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*This post was last updated on February 2, 2026.

Whether this is your first time visiting Japan or if you haven’t been in a while, there is always something new and exciting to see and do. We make it a point to visit every year, not only because we grew up here but also because much of our family still lives in Japan.

Before we dive into the list, note one important change you’ll want to be aware of if your last visit was before 2022. Go to VISIT JAPAN WEB. Completing this online step will speed up your passage through customs and immigration when you arrive in Japan, making arrival smoother and faster.

Ok, now that you’re out of the airport, here are five things we noticed in many places we visited across Japan. Number five on the list is our personal favorite, and we think you’ll enjoy it too.

1. Semi Self Checkout Registers

We did a lot of shopping in our hometown, popping into everything from cozy bakeries to neighborhood convenience stores, and everywhere we went there was a semi-self-checkout machine at the register. These hybrid checkout registers are becoming increasingly common across Japan, appearing not just in big-city shops but throughout suburban neighborhoods as well.

The reason we call it “semi” is that it isn’t a completely self-automated checkout. There’s still an attendant at the register to scan your items, but when it comes to handling payment, the buyer operates the entire transaction through the checkout machine.

A self check-out register in Japan — Checkout register at a Local bakery

Basically, we had to choose how we were going to pay and also confirm the change amount beforehand. It’s very straightforward once you get the hang of it, but at first we weren’t entirely sure what to do, so our mom had to walk us through the process. Our visit was mostly spent in the suburbs of Narita, but if you’re in the Tokyo area, keep an eye out for touch-free floating holographic self-checkouts. How cool is that?

Also, if you’re worried about the language displayed on the screen, don’t fret. Every machine we came across offered an English option.

2. Eco Bags

We’re pretty used to paying for paper bags (shopping bags) at checkout in California, so the concept isn’t new to us. However, most places in Japan now will politely ask whether you’d like to purchase a bag or if you brought your own reusable one.

The average cost we saw in the suburbs was about 3 yen per plastic bag. This fee can go up to 10 yen per bag at the most.

You can simply say “irimasen” which means “don’t need” or just say “no” and point to your own shopping bag, tote, or eco bag. Eco bag means eco-friendly bag and it’s pronounced “echo baggu” in Japan.

Shopping at 7-Eleven in Japan — Crystal shopping at Japan’s 7-Eleven

So if you want to save money on bags (and reduce waste), we recommend carrying your own bag. Crystal usually had a large tote bag with her, so on most occasions, we stuck our small purchases in there. We also borrowed our sister’s large IKEA bag when we went to places like the grocery store.

3. Masking

Masks aren’t mandatory, but if you are visiting during the winter or during spring’s allergy season, you will still see many people wearing them. It’s a very common practice. Growing up in Japan, we wore masks frequently for colds, pollen and general courtesy.

Wearing a mask outdoors in Japan — With my niece exploring Narita Temple Street

A drink vending machine in Japan — We love the drink vending machines in Japan

Even if you aren’t visiting during those seasons, don’t be surprised if you see someone wearing a mask. Our niece and nephew, who are teenagers and live in Japan, often wear masks for different reasons — from colds to fashion or simply comfort. Our mom says her friends enjoy wearing masks because they’re a handy way to hide their faces when they’re shy or don’t want to show their age, lol.

4. Disinfection Stations & Temperature Screenings

Many establishments (restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and more) that we walked into had a disinfection station and an automated temperature screening device near their entrances. We saw these stations almost everywhere between 2021 and 2022, but as the years have passed since the height of the pandemic, we’ve noticed them appearing less frequently.

A face temperature screening — Face Temperature Screening

A wrist temperature screening in Japan — Wrist Temperature Screening

The majority of the time, the temperature screenings were done by aligning your face to a smartphone-looking device, but there were some devices that checked your temperature by placing your wrist over a small device.

5. Robot Servers, Guides, and More!

Japan has long been a global leader in technology, but we were especially impressed by the noticeably increased use of robots. The pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated the shift toward contactless experiences, making automation even more visible in everyday life.

Still, the primary driver behind the growing number of robots is Japan’s persistent labor shortage, a consequence of its rapidly aging population. Other countries are certainly catching up, but Japan still seems to be a step ahead when it comes to adopting and refining these innovations.

And honestly, don’t even get us started on their unbelievably hi-tech toilets. They’re next-level. We’ve been using those fancy seats and all their clever features since we were kids, and they still make us grin every time.

A mall guide robot in Japan — Robot Guide at Aeon Mall

Cocobo robot inside Narita Airport — Security Robot named Cocobo

At Aeon Mall, we saw a robot that was tasked to guide or help shoppers locate shops and restrooms. At Narita Airport, we spotted Cocobo, which is a security robot that patrols the airport. When Cocobo detects unusual activity, it sends data to the disaster-prevention center and then coordinates with security guards to handle the situation.

Bellabot server at Gusto Family Restaurant — Cat Server named BellaBot

One of our favorite robot encounters was when we were dining at a family restaurant called Gusto. When we sat at our table, we placed our food order on an iPad (instead of the server coming to our table). Then our food arrived via a cute cat-themed robot server named BellaBot. Every time BellaBot arrived with our food, we were so thrilled by the experience.

Bellabot is a cat server — Bellabot approaching our table

iPad menu at a family restaurant — Ordering our food on an iPad

We hope those of you who have been waiting to visit Japan, find this information useful. If this is your first time visiting Japan, we recommend checking out 10 Simple Steps to Prepare for Your Trip to Japan. Safe travels!