Things to Know & Etiquette in Japan

Trash

There are essentially no trash cans on the streets in Japan – bring a small trash bag with you to carry your trash. TIP: you can find trash cans inside 7 Elevens and Family Marts. Trash

There are essentially no trash cans on the streets in Japan – bring a small trash bagwith you to carry your trash. TIP: you can find trash cans inside 7 Elevens and Family Marts. 

7 Eleven & Family Mart

7 Eleven and Family Mart will be your best friend! They offer (surprisingly) great food options for quick pick-up, snacks, drinks, coffee, and our favorite smoothie machines. They will also carry any necessary or last-minute toiletry or first-aid items that you may need during your trip. If your kiddos aren’t a fan of Japanese cuisine, this is a great place to find more familiar foods like sandwiches, salads, fruit, yogurt, etc. 

Eating & Walking

You shouldn’t eat while walking. Most food establishments will ask you to eat inside, or carry your food away to be eaten at home/hotel. 

You can drink while walking. There are drink vending machines on virtually every corner. Most drinks are ~ ¥140 (= $1).

Prices for Kids

Kids 6 and under (they refer to it as elementary age) are free for most things (train tickets, admission into tourist spots/temples, etc.)

Family Accommodations & Restrooms

Japan is extremely kid friendly and there are many accommodations for families (ie. family restrooms, family lines). At most hotels, kids under 6 stay free when able to share a bed.

Something we noticed: Many hotels will refer to their beds as “twin” beds. In the US, a twin bed is relatively small and would not fit two people. We noticed that twin beds were actually rather big and were more similar to a “full” bed in the US. 

Most restrooms offer family restrooms, or as they are referred to in Japan, Accessibility Restrooms. These restrooms normally offer an adult and child changing table, multiple sinks, and handicap accessible amenities. They are also large and have room for a stroller or wheelchair.

7 Eleven and Family Mart will be your best friend! They offer surprisingly great food options for quick pick-up, snacks, drinks, coffee, and our favorite smoothie machines. They will also carry any necessary or last-minute toiletry or first-aid items that you may need during your trip. If your kiddos aren’t a fan of Japanese cuisine, this is a great place to find more familiar foods like sandwiches, salads, fruit, yogurt, etc. 

Eating & Walking

You shouldn’t eat while walking. Most food establishments will ask you to eat inside, or carry your food away to be eaten at home/hotel. 

You can drink while walking. There are drink vending machines on virtually every corner. Most drinks are ~ ¥140 (= $1).

Prices for Kids

Kids 6 and under (they refer to it as elementary age) are free for most things (train tickets, admission into tourist spots/temples, etc.)

Family Accommodations & Restrooms

Japan is extremely kid friendly and there are many accommodations for families (ie. family restrooms, family lines). At most hotels, kids under 6 stay free when able to share a bed.

Something we noticed: Many hotels will refer to their beds as “twin” beds. In the US, a twin bed is relatively small and would not fit two people. We noticed that twin beds were actually rather big and were more similar to a “full” bed in the US. 

Most restrooms offer family restrooms, or as they are referred to in Japan, Accessibility Restrooms. These restrooms normally offer an adult and child changing table, multiple sinks, and handicap accessible amenities. They are also large and have room for a stroller or wheelchair.