A quick guide to the Japan travel mistakes I wish I knew before going—so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the trip. 🇯🇵✨
🔗 Save this for your trip—tips + links below! 👇
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Biodegradable Trash Bags There are hardly any trash cans in Japan, so be sure to bring your own bags! I liked these bc they’re leak proof but also biodegradable
** → Get Trash Bags link here**
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Kizik Athens 2 Slip On Shoes Easy slip off shoes are key. These Kizik ones are 10/10.
**→ Get Slip On Shoes for Women → Get Slip On Shoes for Men**
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Coin Purse You can easily carry this purse with you everywhere you go as some places are cash only, like food stalls at Tsukiji Market, small restaurants in quieter areas, and shrines. You’ll also start to collect a lot of coins that you can use for snacks and drinks.
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Foldable Duffle Bag Your go-to packable duffel for travel, shopping & everyday adventures—lightweight, durable, and water-resistant.
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Japan e-Sim Download and set up an eSIM on your phone for data to save $$. We used OneRoam and you can use code WHATTHEFAB for 15% off.
→ Get Japan e-sim through aloSIM
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Paper Towels Most public restrooms have no paper towels, often no dryer either. Locals carry their own.
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Tabelog app Use the this app to find restaurants. The Japanese are tough critics so anything above 3.5 is going to be good
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Kimono Rental The best kimono rental shop is Okamoto and you can book your rental experience.
They have different locations and the Yasaka Shrine one is the best if you want to walk around Higashiyama District, the iconic historic neighborhood that looks like traditional Japan.
**→ Get the Kimono Rental place here** (I recommend the Yasaka Shrine location & then walk to Higashiyama for pics)
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Tipping Tipping is actually considered rude and a sign of pity. So enjoy not having to think about how much you should tip!
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Not getting naked at an onsen You have to be fully nude at a public onsen—no swimsuits. It’s a cultural norm & it’s mandatory. They’re separated by gender & no one is looking, so just relax and enjoy the experience.
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Pouring your own drink first It’s customary for you to pour for everyone else, & they will reciprocate, keeping each other’s glasses filled throughout the meal.
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Travel Advisor Booking through a travel advisor doesn't cost you extra bc they work on commission, & it gives you access to a lot of potential perks like free breakfast at your hotel, late checkout, room upgrades, etc.
Mandee is my travel advisor. When you reach out to her, tell her that Elise from What the Fab recommended her!
→ Email Mandee at [email protected] (Please note you must be based in the US to work with her, and she needs at least 60 days of lead time for planning. I will also say that a lot of people from my Instagram post have been reaching out to her and then ghosting her. If you're not serious about booking through her, please do not waste her time.)
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Trying to cram too many places in You can’t see all of Japan in 10 days. Trying just leaves you exhausted and rushing past the good stuff. Pick a few spots, go deep, and do a couple day trips.
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Can't-miss food at Convenience stores:
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Incorrectly unwrapping a convenience store onigiri Took us a few days to figure this out, but the wrapping is genius. It keeps the rice from touching the nori, so it stays fresh and crispy. Pull down the middle flap, and then you can pull each side off. Kenji Lopez Does a great job showing how in this video.
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Custom Maps This map guide will help you to easily navigate Japan easily.
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Download the Suica app & Add Money to it Download this app & add money to it. Then, you can scan from your phone to pay for subway & train rides and also at many convenience stores.
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