15 things you should know before visiting Japan 【EN-tou-106】

15 things you should know before visiting Japan

For those who are visiting Japan for the first time or have only been there a few times, Japanese culture and society can be full of surprises. In this article, we have compiled 15 things you should know to avoid trouble and make your trip to Japan more comfortable.

1. Simple English is understood (understanding Japanese is useful)

Japanese transportation has station names and line names written in English, so those who can speak English should be able to get around relatively smoothly.

Famous restaurants, chain cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas often have English menus, making ordering easy. Even if the staff can’t speak English, you can just point to the English menu and order.

On the other hand, when interacting with Japanese people in the city, you will likely only be able to communicate in basic English. The further you travel from major tourist destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, the harder it becomes to communicate in English.

The Japanese people you meet during your travels may be kind, but it’s a good idea to learn basic Japanese, such as how to greet and ask for directions, and to prepare a translator. When speaking English, it’s also important to speak slowly and clearly.

2. Prepare Japanese Yen in cash

Larger stores accept debit cards and credit cards, but cash transactions are still the norm in Japan. Small privately owned stores often do not accept cards, so you will need to have Japanese yen in cash on hand .

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased with a card, but tickets for public transportation such as subways, trains, and buses, and IC cards are purchased with cash.

Don’t worry if you’re low on cash. You can withdraw Japanese yen using your international card at ATMs at convenience stores such as Seven-Eleven , Lawson , and Family Mart .

 

3. Check the etiquette when riding the train

Photo by PixtaJapanese
trains run almost always on time, and the stations and carriages are said to be clean and easy to use. When you ride a train, you’ll notice that it’s quiet and comfortable. The main reason for this is said to be that passengers observe good manners .

Talking on a cell phone, talking loudly, eating, and playing music without headphones are all prohibited. In addition, it is good manners on the train to not do anything that may be a nuisance to others, such as taking up two seats by yourself.

There are priority seats on trains for the elderly, people with disabilities, and pregnant women . If you are sitting in a priority seat and someone who needs a seat comes along, please offer it to them.

 

4. Pedestrians tend to walk on the left side of the road.

Pedestrian flow in Japan is generally orderly. When using sidewalks, stairs, or escalators, it is best to stay on the left side of the road .

However, escalators in Osaka are an exception, with users standing on the right side.

5. Bring shoes that are easy to put on and take off

Photo by PixtaWhen
entering buildings such as temples and shrines, you may have to take off your shoes. For this reason, it is useful to have shoes that are easy to put on and take off. Shoes that are practical and can be worn in any weather, such as slip-on sneakers, are recommended.

Most facilities will have instructions in either Japanese or English on where to take off your shoes. It is common to take your shoes off in Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats .

 

6. Tipping is not necessary

From convenience stores to traditional inns, Japan is famous for its attentive customer service, and you don’t have to pay extra to receive this excellent hospitality.

Tipping restaurant and hotel staff is rare. A service charge is included in the room and food prices, and tips offered to staff are often refused.

However, in high-end restaurants, a service charge of about 10% may be added to the price of the meal. Also, when taking a tour, the handling of tips is different. Be aware that you may need to tip the guide, tour conductor, and driver.

7. Less trash and trash cans

When traveling in Japan, you’ll notice that there is less trash on the streets and fewer trash cans.

When traveling, one of the problems you may encounter after eating store-bought snacks or sweets is what to do with the waste that is produced. The solution is to eat them where you bought them . You can either throw them in the trash cans at the store or give them to the store staff.

There are few trash cans in the city, so if you miss this opportunity, you will have to carry your trash with you to your next destination or wherever you are staying.

In Japan, garbage is separated and thrown away. Plastic bottles, cans, and paper should be thrown away in designated bins.

8. Get your Wi-Fi ready

Currently, there are few free Wi-Fi facilities in urban areas in Japan . We recommend that you prepare a portable Wi-Fi router and SIM card before you arrive in Japan. Choose a method that is easy to use for your trip.

In recent years, the number of accommodations offering Wi-Fi has been increasing. Convenience stores , Starbucks Coffee , and Tully’s Coffee also offer free, secure Wi-Fi.

 

9. Make use of convenience stores

Convenience stores are just as convenient as their name suggests. Most are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can shop there even on holidays and late at night.

The three biggest convenience store chains in Japan are Seven-Eleven , Lawson , and Family Mart . The product lineup varies depending on the store, but most of them sell food (hot and cold), desserts, hot coffee, soap and shampoo, and stockings and underwear for changing clothes.

Meals at convenience stores are cheaper than at restaurants or cafes, so if you’re looking to keep travel expenses down, make use of convenience stores . Stores that have eat-in areas allow you to eat the food you purchase inside the store.

10. Use JAPAN RAIL PASS and discount tickets

 

For those who want to travel to Japan at a bargain price, we recommend the JAPAN RAIL PASS . It is a discount ticket issued by the JR Group, and allows unlimited travel on JR trains, route buses operated by JR group companies, and ferries from Hokkaido to Kyushu. (Some routes are not included, and express fees may apply.)

For those traveling in the Kanto region, we also recommend the JR TOKYO Wide Pass.

 

11. Use coin lockers

One of the joys of traveling is shopping , but it can be inconvenient to carry your bags around in both hands. In such cases, you can use a coin locker . Coin lockers are installed at stations and department stores, and cost around 300 to 500 yen per use.

Please be aware that in busy stations such as Tokyo Station and Shibuya Station, it may be difficult to find an available locker on weekends and holidays.

 

12. Don’t worry if you’re traveling alone

Japan is considered a safe country with a low crime rate. It is not uncommon to see elementary school children riding the train alone. If you leave something behind on a train or in a restaurant, the person who found it may come running over to pick it up.

The chances of becoming involved in a serious crime in Japan are low, so you can travel alone with peace of mind. However, just as when traveling to any other country, you should be mindful of safety and remember the telephone numbers to call in case of an emergency in Japan, such as 110 (police) and 119 (ambulance).

 

13. Get out and explore the countryside

 

If you visit lesser known regions outside of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, you may make some unexpected discoveries. You may also discover unique local attractions, such as buildings with unique architectural styles, old streetscapes, and vast flower fields.

Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, local sweets, and local sake . Although there will be fewer English signs and people who can speak English, local people are friendly and will look out for you.

14. Try everything

 

Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. Japan is also a country of gourmet food, boasting the highest number of Michelin Guide -starred restaurants in the world (as of the end of November 2018).

Japanese people are very food conscious, so you’re sure to find delicious gourmet food not only at high-end restaurants but also at food stalls and small privately run shops.

Not all restaurants have English menus, but some have picture menus. Just go in and try the different dishes.

There are only a limited number of restaurants that cater to halal, vegetarian and gluten-free needs, so it’s best to check in advance.

 

15. The best season is when you travel.

Spring, when cherry blossoms can be seen, is a popular season for traveling to Japan. However, if you can’t come to Japan in the spring, there’s no need to worry. Japan’s weather and scenery change dramatically depending on the season .

In summer, the city becomes greener and Mount Fuji opens up for the season. In autumn, you can enjoy vibrant autumn leaves in the mountains. And in winter, the sky becomes clear and you can enjoy skiing in Nagano and Hokkaido.

There is always something to experience all year round, not just the scenery, but also seasonal foods, seasonal festivals, etc. The weather and temperature change with the seasons, so be sure to dress appropriately for the season.

 

Preparing for your trip to Japan

Learning about Japanese culture and society before you visit will make your trip more fulfilling. Keep the things introduced in this article in mind and create fun memories.

But the most important thing is to relax and be open-minded about what you encounter in Japan.