So I figured since everyone keeps asking me about Japan trips after my last vlog, why not dump my hard-earned lessons into one messy post? Buckle up, this ain’t no polished travel brochure.
The “This Gotta Be Easy” Phase
Landed at Narita feeling like a boss. Grabbed my suitcase, strolled out thinking “Taxi time, let’s relax.” Yeah, no. Saw the meter jump like my heartbeat on a rollercoaster. Five minutes in and I’m sweating more than in a sauna. Pulled over quick, threw cash at the driver feeling sick. Lesson #1 slammed me right there: Take the damn train from the airport. It’s cheap, it’s fast, it won’t make you weep.
Hopped onto the JR Line towards Shinjuku. Starving. Wandered into the first cozy ramen joint smelling like heaven. Saw the little machine near the door with all the buttons and pictures. Cool. Slapped my coins in, got my ticket. Sat down proud. Owner comes over, looks at my ticket, looks at me, makes this “X” with his arms. Lesson #2 punched me in the gut: No tipping! Ever! Thought I was being nice, turns out I was just being weird and maybe rude.
The “Okay, Maybe I Should Read That Thing” Phase
Tried buying this cute ceramic thing in Asakusa. Old lady smiled, took my card. Swiped. Declined. Swiped again. Red light. Panic mode. My fancy Visa? Worthless scrap plastic right then. Dug out crumpled yen notes like a thief making a getaway. Lesson #3 burned itself in: Always, and I mean ALWAYS, carry cash. Cards ain’t king everywhere. Your kombini snack attack depends on it.
Later, buzzing on matcha, decided temple time. Senso-ji was packed. Wanted that perfect insta shot. Raised my phone high, backed up slowly for the grand arch… WHACK. Straight into some tiny Japanese grandma. Nearly sent her flying. Mortified doesn’t cover it. Bowed like my spine would snap. Lesson #4 became clear: Walk facing forward, don’t be that oblivious tourist obstacle. Eyes on the path, not just the viewfinder.
The “Small Things Smack You Hardest” Phase
Walking back from Akihabara late, feet screaming. Spotted a pristine bench outside a quiet shop. Sweet relief! Plopped down, kicked off my shoes for a sec. Faster than you can say “kawaii,” security dude materializes, shaking his head, pointing at my shoes, pointing at the floor. Lesson #5 stung: Benches ain’t for shoe removal breaks. Found out later those were probably “waiting benches” strictly for shoppers. Felt about two inches tall.
Even trash got me. Wandered around Ginza clutching an empty soda bottle like some weird trophy for half an hour. Zero bins. Zero! Learned Lesson #6 the sweaty way: Pack your trash out like a squirrel hoarding nuts. Keep a little plastic bag handy for your pocket garbage.
Almost forgot public transit! Grabbed the JR Pass thinking I’d saved the world. Used it once to hop from one Tokyo stop to another nearby. Waste of plastic. Lesson #7 screamed: Only get the JR Pass if you’re doing legit long train trips across cities. For buzzing around one city? Get a local transport card and tap away.
The “Please Don’t Be That Person” Realizations
Watching other tourists taught me too. Saw loud guys arguing on a quiet train car like it was their living room. Awkward silence thick enough to cut. Lesson #8 cemented: Keep voice down, especially on transit. Whispering is cool here. Shouting? Flat-out rude.
Then saw some influencer girl posing right in the middle of a busy Shibuya crossing, tripod and all, cars honking. Made everyone detour. Cringe city. Lesson #9: Don’t block traffic, ever, for your selfie. Be aware you’re sharing the space. Be quick.
Lastly, restaurant near Golden Gai. Table of tourists yelling orders at a patient server like she was deaf. Didn’t even try a simple “Sumimasen” (excuse me). Felt bad for her. Lesson #10 feels fundamental: At least learn basic greetings and thanks. “Kon’nichiwa,” “Arigatou gozaimasu” – takes seconds. Shows respect. Opens smiles.
Why do I bang on about this stuff? Because I messed up pretty much every single point myself. Almost caused a scene at that ramen place, wasted cash on pointless taxis, walked miles with trash, pissed off grandmas… The list goes on. Wished someone slapped me with this raw list before I went. Do these ten things, your trip gets smoother. Skip ’em? Enjoy being “that tourist” everyone side-eyes. Your call.
