766 answers from Japanese people · updated daily
Ask Japan. Japanese people answer.
Is it rude to…? Is it worth it? Where do they actually eat? Every answer here comes from what Japanese people said in their own comment sections, translated, with the like counts that back it up.
Travelers ask
Before you go
The rules Japanese people actually follow
The etiquette and how-to questions travelers ask, answered by Japanese commenters. They apply everywhere in Japan.
- Is It Rude to Do Makeup on a Train in Japan?
Past lipstick, mostly yes. A leading Japanese answer (40,807 likes) says stop at lips; powder and brushes that hit the next rider are the problem.
41,495 likes
- Why Do Japanese People Wear Masks? Japan Answers
Why do Japanese people wear masks? In the top 200 of 11,939 comments the top reason (8,684 likes) is a face they'd rather hide — and when it comes off.
8,684 likes
- Can You Share Food at a Japanese Restaurant? Ramen Answer
Usually yes, once everyone has ordered their own bowl. Top reply on a ramen-sharing row (8,048 likes): ask the staff on the spot. The shop decides.
8,048 likes
- Are Kids Allowed in Restaurants in Japan? Japanese Answer
Yes, at most places. The top Japanese reply (7,400 likes): no one is angry at crying kids, only at parents who leave them to it. Some shops post rules.
7,400 likes
- Can You Eat Inside a Convenience Store in Japan? Yes, But
Yes, where there is an eat-in counter. Eating in is taxed at 10% rather than 8% if you declare it, and konbini staff say almost nobody declares.
4,381 likes
- How Much to Put in a Japanese Shrine Offering Box
A shrine asked visitors to stop offering 1-yen coins. Top 200 of 3,545 comments: Japanese say start at 10 yen (648 likes) — and why coins cost shrines.
3,696 likes
Where to go
Where are you going?
What Japanese people say to eat, skip and do in each city.
Tokyo
Tokyo & Around22 Japanese roundups
Osaka
Kansai16 Japanese roundups
Kyoto
Kansai14 Japanese roundups
Nara
Kansai6 Japanese roundups
Hakone
Tokyo & Around4 Japanese roundups
Sapporo
Hokkaido4 Japanese roundups
Fukuoka
Kyushu3 Japanese roundups
Hiroshima
Chugoku2 Japanese roundups
By region
The Japan Skip List
What Japanese people tell each other to skip
And where they go instead. Every line is backed by real comments.
Japan Hotel Price Tracker · updated daily
What does a hotel night in Japan cost right now?
Every morning we record bookable hotel prices in 8 cities, for check-in from tomorrow up to 90 days out: 53 days so far. See how far ahead prices climb before you book.
KyotoTokyoOsakaSapporoFukuokaKanazawaHiroshimaNaha (Okinawa)
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Plan a route in 4 questions
Answer four questions and get a day-by-day route where every stop is backed by Japanese comments.
Latest
New answers
- Places & Hidden GemsWhere to Actually See Mount Fuji: Yamanashi or Shizuoka?
Yamanashi for a clear, classic Fuji; Shizuoka for sheer size. A Shizuoka local's top comment (129 likes) says their side clouds over from midday.
129 likesWhere to go instead →
- Hotels & OnsenCan a Family of 4 Share a Hotel Room in Japan? Staff Answer
Not in a room booked for two. Co-sleeping passes for a toddler, not a sixth grader (95 likes), and ex-ryokan staff say kids' meals and bedding are billed.
6,610 likes
- Hotels & OnsenCan You Take Hotel Amenities Home in Japan? Japanese Answer
Yes for the wrapped tea, coffee and toothbrush in your room. The top reply on it (362 likes) says taking them actually helps. Mugs and bottles stay.
1,888 likes
- Travel Tips & HonneCan You Share Food at a Japanese Restaurant? Ramen Answer
Usually yes, once everyone has ordered their own bowl. Top reply on a ramen-sharing row (8,048 likes): ask the staff on the spot. The shop decides.
8,048 likes
- Travel Tips & HonneAre Kids Allowed in Restaurants in Japan? Japanese Answer
Yes, at most places. The top Japanese reply (7,400 likes): no one is angry at crying kids, only at parents who leave them to it. Some shops post rules.
7,400 likes
- Japanese people splitFood & RestaurantsIs Kobe Beef Worth It? What Japanese Eaters Say
In small doses. The top Japanese reply (3,147 likes): by the time you can afford marbled wagyu, the fat is too much. Many stop at two slices.
3,147 likes
- Hotels & OnsenShould You Fold the Futon at a Ryokan? Japanese Answer
No need. Staff unfold it anyway to check for forgotten items. The top Japanese answer (275 likes): don't leave things behind and check out on time.
275 likes
- Travel Tips & HonneIs It Rude to Do Makeup on a Train in Japan?
Past lipstick, mostly yes. A leading Japanese answer (40,807 likes) says stop at lips; powder and brushes that hit the next rider are the problem.
41,495 likes
- Japanese visitors splitPlaces & Hidden GemsIs Osaka Castle Worth It? What Japanese Commenters Say
For the grounds, yes; for an old interior, no. Commenters call the inside "just a building," but the top reply (66 likes) says the 1931 keep is history.
66 likesWhere to go instead →
- Japanese people splitTravel Tips & HonneIs the Seishun 18 Ticket Still Worth It? What Japanese Say
Only if you ride far on back-to-back days. Japanese riders say the 3- and 5-day version suits rail fans, not workers or day-trippers (802 likes).
2,181 likes