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Japan: Is It Overrated? Our Honest Review

 

Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. From its rich culture and delicious cuisine to its advanced technology and stunning landscapes, it’s easy to see why millions of tourists visit every year. But the question is—is Japan really worth the hype, or is it overrated?

 

After experiencing Japan firsthand, here’s our honest review—what we absolutely loved and what left us feeling a bit underwhelmed.

 

✅ What We Loved About Japan

1. The Food – One of the Best! 🍣🍜

Japanese cuisine is world-famous for a reason!

• Sushi, ramen, wagyu, and tempura are all incredibly flavorful and well-prepared.
• Even convenience store meals (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are surprisingly delicious and budget-friendly.
• No tipping culture—what you see on the menu is what you pay!

👉 Verdict: Japan is a food lover’s paradise. Whether dining at a Michelin-star restaurant or grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor, every meal is an experience.

 

2. The Politeness & Respect of Locals 🙇‍♂️

One thing that stood out was how respectful and disciplined Japanese people are. Yes, it's very different from our experience in Europe where some locals would clearly show their dislike for Asian tourists in particular. You can feel it from the way they look at you. We didn't feel any resentment from the locals even though some spots were overcrowded with tourists.

• People queue up properly, no pushing or rushing.
• Public places like trains and restaurants are quiet and orderly.
• If you drop something, there’s a high chance someone will return it to you!
• Service staff always greet the guests.

👉 Verdict: Japan’s hospitality and politeness make it a stress-free and enjoyable place to travel.

 

3. Clean, Organized & Efficient 🚄✨

• Public transport is incredibly punctual—trains arrive precisely on time.
• Despite the lack of trash bins, the streets are spotless.
• Everything is well-organized, from train stations to tourist attractions.

👉 Verdict: If you appreciate smooth and hassle-free travel, Japan will not disappoint.

4. The Fashion Scene 👗🔥

• Tokyo is a hub of creativity and style.
• From Harajuku’s bold street fashion to Shibuya’s minimalist aesthetics, Japan has an incredibly diverse and trendy fashion culture.
• Even everyday outfits look effortlessly stylish!

👉 Verdict: If you love fashion or street photography, Japan is a dream destination.

 

 

5. Japan is NOT as Expensive as People Think 💰

Many assume that Japan is an ultra-expensive country, but that’s not entirely true!

• Affordable food options: ¥600 ($4.00 or Php233) meals are possible! We enjoyed eat-all-you-can delicious sushi for only $12.00 (Php697)! 
• Public transport can be pricey, but it’s efficient and worth the cost.
• Budget accommodations like capsule hotels and Airbnbs make lodging affordable.

👉 Verdict: Japan can be expensive, but with smart planning, it can also be budget-friendly! 

6. Safety & Security – No Pickpockets! 🔒

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.

• You can walk around late at night without feeling unsafe.
• Pickpocketing is almost non-existent, even in crowded places.
• Many people leave their bags unattended in cafes without worry!

👉 Verdict: Japan’s safety is a huge plus, making it a worry-free destination for travelers.

 

 

❌ What Surprised or Disappointed Us

 

1. Tourist Crowds – Always Packed! 😩

• Famous spots like Shibuya Crossing, Fushimi Inari, and Dotonbori are almost always overcrowded.
• Even waking up early doesn’t guarantee an empty attraction.

💡 TIP: If you want to avoid crowds, visit off-season (late autumn or winter) and go very early in the morning.

👉 Verdict: If you dislike crowded places, Japan’s top tourist spots might feel overwhelming.

 

2. Ramen? A Bit Underwhelming 🍜🤔

We had high expectations for authentic Japanese ramen, but…

• Some bowls tasted almost the same as the ones in Manila!

• The Philippines already has excellent ramen shops, so the experience wasn’t as extraordinary as expected.

👉 Verdict: Ramen lovers will still enjoy it, but don’t expect a completely different experience if you’ve already had quality ramen elsewhere.

 

🔥 Final Verdict: Is Japan Worth It?

So, is Japan overrated or worth it? Here’s our take:

✅ Japan is perfect for:

• Food lovers who want to experience authentic Japanese cuisine.
• First-time travelers looking for a safe, organized, and unique destination.
• Culture enthusiasts who want to explore temples, shrines, and traditions.
• Fashion lovers who want to see the latest trends and streetwear styles.

⚠️ Japan might not be for you if:

• You dislike large crowds and long queues.
• You prefer a more laid-back, spontaneous travel style (Japan is quite structured!).

 

So, what do YOU think?

Would you visit Japan, or do you think it’s overrated? Let us know in the comments! 🚀

📌 Planning a Japan trip? Check out our other budget-friendly tour packages!