Practical observations for business and leisure travelers: Japan & South Korea (2026)

Below is a balanced overview of recurring challenges that international visitors – particularly from Europe and North America – frequently encounter when spending extended time in Japan and South Korea. While both countries consistently rank among the safest, most efficient and culturally rewarding destinations in the world, certain aspects can affect comfort and productivity.

both countries have developed a great coffee house culture

1. Urban Mobility and Car-Centric Design

Despite world-class rail and bus networks, most cities remain designed around private vehicles. Dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited outside central Osaka and a few pilot projects in Seoul. Narrow residential streets often mix pedestrians, delivery kei trucks and scooters with minimal speed enforcement.

Business implication: plan for walking times and public-transport reliance; corporate cycling programs or e-scooter commuting remain uncommon.

2. Dietary Considerations (Vegetarian / Vegan / Health-Conscious)

Meat and seafood dominate everyday dining. Even apparently vegetable-based dishes (including many kimchi varieties and some tofu preparations) may contain animal-derived ingredients. Hotel breakfast buffets tend to be light on fresh fruit and whole-grain options.

Current status 2026: Seoul, Tokyo and Kyoto now have reliable plant-based clusters (use Happy Cow or local apps), but in secondary cities advance planning or self-catering is still recommended.

Mt Fuji offers accessible hikes in the summer season

3. Surveillance and Privacy

South Korea maintains one of the highest CCTV densities globally; cameras are standard in elevators, small alleys and most indoor public spaces. Japan uses significantly fewer cameras in everyday settings.

Practical note: the system contributes to rapid recovery of lost items (often within hours) and near-zero street crime, but visitors accustomed to European privacy norms may initially find the Korean level intrusive.

4. Single-Use Packaging and Waste

Convenience-store culture and high hygiene expectations generate substantial plastic and paper waste. Individually wrapped fruit, multiple bags per purchase and ubiquitous vending-machine bottles remain the norm.

2026 update: both countries have expanded deposit-return schemes and convenience-store reusable-cup discounts, yet overall consumption is still noticeably higher than in the EU.

5. Everyday Consumables

Public-restroom toilet paper is typically 1–2 ply and dissolves quickly; many travelers carry pocket tissues or prefer the bidet functions that are almost universal in Japan (and increasingly common in Korea).

6. English-Language Communication

Signage and transport apps are excellently translated, but spontaneous spoken English outside hospitality and tech sectors remains limited. Staff are invariably polite and helpful, yet confidence gaps often keep conversations short.

Tip for 2026: real-time translation wearables and updated phone apps have narrowed the gap considerably; basic courtesy phrases in Japanese or Korean still open doors quickly.

Seoul has nearby hiking trails to escape the hustle and bustle of town

7. Accommodation Styles and Social Atmosphere

- Japan: wide range from traditional ryokans and characterful boutique hotels to modern capsule concepts with communal lounges – generally strong on atmosphere and solo-traveler friendliness outside peak-season Tokyo/Kyoto pricing.

- South Korea: business hotels and love motels dominate; most are spotless, well-priced and equipped with ondol heating, but common areas are minimal and the overall vibe is functional rather than social. Hostels and serviced apartments are improving in Seoul but remain fewer than in comparable Asian cities.

Summary for 2026 Travelers

Japan and South Korea continue to offer exceptional safety, efficiency and cultural depth. The points above are operational rather than fundamental drawbacks and can be managed with modest preparation (reusable cup/tote, dietary apps, offline translation tools, and realistic accommodation expectations). For business stays longer than two weeks, many expatriates and frequent visitors report that these small adjustments become second nature, while the core advantages of both destinations far outweigh the inconveniences.

Go to mythical Nara to feed deer