. The following are the top 11 mistakes that you should avoid when travelling to Tokyo.
Mistake #1: Not Having Cash on Hand
Japan is a lot more cash-dependent than other developed countries. While Tokyo is modern, cash is still widely used, especially in small shops, restaurants, and traditional markets.
Solution
Always carry enough yen to cover daily expenses. ATMs that accept foreign cards are available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and at major banks.
Mistake #2: Not Using Public Transportation Efficiently
Tokyo’s public transportation system is extensive and can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Solution
Get a Suica or Pasmo card for seamless travel on trains, subways, and buses. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Hyperdia to plan your routes.
Mistake #3: Underestimating Walking Distances
Major train stations like Shinjuku and Tokyo Station are huge, with long walking distances between platforms.
Solution
Allow extra time for transfers and follow the signs carefully. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Local Etiquette
Japanese culture places a high value on manners and respect. It may also be very different from the culture in your home country. This means that, depending on where you're from, you might be inadvertently rude by trying to be polite.
Solution
Familiarise yourself with basic etiquette, such as not talking loudly on public transportation, removing shoes when entering certain places, not eating while you walk, and lining up in an orderly manner.
Mistake #5: Visiting Popular Spots at Peak Times
Tourist spots can be extremely crowded during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons. Tokyo is already one of the most crowded cities in the world, not counting all of the international and domestic tourists who flock to popular spots. This means that when Tokyo gets crowded, it gets really crowded.
Solution
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for a more relaxed experience.
Mistake #6: Not Exploring Beyond Major Districts
Tokyo has many hidden gems outside the well-known areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara. You could miss out on a lot that Tokyo has got to offer by sticking to only the more well-known (and more crowded) spots.
Solution
Explore lesser-known neighbourhoods like Yanaka, Kichijoji, and Shimokitazawa for a more local and unique experience. Plus, these areas may be less crowded because fewer people are exploring further afield.
Mistake #7: Skipping Food Etiquette
Japanese dining has specific customs, such as not tipping and not sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, which is done at funerals and memorials for the dead and is therefore considered very unlucky to do for the living.
Solution
Learn basic dining etiquette, such as saying 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama' after finishing your meal.
Mistake #8: Not Reserving Accommodations Early
Tokyo’s hotels and traditional inns (ryokan) can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, some may cater only to domestic guests and may not have the resources to host guests who don't speak Japanese, which may limit the number of options for tourists who need to use English or another language in order to book a room.
Solution
Book your accommodations well in advance to ensure you have a place to stay that meets your preferences and budget.
Mistake #9: Forgetting About Last Train Times
Tokyo’s trains and subways generally stop running around midnight. It's not unheard of for Japanese people to miss the last train home after staying out drinking with colleagues.
Solution
Check the last train times to avoid getting stranded. If you plan to stay out late, be prepared to take a taxi, which can be expensive. Alternatively, you could try to stay at a capsule hotel or an internet cafe for the night until you can catch the train back to your own accommodations the next morning.
Mistake #10: Not Having a Plan for Trash
Public rubbish bins are scarce in Tokyo. You'd think this would mean the city would be filthy, with rubbish strewn everywhere but it's honestly one of the cleanest cities I've been to. People don't just dump their rubbish in the streets, they do actually take care of it properly despite the lack of public bins.
Solution
Carry a small bag for your trash and dispose of it when you return to your hotel or find a proper disposal spot. There are often bins at train stations and convenience stores, which are honestly everywhere. The bins may not be on the street, but they're there if you know where to look.
Mistake #11: Relying Solely on English
While many Japanese people speak some English, it’s not universally spoken. Signs in train stations are nearly always in English as well as Japanese, and it's not difficult to find restaurants with English menus, but it's best to not rely on people's ability to speak English. Japanese is difficult for English speakers because it's so different from our own language; the same difficulty goes the other way as well.
Solution
Learn basic Japanese phrases and use translation apps to help with communication. Making an effort to speak Japanese is often appreciated. In fact, people seem to be very impressed with the barest minimum of effort to speak in Japanese. When I lived there, I would barely have said 'konbanwa' (good evening) and people were praising my Japanese skills.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip. Plan ahead, respect local customs, and embrace the city’s culture to make the most of your Tokyo adventure.
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