Guided by a Native Japanese
Epic views. Authentic flavors.
All 47 prefectures, just one tap away. Hover a prefecture on the map for the basics, then click it to open full details: access from Tokyo and Osaka, the region's must-see view, its signature dish, a photo gallery, and a video link.
data-code.
Tap a topic to see the full guide.
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Stay connected from the moment you land.
You'll need internet for:
Tip: Set up your eSIM before leaving home.
Do you need a JR Pass?
Not always!
If you're traveling long distances across Japan, a Japan Rail Pass may save you money and time. But if you're only visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, individual tickets may be cheaper.
Check your itinerary before buying.
🚆 Find Your Best JR PassDon't wait until you arrive.
Popular hotels can sell out months in advance, especially during:
⚠️ Some popular hotels can be fully booked six months ahead.
👉 Book early, especially for peak seasons.
Planning to ski in Japan? Don't wait until the snow arrives.
Popular resorts such as Hokkaido and Nagano can become very busy during the winter season.
Book early for the best choice.
Suica / PASMO / ICOCA
Use IC cards for:
One card makes getting around Japan much easier.
Japan is increasingly cashless, but some small restaurants, shops and rural areas still accept cash only.
Credit card + IC card + some cash = a good combination.
Google Maps
For trains, walking and directions.
Google Translate
For menus, signs and communication.
Your airline & hotel apps
Keep your reservations easy to access.
Don't book Japan at the last minute.
The more popular the destination, the earlier you should book.
Plan ahead. Travel more. Worry less.
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This isn't about rules.
It's about being aware of the atmosphere.
Small details can make a big difference in how you're perceived.
These are cultural etiquette norms, not official laws — and not everyone in Japan follows them identically. They're here simply to help you avoid unintentionally making others uncomfortable.
Strongly discouraged — can cause trouble
Wearing shoes indoors
→ Homes, temples, traditional restaurants, and ryokan inns. Always check the entrance and follow the local custom.
Not lining up properly
→ Trains, elevators, popular restaurants, and even small shops. Japan runs on orderly queues.
Not separating trash or recycling properly
→ Public trash bins can be rare, but sorting rules are strict where bins are provided. Follow the instructions on the bin.
Culturally uncomfortable, but generally tolerated
Strong perfume / heavy fragrance
→ Subtlety is valued in Japan, especially in enclosed spaces such as trains.
Speaking loudly in public
→ On trains, in cafés, and on the street. People generally keep their voices low.
Talking on the phone on trains or in restaurants
→ On trains, phones are normally kept on silent mode and phone calls are generally avoided. In restaurants, be mindful of the people around you.
Public displays of affection (PDA)
→ Holding hands is generally fine. More intimate displays can attract attention.
Revealing clothing / excessive exposure
→ Urban Japan is fairly relaxed, but modest clothing is still the cultural norm in many situations.
If you're unsure, simply observe the people around you.
Japan often works more on:
"Don't disturb others."
than on:
"Follow every rule."
Master this simple idea, and you'll understand Japanese culture much more easily.
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In Japanese cities, some important messages are communicated without words. Knowing these signs can help you notice when someone may need extra care or consideration.
1
Invisible Disabilities
The Help Mark is a red tag featuring a white cross and heart. It's used by people who may need assistance even though their disabilities or medical conditions aren't immediately visible — this can include internal medical conditions, prosthetic limbs, or conditions such as panic disorders.
2
Supporting Expectant Mothers
The Maternity Mark is a pink symbol used by pregnant women. It's especially important during the early stages of pregnancy, when pregnancy may not yet be physically obvious.
3
Keep the Path Clear
The yellow textured lines found on sidewalks and station platforms are called Tenji Blocks. They're an important navigation system for people with visual impairments.
Understanding these simple signs can help you be a more considerate traveler in Japan.
A little awareness goes a long way.
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Which one would you visit for a wedding? Which one would you visit for a funeral?
Can You Guess?
💍 Wedding → ?
⚱️ Funeral → ?
💍 Weddings → Shinto shrines
⚱️ Funerals → Buddhist temples
Temples usually have a cemetery nearby because of their connection with ancestors, memorials, and funerals.
This simple difference explains a lot about how shrines and temples are used.
This is the real difference.
⛩️ Shrines — Shinto
You pray for life events and new beginnings:
🏯 Temples — Buddhism
You pray for reflection, remembrance, and the afterlife:
For life, beginnings, and celebration
Connected to nature and purity
Japanese Shrine Worship Process
A common pattern, not a strict universal rule.
For death, reflection, and remembrance
Places for contemplation
A quieter spiritual experience
Visitors may spend more time exploring the temple grounds, buildings, gardens, and surrounding spaces.
⛩️ Shrines
Generally relaxed. Casual clothing is usually fine, while respectful behavior is expected.
🏯 Temples
A more modest style is preferred. Best to avoid:
These aren't strict universal dress codes — expectations can vary depending on the temple, shrine, location, and occasion.
⛩️ Shrines
Look for:
🏯 Temples
Look for:
Don't Overthink Religion.
People naturally visit both shrines and temples at different moments in life.
A shrine for one occasion. A temple for another.
That balance is part of the culture.
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Small gestures make a big difference.
Some chopstick habits are more than just "bad manners" — they can have cultural or historical meanings.
Don't worry about being perfect.
Knowing the basics is already a big step.
Having trouble with chopsticks?
Just ask for a fork or spoon. Many restaurants have them available — simply ask the staff. Don't feel embarrassed if chopsticks are difficult.
Avoid these
🍚🥢 Never stick chopsticks upright in rice Tsukitate-bashi
Sticking chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice resembles a Buddhist funeral ritual. Never do this at the dining table.
🥢→🥢 Never pass food chopstick to chopstick Hiroi-bashi
Passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another is also associated with funeral rituals. Use a plate or serving utensil instead.
🥢🍱 Don't stab food with chopsticks Sashi-bashi
Using chopsticks like a fork to spear food is considered rude. Pick food up gently instead.
Try to avoid these
Licking your chopsticks Neburi-bashi
Licking food from your chopsticks is generally considered unhygienic and childish.
Letting food or sauce drip Namida-bashi
Carrying food while sauce or liquid drips from it can look careless.
Pointing with chopsticks Yubisashi-bashi
Using chopsticks to point at people or objects can feel aggressive or impolite.
Moving dishes with chopsticks Yose-bashi
Don't use your chopsticks to pull or push dishes toward you. Use your hands instead.
Hovering while choosing food Mayoi-bashi
Moving your chopsticks back and forth over several dishes while deciding what to take can look indecisive. Choose first, then pick up your food.
Even many people in Japan don't perfectly follow every one of these points. Knowing them just helps you avoid obvious mistakes and come across as a considerate diner.
Bonus: Can You Spot the Mistake?
What's wrong in a scene with these three habits?
It's Not About Being Perfect.
You don't need to master every chopstick rule.
But clean, quiet, and considerate movements make a great impression.
Small gestures show respect.
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No tip needed. That's normal in Japan.
In Japan, tipping is generally not expected. Restaurants, hotels, taxis, cafés, and most everyday services do not require a tip. You don't need to calculate 15%, 20%, or 25%.
The price you see is normally the price you pay.
Do You Need to Tip?
Which situations might involve a personal thank-you? Tap each to find out.
No tip needed — ever.
From casual restaurants to high-end dining, you do not need to leave a tip. If you accidentally leave money behind, staff may even think you forgot it.
Why? Because in Japan, great service isn't considered "extra" — it's part of the service itself.
A rare exception: Kokorozuke
At some high-end traditional ryokan, a personal thank-you known as Kokorozuke (お心付け) may be given in special circumstances. It's not a standard service charge or required tip — it's a quiet gesture of appreciation, traditionally given discreetly.
How?
If giving cash, place it in a small envelope rather than handing over loose bills. If you don't have an envelope, hand it discreetly rather than displaying the cash openly.
This is optional and uncommon, not expected at every luxury ryokan — a gesture of appreciation, not payment for service.
Another situation where a personal thank-you may be appropriate
For a private guide or highly personalized service, some travelers may choose to give a small cash gift as a personal expression of thanks — more naturally understood as "Thank you for taking such good care of us" rather than "Here is your tip."
This isn't mandatory or expected — a sincere verbal thank-you is completely appropriate.
In normal situations, just pay the bill and say thank you.
In many countries
Good service
↓
Extra payment
↓
Tip
In Japan
Good service
↓
Part of the culture
The idea isn't "pay more for kindness." It's closer to "good service is already part of what you receive."
The best hospitality can be almost invisible.
Hospitality in Japan is often quiet, precise, considerate, unobtrusive. You may not even notice how much effort went into the service — that's one reason tipping never became a normal part of everyday life here.
Don't worry about tipping.
Enjoy the service. Pay the bill.
Say "Arigato gozaimasu."
That's perfectly fine.
Real footage from every corner of Japan — full video guides to each prefecture, filmed on the ground. Watch on YouTube →
