Planning my first trip to Japan in the next few months. I've read through a lot of the older threads but wanted to check if the info is still current.
My main questions:
- Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
- Realistic daily budget?
- Any areas to avoid?
- How welcoming are the locals to foreign visitors?
I'm coming from Australia and have experience in Southeast Asia but this would be my first time in Japan.
Thanks for any help!
Japan — tipping etiquette
Started by MidwestMark · 23 Mar 2026 · 1021 views
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23 Mar 2026 at 09:29
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23 Mar 2026 at 10:50
This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the pandemic. Current prices are about the same than what's described here.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Miami, FL
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23 Mar 2026 at 12:16
Can confirm. Was there 2 weeks ago and everything checks out.
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23 Mar 2026 at 14:08
Thanks for the write-up. Very helpful for my upcoming trip.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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23 Mar 2026 at 17:33
Saving this thread for my trip planning. Gold mine of information.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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23 Mar 2026 at 22:42
This matches my experience. Japan is one of my favorites.
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24 Mar 2026 at 03:11
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
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24 Mar 2026 at 07:49
Hmm, I had a different experience. Prices were higher when I went. Maybe timing matters.
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24 Mar 2026 at 14:25
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
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24 Mar 2026 at 16:14
100% agree. The variety is hard to beat.
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24 Mar 2026 at 17:57
This matches my experience. Japan is one of my favorites.
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24 Mar 2026 at 21:55
Interesting take but I think you overpaid. Try using a different site next time.
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25 Mar 2026 at 05:44
Been going for years. The scene has improved recently.
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25 Mar 2026 at 10:54
Excellent write-up. This is why this forum is the best resource out there.
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25 Mar 2026 at 20:33
Not sure I agree about that area. I found a different part to be better value.
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25 Mar 2026 at 23:18
I'd also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you go. Essential.
Euro Explorer — Boston, MA
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26 Mar 2026 at 00:54
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
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26 Mar 2026 at 06:25
With respect, my experience was more mixed. But maybe I went at the wrong time.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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26 Mar 2026 at 15:52
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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26 Mar 2026 at 19:06
With respect, my experience was more mixed. But maybe I went at the wrong time.
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