Carry a Portable Trash Bag and Coin Purse

Public street trash cans are virtually nonexistent throughout Japan, a cultural norm rooted in civic responsibility and public safety. When you purchase street food or drinks, you are expected to consume them near the point of purchase or carry your trash with you until you return to your hotel room or find a sorting bin beside a vending machine (which are intended strictly for beverage cans and bottles).

Always pack a dedicated small plastic bag or silicone pouch inside your daypack to hold your waste. Additionally, carry a dedicated coin purse. Japan remains partially cash-reliant for temple fortunes, coin lockers, gachapon machines, and retro ramen ticket kiosks, and you will accumulate large quantities of 100-yen and 500-yen coins throughout your trip.