Before visiting, most people tend to ask themselves these 10 Japan burning questions. Now that I’ve come back from Japan, here are all the answers and personal tips!
In here you will find the answers to everything, from is Tokyo friendly to tourists, to what are the don’ts in Japan, is Tokyo an expensive city, and so much more. The goal of this blog post is to help you feel as educated and confident with your upcoming Japan travels.
As a reminder, these answers are all coming from my own personal experiences. Different people may have different experiences.
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Answering 10 Burning Questions on Japan

1. Is Tokyo Friendly to Tourists?
Tokyo, and all the places I’ve visited in Japan, showed that the Japanese people are some of the most hospitable and respectful people there are.
By being incredibly hospitable, locals were always ready to help my boyfriend and I when we needed it. They were so kind and were always open to a quick small talk, as we attempted to understand one another with the language barrier.
In Tokyo, I particularly recall this one man who saw my boyfriend and I be somewhat lost and in a hurry at the Shinjuku Station. This man had such kind eyes and a genuinely kind soul. He came over to us, I showed him where we were going and he walked us to the train track.
In my experience, nowadays it’s hard to find people who are willing to stop what they’re doing for a stranger and help them out. Especially being tourists, I was surprised by this incredible act of kindness and I will always remember this kind man.
While Tokyo is friendly to tourists, it’s important you bring the same respect and kindness to the locals – because you are a guest. Read this cultural etiquette guide with Japan’s dos and don’ts, to be the best tourist possible!
2. Do People in Tokyo Speak English?
In the big cities, it will be more likely to find people speak a bit of English. The farther you go from the big cities, the less English speaking you will find. But don’t worry though, this is one of the best parts of the adventure!
Going with the point above, Japanese people are incredibly hospitable and ready to help. They might not speak English for the most part, but they will do their best in whichever way they can – whether it’s through signing with their hands, using their phone, and so forth.
With that said, be OPEN and enjoy talking with the locals, even with the language-barrier. Most importantly, and it’s sad that it needs to be mentioned, DO NOT EVER expect the locals to speak English!
I’ve had a security guard apologize for his English, and while we shared a quick laugh, my heart broke knowing that this is something their probably told too often. I assured him his english was great, and explained that I should be the one speaking Japanese, as I’m in his country.
3. What are the don’ts in Japan?
Japan is a country full of different customs and cultural etiquette rules, which I personally really enjoyed learning about and experiencing.
This cultural etiquette guide has all the do’s and don’ts in Japan, and will help you be the best tourist – and one that locals appreciate.
Here are a few DONT’S in Japan:
- Sit on curbs or on floors.
- Hand money directly.
- Occupy seats designated for specific people
- Smoke, unless…
4. Is Tokyo an Expensive City?
Many people often assume that Tokyo is mainly an expensive and luxurious city, and I’m here to say that you can experience whichever Tokyo you want – the luxurious or affordable one.
For example, my boyfriend and I stayed in several Airbnb’s in Tokyo, and they ranged from $80 per night to $129 per night. The $129 was in the heart of Shibuya, very affordable for that area! Airbnb does add ridiculous fees now-a-days, but the stays themselves were great for fair prices.
The biggest expense in Japan we had was the Shinkansen trains (between 70 to $100 if I recall correctly) to travel from Tokyo to places like Kanazawa, Kyoto and so forth.
5. Is it expensive to be a tourist in Japan?
Going with the point above, being a tourist in Tokyo or Japan in general does not have to be expensive! Overall there are so many affordable things to find, from attractions to stays and foods.
Insider Tip: When you go to a restaurant and you’re handed an English menu, there’s a chance the prices are higher than the ones on the Japanese menu. It may not always be the case, but it’s a good thing to note and be aware of! If you want a Japanese menu, simply ask for it.
6. How many days is enough in Tokyo?

I will never stop sharing this, but Tokyo is not just a big city like London and Rome. Tokyo is a metropolitan prefecture with 23 wards, 26 cities, and more!
With that said, no amount of days in Tokyo will ever be enough – because there is so much to be seen.
If you’re looking for a minimum amount of days, I recommend at least 3 FULL days in Tokyo – which allow you to see a good amount of Tokyo’s main attractions. Ideally, 5 days in Tokyo, or more, would be best!
7. How do I prepare for a trip to Tokyo?
Here is a quick checklist of what to do to properly prepare for your Tokyo trip:
- Read my 23 ESSENTIAL Tips + Things to Know Before Visiting Japan.
- Learn the Do’s and Don’ts in Japan: Etiquette Guide for New Visitors. As a guest it’s your responsibility to come prepared on the customs and be respectful!
- Read my guide on the Best Area to Stay in Tokyo Japan before booking your stay!
- Check your passport’s expiration date!
- Read my guide on the JR Pass, to understand if you need it for your trip and learn everything you need to know!
- Check if you need a visa. Here are the visa exempt countries, and the countries that require a visa.
- Do you have Travel Medical Insurance? If not, check out SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance!
- Do you have an international phone plan? If you don’t, Airalo is a highly-rated, convenient and affordable eSim!
8. What should I pack for Tokyo and Japan?
This depends on the season and the places you’ll visit in. Tokyo is a city that experiences all four seasons, and nothing is ever too extreme.
With that said, here are my overall tips for packing for Tokyo and Japan – which apply for all seasons:
- Pack light! Most places have washing machines in unit, or in the vicinity. In Japan it’s important to travel light and have room for all the souvenirs and products you will eventually buy.
- Bring neutral clothes that you can mix and match.
- Bring long, but light, modest clothes if you’re visiting in hot weather. Ex. Long dresses and skirts.
- If you’re from the US, you DON’T need to buy an adapter, Japan uses the same plugs / has the same socket. However, if your computer has a ground pin plug, you may need a converter!
- Bring a battery pack!! I use the Belkin Power Bank 20k and couldn’t love it more. It’s on the heavier side, but works perfectly.
- IF you’re celiac, make sure to bring lots of gluten free snacks and foods. In Tokyo, all the gluten free restaurants are in Shibuya, so it will be important to always have something with you – just to be safe!
9. What should I wear in Tokyo?
Tokyo is a city where most people dress modestly and/or business formal. While you don’t need to follow their way of dressing, I do strongly recommend keeping things modest!
While Japan is overall a very safe country, there is a problem of up-skirting. Also, if you are showing your chest area, you might get some uncomfortable stares.
Asides the negative attention you may receive with revealing tops and outfits, it’s important to dress modestly if and when you plan to visit religious sites – including the many Temples and Shrines. By wearing modest outfits from the get-go, you won’t have to worry about missing out on attractions and important sites.
When visiting Temples and Shrines, you must have long pants or skirts, or nothing shorter than knee length, and your top must be covered – chest, shoulders, back, and no crop tops.
Insider Tip: If you are wearing shoes without socks, always bring a pair of socks with you in case a place you visit requires you to take your shoes off!
Additional Tip: Wear comfy, worn-in shoes! Sneakers will be your best friends on these travels. I wore my Chuck Taylor All Star Move Platform and couldn’t have been more comfortable. Many people who’ve traveled around Japan also recommend these brands: HOKA (Bondi 8 and Clifton 9 are the most popular), Sketchers, and the Brooks Ghost.

10. Do I need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan?
You do not need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan. BUT, knowing some sentences and words will be very helpful when trying to communicate with the locals. Furthermore, by knowing some words, the Japanese locals will appreciate you!
Here are some words and sentences that you will need on your Japan travels:
- Sumimasen – Excuse Me or I’m Sorry
- Arigato / Arigato Gozaimasu (formal) – Thank You
- Ohayō Gozaimasu – Good morning
- Konnichiwa – Hello/Good Afternoon
- Doko desu ka? – Where is it?
- Oishi desu – It is Delicious or Tasty
- Konbini – Convenience Store
- Basutei – Bus station
- Eki – Train station
Do you have everything you Need? Use my FREE e-Checklist!
This is your one-stop-shop in understanding everything you need – something I wish I had for my own travels. Here you’ll find what you need to do to prepare for your Japan travels, things to know, essentials like Travel Medical Insurance, eSims, and more. Enjoy!✨
Read More on Japan
- 23 ESSENTIAL Tips + Things to Know Before Visiting Japan
- Do’s and Don’ts in Japan: Etiquette Guide for New Visitors
- Do I really need a JR Pass in? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
- The Ultimate 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- How to Spend the BEST 3 Days in Tokyo, Japan
- How to Spend the Best 2 Days in Lake Kawaguchiko
- The Best Tokyo Street Food Tours | Foodie Heaven in Japan
- Discover the Best Area to Stay in Tokyo Japan
- Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? 14 Reasons Why it Is!
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I have to ask…
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