Japan is considered one of the top places to visit and spend quality time with family and friends or alone. This beautiful place is filled with immense culture, traditions, royal palaces, stunning buildings, technology, and whatnot. Japan is not only for anime lovers or tech wizards but also for foodies and people who are curious about its history. However, with so many activities to perform and enjoy, it is crucial to know a few things in advance. In this guide, we will walk you through the five essential tips that you should know before visiting Japan, and that will help you enjoy your visit to the fullest.
Discover the 5 Essential Tips You Should Know Before Visiting Japan
1. Avoid Eating in Public
Foreigners are always advised to avoid eating in public because it is considered deviant behavior. Although eating while sitting somewhere is still tolerable, the Japanese never expect people to eat while walking. However, there are still a few exceptions, like eating a boxed meal, which is also called bentō in Japenese, on a bullet train or some reserved-seat limited-express trains. If you are celebrating a festival, enjoying a picnic, or visiting market streets with food vendors, you can enjoy ice cream but not any other meal while walking.
2. Say No to Tipping
Giving tips is quite popular in America but not in Japan. It is considered a cultural disrespect or a bad omen if you give someone just an extra amount of money. Some foreigners are unaware of this fact, which confuses them while setting out the bill. Sometimes, tour guides or fancy bars that mainly serve tourists might expect extra, but it is something you don’t need to worry about. They quickly incorporate a 10% service charge on your bill, which is equivalent to your tip. So, just pay your bill without giving extra, and appreciate them for their hard work.
3. Learn About the Weather
When you are planning to visit Japan, it becomes crucial to be prepared for the weather in advance because it can really affect various tourist attractions. If you are coming in the summer, always carry water and foldable umbrellas with you because summers here are pretty hot and humid. Late June and July are not great seasons to enjoy in Japan since it’s the time for the rainy season, and it can rain without end for days; this can last a few weeks or through most of July. During September and early October, there are high chances of typhoons in the area, which can cause serious destruction.
4. Carry Cash
Although Japan is quite a high-tech country, with technologies booming at their peak, in some of its rural areas, it is still uncommon to make cashless payments. Therefore, it becomes necessary for you to carry cash whenever you visit rural areas or some small restaurants. At various street food places, multiple stalls also do not accept credit or debit cards, which makes cash a vital aspect. Remember that if you are paying with cash or a card, if you want to do it in Japanese, then place your money or card in the small tray at the register rather than hand it to the cashier.
5. Pack Light
Japan is a country where renting or buying accommodation is quite costly. Hotel rooms are pretty small, especially in famous cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. So, fitting all your large luggage into those tiny rooms and also carrying them on public transport is quite a hassle. Which automatically makes packing on the lighter side a win-win option. Before packing any short dress or shorts, remember that religious sites, restaurants, and bars have a dress code, which means no one should wear sleeveless or revealing clothes. Here, while dining in cafes or restaurants, you need to sit on the floor, which can be uncomfortable in shorts or tights.
Bottom Line
Japan is a place where people love peace and enjoy their own company. These certain etiquettes help create a nice society where foreigners can also feel at home without disturbing the whole environment. With a few essential tips, like avoiding eating in public, saying no to tipping, learning about the weather in advance, carrying cash, and packing light, your journey to Japan will be a flourishing one. So, get ready to enjoy this wonderful country filled with amazing people.