What to Expect in Japan for First-Time Visitor - from a Singaporean POV

Going on your first time trip to Japan? I've already had mine, and here's what I've uncovered, aside from cultural distinctions – there are other noteworthy aspects to take into account. Having said that, Japan is undeniably enchanting. Its beauty and evocative charm ignite your imagination and capture your heart. It's hard to not love it, however, you might occasionally lose your way there. 

Here's a guide to help you navigate your visit to Japan and ensure you don't miss out on Essential Experiences or Key Insights: 

(1) No Credit Card Payment: Mostly food places outside of the city that do not accept credit cards and only accept cash and through a payment app called Paypay.

Image credit: Medium

(2) Be Early: In Japan, punctuality is very important for any Event or Tour. 5 minutes late is already very late. Be at least 10-15 minutes earlier than you should be if you don't want to be the highlight latecomer of the day.

(3) Don Don Donki: Singapore's Don Don Donki aesthetics are neater and more organized. Those expecting a higher aesthetic level may be disappointed, so just shop lightly. For the bigger outlets, Don Don Donki has a sex shop department.

(4) Zen in the Toilet: Japanese toilets are ideal for those who do not want to hear their neighbour's Pangsai. Most toilets come with white noise machines with sensors, so when you enter and do your business, some foresty sounds will play, and you can zen out. Stressless Pangsai.

(5) Toilet in Family Mart: In places where toilets are a far or long distance away, there are toilets available in bigger Family Mart stores, so you don't have to walk and walk and find no toilet. Bring your essential oils and perfume with you since they may not have the best smell usually.

(6) Skin Hydration for Ladies: When it's winter or spring, your normal face product is challenging to be enough to keep your skin hydrated... buy and use their Beauty products with Sake content.

(7) Cheaper Beauty Product: Beauty products and services are generally cheaper in Japan than in Singapore, so Dabao more back! It surprised me because Japanese products in Singapore are so much more expensive and of exceptional quality. When you buy from Japan itself, it is cheaper because it is manufactured there. Business exporting and selling, however, is generally very expensive in terms of logistics.

(8) If you're on Budget, don't take Cab: In Japan, I've heard that being a cab driver is regarded more as a professional chauffeur than a mere taxi driver. If you find taking cabs, using ride-sharing apps like Grab, or hailing taxis in Singapore expensive, then you definitely should think twice about doing it in Japan. It's likely to cost you around 20 times more than in Singapore. 

(9) Feel the Hotel's Bed: There is no doubt that hotel beds in Japan are the most comfortable ever. If you have ever been, you would probably be cured of your insomnia if you went there. Their bed is so comfortable that you feel like staying in the hotel room more than exploring. Try it for yourself when you're there!

(10) No Pressure on Shinkansen: The Shinkansen is incredibly fast and speedy, yet it provides a comfortable and pressure-free train ride that feels similar to a regular train.

(11) Train Ticket: Follow the stated time on your ticket and compare it with the electronic signage to make sure you are on the right train track. As there are similar trains on the same track, it's best to follow the timing to know which train to board. Using a Google map from your starting point to your destination and its last station is another way to locate your train.

(12) Same Platform, different Direction: If you overshoot the station, always read the signage to find your way to the right track before crossing the opposite train tracks. It can be confusing, but here's how to figure out which track each train is on.

There are different trains on the same track, so read the electronic signage board for upcoming trains or the one on the train itself.

There are some stations bypassed by express trains, so make sure you take the right train; even though the train map says it may pass by, it does not necessarily mean it will stop.

(13) Language Barrier: English is not spoken by most Japanese. If you want to communicate in English in Tokyo, you will most likely need to find at least a 4-star hotel staff. In Japan, many foreigners from China and India work, they speak like regular Japanese, but knowing their main language can save you from time to time. Google Translate helps most of the time as well. 

(14) Cherry Blossom: For someone who had never seen real Sakura or Cherry Blossom trees before... When I visited during the cherry blossom season, I initially mistook every pink tree I saw for Sakura. However, I soon realized that not all pink trees were Sakura. On top of that, I discovered that there are also White Sakura trees. I also learned that some Japanese homes pot Sakura plants, so they might not always grow as trees.

(15) Japan's Sunset: If you're planning to watch the sunset from a high point, make sure you know when the sun will be setting. Approximately 5pm is the time of sunset in Japan. 

(16) Japan's Food Culture: Despite the media's focus on well-known Japanese foods like Yakitori, Yakiniku, Teppanyaki, and others, one dish that's a must-try is Okonomiyaki. It's particularly popular in Osaka, and it's not as commonly heard in Singapore when it comes to Japanese cuisine.

(17) Onsen is really Cheap in Japan: I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Onsens in Japan are not only the best but also very Cheap and Affordable. As part of this unique experience, you will be completely naked while soaking in a cold and hot bath. Be sure to use tattoo stickers available in pharmacies before visiting a bathhouse in Japan as you cannot enter with tattoos on your skin. 

(18) Take your Trash with you: While it's not unexpected that Japan is generally a very clean country, what might catch you off guard is the almost complete absence of public trash cans. The closest available bins are typically located in your hotel, the nearest convenience store, or public restrooms.

(19) Bubble Tea doesn't taste nice in Japan: Japan offers a delightful experience in many aspects, but the one thing that might not meet your expectations is Bubble tea, particularly in tourist areas.

(20) Just buy the Snacks: Japan boasts a diverse array of snacks available in their convenience stores, but it's essential to note that what you find in one shop may not be available in others. One regret I have is telling myself that I'll purchase the snack later at a different store. More often than not, you won't come across the same snack again, and many of them are limited-edition treats.

(21) Train Station Signage: With numerous Train station signs, it's easy to get disoriented, especially if you're unfamiliar with the signage symbols and face language barriers. Occasionally, an upward arrow might seem like a straight path, and vice versa, so it's essential to think twice before proceeding. Otherwise, you might find yourself at a dead end, bewildered, or unintentionally circling around for hours without understanding why. 

As the locals told me, they get lost too, so you might be upgrading your IQ after returning from Japan. Now is the time to find better ways. Haha.

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