Farr East Travel Blog

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Farr East Travel Blog

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11 Travel Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Whole Japan Trip

(And How to Avoid Them Before It’s Too Late)

Before you step foot in Japan, read this list first. Because even one of these mistakes can instantly ruin your entire trip.

By Joe N.

Last Updated Mar 24th

Title

These insights are pulled directly from the Insiders Japan Travel Guide. This guide has been trusted by over 5000 happy travelers.

11 Travel Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Whole Japan Trip

(And How to Avoid Them Before It’s Too Late)

Before you step foot in Japan, read this list first. Because even one of these mistakes can instantly ruin your entire trip.

By Joe N.

Last Updated March 17th

1. Think Twice Before You Jaywalk in Japan

Yes, crossing the street in Japan can actually cost you $330

Back home, crossing the street on a red light is no big deal. In Japan it's actually illegal and you can get a fine of up to ¥50,000 ($330 USD).

When you land you'll notice that locals wait at red lights even when there are zero cars.

Cross at the wrong time, and locals will see you as that annoying tourist who does not follow the rules. Worst case scenario you walk away with a $330 fine before your trip has even started.

Our guide covers how to avoid common mistakes so you don't look like that uneducated tourist.

👉 See what first-time travelers need to know before landing

2. Most Tourists Are Offending Locals Without Realizing It

There are hundreds of unspoken cultural rules that most first time visitors have absolutely no idea it exists

Eating while walking is rude

Blowing your nose in public is offensive

Talking on the phone in the train is a must avoid

Crossing your legs and arms while sitting in a train is disrespectful

Tipping can be considered disrespectful

Nobody talks about these rules. But if you don't want to be that disrespectful tourist, doing your homework before you land is the easiest thing to do.

👉 See the full etiquette guide for first time visitors

3. Always Carry Your Passport in Japan

In Japan, this isn’t optional. Police can stop you at any time to check ID and if you don’t have it, things can escalate quickly

Most tourists lock their passport in the hotel safe thinking they are being smart. In Japan that creates a serious problem. Police can stop anyone for ID checks and if you do not have your passport on you, a routine stop turns into hours at a police station.

Know exactly what to carry every day and how to keep it all safe so you can explore Tokyo with complete peace of mind.

👉 See the full Japan pre-trip checklist inside our guide

4. Your Prescription Medication Could Be Illegal in Japan.

Some common medications require special approval and most travelers don’t realize it

Japan has strict rules about what medications you can bring into the country. Some everyday medications that are completely normal back home are flat out banned in Japan. Adderall for example is fully illegal to bring into Japan even if you have a valid prescription for it back home.

Cold medicines and certain pain killers are also restricted. Customs checks every bag.

Find this out before you pack. Not at the airport when it is already too late.

👉Get the guide for more local tips only insiders know

These insights are pulled directly from the Insiders Japan Travel Guide. This guide has been trusted by over 5000 happy travelers.

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5. Think Twice Before Taking Photos of Strangers in Japan

Japan's photography rules will catch most first time visitors completely off guard

Japan takes privacy seriously and taking photos of strangers without permission can lead to confrontation, complaints, or being asked to delete it on the spot. This has been enforced heavily in the past few years.

In more serious cases, especially if it’s seen as invasive it can turn into a legal issue.

Most travelers don’t realize this until it happens.
So if you’re not sure, don’t take the photo.

👉 Get the guide for more local tips only insiders know

6. How to Avoid Missing Out on Authentic Japanese Food

If you see lots of tourist turn around.

Use this one easy hack instead.

Japanese people do not use Google Maps for restaurants. The ones highly rated on Google Maps are almost always tourist traps. Locals use Tabelog, Japan's number one restaurant review app. Think of it like Yelp but actually trusted by Japanese people.

One thing to know: Japanese people rarely give 5 star reviews. A restaurant rated 3.5 to 3.9 on Tabelog is considered excellent.

Our guide includes 300 plus local restaurant recommendations so you never have to guess where to eat.

👉 Get the guide for 300+ authentic Japanese Spots

7. Don't Rely on English to Get You Through Japan

Only 8% of Japan can hold a conversation in English and most of them cannot help you when you get lost.

One wrong turn in a busy station.. and suddenly, you can get lost. No clear signs. No easy way to ask for help. And everything starts to feel harder than it should be.

This is where most trips start to fall apart so our guide shows you exactly what to use and where to go. Don’t waste time figuring it out the hard way.

👉 Get the guide and never feel lost in Japan again

These insights are pulled directly from the Insiders Japan Travel Guide. This guide has been trusted by over 5000 happy travelers.

8. Taking Photos Inside Temples and Shrines Will Get You Thrown Out

Most tourists break Japan's temple photography rules without even realizing it. Make sure you know them before you land.

Think of a temple in Japan like a church back home. You would not pull out your camera inside a church during a service. Japan's temples and shrines work the same way. Photography inside prayer halls, near sacred altars, and during ceremonies is not allowed. Signs are often only in Japanese so most tourists miss them entirely.

Do not be the tourist who offends people simply because they did not take time to learn.

👉 Get the guide and know exactly what to expect at every temple and shrine

9. If You Have Tattoos, Be Extra Careful

Because some places will turn you away at the door

Tattoos are still restricted in many shared spaces in Japan. Especially onsens, public baths, and some gyms or pools. You may be turned away if they’re visible.

Traditional massage or spa places can also follow similar rules. But in everyday settings like restaurants, cafes, shopping, trains, you’ll have no issues at all.

Rule of thumb: if it’s a shared or traditional space, don’t assume tattoos are allowed, check first or cover them.

👉 Want a list of tattoo-friendly places? Check out the guide.

10. Avoid Losing Cash at the Currency Exchange

Most get ripped off at the currency exchange without even knowing. Here's how to fix it.

The fix is simple. Use the ATMs inside 7-Eleven or FamilyMart convenience stores, both of which are everywhere across Japan. They accept foreign bank cards and give you Japanese yen at the best exchaneg rate. One small change can save you between $50 and $100 on a typical trip.

Our guide gives you 50 plus money saving hacks locals never share online so you keep more money in your pocket from day one.

👉 Get the guide and stop losing money in Japan

11. Don’t Let a $5,000 Trip Turn Into a 6/10 Experience

Most travelers spend thousands getting to Japan… and still end up wasting time, overpaying, and missing the best parts.

Not because they you try but because they followed the same recycled advice everyone else does.

Same crowded spots.
Same overpriced restaurants.
Same mistakes… over and over again.

That’s exactly the gap the Insiders Japan Travel Guide was built to close.

What You Get:

180+ page digital Japan travel guide

300+ local-only spots synced to Google Maps

Done-for-you 12 & 17-day itineraries

Step-by-step transit breakdown

Booking strategy for high-demand spots

Lifetime updates

Instant download. Access on any device

#1 Think Twice Before You Jaywalk in Japan

Yes, crossing the street in Japan can actually cost you $330

Back home, crossing the street on a red light is no big deal. In Japan it's actually illegal and you can get a fine of up to ¥50,000 ($330 USD).

When you land you'll notice that locals wait at red lights even when there are zero cars.

Cross at the wrong time, and locals will see you as that annoying tourist who does not follow the rules. Worst case scenario you walk away with a $330 fine before your trip has even started.

Our guide covers how to avoid common mistakes so you don't look like that uneducated tourist.

👉 See what first-time travelers need to know before landing

#2 Most Tourists Are Offending Locals Without Realizing It

There are hundreds of unspoken cultural rules that most first time visitors have absolutely no idea it exists

Eating while walking is rude

Blowing your nose in public is offensive

Talking on the phone in the train is a must avoid

Crossing your legs and arms while sitting in a train is disrespectful

Tipping can be considered disrespectful

Nobody talks about these rules. But if you don't want to be that disrespectful tourist, doing your homework before you land is the easiest thing to do.

👉 See the full etiquette guide for first time visitors

#3 Always Carry Your Passport in Japan

In Japan, this isn’t optional. Police can stop you at any time to check ID and if you don’t have it, things can escalate quickly.

Most tourists lock their passport in the hotel safe thinking they are being smart. In Japan that creates a serious problem. Police can stop anyone for ID checks and if you do not have your passport on you, a routine stop turns into hours at a police station.

Know exactly what to carry every day and how to keep it all safe so you can explore Tokyo with complete peace of mind.

👉 See the full Japan pre-trip checklist inside our guide

#4 Your Prescription Medication Could Be Illegal in Japan.

Some common medications require special approval and most travelers don’t realize it.

Japan has strict rules about what medications you can bring into the country. Some everyday medications that are completely normal back home are flat out banned in Japan. Adderall for example is fully illegal to bring into Japan even if you have a valid prescription for it back home.

Cold medicines and certain pain killers are also restricted. Customs checks every bag.

Find this out before you pack. Not at the airport when it is already too late.

👉Get the guide for more local tips only insiders know

#5 Think Twice Before Taking Photos of Strangers in Japan

Japan's photography rules will catch most first time visitors completely off guard

Japan takes privacy seriously and taking photos of strangers without permission can lead to confrontation, complaints, or being asked to delete it on the spot. This has been enforced heavily in the past few years.

In more serious cases, especially if it’s seen as invasive it can turn into a legal issue.

Most travelers don’t realize this until it happens.
So if you’re not sure, don’t take the photo.

👉 Get the guide for more local tips only insiders know

#6 How to Avoid Missing Out on Authentic Japanese Food

If you see lots of tourist turn around. Use this one easy hack instead.

Japanese people do not use Google Maps for restaurants. The ones highly rated on Google Maps are almost always tourist traps. Locals use Tabelog, Japan's number one restaurant review app. Think of it like Yelp but actually trusted by Japanese people.

One thing to know: Japanese people rarely give 5 star reviews. A restaurant rated 3.5 to 3.9 on Tabelog is considered excellent.

Our guide includes 300 plus local restaurant recommendations so you never have to guess where to eat.

👉 Get the guide for 300+ authentic Japanese Spots

#7 Don't Rely on English to Get You Through Japan

Only 8% of Japan can hold a conversation in English and most of them cannot help you when you get lost.

One wrong turn in a busy station.. and suddenly, you can get lost. No clear signs. No easy way to ask for help. And everything starts to feel harder than it should be.

This is where most trips start to fall apart so our guide shows you exactly what to use and where to go. Don’t waste time figuring it out the hard way.

👉 Get the guide and never feel lost in Japan again

#8 Taking Photos Inside Temples and Shrines Will Get You Thrown Out

Most tourists break Japan's temple photography rules without even realizing it. Make sure you know them before you land.

Think of a temple in Japan like a church back home. You would not pull out your camera inside a church during a service. Japan's temples and shrines work the same way. Photography inside prayer halls, near sacred altars, and during ceremonies is not allowed. Signs are often only in Japanese so most tourists miss them entirely.

Do not be the tourist who offends people simply because they did not take time to learn.

👉 Get the guide and know exactly what to expect at every temple and shrine

#9 If You Have Tattoos, Be Extra Careful

Most tourists break Japan's temple photography rules without even realizing it. Make sure you know them before you land.

Tattoos are still restricted in many shared spaces in Japan. Especially onsens, public baths, and some gyms or pools. You may be turned away if they’re visible.

Traditional massage or spa places can also follow similar rules. But in everyday settings like restaurants, cafes, shopping, trains, you’ll have no issues at all.

Rule of thumb: if it’s a shared or traditional space, don’t assume tattoos are allowed, check first or cover them.

👉 Want a list of tattoo-friendly places? Check out the guide.

#10 Avoid Losing Cash at the Currency Exchange

Most tourists break Japan's temple photography rules without even realizing it. Make sure you know them before you land.

The fix is simple. Use the ATMs inside 7-Eleven or FamilyMart convenience stores, both of which are everywhere across Japan. They accept foreign bank cards and give you Japanese yen at the best exchaneg rate. One small change can save you between $50 and $100 on a typical trip.

Our guide gives you 50 plus money saving hacks locals never share online so you keep more money in your pocket from day one.

👉 Get the guide and stop losing money in Japan

#11 Don’t Let a $5,000 Trip Turn Into a 6/10 Experience

Most travelers spend thousands getting to Japan… and still end up wasting time, overpaying, and missing the best parts.

Not because they you try but because they followed the same recycled advice everyone else does.

Same crowded spots.
Same overpriced restaurants.
Same mistakes… over and over again.

That’s exactly the gap the Insiders Japan Travel Guide was built to close.

What You Get:

– 180+ page digital Japan travel guide
– 300+ local-only spots synced to Google Maps
– Done-for-you 12 & 17-day itineraries
– Step-by-step transit breakdown
– Booking strategy for high-demand spots
– Lifetime updates

Instant download. Access on any device.

🎁 FREE BONUS WITH YOUR ORDER ($65 VALUE) 🎁