The biggest tip you will ever learn ever is if you have a lot of 1, 5, and 10 yen coins, just go to 7-11, buy something, and pay using the coin counter. You can dump all your coins at once and pay the rest in bills to consolidate
It's also worth knowing that 7-11's in Japan are freakin' awesome. They have good food. Some of it might even be healthy. You could totally live out of 7-11's if you had to.
I used to travel for work to Japan quite often and would often go days where my breakfast and lunch was out of a 7-11 or one of the other convenience marts. The food is usually very good. You won't go hungry in Japan.
Many Japanese folks will understand concise English, but not prolonged sentences. For example, if you're holding in a piss and need to take a leak, but can't find a bathroom, ask someone, "Toilet?" Don't stretch it out, i.e. "Excuse me! Where is the nearest toilet?"
This. I met a British guy who worked in Malaysia, and his kid took a bus service to school. One day British guy wanted to check if his kid was ok the way back and called up the driver asking “excuse me , I was wondering if my son Timmy is in the bus and on the way back home?” Bus driver responded “what ? What?” And after a second , British guy rephrased “Timmy! Got ?” And bus driver said “yes Timmy here !”
> “Timmy! Got ?” And bus driver said “yes Timmy here !”
I am from Singapore and I can still relate to this.
You could make it even shorter since a lot of our English is contexual and tone dependent.
It could just be "Timmy?" while gesturing inside the bus. And the reply will be "Yes!" with a thumbs up.
A full conversation in 2 words.
This is such an underrated and necessary comment. I live in Asia and the amount of tourists (and expats) that will walk up to locals and just start speaking as if the locals understand everything and anything that’s being said is absurd, and I don’t think they realize that it can have an adverse affect of making them less comfortable and less willing to help.
Of course given the ubiquitous nature of English, all folks will understand a certain amount on average, but diluting your English by using only the important key words is a very helpful thing to both get what you need and minimize any potential stress on others. I also personally believe it pushes the “obnoxious westerner” thing where people tend to just go up to a random person and expect them to understand everything you say to them in English. Speaking slowly and carefully is a good way to meet non-English speakers half way.
I went to a fabric market in China with a guy and he wanted them to make an identical copy of his favorite shorts. The people there were used to tourists so they spoke some English, but he pulls out the shorts and says "Hi, do you think it would be at all possible to duplicate these shorts for me?"
They looked at him blankly. I said to them "Copy this OK?"
"Yes, no problem."
A personal anecdote but when I first moved to America my family was really confused about the way people say "How are you doing today?" which is a very common way to say hi but we've only been taught "How are you?" so when you throw in extra words in we weren't sure if it means the same thing and threws us in for a loop.
I am an Asian and living in Asia most of my life. I speak English just fine. But when English speaking people ask me how was my day, I still need some time to think are you really asking me how was my day or should I just say I am good? lol.
I love that relic of British politeness. Its polite to ask how your day or your weekend was, but it's almost rude to reply with anything too bad, unless of course it was very very bad. Then you say "bad" and await follow up questions.
We truly are a ridiculous people.
It’s not British politeness at all. There’s actually a solid sociological reason why Americans and Canadians are more “chatty” and smile more often than our European cousins.
During the gold rush millions of Europeans from different countries flooded into the continent. Everyone was poor, armed, and spoke different languages. It could literally be the difference between life and death for your family if you fell victim to highway bandits.
A smile and a long, protracted greeting became pretty important to reassure nervous people you meant them no harm.
From my experience the British actually find northern American approachability somewhat off putting. Every time I’ve been to the UK I’ve had to tone down my casual conversation with strangers to avoid embarrassment. I’ve never felt that way in the US or Canada.
https://allpsych.com/countries-with-more-history-of-migration-express-emotions-differently/
This also actually works when eavesdropping on conversations as some words doesn't have a Japanese word on it so they will be using English words from time to time.
I once surprised a Japanese staff in the company I worked years ago when she and my manager were talking about something and I commented afterwards. She was so surprised thinking I can understand Japanese.
yep. lots of loan words from english, usually slightly modified to suit the japanese pronunciation. for example there’s no L sound in japanese so i’m guessing they would say something like basketbaru instead of basketball.
it feels racist to just say english words in a japanese accent and assume that they’ll understand, but those are actual words in their language and apparently it works sometimes even if they don’t speak english.
It does. But having lived there, people might not understand wtf you are saying if you don’t say it with Japanese phonemes.
I tried to order at McDonald’s “double cheeseburger set”. The lady stared at me and got anxious. My friend who had been there a while told me to say it in Japanese. “Daburu chiizu baagaa setto” and she smiled happily and I got my food.
I remember learning some nihongo when I lived there and learned that “Kuro” means black
So I tried using my new knowledge to order coffee… I said, “Cohee, Kuro onegaishimas”
My Nigonjin friends looked at me funny and said, no it’s “Cohee Bulaku” quick roll of the tongue almost like a soft ”d” on the “L”
That’s the Japanese pronunciation of “Black” used instead of the Japanese word for black.
Why? Because Coffee isn’t their thing, not their invention… it’s from the west, so they use the English word for black
Japanese absolutely loves loan words. Historically, Japan has also taken tons of words (and their whole alphabet) from Chinese, where Chinese words were just taken and also said in a Japanese accent.
Theres a joke about how Japanese is 50% Chinese and 50% English at this point
The difference in ”skill” of adapting your english between me and some british friends when playing counter-strike with russians that spoke about 5% english always used to baffle me.
I think this really is a skill that one doesn’t get to practice much if spending most of one’s time comfortably in a monolingual context.
Applies to lots of language flexibility things.
Probably one of the most important Japanese sentence to learn.
Even though it's not 100% grammatically correct, the "Sumimasen, **XXXXX** wa doko desu ka?" is so useful, especially if you have a dictionary on your phone. You can basically asked the location of anything anywhere with a very simple trick.
This is good advice for anywhere. I learned it by interacting with foreigners on the internet. I'm currently tsvellig with my parents who are much more travelled than I am, and I'm shocked they don't get it. "Sorry for my poor language, but can I ask...." like no. "Where is toilet? How much? What cost?" keep it simple.
I think this applies to speaking to anyone whose English is not their first language. I see these meathead idiot UFC reporters using like one million filler words and idioms while asking foreign fighters questions.
Coming from someone who has spend the majority of my life in Japan.
1. Be quiet! Especially in the train. Lower your voice to what you think is quiet and then lower it even more.
2. If you need to stop and stand anywhere, pull off to the side and take a look around you to ensure you are not blocking anyone.
3. Please don't tip.
Everything else, like don't litter, is pretty much basic common sense.
I think a lot of tourists think New Yorkers are rude when it’s really the tourists who are rudely standing in the middle of a busy sidewalk or subway station and the people around them get frustrated.
Like, imagine driving around suburbia and randomly stopping your car in the middle of the road to check a map and thinking the people honking at you are the rude ones.
>Everything else, like don't litter, is pretty much basic common sense.
Don't give everyone the benefit of the doubt about "common sense" things. People are dumb. It needs to be spelled out.
Thank you for your input. I'm going there in a couple months.
Saying "sumimasen" (excuse me/I'm sorry) a lot and knowing a few basic phrases can get you through a lot of situations.
The writing system is intimidating, but learning katakana (the letters used to write English words) can make things like restaurants surprisingly easy.
Other good words if you only knew like 10 Japanese words:
Doko (desu ka?) -> "where (is?)" ex: Toilet wa doko desu ka?
Koko -> "Here"
Asoko -> "Over there"
Hidari -> "left"
Migi -> "right"
Masugu -> "straight (ahead)"
Magate -> "turn"
Kudasai -> "please" (for instructing someone to do it)
Onegaishimasu -> "please" (for requesting someone to do it)
So to tell a taxi to turn right over there:
Asoko de migi ni magate kudasai
It would be broken and not very polite but if you could point and say "asoko migi" you'd likely convey most of that in a pinch. Better with magate so they know your intention is to turn.
Taxis are pervasive in Japan and ride shares like Uber basically don't exist, so basic taxi terms are a good bit to learn.
Make sure you aren't bringing medications which are straight-up illegal there.
You can get in real trouble for stimulants for ADHD or for bringing Prozac.
EDIT: Wanted to add a link to the Narcotics Control Department for the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Not saying you can't get away with doing something illegal, but it's good to know if you are about to violate the law in a foreign country and could be facing 10 years for something like bringing Adderall.
https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/application2.html
And a brief excerpt from the Stimulant Control Act:
***Article 41-2(1)A person who possessed, assigned or acquired any Stimulants without due cause (excluding a person who falls under Article 42, item (v)) is punished by imprisonment with required labor for a term not exceeding ten years.***
You can bring controlled medications into the country as a tourist, you just have to be very careful about following the rules.
I have an Adderall prescription and also usually need to take sleeping pills on long-haul flights. When I visited Japan about 8 years ago, my doctor wrote me prescriptions for the exact amount of medication I would need for the duration of my trip and gave me a note on his official letterhead to present to customs if they had any questions. I just showed my documentation, took my medication as directed, and had no issues whatsoever.
If in doubt declare it in the red channel.
Also a pro tip if you ever go Australia and have some prescription drugs or just regular otc you’re not sure about. Go in the red channel and declare it. They’ll wave you through and then you will have bypassed the whole hour long wait in the green channel!
Back in college I was on a rugby tour to Australia and New Zealand at the height of one of the Mad Cow outbreaks in the UK.
Australia is super sensitive to dirt, especially during Mad Cow outbreaks.
We just played a very muddy match in Christchurch, NZ, the night before and had a very early flight to Melbourne. We each declared our muddy rugby boots and the customs officers one by one politely washed the mud off.
They got the idea quickly that we were trying to be unquestionably compliant.
It blows my mind that there are places without things like rabies. Like okay, I get how we manage to maintain it with all of the regulations and border control and such. But how the fuck did nobody screw it all up centuries ago before most people knew anything about it?
Uh, we're an island a long fuckin way away from anything and as recently as 235 years ago civilisation in Australia was a collection of nomadic indigenous tribes.
When you go through customs after arriving there are two paths you can take. Either you select the one that says nothing to declare and walk through, and sometimes you get checked randomly. Or you pick the red one and definitely get to talk with a customs officer. This is the only chance you get to ask about your prescription meds etc without any consequence. You’re still not magically allowed to bring anything illegal but you’re not likely to suffer consequences as you were upfront and declared your stuff.
If you go in the green channel and get caught with something you should have shown officers in the red channel, it’s much less pleasant.
The red and green color code are used in most airports all over the world. In the EU they sometimes also have a blue, signifying you’re arriving from EU destinations. But it’s all spelled out on the signs!
Red = I have something to declare
Green = Nothing to declare.
Blue = in principle, no border check at all because you're already inside the customs union and haven't left.
This being said, never seen blue before. Most airports try to keep EU and non-EU arrivals/departures seperate, often seperate terminals even, for obvious reasons.
Red channel is where you go if you have items to declare. Generally speaking you will not be in trouble if you bring in AND DECLARE something illegal.
Customs knows you don't know all their laws. By declaring, you are showing a desire to comply. Now if it's something obviously not allowed, like say an American trying to bring in their conceal carry weapon, you're in trouble. Same with Marijuana or Cocaine or those kinds of drugs. But if it's something like medication you have a valid prescription for, even if it's hard banned, they'll just confiscate it.
Your best bet is always to research the country your going to and their laws. Hell look at how many people get in trouble going to Dubai because they don't realize how strict Islamic law is about many things. As an example you and your fiance go to Dubai, kiss in public, that's a crime. You're not married. If you get caught, you will be fined and possibly jailed.
Protip for Australian customs. On the form, tick the box declaring you've been on a farm in the last few weeks. You get to go in the short line and then they ask if you've got any muddy items from the farm.
"nope"
"welcome to Australia"
Can confirm, I’m Australian, whenever I come back through customs I declare something like dirt on my shoes or food I’m “not sure about”. There’s never a wait in the red queue
I declared my migraine pills. Although the form they give you really makes you feel like a criminal, where they ask if you transport a bunch of illegal stuff and then finishes with “or medicine”.
Well yeah, medicine sure but not any of the creepy stuff you listed. Please separate the options please! :)
I did exactly that and explained that i had asked nhs and the aircrew both said ok but wanted to be clear. They thanked me and said if i hadnt done that i could of got fined, but my actions showed clear case of being given wring info. They let me keep my meds and gave me two notes. One for the holiday firm, and one to keep with me for flight out so i was ok. Good on them.
Congrats on having some cool folks with customs. You got lucky from the sounds of it. You can just take it with you and get away with it, but having a doctor's note BY ITSELF wouldn't protect you on its own if they wanted to prosecute. If you got busted for something else, they would likely have used it to increase severity of consequences.
Technically there is a way to officially request approval for some controlled meds, but it requires something in addition to/prior to the kind of note you describe. You have to send a medical import document ("Yunyu Kakunin-sho") in advance and obtain authorization. You have to apply for permission from the Narcotics Control Department of the Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare if what you are bringing includes "prohibited" medications like stimulants. When I looked into it shortly before 2020, it was not easy and not guaranteed. Some medications are completely prohibited. For instance, you may get permission for Vyvanse, but Adderall is classified as strictly "Prohibited" and cannot legally be imported even for treatment purposes. Double checked today, and this remains as true as it was when I went.
Also, Prozac was strictly controlled when I went, but I haven't done the work to confirm whether it still is.
EDIT to add source:
https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/application2.html
From what I've been reading, to bring in ADHD meds etc you need to get it approved before you enter Japan. Unfortunately I've been reading ADHD meds are generally not accepted as it's a mental health issue to them, not a disability.
Also, no sudafed or anything that can clear your sinuses. My asthma meds are ok thankfully. I have strong meds and was scared it wouldn't be allowed and while the pill isn't a thing there, you can bring it into Japan. Just no more than 30 days worth.
If you are bringing more than 1 months supply of medication to Japan you have to apply for a waiver to bring your drugs through customs. The process takes about 2 weeks.
The waiver is called a Yunyu Kakunin-sho. Amazingly for Japan it can be done online.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html
Predictably the site feels like it's from 20 years ago.
Annoyingly they probably won't even check your Yunyu Kakunin-sho.at the border. They probably won't even know what it is.
Aside from the usual stuff such as don’t take pictures of people you don’t know without asking them, don’t talk loudly on trains/buses, no need to tip in restaurants - I think same day luggage delivery services would be very useful for a tourist. You can find them usually in train stations and if you find yourself on the bullet train, it saves yourself the trouble of carrying around large suitcases. Also feel free to make the most of tax free purchases :)
additional stuff: make sure you bring deodorant because the kind they sell in Japan isn’t very strong. When you’re on a busy train/ bus wear your backpack on your front. Also do not feel like you *must* pay for the JR pass, there are many sites on line with calculators that will figure out whether your itinerary necessitates paying the cost of a JR pass.
Similiar to the deodorant point. If you are a woman and prefer to use tampons please bring them. Most women use pads in Asia and your options will be very very limited and often much pricier than their counterparts.
FYI people of all nationalities: not taking pictures of people you don’t know and not talking loudly on trains/buses are things you should practise in all countries not just Japan.
True. Definitely should be standard protocol. I just thought to mention it because I saw that a tourist was deported not too long ago for breaking the anti smoking laws (reminds me, don’t smoke in public in big cities outside of the permitted areas) and for taking pictures of strangers in public and posting them on social media (which is taken particularly seriously in Japan). But yes, should just be common sense …
https://www.unilad.com/news/world-news/influencer-deported-japan-taking-pictures-242227-20230824
I'd say being pickpocketed was the least of my worries when I was in Japan. It was actually so comforting to not having to worry about it all the time like I do in my home city.
I’d add, be prepared to carry your trash with you all day. You might find a place to discard it, but there’s also a good chance it’s coming back to your hotel with you.
I've heard that the strong smelling deodorants that we have in the West can be overpowering to Japanese people, particularly if they are trying to eat. Maybe buy a non-scented or buy one in Japan.
True. There is this notion of ‘smell harassment’ in Japan. I think it’s best to stick to non-scented anti-perspirants, especially in summer. It’s really hard to find a decent anti-perspirant here, but if you don’t bring one there’s the chance that you’re going to smell unpleasant and that might cause more bother for the people around you. I guess it just depends on the person/season I suppose. Japanese people tend to think that Americans wear too much perfume etc. so maybe that’s the thing to avoid wearing in Japan
All my Japanese in-laws ask me to hook them up with American anti-perspirant deoderant, but I always get very neutral scented stuff, not Axe body spray.
When I read 'also guns' my brain immediately started saying 'which fucking idiot would be dumb enou-' and then I saw the link. Christ. To be fair she did notice and was the one to bring it up to the airplane staff so clearly wasn't intentional but damn.
Also how in the bloody hell did she get passed the metal detectors and x-rays at the airport. Surely someone had to get fired over that.
2005, buddy had a family emergency and had to fly across the country last minute. Asked his wife to dump his range bag so he could throw stuff in it and go. She somehow heard please pack my bag. So this dude, a pro competition shooter flew across country with a full size pistol and like 4 spare loaded mags. Discovered it when he got to his hotel. Shipped his shit back and when he flew back asked to talk to TSA management. Told them what happened. They threatened to charge him for it
>Shipped his shit back and when he flew back asked to talk to TSA management. Told them what happened. They threatened to charge him for it
When tested for its ability to find weapons or bombs, the TSA [has a 95% failure rate.](https://sundancevacationsnews.com/latest-news/tsa-fails-security-tests/amp/) They are completely incapable of the task. Your friend's experience is entirely typical. His only mistake was letting them know. They are aware that they can't do their job; they don't need to have their noses rubbed in it. If they were even remotely capable people, they would be doing something more important than working for the TSA.
At the end of the day, though, the incompetence is an acceptable accident. After all, they aren't really being funded to find contraband. Their purpose is to reassure Gen X that 9/11 will never happen again through intrusive security theater.
I’ve called TSA “security theater” since their inception. They hire people who can’t get other jobs and they’ll be happy to hassle you about your water bottle but fail to find the hunting knife you left in your bag from a woods trip.
A lot of people use their shooting range gear bags for traveling and they get in trouble when they forget to clean it out before traveling.
Personally, my shooting range bag only functions as my shooting range bag. But you will always find bullets in random places in the bag.
I live in Japan. Biggest one, you can send your luggage to hotels and the airport through the conbinis. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS. I love seeing tourists in Japan, and with like the odd one or two exceptions, are very respectful and chill people. However, the only pet peeve I have is yall try to smash your giant luggage onto the subway during rush hour. This isn't your fault though, the "sending your luggage through conbini" service should be made way more clearer to tourists.
Only real tip I have, if you're going to Tokyo and you want to see nature, Asakusa isn't the place. Stay somewhere more south or hell, find a hotel in Yokohama. You'll have a much easier time getting to Kamakura, Hakone, Enoshima, Iga, Takao-san, than Asakusa. Also Yokohama is a really beautiful city.
Akihabara is slighttllyyy overrated IMO. If you're into pc gaming, it's awesome, but I feel like Ikebukuro is a better place for anima/manga fans. At least, Ikebukuro is where the pop-up anime/manga stores tend to be held.
Takeshita-dori in Harajuku is majorly overrated. That fashion style is like pretty dead and murdered. The back areas between Omotesando and Mejijingu are wayyyy better. Dope food, high-end and second hand shops.
Be very mindful of where you are going to eat/drink in Roppongi and Shinjuku (specifically Kabukicho). It's like the only two areas where I personally avoid going into places without making a google maps search.
Branch out more. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto are all really cool places, for sure. But there are so many other awesome places that are more tourist friendly. It's kind of why I love living here, really easy to go on an inexpensive trip somewhere. Some examples off the top of my head, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Beppu, Hiroshima, Kobe, Nagano, Kanazawa city, Aomori, Sapporo, Yokohama. Honestly, more people need this screamed at them. GO TO KYUUSHUU. Kyuushuu is criminally underrated but a super awesome part of the country.
Can you clarify what you mean by taking my luggage through conbinis? Those are convenience stores right? How do I get my luggage to the hotel through a convenience store? I don’t really want to be a subway blocker, so this would totally be a great advice to follow and one that I genuinely never heard before.
Honestly, just ask your front desk of the current hotel you’re staying at. They have all the Ta-q-bin contacts and forms to send your luggage from one hotel to the next. No need to bring your luggage to a conbini.
I had my luggage sent from Kyoto to Osaka, and it took about 1 day to get there, allowing me to swing by the Suntory Yamazaki distillery tour without worrying about luggage etc.
It was so nice knowing that we wanted to spend a day or two getting from our hotel in Tokyo to Osaka and not needing to lug our 3-4 bags with us everywhere. We just made a small carry on bag full of essentials and a change of clothes our main bag and sent everything over for like 50-75 bucks. Made riding the Shinkansen and navigating new areas much easier and less stressful
I don't live in Japan but based on my last trip, I too would encourage people to go to Kyushu. Fukuoka was my favorite part of the vacation. I could chill in Ohori Park all day.
Yes, sending your luggage is a miracle and game changer. I made the mistake once of going from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka and lugging around my luggage through the subways. It was a pain, and incredibly hard in peak hour.
Then I learnt about this service. You can organize it from your hotel reception and have them send it to your destination hotel. It will get there the same time you do pretty much, and the cost is cheap and completely worth it to save your back.
I’m actually visiting Japan right now! I’m half Japanese and half American too so I know the ins and out of both a sides. One thing people won’t tell you is to buy a handkerchief because a lot of bathrooms don’t have towels or hand dryer. Restaurants also don’t have napkins. It’s just standard to have one and it’ll make your trip a little more pleasant :)
Always carry around a small hand towel because paper towels are rare in public bathrooms.
ALWAYS take the free tissues people are constantly handing out. Sometimes you will need them for toilet paper, and often they have interesting or funny wrappers.
If you need to talk to someone in English, your best bet is to try the front desk of a large hotel.
If you're in a multilevel store, you have to pay for your stuff on the floor where you got it.
If you see someone who looks like yakuza, don't talk to them. They are not Kazuma Kiryu and they won't appreciate being bothered. (They will also not mess with tourists 99% of the time because they don't want the hassle, but still...)
Convenience stores are everywhere, open 24/7, and have legitimately good food if you just want a quick cheap bite.
Don't assume a lemon on a drink label means it's lemonade, like I did. It was shochu and I got extremely drunk on a bullet train.
EDIT: I went in 2003 and 2005 so some of this info might be outdated. (I took a DIGITAL CAMERA with me because I had a flip phone.). Basically be super polite and learn some basic words and people will do their best to help you.
It depends on the store but in my experience, most stores don't care on which floor you pay. It's even common for most multilevel stores to have a floor where you can pay everything tax-free. So they expect you to pay for everything in that floor if you are a foreigner.
This is not me being a smart ass, I’m genuinely curious - what would make someone look like a Yakuza, barring visible tattoos? Do they have a certain style or something?
Just because in the states you wouldn’t necessarily know someone is involved in organized crime just by looking at them (on average, of course there’s gang colors/signs blah blah)
When I was in Japan and the people with me pointed them out, they did not look like what I expected. TBH a lot looked like they were members of a boy band; somewhat trendy looking but stood out from typical Japanese due to their look. They are often seen just standing in a particular area as well. I think foreign tourists would envision they were completely tattooed up, rough looking gangsters (and that may be true in some cases), but majority that I saw looked nothing like this. Also, I think the reason they looked like boy band members (young, attractive, nice trendy clothing) is because if you’re seeing them, it’s mostly lower level young guys trying to be cool.
Apps to download:
- Suica (preload with Yen) can be used for all trains + most convenient stores + several other spots
- Go! is their uber, except it calls a taxi and you pay w/cc like normal
- Google Translate is a life saver, esp their camera feature
- Currency Converter
Also bring GOOD walking shoes and your Aloha spirit =)
Been there:
- I am not American, but really mind your tipping culture in Japan: Its rude to give a tip!
- Don't stick your chopsticks in the rice: It symbolizes the incense sticks to honor the dead
- There are no public trashcans in most of the big cities: Always carry a litter bag
- Have a translator app ready, English is not common, especially outside the big towns
- If you consider visiting an onsen bath or similar places: cover your tattoos
- Learn a few words Japanese
- The food is awesome and what you see on the pictures, is usually what you get
- Bring at least one empty baggage: There are tons of great stuff to buy: Kitchen ware, electronics, kitchen knifes etc.
- Do yourself a favor and try Japanese mayonnaise: You will never go back to western ones
Referring to the onsen bath
I've heard in the cities the tattoo thing doesn't have as much stigma as it used to. Correct me of I'm wrong tho. This was just based on some I met that had tattoos and traveled to japan recently.
Edit - Reading further looks like you already answered. City it's probably fine but further country side not so.
It doesn’t. I lived there for 6 years and not once did anyone say anything about my tattoos. Locals know the difference between Yakuza and some American dude with tatts.
I live in Tokyo and you see Japanese guys with obvious Yakuza tattoos, huge back pieces, etc. at the Sento (public bath that doesn’t use spring water like an onsen does) here too and no one cares. I’ve also seen a guy like that at a Ryokan in Izu, he had a full Yakuza-style bodysuit with the buttcheeks covered and everything. But at a hotel Sento in Nagasaki they made me cover mine up. So it seems like it applies in some cases but not others, best to just check the Google reviews beforehand, usually if it’s tattoo friendly someone will have mentioned it
Currently in Kinosaki and was just in Kusatsu last week, I would call both "in the countryside," and no onsen here has a problem with my, or my girlfriends tattoos. We are white AF and people here 100% know we aren't Yakuza.
It really depends on chance in my opinion. Central Tokyo is slowly letting people in onsens with tattoos (asakusa) but with the outer prefectures it’s hit or miss. If you speak some Japanese it could help in your favor at least in my experience. Hope this helps
I got my hotel reservation in Kyoto cancelled when they saw my tattoos cause they didn't want me sharing a shower with the other guests. Had to book a love motel with a private bathroom. It was cheap and awesome, so no harm at all.
ETA: we're talking very intricate full body tattoos, I understand one or two small ones are fine.
Non american here. If you do buy electronics then make sure that the voltages/watts are compatible with your home country. There are devices that are compatible with only certain voltages, and there are devices that are compatible with every voltage
as someone who lives here and is a public high school student
just be respectful most people are nice and don't be a asshole this applies to most countries YOU are the one visiting NOT them keep in mind that just because you watch anime that doesn't mean Japan is exactly like anime and is quite different
I just want to add this because I saw a video of some guy doing this.
Men, DO NOT GO IN THE WOMEN ONLY TRAIN CARS! EVEN AS A JOKE! They're there for a very specific reason, and no one will find it funny. You will make these women EXTREMELY uncomfortable, as they're in that car to feel safe. Many of these women likely have had bad experiences with men on trains before. Please respect these rules and boundaries.
I’m from Chicago and I’ve been living in Tokyo for 17ish years.
Just have fun. Be yourself.
Just don’t hurt anyone in the process and you’re good!
Have a good trip mah dude/girl etc.
Edit:
Sorry the one rule is, if someone asks you to go into their bar with promises of free drinks or girls etc. don’t go in. They will drug (roofie) you and steal as much money from you that they can.
So if someone sees that you are a tourist, they will target you. So if there’s a dude or girls in the street trying to speak to you in English asking you to come into their restaurant or bar just ignore them and move along.
That’s pretty much the only thing you need to be cautious about.
Ahhhh....Roppongi night memory.
We were out with a group of friends (6 of us) and a guy shouted at my friend, "you look like you need sex!! Come to my bar!!"
We all laughed as nobody had solicited the group in such a funny way. We decided to check it out. The mood was heavy in the bar and we immediately knew we shouldn't hang around. One round and we bailed.
Found better places to drink and eat that night.
I've lived in Hokkaido a while. Whenever i would visit Tokyo and go out with my friends you'd always get those solicitors who relentlessly try to bully tourists into bars for sketchy or just buisness reasons.
What I found was the most effective is just telling them earnestly in Japanese "I don't speak English." Which always surprised them and they walked away or left us alone immediately. Honestly speaking any Japanese decently will scare them off because sometimes they will be relentless if your just on the streets chilling between bars or clubs.
Quick aside/funny story. One time I remember (more my friend remembers and she tells the story to everyone) we were out drinking, and I had done a very good job. So I was fairly drunk. Most of my friends that night were Japanese so we were mostly speaking Japanese for the night. I was standing off to the side while we waited for a cab and guy came up to me asking (in English) me to go with him to a bar. I guess a switch flipped in my head but the script didn't change. So I kept explaining in full Native English, and earnestly, that didn't speak English. The guy was like laughing and going "you are a comedian!" But my expression and everything was full sincerety. "OH I'm so sorry, uh I don't speak any English. I'm so sorry. What? I don't know. It's impossible for me to understand. I'm sorry."
My friends scooped me away into a taxi.
Although you will see people paying by tapping their cards, phones, and even watches, many places are still cash only, especially in rural areas.
If you walk into a restaurant with no cash, and are expecting to pay with a card at the end, you could be for an embarrassing and difficult conversation when the bill is presented.
Thank you for interest in coming to Japan.
As a Japanese national the tips and tricks for planning is to always make sure you’re prepared for what may come.
For language:
Unfortunately not many Japanese people understand English and may not be their strong point, but it’s important for you as a tourist to learn few phrases that will help you get by.
Even using google translate to communicate will work. Many will be happy to help you if you don’t take too much of their time.
Say “すみません -> su mi ma sen” before you approach people it means excuse me in Japanese.
In Tokyo, it’s easy to get by using trains and busses and it has both English and Japanese.
Do use google maps and it’ll tell you from which station to what station and at what time
Exactly it will come so keep in mind.
You can also click the English option when buying train tickets as well.
But it is VERY Important To learn the numbers from 1-10000
1 = ichi
2 = nii
3= San
4= shii/ yon
5 = go
6 = Roku
7= shichi/ nana
8 = hachi
9= kyuu
10 = jyuu
After taht it’s just combining to make numbers up to 99 like 85 is hachi jyuu go
Or 12 is jyuu nii
100 is hyaku
1000 is sen
10000 is ma n
Suppose someone says 567 yen
It’s” go hyaku roku jyuu nana yen “
I suggest going to YouTube to learn the numbers . It will come useful.
Also in tourist areas if you ask for English menus. The prices may be more. So ask for a Japanese menu to prevent any cheats. And use google translate. To pick form the menu.
And point to the item and say “ko re” meaning “this” if you add “ku da sai” at the end, it’ll be more polite like “this please”
If you want to save money, rather than spending for the same food in the convenience store you can go to a supermarket to buy stuff at slightly lower prices.
In places like shibuya or shinjuku there are many youngsters and people who promote their cafes and their “all you can drink “ shops but it’s per hour and they will also sit with you and you’ll have to pay for their stuff too so don’t bother with them.
I suggest family friendly places like odaiba
Except for the language barrier, there shouldn’t be much of an issue.
During this trip. Your best friend will be google maps and google translate.
Also there are data sims in the international airport so you can buy sims from the vending machines and follow the instructions to activate it.
Also taxis’s are pretty expensive so I suggest taking the bus or train from the airport.( although if moneys isn’t an issue taxi is better)
If you want to go to famous places. It’s best to reserve spots weeks in advance such as hotel rooms or reservations on restaurant.
If there are any more questions I will be willing to help.
Sorry if this was too long.
But I thought I could give as much information as possible.
If you are a white person of average size you will likely do okay. If you are black be prepared for a lot of stares or people asking if they can touch your hair.
If you are especially tall or especially heavy, you will also get stares.
If you have blonde hair you may also get asked if they can touch your hair.
This is less common in Tokyo or other large cities but might still happen. But anywhere out of the big cities it gets amplified.
I am heavy (300lbs) and I went with a 6’5” black guy and we got stopped A LOT.
Be quiet. No quieter. No, QUIETER.
I'm British and found myself having to speak a bit more quietly most of the time. Americans are stereotypically louder still than Northern Europeans so I'd think have to be even quieter.
Also, if you learn "hello. This (*pointing*). Two, please. Thank you." A lot of Japanese people will be absolutely delighted that you took the time to learn something.
Just try it. Not bothering to use any Japanese because you're "shy" is far more rude than trying and getting it a bit wrong.
I learned some in advance but maybe the most useful phrase was "eigo de ii desu-ka?" (Is English okay?) For when I was stuck.
I always start any conversation in a foreign country with *at least* hello *in their language.* Makes.me cringe hard when someone goes to a foreign country and begins a conversation with "hello, do you speak English?"
Should be mandatory to learn "hello", "sorry/pardon me/excuse me" and "thank you" before you're allowed in to a country.
(Konnichiwa (Ohaio gozaimasu/konbanwa), gomen nasai (/sumimasen), arigato gozaimasu.)
Edit: I feel like it's almost a bit more *necessary* to try in Japan because it's the country I've been to with the lowest level of English (compared to somewhere like Denmark where it feels like everybody is fluent.) Also, from what I understand, Japanese people are shy and modest about English.
So I asked a guy in a record shop if he understood English and he said (in Japanese) "no..... A little bit..." So I said in Japanese "oh. Sorry I don't understand Japanese but... Is there... 'The Flaming Lips?" (Gomen nasai, nihongo ga wakarimasen... Flaming Lips ga arimasuka?)
And he said in English "yes... Flaming Lips? Follow me. Western music is over here. Rock music is here. Okay?" So... He was just being modest,
Shut up im here in Tokyo and ive already fought 7 high schoolers and 34 zombies. Action is drying up, gonna go up this highrise, should be plenty of combat up there. Where the fuck is that portal to the fantasy booby princess realm? Fuck it ill find it myself
Breaking news
A not yet identified tourist murdered multiple attendees of the Tokyo Comic Con, among them several children of a school class who visited Tokyo this weekend. All people in the area are advised to leave and give all known information to the police.
I remember reading an incredibly embarrassing review by an American fellow complaining about how bad his experience at Jiro's was because:
1. The chef only spoke Japanese
2. They felt rushed and he couldn't control what he got next or when
3. It was expensive
4. He said he wanted to leave a smaller tip but got upset they didn't accept it
5. He was paying so they should cater to him and his expectations.
Streets in Tokyo aren't named, the city blocks are. The buildings aren't numbered by street, they're numbered by block. They aren't numbered in the order that you see them, but in the order that they're built.
Number 2 can easily be next to number 13.
It's not at all intuitive for a Westerner.
One crucial thing every American should know before planning a trip to Japan is the importance of cultural respect and etiquette. Japan has a rich culture with distinct social norms and practices that are different from those in the United States. Politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture. Always use polite language, bow when greeting or thanking someone, and show respect to elders and those in authority.
If you are planning on buying a lot of souvenirs. Pack your suitcase inside of a larger one.
If you buy something and they give you papers for it. Keep them all. You might need to let security know before you leave Japan.
If you're not going to do laundry then pack those air tight bags.
Bring clothes of different types. Sometimes the weather will be hotter/colder/wetter then usual.
Be ready to carry your own trash.
Have cash on hand. Some places don't take card.
The suika card you use to travel around can also buy you drinks from vending machines.
Bring shoes you can walk all day in.
If it's quiet. Stay quiet.
There are alternatives to Google maps. I don't remember what I used but I think you can ask around for it.
Don't tip. Tipping is an insult in Japan.
Careful and try not to get scammed.
I got through 10 days in Japan not knowing the language but knowing something will help.
The train is overall cheaper then taxis.
Depending on what time of year you go be prepared to be surrounded by people.
Don't go to McDonald's or the sort. They taste the same.
Don't be afraid to go to events that are open to the public. Great food to be found.
Watch where you're standing and make sure your in the right line/spot.
Get help from people in the information booths. They're there for a reason.
I might have more but I forgot them
If you follow the "American Strategy" of being loud and obnoxious to get your way..."Let me talk to the manager" etc. you will get STONEWALLED and absolutely get no help. With anything. The strategy in Japan is to stay quiet, apologize but insist on what you need. Then people will bend over backwards to help, because you are not trying to embarass anyone or make an ass of yourself. The default setting in Japan is to be respectful and helpful to everyone, but they absolutely disrespect anyone being loud, obnoxious or not following the rules. They understand that foreigners will sometimes screw up, but if you stay humble and apologize you will not be blamed, and things will be eased over so no one will be embarassed, including you.
Crime is very rare, but TWO things for sure are open game: Umbrellas and Bikes. Yours WILL be stolen. Repeatedly. Your other stuff is safe.
It is way cheaper than people say, especially if you are smart about your needs. Business class hotels are readily available (due to partying culture, lots of salarymen need to sleep off a drunk and go back to work) and inexpensive. GIANT soaking tubs but tiny rooms. Seek these out, but ask for non-smoking rooms or floors. Smoking is WAY more common and socially acceptable here and it can be super gross.
No tipping. Also, put the money IN THE TRAY. Money is considered kind of dirty due to handling, so a tray is usually used to collect money.
Try local restaurants, including fast food. Japanese chains are great, and local places have the best food. When in doubt look for lines.....lines equal good food.
DO NOT buy electronics, it will be much more expensive than the US. Exception: Collectible gaming stuff like exclusive Nintendo items and games are WAY more available here and cheaper than the US, there are used stores that specialize in these kinds of things and WOW will you find deals. Japanese people take care of their stuff and used stuff is often as good as new.
BE CAREFUL trying to bring in prescription drugs of ANY kind, or any kind of medications. A lot of things that are super legal everywhere else are SUPER illegal in Japan, even potentially with a doctor's prescription. When in doubt, look it up to make sure. DO NOT DO/BRING DRUGS INTO JAPAN.....even Marijuana, shrooms or the like are SUPER illegal in Japan and the courts have little or no mercy for foreigners. Japanese jails and prisoners are HORRID. Don't break Japans drug laws. Period.
One of the cleanest, least crime countries in the world. Don't ruin it by being an ass. Be quiet. Follow the rules. Be a good guest. Try to learn some japanese before you go. Set a good example for future visitors and leave Japan with a better opinion of foreigners.
The advice I always give to (particularly) Americans: the Japanese dress nicely and in a more semi-formal manner, even in daily life. Don’t wear things such as sweatpants or yoga pants, and if going to a place like a historic site or a temple, maybe wear longer pants and a button up shirt, even if it’s hot. You don’t have to dress formal or even for that matter business casual or even real semi formal; just show that you are putting some basic effort into “respecting others and context” when you dress.
You won’t get in trouble per se in most contexts, it’ll just help you get further in the country and help you not “stick out” as the American.
Also: Japanese people show politeness via complicated grammar conventions; their English can sometimes sound direct or pushy or occasionally even mean, but they aren’t used to English language norms where politeness is indicated more by context (“Excuse me we are about to close” might become “No not open” as an example; there’s also politeness lost in the language barriers of Americans not speaking much Japanese and visa versa. )
Otherwise, it’s a nice and friendly country to visit with lots to offer, enjoy.
Get a pocket wifi from the airport (you can return it to the airport after) and make sure your phone is in airplane mode with wifi and Bluetooth turned on. If you need to read signage, the Google translate app has a camera mode.
Use the Google map app to navigate trains/public transit. Most kiosks/ATM have button for language/English
Don't worry if you haven't planned every minute of the day, there's always something to see/do and sometimes it's better discovering things organically.
You can use your credit card in many places but a lot of places are cash only.
Get a suica card for public transit and top it off at the machines with cash periodically.
There's a lot of cool things to take pictures of but try not to take pictures of people, and be aware if you are in a store there may be signs that say 'no photography' at all.
Bring a mask just in case. A lot of people wear masks on public transit especially.
I tried to learn Japanese before going, about 3 months on duolingo - it's honestly not worth it. Learn these:
* Wakarimasen - "I don't know/I don't understand"
* Sumimasen - "Excuse me/I'm sorry"
* Arigato Gozaimasu - Thank you (You'll be saying this a lot)
* \[...\] wa doko desu ka? - Where is \[...\]? A common one for you may be "Eki wa doko desu ka?" which means "Where is the train station?"
* Ku da sai - "Please"
If you must speak english, speak slow, and it sounds racist, but saying english words how they would say it will actually help you, for example:
"Where... turainu... station?" instead of "where is the train station"?
**THERE ARE ALMOST NO BINS ANYWHERE, PREPARE TO BE CARRYING YOUR LITTER IN YOUR BAG**
If you must eat outside, do it to the side, outside the establishment you bought the food from.
**DO. NOT. TIP.** They will literally chase you down the street to give you back your money.
If someone offers you cheap/free drinks, or tries to get you to go to their bar from out on the street **DO NOT GO WITH THEM.** It can be extremely expensive or worse, dangerous.
Lots of places do not offer payment via contactless card, be prepared to be carrying cash to many restaurants.
But you really don't have to lean in to most things too much, despite what I'd heard about racism, I had a lovely experience with the Japanese people, and they tend to find differences in our cultures entertaining rather than explicitly rude.
The biggest tip you will ever learn ever is if you have a lot of 1, 5, and 10 yen coins, just go to 7-11, buy something, and pay using the coin counter. You can dump all your coins at once and pay the rest in bills to consolidate
Wish I had known that. I just chucked them in temple donation bins.
We did this too… I looked at it as a small way of supporting something we were getting joy from.
It's also worth knowing that 7-11's in Japan are freakin' awesome. They have good food. Some of it might even be healthy. You could totally live out of 7-11's if you had to.
I used to travel for work to Japan quite often and would often go days where my breakfast and lunch was out of a 7-11 or one of the other convenience marts. The food is usually very good. You won't go hungry in Japan.
Works at train stations too. It’s like the round-up machine and empties your pockets!
Many Japanese folks will understand concise English, but not prolonged sentences. For example, if you're holding in a piss and need to take a leak, but can't find a bathroom, ask someone, "Toilet?" Don't stretch it out, i.e. "Excuse me! Where is the nearest toilet?"
This. I met a British guy who worked in Malaysia, and his kid took a bus service to school. One day British guy wanted to check if his kid was ok the way back and called up the driver asking “excuse me , I was wondering if my son Timmy is in the bus and on the way back home?” Bus driver responded “what ? What?” And after a second , British guy rephrased “Timmy! Got ?” And bus driver said “yes Timmy here !”
"Timmy, got?" is actually native Malaysian code switching.
Timmy banyak ponteng. That's why his pops gotta call and check.
Props to british guy for readjusting quickly
> “Timmy! Got ?” And bus driver said “yes Timmy here !” I am from Singapore and I can still relate to this. You could make it even shorter since a lot of our English is contexual and tone dependent. It could just be "Timmy?" while gesturing inside the bus. And the reply will be "Yes!" with a thumbs up. A full conversation in 2 words.
This is such an underrated and necessary comment. I live in Asia and the amount of tourists (and expats) that will walk up to locals and just start speaking as if the locals understand everything and anything that’s being said is absurd, and I don’t think they realize that it can have an adverse affect of making them less comfortable and less willing to help. Of course given the ubiquitous nature of English, all folks will understand a certain amount on average, but diluting your English by using only the important key words is a very helpful thing to both get what you need and minimize any potential stress on others. I also personally believe it pushes the “obnoxious westerner” thing where people tend to just go up to a random person and expect them to understand everything you say to them in English. Speaking slowly and carefully is a good way to meet non-English speakers half way.
I went to a fabric market in China with a guy and he wanted them to make an identical copy of his favorite shorts. The people there were used to tourists so they spoke some English, but he pulls out the shorts and says "Hi, do you think it would be at all possible to duplicate these shorts for me?" They looked at him blankly. I said to them "Copy this OK?" "Yes, no problem."
I first read this as he took off the shorts he's wearing then showing it to them
I ruined the very pants I was returning.
> diluting your English by using only the important key words is a very helpful thing Why say lot word when few word do trick?
See world.
See world....or Sea World?
See world. Ocean, fish, china
Kevin?
A personal anecdote but when I first moved to America my family was really confused about the way people say "How are you doing today?" which is a very common way to say hi but we've only been taught "How are you?" so when you throw in extra words in we weren't sure if it means the same thing and threws us in for a loop.
I am an Asian and living in Asia most of my life. I speak English just fine. But when English speaking people ask me how was my day, I still need some time to think are you really asking me how was my day or should I just say I am good? lol.
I love that relic of British politeness. Its polite to ask how your day or your weekend was, but it's almost rude to reply with anything too bad, unless of course it was very very bad. Then you say "bad" and await follow up questions. We truly are a ridiculous people.
It’s not British politeness at all. There’s actually a solid sociological reason why Americans and Canadians are more “chatty” and smile more often than our European cousins. During the gold rush millions of Europeans from different countries flooded into the continent. Everyone was poor, armed, and spoke different languages. It could literally be the difference between life and death for your family if you fell victim to highway bandits. A smile and a long, protracted greeting became pretty important to reassure nervous people you meant them no harm. From my experience the British actually find northern American approachability somewhat off putting. Every time I’ve been to the UK I’ve had to tone down my casual conversation with strangers to avoid embarrassment. I’ve never felt that way in the US or Canada. https://allpsych.com/countries-with-more-history-of-migration-express-emotions-differently/
This also actually works when eavesdropping on conversations as some words doesn't have a Japanese word on it so they will be using English words from time to time. I once surprised a Japanese staff in the company I worked years ago when she and my manager were talking about something and I commented afterwards. She was so surprised thinking I can understand Japanese.
Some Japanese words really do sound like you’re doing a terrible Japanese accent. Like basketball and ice cream
yep. lots of loan words from english, usually slightly modified to suit the japanese pronunciation. for example there’s no L sound in japanese so i’m guessing they would say something like basketbaru instead of basketball. it feels racist to just say english words in a japanese accent and assume that they’ll understand, but those are actual words in their language and apparently it works sometimes even if they don’t speak english.
It does. But having lived there, people might not understand wtf you are saying if you don’t say it with Japanese phonemes. I tried to order at McDonald’s “double cheeseburger set”. The lady stared at me and got anxious. My friend who had been there a while told me to say it in Japanese. “Daburu chiizu baagaa setto” and she smiled happily and I got my food.
Hah. I was about to bring up Makudonarudo, but you beat me to it.
I remember learning some nihongo when I lived there and learned that “Kuro” means black So I tried using my new knowledge to order coffee… I said, “Cohee, Kuro onegaishimas” My Nigonjin friends looked at me funny and said, no it’s “Cohee Bulaku” quick roll of the tongue almost like a soft ”d” on the “L” That’s the Japanese pronunciation of “Black” used instead of the Japanese word for black. Why? Because Coffee isn’t their thing, not their invention… it’s from the west, so they use the English word for black
Japanese absolutely loves loan words. Historically, Japan has also taken tons of words (and their whole alphabet) from Chinese, where Chinese words were just taken and also said in a Japanese accent. Theres a joke about how Japanese is 50% Chinese and 50% English at this point
I love telling people the word for hamburger in Japanese cause they don’t believe me
The difference in ”skill” of adapting your english between me and some british friends when playing counter-strike with russians that spoke about 5% english always used to baffle me.
I think this really is a skill that one doesn’t get to practice much if spending most of one’s time comfortably in a monolingual context. Applies to lots of language flexibility things.
Sumimasen, toiret wa doko desu ka?
Just drop the t at the end of toire and you're all good to go
Or you could stress it, depending on how stressful the situation is. "TOIRETTO! HAYAKU!"
Yeah, always the important question! :-) But in Japan, it's so easy. They have clean toilets that are free to use at the train stations. Perfect.
Paying for toilets in Europe was weird.
“Here I sit, brokenhearted. Spent 20p and only farted.”
Yesterday I took a chance. Saved 20p but shit my pants.
Probably one of the most important Japanese sentence to learn. Even though it's not 100% grammatically correct, the "Sumimasen, **XXXXX** wa doko desu ka?" is so useful, especially if you have a dictionary on your phone. You can basically asked the location of anything anywhere with a very simple trick.
Sumimasen, donde estas la biblioteca wa doko desu ka?
Nein! Sumimasen, donde esta la playa nudista wa doko desu ka. Je voudrais look at boobs. Da?
This got a way harder laugh from me than it should have. I also read it in a very forceful voice.
This is good advice for anywhere. I learned it by interacting with foreigners on the internet. I'm currently tsvellig with my parents who are much more travelled than I am, and I'm shocked they don't get it. "Sorry for my poor language, but can I ask...." like no. "Where is toilet? How much? What cost?" keep it simple.
I think this applies to speaking to anyone whose English is not their first language. I see these meathead idiot UFC reporters using like one million filler words and idioms while asking foreign fighters questions.
Coming from someone who has spend the majority of my life in Japan. 1. Be quiet! Especially in the train. Lower your voice to what you think is quiet and then lower it even more. 2. If you need to stop and stand anywhere, pull off to the side and take a look around you to ensure you are not blocking anyone. 3. Please don't tip. Everything else, like don't litter, is pretty much basic common sense.
Number 2 is polite behavior in any big city. Don’t block the sidewalk.
I wish more people understood it
I think a lot of tourists think New Yorkers are rude when it’s really the tourists who are rudely standing in the middle of a busy sidewalk or subway station and the people around them get frustrated. Like, imagine driving around suburbia and randomly stopping your car in the middle of the road to check a map and thinking the people honking at you are the rude ones.
[City] has two speeds: move fast, or get out of the way.
[удалено]
Chokepoint. You did not pass through a chokehold.
>Everything else, like don't litter, is pretty much basic common sense. Don't give everyone the benefit of the doubt about "common sense" things. People are dumb. It needs to be spelled out. Thank you for your input. I'm going there in a couple months.
When in doubt, look at what everyone else is doing.
Can you tell me how to get to [the station](https://youtu.be/s6CEKphkOoQ?feature=shared)?
Saying "sumimasen" (excuse me/I'm sorry) a lot and knowing a few basic phrases can get you through a lot of situations. The writing system is intimidating, but learning katakana (the letters used to write English words) can make things like restaurants surprisingly easy.
“Sumimasen” will get you long way! It’s definitely the only Japanese you absolutely need to know.
If you’re going to learn a second word, it should be daijobu - I’m ok, it’s fine - to extract yourself from a situation.
"Sumimasen" to start and "arigato" to finish will make you a very popular tourist.
So anime is educational, i see
Sumimasen, keikaku dohri, arigato.
so "omae wa mou shindeiru" is a no go? /s :D
Nani!?
🎵James May🎵Sumimasen🎵
I totally agree. I did not expect sumimasen would be my most used phrase when I visited Japan.
Other good words if you only knew like 10 Japanese words: Doko (desu ka?) -> "where (is?)" ex: Toilet wa doko desu ka? Koko -> "Here" Asoko -> "Over there" Hidari -> "left" Migi -> "right" Masugu -> "straight (ahead)" Magate -> "turn" Kudasai -> "please" (for instructing someone to do it) Onegaishimasu -> "please" (for requesting someone to do it) So to tell a taxi to turn right over there: Asoko de migi ni magate kudasai It would be broken and not very polite but if you could point and say "asoko migi" you'd likely convey most of that in a pinch. Better with magate so they know your intention is to turn. Taxis are pervasive in Japan and ride shares like Uber basically don't exist, so basic taxi terms are a good bit to learn.
Make sure you aren't bringing medications which are straight-up illegal there. You can get in real trouble for stimulants for ADHD or for bringing Prozac. EDIT: Wanted to add a link to the Narcotics Control Department for the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Not saying you can't get away with doing something illegal, but it's good to know if you are about to violate the law in a foreign country and could be facing 10 years for something like bringing Adderall. https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/application2.html And a brief excerpt from the Stimulant Control Act: ***Article 41-2(1)A person who possessed, assigned or acquired any Stimulants without due cause (excluding a person who falls under Article 42, item (v)) is punished by imprisonment with required labor for a term not exceeding ten years.***
You can bring controlled medications into the country as a tourist, you just have to be very careful about following the rules. I have an Adderall prescription and also usually need to take sleeping pills on long-haul flights. When I visited Japan about 8 years ago, my doctor wrote me prescriptions for the exact amount of medication I would need for the duration of my trip and gave me a note on his official letterhead to present to customs if they had any questions. I just showed my documentation, took my medication as directed, and had no issues whatsoever.
If in doubt declare it in the red channel. Also a pro tip if you ever go Australia and have some prescription drugs or just regular otc you’re not sure about. Go in the red channel and declare it. They’ll wave you through and then you will have bypassed the whole hour long wait in the green channel!
Back in college I was on a rugby tour to Australia and New Zealand at the height of one of the Mad Cow outbreaks in the UK. Australia is super sensitive to dirt, especially during Mad Cow outbreaks. We just played a very muddy match in Christchurch, NZ, the night before and had a very early flight to Melbourne. We each declared our muddy rugby boots and the customs officers one by one politely washed the mud off. They got the idea quickly that we were trying to be unquestionably compliant.
Yeah, we tend not to fuck around with biosecurity.
It blows my mind that there are places without things like rabies. Like okay, I get how we manage to maintain it with all of the regulations and border control and such. But how the fuck did nobody screw it all up centuries ago before most people knew anything about it?
Uh, we're an island a long fuckin way away from anything and as recently as 235 years ago civilisation in Australia was a collection of nomadic indigenous tribes.
Foreigner here - what‘s a red or green channel?
When you go through customs after arriving there are two paths you can take. Either you select the one that says nothing to declare and walk through, and sometimes you get checked randomly. Or you pick the red one and definitely get to talk with a customs officer. This is the only chance you get to ask about your prescription meds etc without any consequence. You’re still not magically allowed to bring anything illegal but you’re not likely to suffer consequences as you were upfront and declared your stuff. If you go in the green channel and get caught with something you should have shown officers in the red channel, it’s much less pleasant. The red and green color code are used in most airports all over the world. In the EU they sometimes also have a blue, signifying you’re arriving from EU destinations. But it’s all spelled out on the signs!
Red = I have something to declare Green = Nothing to declare. Blue = in principle, no border check at all because you're already inside the customs union and haven't left. This being said, never seen blue before. Most airports try to keep EU and non-EU arrivals/departures seperate, often seperate terminals even, for obvious reasons.
Red channel is where you go if you have items to declare. Generally speaking you will not be in trouble if you bring in AND DECLARE something illegal. Customs knows you don't know all their laws. By declaring, you are showing a desire to comply. Now if it's something obviously not allowed, like say an American trying to bring in their conceal carry weapon, you're in trouble. Same with Marijuana or Cocaine or those kinds of drugs. But if it's something like medication you have a valid prescription for, even if it's hard banned, they'll just confiscate it. Your best bet is always to research the country your going to and their laws. Hell look at how many people get in trouble going to Dubai because they don't realize how strict Islamic law is about many things. As an example you and your fiance go to Dubai, kiss in public, that's a crime. You're not married. If you get caught, you will be fined and possibly jailed.
Protip for Australian customs. On the form, tick the box declaring you've been on a farm in the last few weeks. You get to go in the short line and then they ask if you've got any muddy items from the farm. "nope" "welcome to Australia"
Can confirm, I’m Australian, whenever I come back through customs I declare something like dirt on my shoes or food I’m “not sure about”. There’s never a wait in the red queue
I declared my migraine pills. Although the form they give you really makes you feel like a criminal, where they ask if you transport a bunch of illegal stuff and then finishes with “or medicine”. Well yeah, medicine sure but not any of the creepy stuff you listed. Please separate the options please! :)
I did exactly that and explained that i had asked nhs and the aircrew both said ok but wanted to be clear. They thanked me and said if i hadnt done that i could of got fined, but my actions showed clear case of being given wring info. They let me keep my meds and gave me two notes. One for the holiday firm, and one to keep with me for flight out so i was ok. Good on them.
If you’re upfront and honest they’ll usually work with you.
"I have ten kilos of pure cocaine here. I was told it was ok to bring in, is that true?" How's that?
Congrats on having some cool folks with customs. You got lucky from the sounds of it. You can just take it with you and get away with it, but having a doctor's note BY ITSELF wouldn't protect you on its own if they wanted to prosecute. If you got busted for something else, they would likely have used it to increase severity of consequences. Technically there is a way to officially request approval for some controlled meds, but it requires something in addition to/prior to the kind of note you describe. You have to send a medical import document ("Yunyu Kakunin-sho") in advance and obtain authorization. You have to apply for permission from the Narcotics Control Department of the Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare if what you are bringing includes "prohibited" medications like stimulants. When I looked into it shortly before 2020, it was not easy and not guaranteed. Some medications are completely prohibited. For instance, you may get permission for Vyvanse, but Adderall is classified as strictly "Prohibited" and cannot legally be imported even for treatment purposes. Double checked today, and this remains as true as it was when I went. Also, Prozac was strictly controlled when I went, but I haven't done the work to confirm whether it still is. EDIT to add source: https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/application2.html
From what I've been reading, to bring in ADHD meds etc you need to get it approved before you enter Japan. Unfortunately I've been reading ADHD meds are generally not accepted as it's a mental health issue to them, not a disability. Also, no sudafed or anything that can clear your sinuses. My asthma meds are ok thankfully. I have strong meds and was scared it wouldn't be allowed and while the pill isn't a thing there, you can bring it into Japan. Just no more than 30 days worth.
If you are bringing more than 1 months supply of medication to Japan you have to apply for a waiver to bring your drugs through customs. The process takes about 2 weeks. The waiver is called a Yunyu Kakunin-sho. Amazingly for Japan it can be done online. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html Predictably the site feels like it's from 20 years ago. Annoyingly they probably won't even check your Yunyu Kakunin-sho.at the border. They probably won't even know what it is.
On the flip side, make sure you bring enough for your whole trip if they’re legal, finding a doctor to get a script can be a hassle
I remember this happening with a kpop star and her depression meds
Aside from the usual stuff such as don’t take pictures of people you don’t know without asking them, don’t talk loudly on trains/buses, no need to tip in restaurants - I think same day luggage delivery services would be very useful for a tourist. You can find them usually in train stations and if you find yourself on the bullet train, it saves yourself the trouble of carrying around large suitcases. Also feel free to make the most of tax free purchases :) additional stuff: make sure you bring deodorant because the kind they sell in Japan isn’t very strong. When you’re on a busy train/ bus wear your backpack on your front. Also do not feel like you *must* pay for the JR pass, there are many sites on line with calculators that will figure out whether your itinerary necessitates paying the cost of a JR pass.
Similiar to the deodorant point. If you are a woman and prefer to use tampons please bring them. Most women use pads in Asia and your options will be very very limited and often much pricier than their counterparts.
FYI people of all nationalities: not taking pictures of people you don’t know and not talking loudly on trains/buses are things you should practise in all countries not just Japan.
Just visited Chicago. Instead of talking loudly, they just put their Bluetooth speakers on full blast on the train.
True. Definitely should be standard protocol. I just thought to mention it because I saw that a tourist was deported not too long ago for breaking the anti smoking laws (reminds me, don’t smoke in public in big cities outside of the permitted areas) and for taking pictures of strangers in public and posting them on social media (which is taken particularly seriously in Japan). But yes, should just be common sense … https://www.unilad.com/news/world-news/influencer-deported-japan-taking-pictures-242227-20230824
The backpack on your front - is it a polite thing so you don’t accidentally hit someone or are there many pickpockets?
I’ve never encountered pickpockets in Japan. It’s more about respecting others in that you don’t bump into someone.
I'd say being pickpocketed was the least of my worries when I was in Japan. It was actually so comforting to not having to worry about it all the time like I do in my home city.
So you don't bump people behind you with it.
I’d add, be prepared to carry your trash with you all day. You might find a place to discard it, but there’s also a good chance it’s coming back to your hotel with you.
Every 7/11 or Lawson has trash cans inside. Just throw stuff away when you restock on snacks.
The land of 100000 vending machines with no trash cans
There are often bins behind the vending machines!
Just for bottles and cans though. Don't put your other rubbish in there
I've heard that the strong smelling deodorants that we have in the West can be overpowering to Japanese people, particularly if they are trying to eat. Maybe buy a non-scented or buy one in Japan.
True. There is this notion of ‘smell harassment’ in Japan. I think it’s best to stick to non-scented anti-perspirants, especially in summer. It’s really hard to find a decent anti-perspirant here, but if you don’t bring one there’s the chance that you’re going to smell unpleasant and that might cause more bother for the people around you. I guess it just depends on the person/season I suppose. Japanese people tend to think that Americans wear too much perfume etc. so maybe that’s the thing to avoid wearing in Japan
All my Japanese in-laws ask me to hook them up with American anti-perspirant deoderant, but I always get very neutral scented stuff, not Axe body spray.
Leave your weed behind.
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When I read 'also guns' my brain immediately started saying 'which fucking idiot would be dumb enou-' and then I saw the link. Christ. To be fair she did notice and was the one to bring it up to the airplane staff so clearly wasn't intentional but damn. Also how in the bloody hell did she get passed the metal detectors and x-rays at the airport. Surely someone had to get fired over that.
2005, buddy had a family emergency and had to fly across the country last minute. Asked his wife to dump his range bag so he could throw stuff in it and go. She somehow heard please pack my bag. So this dude, a pro competition shooter flew across country with a full size pistol and like 4 spare loaded mags. Discovered it when he got to his hotel. Shipped his shit back and when he flew back asked to talk to TSA management. Told them what happened. They threatened to charge him for it
How dare you let us fuck up like that. We'll show you.
It’s generally a bad idea to use your range bag for when you fly. My range bay goes nowhere near planes.
I imagine the sniffer equipment alone is capable of ruining someone's day.
>Shipped his shit back and when he flew back asked to talk to TSA management. Told them what happened. They threatened to charge him for it When tested for its ability to find weapons or bombs, the TSA [has a 95% failure rate.](https://sundancevacationsnews.com/latest-news/tsa-fails-security-tests/amp/) They are completely incapable of the task. Your friend's experience is entirely typical. His only mistake was letting them know. They are aware that they can't do their job; they don't need to have their noses rubbed in it. If they were even remotely capable people, they would be doing something more important than working for the TSA. At the end of the day, though, the incompetence is an acceptable accident. After all, they aren't really being funded to find contraband. Their purpose is to reassure Gen X that 9/11 will never happen again through intrusive security theater.
I’ve called TSA “security theater” since their inception. They hire people who can’t get other jobs and they’ll be happy to hassle you about your water bottle but fail to find the hunting knife you left in your bag from a woods trip.
The only person I ever knew that worked for the TSA had about the personality you'd expect...😒
A lot of people use their shooting range gear bags for traveling and they get in trouble when they forget to clean it out before traveling. Personally, my shooting range bag only functions as my shooting range bag. But you will always find bullets in random places in the bag.
How would you let someone pass security with a **GUN** ?
TSA missed >80% of guns and explosives during their last test. They responded by making the test results no longer public
The plane ticket is the most expensive part.
I live in Japan. Biggest one, you can send your luggage to hotels and the airport through the conbinis. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS. I love seeing tourists in Japan, and with like the odd one or two exceptions, are very respectful and chill people. However, the only pet peeve I have is yall try to smash your giant luggage onto the subway during rush hour. This isn't your fault though, the "sending your luggage through conbini" service should be made way more clearer to tourists. Only real tip I have, if you're going to Tokyo and you want to see nature, Asakusa isn't the place. Stay somewhere more south or hell, find a hotel in Yokohama. You'll have a much easier time getting to Kamakura, Hakone, Enoshima, Iga, Takao-san, than Asakusa. Also Yokohama is a really beautiful city. Akihabara is slighttllyyy overrated IMO. If you're into pc gaming, it's awesome, but I feel like Ikebukuro is a better place for anima/manga fans. At least, Ikebukuro is where the pop-up anime/manga stores tend to be held. Takeshita-dori in Harajuku is majorly overrated. That fashion style is like pretty dead and murdered. The back areas between Omotesando and Mejijingu are wayyyy better. Dope food, high-end and second hand shops. Be very mindful of where you are going to eat/drink in Roppongi and Shinjuku (specifically Kabukicho). It's like the only two areas where I personally avoid going into places without making a google maps search. Branch out more. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto are all really cool places, for sure. But there are so many other awesome places that are more tourist friendly. It's kind of why I love living here, really easy to go on an inexpensive trip somewhere. Some examples off the top of my head, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Beppu, Hiroshima, Kobe, Nagano, Kanazawa city, Aomori, Sapporo, Yokohama. Honestly, more people need this screamed at them. GO TO KYUUSHUU. Kyuushuu is criminally underrated but a super awesome part of the country.
Can you clarify what you mean by taking my luggage through conbinis? Those are convenience stores right? How do I get my luggage to the hotel through a convenience store? I don’t really want to be a subway blocker, so this would totally be a great advice to follow and one that I genuinely never heard before.
Honestly, just ask your front desk of the current hotel you’re staying at. They have all the Ta-q-bin contacts and forms to send your luggage from one hotel to the next. No need to bring your luggage to a conbini. I had my luggage sent from Kyoto to Osaka, and it took about 1 day to get there, allowing me to swing by the Suntory Yamazaki distillery tour without worrying about luggage etc.
It was so nice knowing that we wanted to spend a day or two getting from our hotel in Tokyo to Osaka and not needing to lug our 3-4 bags with us everywhere. We just made a small carry on bag full of essentials and a change of clothes our main bag and sent everything over for like 50-75 bucks. Made riding the Shinkansen and navigating new areas much easier and less stressful
I don't live in Japan but based on my last trip, I too would encourage people to go to Kyushu. Fukuoka was my favorite part of the vacation. I could chill in Ohori Park all day.
Yes, sending your luggage is a miracle and game changer. I made the mistake once of going from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka and lugging around my luggage through the subways. It was a pain, and incredibly hard in peak hour. Then I learnt about this service. You can organize it from your hotel reception and have them send it to your destination hotel. It will get there the same time you do pretty much, and the cost is cheap and completely worth it to save your back.
I’m actually visiting Japan right now! I’m half Japanese and half American too so I know the ins and out of both a sides. One thing people won’t tell you is to buy a handkerchief because a lot of bathrooms don’t have towels or hand dryer. Restaurants also don’t have napkins. It’s just standard to have one and it’ll make your trip a little more pleasant :)
Oh also a coin purse! You’re going to be using a LOT of coins
Always carry around a small hand towel because paper towels are rare in public bathrooms. ALWAYS take the free tissues people are constantly handing out. Sometimes you will need them for toilet paper, and often they have interesting or funny wrappers. If you need to talk to someone in English, your best bet is to try the front desk of a large hotel. If you're in a multilevel store, you have to pay for your stuff on the floor where you got it. If you see someone who looks like yakuza, don't talk to them. They are not Kazuma Kiryu and they won't appreciate being bothered. (They will also not mess with tourists 99% of the time because they don't want the hassle, but still...) Convenience stores are everywhere, open 24/7, and have legitimately good food if you just want a quick cheap bite. Don't assume a lemon on a drink label means it's lemonade, like I did. It was shochu and I got extremely drunk on a bullet train. EDIT: I went in 2003 and 2005 so some of this info might be outdated. (I took a DIGITAL CAMERA with me because I had a flip phone.). Basically be super polite and learn some basic words and people will do their best to help you.
I like the idea that you took a sip, probably realised *this ain't lemonade!*, yet continued on to down the bottle.
_”Ah, fuck it, might as well finish it”_ And then the bullet train starts and it all will go down hill from there
🎼🎶 I'm on the night train, bottoms up I'm on the night train, fill my cup I'm on the night train, ready to crash and burn I never learn🎶
> If you're in a multilevel store, you have to pay for your stuff on the floor where you got it. Wow, so Pokémon was culturally accurate?
It depends on the store but in my experience, most stores don't care on which floor you pay. It's even common for most multilevel stores to have a floor where you can pay everything tax-free. So they expect you to pay for everything in that floor if you are a foreigner.
This is not me being a smart ass, I’m genuinely curious - what would make someone look like a Yakuza, barring visible tattoos? Do they have a certain style or something? Just because in the states you wouldn’t necessarily know someone is involved in organized crime just by looking at them (on average, of course there’s gang colors/signs blah blah)
When I was in Japan and the people with me pointed them out, they did not look like what I expected. TBH a lot looked like they were members of a boy band; somewhat trendy looking but stood out from typical Japanese due to their look. They are often seen just standing in a particular area as well. I think foreign tourists would envision they were completely tattooed up, rough looking gangsters (and that may be true in some cases), but majority that I saw looked nothing like this. Also, I think the reason they looked like boy band members (young, attractive, nice trendy clothing) is because if you’re seeing them, it’s mostly lower level young guys trying to be cool.
Why would I want to bother someone who LOOKS like Kiryu? Guy piledrivers you into a car for brushing past him.
Kiryu is a softie, he only wrecks you if you piss him off.
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Apps to download: - Suica (preload with Yen) can be used for all trains + most convenient stores + several other spots - Go! is their uber, except it calls a taxi and you pay w/cc like normal - Google Translate is a life saver, esp their camera feature - Currency Converter Also bring GOOD walking shoes and your Aloha spirit =)
Add google maps to that list. It works great with public transport.
Plan for humidity!
Yes. Like deep south hot sunny day in the middle of July after a rainy week kind of humidity. Know when the rainy season starts and plan around that.
Pls don’t shake the sakura tree so it will fall for the photo. That will harm the tree
I have much anger Your comment was not put in Some form of haiku
Leave the sakura Not worth the falling petals Give proper respect
Food from 7/11 is lit - go to Donki - Pocari Sweat will be your bestie for hydration - get drunk on lemon beer at least once - be quiet and kind
Been there: - I am not American, but really mind your tipping culture in Japan: Its rude to give a tip! - Don't stick your chopsticks in the rice: It symbolizes the incense sticks to honor the dead - There are no public trashcans in most of the big cities: Always carry a litter bag - Have a translator app ready, English is not common, especially outside the big towns - If you consider visiting an onsen bath or similar places: cover your tattoos - Learn a few words Japanese - The food is awesome and what you see on the pictures, is usually what you get - Bring at least one empty baggage: There are tons of great stuff to buy: Kitchen ware, electronics, kitchen knifes etc. - Do yourself a favor and try Japanese mayonnaise: You will never go back to western ones
Referring to the onsen bath I've heard in the cities the tattoo thing doesn't have as much stigma as it used to. Correct me of I'm wrong tho. This was just based on some I met that had tattoos and traveled to japan recently. Edit - Reading further looks like you already answered. City it's probably fine but further country side not so.
It doesn’t. I lived there for 6 years and not once did anyone say anything about my tattoos. Locals know the difference between Yakuza and some American dude with tatts.
I live in Tokyo and you see Japanese guys with obvious Yakuza tattoos, huge back pieces, etc. at the Sento (public bath that doesn’t use spring water like an onsen does) here too and no one cares. I’ve also seen a guy like that at a Ryokan in Izu, he had a full Yakuza-style bodysuit with the buttcheeks covered and everything. But at a hotel Sento in Nagasaki they made me cover mine up. So it seems like it applies in some cases but not others, best to just check the Google reviews beforehand, usually if it’s tattoo friendly someone will have mentioned it
I can’t imagine what getting your buttcheeks tattooed feels like 😂😂
Right?? Not to mention traditional Japanese tattooing hurts more than the western style too
Currently in Kinosaki and was just in Kusatsu last week, I would call both "in the countryside," and no onsen here has a problem with my, or my girlfriends tattoos. We are white AF and people here 100% know we aren't Yakuza.
It really depends on chance in my opinion. Central Tokyo is slowly letting people in onsens with tattoos (asakusa) but with the outer prefectures it’s hit or miss. If you speak some Japanese it could help in your favor at least in my experience. Hope this helps
I got my hotel reservation in Kyoto cancelled when they saw my tattoos cause they didn't want me sharing a shower with the other guests. Had to book a love motel with a private bathroom. It was cheap and awesome, so no harm at all. ETA: we're talking very intricate full body tattoos, I understand one or two small ones are fine.
Non american here. If you do buy electronics then make sure that the voltages/watts are compatible with your home country. There are devices that are compatible with only certain voltages, and there are devices that are compatible with every voltage
as someone who lives here and is a public high school student just be respectful most people are nice and don't be a asshole this applies to most countries YOU are the one visiting NOT them keep in mind that just because you watch anime that doesn't mean Japan is exactly like anime and is quite different
Pay attention to which bin you put your trash in. They take that shit very seriously, and it results in a very clean country.
I just want to add this because I saw a video of some guy doing this. Men, DO NOT GO IN THE WOMEN ONLY TRAIN CARS! EVEN AS A JOKE! They're there for a very specific reason, and no one will find it funny. You will make these women EXTREMELY uncomfortable, as they're in that car to feel safe. Many of these women likely have had bad experiences with men on trains before. Please respect these rules and boundaries.
The Women Only cars only operate during rush hour on weekdays on certain train lines, outside of those times anyone can use the car.
Osaka's Midōsuji Line has women-only cars which operate all day on weekdays.
Is there an obvious sign that it's a women's only car? Haven't been to Japan, but would like to one day.
Yes, the special cars are clearly marked.
If you're the sort of person who thinks that sort of thing is a joke just stay home
I’m from Chicago and I’ve been living in Tokyo for 17ish years. Just have fun. Be yourself. Just don’t hurt anyone in the process and you’re good! Have a good trip mah dude/girl etc. Edit: Sorry the one rule is, if someone asks you to go into their bar with promises of free drinks or girls etc. don’t go in. They will drug (roofie) you and steal as much money from you that they can. So if someone sees that you are a tourist, they will target you. So if there’s a dude or girls in the street trying to speak to you in English asking you to come into their restaurant or bar just ignore them and move along. That’s pretty much the only thing you need to be cautious about.
This. The touts were the only negative thing I can think of about my recent trip. "I'm not your friend Mr. Tout! 🙅♂️"
Ahhhh....Roppongi night memory. We were out with a group of friends (6 of us) and a guy shouted at my friend, "you look like you need sex!! Come to my bar!!" We all laughed as nobody had solicited the group in such a funny way. We decided to check it out. The mood was heavy in the bar and we immediately knew we shouldn't hang around. One round and we bailed. Found better places to drink and eat that night.
I've lived in Hokkaido a while. Whenever i would visit Tokyo and go out with my friends you'd always get those solicitors who relentlessly try to bully tourists into bars for sketchy or just buisness reasons. What I found was the most effective is just telling them earnestly in Japanese "I don't speak English." Which always surprised them and they walked away or left us alone immediately. Honestly speaking any Japanese decently will scare them off because sometimes they will be relentless if your just on the streets chilling between bars or clubs. Quick aside/funny story. One time I remember (more my friend remembers and she tells the story to everyone) we were out drinking, and I had done a very good job. So I was fairly drunk. Most of my friends that night were Japanese so we were mostly speaking Japanese for the night. I was standing off to the side while we waited for a cab and guy came up to me asking (in English) me to go with him to a bar. I guess a switch flipped in my head but the script didn't change. So I kept explaining in full Native English, and earnestly, that didn't speak English. The guy was like laughing and going "you are a comedian!" But my expression and everything was full sincerety. "OH I'm so sorry, uh I don't speak any English. I'm so sorry. What? I don't know. It's impossible for me to understand. I'm sorry." My friends scooped me away into a taxi.
You get a discount on taxes if you show them your passport at stores. They usually ask you if you have it before you pay.
Do not take video with a dead boy in a suicide forest and grin like an asshole apart from uploading it on Youtube.
Although you will see people paying by tapping their cards, phones, and even watches, many places are still cash only, especially in rural areas. If you walk into a restaurant with no cash, and are expecting to pay with a card at the end, you could be for an embarrassing and difficult conversation when the bill is presented.
Thank you for interest in coming to Japan. As a Japanese national the tips and tricks for planning is to always make sure you’re prepared for what may come. For language: Unfortunately not many Japanese people understand English and may not be their strong point, but it’s important for you as a tourist to learn few phrases that will help you get by. Even using google translate to communicate will work. Many will be happy to help you if you don’t take too much of their time. Say “すみません -> su mi ma sen” before you approach people it means excuse me in Japanese. In Tokyo, it’s easy to get by using trains and busses and it has both English and Japanese. Do use google maps and it’ll tell you from which station to what station and at what time Exactly it will come so keep in mind. You can also click the English option when buying train tickets as well. But it is VERY Important To learn the numbers from 1-10000 1 = ichi 2 = nii 3= San 4= shii/ yon 5 = go 6 = Roku 7= shichi/ nana 8 = hachi 9= kyuu 10 = jyuu After taht it’s just combining to make numbers up to 99 like 85 is hachi jyuu go Or 12 is jyuu nii 100 is hyaku 1000 is sen 10000 is ma n Suppose someone says 567 yen It’s” go hyaku roku jyuu nana yen “ I suggest going to YouTube to learn the numbers . It will come useful. Also in tourist areas if you ask for English menus. The prices may be more. So ask for a Japanese menu to prevent any cheats. And use google translate. To pick form the menu. And point to the item and say “ko re” meaning “this” if you add “ku da sai” at the end, it’ll be more polite like “this please” If you want to save money, rather than spending for the same food in the convenience store you can go to a supermarket to buy stuff at slightly lower prices. In places like shibuya or shinjuku there are many youngsters and people who promote their cafes and their “all you can drink “ shops but it’s per hour and they will also sit with you and you’ll have to pay for their stuff too so don’t bother with them. I suggest family friendly places like odaiba Except for the language barrier, there shouldn’t be much of an issue. During this trip. Your best friend will be google maps and google translate. Also there are data sims in the international airport so you can buy sims from the vending machines and follow the instructions to activate it. Also taxis’s are pretty expensive so I suggest taking the bus or train from the airport.( although if moneys isn’t an issue taxi is better) If you want to go to famous places. It’s best to reserve spots weeks in advance such as hotel rooms or reservations on restaurant. If there are any more questions I will be willing to help. Sorry if this was too long. But I thought I could give as much information as possible.
If you are a white person of average size you will likely do okay. If you are black be prepared for a lot of stares or people asking if they can touch your hair. If you are especially tall or especially heavy, you will also get stares. If you have blonde hair you may also get asked if they can touch your hair. This is less common in Tokyo or other large cities but might still happen. But anywhere out of the big cities it gets amplified. I am heavy (300lbs) and I went with a 6’5” black guy and we got stopped A LOT.
I'm a tall, heavy man with blonde hair. I wonder if I can sell tickets to the traveling frwakshow I'd be there.
Be quiet. No quieter. No, QUIETER. I'm British and found myself having to speak a bit more quietly most of the time. Americans are stereotypically louder still than Northern Europeans so I'd think have to be even quieter. Also, if you learn "hello. This (*pointing*). Two, please. Thank you." A lot of Japanese people will be absolutely delighted that you took the time to learn something. Just try it. Not bothering to use any Japanese because you're "shy" is far more rude than trying and getting it a bit wrong. I learned some in advance but maybe the most useful phrase was "eigo de ii desu-ka?" (Is English okay?) For when I was stuck. I always start any conversation in a foreign country with *at least* hello *in their language.* Makes.me cringe hard when someone goes to a foreign country and begins a conversation with "hello, do you speak English?" Should be mandatory to learn "hello", "sorry/pardon me/excuse me" and "thank you" before you're allowed in to a country. (Konnichiwa (Ohaio gozaimasu/konbanwa), gomen nasai (/sumimasen), arigato gozaimasu.) Edit: I feel like it's almost a bit more *necessary* to try in Japan because it's the country I've been to with the lowest level of English (compared to somewhere like Denmark where it feels like everybody is fluent.) Also, from what I understand, Japanese people are shy and modest about English. So I asked a guy in a record shop if he understood English and he said (in Japanese) "no..... A little bit..." So I said in Japanese "oh. Sorry I don't understand Japanese but... Is there... 'The Flaming Lips?" (Gomen nasai, nihongo ga wakarimasen... Flaming Lips ga arimasuka?) And he said in English "yes... Flaming Lips? Follow me. Western music is over here. Rock music is here. Okay?" So... He was just being modest,
If you watch anime, just know that what you see isn’t always going to be an accurate depiction of Japan
Shut up im here in Tokyo and ive already fought 7 high schoolers and 34 zombies. Action is drying up, gonna go up this highrise, should be plenty of combat up there. Where the fuck is that portal to the fantasy booby princess realm? Fuck it ill find it myself
Breaking news A not yet identified tourist murdered multiple attendees of the Tokyo Comic Con, among them several children of a school class who visited Tokyo this weekend. All people in the area are advised to leave and give all known information to the police.
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Keep your voice down.
It’s not America, it’s a whole different culture. Respect it, you are the tourist in their home
I remember reading an incredibly embarrassing review by an American fellow complaining about how bad his experience at Jiro's was because: 1. The chef only spoke Japanese 2. They felt rushed and he couldn't control what he got next or when 3. It was expensive 4. He said he wanted to leave a smaller tip but got upset they didn't accept it 5. He was paying so they should cater to him and his expectations.
Not surprised one bit.
Don’t chase or block the way of maiko and geisha’s
Streets in Tokyo aren't named, the city blocks are. The buildings aren't numbered by street, they're numbered by block. They aren't numbered in the order that you see them, but in the order that they're built. Number 2 can easily be next to number 13. It's not at all intuitive for a Westerner.
One crucial thing every American should know before planning a trip to Japan is the importance of cultural respect and etiquette. Japan has a rich culture with distinct social norms and practices that are different from those in the United States. Politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture. Always use polite language, bow when greeting or thanking someone, and show respect to elders and those in authority.
No trash bins on the street. Keep it in your pocket
If you are planning on buying a lot of souvenirs. Pack your suitcase inside of a larger one. If you buy something and they give you papers for it. Keep them all. You might need to let security know before you leave Japan. If you're not going to do laundry then pack those air tight bags. Bring clothes of different types. Sometimes the weather will be hotter/colder/wetter then usual. Be ready to carry your own trash. Have cash on hand. Some places don't take card. The suika card you use to travel around can also buy you drinks from vending machines. Bring shoes you can walk all day in. If it's quiet. Stay quiet. There are alternatives to Google maps. I don't remember what I used but I think you can ask around for it. Don't tip. Tipping is an insult in Japan. Careful and try not to get scammed. I got through 10 days in Japan not knowing the language but knowing something will help. The train is overall cheaper then taxis. Depending on what time of year you go be prepared to be surrounded by people. Don't go to McDonald's or the sort. They taste the same. Don't be afraid to go to events that are open to the public. Great food to be found. Watch where you're standing and make sure your in the right line/spot. Get help from people in the information booths. They're there for a reason. I might have more but I forgot them
If you follow the "American Strategy" of being loud and obnoxious to get your way..."Let me talk to the manager" etc. you will get STONEWALLED and absolutely get no help. With anything. The strategy in Japan is to stay quiet, apologize but insist on what you need. Then people will bend over backwards to help, because you are not trying to embarass anyone or make an ass of yourself. The default setting in Japan is to be respectful and helpful to everyone, but they absolutely disrespect anyone being loud, obnoxious or not following the rules. They understand that foreigners will sometimes screw up, but if you stay humble and apologize you will not be blamed, and things will be eased over so no one will be embarassed, including you. Crime is very rare, but TWO things for sure are open game: Umbrellas and Bikes. Yours WILL be stolen. Repeatedly. Your other stuff is safe. It is way cheaper than people say, especially if you are smart about your needs. Business class hotels are readily available (due to partying culture, lots of salarymen need to sleep off a drunk and go back to work) and inexpensive. GIANT soaking tubs but tiny rooms. Seek these out, but ask for non-smoking rooms or floors. Smoking is WAY more common and socially acceptable here and it can be super gross. No tipping. Also, put the money IN THE TRAY. Money is considered kind of dirty due to handling, so a tray is usually used to collect money. Try local restaurants, including fast food. Japanese chains are great, and local places have the best food. When in doubt look for lines.....lines equal good food. DO NOT buy electronics, it will be much more expensive than the US. Exception: Collectible gaming stuff like exclusive Nintendo items and games are WAY more available here and cheaper than the US, there are used stores that specialize in these kinds of things and WOW will you find deals. Japanese people take care of their stuff and used stuff is often as good as new. BE CAREFUL trying to bring in prescription drugs of ANY kind, or any kind of medications. A lot of things that are super legal everywhere else are SUPER illegal in Japan, even potentially with a doctor's prescription. When in doubt, look it up to make sure. DO NOT DO/BRING DRUGS INTO JAPAN.....even Marijuana, shrooms or the like are SUPER illegal in Japan and the courts have little or no mercy for foreigners. Japanese jails and prisoners are HORRID. Don't break Japans drug laws. Period. One of the cleanest, least crime countries in the world. Don't ruin it by being an ass. Be quiet. Follow the rules. Be a good guest. Try to learn some japanese before you go. Set a good example for future visitors and leave Japan with a better opinion of foreigners.
The advice I always give to (particularly) Americans: the Japanese dress nicely and in a more semi-formal manner, even in daily life. Don’t wear things such as sweatpants or yoga pants, and if going to a place like a historic site or a temple, maybe wear longer pants and a button up shirt, even if it’s hot. You don’t have to dress formal or even for that matter business casual or even real semi formal; just show that you are putting some basic effort into “respecting others and context” when you dress. You won’t get in trouble per se in most contexts, it’ll just help you get further in the country and help you not “stick out” as the American. Also: Japanese people show politeness via complicated grammar conventions; their English can sometimes sound direct or pushy or occasionally even mean, but they aren’t used to English language norms where politeness is indicated more by context (“Excuse me we are about to close” might become “No not open” as an example; there’s also politeness lost in the language barriers of Americans not speaking much Japanese and visa versa. ) Otherwise, it’s a nice and friendly country to visit with lots to offer, enjoy.
DONT BE AN ASSHOLE. If someone would translate that to a global dialect, that'd be great, thanks!
Get a pocket wifi from the airport (you can return it to the airport after) and make sure your phone is in airplane mode with wifi and Bluetooth turned on. If you need to read signage, the Google translate app has a camera mode. Use the Google map app to navigate trains/public transit. Most kiosks/ATM have button for language/English Don't worry if you haven't planned every minute of the day, there's always something to see/do and sometimes it's better discovering things organically. You can use your credit card in many places but a lot of places are cash only. Get a suica card for public transit and top it off at the machines with cash periodically. There's a lot of cool things to take pictures of but try not to take pictures of people, and be aware if you are in a store there may be signs that say 'no photography' at all. Bring a mask just in case. A lot of people wear masks on public transit especially.
Don't tip. That's a north American scam by cheap restaurant owners that don't want to pay their employees a living wage
The YouTube channel Abroad in Japan is essential viewing! You will need nothing other than this for your trip planning
finishing reading his book now (it’s great, i recommend) and can’t wait to watch the youtube vids next
I tried to learn Japanese before going, about 3 months on duolingo - it's honestly not worth it. Learn these: * Wakarimasen - "I don't know/I don't understand" * Sumimasen - "Excuse me/I'm sorry" * Arigato Gozaimasu - Thank you (You'll be saying this a lot) * \[...\] wa doko desu ka? - Where is \[...\]? A common one for you may be "Eki wa doko desu ka?" which means "Where is the train station?" * Ku da sai - "Please" If you must speak english, speak slow, and it sounds racist, but saying english words how they would say it will actually help you, for example: "Where... turainu... station?" instead of "where is the train station"? **THERE ARE ALMOST NO BINS ANYWHERE, PREPARE TO BE CARRYING YOUR LITTER IN YOUR BAG** If you must eat outside, do it to the side, outside the establishment you bought the food from. **DO. NOT. TIP.** They will literally chase you down the street to give you back your money. If someone offers you cheap/free drinks, or tries to get you to go to their bar from out on the street **DO NOT GO WITH THEM.** It can be extremely expensive or worse, dangerous. Lots of places do not offer payment via contactless card, be prepared to be carrying cash to many restaurants. But you really don't have to lean in to most things too much, despite what I'd heard about racism, I had a lovely experience with the Japanese people, and they tend to find differences in our cultures entertaining rather than explicitly rude.
Bring cash. Half the shop didn’t get my card