Travel Tips visiting Japan - Exclusive Japanese Villa Fooga 風雅

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Cash

Transportation

Language

Local rules

Shopping

Supermarket

Hot Spring (Onsen)

Night life

Do’s and Don’ts

Souvenirs

1. Cash

When you visit Japan, it is better to know that as you get into local area, better to bring Japanese cash with you (at least several JP 1,000 bills and some small change). Often times, country side basses or shops do NOT accept credit card. I saw many foreigners having trouble when they tried to get on a bus and being refused.

2. Transportation

Booking/buying transportation tickets in Japan of is very complicated even for Japanese people like us.

One good solution: Highly recommended to buy prepaid e-money card called “Suica”, “ICOCA”, or “PASMO” sold at major railway stations at JR (Japan Railway) or Major Subway stations.

3. Language

One of the top issue you might feel concerned will be language barrier. In the most of cases, there are only some people who can respond by English.

However, also better to know that in any case, Japanese people will do their best to understand you and to explain to you using familiar English words they know.

4. Local rules

We have some local rules which I think it worth knowing in advance.

Eating in public space: Not so recommended especially in public transportation space.

Speaking loud: Not so recommended especially in public transportation space.

Avoid commuting trains on weekdays: Better not to take trains in urban areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka in the morning, esp. from 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 am. It is a mess and if you have to take it, don’t get angry if someone push you. It is allowed to do so on the commuting trains only. Too many people living in cities in Japan, much worse than London tubes.

Standing in line (e.g. escalator): Stand on the left hand side in Tokyo and most of the cities in Japan. In Kyoto and Osaka, it is opposite: Stand on right hand side. (more European standardized)

Always anywhere, the 1st come, 1st serve: This is very strict. If you cut into the line even it was by intentionally or not, you will be seen super rude person.

6. Supermarket

Whenever I travel, it is one of my happy time to visit local supermarket. It is also same when I visit a new city or town in Japan. Supermarkets are very good space to understand local life by yourself. In major cities, you can use credit card with no problem, so no worries.

7. Hot Spring (Onsen)

One of the top activities in Japan is definitely to go and enjoy Japanese Spa called “Onsen”, meaning hot springs.

Please remember that at Onsen (or at any public bath), you may not wash your bodies in the pool and also do not wear anything (must be naked). If you know the Baden-Baden in Germany, Onsen is a same concept of that Spa. Everyone goes by naked. So no worries. 🙂

8. Night life

In Japan, especially at Osaka, or at Tokyo, you may encounter unfamiliar concept bar called “Club” (called Host club, or cabaret club in Japanese English). Those are definitely not suitable for you. You have to pay JP 10,000 or more for just staying there for 1 hour. Instead, I recommend to go to pure “Karaoke” (it is not Karaoke in Asia, that is the same of above strange Club). or midnight open normal bar or casual restaurant called “Izakaya”. You may see local Japanese having fun by healthy way (singing and talking).

9. Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s: Ask someone who wear suits and looks nice and kind when you need someone’ help in English.

Don’ts: Making big noise or quarrel in public space. You will be regarded not civilized person from somewhere.

10. Souvenirs

Before going to airport on your way back to home country, highly recommended to visit department stores or supermarket or JP 100 Yen shops; a Dollar stores (“Daiso”, “Can Do” , “Seria” etc.) .