10 Things We Didn’t Like About Visiting Japan

Before our family left for Japan, I had a few concerns.

I wasn’t sure how we’d manage the language difference, and the train system was definitely more than a little scary looking.

And flying that far with the family? I expected we’d be tired by the end.

What I didn’t expect was that our biggest “complaints” would be slightly different.

So instead of another highlights post, I thought it would be more honest to share the things we didn’t like about visiting Japan.

Of course, every single one of them turned out to be a positive.

Here’s what I mean.

What We Didn’t Like About Visiting Japan

Before I get into the details, I want to emphasize how high our expectations were before going to Japan.

After all the research, watching YouTube videos, and talking to others who have gone, the bar was set pretty high.

But… keep reading to find out what actually happened.

Japan - Family photo at Nakamise Shopping Street

10. Convenience Stores Are Way Too Good

I genuinely did not expect convenience stores to become part of our daily routine.

At home, a convenience store usually means grabbing something quickly and leaving just as fast.

In Japan, the stores were clean, organized, and full of fresh food that we actually wanted to eat. We were EXCITED to go!

On busy sightseeing days, they were incredibly helpful. We could grab breakfast before heading to the train.

We picked up onigiri, sandwiches (YES… egg salad!), yogurt, and coffee without feeling like we were settling for something mediocre.

On our way back to the hotel at night, there were hot food options or microwave meals that were freshly prepared (the teriyaki bowls were yummy).

Even our teens were happy. There was always something that everyone would eat.

Japan - Fresh microwaveable dinners in Konbini

We never felt stuck or stressed about finding food quickly. And we NEVER had to worry about the price!

Two adults and two teens could have filling meals, drinks and dessert for under $35!

The only downside? Now every convenience store at home feels HUGELY disappointing by comparison.

9. Customer Service Set an Unrealistic Standard

One thing that we took notice of on our very first day in Japan was just how amazing the customer service was.

Whether we were checking into a hotel, asking for directions at a train station, or ordering food, people were consistently polite and patient.

Even with the language difference, someone would step in and help. And when we tried to use a bit of Japanese ourselves, no one rushed us or made it awkward.

They gave us the time to get it right.

We never felt like we were putting someone out by asking for help.

It made the days run more smoothly. We weren’t second-guessing every step or worrying that we were doing something wrong.

By the time we came home, I realized how used to that consistency I had become.

Japan simply does service well, and it shows.

8. Japan Ruined Cleanliness for Us

This is one of those things you won’t fully appreciate until you experience it.

Train stations were clean. Public washrooms were clean. Busy areas that were packed with people were SPOTLESS.

You could practically eat off the floor!!

What surprised me most was how few garbage cans we saw, yet how little litter there was.

People carry their garbage with them. They sort it properly. It’s just part of their daily lives.

Even with teens, I wasn’t worrying about what they were stepping on or where they were setting their bags down.

It wasn’t something I had to monitor.

Once we were home, we noticed the difference pretty quickly.

Once again, Japan set the bar way too high!

7. Now We Judge Every Train System

Before this trip, I would not have described us as train experts.

We’ve used trains plenty of times, especially in Europe. In fact, we’ve always said Germany’s train system is fabulous. It’s organized, reliable, and easy to use.

Then we went to Japan.

The train system there operates on another level.

The signage is clear. Trains show up when they’re supposed to. Platforms are well-marked.

Japan - Different train lins marked on floor in station

Even the larger stations, which look intimidating at first, are easy to figure out once you start moving through them.

We had moments where we thought, “Okay, this is big.” But we were never actually stuck or confused for long.

And the Shinkansen is in its own category! You board, you sit down, and before you know it, you’re in a completely different city.

After experiencing that, even Germany’s excellent train system seemed to pale in comparison.

For our family, this meant we could move between cities without renting a car, figuring out parking, or learning new road rules.

We covered a lot of ground without the usual travel stress that comes with long distances.

Now, when we take trains anywhere else (especially at home in Toronto 😔), we notice the differences right away.

Japan changed what we now expect from public transit.

6. Our Fitness Trackers Have Never Recovered

We walked more in Japan than we did on any other trip.

Some of that comes down to the train stations. They’re big!

You move between platforms, go up and down stairs, pass through underground corridors, and follow signs for what feels like a while before you even reach the street.

Then you add in actual sightseeing. Parks, shrines, shopping streets, waterfront paths, you name it.

We weren’t hopping in and out of a car. We were moving through everything on foot.

By the end of most days, our step counts were high, and our legs definitely felt it!

At the same time, we didn’t feel like we were battling the city.

There was space on the sidewalks, crossings were clearly marked, and cars stopped when they were supposed to.

We weren’t dodging traffic or squeezing past people just to move forward.

So we kept walking.

Mt Fuji - Starting our climb from the 5th station — Climbing Mount Fuji

And because we did, we noticed more. Small shops tucked between larger buildings, quiet side streets just off the main areas, we saw it all (or at least it felt that way)!

Details we would have missed if we had been driving.

Now that we’re home, our daily step counts look a little underwhelming.

5. Our Luggage Did Not Stand a Chance

I thought I packed smart. I really did.

I left a bit of extra space and figured that would be enough.

It wasn’t.

What I didn’t consider was just how many things we would actually want to bring home!

Japan is very good at small, well-designed items that are hard to pass up.

Japan - Most of our souvenirs from our epic Japan trip — Most of our **souvenirs from Japan**

Character merchandise isn’t limited to theme parks. You can find it in train stations, department stores, and random shops you walk into “just to look.”

Add in stationery, snacks, seasonal items, and small collectibles, and the pile grows quickly.

Then there’s the food.

Kit Kat flavours we had never seen before. Regional treats that you can’t buy anywhere else. Packaged snacks that seemed like a good idea at the time.

Each item on its own didn’t take up much space. Together, they absolutely did.

Souvenirs from Japan - Variety of Kit Kat Flavours

By the end of the trip, we were shifting things around in our suitcases and hoping the zippers would cooperate.

(We ended up buying an extra roller carry-on!)

Next time, I’ll either pack lighter or plan to ship a box home. Probably both.

4. There Was Too Much Food and Not Enough Time

Let me be clear – we are a foodie family.

So food isn’t just something we grab between activities. It plays a major role in how I build our itineraries!

Before we left, we created a (long) must-try list.

From Ramen shops we wanted to try, to street food areas we had seen online, theme park snacks, or even specialty shops we wanted to hit, it was on the list!

And even with that amazingly detailed list, we still missed things.

There were restaurants with long lines we didn’t have time for, dishes we saw online but never tracked down, and entire food neighbourhoods we just couldn’t squeeze into the schedule.

Kyoto Japan - kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese Restaurant

Even train stations had meals that deserved more than a quick stop.

At some point, we realized we weren’t going to try it all. There just wasn’t enough time.

And that’s when it hit me that one trip to Japan barely scratches the surface when it comes to food.

3. Way Too Much to Do in One Trip

I am a planner.

And Japan packs a lot into a fairly small area.

Tokyo alone could easily fill an entire trip, and once you start adding Kyoto, Osaka, or smaller stops in between, your list grows fast.

Yokohama - Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel and bay skyline at night — Our visit to **Yokohama** was a bit more rushed than we would have liked.

We put together what I thought was an awesome itinerary, but there were days when we stacked too many big stops back to back.

Looking back, I would leave more space in the schedule.

Not because we didn’t enjoy what we did, but because some of our favourite moments happened when we weren’t racing to the next thing.

Dotonbori - Don Quixote Oval Ferris Wheel — **Ferris Wheel in Dotonbori**

We really enjoyed wandering through a neighbourhood with no real plan, or stopping somewhere simply because it caught our attention.

If I could change anything, I’d plan a little less each day and give us more room to just explore.

2. Needing to Plan a Return Trip

About halfway through the trip, we were already talking about coming back.

We kept saying things like, “Next time we should come in a different season,” or “Next time we’ll stay longer here,” or “Next time we’re actually getting in that line.”

Miyajima Island - Floating Torii gate at low tide — Would loved to have seen the **Miyajima** Torii Gate at high tide!

That’s when it hit me that one trip just isn’t enough.

There’s too much to see, too much to eat, and too many places we didn’t get to.

Japan isn’t somewhere you visit once and feel done with. It’s somewhere you leave knowing you’ll be back.

1. Having to Leave Japan

By the time we reached the airport, I knew I wasn’t ready to leave.

We had packed a lot into the trip, but it still didn’t feel complete.

Usually, at the end of a trip, I’m looking forward to my own bed and a normal routine.

Senso-ji Temple - Daughter and I wearing Kimonos for photoshoot

This time, we were already talking about when we could come back.

That was our biggest complaint.

Leaving.

And yes, the Japan withdrawals are real.

Final Thoughts

If these are the worst things we could come up with, that probably tells you everything.

Japan pushed us in good ways. We walked more, tried more, and packed more into one trip than we expected.

At the same time, it reminded me that you’re not going to see or eat everything in one visit, and that’s okay.

If you’re planning a trip, leave space in your schedule and in your suitcase. You’ll need both.

And don’t worry about fitting it all in. You won’t. That just gives you a reason to go back.