19 MISTAKES Tourists Always Make in Japan You Can Avoid

Summary

This video offers invaluable travel tips for tourists visiting Japan, highlighting common mistakes to avoid. Key advice includes timing your visit to miss peak heat and holidays, dressing appropriately, wearing comfortable shoes due to extensive walking, and avoiding large groups for easier navigation. It also stresses the importance of advance ticket bookings for popular attractions, allowing rest time, and being mindful of hotel room sizes. The video reassures viewers that language barriers are manageable and suggests using a VPN for accessing geo-restricted content. Lastly, it advises on meal planning, accommodating dietary restrictions, and embracing spontaneity in travel planning for a more authentic experience.

Takeaways

• ☀️ Avoid traveling to Japan during the hot and humid summer months (July and August) or major holidays, as it can lead to uncomfortable experiences.
• 👟 Dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Japan involves a lot of walking and stairs, and you’ll often need to remove shoes in traditional settings.
• 🎟️ Book tickets for popular attractions like TeamLab and Ghibli Museum in advance, as they sell out quickly.
• 😴 Don’t overbook your itinerary. Ensure you schedule enough rest time between activities to avoid burnout.
• 🏨 Be prepared for small hotel rooms and beds, especially in Tokyo, which might feel cramped if you have a lot of luggage.
• 🗣️ Don’t worry too much about the language barrier. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, though learning some basic Japanese can help.
• 👥 Traveling in large groups can be difficult due to Japan's smaller family-focused infrastructure. Making reservations for larger parties is recommended.
• 🌐 Bring a VPN for accessing geoblocked content and ensure internet safety while using public Wi-Fi.
• 🚆 Plan public transportation in advance, especially if traveling to rural areas where trains and buses may be infrequent.
• 🛬 Consider the timing of your flight arrivals and departures, as trains in Japan stop running from midnight to 5 a.m., which may impact your transportation plans.

Q & A

What is the first mistake tourists often make when visiting Japan according to the script?

The first mistake is visiting Japan at the wrong time, especially during the hot and humid summer months of July and August, or during Japanese holidays when domestic tourists crowd popular spots.

Why is it recommended not to wear athleisure or leggings when visiting Japan?

Japanese people in cities dress well, and wearing athleisure or leggings can make you stand out. It's advised to dress appropriately and avoid overly casual attire unless it's for specific activities like hiking.

What type of footwear is not recommended for traveling in Japan?

Dock shoes are not recommended because Japan has many stairs and traditional places where shoes need to be removed. Comfortable shoes that are easy to put on and take off are advised.

Why is it important to book tickets for activities like teamLab and the Ghibli Museum in advance?

These activities are popular and can sell out quickly, so booking in advance ensures you can secure a spot and avoid disappointment.

What is a common mistake made when planning a daily schedule for a trip to Japan?

Over-scheduling without enough rest time can lead to exhaustion. It's important to leave some downtime and not plan back-to-back activities without breaks.

Why might hotel rooms in Tokyo be a surprise for some tourists?

Hotel rooms in Tokyo can be very small, especially for those coming from countries with larger accommodations. It's important to be aware of the size and plan accordingly.

How can the language gap be managed for English speakers visiting Japan?

While learning basic Japanese can be helpful, many people in tourist areas speak enough English to communicate. Additionally, many products and signs have English translations, so it's manageable.

Why is it challenging to travel in Japan with a large group?

Japan is catered to small groups and families, so larger groups may find it difficult to get into restaurants without reservations and to coordinate activities for everyone.

What is the benefit of using a VPN like NordVPN while traveling in Japan?

A VPN helps bypass geo-restrictions on content, allowing access to shows and services that might be blocked in Japan, and also ensures safe internet connections, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

Why is it crucial to plan public transportation carefully when traveling outside of major Japanese cities?

Buses and trains in rural areas are not as frequent, with some only running once every few hours. Planning each leg of the trip in advance prevents getting stranded.

What should be considered regarding flight arrival or departure times in relation to train schedules in Japan?

Trains in Japan stop running between midnight and 5:00 a.m., so it's important to consider potential flight delays or customs wait times to ensure you can reach your destination or accommodation.