Dubbed the “Land of the Rising Sun,” Japan attracts thousands of tourists every year. This country, rich in history, has a total of 21 World Heritage Sites. From national parks and hot springs to stunning landscapes and spectacular beaches, Japan is an excellent destination for adventures and creating unforgettable memories.
Each of the country’s four seasons has its own renowned attraction. During winter, Japan is famous for skiing, while summer is a perfect time to check out lively festivals and spectacular fireworks. Spring brings about the experience of watching the famed cherry blossoms, and in autumn, colorful autumn leaves draw in just as many visitors.
Japan’s low crime rate makes the place conducive whether for a short vacation or a long-term stay. If you are wondering where to stay in Tokyo, you do not have to worry as availability of accommodations are plenty. For instance, you can rent luxury apartments in Tokyo by searching online or using a real estate agent.
Tip! Make the most out of your Japan trip! Book the best Tokyo photographers for a photoshoot!
These accommodations vary depending on the length of your stay and your preferences. You can find fully furnished apartments conveniently if you are only visiting Japan for a month. However, if you are staying longer, you may find bare flats more beneficial.
With its impressive culinary traditions, Japan is also famous for being a gastronomic heaven to food lovers around the world. For those who adore architecture, design, and the arts, Japan has a collection of fantastic museums and superb galleries. Japan is perfect for all types of travelers who want to go out and explore – especially if you’re planning a Japan honeymoon!
Things to Know Before Going To Japan
If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful country, here are eight things to know before going to Japan.
And if you’re planning to live in Japan, here are the pros and cons of living in Japan as an American woman.
Make Tokyo your jumping-off point
Visiting Japan is unquestionably one of those bucket-list destinations for many people. Tokyo and its 37 million residents draw nearly as many tourists year after year, and anyone who has visited this bustling city or has explored other areas of the country will tell you that it is well worth it. Japan is an assault on the senses in the best possible way. Friendly locals, fascinating history, amazing food, rich culture and so many amazing things to see, do and experience make Japan a truly must-visit destination.
For most people, Tokyo is their introduction to Japan and what an introduction it can be. While there are other international airports scattered throughout the country, Tokyo is very well-connected with the rest of the world and with the rest of the country. It’s a great place to base yourself for a short trip or to use as a jumping-off point if you want to get out and explore the rest of the country. With strong AUD to Yen rates, now is the perfect time to plan your trip to this exciting corner of East Asia.
Always have cash
In Japan, cash is king. The country handles money in an old-fashioned way. Always have cash with you, as a lot of shops and restaurants will only accept cash. When it comes to traveling outside of the city, you won’t need your credit card. You have to pay in cash.
Compared to other countries, Japan has a very low crime rate so no matter how many thousands of cash you carry, it’ll be safe in your wallet. In some cases when you drop your wallet, Japanese people always hand it to the nearest police box with all its contents intact.
Japan is very careful when it comes to handling banknotes. They consider cash as a crafted product, as such, no one would ever think of crumpling them. What’s more, data has shown that in relation to the economy of Japan, the ratio of banknotes in circulation is the highest in the whole world.
Rail passes will help you save money
Time and again, a lot of people advise first-time travelers to buy a rail pass when in Japan. If you are planning on traveling a lot around the country, you have the choice to buy an unlimited pass for the whole country or a specific region.
Your pass can be used for JR-branded commuter trains, ferries, buses, and bullet trains (Shinkansen). The price is often the same as two individual train tickets. Each pass is only valid for a limited time most often seven, fourteen, or twenty-one days.
When buying JR passes, you have to buy before you arrive in Japan. Also, you have to go to a JR office and validate them. Bring along your voucher and passport.
You don’t need to tip
Unlike in other countries, you don’t have to tip when eating in a restaurant. When you do, your server might run after you to give you back your money. This also applies to hotel staff and other service staff.
You won’t always find English translations
When you plan on eating out, you have to be prepared to encounter signs and menus that have no English translations. But, if you are in a top tourist destination, you might find some translations. Outside the major tourist spots, however, you’ll only see Japanese characters.
If you are having a hard time choosing what to eat in a restaurant, you can always refer to the pictures. In some places, they provide plastic versions of their menu items that are displayed in the window.
It is rude to point at people and things
In Japan, be careful at pointing at things or people. Some might get offended if you do. Be careful with your hand movements. Other things that are considered rude are snapping photos of people without their permission, losing your temper, and raising your voice.
Don’t miss shopping for electronics
If you are into electronics, you should definitely plan to visit a Tokyo shopping district known as Akihabara. Here you will find the latest and greatest, most cutting-edge devices to bring home with you.
You will find stores and merchants selling the latest games, tablets, and cameras here. Manufacturers love to use this area as a test market to see which devices resonate with the electronics-savvy local consumer base.
There are also a few duty-free shops for international visitors, so if you go, bring your passport along while shopping to save some money.
There are no street names
In the past, before smartphones and GPS, it was a real pain to find addresses in Japan. You could get lost trying to find a certain apartment. You might even waste a lot of hours just tracking down a small office. After all, there are no street names in Japan.
Dining etiquette
In traditional washoku restaurants, you are expected to take off your shoes and then place them in a locker near the entrance. This is often done to keep the space clean. As such, establishments may have low tables with cushions placed on the flooring instead of chairs.
Japanese people say itadakimasu before eating to show their appreciation for receiving food. Once done, say gochaso sama deshita to show how much you enjoyed the meal. To ask for the bill, simply cross your fingers to form an X.
Most Japanese meals are eaten with chopsticks. However, you can ask for Western cutlery if you are having a hard time. With chopsticks, don’t ever use them to stab food, tap the edge of your bowl, stuck vertically in rice, or point to someone.
To signify that you’re finished eating, you can simply place your chopsticks across your bowl. If not, just put them below or to the right of your dish. Always see to it that the tip of your chopstick doesn’t touch the table.
Sometimes, you won’t find trash cans
Trash cans are considered dangerous, especially when placed in crowded areas. As such, you are expected to hold onto your garbage. Most often, you can find trash cans in an open space. However, you have to always check the pictures on the cans and recycle your trash. Japanese take pride in recycling.
Don’t miss the Tokyo Skytree Tower
If you are into architecture, you’re a fan of giant towers, or you simply love great views, the Skytree is something you must check out when you visit Tokyo. The 634-meter broadcasting tower in Sumida is the tallest structure in Japan. When it opened to visitors in 2012, tickets for the two observation decks sold out two months in advance, highlighting just how popular this place is.
The tower offers cafes, shops, a digital telescope, and an upscale restaurant offering 360-degree views of the metropolis below. It also has an exterior lighting schedule that changes nightly, so make sure your night photography skills are sharp.
Visit at least one animal cafe
This is a unique activity that you have to try at least once, especially if you’re an animal lover and is a great chance to rest your tired feet and recharge your tourist batteries with cute furry friends. Much like a petting zoo, you can buy snacks to feed the animals, and they will love you for it. You might even encounter some new species that you may not typically see at home.
Make The Very Most Of Your Next Trip To Japan
Japan is an incredible place to visit, whether it’s for a few days or a few weeks. To ensure you make the very most out of your next trip to the spectacular country, be sure to follow the advice outlined above.
Planning ahead, having an understanding of the local cultures and customs, and knowing the best ways to get around will allow you to get the very most out of your trip to The Land Of The Rising Sun.
Which of the things to know before going to Japan listed above shocked you?
