Planning your first trip to Japan? Or maybe you’re curious about what makes Japan so different from the rest of the world? We analyzed over 600 comments from the viral Reddit thread “Best Culture Shock in Japan” to bring you the top 10 most surprising—and fascinating—experiences travelers encounter. From spotless streets with no trash cans to hidden bars in towering buildings, these culture shocks will help you understand Japan on a deeper level and prepare you for an unforgettable adventure.
Biggest Culture Shocks in Japan?
byu/_MambaForever inJapanTravelTips
1) Verticality & Hidden Businesses (51 mentions)
In Japan’s big cities like Tokyo, restaurants, bars, and shops are stacked on many floors—sometimes in buildings that look like plain office towers from outside. It can feel like exploring a secret maze! This unique use of vertical space is a fun part of Japanese cities, but it can be confusing if you can’t read Japanese signs. Don’t worry—just go in and ride the elevator to discover amazing hidden spots!
FloAs someone who grew up here, I still get surprised by new hidden bars I find. That’s the charm of exploring Japan!
Representative Comments:
“Tokyo being a ‘3D city’ as opposed to a 2D city. I can see how it was the inspiration for many cyberpunk settings.”
“My favorite bars were down a long hallway in a Tokyo basement and on the third floor of what looked like an apartment building in Kyoto.”
“Buildings with crazy mixes of businesses stacked vertically are called zakkyo buildings.”
2) Extreme Honesty & Lost-and-Found Culture (49 mentions)
Many travelers are amazed by how honest people in Japan are. If you lose something important—like your wallet, phone, or even cash—it’s very common to get it back completely untouched. Visitors shared stories of dropping valuables in busy places and later finding them at a koban (police box) or having someone return them directly. This level of honesty comes from Japan’s culture of trust and the idea that everyone should respect each other. It’s one of the reasons Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, and why so many people love traveling here.
FloI’ve personally returned lost wallets to koban many times. It’s normal here—and I’m proud of that part of Japanese culture.
Representative Comments:
“Lost my wallet and got it back against all the odds.”
“I left my phone with wallet case in a restaurant bathroom. Minutes later, it was already at the counter.”
“Left a backpack with passports on a train. Retrieved it the next day with help from the lost and found!”
3) Lack of Public Trash Cans vs. Cleanliness (46 mentions)
First-time visitors are often puzzled by how clean Japan is despite there being almost no trash cans on the streets. You’ll need to carry your trash with you until you find a convenience store or your hotel to throw it away. This might feel inconvenient, but it’s one way Japanese people keep their cities tidy and show respect for shared spaces.
FloPro tip: Always carry a small plastic bag in your backpack—it’ll save you the headache of searching for a trash can!
Representative Comments:
“There aren’t many if any trashcans at all in public spaces.”
“It drove me nuts looking for a garbage can.”
“Despite the lack of bins, the streets are so clean!”
4) Social Silence & Respect for Space (44 mentions)
Japan’s public places—especially trains and buses—are surprisingly quiet, even when crowded. People avoid talking loudly or making noise to respect others. For many travelers, this calm atmosphere is a welcome change from noisy cities back home, and it makes getting around Japan a relaxing experience.
FloWhen you ride a train here, you’ll notice the peace immediately. Enjoy the quiet—it’s a unique part of the experience!
Representative Comments:
“Common human respect and calm silence that comes with it.”
“The quiet. Cities are very busy but everyone is so quiet so as not to bother others.”
“I can finally relax at a café and actually hear my friend.”
5) Solo Activities Normalize (39 mentions)
In Japan, it’s completely normal to eat alone. Whether you’re a man or woman, dining solo is not seen as strange, and many restaurants even cater to single diners. This is great news for travelers who want to explore at their own pace without worrying about feeling awkward!
FloJapan is the best place for solo travelers—don’t be shy about enjoying meals alone!
Representative Comments:
“Solo dining is normal. I wish we had this culture in the States.”
“I saw many women comfortably eating alone.”
“Dining alone enjoying the meal for what it is, a good meal.”
6) Exceptional Customer Service & Hospitality (37 mentions)
Japanese customer service is famous for being polite, attentive, and professional. Staff often go the extra mile—like walking you out of the store and bowing until you leave their sight. It’s one of the many ways Japanese culture shows respect and hospitality to guests.
Flo“Omotenashi” (Japanese hospitality) is something I’m always proud to share with visitors—experience it in every shop, restaurant, and hotel!
Travel tip:
Book a traditional ryokan or luxury hotel to experience true Japanese hospitality. 👉 Find your perfect stay with Booking.com.
Representative Comments:
“Shopkeepers walk you out and wave until you’re out of sight.”
“The flight crew refunded $200 in cash after a delay not caused by the airline.”
“Hospitality goes above and beyond at every store and restaurant.”
7) Cash is King & Tech Paradoxes (35 mentions)
Although Japan has a reputation for high-tech gadgets, many places still prefer cash, especially small shops, restaurants, or temples. Be prepared to carry Japanese yen and get comfortable using coins, as it’s the easiest way to pay in many situations.
FloJapan is modern in many ways, but cash is still essential—always have some yen on you!
Representative Comments:
“Despite being technologically advanced, much of it is still paper-based and cash is king.”
“I was shocked to see so many coins and the meticulous way people use exact change.”
“Even major websites look like Geocities.”
8) Drinking Culture & Salarymen Passed Out (32 mentions)
It can be shocking to see well-dressed businesspeople (called salarymen) asleep on sidewalks or in train stations after a night of drinking with colleagues. This happens because of Japan’s work-drinking culture, where socializing with coworkers over drinks is common and sometimes expected.
FloDon’t worry—drunk salarymen are part of the nightlife scenery, and they’re rarely a threat. It’s a unique side of Japanese work culture!
Representative Comments:
“Salarymen passed out on the sidewalk—just leave them a water and keep moving.”
“It’s kind of expected/accepted for men to get blackout drunk.”
“Some nights you just go too hard and pass out at the station.”
9) Smoking in Unexpected Places (29 mentions)
Although Japan has made progress in limiting smoking, you might still find people smoking in certain restaurants, bars, or indoor smoking rooms. This can surprise visitors from countries with stricter smoking bans.
FloAlways check for designated smoking areas in restaurants or cafés—Japan still allows smoking in some indoor spots.
Travel tip:
Consider getting a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM with eSIM support so you can always check for ATMs or cash-only spots. 👉 Book your pocket Wi-Fi here.
Representative Comments:
“The smoking. So much smoking in enclosed spaces.”
“I was shocked to find a smoking room in our hotel.”
“Some restaurants still have enclosed smoking sections.”
10) Safety & Low Crime (28 mentions)
Many travelers are amazed by how safe Japan feels—both day and night. Children walk home alone, people leave belongings unattended without worry, and violent crime is very rare. Japan’s sense of safety and respect for others makes it one of the best destinations for solo travelers and families alike.
FloJapan’s safety is something I wish every visitor could experience—it’s one of the best parts of traveling here.
Representative Comments:
“Not once did we feel unsafe. Even in busy downtown areas at night.”
“Seeing elementary kids riding trains alone was shocking but amazing.”
“I could walk around with valuables and never feel worried.”
Top 3 Most Upvoted Reddit Comments About Culture Shock in Japan
Curious what surprised travelers in Japan the most? Here are the top 3 most upvoted Reddit comments about culture shock in Japan—real stories that reveal what visitors found most unforgettable.
Top Upvoted Comment #1: Common Respect and Calm Silence (Score: 365)
Many visitors were amazed by the incredible sense of respect and calm they experienced in Japan’s public spaces. Unlike many countries where people speak loudly or seek attention, Japan’s atmosphere often feels peaceful and considerate—something that deeply impressed travelers.
“Common human respect, and a sense of community and the calm silence that comes with it. In US seemingly everyone is constantly trying to outdo each other in public displays of TikTok silliness, completely unaware or oblivious to the impacts their silly little stunt has on those around. Not saying Japan doesn’t have those type of influencers but that there is this ability to understand that each individual is part of a greater whole of a community.”
Top Upvoted Comment #2: Japan as a 3D City (Score: 259)
Visitors were surprised by how Japan uses vertical space, with restaurants, bars, and shops stacked on multiple floors. This “3D city” experience makes exploring feel adventurous, but can also be confusing if you can’t read Japanese signs.
“The way vertical space is used for a ton of different businesses. Most places I’m used to walking along and seeing a bar or restaurant at street level and you get a sense of the vibe, how busy it is, etc. In Japan it’s 8 floors of bars and businesses and I can’t read any of the signs so you have no idea what’s open, what places are, if people are there, etc. I got some good recommendations from bartenders and wound up exploring some of these places and finding even more great spots. Was just so different rolling the dice on a bar on an upper floor behind a closed door.”
Top Upvoted Comment #3: Lost and Found Miracles (Score: 146)
Many travelers were amazed by Japan’s honesty when it comes to lost items. Wallets, bags, and other valuables are often returned untouched—showing a deep culture of trust and community respect.
“Mines was all the unattended bags and stuff being used to save seats. Or your six-year old. My friend had a funny one. Subway restrooms. I said I needed to go and went to one in the subway and he stayed outside, hesitant. Didn’t realize he didn’t want to go in because he figured it’d be just as dirty as the subway bathrooms at home. Go look for yourself my dude.”
Embracing Culture Shocks: How Japan’s Surprises Make Your Trip Unforgettable
When you visit Japan, it’s almost certain you’ll experience “culture shocks”—but rather than negative surprises, these moments are what make your journey truly memorable.
From stumbling upon hidden bars tucked away in tall buildings, to marveling at the honesty of people who return lost wallets untouched, or being amazed by the spotless streets despite a lack of trash cans—Japan is full of small wonders waiting to be discovered.
You’ll also find peace in the quiet of crowded trains, feel at ease dining alone thanks to Japan’s solo-friendly culture, and experience exceptional hospitality that goes above and beyond. These aspects of daily life continue to make me proud of my home country, even after living here my entire life.
🌸 A few gentle tips to help you enjoy your time in Japan:
- Carry a small bag for your trash, as public bins are rare
- Keep some cash on hand—many places still prefer it
- Embrace the quiet in public spaces, and enjoy the calm
- Don’t be afraid to take the elevator up—amazing hidden gems are often above street level!
Above all, if you bring a mindset of respect and openness, you’ll not only avoid awkward moments but also experience the heart of Japanese culture at its best.
Japan is a country where safety, cleanliness, and kindness are just the beginning. Be ready to embrace the unique experiences, and let each little culture shock deepen your appreciation of this incredible destination.
Once you’re ready, set out on your own adventure to discover the Japan that’s waiting just for you!
👉 Find your perfect hotel stay with Booking.com
👉 Stay connected—rent your pocket Wi-Fi today!
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