A Soulful Journey Through Seoul
- Written by Sarah Mitchell
- Updated April 2024
When I first booked my trip to Japan, I had no idea just how much this country would teach me—not just about culture and travel, but about mindfulness, respect, and finding beauty in simplicity. I went expecting incredible food, futuristic cities, and ancient temples, but I left with so much more than photos and souvenirs. Japan truly has a way of making you slow down, observe, and appreciate the little things.
Here are 14 things I learned during my travels in Japan—some practical, some surprising, and all unforgettable.
Our electrical plugs (iPhones, computers, etc.) work perfectly in Japanese outlets without the need for a converter. It was such a relief not having to carry an extra adapter around.
The tap water tastes just like home! Sometimes when you travel, water tastes a little “off,” but in Tokyo it was clean, crisp, and totally safe to drink.
They drive and walk on the left. It took me a while to adjust because as an American, walking on the right side is second nature. Thankfully, in Tokyo many sidewalks have yellow dividing lines—it really helps!
Uber works in Tokyo, and I loved how professional every driver was—black suits, white gloves, spotless cars. It felt like stepping into a luxury service every time.
Subway announcements are bilingual. I was nervous about navigating the trains, but once I realized most announcements are made in both Japanese and English, I felt so much more confident getting around.
Many menus and signs are phonetic or illustrated. Even when I couldn’t read Japanese characters, I could understand what I was ordering thanks to photos. Communication felt surprisingly easy!
You don’t tip in Japan. It actually comes across as rude. Good service is simply part of the culture—it’s given freely and respectfully.
Restaurant photos can be deceiving. At first, I thought every dish came raw because the menu photos showed uncooked meat or fish! But don’t worry—unless it’s sushi, everything arrives perfectly cooked.
Japan feels incredibly safe. Even as a solo female traveler, I felt completely comfortable walking alone, even at night. People were kind, helpful, and respectful everywhere I went.
Sunglasses are rare. I quickly noticed that very few locals wear them—it’s more of a Western habit, apparently.
Most bathrooms don’t have towels or dryers. Many women carry a small personal cloth in their purse to dry their hands. I started doing the same—it’s such a practical idea!
There are almost no trash cans outside, yet the streets are spotless. It made me think about how cultural habits can shape collective responsibility—people simply take their trash with them until they find a bin.
Air quality can vary. Some days, especially in cities, you can actually see the haze. Many locals wear masks all day, not just for health reasons, but also as a gesture of respect toward others.
Cherry blossoms are breathtaking, but camellias deserve love too. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of them—they were blooming everywhere, soft bursts of color against the cool spring air.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through Japan reminded me how much beauty exists in order, respect, and quiet detail. The politeness, the efficiency, the little daily rituals—it all made me reflect on how I move through my own world. I left Japan feeling calmer, more aware, and deeply inspired by how gracefully the culture balances tradition and modernity.
If you ever have the chance to go—take it. Bring an open mind, a small towel, and a big heart. Japan will fill the rest.