The World’s easternmost country has always been on the minds of travelers. The Orient is a very charming, unique and yet extremely mysterious place that has enchanted people from all over the world throughout the ages. However, this mystery itself makes it hard for many foreigners to enjoy their trips to the Land of the Rising Sun. The country was closed off to the outside world for more than two hundred years during the Tokugawa Era (160-1868), and even though you can now freely visit Japan, you will probably feel very lost here. There are just way too many differences from West; be it the way people think, act, or the way society is built.
If you are planning to travel to Japan for the first time, whether as a tourist, school, or work you will have a much better experience if you do some research before your journey to the country. This article will tell you some of the must-know facts about Japan and I hope it will help you with your future travels!
Without further ado let us dive into the mysterious world of Japan.
Transportation – Unlike most Western countries, 90% of your travel is going to be done by public transportation. The public transportation system in Japan is extremely efficient. Be it a train or a bus, everything is scheduled to exacting precision. Even though this is very convenient and reliable it can also be a bit of a pain in the neck. When I came to Japan for the first time as a tourist, I thought that I could manage to catch the bus even if I was a couple minutes late. The only thing I managed to do was to see the back of the bus as it was leaving on time according to schedule. Make sure to be careful how you time your travel.
Shrines and Temples – If you are in Japan then it is a given you will want to visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Some of these can be extremely majestic and leave a huge impression on you. However it would not be a bad idea to keep in mind that most of the temples close to public after 17:00, while the majority of the shrines can be visited even during the nighttime.
Medical Masks – You will most certainly see a lot of people wearing medical masks in Japan. But fret not! This is not a sign of an epidemic or anything of the like. People in Japan wear medical masks when they are sick, do not have any makeup on, do not want their faces to be seen or just in general try to blend in with the public and be ignored. This being said, foreigners wearing medical masks might get some stares from the natives.
Vending Machines – Japan has vending machines for pretty much any purpose: alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, ramen, fruits, ice-cream, cigarettes, toys, etc. They are literally everywhere. The best thing about the vending machines in Japan is that they provide you with cold, as well as hot drinks. An amazing appliance for the hot summers and cold winters of Japan. But then again, do not overdo it! Vending machines tend to charge you more than a store would, and there is probably a combini (convenience store) just around the corner.
Combini – Talking about the combini, I just want to let you know these are one of the most convenient things I have ever experienced in my whole life! These type of stores are open 24/7 and you can get practically anything there (food, drinks, snacks, makeup appliances, underwear and tights, gloves and hats, etc there is literally no end to it). In a combini you can use the toilet, get connected to free wifi, heat up your food and even get hot or iced coffee from the coffee machine! Quite amazing no?
Restaurants and Cafes – In most Japanese restaurants and cafes you will be served water or tea when seated. This varies from place to place and season to season. For example, during summer you may be served ice water or iced tea, while in winter it will most likely be hot tea. This is complimentary and you can get refills as many times as your heart desires.
Shoes – This is perhaps one of the most important things you want to know about Japan. When entering somebody’s home you will be expected to take your shoes off at the entrance. You may or may not be given some slippers to wear. Entering your host’s house with your shoes on can be taken as an insult. As a matter of fact, you might be asked to take your shoes off when entering the changing rooms of a clothes store. Additionally, you will be required to remove your shoes when entering some very old and famous temples. In general, try to wear shoes that are easy to take off and put back on since that is something you will probably do frequently during your stay in Japan.
Skinship (Public Display of Affection) – As a Westerner myself, I usually greet my friends with a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. When making a new acquaintance I usually exchange a handshake. That’s pretty common and normal right? Well, not in Japan. Do not get very touchy-feely with your Japanese friends, hosts, and acquaintances. In Japan skinship is only reserved for close family and in a place away from the public eyes. You will probably see a lot of couples walking around the cities of Japan not holding hands and especially not kissing in the public. This is considered to be very embarrassing. In short, know your boundaries.
Onsen (Hot Springs) – Now this is something that’s talked about a lot around the world. Japan is situated above a huge number of volcanoes, hence it is not very surprising that the country is overflowing with hot springs. They have been a part of Japanese culture since ye olden times! However, entering one might be quite shocking for a Western tourist. For starters, you have to be naked from head to toe! Quite an interesting experience believe me. Make sure to at least rinse your whole body before getting into the water, and get a thorough shower afterwards. Nonetheless, entering an onsen feels amazing! Do not miss the opportunity to experience this, even if it is embarrassing to get naked in front of dozens of strangers! 😉
Japan is not anime – This might sound like something very obvious, but I have met so many people who think that Japan is identical to its portrayal in an anime but believe me it is not. Like any other country, Japan too, has its quirks. While Japanese people are some of the kindest I’ve ever met in the whole world, it doesn’t mean that you will be treated nicely all of the time. You may be looked down on just because you are a foreigner. There are also a lot of internal problems which will not be visible to the casual observer whose visit lasts a couple weeks or months. Even if the country is the dream of every otaku (hardcore anime fan) it will most probably be quite different from their expectations.
Japan is an extremely unique and pleasurable travel destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime
