On June 5, 2026, a post asking 'What should one be careful about when traveling to Japan for the first time?' appeared on China's social media platform Xiaohongshu (RED), and many responses were received from Chinese internet users.

In response to this post, Chinese internet users offered many pieces of advice regarding payment methods, such as: 'It's better to bring a lot of cash,' 'Many small shops still only accept cash. You probably won't need much if you only visit chain stores and large commercial facilities,' 'If you're going for a deep travel experience, it's better to prepare plenty of cash or credit cards. The tastier and more local-oriented shops often don't support WeChat Pay or Alipay,' and 'If you plan to visit many drugstores, it's better to have plenty of cash. There's a cheap chain called OS Drug, but many of its stores are cash-only.'

On the other hand, comments expressing concern about overspending on shopping in Japan were also posted one after another, such as: 'Be careful not to let your wallet get thinner and thinner (lol),' 'Remember, Japan is "duty-free," not "free" (lol),' 'Plan your shopping. No matter how much you want, there's a limit to how much you can carry with two hands (lol),' 'You should keep a tight rein on your purse strings. There are so many good and cheap things that you might end up buying too much,' and 'Be really careful with your wallet. I myself realized 130,000 yen were gone on the night I arrived at the hotel.'

Furthermore, there were also voices advising on the use of public transportation, saying: 'When taking a train, be sure to check the platform properly,' 'It's important to take the train according to navigation. A different train might arrive on the same platform,' and 'In Tokyo, I never took the wrong subway. It's fine if you just follow the platform numbers written on Google Maps. Even for the same direction, platforms can be different, and the signage is easy to understand. Even if you can't understand the station names, if you check the station numbers, you probably won't make a mistake.' Among them, there was also an anecdote: 'This was my own mistake, but when taking long-distance JR lines like from Tokyo to Kamakura, you should properly confirm whether it's a regular car or a Green Car. Green Cars are double-decker and require a separate Green Car ticket. If you accidentally board one, you'll be made to get off at the next station, which is awkward and a waste of time.'

Moreover, advice regarding climate and clothing also stood out, such as: 'It's better to bring an umbrella. It's exactly the rainy season during this period,' 'Be fully prepared for sun protection. You'll feel safer with a parasol or a UV-cut hoodie,' 'You should apply sunscreen properly. The UV rays are quite strong,' 'If you wear sleeveless tops or camisoles, I think it's better to bring a light jacket to wear over them. Short sleeves are generally fine, though,' and 'You should bring some slightly thicker clothes. Long pants are recommended if possible. I went this week, and it was quite cold, dropping to about 16 degrees Celsius at night.'

In addition, comments introducing rules and manners unique to Japanese society and tips for enjoying a smooth trip were also seen, such as: 'Punctuality, acting quietly, waiting your turn, and maintaining cleanliness. You should be mindful of these points,' and 'There's not much special to be careful about. Street smoking is prohibited in many places, and talking loudly on trains will get you dirty looks. Many popular restaurants require reservations, so it's good to book in advance via Google Maps.' (Translation/Editing by Iwata)