Eating in Japan
Book what you really want, don't only trust Google reviews, watch for tourist traps, and treat 7-Eleven as part of the experience.
Food in Japan is wonderful, but a few honest things to know - especially if you're used to Korean portions or trusting Google reviews.
Book restaurants in advance if you really want to go somewhere
If you have a restaurant or café you really want to try, book in advance if possible.
If they don't take bookings, go at least 10 minutes before opening. I wasn't expecting so many people to already be waiting before a fluffy pancake place opened. It was just a place I found online that looked nice, but there was already a queue.
Don't only trust Google reviews
From a Belgian point of view, I wouldn't trust Google reviews the same way I do at home.
Usually, I pick restaurants with 4.5 stars or more. But in Japan, I felt that a lot of highly rated places were more expensive or trendy. They were good, but not always worth the extra price.
What worked better for me was deciding what I wanted to try, then checking what was around. Most restaurants are good anyway, so I wouldn't spend too much money just because a place has a high rating.
Be careful with tourist traps
This is something I felt much more in Japan than in Korea. Some things are trendy, and because they are trendy, they become more expensive by default.
I didn't love that feeling. I also felt it with food sometimes: smaller portions, more expensive than Korea, and fewer side dishes. In Korea, I often felt like I had too much food on the table, while in Japan it was sometimes the opposite.
Enjoy 7-Eleven
7-Eleven in Japan is really the best. You can find food, desserts, drinks, coffee, smoothies and quick meals.
It was really my go-to place when I was working late, when I didn't feel like going to a restaurant, or when I didn't want to go too far.
I'd really recommend enjoying convenience stores in Japan, not just as a backup, but as part of the experience.
Don't plan to buy Pokémon cards
At least from a Belgian perspective, I wouldn't plan to buy Pokémon cards in Japan.
I expected them to be cheaper, but they were actually more expensive than in Belgium. I think everyone knows they are trendy now, so the prices are higher.