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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
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If 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…
For a truly unique experience in Japan, try a knife-forging workshop at Asano Kajiya in Hashima, Gifu. You’ll get hands-on with traditional techniques to forge your own blade, guided by skilled artisans who make the process approachable even for beginners. It’s an incredible way to connect with Japanese craftsmanship…
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…
Many visitors rent bikes around the Kiyomizu-dera area, but this is a big mistake. The streets are extremely steep, packed with tourists, and difficult to ride safely — even for experienced cyclists. Most people end up walking their bikes, feeling frustrated, or struggling with the crowds.
If you want to enjoy Kyoto by…
The Kamo River cycling path is the safest and most scenic place to ride an e-bike in Kyoto. The route is completely flat, car-free, and surrounded by trees, bridges, and mountain views. You’ll see locals jogging, walking dogs, and relaxing by the river — a real snapshot of everyday Kyoto life.
It’s perfect for…
If you want a perfect photo of Yasaka Pagoda without crowds, skip the famous Ninenzaka–Sannenzaka streets and walk (or bike!) to the back street just west of the pagoda.
Most tourists stay on the main road, so this quiet lane gives you a beautiful, classic Kyoto view with almost no people. It’s one of my favorite stops…
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…
This is a place I rarely see foreigners They offer the best curry rice (Japanese style) I’ve ever had. My recommendation is the Tonkatsu curry with cheese and eggplant toppings. Just amazing
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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