As a local, there are 10 things I wish tourists knew before visiting Japan

There are a few important things to keep in mind before you visit Japan if you want to have an amazing trip with few mistakes.

Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images I've spent the past three years living in Japan and traveling extensively around the country.

Understanding Japan's transportation network and customs can help you avoid common tourist mistakes.

Some of my favorite experiences have happened far beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Japan's blend of ancient traditions, modern cities, world-class food , and stunning seasonal scenery has made it one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.

I was born in Aotearoa, New Zealand, but I've been visiting Japan since 2015 and have called this country home for nearly three years.

It is generally an easy place to travel , but there are still a few things that I wish more tourists knew before visiting.

Don't overschedule your itinerary.

Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images If you only want to see Japan's biggest highlights , cramming four cities into a 10-day itinerary is technically possible.

However, many first-time visitors severely underestimate the friction of travel days.

Once you factor in packing up, navigating labyrinthine train stations (and inevitably taking the wrong exit), and checking into hotels, it's easy to spend your vacation rushing rather than exploring.

I've traveled in Japan that way myself, and I always came away exhausted, feeling like I'd spent more time checking off destinations than actually experiencing them.

Choosing fewer destinations always yields a deeper, more memorable trip.

Prepare for seasonal disruptions.