Contrary to popular belief sustainable travel is achievable with just a few small changes. It doesn’t require a major overhaul and we’ve found that this kind of traveling is our favorite because it gives us opportunities to have experiences that we wouldn’t have otherwise.

Here are 7 easy tips to implement to make your upcoming trip to Japan more sustainable.

Bring a reusable shopping bag.

Until recently, Japan was big on plastic bag use. However, within the last couple of years, they implemented a small plastic bag fee as a sustainability initiative. Having a foldable and lightweight reusable shopping bag in your daypack allows you to be environmentally conscious and avoid accumulating plastic bags during your trip. Cashiers will often ask you if you need a plastic bag, though not all will call out there is a fee as the practice of charging for bags is becoming more common. Learn the phrase, “Fukuro wa irimasen” to let the cashier know you don’t need a bag.

Travel with a reusable water bottle.

Japan tap water is typically safe to drink so it’s easy to fill up at home before you leave the house. While there are vending machines and convenience stores everywhere, why not save on plastic waste and save some extra cash to spend on a couple of onigiri or a bento instead?

Don’t forget a small hand towel.

Bathrooms rarely have paper towel dispensers. Most Japanese people always have a small hand towel with them specifically for this purpose.

Take the train whenever possible.

Traveling by train is a great way to get around Japan that is more sustainable, budget-friendly, and efficient than renting a car or getting a private transfer. If you are going to rely on the train, we recommend you purchase a JR nationwide or regional pass. Whether or not the pass is worth it depends on how many times you need to ride the Shinkansen (bullet train). Check out this handy JR Pass Calculator that will help you determine if the pass is worth it depending on your journey. It’s a rough estimate but a great place to start!

Book fewer hotels by using a centrally located hotel and taking day trips.

Check out the different accommodations available to you in Japan and some of our favorite day trips outside of Tokyo. The train system in Japan is so well-connected and efficient you can get just about anywhere by train!

Reduce take out meals.

Japan uses a lot of plastic in this way. If you want to travel more sustainably in Japan, plan on staying for your meal. We also recommend this because eating meals is one of our favorite ways to meet new people and immerse ourselves in a culture. Something to be aware of is if you’re eating out groups of 2-3 are the easiest to accommodate so be aware of your group size when dining out.

Bring a reusable set of chopsticks.

Instead of using wooden ones for every meal, bring your own set of reusable chopsticks or grab a pair while you’re there. Not only are they functional your entire trip, but they would also make a fun souvenir to bring home.

Don’t be intimidated to travel to Japan! These few tips for traveling sustainably in Japan is just the tip of the iceberg of the information we can share with you about traveling to Japan and how to make the most of your time there.

If you want to travel with a 24/7 tour host who will guide you through all the cultural norms and traditions, then check out our Inside Japan trip in 2024. You can travel with a small group of like-minded travelers and be supported by a tour host to make sure that your trip is seamless and filled to the brim with unique experiences.

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our Travel Coaching and Private Trips with booking service.

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No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - which offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy.

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