Articles

Guides for your trip

Short, friendly guides for your trip to Japan — manners, onsen, trains, shrines, food and more.

Konbini Etiquette: How to Shop at a Japanese Convenience StoreA friendly first-timer's guide to Japanese convenience stores: the checkout flow, the cash tray, the bag question, where to eat, and what to do with trash.October 13, 2026
Japanese Etiquette for First-Time Visitors: 30 Small Manners That MatterA calm, practical guide to Japanese etiquette for your first trip: the 10 manners that matter most, place-by-place tips for onsen, trains, shrines and restaurants.October 13, 2026
Onsen Etiquette in Japan: How to Bathe Like a LocalA calm, step-by-step guide to your first Japanese onsen or sento: tattoo rules, the changing room, washing first, where your towel goes, and soaking safely.October 13, 2026
Japanese Restaurant Etiquette: Tipping, Chopsticks and the BillA calm guide to eating out in Japan: ticket machines, chopstick rules, slurping, sharing plates, allergies, paying at the register, and why you don't tip.October 13, 2026
Ryokan and Japanese Home Etiquette: Shoes, Slippers, Tatami, YukataA calm guide to staying at a ryokan or Japanese home: the genkan, slippers and tatami, wearing a yukata, dinner and futons, and small gifts for hosts.October 13, 2026
Japanese Shrine & Temple Etiquette: Water Basin, Prayer and PhotosA calm guide to visiting shrines and temples in Japan: the torii gate, the water basin, how to pray, charms and fortunes, photos, and New Year visits.October 13, 2026
Japanese Train Etiquette: 5 Habits That Keep Trains Quiet and On TimeA calm, practical guide to riding trains and the shinkansen in Japan for the first time: phones, lining up, backpacks, priority seats, escalators and luggage.October 13, 2026
Where Are the Trash Cans in Japan? A Visitor's Guide to SortingWhy trash cans are hard to find in Japan, where you can throw things away, how sorting works, and the one small habit that makes it easy: carry a bag.October 13, 2026