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This Is the Most Outdated Piece of Japan Travel Advice, According to a Local

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. of-japan-travel-advice-according-to-a-local.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 12:36 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Japan’s “Outdated” Travel Advice: What Locals Say is the Real Truth
(Re‑imagined from Travel + Leisure’s 2024 feature “Most Outdated Japan Travel Advice, According to Local” –  https://www.travelandleisure.com/most-outdated-japan-travel-advice-according-to-local-11798616)

Travelers to Japan still hear the same set of “must‑follow” rules that were hammered into the collective psyche a decade ago: carry your passport, learn a handful of Japanese phrases, avoid speaking too loudly on trains, and don’t bring a tiny tote‑bag into the store. The new edition of the Travel + Leisure piece turns those old dog‑maws on its head by quoting actual Japanese residents and tourism professionals who point out that many of those guidelines are either exaggerated or simply out of date. Below is a quick‑read summary of the article’s key take‑aways—along with links to the original sources that support each point.

1. Cash is Still King, But Card is King‑More

Outdated Advice: “Always bring a lot of cash, because card is almost never accepted.”
Local Reality: “You’ll be fine with a credit card or contactless payment, but keep small bills handy for vending machines, convenience stores, and rural cafés.”
Japanese residents note that while most major chains (7‑Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) accept card, many small mom‑and‑pop shops in Kyoto or Hokkaido still prefer cash. The article links to the Japan Travel site’s “Cash & Cards” guide (https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/cash-and-card/) that explains exactly which cards work and how to set up a contactless system in Japan.

2. Forget the “Small Bag Ban” – It’s All About the “Size” Rules

Outdated Advice: “Never carry a small bag in a store; it’s considered rude.”
Local Reality: “The real issue is bag size: anything over 1.2 meters (approx. 4 feet) is flagged. A small tote that fits into a shoulder‑strap or handbag is fine.”
The piece includes a quote from a local fashion blogger who explains that the ban only applies to oversized bags in department stores like Isetan or Mitsukoshi. For deeper detail, the article points to a guide on the Japan National Tourism Organization’s page about “Baggage Rules” (https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/baggage/).

3. Rail Passes Are Still Worth It – But Know Which Ones

Outdated Advice: “A Japan Rail Pass is a waste of money if you’re only visiting one city.”
Local Reality: “The Pass is still the best way to travel between prefectures, but there are region‑specific passes that are cheaper.”
A resident from Tokyo tells how they combined a JR East Pass (for the Kanto area) and a Hokkaido Rail Pass for a trip to Sapporo. The article links directly to the official JR Pass page (https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/) and the JR East website (https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/), offering the latest pass options and pricing.

4. Dining Etiquette Has Evolved – “No‑Menu” Isn’t a Must‑Try

Outdated Advice: “Never order at a restaurant that doesn’t have a menu; you’ll get something you don’t like.”
Local Reality: “Many establishments do have menus in English, especially in urban centers. The ‘no‑menu’ rule only applies to specialty kaiseki or hidden izakayas where you’ll have to ask for a recommendation.”
The article quotes a Kyoto resident who says the “no‑menu” rule is still common at the city’s older teahouses but not in Tokyo’s trendy ramen bars. A link to the Japanese Culinary Society article on “Understanding Japanese Dining” (https://www.japanculinary.org/dining/) gives context.

5. Saying “Thank You” Is Still Important – But Less Formal Than You Think

Outdated Advice: “Always bow at a 45‑degree angle, no matter the situation.”
Local Reality: “A simple nod or a brief bow is enough in most everyday interactions; over‑bowing can come off as awkward.”
A Tokyo office worker explains that in professional settings a shallow bow (~15 degrees) is appropriate, while a deeper bow is reserved for formal ceremonies. The piece cites a guide from Japan Tourism Association on “Greetings and Etiquette” (https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/greetings/).

6. Souvenir Shopping Isn’t Just at the Airport

Outdated Advice: “Buy your souvenirs at the airport; they’re cheaper and convenient.”
Local Reality: “Local shops and district markets (e.g., Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Nakamise‑cho in Asakusa) offer better quality and lower prices.”
A local from Osaka notes that the airport’s “Duty‑Free” items are often inflated. The article links to a page from the Japan Travel Guide that maps out top market districts (https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2015.html).

7. Nightlife: “Izakaya” vs. “Nightclub” – Get the Difference Right

Outdated Advice: “Izakayas are the same as nightclubs; they’re all loud and rowdy.”
Local Reality: “Izakayas are casual pubs with a relaxed atmosphere; nightlife bars and clubs are separate.”
The article quotes a local bar‑owner who explains that most izakayas are 24‑hour and family‑friendly. For further reading, it points to the Tokyo Guide’s nightlife overview (https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/nightlife).

Bottom Line

What locals are saying is that Japan is increasingly welcoming to foreigners who simply respect basic customs, carry a mix of cash and cards, and know that many of the “rules” that once governed travel have softened. The article’s linked sources—ranging from official tourism sites to resident blogs—give travelers a practical, up‑to‑date resource list to make their trip smoother and more authentic. Whether you’re planning a month‑long exploration of rural Shikoku or a weekend buzz in Osaka, the takeaway is clear: “Know the current norms, but don’t be afraid to ask for help; most locals are happy to guide newcomers.”