Japan

Touts in nightlife districts (Kabukicho in Tokyo, Dotonbori in Osaka) lure you into bars with no displayed prices. The bill can reach hundreds of dollars for just a few drinks.

People approach you in English, very friendly, often young women, suggesting a coffee or a visit to a "secret" spot. You end up in a bar or cafe with an astronomical bill.

Japanese taxis are honest and always use the meter, but fares are extremely high. An airport-to-city-center ride can easily exceed $200.

Fake Buddhist monks offer you a bracelet or amulet and then demand a donation. Real mendicant monks (takuhatsu) do not speak and will never approach you.

Leaving a tip in Japan is considered insulting. It implies you think the person is underpaid. Impeccable service is the standard, not an extra.

Talking on the phone on trains and subways is strictly prohibited. Speaking loudly is very frowned upon. Set your phone to silent mode ("manner mode").

Eating while walking is considered rude. Buy your street food, eat it standing in front of the stall, then move on. Exception: ice cream is tolerated.

Most onsen (hot spring baths) and pools ban tattoos, which are associated with the yakuza. Even a small tattoo can get you refused entry.

Japan has a very elaborate waste sorting system: combustible, non-combustible, PET, cans, glass, paper. Public trash cans are rare -- you will often have to carry your trash with you.

Bowing replaces the handshake. 15 degrees for a casual greeting, 30 degrees in business, 45 degrees to apologize. Foreigners are not expected to bow perfectly, but the effort is appreciated.

You remove your shoes when entering a home, a ryokan, certain restaurants, and temples. Slippers are provided. There are special slippers for the bathroom.

Bringing back edible souvenirs (omiyage) from every trip is a strong social obligation. Each region has its specialties. Gifts are given and received with both hands.

Sticking chopsticks vertically into rice resembles a Buddhist funeral ritual. It is a major faux pas. Also, never pass food from chopstick to chopstick.

The JR Pass offers unlimited access to JR trains (including the Shinkansen) for 7, 14, or 21 days. It pays for itself in a single Tokyo-Kyoto round trip. Buy it before you depart.

Japan remains a very cash-based society. Many restaurants, small shops, and vending machines do not accept cards. Konbini have ATMs that accept foreign cards.

Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) are far beyond their Western counterparts. Fresh quality meals, excellent coffee, ATMs, photocopies, ticket reservations, parcel delivery.

Public Wi-Fi is limited in Japan. A portable Pocket Wi-Fi or prepaid SIM is almost essential for Google Maps and real-time translation.