Japan continues to be a top destination for travelers, but many tourists fall into common spending traps that locals easily avoid. In this informative video, Toshi Guide—a Tokyo-based expert with over 30 years of living experience and a history of guiding more than 200 international visitors—reveals 12 prevalent ways travelers inadvertently overspend across Japan in 2025. Drawing a clear distinction between typical tourist behavior and local practices, Toshi’s breakdown will help first-timers and seasoned Japan explorers alike maximize their yen.

The guide covers areas where unnecessary spending frequently occurs: premium sushi restaurants that aren’t always worth the cost, and the complicated ecosystem of metro and express train passes—sometimes touted as deals for visitors but not always providing actual value over pay-per-ride options or regional IC cards. Other topics include wagashi (Japanese sweets) workshops, pitfalls of buying souvenirs not made in Japan, and duty-free shopping at the airport that may not yield the best bargains. The video also highlights why shipping your suitcase directly from the airport, paying for observation decks, and hotel breakfast buffets are conduct that locals mostly avoid.

Cultural and religious elements are addressed as well, such as the purchase of Goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) and the tourist fascination with concept cafés, which can come with hidden costs. Toshi emphasizes understanding Japan’s no-tipping culture and how this can help prevent wasted money. For each scenario, the video provides practical alternatives and money-saving strategies to ensure travelers experience Japan authentically and economically.

While specific cities like Tokyo are heavily implied given the Tokyo-based guide, the advice applies broadly across major Japanese travel destinations, metros, and airports. Supplementing the video, the description offers resources for affordable travel essentials like WiFi rental, eSIMs, JR Rail Pass, Shinkansen tickets, and airport taxis. Toshi’s expertise and the video’s real-world examples make it an essential watch for anyone planning a Japan trip—ensuring you enjoy your journey while keeping your budget in check.