For the most part this sub was very helpful, especially with logistics. However I will say there was stuff that was very much made into a bigger deal on this sub than it actually is and it almost feels like some of you are purposefully trying to scare people off or gate keep a culture that’s not yours, which is strange. Obviously everyone has different experiences and perceptions but some of y’all are being dramatic.
There are tons of trash cans, never had to go more than 20 mins with trash in hand. Bathrooms, combini, near vending machines. And no one cares if you use them if you didn’t buy someone from that exact combini or shop. Restaurants took my empty beer can as we walked in on multiple occasions. Tokyo is a megalopolis and is not as clean as I was led on to believe. Very clean compared to other cities of that size around the world, but it’s not like it’s some futuristic utopia that’s eliminated all trash on the street and the stench of sewers.
No one cares that you are a foreigner or that you have tattoos. We had a group of mixed race, gender and styles and not once did any of us feel we were being judged or looked down upon. Lots of Japanese people have tattoos and we were not turned away from anywhere for having them or for not being Japanese. Shrines, restaurants, shops, bars / clubs, everyone was very kind and greeted us with a smile. Zero bad vibes from a single local the entire trip, old or young.
It was far less rigid and rules based than I was imaging based on this subs info. As long as you have common sense, respect and decency you will be fine. Locals eat while walking, talk on public transit at a respectable level and don’t always walk on the correct side of the street in crowds. Just pay attention and go with the flow.
Google maps is good but it’s not impervious to errors so don’t take it as the word of god and always double check it has you on the fastest route and not just a route.
Taxis are very reasonably priced, day and night and much faster than public transit in some situations. If with a group it is often marginally more expensive to taxi for short trips than it would be to take the metro.
This sub also tends to recommend extremely touristy attractions when there is soooooo much more to see out there. Dotonbori is a huge tourist trap and totally skip-able.
Like I said, for logistics (pre travel, arrival etc) this sub is great, but don’t let them scare you off when it comes to the customs and traditions stuff. Just be a good person and you will have a great trip.
by SnooMarzipans807