…and the one-minute fixes that keep your trip smooth
Japan is wonderfully easy—until tiny mismatches in expectations cost you time, money, or mood. Here’s a ranked list of the most common first-timer traps, each with a Quick Fix and a phrase you can use on the spot.
1) “Where’s the trash bin?”
Why it’s a trap: Public bins are scarce; “carry it home” is the norm.
Quick Fix: Slip a small zip bag in your daypack; at a conbini, buy something and use their sorting bins.
Say this: Koko de sutete mo ii desu ka? (Can I throw this away here?)
2) Suddenly needing cash
Why: Some small shops, shrines, lockers, and taxis still prefer cash only.
Quick Fix: Carry ¥1,000 bills × 3–5, ¥100 coins × 4–6, and a ¥5 if you like the good-luck wordplay. Look for Japan Post Bank ATMs with foreign-card support.
Say this: Moyori no ē-tī-emu wa doko desu ka? (Where is the nearest ATM?)
3) The last train is earlier than you think
Why: Outer lines end sooner than big-city subways.
Quick Fix: Screenshot your last train home before going out. Taxis peak Fri/Sat around 23:00.
Say this: Shūden wa nanji desu ka? (What time is the last train?)
4) IC card runs out at the gate
Why: Low balance stalls you at the turnstile.
Quick Fix: Top up at a convenience store (fast), or add a transit card to your phone wallet.
Say this: Koko de ai-shī kādo ni chāji dekimasu ka? (Can I top up my IC card here?)
5) Izakaya “otoshi”/table charge surprise
Why: Small cover charge and a starter dish can appear on the bill.
Quick Fix: Ask before ordering if there’s a charge.
Rule of thumb: about ¥300–¥600 per person.
Say this: Sekiryō ya otōshi wa arimasu ka? (Is there a table/otoshi charge?)
6) Clapping at a Buddhist temple
Why: At shrines you clap; at temples you don’t.
Quick Fix: Shrine: two bows, two claps, one bow. Temple: bow → hands together → bow.
Say this: Koko de hakushu shitemo daijōbu desu ka? (Is clapping appropriate here?)
7) Over-sorting (or under-sorting) trash
Why: Separate burnables / cans & bottles / PET, and no liquids in bins.
Quick Fix: Finish drinks first; follow icons on bins.
Say this: Kore wa doko ni sutereba ii desu ka? (Which bin for this?)
8) Escalator etiquette whiplash
Why: Stand/keep-left vs. right can vary by region.
Quick Fix: Mirror the locals in front of you; don’t block the walking side.
Say this: Sumimasen (Excuse me)
9) “English OK”…turns out it’s not
Why: Many small eateries lack English menus.
Quick Fix: Prefer photo menus, or point + number.
Say this: Kore o kudasai. / Kore o futatsu kudasai (This one, please/ Two of these)
10) Few smoking areas & street-smoking fines
Why: Many districts ban street smoking.
Quick Fix: Search “Smoking Area” in maps; follow signs.
Say this: Kitsuenjo wa doko desu ka? (Where is the smoking area?)
11) DCC (foreign-currency) card fees
Why: Paying in USD/EUR on a terminal can add hidden fees.
Quick Fix: Choose JPY (local currency) at checkout; check your receipt shows JPY.
Say this: Nihon-en (JPY) de seikyū shite kudasai. (Charge in JPY, please.)
12) “We made it on time”…but your table’s gone
Why: For restaurants, reservations are for the seat, and late arrivals may be auto-canceled.
Quick Fix: Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes early; if late, call.
Say this: Juppun hodo okuremasu. Daijōbu desu ka? (We’ll be 10 min late—is that okay?)
13) Tax-Free didn’t apply at checkout
Why: Minimum spend, categories, and passport presentation rules.
Quick Fix: Bring the physical passport and confirm at the counter.
Say this: Menzei tetsuzuki wa dekimasu ka? (Is Tax-Free available?)
14) Sorting luggage on the street outside your hotel
Why: It blocks the sidewalk and causes lost items.
Quick Fix: Ask to use a corner of the lobby; handle trash with the front desk if needed.
Say this: Koko de nimotsu o seiri shite mo ii desu ka? (May I sort this here?)
15) Free viewpoints with closing hours
Why: Rooftop gardens and sky lobbies do close.
Quick Fix: Check the floor guide before you ride up; blue hour (just after sunset) is prime.
Say this: Nanji made aite imasu ka? / Furoa gaido wa doko desu ka? (Until what time are you open?” / “Where is the floor guide?)
Tiny mismatches create big losses. Memorize the Quick Fix lines above and you’ll glide through your first Japan trip with low hassle and high delight. When in doubt, ask a convenience store clerk, station staff, or hotel—you’ll be surprised how far a simple question gets you.
Like practical, respectful travel?
Explore a few small, local experiences designed for off-peak, low-stress days.
→ https://crazyescape.net/experiences/