5 Things You MUST Know Before Visiting Tokyo 2023

[@JenLefforge]

To watch my Q and A all about my first visit to Japan, head here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4TCemiapJZrlaM

[@raiu]

You can sometimes find a rubbish bin in the konbini as well as the train stations. The story behind no outside bins is that, after a terrorist attack in 1995 where a lethal gas was hidden in a public bin, they were all removed. Also, for the escalators, the side you stand on is reversed in Osaka. 😁 Great tips! 👍

[@Mohammed-alb]

Why is it reversed in Osaka why don’t they just all agree to use one side throughout the country?

[@まめまーめ-r3z]

Hello, I’m a native Japanese and am impressed that you are very observant and these tips are all true. I’m genuinely grateful that you kindly respect our culture and enjoyed what we have to offer. Seeing Japan through foreigners’ perspective is super fun and actually eye-opening as well; I enjoyed your trip to Japan v-logs. Thank you😊

[@JenLefforge]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. I cannot wait to come back and explore more of your beautiful country.

[@kazuthesamurai7346]

Stand on the left side of escalators when visiting Kanto and stand on the right side when visiting Kansai

[@rolandaustria7926]

Thank you! And I wish to add to your #6 Bonus Tip: Japan has an unspoken rule about public photography/video that is about “kojin joho” (personal privacy) and that is to try to avoid filming a specific person, especially when you include their face. It’s okay if you’re panning around and they’re just in the way. But if you focus on a specific person, filming them without consent, it is a No-No. This often happens in the train, for example, or inside shops and restaurants. Also like when a tourist film a Japanese person’s fashion, traditional clothes, singling them out.

[@JenLefforge]

I think that’s a rule everywhere not just in Japan? I would think it very rude and intrusive to film someone intentionally without their consent.

[@shawnbell6392]

Excellent points! I would add that visitors need to use soft, indoor voices on trains or just be quiet as quiet and harmony on that space is a big cultural element, so basically don't talk loudly or talk on your phone on trains. Tip in train stations, if I needed to look on my phone or at a big schedule board etc. I stood against one of the large pillars in the middle and was out of the way where I could focus. Do note there are different privacy laws in Japan so I wouldn't film passengers on a train, as one example. Learn the culture as everything in Japan unfolds from there.

[@Sophie-c5g]

About paper towels, if you are at restaurant, you could ask waiter or waitress for paper towels when needed. There are no problems to ask. Hope you have a good trip next times you come to visit. Again you are always welcome!

[@justintanoue]

Encore!!! Please go back to Japan soon!!!

[@JenLefforge]

I so hope to!

[@ALESSIA20121]

Amazing video and amazing tips thank you so much I’ll be going in a month with my kids from Miami and I had no idea about the socks and wash cloth and wipes!!! And garbage!!!

[@cherylfabry353]

Great video! I can’t tell you how many videos I’ve watched with tips that are so obvious, but yours were incredibly insightful. Thank you again!

[@hildagarcia4555]

Good tips! I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Tokyo is now on my list of places to visit.

[@JenLefforge]

I love to hear it! Thank you!

[@MATO1631MT]

My father likes day trips and he likes to arrive at Tokyo Station at 6am, check the weather forecast and figure out where to go. Father died five years ago. If my dad had seen a great day trip video like yours, I'm sure he would have enjoyed watching it. Thank you for sharing with the world the journey of leaving the big city, being healed by the shrines, temples and nature of the countryside, and returning to the big city on the same day.

[@JenLefforge]

What wonderful memories he has left with you. I am so glad we saw Tokyo but also ventured out into the beautiful countryside! Good for my soul. Sounds like your father understood that, too. A beautiful legacy.

[@tuzanne]

We are visiting Japan so thanks for these tips. In London it’s the opposite on the escalators as we stand on the right and Londoners get mad if the you don’t especially in rush hour

[@socialiism3583]

Good points 1. You found trash cans in stations? I never found trash cans in stations, pretty sure it was because of the sarin attacks all those years ago 2. Yes, handkerchiefs are very useful. Some bathrooms have air dryers but it doesn't work the best. 3. It really depends on where you are. Tokyo might have people stand on the left on escalators, but in Osaka it is on the right. Easy way to figure it out is just to observe what others are doing, or if you're the first one, just choose a side. 4. Japanese people are very conservative when dressing, basically everything is covered even when it is swelteringly hot. 5. Stations are really great. Tokyo station is massive (Same with Osaka Umeda) and you can find basically anything you need there.

[@HeatherTravels]

Wow, I'm really glad you made this video and that I watched it! My daughter very much wants to go to Japan, and we didn't know any of these.

[@melvinyong3148]

All great tips, wish I knew some of them 20 years ago. :) A few comments, if I recall the folks in Osaka tend to stand on the right side of the escalator. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for English menus if you are dining in a restaurant in Tokyo, most of the bigger ones would have one. Be prepared to stand in line for all the “good stuff”. I lost count the number of times my wife and I stood in line for hours to get into the popular eateries, or some latest snacks. If you are an avid shopper, do a bit of research cos there’s usually some Japan-only, exclusive limited edition of whatever international branded thing you are into! 😂

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

So many great tips! I just love the culture there and can’t wait to experience it first hand!

[@JenLefforge]

I mean it - it will change you!

[@tatiane_lightworker]

Hi Jen! Thank you for your tips. I just came back for a 2 weeks trip, Tokyo and Osaka (first 2 weeks of June 23). They just turn the restrooms hand dryers on. Still it doesn’t have paper towel, but you can dry your hands on one of those dryers. Another interesting thing is in Osaka region we keep on the right on the escalators. When I changed hotel from Tokyo to Osaka we need to change the way we stand on escalators. 😅 I loved the experience to be in Japan, you have inspired me to visit. I am living in Australia and it makes easier with no JetLag and want to be back for sure. Greetings from Australia. ❤️ I will be waiting for Disney Cruise content as we have booked for December as one of Disney ships will be on this side of the world. 🙌🏻

[@snycity]

These videos have been wonderful. Thank you for all the insight and knowledge regarding your trip!

[@JenLefforge]

Thank YOU for all your support, Stephen!

[@style9313]

Currently visiting Japan for the second time, and appreciate these tips! Been doing some things wrong…😅😬. Thanks, Jen❤

[@robbieross8591]

Thank you so much for this informative post Jen. We are off to Japan end of October and very much looking forward! Hoping to see the autumn colours. Your number one point of the lack of rubbish bins is interesting. Shows you what a different mindset the Japanese people have compared to most other western countries that despite a lack of rubbish bins their streets are litter free and immaculate! Sadly the streets of much of England are full of discarded rubbish which I find so upsetting and frustrating! Anyway greetings from London. I have subscribed to your channel

[@puutans]

Wear socks made me giggle. You’re right!!

[@jonathanhart2936]

Jen, you do not stand on the left. Right is for fast and left is for slower paced. You should not stop at all on escalators. At all!

[@JenLefforge]

Interesting perspective! And not one I’ve ever observed in any country. Many people stand on escalators and in fact that is the safest way and how they are designed to be used.

[@trishsp3160]

Thus is such good info if I ever get to Japan. I had no idea.

[@JenLefforge]

Yeah I tried to share things that weren't common knowledge so I'm actually glad to know that!

[@denniswhite1399]

I always buy cute towels for hand drying just put one in your bag or pocket .

[@marinare]

such good tips! We as westerners seem to be oblivious to our "shoe culture". I recently had a conversation with a friend who stepped on the seat before entering a ride vehicle and i was shocked and said "the bottoms of your shoes are filthy, why would you step somewhere that someone is going to sit down?" and my friend was not understanding my concern at all...😬

[@JenLefforge]

Yeah certain rides (I’m looking at you, Pirates) it’s almost impossible to safely get in the boat without stepping on the seat. And it’s disgusting.

[@Natalie_11188]

@@JenLefforgeyes. When I go to WDW I know I’m going to be sitting on where people have stepped….something I’ve learned to live with. Better that than someone not get in/out safely.

[@mattsoca1]

It is true that many places do not offer paper towels. But they are available. For instance, the department stores and gym that I frequent offers paper towels in addition to hand dryers with disinfecting UV light. The installation of disinfecting hand dryers in public places, such as airports and train stations, appear to be increasing in popularity elsewhere. Returning to the issue of gyms, the most numerous is Anytime Fitness with many locations in the cities normally with 24 hour access, though facilities tend toward the small size. If you have an Anytime Fitness membership it will usually work in Japan (unless one has a restricted single gym membership in the US). I also use Gold's Gym (less numerous, but about the same size as those in the US), which is normally also 24 hours access. There are other fitness franchises that are similarly present in the US, though I have not checked them out. However, anyone who uses a gym in Japan usually needs to bring a second pair of workout shoes to the gym that has never been worn outside (only in a gym), with the exception of Anytime Fitness (one pair whether worn outside or not is welcome at Anytime Fitness - just be aware that in the changing rooms, you must remove your shoes worn outside at the door). For those gyms that do not allow externally worn shoes on the property, you will be required to change the "outside" shoes for your second pair "inside" shoes at the entrance. The gyms will provide small bottles filled with alcohol and cloth towels to disinfect the equipment after use, often in addition to disposable disinfecting wipes.

[@Mwoods2272]

My Gold's in Tokyo, we can wear the shoes we came in but no shoes in the locker room.

[@よるぼぼ]

おっしゃる通り、東京ではエスカレーターの左に立ちます。ちなみに、大阪ではエスカレーターの右に立ちます。不思議ですね。

[@vaultboi76]

Thanks! I go to Japan this august! 🥹

[@JenLefforge]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@gaillittle1700]

My friends brother n law works for Japanese company. On the few times he has gone to Japan he was told to take handkerchiefs because of no way to dry off your hands. Great Japan blogs and looked like a memorable trip.

[@richardridder5052]

wa😊

[@VR_JPN]

Great vid. With regard to the trash cans, Japan gets very hot and humid for 3/4 months of the year, so they would smell and attract various animals & bugs. Since Japanese people easily adapted to not having them, it's not a big deal and eliminates a huge amount of garbage management. One big tip I would add here is the "Suica" digital payment card which you can get on arrival at the black ticket machines and use for trains, buses, convenience stores, and most restaurants.

[@herupurwanto7637]

I'm so glad you shared your tips, if you were in Japan, when would you come to Jakarta?❤

[@cindyellacott102]

So interesting 😀

[@denniswhite1399]

Wow you are one of the few people who think Delta Premium Select was better than Comfort .We have flown in both and leg room in Comfort Plus better than Premium select my son is six feet plus and he was glad we got bulk head comfort seats we had so much more room .I fly to Tokyo a lot and always use Comfort.

[@puutans]

5th point sounds interesting. I’m Japanese and I thought it’s common that every big train stations have malls or department stores around the world.

[@granniebee8530]

I've loved all your Japan videos! My turn this fall...yeah!

[@JenLefforge]

I hope you have an amazing time!

[@selbac.363]

Should one always carry toiletpaper (not towels) for public restrooms while in japan ?

[@bronniepaterson4694]

No bins I think is great….carrying a wet towel I’m not so keen on! It’s pretty common to stand on the left on escalators…we do here in the Uk…travelators too…. We don’t wear our shoes indoors….haven’t for years. Our children now both married also adopt this in there houses too.👍🇬🇧

[@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

In the US (and I’m learning in Osaka and some parts of Japan) we stand on the right so for American viewers this is a super important detail.

[@bronniepaterson4694]

@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge I believe they drive on the right side of the road too…THE LEFT…lol 👍🇬🇧

[@Ellenplans]

In Australia it’s stand on the left too - I think it’s because we drive on the left hand side of the road so we tend to gravitate to the left.

[@tonyettabombetta1920]

Japan has to ship most of its garbage out to other countries so there is a focus on creating less waste hence lack of paper towels. You can purchase souvenir Japanese hand towels like everywhere including TDR. They come in super handy! Also, it’s ok to be barefoot when you take your shoes off - the idea is that your shoes are dirty…not necessarily your feet. There is lots of other etiquette though like bathroom slippers are only for the bathroom, no slippers at all in tatami rooms, etc. The escalators in Tokyo station are next level…some of them are crazy long so unless you’re in a hurry don’t get on the right or you will be dead by the top. 💀

[@JenLefforge]

Yeah I saw people sprinting up some of those and thought JUST HOW because CRAZY LONG. Great comment thank you!

[@freecon144]

Stand on the right at escalator when you are in Osaka or western Japan. Just watch how people behaves and do the same.

[@neubro1448]

Go to a park to find public trash cans. All separated by combustibles and recyclables. Many people bring food and eat at the park. I found plenty while walking through Yoyogi Park. Convenience stores are another place, but don't try to dump a bag full of outside trash. It is frowned upon and bad manners to eat and walk in the streets. You supposed to eat street food by the shop and throw the trash at the customers only bins they provide. I complied on that rule on my recent trip. I carried plastic bags if I were to carry trash. I'm sure it's not just safety of removing the cans due to terrorist attacks, but high cost of garbage collection. The subway operators have recently removed them. Also in public restrooms, they may not have any soap at all.

[@Kindlelover88]

So jealous because I’ve always wanted to go to Tokyo train station. They have travelers notebook stores and they often sell tons and tons of things. You cannot buy here in America. And they don’t even ship it to America so jealous, but you probably did not go there.

[@jeannemc8087]

In hawaii we take off our shoes, actually any Asian household no matter where you are take off shoes. Filthy to wear shoes in home what if you stepped on films of urine, poop, mucus, food you get the gist. So in hawaii also take off shoes unless it’s a transplant family not from the islands and they don’t yuck. That’s why we don’t walk barefoot in hotel rooms, think of all the shoes in the world stepping on the floor. Good video glad you take off your shoes in your home. Thumbs up

[@JenLefforge]

Such a good point! Thank you for sharing this!

[@annaburch3200]

I'd really have reset my brain with the escalators. London, DC, and many other cities are stand on the RIGHT. I just got that down. I'll have to remember it's the opposite in Japan. Also, we noticed there are not a lot of garbage bins in London and if there are, they are inside a shop/quick restaurant or maybe a ring with a clear bag in the Tube. Found out that's because of the past IRA bombings. 😳 So, we did the same sort of thing and carried a plastic shopping bag with us for trash. Good tip about bringing a small washcloth or something to dry your hands. I would have never thought that was something to consider!! 🤯 Thank you!!

[@JenLefforge]

Yes, we stand on the right here in the US, too, which is why I had to seriously focus on it EVERY TIME. And then when I got back to ATL . . . did it wrong here. The struggle is real

[@markjwolfson]

Wow. The first thing that you took away from a trip to Japan is the lack of garbage cans?!!!! Unbelievable.

[@JenLefforge]

Thanks for watching! I’ve done many videos in Japan and this one was just some tips to help people be better prepared. I loved my time in Japan and it was honestly quite life changing so I encourage you to watch any of my other videos on the subject for more. Take care!

[@markjwolfson]

@@JenLefforge I’ve been to Japan over 20 times and my daughter went to college there taking all her classes in Japanese. It’s a wonderful place to visit but a terrible place to live-horribly xenophobic and misogynistic especially towards foreign women. My daughter worked as the chief Japanese-English translator for Sony Mobile and was told she would never advance in the company beyond where she was at that time. And the fascination Japanese men have with middle school aged girls is abhorrent. That said the food in Japan is excellent. And Tokyo may be the cleanest city in the world and the safest. But it has more than its share of problems. Personally, I love Nagoya, Osaka (best food city in Japan), and the Jigokudani Monkey Park not far from Kyoto.

[@kiberenigestsebez6633]

How come #1 is a must know first ? I was expecting some safety issues at #1,.... then i hear your number 2, which is another garbage talk ... west of time I leave now

[@JenLefforge]

Imagine my disappointment