Everyday rules
Trash
17.2%named “not enough trash bins” — the top complaint
Japan Tourism Agency, visitor survey (FY2025).
There are almost no public bins. Plan to carry your trash for a while.
What to know
- Not enough bins is the top complaint in the Japan Tourism Agency's latest visitor survey, mentioned by 17.2% of respondents. The survey asked 4,110 departing visitors at five major airports, and bins came first again, just as they did in the previous survey.
- Clean streets and few bins aren't a contradiction. People take their trash home.
- Bins are mainly found at convenience stores and train stations. There are only a few on the street.
- Eating while walking is considered impolite in most public places. Eat where you bought it, or sit down, and you won't be stuck holding the wrapper.
- No eating on local and commuter trains also means no wrappers to get rid of. On the shinkansen, where a bento is normal, plan to carry the empty box off with you.
- Carry a small foldable bag for the day's wrappers, cans and bottles, and empty it at your hotel.
psst, buy your drink and onigiri at a convenience store and finish them there. That way the bin is right next to you and you don't have to carry anything.