Japan – So Different From What I’d Read Before Coming

Before coming to Japan, I searched a lot about what I should be careful of. But once I arrived, I realized that much of what I'd read wasn't entirely accurate.

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1. Silence in Public? Not Always.

   
   

 Inside a typical Japanese train.

Yes, Japanese people respect quietness — that’s true.

But that doesn’t mean everyone stays completely silent in public. It’s actually normal to talk with friends on the train, even a bit loudly, as long as you’re not disturbing others.

However, talking on the phone while on the train is considered rude and is strongly discouraged.

2. Japan Is Still a Cash-Based Country

Cash is still king in Japan — even at modern self-checkout machines.

Back home in Vietnam, QR codes, cards, and digital payments are everywhere.

So I was surprised that many restaurants and stores in Japan still only accept cash. Even in big cities!

So if you visit Japan, don’t make the mistake of carrying just your card — always bring some cash when going out.

Also, tipping is not common in Japan. If you feel the service was excellent, you can leave a tip, but it’s completely optional and not expected.

3. Where Are the Trash Bins?

A local garbage collection point — no public bins, but everything is sorted and clean.

Japan is famous for its cleanliness — and rightly so. But oddly, it’s really hard to find public trash bins.

At first, I was confused. But now I think it’s clever: Japanese people are so aware of cleanliness that they carry their trash home instead of littering. That’s why the streets are so clean, even without bins.

4. Drinking Culture Is Everywhere

Before coming here, I only knew about 飲み会 (nomikai) - drinking parties after work. So I was really suprised to see alcohol sold in stadiums, parks, and even convenience stores.

In Japan, people drink casually at concerts, sports games, beaches, or even during a picnic at the park. Drinking is socially accepted almost everywhere, not just in bars,

Cheers with beer and grilled skewers — a must-try experience at Japanese izakaya restaurants.

Since moving to Japan, I've realized that many things are different from what I had expected — from quiet trains and cash-only shops to the lack of trash bins and the open drinking culture. These small suprises have helped me understand Japanese life better, and they've made my experience here more interesting every day.