Things I learned that are inconvenient about Japan when visiting

Limited Acceptance of Credit Cards and Electronic Money

In Japan, there are still many stores that don't accept credit cards or electronic money, and cash is the only payment method they allow. This is due to the Japanese preference for using cash, with credit card usage rates being less than 20%.

English Communication Challenges

Japanese people struggle significantly with English. Even with younger individuals, it's often difficult to find someone who can hold a conversation in English, leading to potential communication issues for visitors. Additionally, signs and labels are often not in English, leading to confusion. On the other hand, Japanese people are generally helpful, and even if they can't speak English, they'll often try their best to assist. Using translation apps is recommended for smoother communication.

Lack of Vegetarian-Friendly Menus

Vegetarianism is relatively uncommon among the Japanese population, and awareness and understanding of it are limited. This makes it challenging for vegetarians to find suitable food options. Restaurants with dedicated vegetarian menus are extremely rare in Japan, highlighting the current state of vegetarian dining.

Limited Availability of Wi-Fi

Japan lags behind in providing public Wi-Fi infrastructure, making it difficult to access the internet while on the go. Visitor surveys indicate that the top inconvenience faced by tourists in Japan is the lack of free Wi-Fi, with nearly half of all respondents expressing this sentiment. This has led to frustration for travelers who are used to more accessible Wi-Fi options in other countries.

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