Welcome to Oops! Japan Edition ------ What They Don’t Tell You About Japan (But You Wish They Did)

  Oops! Japan #48 — Should You Buy a Suitcase in Japan? One suitcase in, two suitcases out? Let’s talk strategy. Many travelers to Japan ask the same question: Should I bring all my luggage from home, or just buy a new suitcase while I’m there? On Reddit, one user wrote: “We’re flying to Japan for a month and thinking of bringing just one suitcase — then buying another before we return. Where’s the best place to get one?” It’s a common idea, especially for those planning to shop a lot or return with souvenirs. But is it a good one? ⸻ 🧳 What Reddit Travelers Say: • Prices vary a lot. Expect to pay anywhere from ¥5,000 to ¥25,000+ depending on size and quality. Some users found large suitcases for around ¥13,000 — while others said they found cheaper ones for half that. • Don Quijote (Donki) is a popular store — open late, convenient, and well-stocked. “Donki’s suitcases used to be the cheapest, but now they’re not really a bargain.” “Still, they’re durable and have train-fr...

  Oops! Japan #47 — Don’t Drive in the City （大都市圏ではクルマNG!? ストレスMAXの落とし穴） Thinking of renting a car for your trip to Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto? Think twice. While driving across rural Japan or scenic areas like Hokkaido can be a dream, urban centers are a very different story. Why you should avoid driving in Japan’s big cities: • 🚗 Traffic jams are constant. A 20-minute drive can easily become an hour. • 🅿️ Parking is expensive and hard to find. Even convenience stores might not have parking. • 🧠 It’s stressful. Navigating narrow roads, reading kanji traffic signs, and dealing with one-way streets is exhausting — even with GPS. Better alternatives: • 🚆 Take the train — it’s punctual, clean, and faster than driving in cities. • 🧳 Use taxis when you have big luggage. Japanese taxis are safe, honest, and reliable. • 🚶‍♀️ Many tourist areas are compact and walkable once you arrive. A Reddit user summed it up well: “We rented a car in Kyoto. Worst idea ever. Sp...

  Oops! Japan #46 — Refund Isn’t Automatic Don’t Expect Your Train Refund to Happen Instantly Imagine this: you cancel a Shinkansen ticket via SmartEX and expect the refund to show up right away. But days pass… and still, nothing? You’re not alone. Several travelers on Reddit have shared a surprising reality: “I canceled my ticket 3 days ago, but the refund still isn’t there.” “Be careful — even after cancellation, it can take over a week to get the money back.” Why the Delay? SmartEX and other Japanese ticketing services don’t always process refunds instantly. • Credit card transactions can take 5–10 business days. • Some cancellations require manual confirmation. • Holidays or weekends can slow things down. What You Can Do • Keep your cancellation email as proof. • Check your card statement regularly — it may show up as a reversal rather than a new deposit. • Be patient — if it’s been over 2 weeks, contact customer support. This kind of delay is normal in ...

  Oops! Japan #45 — One Kanda, Two Stations? It’s Kanda Station… but which one? If you’re in Tokyo and you’re told to go to Kanda Station, make sure to ask: “JR or Metro?” Why? Because there are actually two different stations named Kanda — run by two different companies — in two different locations, but sharing the same name. • JR Kanda Station (run by JR East): This is an elevated station served by the Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, and Keihin-Tohoku Line. • Tokyo Metro Kanda Station (run by Tokyo Metro): This one is underground, served only by the Ginza Line. You can transfer between them, but… it’s not as seamless as it sounds. The signage can be confusing, especially if you’re in a rush or not familiar with the area. The entrances/exits are on completely different levels and sometimes feel like they’re blocks apart. Why it’s an “Oops”: • Foreign visitors often assume it’s a single, integrated station. • Some travelers even exit the wrong one — only to realize they’r...

  Oops! Japan #44 — Don’t Ding That Bell! 🚲 Why Ringing Your Bike Bell Can Get You in Trouble in Japan In many countries, ringing your bicycle bell is a polite way to alert pedestrians — but in Japan, it’s often seen as rude or even aggressive. Cyclists ringing from behind may startle people, leading to awkward looks or even confrontation. In Japan’s crowded cities, personal space and quietness are highly valued. Instead of ringing your bell: • Slow down. • Keep a safe distance. • And simply say, “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) in a gentle voice. Even though your bike comes with a bell, using it too often — especially near pedestrians — can do more harm than good. A bell is for emergencies, not for everyday navigation. 🗾 Notes for Travelers: Japanese sidewalks often double as shared spaces for both bikes and pedestrians, especially in suburban or residential areas. However, the priority always lies with pedestrians. The use of bells is legally permitted only when absolutely n...