“Japanese tradition is about respecting your setting and the individuals round you. Do not speak in your cellphone on public transit and in confined areas round different individuals.

Additionally, savoring your meals is a crucial present of respect, so do not eat whereas strolling. As a substitute, sit down and revel in every chew.

And be ready to carry onto your trash across the metropolis whereas touring and sightseeing — probabilities of discovering a trash can are slim to none! Locals typically carry a small bag to hold the day’s trash till they get residence. Japan could be very clear, and you will find public bogs to be spotless in comparison with different nations. Principally, attempt to depart no hint.”

— Tyler Monahan, New Jersey-based assistant golf caddie supervisor married to a Japanese citizen. He has made three journeys to Japan totaling 155 days.

“Trains are exceedingly punctual, so two minutes is a giant deal — if it is not arriving on the actual time, it is a totally different practice! For those who miss a practice in a giant metropolis like Osaka or Tokyo, one other will likely be there in minutes, so do not sweat it. Within the countryside although, it may very well be hours, or tomorrow!

Additionally, know the idea of “final practice.” The complete practice scene, each private and non-private, shuts down roughly between midnight and 5 a.m., which may appear a bit early in massive cities, so be warned. In rural areas, it may be a lot earlier. Be ready to take a cab, or when you’re into it, discover this nocturnal world — maybe at a jazz membership that stays open till the primary practice begins — which in massive cities is a whole financial system unto itself.” 

— Henry Rose, Seattle-based architect, who has made greater than 10 journeys to Japan.

“Exchanging ‘meishi’ is a wonderful, and severe, custom in Japan. Playing cards are introduced with each fingers and a deep bow. It’s also one of the crucial surprising and enjoyable icebreakers you should utilize to fulfill new individuals.

Get playing cards printed solely in Japanese — you should utilize Google Translate for the interpretation. The employees at Kinkos — situated in all main cities in Japan — will stroll you thru the entire course of. After this, locals will likely be shocked, and completely delighted, that you’ve meishi for them. Throughout my final journey to Japan, I had 100 playing cards printed in Kyoto. I handed them out throughout the remainder of the journey, all the time to smiles.”

— Oliver Horovitz, New York Metropolis-based journey author who has visited Japan 3 times.

“Naked toes in Japan is a giant no-no. Vacationers ought to anticipate to take away their footwear typically in Japan and may all the time have socks on once they achieve this. The removing of footwear may even occur in locations which are surprising, like a restaurant.

Additionally, it’s common to have slippers on the entrance to public bogs, with the expectation that restroom guests use these slippers and return them promptly. You should definitely solely pack and put on your finest (clear and hole-free) socks whereas in Japan. When you have a set of enjoyable or attention-grabbing socks, put on them in Japan the place they will really be seen and admired!” 

— Jolaine Pfeifer, Aspen, Colorado-based college administrator. She has made 9 journeys to Japan, on prime of spending her center and highschool years in Yokosuka.

“Relaxation assured, the one resemblance these little oases need to their U.S. counterparts is within the title! Shops like 7-Eleven and Lawson are immaculately clear and have absolutely anything you may want, together with a number of go-to objects that I hunt down every time:

• A terrific collection of onigiri, that are sandwich-sized rice triangles wrapped in seaweed and crammed with issues like salmon, tuna, eggs and pickled plum.

• The espresso — particularly at 7-Eleven. The automated state-of-the-art machines grind the beans and brew a number of the finest espresso I’ve had, with a number of desire choices like temperature, brew power, milk, sweeteners and flavors.
• These little bottles of flavored vitamin C pictures known as You-C1000, which I tremendously appreciated within the winter on Hokkaido backcountry ski adventures. They arrive in tasty flavors like apple, orange or lemon and are a helpful approach to get vitamin C every day.”

— Jeffrey Cole, Colorado-based management coach, who has made 4 journeys to Japan, spanning the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern island of Miyakojima.

“Not solely is the structure a blast, with a distinct division on each stage — however the merchandise is intensive and distinctive. There are 60 shops across the nation, and so they give attention to passion, residence enchancment and way of life merchandise.

It is an awesome place to seek out reasonably priced, non-touristy items. They’ve one of the best pens, papers, and organizers, in addition to tenting provides — if it is small, environment friendly, and sensible, they’ve it!