Travel is one of the most passionate things that me and my son do together. We love exploring new places but at our own pace. We believe in slow traveling. When we planned our Japan trip, we chose only Tokyo. We didn’t want to rush other places like Kyoto and Osaka into one trip. Before visiting Japan, I found many posts and videos online. They made me feel like I was about to step into an entirely different universe.
Some made Japan sound extremely intimidating. They said the people are rude and the trains are impossible to navigate. They claimed you can’t talk at all and must be a chopstick pro or starve. I just returned from an amazing trip to Japan with my son. I can confidently say – don’t believe everything you see on social media! Here’s my take on some of the biggest myths I encountered before my trip and what the reality actually was.
Myth 1: “Japanese People Are Rude and Unfriendly”
This one shocked me the most because it couldn’t be further from the truth! Every interaction I had in Japan was warm, polite, and incredibly helpful. A store employee went out of their way to help me. A stranger helped me figure out my way to the station. The restaurant staff explained the menu with enthusiasm. I only experienced kindness.
One particular moment stands out—our phone battery died while navigating a station late at night. A kind local not only gave us directions, but he also walked with us nearly halfway to the station. He kept reassuring us and said he hoped we wouldn’t miss the last train. That moment of compassion stuck with me.
Takeaway: Don’t mistake reserved for rude. The kindness is real—just quieter.
Myth 2: “The Train System is Complicated and Confusing”
I kept hearing how impossible it was to navigate Japan’s train system. In reality? It’s one of the easiest and most efficient systems I’ve ever used! The signage is clear and available in English. With Google Maps, figuring out routes, platforms, and even which exit to take was a breeze. If you know exactly where you’re going, Google Maps tells you which exit to use. This includes places like a specific cafe, shop, or landmark. It also suggests bus numbers and nearby stops, making even local travel super manageable.
Practical Tip: Download Google Maps and Hyperdia for train navigation. Trust me, they’re lifesavers!
Takeaway: Trains are simpler than they look—tech helps a lot.
Myth 3: “You Can’t Talk on Trains”
I saw so many videos saying you have to sit in total silence on Japanese trains. While it’s true that people generally speak softly and avoid loud conversations, it’s not like you’ll be shunned for talking.
This myth probably comes from the fact that most commuters travel solo. They naturally stay quiet with earphones in or phones out. But whenever we saw friends, couples, or families together, they were chatting—softly, of course, but chatting nonetheless. My son and I talked during our rides too, and no one ever even looked our way.
Takeaway: Be mindful, not mute. Talking softly is perfectly fine.
Myth 4: “Everyone Will Stare at You if You Cough or Sneeze”
his one made me especially nervous because just before arriving in Japan, both my son and I caught the flu. Coughs and colds lingered. We were honestly stressed about taking public transport. We’d read so much about how strict people are about noise and sickness. But to our relief, we saw plenty of locals coughing or sneezing. The weather was dipping to 5°C. Not a single person stared or reacted.
We wore masks, carried tissues, and covered our mouths—just basic hygiene—and that was more than enough. No judgment, just normal, considerate behavior all around.
Takeaway: Be polite, stay hygienic, and don’t stress—everyone’s human.
Myth 5: “You Must Use Chopsticks – No Spoons or Forks Available”
This is just false. I don’t use chopsticks, and not even once did I face a challenge! Almost every place I dined at had spoons and forks readily available. This was true even at convenience stores where we grabbed quick meals or snacks. In ramen shops, you’ll always get a spoon for your broth. If you prefer chopsticks, go for it! But if not, don’t worry—you’ll still enjoy every bite.
Takeaway: Use what you’re comfortable with—nobody’s keeping score.
Myth 6: “Sakura Blooms Are Everywhere in March”
One of the biggest letdowns! Before my trip, my feed was flooded with dreamy pink cherry blossom images. These images made me believe I’d be stepping into a real-life postcard. Reality check: Sakura blooms depend on the weather. In many places, they don’t even start until late March or early April. I did see some early blooms here and there. Yet, Japan was not the sea of pink that Instagram made it out to be. If you’re planning a cherry blossom trip, check forecasts rather than relying on random social media posts!
Resource Tip: Use sites like Japan-Guide.com for bloom forecasts.
Takeaway: Sakura season is amazing, but timing is the key.
Myth 7: “Tokyo is Overcrowded Everywhere, All the Time”
Yes, Tokyo is a busy city. The way some people make it sound, you’d think you’d be suffocating in human traffic 24/7. The truth? Some areas, like Shinjuku and Shibuya, are crowded. Still, once you step into residential neighbourhoods, parks, or lesser-known attractions, it’s peaceful and quiet. I barely saw any crowds outside of tourist hotspots, and public spaces were far more relaxed than I expected. It’s just like any other major city—certain areas are busy, while others are calm and spacious.
Takeaway: Tokyo is only as crowded as the spots you choose to visit.
Myth 8: “Japanese Toilets Are Confusing”
Another over-hyped exaggeration! Japan’s toilets indeed have fancy bidet functions. Every button has symbols or English translations. This makes them easy to figure out. Plus, they all work the same way—flush, clean, and go. If anything, I was more impressed by how clean and high-tech they were compared to many public restrooms elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Japan is an incredible country. It has a rich culture and amazing food. I have met some of the most polite and welcoming people there. But thanks to social media exaggerations, many people go in with unnecessary anxieties. My biggest advice? Do your research, but don’t let misleading posts scare you. Respect the culture, be mindful of local customs, but also know that Japan is not some overly strict, alien world. It’s a fantastic travel destination that’s much easier to navigate than people make it seem!
Your Turn: Have you been to Japan or planning to go? What myths did you hear before visiting? Drop them in the comments! And if you have any helpful apps, restaurant recommendations, or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them! You can also follow my Instagram for more travel-related content.
