Before you embark on your long-awaited journey to Japan, it would be a good idea to check if you are prepared for this trip or not. Japan might seem like it’s the ideal destination for your vacation, but this country has its strict rules, and by breaking even one of them your vacation might as well turn into a nightmare. Here are some tips to prepare you for your trip.
In Japan you can use only Japanese Yen. Preferably cash. Most places don’t support credit cards, so it’s better to have some cash with you at all times. When you arrive in Japan, the best choice for currency exchange would be the airport. The lines might be a tad bit too long, but that’s worth it believe me. Otherwise you’ll have to exchange your money in the post offices, which have even longer lines. You will find a checklist which you will have to fill in before you can exchange your money. It’s better to get done with the checklist before getting in the line.
In Japan plugs are of 100V, power sockets of type A and B, and the standard frequency of 50/60Hz. They have have two non-polarized pins. You are most likely going to need a power plug adapter.
If you’re here for a short trip you probably won’t need to get a new phone number since the temporary ones are quite expensive. If you do want to get one take a look at our handy guide on how SIM Card providers compare or, you can ask around in the airport. The biggest mobile network provider companies in Japan are Docomo, Softbank and AU. However, you can get a portable WiFi instead. You need to fill out online application to one of these providers (they usually have English webpages) and get it in the airport or have it delivered to your hotel room. Doing these just a couple of days before your arrival should suffice. This is a fairly cheap and very convenient option.
Skinship. This word doesn’t really exist in English, but is an important aspect of the Japanese culture. As you might have guessed it refers to physical contact, intimacy even. In other words when you meet a Japanese friend, don’t hug or kiss them. Even a handshake might be considered weird. A bow will do for a greeting. In Japan physical contact is kept for private situations. This is also why you probably won’t see many couples holding hands (though this is changing in the recent years), and especially kissing in public.
When conversing to Japanese people make sure not to be very pushy. Most Japanese people can’t say no or refuse directly, a cultural thing really. As a result you see many Japanese people being cornered (literally) by foreigners, looking scared and unable to defend themselves. You might mean well, but keep in mind that Japanese people find most of the foreigners scary to an extent. Especially if you are of big stature, tall and muscular. It’s nothing personal against you, but rather a cultural reaction.
If by some chance you end up taking a taxi, keep in mind that you’re most likely going to pay a fortune for it. But that’s not what I’m going to tell you about. In Japan taxi doors open and close automatically, unless you sit in the front, so try not to fuss too much about it. Make sure to fasten your seat belts too. You might even hear a recording in English play for you as soon as you get all seated telling you to fasten your seat belts.
Talking about cars, if you ever end up renting one, or having to drive a car in Japan keep in mind that you need to drive on the left side of the street. However each prefecture in Japan has different rules for foreign drivers’ licenses, so make sure to check them out before your trip.
When in Japan you will be expected to take your shoes off in many places, from hotels to Buddhist temples, friend’s house/apartment and even in a changing room of many stores. Japanese kids even take their shoes off when they arrive at their schools. You might be provided with slippers in some cases. This is a national thing, and a means of keeping these places clean. If you go into any of the above mentioned without taking your shoes off, you will be considered to be extremely rude.
One of the things that the tourists look forward to in Japan are the hot springs. But these too, like many other places in Japan have designated rules, and you must follow them. For starters, most hot springs don’t allow people with tattoos. It’s better to check this beforehand not to come across any problems, or even be asked to leave the premises. Tattoos in Japan are associated with the yakuza, Japanese mafia, so it’s no wonder that most Japanese people find people with tattoos scary. When you are in the hot springs, before jumping in keep in mind to wash your body first. Oh, and one more important thing, you will have to go in fully naked. Wearing a swimsuit to a hot spring will be very much frowned upon. When you’re done, wash your body once more before leaving. The same rules apply to public baths.
I have mentioned in some of my previous articles, that most of your travels in Japan will take place on trains. It is important to keep in mind, that in Japanese public transportation one is not allowed to talk, including on phone, or be loud altogether. If you are using Shinkansen, the bullet train, you will have to leave your seat and use your phone in the designated area. Japanese people are very sensitive when it comes to public order and manners. Most trains have announcements, which tell you this exact thing.
Unlike many European countries, in Japan you are not allowed to smoke on the streets. If you are found by the police with a cigarette in your hand you will be fined a massive amount of money. Instead you can smoke in most of the bars, pubs and hubs, as well as restaurants. Sometimes you might find ashtrays in front of the convenience stores. If that’s the case feel free to smoke outside too.
These are some of the most common things that the foreigners seem to neglects when coming to Japan, yet they are merely the tip of the iceberg! Nonetheless, if you keep these in mind you are bound to have a safe and enjoyable trip, without anybody giving you weird glances and looks. I hope this article manages to help you spend quality time in Japan!