What to know about traveling in Japan? 7 tips from frequent travelers

Japan has lengthy captivated vacationers.

However lots of its most well-known qualities — from the delicacies to the nation’s nationwide tradition of civility — can initially be befuddling for outsiders too.

To assist vacationers bridge the cultural hole, CNBC Journey requested frequent guests for his or her single greatest piece of recommendation when visiting Japan.

“Japanese tradition is about respecting your surroundings and the folks round you. Do not discuss in your telephone on public transit and in confined areas round different folks.

Additionally, savoring your meals is a vital present of respect, so do not eat whereas strolling. As an alternative, sit down and luxuriate 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 usually convey a small bag to hold the day’s trash till they get residence. Japan may be very clear, and you will find public bogs to be spotless in comparison with different international locations. Mainly, 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 an enormous deal — if it is not arriving on the actual time, it is a totally different practice! In the event you miss a practice in an enormous metropolis like Osaka or Tokyo, one other shall 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 in case 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 economic system unto itself.” 

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

“Exchanging ‘meishi’ is an excellent, and severe, custom in Japan. Playing cards are introduced with each fingers and a deep bow. It is usually probably the most surprising and enjoyable icebreakers you need to use to satisfy new folks.

Get playing cards printed fully in Japanese — you need to use Google Translate for the interpretation. The workers at Kinkos — situated in all main cities in Japan — will stroll you thru the entire course of. After this, locals shall 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, at all times to smiles.”

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

“Naked ft in Japan is an enormous no-no. Vacationers ought to count on to take away their footwear typically in Japan and may at all times have socks on once they achieve this. The elimination of footwear may even occur in locations which might be surprising, like a restaurant.

Additionally, it is not uncommon to have slippers on the entrance to public bogs, with the expectation that restroom guests use these slippers and return them promptly. You’ll want to solely pack and put on your greatest (clear and hole-free) socks whereas in Japan. If in case you have a set of enjoyable or attention-grabbing socks, put on them in Japan the place they’ll 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 identify! Shops like 7-Eleven and Lawson are immaculately clear and have absolutely anything you may want, together with a couple of go-to gadgets that I search out every time:

• A terrific collection of onigiri, that are sandwich-sized rice triangles wrapped in seaweed and stuffed 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 greatest espresso I’ve had, with a lot of choice choices like temperature, brew energy, milk, sweeteners and flavors.
• These little bottles of flavored vitamin C photographs known as You-C1000, which I vastly appreciated within the winter on Hokkaido backcountry ski adventures. They arrive in tasty flavors like apple, orange or lemon and are a useful technique to get vitamin C day by 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.

“The language and tradition barrier is actual, and a neighborhood will present you issues in locations you’d by no means get to see by yourself.

I did this at Tsukiji Fish Market. I would been there perhaps 5 occasions earlier than, however lastly took a information with my grandfather, and it was a complete new world. I’ve additionally performed this at Akihabara Electrical City and for plenty of culinary excursions.”

— Miles Ashton, a Chicago-based entrepreneur who has made greater than 10 journeys to Japan, together with a nine-month stint dwelling in Tokyo.

“Not solely is the format a blast, with a unique division on each degree — however the merchandise is in depth and distinctive. There are 60 shops across the nation, and so they concentrate on pastime, residence enchancment and life-style merchandise.

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

Two of the best issues I’ve bought are a collapsible Shoji lamp, and a round cooler carry case that holds a flower-shaped ice pack for beneath your hat plus a freezable U-shaped neck ring.”

— Kris Beyer, New York-based proprietor of Destroyer Park Golf Course. She has revamped 20 journeys to Japan and lived there as a baby and teenager. Kris’ father, Dick “The Destroyer” Beyer, was a well-known wrestler in Japan.

Editor’s observe: Responses have been edited for size and readability.