Travelling Tips To Japan For First-Timer

1. Bring more cash. Although Japan is an advanced country, but unfortunately, most of the restaurants and shops there do not accept credit cards. They prefer cash. Let's just say Japan is a cash-society. Speaking of cash, remember to bring a coin purse because you may find yourself having many small change.
2. When paying at the cashier, do not hand your money to the cashier's hand. Put your money on the little tray on the counter. Cashiers would not take money from your hands.
3. Bring your own bag when you go shopping because most of the shops either don't provide shopping bag or they will charge you for each bag.
4. Do not litter. You may soon realise that there are almost no rubbish bin along the streets, so keep your litter in your own plastic bag. You can find rubbish bin in front of conveninence stores or near vending machines.
5. Learn some basic Japanese phrases. Most of the local there do not speak English and they find it hard to understand what you're trying to say, so by learning some common phrases might be useful when you want to ask for the price, ordering food, or ask for directions.
6. You may realise that Japanese people will stand at one side of the escalator and leave the other side for people who are in a hurry to walk, so please follow the local custom. Do not block the way.
7. If you need Internet connection as you go around Japan, you may need to order a pocket Wi-Fi because although Japan is known for its advanced technology and industrialization, they do not provide free Wi-Fi. You may get Wi-Fi in the hotel you're staying or places like Starbucks but you have to purchase a beverage to get the password.
8. Electricity outlets in Japan take two flat pins, same as North America. If you come from a country which has a different electricity outlet, remember to bring an universal adapter to charge your smartphone, or any electronic devices.
9. No tipping! You do not need to give tips in Japan. Some may take it as an offence.
10. When you enter the inside of a temple or shrine, please remove your shoes. Some temples/shrines will provide you with a plastic bag to put your shoes in and you have to carry it yourself.
11. People with tattoos are not allowed to enter the public bath house (onsen). No photography or recording is allowed inside the onsen because it's a public area and people are naked in there enjoying the bath.
12. When you take the train or subways, do not eat or drink inside the train. Do not speak loudly. Do not answer your phone calls. This is because Japanese people treat the train as a public place and they respect other people's privacy, so they would remain silent or try to minimize any talking or noise when they're inside a train. 
13. It is considered rude to eat while walking in Japan, so either you find a park or a place to sit and eat, or you can just stand and eat. You hardly see any locals holding their munching their sandwich or snacks while walking on the street. I guess this has something to do with respecting the food you're eating and also respecting the person who prepares the food, so if you walk and eat, you're probably not going to appreciate it fully.
14. Most 7-Eleven convenience stores and post offices had ATMs that accept foreign debit and credit cards. Check with your bank before you leave to make sure your cards will work overseas.
15. Not all restaurants have English menu. If you’re not sure what to order at a restaurant, indicate one of the plastic food replicas that are displayed near the front of the restaurant.
16. When you’re ready to pay your bill at a restaurants, cross your forefingers together to form an ‘X’. The waiter will come to you with your check. 
17. When you want to point towards someone or something, point with your open hand. Pointing at anything with your forefinger is considered rude.
18. When entering a Japanese house, place your outdoor shoes at the doorway. Wear the slippers your host provides. 
19. Remove your house slippers when you enter a room that is covered with tatami flooring. You can step on tatami mats with your bare or socked feet.
20. Take photos only in areas where they’re permitted. Watch the signs, and ask locals if you’re not sure. Don’t offend by taking pictures inside temples. 
21. Do not blow your nose in public; try to discreetly wipe your nose or just snort or sniff to control your cold if you have one.