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Tips & Traps
Insider advice from Local Friends and travelers. What to do, and what to avoid, city by city.
- TipA place or a move worth it
- TrapWhat to avoid, and how
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Insider advice from Local Friends and travelers. What to do, and what to avoid, city by city.
Join RALF to share your own tips and traps
New this weekPicks from our Local GurusCommunity picksrefreshed every Monday
Share a tip, or warn travelers about a trap. Every post makes your profile easier to find.
New postIf you want to dress like a local, opt for long, breathable trousers, linen pants, or flowy skirts rather than shorts even in the middle of Japan's hot and humid summers. Most adult Japanese men and women stay modest on the lower half, and nothing calls out "tourist!" more than a pair of shorts. Yes, those cargo…
In Tokyo, the Savor the Matcha experience is a must if you’re curious about Japanese tea culture. You’ll learn about the history and ritual of matcha while being guided through the process of preparing it yourself. It’s a calm, mindful experience where you can truly slow down, appreciate the flavours, and enjoy a…
If you’re visiting temples and shrines in Japan, start collecting goshuin; beautiful handwritten (traditional Japanese calligraphy) stamps that make a meaningful and unique souvenir. You’ll need a special stamp book called a goshuinchō, which you can purchase at most temples and shrines, as well as larger stationery…
Small ramen shops and izakayas often only take cash. Always carry some yen to avoid awkward situations, especially late at night.
Do not make or take phone calls while on Japanese trains, including the subway and Shinkansen (bullet train). Avoid listening to music loudly or engaging in loud conversations, as absolute silence is expected. This rule honors the Omotenashi culture and respects tired commuters who rely on the quiet carriage time for…
In areas like Nara and Miyajima, do not provoke the sacred deer. These animals are wild and have injured tourists (kicking and biting) when angered, often by people teasing them with food to get a perfect selfie, or withholding food after attracting them.
Furthermore, do not feed them human food, as it can make them…
If you want one of the most impressive skyline views in Tokyo, save time for the Tokyo City View observation deck on the top floors of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. The panoramic windows give you a 360° perspective of the city — including Tokyo Tower glowing right in front of you at night. The best part is that…
Beware of bars in the Kabukicho and Golden Gai area. Some bars and nightclubs in this area engage in a scam known as "bottakuri," in which customers are surprised with bills much higher than the initially agreed-upon amount.
In a typical case, the unfair charge is almost always accompanied by intimidation, threats, and…
On a trip, no one usually plans to visit a government building, right? But the Tokyo Government Building deserves to be on your itinerary. The Government Building is one of the city's coolest free attractions — and offers one of the best views of Tokyo. It's located in Shinjuku and has several interesting things to do:
If you want to party in Tokyo, I’d say skip the red-light district (Kabukicho) and head straight to Roppongi! You’ll find more bars and clubs there, plus you get a clear view of Tokyo Tower.
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