If you are then you must need to know some very useful travel tips to Japan<\/a>. As you will be visiting Japan for the first time, you seem to me a little bit nervous and at the same time very excited.<\/p>\n Here, you will experience a lot things that seem to you unexpected in some ways. You will be traveling in a country where its culture and your culture are completely different. You have to be familiar with the Japanese culture, manner, customs, etiquette<\/em> and other things.<\/p>\n It is time for you to turn your anxiety into a state of enjoying the trip fully. We don\u2019t know where to start from, but we would definitely bring out the most important ones that you must pay attention to.<\/p>\n All the following tips you should know (things to do and not to do in Japan) before you visit Japan.<\/p>\n 1. The very first tip about visiting Japan is the Japan Rail Pass<\/a><\/strong>. JR Pass<\/strong> is kind of your train ticket which is very economic and offers you extensive train ride including super fast bullet train throughout Japan.<\/p>\n Please note that taxi fare is very expensive in Japan, therefore, JR Pass is the only way to cut your travel expense. In fact, it lets you explore the scenic beauty of Japan by train.<\/p>\n 2. Bow<\/strong> as many as time you want. In Japanese culture<\/em>, it is a form of greeting someone you meet. You can bow while saying \u201cHello, Thank you, Excuse me, I am sorry and Have a nice day.\u201d<\/p>\n It is a must thing to do while meeting elders. Therefore, try to practice it at home and please don\u2019t just forget it.<\/p>\n 3. We always suggest to learn some very useful Japanese phrases and words<\/strong> to those who request us for travel guides.<\/p>\n It will comfort you to communicate with Japanese especially when you order food at restaurants, when you seek information from public, when meeting with locals, and when buying things and souvenirs.<\/p>\n Learn some basic Japanese phrases here<\/a>. There is a good Japanese learning book<\/em> that could teach you how to learn Japanese easily in a short time. Find it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n 4. Buy a Japan travel guide<\/a><\/strong>, Pocket WiFi<\/a>, Sim Card<\/strong>, and a Map<\/a><\/strong> of a particular city where you are supposed to roam around, especially if you are going to on a hike in the mountains or designated national parks. <\/p>\n These four important travel accessories could save your time when you are to find popular tourist attractions, train station, subway, hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and many more.<\/p>\n 5. In traditional Japanese culture, locals hardly wear shoes inside their houses. It means you have to take off your shoes<\/strong> before entering any Japanese houses. It is a kind of custom you must obey.<\/p>\n Footwear is strictly prohibited in ryokan<\/a> (Japanese inn), temples & shrines and even in some hotels around Japan. And when you see tatami mat on a floor, you must take off your shoes immediately.<\/p>\n 6. It is always better when you don\u2019t use your Mobile phone<\/strong> on a running train. In some hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops use of mobile phone is strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n Even if you have to make a call or receive a call just get out of that place for a moment and then answer the phone or make a phone call. And make sure you don\u2019t speak very loudly over phone in public.<\/p>\n 7. There are some rules of etiquette when you decide to go to an Onsen<\/strong> (Japanese Hot Spring Baths<\/em>). There, you have to take your shoes off and please don\u2019t go to the wrong change room. Be aware of this!<\/p>\n Before you go to a hot spring you have to take a shower to clean your body up. And, put the towel on your head during the time you enjoy your hot spring bath. Learn about how to take a Japanese bath<\/a>.<\/p>\n There is a book called Etiquette Guide to Japan: Know the Rules that Make the Difference<\/a>. We want you to read this before you go to Japan.<\/p>\n 8. We assume that some of you may use and hold Chopsticks<\/strong> the right way, though there is some important chopsticks etiquette<\/a> that you should know.<\/p>\n For example, Japanese people never ever pull any dishes with chopsticks, they don\u2019t make sound hitting a bowl, they don\u2019t point them to someone else and etc. If you don\u2019t know how to eat with chopsticks then, you better start learning it.<\/p>\n However, if you don\u2019t care about it then you ask for a spoon to the waiter\/waitress in a restaurant.<\/p>\n 9. In Japan, people walk on the left side<\/strong> unless there are signs telling them to walk on the right<\/span>, and drive their vehicles on the left side as well. When getting on an escalator, one should stand on left, so those who are busy can pass you by on the right.<\/p>\n Unlike many other countries where people drive on the right side, people here drive car on the left side and please note that – that’s the correct side of driving any vehicles here. We hope you won\u2019t drive a car driving it on the right side and break the traffic rule<\/a>.<\/p>\n 10. You are suggested not to tip anyone here in Japan. People here see it negatively. Tipping<\/strong> is considered to be impolite in Japanese culture.<\/p>\n Therefore don\u2019t you ever try to tip any waiter or waitress. They are just happy to serving you, that\u2019s it.<\/p>\n 11. After purchasing something from a convenience store or shop, make sure you don\u2019t hand cash to cashiers instead put your money on a small tray<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 12. Smoking<\/strong> in a public area is strictly prohibited. You can\u2019t do it when there are people around you. When you have to smoke, go to a place where smoking is permitted. Some hotels, restaurants, train stations, and public trains have designated area for smoking.<\/p>\n 13. The traditional style Japanese toilet<\/strong> could scary you a bit unless you have never used that before. You don\u2019t sit on it, rather you squat over it. Japanese public toilet is like this!<\/p>\n And you may not find western style toilet in some places. Though, some Japanese toilets have many interesting buttons which might be very complex to you!<\/p>\n 14. It is impolite taking picture<\/strong> of something where photography is not permitted. So, always be careful of it and take photos of an object where it is not prohibited.<\/p>\n 15. It is not impolite make slurping sounds<\/strong> of eating noodles. You can do it and don\u2019t get crazy seeing people do it around you at a restaurant.<\/p>\n 16. Japanese people seem to you very calm; indeed they are and please don\u2019t listen to music<\/strong> loudly or shout loudly and make them think you an impolite person.<\/p>\n 17. Don\u2019t bite or clean your fingernails<\/strong> in front of others. If you do that you would kill your own modesty.<\/p>\n 18. Most of the Japanese ATM machines<\/strong> don\u2019t accept international Credit or Debit cards <\/em>except few though. So, you have got to come here with a lot of cash as a result you don\u2019t run out of it.<\/p>\n 19. You can rent a Pocket Wi-Fi device<\/strong><\/a> with you during the time you travel around Japan. It keeps you stay online wherever you go. And free Wi-Fi internet facility is given to the public at train station, airport, hotel and restaurants. Often they don’t seem reliable.<\/p>\n 20. You have to buy a travel adapter<\/strong> in case you need it for charging your phone, laptop, and tablet or else in urban areas of Japan.<\/p>\n Usually, Japanese electrical outlets are 2-prolonged and if you have a 3 device with a 3-prolonged plug then you have to rely on an adapter. But most hotels in Japan provide what you need regarding this matter, so don\u2019t worry at all. You can buy a Japan travel adapter here<\/a>.<\/p>\n 21. Temples & Shrines<\/strong> are calm and sacred places. Don\u2019t speak loudly there and make too noise, take your shoes off before entering to these and if you see an offering box there then put one or two coins in it.<\/p>\n 22. Visiting Japan in spring and autumn seasons are great, though summer and winter seasons offer a lot of interesting things to experience. Though, the weather<\/strong> in summer and winter could badly hurt you. Especially, in recent years temperature looks pretty bad during the summer months.<\/p>\n When it rains, it rains a lot and could stop you traveling around. Therefore, you always have to check out the weather forecast before you pay a visit to a certain attraction or area.<\/p>\n 23. You don\u2019t have to wear Kimono or Yukata<\/strong> at the time you visit some places around Japan. Just wear your usual costumes<\/strong>. Though, it will be great if you try wearing light Yukata during any summer festivals.<\/p>\n 24. You have to pack things lightly <\/strong>as much as possible. You don\u2019t have to bring many costumes. In fact, you could buy costumes\/dresses here in Japan. So, why to make your luggage heavier?<\/p>\n 25. When you go out for sightseeing from the hotel you stay overnight, be sure to write down its address<\/strong> both in English and Japanese (if possible). Who knows you might get lost on the way back to your hotel!<\/p>\n After a long day trip, your phone battery will definitely drain so fast. If you can’t access to the internet, it will be hard for you to locate your hotel’s address.<\/p>\n If that happens, just show this to someone so that they could direct you to the right way to find your hotel.<\/p>\n 26. Rail Stations get crowded<\/strong> during the morning and evening hours. Stay out of it if possible. Even if you have to travel at that time, be sure to focus on the train you are supposed to catch. Just don\u2019t miss your train or take the wrong train. Stay focused!<\/p>\n 27. Your mobile phone<\/strong> set might not work in the land of the rising sun. And it usually happens to everyone when they first travel to Japan.<\/p>\n So, I am suggesting you to buy or rent a smart phone set with Japanese SIM card. It will make your trip much easier. Buy smart phone and SIM Card<\/em> that support in Japan here<\/a>.<\/p>\n 28. When you visit a ryokan<\/a> or traditional Japanese house, you are supposed to sit in seiza <\/strong>there. It literally means correct sitting style. You must first be kneeling on the floor and sit on your heels. Japanese people sitting like this rather than sitting on chair.<\/p>\n 29. Buy Prepaid IC Cards<\/strong> to make payment at shops, restaurants and vending machines. IC cards and rechargeable card, so called prepaid travel card in Japan. There are many type of IC cards and among them PASMO<\/strong>, SUICA, ICOCA, KITACA, TOICA<\/strong> are the most popular.<\/p>\n You can buy IC Cards at ticket counters and ticket machines located at railway stations all over Japan. PASMO card<\/em> is very useful in case you take the service of Tokyo subway! Remember, your JAPAN RAIL PASS<\/strong> won\u2019t let you take the service of Tokyo subway. At that time you will have to rely on PASMO card.<\/p>\n 30. If you are to come here in Japan to see Cherry Blossoms<\/a> or Autumn Foliage<\/a><\/strong> then you would have to make a hotel reservation<\/strong> in advance.<\/p>\n A lot of visitors visit Japan during that time of the year so before that period arrive most of the hotel room get booked. Don\u2019t be late if you don\u2019t want to hear or see this \u201cno reservation<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n 31. When you decide to eat with your Japanese friends or co-workers then before eating say \u201cItadakimasu<\/strong>\u201d and say \u201cGochisosama deshita\u201d after eating your meal. I teach you other two words which can be used: 1) Kampai \u2013 Cheers and 2) Oishii \u2013 Delicious.<\/p>\n 32. You can carry a box of tissue or hand towel<\/strong> when you for an outdoor sightseeing spot. You simply don\u2019t need them in hotel or restaurant. But in case you are adventurous and want to hike the Mount Fuji<\/a>, Mt. Takao<\/em>, you must have these with you on the trip.<\/p>\n 33. If you are visiting Japan in the winter<\/strong>, you must bring jacket, sweater, hand gloves and winter hat. On the other hand, if you are visiting Japan in the summer<\/strong>, make sure you wear light costumes, and carry an umbrella and a hand fan<\/em>. Learn, how to survive Japanese summer<\/a>.<\/p>\n 34. Learn few Japanese language and gestures<\/strong>. Pick up the important ones and apply them when you need one of those. You can learn some here<\/a>.<\/p>\n 35. Exchanging visiting card<\/strong> is a common thing while meeting someone officially in Japan. To do so, you stand up bowing slightly, and holding it with your fingertips with both hands toward the one you want to give a card. Make sure that the card is clean with no dog-eared corner<\/em>.<\/p>\n When you are to receive a card from someone receive it your both hands and bow and then read and examine it carefully. It shows that you are serious and the card is important to you. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n 36. When you go somewhere else to experience something for free and if you see donation box there then donate some money. 100-200 Yen<\/strong> would be perfect!<\/p>\n 37. Write down two emergency numbers<\/strong> of Japan quickly please. For Police service: 110<\/strong> and for ambulance & fire service 119<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 38. Finally, we would like to remind you that one thing which in fact it is very important. Check out if you need a tourist visa. If you do need a tourist visa then apply immediately.<\/p>\n We hope we have covered all the things that what a first time Japan visitors need to know. Hopefully, all worries and anxieties of yours have gone by now.<\/p>\n How do you feel now? We think you feel great, no way! These Japan travel tips<\/em> are published because you really need to know them before visiting Japan.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kyuhoshi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/himeji_castle_in_japan-1024x669.jpg\")
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