Japan guide

Do I Need Cash in Japan? A Tourist’s Guide to Money Matters

Picture this: You’ve just landed in Japan. You’re dazzled by neon lights, sushi dreams, and that anime glow everyone promised. But suddenly, you face a terrifying beast — the cash question. Do you need cash in Japan? Or can you just flash your credit card like you do back home and breeze through?

Well, buckle up, because Japan’s money game has some quirks that’ll leave you either laughing or crying (or both).

The Cash Conundrum: My Wallet Went on a Diet

On my first trip, I thought, “Credit cards are king everywhere nowadays, right? I’ll just swipe and go!” Fast forward to a tiny ramen shop in a quiet alley of Kyoto. I handed over my card with confidence. The chef looked at me like I’d just tried to pay with a Pokémon card.

“No card. Cash only,” he said with a gentle bow.

Cue me, desperately fishing through my empty wallet like a magician pulling scarves out of a hat — except there were no scarves. Just crumpled receipts.

Why Japan Loves Its Yen

Japan is still a mostly cash-driven society. Cash is king in convenience stores, small restaurants, temples, markets, and even some taxis. Plus, many ATMs won’t take foreign cards — yes, even at banks!

The good news? Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are getting better with card payments. Big stores, hotels, and restaurants usually take cards — but it’s the little spots that’ll make you sweat.

Pro Tips to Avoid Wallet Shame

1. Carry some yen, always. Even 10,000 yen (~$75 USD) can go a long way.

2. Find 7-Eleven ATMs. They usually accept foreign cards and are lifesavers.

3. Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo). It’s like a magic money card for trains, buses, and vending machines.

4. Ask before you buy. Don’t be shy — ask “カード使えますか？” (Card tsukaemasu ka? = Can I use a card?)

The Great Cashless Ambition

Japan is slowly catching up. Cashless payments, mobile wallets, and QR codes are growing—especially since the Olympics pushed the country to modernize. But for now, don’t be the tourist caught without cash in a sushi bar.

In Conclusion

Do you need cash in Japan? Absolutely yes — at least some. But with a bit of prep and a sense of humor, you’ll navigate Japan’s money maze like a pro.

And hey, if you ever find yourself cardless in a ramen shop staring down a cash-only menu, just smile, bow deeply, and promise to come back with cash next time. Trust me, it’s part of the adventure.

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How to Navigate Japan’s Train System Without Stress?

A Traveler’s Tale of Tickets, Timetables, and Toilets That Talk

Japan’s train system is the crown jewel of public transportation. It’s clean. It’s punctual. It’s so organized it might make your inner control freak weep with joy.

And yet… my first day using it felt like entering a time-traveling spaceship operated entirely in kanji. I bought three wrong tickets, rode a local train for 72 stops, and bowed to the ticket gate thinking it was a staff member.

Let me save you the drama. Here's how to master Japan’s train system — without crying in a vending machine corner.

1. Get an IC Card. Seriously. Get One.

IC cards (like Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca) are rechargeable magic cards that let you tap in and out of trains, buses, and even some vending machines.
💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need to know the fare — just tap and go. The card does the math.
💥 My Fail: I tried buying individual paper tickets for each ride. A grandmother lapped me three times at the machine.

2. Google Maps Is Your Best Friend

No shame — everyone uses it. It tells you the platform, transfer times, and even which car to board for a fast exit.
📱 Pro Tip: Set your preferences to avoid local trains unless you enjoy seeing every suburb between Tokyo and Nagano.
💥 My Fail: I took a “local” instead of “rapid.” I saw more rice fields than my future.

3. Understand the Train Types (or Risk Eternal Travel)

There are many kinds of trains, and they’re NOT the same:

• Local (stops at every leaf)

• Rapid

• Express

• Limited Express

• Shinkansen (a.k.a. The Bullet God)

🚄 Pro Tip: Faster trains may require extra fees. But your dignity is worth it.
💥 My Fail: I boarded a Limited Express with a Local ticket. The train lady kindly explained, and I nodded like I understood while sweating through my shirt.

4. Station Names Are Confusing on Purpose (Probably)

Shin-Osaka isn’t Osaka. Kyoto Station has 60 exits. Ueno might lead to another dimension.

🧭 Pro Tip: Know the station name, exit number, and direction before arrival.
💥 My Fail: I once spent 45 minutes inside Shinjuku Station trying to leave. I lived there now.

5. Be Ready to Queue and Be Quiet

Lines for the train form like a polite military drill. People don’t talk loudly.
📏 Pro Tip: Queue behind the markings. Enter after others exit.
💥 My Fail: I stood randomly near the door and got gently scolded by a 6-year-old. She was right.

6. Bathrooms? Heaven.

Japanese train stations have bathrooms cleaner than my apartment. Some have heated seats, music, and emotional support buttons.

🚽 Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid. Explore. You may come out wiser.
💥 My Fail: I accidentally activated the bidet while standing. I met God.

7. Luggage: Travel Light or Regret Everything

Trains don’t have tons of space for big suitcases.
🧳 Pro Tip: Travel light or use a luggage delivery service.
💥 My Fail: I boarded a packed commuter train with a giant suitcase. I became an obstacle course.

8. Shinkansen Etiquette Exists

Don’t make phone calls. Eat quietly. Recline gently. And never — ever — sit in someone’s reserved seat unless you want a samurai death stare.

🚄 Pro Tip: Eki-ben (train bento) is a life-changer. Buy one. Eat one. Weep with joy.
💥 My Fail: I spilled miso soup on my seat and pretended it was “performance art.”

Final Thoughts:

Japan’s trains are not scary. They are precise, polite, and occasionally magical. With a bit of prep, you’ll go from panicked tourist to local-level confidence in just a few rides.

Just remember: tap your card, follow the arrows, and never, ever, run through the station — unless you're chasing a talking vending machine (happens more than you’d think).

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The Perfect Japan Itinerary

So you want the perfect Japan itinerary?

Let me guess:
✅ See everything
✅ Eat everything
✅ Experience everything
✅ Do it all in 7 days?
…Sure. Easy. (Not.)

But don’t worry — here’s your survival plan:

Day 1-2: Tokyo — The Giant Vending Machine

Welcome to Tokyo — where you’ll spend half your time going, “Wait, is that a vending machine for umbrellas?”
See: Shibuya Crossing (cross 7 times, it’s tradition), Asakusa (pretend to be spiritual), and teamLab (because lasers).
Eat: Sushi, ramen, convenience store egg sandwiches that taste suspiciously amazing.

Day 3-4: Kyoto — Where Your Phone Storage Dies

In Kyoto, your camera becomes full by lunchtime.
See: Fushimi Inari (yes, those endless red gates), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (where 17 influencers will photobomb you), and Kinkaku-ji (golden bling).
Eat: Matcha everything. Don’t ask, just accept.

Day 5: Nara — The Deer Mafia

Take a day trip to Nara.
See: Giant Buddha.
Experience: Deer politely bowing to you… until they realize you have snacks, then turning into aggressive snack bandits.
Pro tip: Hide the senbei biscuits until the last possible second.

Day 6: Osaka — Calories Don’t Count Here

Welcome to Osaka, where your diet goes into permanent vacation mode.
See: Dotonbori (neon, takoyaki, more neon).
Eat: Everything on a stick. And don’t leave without trying okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake that’s actually pizza that’s actually not pizza).

Day 7: Hakone — Pretend You’re Relaxing

Finish your trip soaking in an onsen while questioning every life decision that led you to cram Japan into one week.
Optional: Pray for a clear view of Mt. Fuji. If not: pretend you saw it.

Bonus Tip:

Perfect itinerary? It doesn’t exist.
But a fun, chaotic, unforgettable trip? Absolutely.

Moral of the story:
You’ll be back anyway — Japan knows how to reel you in.

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What Are Japanese Etiquette Rules Every Visitor Should Know?

That Time I Bowed to a Vending Machine

Japan is a wonderland of beauty, order, and shocking silence on public transport. It's also a place where one false move — like sticking chopsticks in rice — can make the sweet old lady at the next table audibly gasp.

I came to Japan thinking I was polite. I said “please,” held doors open, and even once waited my turn at IKEA. But Japan? Japan has levels.

Allow me to guide you through the unspoken code of Japanese etiquette — via the mistakes I made so you don’t have to.

1. The Bowing Olympics

People bow. You bow back. They bow again. Soon, you’re in a polite loop with no exit.
🤝 Rule: Bow as a greeting, a thank you, and sometimes when your soul feels it’s right.
💡 My Fail: I once bowed to a robot greeter in a store. It bowed back. We’re married now.

2. Chopsticks Are Not Lightsabers

Waving them, pointing them, stabbing things — all forbidden.
🥢 Rule: Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice — it’s for funerals. Don’t pass food chopstick-to-chopstick either — also funeral. Basically, avoid funeral behavior.
💡 My Fail: I once used chopsticks to scratch my back. The waiter looked like he aged 10 years.

3. Slurp Like You Mean It

In Japan, slurping is music. It's respect. It’s... oddly satisfying.
🍜 Rule: Slurp noodles (especially ramen and soba). But only noodles.
💡 My Fail: I tried slurping rice. No one joined me.

4. Shoes Off, Socks On (No Holes!)

Japan takes its floors seriously.
👟 Rule: Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants, temples, and fitting rooms. Indoor slippers are often provided — don’t wear them into the toilet! Toilet slippers exist for a reason.
💡 My Fail: I wore the toilet slippers into the dining room. Grandma gasped. The dog left the room.

5. Silence Is Golden (Especially on Trains)

Loud talking, phone calls, or blasting music = social felony.
🚆 Rule: On trains, speak softly or not at all. Phones stay on silent (“manner mode”).
💡 My Fail: I laughed out loud watching cat videos on the Shinkansen. Three people disowned me.

6. Don’t Tip. Seriously. Don’t.

Tipping in Japan is like handing someone a used tissue with money inside — it’s confusing and a bit gross.
💴 Rule: Exceptional service is expected, not rewarded with tips.
💡 My Fail: I left a tip on the table. The waiter chased me outside and gave it back like I had dropped a baby.

7. Public Baths = Naked Diplomacy

If you visit an onsen (hot spring), prepare to strip, scrub, and soak — all while pretending this is totally normal.
🛁 Rule: Wash thoroughly before entering the bath. No swimsuits allowed. Tattoos may be an issue (ask first).
💡 My Fail: I entered the bath before washing. The shame followed me for weeks.

8. Don’t Eat While Walking

You’ll see vending machines on every corner, but eating while walking is usually frowned upon — unless it's a festival.
🌭 Rule: Stand aside to eat street food. It’s about cleanliness and grace, not multitasking.
💡 My Fail: I walked while devouring a crepe. A child pointed and whispered, “Yabai…”

9. Say “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisousama”

They mean “I humbly receive” and “thank you for the meal.” Saying them makes you sound like an angel.
🙏 Rule: Say before and after eating, even alone.
💡 My Fail: I once shouted itadakimasu in a silent café. A monk turned around.

10. Respect the Space

No feet on seats. No littering. No personal space invasion. Be a ghost, but a friendly one.
🎎 Rule: Respect shared spaces. Blend in like tofu in miso soup.
💡 My Fail: I stretched my legs out on a train. A grandma gently tapped me with her umbrella. I will never recover.

Final Thoughts: Be Polite, Stay Curious, and Don’t Panic

You don’t have to master it all — locals are kind and forgiving. But learning just a bit of etiquette will earn you smiles, nods, and maybe even a free mochi.

And if in doubt… just bow. But maybe not to the vending machines. Unless they bow first.

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Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Japan (And Where to Find Them)

How I Accidentally Ordered Cow Intestines and Loved It

So there I was, armed with a vague Google map and a stomach louder than a Shinkansen. I had just landed in Tokyo, determined to eat like a local — you know, the kind of traveler who proudly slurps noodles and nods like they know what "umami" means.

I wandered into a backstreet izakaya, pointed at something on the menu (no photos, of course), and confidently said “kore kudasai” like a pro. Twenty minutes later, I was chewing something... rubbery.

It was cow intestines. And shockingly? Pretty tasty.

Thus began my accidental culinary tour of Japan — full of surprises, weird textures, and meals that made me weep with joy (and sometimes mild panic). Here's the list I wish I had before I bravely bit into “whatever that was.”

1. Ramen – The Soul Hug in a Bowl

Forget the college dorm version. Real ramen is a poetic, brothy masterpiece.
🍜 Where: Ichiran (Tokyo, Fukuoka) – sit in your own booth and noodle in peace.
💡 Pro Tip: Slurp loudly. It’s a compliment here. (And yes, you’ll feel weird at first.)

2. Okonomiyaki – The Pancake That Doesn’t Know What It Is

Cabbage? Bacon? Noodles? Seaweed? All of it, grilled and smothered in sauce.
🥞 Where: Osaka or Hiroshima (both have VERY different styles — don’t start a fight).
💡 Pro Tip: Let the staff cook it. You’ll burn it, trust me.

3. Sushi – It’s Not All Raw Fish, Relax

Sushi in Japan is fresh, delicate, and nothing like the sad roll at your airport.
🍣 Where: Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo), or literally any kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi).
💡 Story: I once ate “shirako” thinking it was tofu. It was fish sperm. Five stars.

4. Takoyaki – Molten Lava Octopus Balls

Crispy outside, gooey inside, and packed with surprise tentacles.
🐙 Where: Dotonbori in Osaka — watch the guy flip 90 of them at once.
💡 Pro Tip: Blow on them like they’re cursed. They will burn your soul.

5. Tonkatsu – Deep-Fried Pork Perfection

A thick pork cutlet, breaded, golden, and more satisfying than therapy.
🍖 Where: Maisen in Tokyo (or a random department store basement).
💡 Pro Tip: Mix the sauce with mustard. Yes, mustard. You're welcome.

6. Yakiniku – Grill Your Own Cow Like a Boss

Barbecue, Japanese-style. You cook tiny meat slices yourself, over fire.
🔥 Where: Tokyo’s Shinjuku or Osaka’s Tsuruhashi district.
💡 Pro Tip: Order “karubi” for fatty short rib heaven. Skip “horumon” unless you're brave.

7. Mochi – Cute, Chewy Dessert Balls of Doom

Sweet, chewy, and potentially deadly if you inhale it wrong.
🍡 Where: Nara’s Nakatanidou – where they pound it like sumo wrestlers.
💡 Warning: Chew thoroughly or be featured on the evening news.

8. Unagi Don – Fancy Eel That Tastes Like BBQ Cloud

Grilled freshwater eel over rice. Sticky, rich, delicious.
🐍 Where: Lake Hamana area (Shizuoka) or any old-school Tokyo shop.
💡 Pro Tip: It’s expensive but worth it. Like edible velvet.

9. Kaiseki – A Multi-Course Haiku

Seasonal, elegant dishes served like edible poetry.
🥢 Where: Kyoto’s ryokans or fine restaurants.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t ask what everything is. Just smile and eat.

10. Convenience Store Food – Trust the 7-Eleven Gods

Onigiri. Fried chicken. Egg sandwiches that made Gordon Ramsay cry.
🛍️ Where: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart – they’re everywhere.
💡 Warning: You may never want to cook again.

Final Thoughts from a Stomach That’s Seen Things

Yes, you do need to try the raw fish. No, it won’t kill you. Yes, the vending machines serve hot corn soup. And yes, sometimes you'll order something mysterious and love it — even if it turns out to be cow guts.

So come hungry. Come curious. And maybe... pack antacids.
This is Japan — your stomach is about to fall in love.

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Where Should I Stay in Japan? (The Eternal Tourist Crisis)

Ah, the famous question every traveler asks while staring at 74 open tabs at 2AM:
"Where should I stay in Japan?"

Let’s solve it — Japan style.

A. Tokyo:

B. Kyoto:

C. Osaka:

In conclusion:
No matter where you stay, you’ll eventually say:
"I need to come back again."

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The Great Onsen Hunt: How Tourists Try to Find Hot Springs in Japan (and Survive)

Ah yes, the onsen — Japan’s magical hot baths where you soak your body, relax your soul, and accidentally traumatize yourself if you don’t read the rules.

Tourists arrive in Japan thinking:
"I’ll find a beautiful onsen, like in the photos, with mountains, cherry blossoms, and maybe a friendly monkey."
Reality: Naked. Confused. Googling “can I wear a swimsuit?”

Step 1️⃣: The Decision — "I Want to Do This!"

You saw a YouTube video.
You saw an Instagram post.
Now you're determined:
"I WILL bathe like a Japanese local."

Welcome to your first mistake:
Not all onsens are equal.

• Natural outdoor onsen? Heaven.

• Tiny hotel basement onsen? Slightly awkward but still great.

• Public sento? Technically not an onsen, but your confused brain won’t care.

Step 2️⃣: The Rules — "Wait, What?"

Before you even dip a toe:

• No swimsuits.

• No towels in the water.

• Wash your entire body first like your mother is watching.

• Tattoos? Uh-oh — better check the policy.

You’ll spend 20 minutes reading signs, another 10 minutes pretending you understand, then copy what everyone else is doing.

Step 3️⃣: The Naked Panic — "Everyone's Naked. Including Me."

Yes. You will be naked.
No, nobody cares.
Yes, you will care.
For about 2 minutes.
Then the hot water hits, your brain shuts off, and you ascend to a higher plane of existence.

Step 4️⃣: The Moment — "This Is Amazing."

You did it.
You’re soaking in natural mineral waters while staring at mountains, snow, or a beautiful garden.
You whisper to yourself:
"I am basically Japanese now."

Step 5️⃣: The Exit — "How Am I So Sleepy?"

Post-onsen is when you realize your bones have melted.
You’ll shuffle out like a very polite zombie, drink some vending machine milk, and sleep like you’ve never slept before.

Bonus Tip:
Don’t make eye contact with strangers in the onsen.
Nobody’s judging you — but everyone’s avoiding eye contact.
It’s part of the unspoken spa law.

Conclusion:
Finding and surviving an onsen is a rite of passage.
You’ll be awkward.
You’ll be confused.
You’ll love every second.

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Where Should I Eat in Japan? (The Delicious Struggle)

You’ve landed in Japan. You’re hungry.
Now comes the ultimate question that haunts every tourist: “Where should I eat?”

Don’t panic. The answer is: Everywhere.
But let’s break it down before you end up eating only convenience store sandwiches (though honestly, those are weirdly amazing).

1️⃣ The Convenience Store (Konbini): Your New Religion

Yes, you heard right.
Family Mart, Lawson, 7-Eleven — they’re not just convenience stores, they’re culinary miracles.
Egg sandwiches? Heavenly.
Onigiri? 120 yen bundles of joy.
Fried chicken? Life-changing.
You will judge yourself at first.
You will not judge yourself after the third visit.

2️⃣ Ramen Shops: The Noodle Church

When lost, find ramen.
You’ll sit at a tiny counter, order from a machine that looks like a lost ATM, and receive a bowl of pure happiness.
Pro tip: Slurping is not rude — it’s expected. If you’re not slurping, are you even living?

3️⃣ Sushi: Fresh, Fancy, or Conveyor-Belted

You’ve seen the documentaries. Now live the dream.

• High-end sushi: Prepare your wallet.

• Conveyor belt sushi: Watch plates circle like your indecision.

• Standing sushi bars: Quick, cheap, fresh, and your feet get a workout.

4️⃣ Izakaya: Where Decency Ends and Fun Begins

An izakaya is a Japanese pub where you’ll eat skewers of mystery meat while locals get progressively louder.
Menus may not have photos.
Order randomly.
Regret nothing.

5️⃣ Department Store Food Basements: The Secret Gourmet Wonderland

The basement of every major department store is basically an edible museum.
Sample your way through it like an overgrown child at Costco.
Try everything that looks mysterious.
You’ll leave with bags of things you can't pronounce but will happily devour.

6️⃣ Street Food: The Ultimate Side Quest

Markets like Nishiki (Kyoto), Kuromon (Osaka), and random street festivals are your playground.
Eat takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled skewers), and anything covered in matcha.
Your stomach will hate you.
Your soul will thank you.

7️⃣ Vending Machines: The Robo-Café

Japan’s vending machines serve hot coffee, cold coffee, soups, and probably your horoscope.
They are everywhere.
Use them.
Love them.
You are one with the vending machine now.

Conclusion:
In Japan, there is no “wrong” place to eat.
The only mistake is overthinking.
Open mouth. Insert food. Repeat.

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