Culture & Manners
Essential Japanese Phrases for Travelers
You don't need to speak Japanese to travel Japan — but a handful of phrases transforms how people respond to you. Here are the ones that actually matter, from a native speaker.
2026-06-24
Written by a native Japanese
Travel Japan
Like You Actually Get It
Real tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to behave — straight from someone who grew up here. No fluff, no generic tourist advice.
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Culture & Manners
Train Etiquette in Japan: The Unwritten Rules
Japanese trains are famously quiet and orderly. Here are the unwritten rules — phone use, queueing, priority seats, backpacks — so you blend in instead of standing out.
2026-06-23
Culture & Manners
Temple & Shrine Etiquette: A Visitor's Guide
How to visit Japanese temples and shrines respectfully — the purification ritual, how to pray, the difference between temples and shrines, and the simple do's and don'ts.
2026-06-22
Food & Dining
Vegetarian & Halal in Japan: How to Eat Well
Eating vegetarian, vegan, or halal in Japan takes a little planning — dashi and pork hide in many dishes. Here's how to navigate menus, plus useful phrases and safe choices.
2026-06-21
Food & Dining
Konbini Food: Why Japan's Convenience Stores Are Amazing
Japan's convenience stores aren't an afterthought — they serve genuinely good, cheap food 24/7. Here's what to buy at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, and how to use them.
2026-06-20
Food & Dining
Sushi & Kaiten-zushi: How to Eat It Right
From conveyor-belt sushi to a counter omakase, here's how sushi actually works in Japan — what to order, the etiquette, and why kaiten-zushi is the perfect place to start.
2026-06-19