Know Before You Go: Japan
The laws, local rules, safety tips, and cultural things I’d want to know before landing
Japan is one of those places where being prepared makes the trip feel way easier.
The trains are efficient, the cities are incredibly organized, and a lot of the everyday etiquette is pretty intuitive once you see how everyone around you moves. But there are still a few things I would want to know before going, especially around medications, customs, transit, smoking, shopping, and local etiquette.
Carry Your Passport With You
Japan’s official tourism guidance says foreign visitors should carry their passport with them as identification while in the country.
I would not leave it sitting in the hotel safe all day assuming you will never need it.
Check Your Medications Before You Pack
This is one of the biggest things I would not leave until the last minute.
Japan has restrictions on some medications that may be commonly prescribed elsewhere. Depending on the medicine and quantity, you may need prior permission before bringing it into the country. Japan’s Ministry of Health says some prescription drugs are allowed up to certain personal-use amounts, while narcotics and stimulant-related medications can require advance approval.
That means:
Check the exact active ingredient, not just the brand name
Do not assume a U.S. prescription automatically makes it legal to bring
Apply for any required import permission before traveling
Keep medication in its original labeled packaging
Bring supporting documentation if required
Use Visit Japan Web Before You Arrive
Japan’s official tourism site recommends Visit Japan Web for pre-registering arrival information for immigration, customs, and tax-free shopping procedures.
It can make arrival a lot smoother because you can generate QR codes ahead of time instead of filling everything out after landing.
Be Careful Bringing Food or Plant Products Into Japan
Japan has strict rules around importing meat, meat products, plants, and plant products because of disease and agricultural protections. Illegal importation can lead to significant penalties.
If you are not sure whether something is allowed, check before you pack it.
Train Etiquette Is Real
Japan’s public transportation is incredibly efficient, but there is definitely a social rhythm to it.
A few things to know:
Keep conversations quiet
Avoid talking on the phone while riding trains or buses
Let passengers exit before you board
Respect priority seating
Keep your phone on silent
Do not block doors or aisles with luggage
JNTO specifically notes that loud phone conversations and excessive noise on public transportation are discouraged.
Eating on Trains Depends on the Train
Eating on the Shinkansen is generally fine.
Eating on regular commuter trains is usually considered poor manners.
JNTO also notes that eating while walking is not especially common in Japan compared with some other places.
Smoking Is More Restricted Than People Think
Japan has designated smoking areas, and smoking while walking on the street can be prohibited and may result in fines depending on the area. Smoking is also restricted in many restaurants and bars except designated spaces.
If you smoke, find the designated area instead of assuming you can light up anywhere outside.
Tipping Is Not Expected
Japan does not have a tipping culture.
You generally pay the amount shown on the bill and leave it at that. Tipping can actually create confusion in some situations.
Keep Some Cash
Japan is much more card-friendly than it used to be, especially in major cities, but some smaller shops and cafés may still be cash-only or accept limited payment methods.
I would still carry some yen rather than relying completely on one card.
Get an IC Card
If you are using public transportation, an IC card can make moving around much easier.
Japan’s tourism guidance specifically recommends rechargeable IC travel cards for smoother transit.
They are useful for:
Trains
Subways
Buses
Some convenience stores
Some vending machines
Tax-Free Shopping Is Changing
This one is especially important because the rules are changing soon.
Until October 31, 2026, eligible visitors can still buy qualifying goods tax-free at participating stores under the current system.
Beginning November 1, 2026, Japan is switching to a refund-based system. Travelers will pay the tax-inclusive price at the store and then complete a customs confirmation process before departure to receive the tax refund.
If you are traveling around that transition, check the current rules before you shop.
Public Drinking Is Generally Legal
Unlike some destinations, drinking alcohol outside is not generally prohibited in Japan. JNTO notes that outdoor drinking is part of some seasonal traditions, including cherry blossom viewing.
That does not mean anything goes.
Be respectful, clean up after yourself, and pay attention to local rules or signs.
Trash Cans Can Be Hard to Find
This surprises a lot of first-time visitors.
You may notice fewer public trash cans than you are used to.
Be prepared to hold onto your trash until you find somewhere appropriate to dispose of it.
Do Not Be Loud Just Because You Are Excited
This is probably one of the easiest etiquette adjustments.
Japan tends to value consideration for the people around you, especially in public spaces and transit.
You do not have to walk around whispering.
Just pay attention to the volume of the room and match it.
Learn a Few Basic Phrases
You do not need to speak Japanese to travel around major tourist areas, but learning a few basics goes a long way.
Useful ones include:
Hello
Thank you
Excuse me
Please
Where is...?
I do not understand
Even a little effort is appreciated.
Know the Plug Type
Japan uses two flat parallel prongs, similar to the U.S., but voltage is different. JNTO recommends checking whether your devices need an adapter or voltage support before traveling.
💡 SHANE’S TIP
The biggest thing I would do before Japan is check medication rules, Visit Japan Web, and transit setup before the flight.
Those are the things that can actually make your arrival smoother or create a problem if you wait until you land.
The etiquette stuff is easy once you are there.
Watch what people around you are doing and follow the rhythm.
The Bottom Line
Japan is incredibly easy to navigate once you understand how things work.
The biggest things I would know ahead of time are:
Carry your passport
Check medication restrictions
Use Visit Japan Web
Respect train etiquette
Know the smoking rules
Carry some cash
Use an IC card
Understand the current tax-free shopping rules
Follow the local pace instead of treating every cultural difference like an obstacle
A little preparation goes a long way here.
Go somewhere. Make it worth it.