Why this site exists

Konnichiwa! If you're nervous about your upcoming trip to Japan, don't be. This site will answer all of the most commonly asked questions and help you get you ready for your Japan trip in only thirty minutes. Most importantly, this site will help you have a smooth trip and be the type of tourist that Japan would love to welcome back.

I made this site for my friends who were going to Japan, because I wanted to give them something more organized than the Google doc where I’d been collecting all my best tips during my long trips in Japan. 

As an obsessive researcher and Virgo-rising, efficiency, clarity, and obsessing over the details are a part of my DNA. You’re getting the same good advice that I’d give my bestie. 

Before you get on the plane, bookmark this site so you can refer back to it while you’re there. 

What's happening in Japan 

✈️ Japan is experiencing a ton of overtourism, especially in its two biggest cities, Tokyo and Kyoto. That’s good for their economy but unfortunately, a lot of peeps are showing up knowing nothing about Japan’s cultural norms and how things work. 

Showing up clueless is so not the vibe. It ruins the things that make Japan awesome! You don’t need to be an expert, but at least know the basics and show up ready to respect the way things are done in Japan. 

On this site, you'll find the most important travel tips that’ll help you be respectful and have the smoothest, most enjoyable Japan vacation you could wish for. It only takes 30 minutes to read this page, and then you’ll be ready for takeoff.  

Another thing to keep in mind: 

Because Tokyo and Kyoto get the vast majority of the tourists, many small towns in Japan are suffering from lack of economic activity. If you visit some of the smaller towns and cities, you'll be helping to spread the tourism dollars around, and you won't be surrounded by tourists everywhere you go. This is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you, BUT if you do this, it's even more important that you're prepared to arrive knowing the information that this site covers, since a less-touristy area is less likely to be able to cater to tourists and people who don't speak Japanese.  Read this site so you show up prepared.