Daily Life Tips for Interns in Japan
Doing an internship in Japan involves much more than adapting to a workplace; daily life also has its own routines, expectations, and systems that may differ from what you are used to. But before you know it, these soon become something you do without thinking. In this guide, we cover some key areas of living in Japan such as social rules, transport, payments, and safety to make everything easier to handle.
Everyday Customs to Be Aware Of
These are some common customs you may come across in your daily routines that might feel different from what you are used to. Most are simple but reflect what is expected in shared and public spaces.
Shoes Off Indoors
Taking off your shoes indoors is standard practice in many places in Japan, including private homes, traditional accommodations, temples, certain offices, clinics, schools, and some fitting rooms; this is to better maintain indoor areas clean.
Most places have a designated entry area called genkan (玄関), often slightly lower than the main floor, where you remove your shoes. Indoor slippers are commonly provided and should be worn instead, then switched back when leaving. You may also notice separate slippers for bathrooms, which should only be used inside the restroom and left there after use.
Quiet Public Spaces
One thing you may notice early on is how quiet many public spaces are, especially trains, buses, and waiting areas; people do talk, but usually in a low voice, and rarely on early morning trains. Phone calls on public transport are avoided, and you will often see signs asking passengers to switch their phones to silent mode. If you need to take a call, it is expected that you step off the train.
Using headphones is common, but the volume is kept low to avoid disturbing others. Shared spaces are treated with this in mind, and especially in large cities like Tokyo, where they are used by thousands of people, without this, they would quickly feel overwhelming due to noise.
Queueing Culture
Queueing is something you will come across often, especially in places like train stations and when using elevators or escalators; people tend to form lines naturally, often without needing instructions.
At train platforms, there are floor markings showing where to line up and where the train doors will open. Passengers wait in these lines and allow others to get off before boarding. During rush hours, this helps keep things moving efficiently.
The same applies in common situations, such as waiting to use an elevator or escalator, or to board a bus. When there are many people, instead of crowding or moving ahead, people follow the order in which they arrived.
No Tipping
Tipping is generally not part of the service culture in Japan. In restaurants, bars, and most other services, the price you pay is considered complete, and there is no expectation to add anything extra.
Good service is treated as a standard part of the job rather than something that needs to be rewarded separately. Because of this, leaving cash on the table or trying to tip can sometimes cause confusion. In some cases, staff may even return the money, as they may think it was left by mistake. If you want to show appreciation, it is usually better to simply thank the staff.
Using Both Hands
In Japan, when handing something to someone or receiving it, you may notice that people often use both hands instead of one. This is a simple way to respect the person you are interacting with, especially in more formal or customer service situations.
You will commonly see this when receiving receipts, documents, or small items, as well as when giving or accepting gifts. In more formal situations, such as exchanging business cards, using both hands is expected and part of standard etiquette.
Other Customs Worth Knowing
- Escalators: People usually stand on one side of the escalator and leave the other side open for those who want to walk. The side you stand on depends on the region; for example, it is typically left in Tokyo and right in Osaka.
- Masks when sick: Wearing a mask when you are sick is common, even before the pandemic. It is seen as a way to avoid spreading illness, especially in shared spaces such as trains or offices.
- Eating while walking: Eating while walking is not common in many areas, particularly in crowded or busy streets. People usually stop, eat in place, or take food away to eat elsewhere.
- Using trays for payments: When paying in cash, you will often see a small tray at the counter. Instead of handing money directly, you place it on the tray, and the staff will do the same when returning change.
Getting Around and Daily Logistics
Getting around is a central part of life in Japan, especially in larger cities where most people rely on public transport rather than cars. Once you understand how the system works, it becomes very efficient, but at first it can feel more complex than expected due to the number of lines, stations, and operators.
Commuting in Japan
Public transport is widely used in Japan, with trains and buses running frequently and on time. During rush hours, typically between 7:00–9:00 in the morning and 17:00–19:00 in the evening, trains can become extremely crowded, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
One of the most useful things you can do early on is learn your route in advance; knowing which line to take, where to transfer, and how long the journey takes can make your commute much less stressful. Apps like Google Maps are great for planning routes, checking train times and platforms, and choosing which car to board for faster transfers or exits.
IC cards such as Suica or Pasmo make commuting easier, allowing you to tap in and out without buying individual tickets. They can also be added to your phone, where they can be easily recharged and used for small purchases.
It is also important to check the last train time, especially if you are out in the evening. In most cities, the last trains usually run between 11:30PM and 12:30AM, depending on the line and direction, and missing it often means waiting until the first train in the morning or taking a taxi.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores, or konbini, are used far more often than you might expect, as they have several services in one place. In addition to snacks and drinks, they offer ready meals, basic groceries, toiletries, and household items, and are often open 24/7.
They also offer services such as ATMs, bill payments, ticket purchases, sending packages, and printing or copying documents. If you plan to use them regularly, it can be worth downloading their apps, which often offer discounts, point systems, and limited-time coupons to help reduce expenses.
Trash Rules and Recycling
Trash and recycling rules in Japan are strict and can vary depending on the city or even the neighborhood. Instead of a single bin, waste is divided into categories:
- Burnable (燃えるゴミ, moeru gomi): food scraps, tissues, small paper items
- Non-burnable (燃えないゴミ, moenai gomi): glass, metals, certain plastics
- Recyclables: plastic bottles, cans, glass bottles (rinsed and labels removed)
Collection is scheduled, meaning specific types of garbage can only be put out on certain days and within a set time window, often by around 8AM, depending on the area. Putting out the wrong type on the wrong day may result in it not being collected.
Many city offices provide online guides in multiple languages, along with collection schedules, so it is worth checking the website for your area and keeping it handy.
This is something many people are already aware of, but another detail to keep in mind is that public trash bins are rare, especially on streets. Because of this, people often carry their trash with them until they can dispose of it properly at home or in designated areas.
Money Tips and Payments
While paying is generally straightforward, the balance between cash and card, the availability of ATMs, and the types of services you use can affect how you handle daily expenses; being familiar with these aspects early on can help you avoid small issues.
Cash vs Card
Japan has become more card-friendly in recent years, especially in larger cities, and you can usually pay by card, often contactless, in places such as department stores, chain businesses, cafés, supermarkets, and many restaurants.
At the same time, cash is still widely used, particularly in smaller restaurants, local shops, markets, and places such as shrines, temples, and more rural areas, and may not accept cards at all. Because of this, it is a good idea to always carry some cash with you (at least ¥5,000–¥10,000, roughly $30–$65 USD), even if you mainly rely on a card.
International Cards and Apps
Using international cards and apps can make managing money in Japan more convenient, especially when dealing with currency exchange and withdrawals. Services like Revolut and Wise are good alternatives, as they often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks.
These apps can be used for card payments, currency transfers, and cash withdrawals, helping you avoid high foreign transaction fees when paying in yen. Still, before relying on a card or app, it is important to check compatibility and any international fees that may apply.
ATMs and Withdrawals
Withdrawing cash in Japan is usually easy, but not all ATMs accept international cards. Machines in convenience stores, especially 7-Eleven and Lawson, are the most reliable, as they generally support foreign cards and offer instructions in multiple languages, including English.
ATMs in local banks or rural areas may not accept international cards; it is also important to check your bank’s withdrawal fees, currency conversion rates, and daily limits, as these can affect the total cost. Making one larger withdrawal instead of several smaller ones can help reduce fees, and choosing to be charged in yen (JPY) is commonly recommended to avoid extra markups embedded in the ATM’s conversion offer.
Safety and Emergencies
Understanding basic safety and how to respond in emergencies is an important part of settling into life in Japan. While serious incidents are uncommon, knowing what to expect and what to do can make a difference.
General Safety
Japan is widely considered a safe country; in the 2025 Global Peace Index, it ranked 12th globally. Violent crime rates are low, and it is generally safe to move around cities, even at night. Lost items are often returned, and public spaces are usually well maintained and monitored.
That said, safety does not mean risk-free; it is still important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas, on public transport, or when walking alone late at night. Most situations are minor, but basic awareness remains useful in any country.
Emergency Numbers
In Japan, emergency services are reached through two main numbers:
- 110 → police, for urgent incidents
- 119 → ambulance and fire services
Both numbers are free and available 24/7; in larger cities, operators may assist in English, though this is not guaranteed, so it helps to speak clearly and give simple information such as your location and the type of emergency.
You may also notice small neighborhood police boxes called kōban (交番), which you can approach for help, directions, or to report minor issues. If you are unsure what to do, you can also ask nearby staff, for example at train stations, convenience stores, or public facilities.
Natural Disasters
Natural events such as earthquakes and typhoons are part of life in Japan, and most infrastructure is designed with this in mind. Buildings, trains, and public systems have established procedures that are activated automatically when these events occur.
Typhoons are usually forecast several days in advance, and you may see transport delays or closures. When risks are expected, authorities often advise staying indoors, avoiding unnecessary travel, and following local updates.
It can be useful to download emergency apps such as Tokyo Disaster Preparedness and NERV Disaster Prevention, which provide real-time alerts and instructions. Japan also has a national emergency alert system that sends notifications directly to mobile phones, ensuring that important warnings, such as earthquakes or severe weather, are received quickly.
Fun fact: In many parts of Japan, you may hear a daily chime around 5–6 pm played through loudspeakers. This is part of the local disaster prevention system, used to test that emergency broadcasts are working properly. The time and melody can change depending on the season or the area, and while it may sound like a simple tune, the same system is used to send emergency alerts during disasters.
Daily Life, Figured Out
Understanding how life works day to day in Japan can make a big difference in how you experience your time here. While it may take some adjustment at first, these routines quickly become easier to follow. And once they become familiar, it gets much easier to focus on work, relationships, and the experience as a whole.
🌇 Don’t Just Visit, Live It
There’s only one way to fully understand how everything works, and that’s by experiencing it firsthand! And that’s not something you get from just visiting Japan, but something you can gain through an internship in Japan. If you’re curious, join the program or get in touch with us to make it happen!
