What should I avoid in Tokyo?

10 Things NOT to Do in Tokyo
  • Don't arrive late.
  • Don't tip at restaurants.
  • Don't make phone calls on the train.
  • Don't stand on the right side of the escalator.
  • Don't take small children on the subway at rush hour.
  • Don't turn up at Tokyo Skytree without a ticket.
  • Don't expect to find restaurants on the ground level.


What is considered rude in Tokyo?

Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their nose instead of pointing at themselves.

What should you not wear in Japan?

No exposed shoulders

With women, wearing short shorts or skirts and I mean the shortest of shorts is completely fine but wearing anything with spaghetti straps or a revealing chest area is considered especially inappropriate. Tank tops are seen as underwear here so be sure to cover up if you want to blend in.


Are there any unsafe areas in Tokyo?

Tokyo's wards with a high crime rate tend to be rather representative downtown areas of the city, such as Taito with Ueno and Asakusa, Toshima with Ikebukuro, and Shibuya with Harajuku.

Is Tokyo a safe city for tourists?

Tokyo is the fifth safest city in the world per the Safe City Index 2021. For comparison, New York City ranks twelfth, Washington DC fourteenth, and London fifteenth. But that doesn't mean you can throw caution to the wind. It's still a city and all cities have some level of crime.


What should I avoid in Tokyo?



Are Americans safe in Tokyo?

In general, Tokyo is a very safe city. Crime is low here, but there are various other concerns that travelers should be aware of. Pickpockets and other petty thieves target tourists who leave their valuables unattended.

Is it safe for Americans in Tokyo?

Is it safe to travel to Japan now? The simple answer to that question is yes. In many ways, Japan is among the safest international destinations. We've compiled the following data on many travelers' foremost concerns so you can rest easy and enjoy your Japan vacation.

What crime is most committed in Japan?

The majority of crimes recorded in Japan are theft offenses. Among violent crimes, the most reported offenses are assaults and bodily injuries followed by rapes and homicides. Approximately 21.9 cases of assault and 0.7 cases of murder were recorded per 100,000 Japanese inhabitants in 2020.


What are the main problems in Tokyo?

Tokyo is facing overpopulation as it attracts people from other areas of Japan and this is also causing a housing shortage in numerous parts of the city.

What is the nicest area in Tokyo?

10 Best Areas to Live in Tokyo
  • Ebisu.
  • Kichijoji.
  • Nakameguro.
  • Shinagawa.
  • Shinjuku.
  • Ikebukuro.
  • Shibuya.
  • Jiyugaoka.


What are some weird rules in Japan?

Weird Laws in Japan
  • You cannot exterminate pigeons. ...
  • It is illegal to damage the flag of another country in public but it is okay to damage Japanese flag. ...
  • The act of “dueling” and related acts are punishable. ...
  • Begging for money is illegal. ...
  • Exposure of thighs in public is a misdemeanor violation.


What is considered rude while eating in Japan?

Blowing your nose at the table, burping and audible munching are considered bad manners in Japan. On the other hand, it is considered good style to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.

Is it better to use cash or card in Japan?

Japan is mainly a cash society. The Japanese currency is the Yen. You may have difficulty using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan.

What are 5 Japanese etiquette rules?

1. Basic Japanese Etiquette
  • 1- DO's. Be Polite. ...
  • 2- DON'Ts. Don't Bother Others. ...
  • 1- Greet Before/After Eating. ...
  • 2- Use Chopsticks Properly: Chopstick Etiquette in Japan. ...
  • 3- Make Noise While Eating Soup Noodles. ...
  • 4- Do Not Pour Your Own Drink When You're with Someone. ...
  • 5- Do Not Pay a Tip. ...
  • 1- At Shrines and Temples.


How do I not look like a tourist in Japan?

First Time Visiting Japan? 10 Weird Tips for How Not to Look Like a Tourist During Your Stay!
  1. Dress up.
  2. Wear slip-on shoes.
  3. Take a seat when you eat.
  4. Be mindful on the train.
  5. Opt for a smaller bag.
  6. Tap for trains.
  7. Learn basic phrases.
  8. Carry cash.


Do Japanese stare at foreigners?

While the Japanese are often curious and may stare at foreigners, especially Americans, this was not the reason so many people seemed annoyed with us.

What is the biggest problem in Japan right now?

Addressing Japan's Demographic Problem

Demographics is a chronic social and economic problem for Japan. Since the 1970s, birth rates in Japan have plunged. 7 This means fewer young people are entering the labour force leading to a decline in the country's productive potential.


Are there slums in Tokyo?

Japan has tried very hard over the decades to hide the slums of Tokyo. While they are not exactly like slums you would see in other countries or cities, it's an area filled with a somber sense of despair washed over by its anonymity and invisible nature.

What are 5 facts about Tokyo?

The Things You Should Know About Tokyo
  • Tokyo was called Edo for a very long time. ...
  • It's home to the world's busiest intersection. ...
  • Tokyo is home to a robot hotel. ...
  • There are anti-suicide lights in Tokyo's metro stations. ...
  • You can purchase almost anything from a vending machine in Tokyo.


Is Japan safer than the US?

Crime rate in Japan compared to the U.S.

The number of homicides in the U.S. is approximately 25 times higher than in Japan, and the number of robberies in the U.S. is 178 times higher than in Japan. It is also worth noting that firearms are often used in such violent crimes in the United States.


What is the safest country in the world?

Iceland. Iceland is the safest country in the world according to the latest Global Peace Index data.

How many people get murdered in Japan every year?

The police in Japan recorded 874 murder cases in 2021.

How English friendly is Tokyo?

Many people remark that it sounds nice and is fun to try! English is in common use in Japan with Chinese and Korean also becoming more common meaning that you can certainly get around without using Japanese. This is most true in the big cities and in areas frequented by foreign visitors.


Is Japan friendly to Americans?

But don't worry, as I mentioned, the Japanese are friendly towards tourists and visitors. You won't have any issues in Japan and nobody is going to make fun of you during your holiday. You will be able to find some larger size clothes if shopping is your jam. Being skinny is important in Japanese culture for sure.

How long can a US citizen stay in Tokyo?

Entry & Exit:

You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.