IMPORTANT! In Oct 2023 The JR Rail Pass increased in Price! To Calculate if its still worth it go to click.jrpass.com/SH5O and check out their JR Pass Travel Calculator
wow ~700 bucks per month?! thats steep, specially since germany has introduced the 50€/month germany wide ticket, a couple of month ago, this seems excessive...
That would be a Video about visas, to make a long topic short you need to either marry a Japanese, get a job in a Japanese company, or become a student. There are some alternatives like if you have 5 million yen you can get a business manager visa, or non Americans countries like the UK or Australia can do a year long working holiday if they're under 30
Having lived in Osaka for 4 years and travelled to all 47 prefectures, I've been exposed to way too many "things to know before traveling to Japan" videos. And yet, this is the ONLY video I've seen with legit, accurate advice. Well done
When traveling in Japan, keep a very large ziplock freezer bag in your backpack for storing your trash. You can empty it when you find a trash can (ie. At your hotel) to properly dispose. It is just an easy solution.
My Japanese friend offered to give me one of her ziplock bags to be used in my car when she was visiting my country. I could sense her pity, but I declined, saying I'm ok with one piece of trash in my pocket or if there's more of it, I'll take out a normal, small plastic bag and use that.
Something I learned 10 years ago - if you're going to Japan for sightseeing and photography, June is one of the worst times to do so. It's hot, it's humid, and the low hanging clouds will obscure many of the views you had hoped to capture with your camera. On top of this, many museums are closed for maintenance at this time.
@@TheDavidlloydjones Even the mountains are pretty hot this year. Just went glamping in Hokkaido and my tent felt like a sauna. The lake was icy cold, though, so if you can hold out long enough to hit the water, it's pure bliss.
I am a Japanese living in Tokyo. Since you have come all the way from far away to Japan, I want you to enjoy yourself as much as possible. However, there are some things I would like you to understand about the Japanese way of thinking, so let me write just two things here. 1. Most Japanese people are part of a "project to make Japan a better place", and I would like you to know that we take a lot of pride in this. Whether it is paying taxes, being kind to others, thanking store clerks, not talking loudly on trains or in public, not throwing unwanted plastic bottles or wrapping paper on the street, or not talking on the phone inside a store, each of us is doing what we can to keep the value of Japan from going down. As children we are taught this by our parents, but as we grow older we realize that we are part of a collaborative team that is building Japan, and we find joy in the Minecraft-like collaborative effort to make Japan a better place, to the extent that it is within our abilities. For this reason, we feel more uncomfortable when someone does something in front of me that lowers the value of Japan as a country than when I am punched in the face. This is because I feel that I am not alone and that the efforts of my colleagues, who are working hard to make things better, are being ridiculed. For many Japanese people, the act of lowering the value of their own country or town has the same meaning as having their family members insulted by others. (However, there are some Japanese who are naturalized immigrants to Japan who are not members of the "Better Japan Project," and these people are relatively indifferent to such things.) 2. This is a bad thing about Japanese people, but Japanese people rarely point out other people's behavior even if they find it offensive. This is because Japanese people believe that to point out another person's behavior is to deny the other person's sense of values, which is not only offensive to the other person, but also to their own dignity. (This is because they realize that they are small people who cannot tolerate other people's behavior.) If a Japanese person points out something you have done, he or she may already be outraged by your action. By the time you are pointed out, it will be too late for anything else. With that being said, you may be wondering if there are any tips on how to avoid taboos, but it is very easy. Because "Japanese who may suddenly become enraged" themselves are always living in fear of such a crisis. Therefore, Japanese people always think of others around them first when they are in public places, so as not to offend others, lest someone suddenly point out their behavior." Why are the Japanese so well behaved?"The answer is that "you never know when the Japanese people around you will become enraged, just like you are, so you have to be careful how you behave, just like walking through a minefield with your bare feet." From my point of view as a Japanese, the information covered in this video that Japanese people really find offensive is "talking loudly" and "throwing garbage on the roadside or road." It may seem surprising, but "not carrying cash" and "not taking off your shoes" are not taken so seriously, as they are not about sincerity, but just lack of knowledge. It may be easier to understand if you think of Japan as someone else's home. You would be offended if a guest you invited to your home made loud phone calls in your home or threw food scraps in your living room. But if they don't know to take their shoes off and mistakenly enter your house with their shoes on, you may be annoyed, but you won't be angry. In other words, the important thing is whether the conduct stems from dishonesty. I hope that the above information is not meant to frighten you, but to help you enjoy Japan more. Come to Japan!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in details I’ll look forward visiting your beautiful country! I adore japans cultures , humility and many more things I’ve seen through youtube videos!
I deeply appreciate it my friend. Look forward at visiting in the future and take being good to others so very seriously. Definitely I will remember those tips you have shared. Have a good day ~
The first unwritten rule I learned in Japan was about escalator usage. If you get on an escalator and just stand still and ride it, stand on the left side. The right side is for people that are walking up or down. It is rude to stand in the middle or right side.
I'm a current Tokyo resident, and decided to check this video out when it came up in my recommendations in case the info provided in it might prove useful to send to my family when they inevitably come visit me. I've never seen any videos from your channel before, so I was expecting this to be yet another in a long line of Japan travel videos that provide outdated or incorrect information -- but to my surprise, this may be the most comprehensive, succinct, informative video for would-be visitors to the country I've ever seen. I'm extremely impressed, and just wanted to say, thanks for this! I will most definitely be linking this to family and friends before they visit, as it perfectly summarizes just about every tip I might've given them, and literally every one of your points is a good one. Very nicely done!
I agree. Having lived in Japan since 2012 I think this is an excellent introduction for people who have never been here. Everything in the video is correct and true. The part about veganism/vegetarianism is spot on and not always mentioned. If you cook at home being a vegetarian or even a vegan is no problem. You can buy all your ingredients - tofu, beans etc from the supermarket. However, if you eat out, being a vegetarian is almost impossible. Vegetarianism is not part of Japanese culture. My ex wife, who is an American vegan, visited me here. She had made a list of all the vegan restaurants in Tokyo - about half a dozen at that time. We went to all of them and none were good value. Most were expensive and not that good. They were all in the trendiest, most expensive parts of Tokyo.
@@fidomusic Funnily enough, I'm decidedly NOT a vegetarian or vegan in any way (I kind of hate vegetables, but looooove meat!), yet while I was out walking a few months back, I stopped in at a quaint riverside mom-and-pop vegetarian and vegan restaurant on the outskirts of Kichijoji (technically Suginami City), and the vegan curry I ordered there was absolutely DELICIOUS -- and surprisingly affordable, too! So there are definitely options to be found if you look -- you just have to REALLY look, as there just aren't that many. (If you're curious, the name of the restaurant is Cafe Kawasemi Pipelettes.)
Good tips.. One I might suggest is getting a business card (meishi) from the hotel you stay at. I have helped a few tourists that didn't know how to get back to their hotel, and it took a lot longer than it would have if they had a card from the hotel. Or ask the concierge desk to write the address in Japanese on a piece of paper. That way, if you get lost and don't feel like searching any further, you can get in a taxi and show the driver the card/paper. It should not cost too much if you are in town, and I believe most taxis now also take credit cards.
Having your destination address in writing is very helpful in any country where you don't speak the language. It worked very well for me in France, for example.
i once lost the hotel i was staying at and there were like 3 different same hotels in the same block and got lost a couple times but once you get used to the place it's not so bad
I lived in Japan for 7 years, loved every second of it. Best way to learn is just immerse yourself in their culture. I was raised with respect in Texas so fitting in their culture was easy for me, and probably will be for you. Mind your business and your manners and that goes a long way.
I was in Japan in 1975 & rode in many taxis. I was really surprised to see, as I was exiting the driver pulled a little lever on the floor between his seat & his door & my door popped open. I thought this was unique to just this taxi, but it seemed all of them did that. I have mentioned how different, polite, very clean & just TOTALLY different they are from us!
After dark, expect taxis to not open their doors to foreigners. It's not a foreigner hate thing. Foreigners have a bad history of stiffing taxi drivers, so they just don't pick them up, especially in neighborhoods with a lot of bars. (Drunks on foot are bad news everywhere....)
Well, they are very depressed, as they must work 6 days per week and getting enough money to move out of your parent's apartment with your bride takes many years. Each urban section has a 'reflection' park where people can go to calm their minds. Online personas are more important than yourself - if someone insults the false persona, you can expect a verbal or maybe physical fight if they don't stop. Homeless are beaten if they bother people on the subway - they are to be 'invisible'. Most of what the western world is taught about Japan is false.
All of these things were true when I went to Japan back in the early 2000s. This is a very good video for people going there for the first time to watch. The only other tip I have and you mentioned it a little bit is, please give them the courtesy of attempting their language before you start talking to them in English. Most Japanese will be happy to speak English with you after you’ve tried to speak their language first
If you are planning on living in Japan for many years as I did then naturally you are going to want to learn the language. But nobody expects most tourists to learn Japanese before taking a one-week vacation there. And the Japanese people will certainly not consider it to be the least bit disrespectful or discourteous that you have not learned any Japanese. Furthermore with the great translation apps available today tourist can communicate fairly well without speaking the language. By the way, while the Japanese who can actually speak English will indeed be happy to speak English with you (whether you try Japanese first or not), the vast majority of them cannot really communicate in English at all, despite the fact that they all learn English in school. The bottom line is, if you are going to visit Japan as a tourist and you want to learn some Japanese words and phrases beforehand, that’s great. But if you cannot do so please do not be worried that the Japanese people will think any less of you for not knowing any Japanese. They will be thrilled if you try to speak their language but they will not be offended or put off in any way if you do not.
I agree with you about at least trying. It is only common courtesy to learn at least the basics of manners before travelling. Personally I learn a little of the language of each country before I visit even if only for a port call. Simply learning please, thank you, hello etc. show that you are trying
Perhaps learn two or three of the common phrases and amenities. It’s a lot to ask of a tourist whose native tongue has few cognates in Japanese, with the exception of some in Katakana. I studied Katakana when I visited Kyushu and Honshu in September 1993. Back then, the attempt was greeted warmly. But I’m 30 years older now, and learning more than a few syllables is much more difficult.
@@davidc831 - I agree that its great to learn some spoken words and phrases in Japanese before taking vacation to Japan but to be honest, I’m not quite sure what cognates have to do with anything. After all, Japanese does not really have a parent language that we know of which could have passed down any cognates. It has a lot of loan words of course from English and other languages but loan words are not true cognates. Of course, the Japanese did borrow their main written language from China and this did have some effect on the spoken language as well, but I don't know if these changes qualify as cognates. In any case, while this would not really give Chinese people an edge up on learning the spoken language, the fact that many Kanji have the same or a similar meaning in both Chinese and Japanese can sometimes allow them to communicate a bit through the written characters. As for Hiragana and Katakana - the later of which is used solely for loan words - you should be able to learn both of these in just a few weeks with a little work - unlike Kanji which takes years. The problem of course is that you will not be able to really read anything without also knowing Kanji, and without reading things from time to time in Japanese you would very quickly forget all the Hiragana and Katakana that you worked so hard to learn. Still, you can sometimes find text that are written in only Hiragana and Katakana which are made to help people practice reading and retain their knowledge of these, even though they do not yet know Kanji. In fact, when I lived in Japan someone started a magazine called Hiragana Times which was written in both English and Japanese and in which all the Kanji had hiragana translations (furigana). I guess they thought it would be a good way for westerners to stay brushed up on their Hiragana/Katakana and possibly even help them pick up on some of the Kanji as well. And you can probably easily find stuff like this online today.
I think that carries over in most places on the world. Always a good idea to greet people in their native language, make a joke of it if you mess it up, and friendly ask if you can switch to English. Worked pretty much everywhere i ever visited. And you can also ask "what is a good phrase for this and that", and learn a bit at a time.
I've lived in Japan since 2012 and I don't like carrying around cash. But there's no problem. More places are accepting credit cards now. But I rarely need to use my bank card because I use my SUICA card. Suica (and Pasmo) are plastic IC cards you can get at railway stations. The cards can be used on trains and buses. It is amazing how many shops, supermarkets, convenience stores and even restaurants accept Suica cards. If you are spending any time in Japan I highly recommend getting a Suica or Pasmo card. You can top the card up at railway stations. Any retail outlet near a station is likely to accept Suica.
Yep its a lot better than it used to be, but when you're a tourist and going to multiple locations a day you go through cash very fast and dont want to take time out to find an atm or recharge your IC's
Also, an ICOCA card. But you don't even need the physical card. A 'virtual' ICOCA card can be loaded into your iPhone's wallet allowing the phone to be used just like a physical card, but with the advantage that it can be topped up without having to go railway station (or manually at a convenience store which is an alternative but a bit cumbersome). Not sure what the situation is with other IC cards and Android
I have spent a significant portion of my life traveling for my work, I have explored various regions across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, but only Japan has left a lasting impression on me. The Japanese people are truly remarkable and have captured my admiration.
@@deemo5245 This is truly a very insensitive remark you made, insinuating HANNAH has involved him/herself in prostitution. You make a remark like that in person and surely my fist would be going through your mouth. I have been an expat for 30 years and I despise prostitution. I have been to Japan on numerous occasions and love JAPAN with all my heart and would never contemplate such filth. You shoud be ashamed to even bring it up.
One thing of note: adhering to the law is especially important in Japan, because if you get busted (or strongly suspected of) doing something illegal, Japan's abnormally high conviction rate of almost 100% *will* make sure you won't weasel yourself out of it.
Depends what is considered illegal. Japan still produces child porn material legally, if you take that to your home country you will be busted and labeled a sex offender. It's all legit in Japan. Please make a video on the exploitation of minors in Japan, in junior idols, and comics/manga/and "adult" figures/sex dolls. The most important advice is that a comic book you may buy may actually get you arrested when you return home because most countries don't celebrate drawing child abuse comics. Have a good day.
Check out their junior idol scene. Their child abuse manga scene. Do you respect that as well? How about their revenge on foreign cities which create Korean comfort women monuments. People worship the Japanese as though they're special but I've dealt with so many to know that many are below world average.
I have to agree that learning some basic phrases whatever the local language can be a life saver. I speak, or I used to speak fluent German, which served me well while I was stationed in Germany. However, the AIr Force, in its infinite wisdom, decided to send me to just about the only "remote" assignment in Japan, knowing maybe a half a dozen words that I had learned from the novel Shogun. To compound this, we did not haver dorms or barracks but lived on the local economy. (There was total of 6 of us on the comm site and two guys working the passenger terminal at the airport.) Fortnately, between the guys I worked with and my neighbour in my apartment complex who was a JSDF (Japanese Self-Defense Forces) officer who happened to work on the radar site on Mount Sefuri (aka Seburiyama) that our Comm Site was situated, I was speaking broken pidgin Japanese in no time. (Later being set up with a girl friend who had been an exchange student to New Jersey, was a godsend!) I loved my year in JApan and not extending my tour there has been one of the few regrets I have in my life. (We had one guy there that had been there over eight years.)
You Yanks should pull out of Japan and let it become a Chinese province. Of course you won't. If you need to learn their language because you're protecting them and they've taken jobs from your people back home, they need to sod off. But I don't think most of them care because it's weebs who say you should learn the language when a non immigrant.
@@Jc-cv2ug The hassle is the actual travel between hotels with your luggage, not waiting to check in. dragging around a big luggage onto busy trains and buses can be a hassle.
I’ve lived in nearby China and visit Japan a couple times a year. Most often in Hokkaido or Nagano. I very much enjoy my time there every time we visit
Also, important tip - do not use perfumes, strong colognes or any deodorants/antiperspirants with a strong scent (seriously, leave your Axe at home). It is considered rude in Japan to reek of either sweat or perfume. You may not be even allowed to some restaurants if your perfume is to strong as it would "disturb the flavour". Go for a barely scented or unscented antiperspirant (such as a mineral stick).
I was stationed in Japan for 3 years. It's definitely different compared to the U.S. If you're going to be there a while and using the trains, learn how to read the sign for where you're staying. It may be different now since I was there back form 2001-2004 but the train station signs were not in english at all even in heavy military areas.
I was there with the Navy in various years. I did find English on some train station signs in military areas or major cities where tourist would go. Outside of those areas you better have a train/road map on you. I was there in '79, '85, and '86, mostly around Yokosuka and Atsugi. Had a license to drive there also, and that's a different experience altogether.
Very comprehensive video! We visited Japan pre-covid and are going back this year :) I love the fact that just knowing a couple of phrases and attempting to speak Japanese is greatly appreciated. And the non-verbal cues are also very powerful like slight bows, nods of approval, etc. I wouldn't quickly take my passport with me myself but this is an individual decision I guess. Losing it means having to pay thousands of euros and a delay to get back home, problems with work etc. The fine could be about 100,000 JPY I read somewhere. The most important thing is that you can prove you are in the country legally, so a photo of the visa page might be a good idea as well.
Photocopy would probably be fine honestly, a policeman could press the issue if they really wanted to be a pain but its not something I can imagine unless that particular one had an axe to grind
I'm from the U.S.A. and I request an ID Passport Card with my Passport . That way I don't need to carry my Passport and it's totally ok . But I also get a driver's license for Japan for the trip to Japan and can legally drive around . I wouldn't recommend getting a Driver's License for Japan due to the high cost of car rental as public transportation is so much cheaper and so convenient . But if you need your medication , first make sure you do the required paperwork to go through customs legally without any problems . You will really enjoy Japan and Japanese People ! Just be polite at all times and you will be treated with full respect .
Not being able to effectively talk to people during my visit was very frustrating and embarrassing. This is mostly my fault for not learning the language better or full embracing my translation app but it was a stressful element to my trip.
Yeah, I felt the same. I definitely felt like an outsider and it was kind of lonely during my solo stay. I'd recommend at least traveling with a friend of companion if going there without any Japanese.
yea, my dad was stationed on Okinawa for several years in the early to mid 90's when he was in the Air Force. By far the worst time of year for traveling was during typhoon season, and my parents always stopped by the currency exchange on base before we would travel off base. Also, the Mcdonalds that were off base were not very cheap even back then for the four of us it was like $40-$50 USD so we only went on special occasions. And the temps you mentioned were pretty spot on, as I remember going to beach parties in December, January and February as the temp rarely got below 50 degrees F at night
I would take exception to the not needing to know Japanese because most know English. I used to travel for business to Yokohama. On one trip I had a medical emergency during the middle of the night. No one on duty at the hotel spoke English, once we got an ambulance no one on it spoke English, and once at the ER at the hospital (a very large one) no one spoke English there. Thankfully I had a translation app on my phone to help us communicate. (an EMT on the ambulance also had an app on their phone) Everyone was very nice but no one spoke English. I have had similar issues on the train and bus systems.
This is by far the best video on this topic that I've watched - I've just returned from Japan (2 weeks in Tokyo) and still learned something new from this video (not to pass cash directly to staff members). Also, your voice is so comforting and relaxing! Very enjoyable listening experience - my ears are very happy 🥰
The reason for the misunderstanding about vegan and vegetarianism is also due to differences in language, not just because they are not familiar with the concept, although vegetarianism is indeed much less common. The Japanese word for meat is 肉 (niku). But it's not exactly the same. Niku does not refer to fish or seafood, only to poultry & meat from land animals. So if you tell them "I'm vegetarian. I don't eat meat," in English OR in Japanese, unless they've lived in an English speaking country for some time and understand the nuance, they're going to think you mean you don't eat niku. That does not necessarily include seafood. Since you mentioned that buses and trains are quite inexpensive compared to taxis and that Japan is a quiet country, it's worth mentioning the quality of their public transportation. They are efficient, frequent, and reliable. Use the buses and trains. But don't ever speak on your cell phone on public transportation, at least not any louder than a hushed tone. This is one of Japanese people's biggest pet peeves. We may be used to loud public transportation; they are not. And speaking on your cell phone on the train in any more than a hushed tone (better yet, go to one of the spaces between cars, away from the regular seating), is like the guy who stands up and takes a phone call in the movie theater and takes his sweet time to make his way out of the theater, talking the whole time. Great video! Well presented, and as someone who lived in Japan for a number of years in the past and has been married to a Japanese woman for 24 years and uses the Japanese language on a regular basis, this was informative and I even learned a thing or 2 (I knew it was socially awkward to eat while you're walking in public - but I didn't know why - or that it's more acceptable at festivals). Thank you!
The concept of vegetarian (let alone vegan) is poorly understood by many people in the US as well. I once signed up for the "vegetarian meal option" at a conference. There didn't seem to be any vegetarian dishes on the lunch buffet, so I asked a server, who replied "Sorry, we're all out of fish." Thank goodness they also had a salad bar!
@@carolthedabbler2105 It is not just in US, in Europe it is a lot of fun too. If you say you don't eat meat, you'd be offered a fish. Or even poultry, because only pork and beef are REAL MEAT. A friend went to meet her future mother-in-law, who made a roasted turkey because that's not meat. A vegetarian friend ordered a "meatless omelette", which had sausage in it, because "sausage is not meat"...
@@SevenJetC -- I'm not at all surprised. A friend referred to herself as vegetarian because she doesn't eat beef very often. I guess many people all over the world consider it a relative term!
It is so refreshing to find a country such as Japan that is so well structured and maintained. This is exactly why Japan has such strict regulations regarding tourist and workers from other countries This is not racist in any way. They have a right to their own Sovereignty as most countries do unless you live in places like the USA. Respect & honor is alive and well in Japan.
Exactly which regulations are you talking about? I lived in Tokyo in the 80’s and 90’s and I never felt particularly boxed in by any regulations. In fact, the regulations for foreign workers there are not much different those in any other Asian country. I do know that when I was there they would bring in large groups of Pakistanis and Africans to do the low paying labor intensive jobs that Japanese would not do themselves, but unlike in the USA it would be virtually impossible for these people to illegally stay past the end of their contract or to bring their wives or kids over. They also had to live in dormitories outside the city center and did not have any opportunities to really interact with Japanese society. Still, for foreigners who are able to land white-collar jobs I would not say its any more strict than in any other country I have lived in. In fact, I would say its much more restrictive in Thailand as you have to report to immigration to verify your address every 90 days regardless of your visa status. Anyway, it sounds as if you think that the Japanese think that if that let too many foreigners in or allow them too many freedoms that it will be detrimental to Japanese society as a whole. But even if they were thinking this it has little to no bearing on the regulations. That being said, I used to worry myself that all the idiot foreigner I encountered while in Japan (including a lot of the US servicemen) would eventually have a negative effect on Japanese society, but for the most part I was worrying needlessly. You are correct by the way about them not being racists. In any case, it sounds as if you have not been there long enough to have peered under the well manicured veneer of Japanese society to see its dark side. Still, I had the best time of my life there and outside of California Tokyo is the one city that still feels like home to me.
That's it you answered the majority of what I just said. In the USA once you have entered the country, either legally with term limits or illegally, if you should choose to stay, then you just stay. Over staying your Visa in Japan is something that is frowned upon, with consequences, yes. The same as it is here in the USA , but if you don't say anything, nobody cares. You need to keep your documents up to date in Japan, yes? In the USA... Who really cares?@@SLOBeachboy
I've been studying some japanese and got so excited to recognize these words😊 I do it for my mental health since I'm 54 but I hope someday to visit. Fascinating and interesting country ❤
Me and few of my coworkers, we're planning on going to Japan early October. It'll be my first time going and I'm SO excited. I've always dreamt of visiting Japan and I'm planning on staying for 2 weeks.
Sounds like your trip will be one of the last that can take advantage of the JR Pass original price, its increasing in October but you should be able to avoid this by buying it before October, I also have a video on alternative passes: ua-cam.com/video/yEnNqY6s9Ck/v-deo.html
I recommend you stay in the greater Tokyo area, there's tons to do and see. Even 2 weeks isn't enough to be able to experience and see it all. Those 2 weeks will serve as a great primer for your next trip, especially if you plan to do a multi city tour.
Super informative video, quashing some of my concerns. Sounds like a lot of my inherent tendencies of etiquette and behaviour are mirrored in Japan - seems so logical and fair - I should try it.
I'm studying abroad in Hyogo right now, and if you need to bring certain ADHD medicines - whether for a two week holiday or a longer stay like for work or study - you need to fill in an application to bring it in. There's a form on the website for the ministry of health, labour and welfare, that needs to be filled in and submitted for review. Once approved, they will email a PDF of the approval letter to you. Be sure to print off two copies of it, as customs may wish to keep one, and the other one will be useful in case you are queried elsewhere. I can provide links for those who need it. ETA: Adderall is illegal and cannot be brought in at all, however, vyvanse, ritalin and concerta can with the correct documentation
Really nice video, as a person planning to study in Japan this was pretty helpful, especially the money part, usually I do not carry much with me since it's unnecesarry and most stores here prefer change over bills so it being the opposite in Japan is surprising to say the least
Its slowly changing and in larger cities a few places offer cashless, the worst thing in Japan is you just seem to accumulate coins if you don't go out of your way to give exact change
He is correct about the passport requirement for foreigners I've been stopped by Japanese police a few times mostly to check if my passport is valid and then I'm on my way. It was like that in Russia also when i visited a few years back
I researched my first trip to Japan very carefully. Then later when I came to live there, it was very easy indeed. In fact I think living in Japan is one of the easiest things in terms of being able to live in a country where you don't know the language. It is far easier for example to live in Japan speaking no Japanese than living in China speaking no Chinese, and the same goes for Korea.
@@markoliimatainen2565yeah, to the point it's a problem. You don't even need to learn Dutch to live comfortably in the Netherlands. Which is a huge problem and shows the problems of multiculturalism.
@@BrotherHood-xh9sg Tell me about it. Austria had the largest influx of foreigners per capita of all European countries in recent years. Most of them do not talk German with their children, they do not talk German during breaks or in their free time; they mainly use foreign internet sites and TV channels etc., hence average grades started to plummet. (The only reason they make it through school at all is because of drastically reduced demands. Public school is so much easier now than it was 20 years ago, it's insane.) I started avoiding public parks and baths, public transportation, ... because people are so rude and uncivilized now. It's like I'm suddenly living in a strange, foreign country. 🤨
Beautiful video! Thank you! Many similarities with our Finnish culture, though still very different, of course. Yes, indeed. I really need to vent this out of my head: vegans, stay in your home and stop pestering the world with your dietary life. Nobody cares. If you can't see a vegan menu in a restaurant, leave in silence and find another place to eat. It's your responsibility, not ours. It's your choice, not ours. Your difficulty, not ours. No more than 1% of human population on this planet is vegan, so no, we are not going to run extra miles for your personal choice. Find a place that has vegan food and stop asking for special treatment for no extra payment. I'm dead-tired of the entitled people everywhere these days.
I just travelled during Golden Week and didn't have any problems. We spent much of the time in Osaka and got a great deal on a business/conference hotel because everyone was out of town and no business meetins were happening.
It really depends on where you go I guess. If you go to major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, there might not be much of a difference, but if you go to smaller places, the difference can be a lot bigger. In 2018, my first time to Japan, I spent golden week in Tokyo and found it manageable. The next year, I also spent a week in Tokyo but outside of golden week and I did not really notice that big of a difference. However, both trips I also visited Kyushu with a home base in Fukuoka for the week, and in 2019 I spent that week during golden week. And there, I did notice the difference. Not only within the city itself, but also when taking the Shinkansen to other cities. There just was little to no room on those trains. I'll compare again with next year when golden week will once again be part of my travel itinerary.
0:10 ‐ *Context: This is The Shinto Kanamara Matsuri (かなまら祭り, "Festival of the Steel Phallus"). It's an annual Japanese festival held each spring at the Kanayama Shrine* in Kawasaki, Japan.
Surprisingly, we went in Golden week this year and it was perfectly fine. We stayed in Tokyo for the whole of Golden week for very cheap, and then went to Kyoto just after and saved money because that's a low season for them in Kyoto
I usually don’t carry cash in Tokyo. But the local situation is different and I always keep some cash in my pocket due to the delay of digitalizations.
I have been to Japan once and it was a long time ago. I remember we traveled by train a lot and one tip I can give is to try to avoid the rush hour in the morning when people are heading to work and evening when people are heading home from work. The rush hour is intense and super crowded where they literally jam pack the train where you would be feeling like a sardine in a can. As a female, I had to bent both arms up to my chest or else your chest would be smashed into someone’s body. I didn’t need to hold onto anything since everyone around you kept you upright lol. So after that experience, we left a little bit before or after the rush hour to do our sight seeing and it was less crowded on the trains.
This Inaka Adventure youtube feature of Unspoken Rules of Japan What I Wish I Knew Before Coming is illustrative and helpful to watch especially with the inclusion of the multiple examples of each of the rules. I admit that I was emotionally tickled/amused with the inclusion of what phrase to utilize for Starbucks (because I started to go there more frequently when I was last there around 19 years ago some time after my now husband introduced me to one of the Starbucks in Japan that we both enjoyed together more frequently during the remainder of the time afterwards when we were both there at the same time).
I was stationed in Japan when Paul McCartney got busted for trying to bring over a half a pound of pot into Japan. We found this kind of amusing as some of us were growing our own at the time. Myself included. When I harvested my plant just before I was rotating back to America it yielded over a pound of cleaned prime weed. Which I parcelled out to some of my fellow growers, my girlfriend, and a couple of my NEC tech friends that mainted our communications equipment.
Yeah it is pretty amazing how harsh they are towards weed. Then read something like this "Before the World Cup in 2002 it was possible to get magic mushrooms in vending machines in Japan, but they decided to clamp down on that before the influx of international visitors. Now it's still possible to get herbs that aren't technically illegal but have similar effects." Then this "The Japanese government is set to allow the medical use of cannabis to treat patients with incurable conditions, while cracking down on recreational consumers."
yeah any drugs in japan is EXTREEEMELY bad.. and will land you in jail. How the hell did your friend survive 6 MONTHS in jail tho?? japan's jail system is one of the harshest in the entire world and extreme inhuman.
This is quite an impressive footage because of the precise observation through real experience & interpretation. Very practical, helpful & informative. This kind of tips are the last ones coming from us Japanese. Every point here makes me nod, "Oh, yes, that's right". Understand perfectly, but hardly occur to us as useful suggestions. Purely visitors' view. Excellent, & grateful for presenting Japan this way! Just one thing about safety issue about cash. Mostly without much concern as noted here, but around the dinner time onwards, with alcohol, it'd be prudent take a bit more care! PS. Tax door is the best advice. Unusual & very unique (exclusive?) to Japan. That was exactly what I gave to a Spanish friend of mine before her trip many years ago! Nostalgy & chuckle! Also, leaving tip is, good or not, bits of embarrassment (for both parties). Simply, there's no such custom (?) in Japan. Just say, "Doumo arigatou!" (instead of arigatou only. "Doumo" emphasizes your appreciation. & why not with a bow just slightly. You'd see the effect in the reaction of who attended you. Give it a try!
I would say thank you. If I'm coming to your country because your government wants that and is promoting that, and spending money there and buying your products, all our stuff was always Japanese made - there were better Dutch and German products too - but anyway - if I come to your country as a guest, treat me as a guest and don't treat me like garbage. The guest should be treated with kindness and respect. They are not at home and among a strange, sometimes hostile culture. There are many places to go in the world, and most don't expect you to pander to them. So maybe get over yourself. If you come to my Europe, I won't expect you to know a single word of any of the languages. I would be a total piece of garbage if I wanted that. If you come to any of my countries (I'm a citizen of two) I won't expect anything of you. So don't expect anything of tourists who spend a long time flying to you, spend a lot of money supporting your economy and even use your products back home. Thankfully your companies are going down, and these days I prefer LG and Samsung and Apple to your makes. Have a great day. And don't treat tourists like garbage.
The medication thing will prevent a lot of Westerners from visiting. A lot of people take various meds, and you can't just stop taking some of those things to go on a trip.
For life saving medication there is likely a waiver for ones that aren't straight up banned, but you need to contact your embassy to confirm first. Most medication should fall under the 1 month supply rule.
I remember each time I traveled to Japan I brought my medications in their bottles and a list of my medications from the HMO website. I thought it was in case I needed to replace any of them. I never had a problem.
I’ve always wanted to visit Japan, but as a person with attention deficit disorder, the ban on amphetamine-based medication is going to be a problem for me because I can’t function at 100% without the ones prescribed to me by my doctor to treat my attention deficit disorder. Are there any substitutes or strategies that are legal in Japan that can help manage attention deficit naturally without medication?
When visiting temples you may find wide steps outdoors (talking 30 feet wide). Don't sit on those steps no matter how tired you are. Found that out the hard way. lol
What country are you from? the taxis are fine in my experience as long as your ride isnt more then 15-30 minutes, but from the airport its just ridiculous
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy joke was on points. I felt like Ford Prefect on my first trip to Japan, just a happy go lucky guy hanging out with the locals telling weird stories that people only seem to understand.
97F and (near) 100% humidity... sounds like the New Orleans area for nearly half the year. That's why every third bar in the French Quarter specializes in frozen slushy-style drinks called daiquiris and most everyone carries them and sips on them as they walk around. Hydration, sugar for energy, vital cooling, and alcohol... it's like a life support system when it's like a sauna outside. Some are even made with an energy drink base for caffeine rejuvenation! Another thing that's very common is a treat called "sno-balls", shaved ice with flavored syrup --basically a thicker daiquiri without the alcohol that you eat with a spoon. What do the Japanese use to beat the heat when they have to be outside?
If you are staying with someone, for example a homestay this is a great idea. Most tourists will be at hotels though so it's unnecessary. If you are coming to Japan for a long time then bring some gifts for friends or coworkers sure
Although it's not customary to give tips in Japan, certain restaurants or hotels may add about 10 - 15 % fee called service fee or service charge. This service fee is often added at high end restaurants, or when the number of guests exceed a certain number, like a in a small party. You generally cannot negotiate or not pay this fee.
Since you're coming in December you might want to check out my video on alternative rail passes: ua-cam.com/video/yEnNqY6s9Ck/v-deo.html in October the JR pass will be increasing in price. I *think* if you buy it just before the beginning of October you can get the old pricing since you can buy it 3 months before traveling. Ill post an update video closer to Oct when details are finalized.
Your video is THE best I have seen on this topic for Japan! It's accurate, it's helpful and delivered in a peaceful and calm manner, I appreciate your content and looking forward to watching more. Ps. handy phrases, thank you
Many in the US remove their shoes at the doors of their home, and don’t wear shoes around the house, with many homes having shoe benches or other shoe storage areas right inside the front or back door. It is common enough that I and others often ask neighbors their preference (shoes on or off) before entering a home for the first time. So….not a completely foreign concept for many Americans, and my guess, many of other nationalities as well.
This is a very nice and helpful video. My wife and I are planning a "big" trip for our next anniversary and Japan is on the short-list. The part about hot and humid in the summer, 36C, 100% humidity? That's just a normal south Texas summer. :)
Yes, I suppose it is, but I bet that the Japanese electric power supply is more reliable than that in Texas! What a wonderful job DEREGULATION has done in that state!
Japan is so wonderful! Yes, it is hotter in Texas, but you are not normally outdoors all day. I am in Tokyo now and often spend all day walking around here. I definitely won’t come here in the summer next time.
Deet hasnt been the choice for over 20 years lol. Picaridin or citronella tablets/diffusers are like the least you can do for yourself while also not causing an environmental issue wherever you go
Lol I like how he’s been there for years and has never seen a cop stop someone and demand to see their passport but that happened to me on the SECOND day of my first trip there ever in 2018. 🤣
I lived out in the countryside for most of it, my prefecture had a lot of foreigners specifically Brazilians so maybe the cops were used to foreigners haha
On signage, there's very few signs in any language outside of cities, even on road junctions if it isn't a major road. When cycling in rural areas I was dependent on my sense of direction and google to navigate anywhere; even villages didn't display a name.
I was so curious about how accurate this would be and while I don't think this is an "unwritten guide" as many of these are well-documented among other bloggers, this is a pretty solid list for first-time comers. I can't emphasise enough the "please mind your manners" while in Japan. You may think you're a tourist so your behaviour doesn't matter because you'll just go home - but the locals remember these experiences and it affects their perspective of not only other tousits, but immigrants and expats who are trying to make a life here and assimilate. The one I think you left out is - don't go about your day here speaking full-speed complicated-worded English to the locals. Lots of Japanese people have so much anxiety about speaking English (and being spoken to in English) that they avoid being near foreigners altogether. Please be nice and patient with Japanese peoples' English.
It's not just anxiety about English. Japanese are averse to getting sucked into any unnecessary difficult or awkward encounter. They will avert their gaze, duck their head, and race past you, hoping that they've become invisible and that they don't get spoken to. It's actually very predictable and pretty funny to watch it play out.
When I was doing a year abroad in Japan I was issued a visitors id card that we were allowed to carry in lieu of our actual passport, but that’s been several years ago so it may have changed and I’m pretty sure it’s only an option to longer term visitors.
Its different for residents, tourists need passports, residents or people on visa use residence cards. You need to carry one of them legally in Japan, I dont really mention it here because this is mainly for visitors and people moving to Japan should be aware of this already
if carring cash be hustle to a foreigner you can use Suica card or Pasmo card this is a chargeble cash card, you can used almost anywhere of this convinient card you dont need to carry a big amount of cash, you can swipe this card to pay your bills no need to wait for exchange ,you can charge to this Card at train stations .hope it helps
Also never approach strangers or say hi or make eye contact as a foreigner, coming from California we normally approach girls, guys and are very friendly and outgoing. I learned quickly the Japanese don't do that ( how anyone meets in this country is still a mystery to meet) haha. But my girlfriend who's from Sapporo taught me the "rules"
Two add ons i recommend is getting your prescriptions apostilled at your local notary (japan doesn't recognize foreign doctors, apostille makes it international... outside of that, its police descretion) and most places that give a foreign discount there is stipulations (donkijote is 100$ minimum last time i was there) and you cannot use the item in japan so they put it in a tamper evident bag)
Another simple one (I also lived in Japan for a few years), do not stab your food with your chopsticks. This can remind (mostly elders) of funeral rites in Japan, and can be seen as insensitive. If you aren't eating either place them on a napkin or on the side of the bowl or plate horizontally. In cities a lot of the time Forks are available on request, so just ask if you aren't comfortable with chopsticks (smaller restaurants often will not have silverware though, chopsticks are cheap and biodegradable). Also, if you do frequent a restaurant or other service, and want to tip, gifts are generally accepted and appreciated, just not raw currency.
With regards to the language barrier, and this isn't just restricted to Japan, I'm always of the opinion that if you are wilfully visiting another country where the language is not your native tongue, for one thing, it's just common courtesy and respect to learn to speak the language of that country even if only to a basic, functional level to begin with before visiting, and for another, understand that you are a foreigner in their country and therefore it shouldn't be up to locals to speak anything other than their native tongue in order to communicate with you. If you can't be bothered to learn their language and at least try to meet them halfway, why should they show you the same/any courtesy and/or respect by attempting to speak your language? If you're some kind of refugee, then of course it's a slightly different story and you're effectively 'learning as you go'.
Yes. Summer in Japan is the worst. The mosquitoes here really do bite and the cicadas are so noisy. It’s really hot and humid here. Then, in June-August, you have the rainy season and the typhoons.
IMPORTANT! In Oct 2023 The JR Rail Pass increased in Price! To Calculate if its still worth it go to click.jrpass.com/SH5O and check out their JR Pass Travel Calculator
wow ~700 bucks per month?!
thats steep, specially since germany has introduced the 50€/month germany wide ticket, a couple of month ago, this seems excessive...
Yeah the price increase was 77% it's crazy
It will be faster than in Germany likely and worth every penny.@@mho...
What if someone wants to spend a year or longer in Japan? Could you make a video about that too?
That would be a Video about visas, to make a long topic short you need to either marry a Japanese, get a job in a Japanese company, or become a student. There are some alternatives like if you have 5 million yen you can get a business manager visa, or non Americans countries like the UK or Australia can do a year long working holiday if they're under 30
Having lived in Osaka for 4 years and travelled to all 47 prefectures, I've been exposed to way too many "things to know before traveling to Japan" videos. And yet, this is the ONLY video I've seen with legit, accurate advice. Well done
Cheers man! I live in osaka myself actually
I live in a prefecture too
As a native Japanese, I totally agree with you. This video is 100% correct.
There is the most important rule Japanese always keep in mind and have been taught from their childhood : Do not disturb others.
Dont know why the whole world isn't taught this from birth. We would be a very peaceful world. Love the Japanese Culture for this.
Yeah America can seriously seriously from that
Learn
I wish my country would shut up sometimes lmao
A certain population in the US seems to revel in causing as much commotion and drawing as much attention to themselves as possible.
When traveling in Japan, keep a very large ziplock freezer bag in your backpack for storing your trash. You can empty it when you find a trash can (ie. At your hotel) to properly dispose.
It is just an easy solution.
Thats a great tip, I just put my trash in my pockets ahah
My Japanese friend offered to give me one of her ziplock bags to be used in my car when she was visiting my country. I could sense her pity, but I declined, saying I'm ok with one piece of trash in my pocket or if there's more of it, I'll take out a normal, small plastic bag and use that.
Something I learned 10 years ago - if you're going to Japan for sightseeing and photography, June is one of the worst times to do so.
It's hot, it's humid, and the low hanging clouds will obscure many of the views you had hoped to capture with your camera. On top of this, many museums are closed for maintenance at this time.
Raining season is pretty bad for photography indeed, there is the Hydrangea to see at least
Urban Japan is Heaven on Earth Spring and Fall.
Summer and Winter you want to be in the mountains.
@@TheDavidlloydjones Even the mountains are pretty hot this year. Just went glamping in Hokkaido and my tent felt like a sauna. The lake was icy cold, though, so if you can hold out long enough to hit the water, it's pure bliss.
今年は、梅雨前線がずれてるからなぁ
I was there in august one time, the humidity almost killed me. Drink lots of water.
Agree with your hints. Lived in Japan for about 8 years and loved it. The safest, cleanest and most friendly country I have visited.
Singapore...
You are so lucky! ❤
I am a Japanese living in Tokyo.
Since you have come all the way from far away to Japan, I want you to enjoy yourself as much as possible. However, there are some things I would like you to understand about the Japanese way of thinking, so let me write just two things here.
1.
Most Japanese people are part of a "project to make Japan a better place", and I would like you to know that we take a lot of pride in this. Whether it is paying taxes, being kind to others, thanking store clerks, not talking loudly on trains or in public, not throwing unwanted plastic bottles or wrapping paper on the street, or not talking on the phone inside a store, each of us is doing what we can to keep the value of Japan from going down. As children we are taught this by our parents, but as we grow older we realize that we are part of a collaborative team that is building Japan, and we find joy in the Minecraft-like collaborative effort to make Japan a better place, to the extent that it is within our abilities. For this reason, we feel more uncomfortable when someone does something in front of me that lowers the value of Japan as a country than when I am punched in the face. This is because I feel that I am not alone and that the efforts of my colleagues, who are working hard to make things better, are being ridiculed. For many Japanese people, the act of lowering the value of their own country or town has the same meaning as having their family members insulted by others. (However, there are some Japanese who are naturalized immigrants to Japan who are not members of the "Better Japan Project," and these people are relatively indifferent to such things.)
2.
This is a bad thing about Japanese people, but Japanese people rarely point out other people's behavior even if they find it offensive. This is because Japanese people believe that to point out another person's behavior is to deny the other person's sense of values, which is not only offensive to the other person, but also to their own dignity. (This is because they realize that they are small people who cannot tolerate other people's behavior.) If a Japanese person points out something you have done, he or she may already be outraged by your action. By the time you are pointed out, it will be too late for anything else. With that being said, you may be wondering if there are any tips on how to avoid taboos, but it is very easy. Because "Japanese who may suddenly become enraged" themselves are always living in fear of such a crisis. Therefore, Japanese people always think of others around them first when they are in public places, so as not to offend others, lest someone suddenly point out their behavior." Why are the Japanese so well behaved?"The answer is that "you never know when the Japanese people around you will become enraged, just like you are, so you have to be careful how you behave, just like walking through a minefield with your bare feet."
From my point of view as a Japanese, the information covered in this video that Japanese people really find offensive is "talking loudly" and "throwing garbage on the roadside or road." It may seem surprising, but "not carrying cash" and "not taking off your shoes" are not taken so seriously, as they are not about sincerity, but just lack of knowledge.
It may be easier to understand if you think of Japan as someone else's home. You would be offended if a guest you invited to your home made loud phone calls in your home or threw food scraps in your living room. But if they don't know to take their shoes off and mistakenly enter your house with their shoes on, you may be annoyed, but you won't be angry. In other words, the important thing is whether the conduct stems from dishonesty.
I hope that the above information is not meant to frighten you, but to help you enjoy Japan more.
Come to Japan!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in details I’ll look forward visiting your beautiful country! I adore japans cultures , humility and many more things I’ve seen through youtube videos!
Thanks for this addition!
日本を良くするプロジェクト？
I deeply appreciate it my friend. Look forward at visiting in the future and take being good to others so very seriously. Definitely I will remember those tips you have shared. Have a good day ~
Cheers!
The first unwritten rule I learned in Japan was about escalator usage. If you get on an escalator and just stand still and ride it, stand on the left side. The right side is for people that are walking up or down. It is rude to stand in the middle or right side.
Same in UK.
Omg! DO NOT PUT YOUR CHOPSTICKS RIGHT INTO YOUR BOWL (of rice).
Reserve in Osaka though.
@@TerryTheNewsGirl In London, everybody stands on the right side
@@InakaAdventure "Reverse" (not "reserve") but EXACTLY. So confusing ;-)
I'm a current Tokyo resident, and decided to check this video out when it came up in my recommendations in case the info provided in it might prove useful to send to my family when they inevitably come visit me. I've never seen any videos from your channel before, so I was expecting this to be yet another in a long line of Japan travel videos that provide outdated or incorrect information -- but to my surprise, this may be the most comprehensive, succinct, informative video for would-be visitors to the country I've ever seen. I'm extremely impressed, and just wanted to say, thanks for this! I will most definitely be linking this to family and friends before they visit, as it perfectly summarizes just about every tip I might've given them, and literally every one of your points is a good one. Very nicely done!
Awesome, glad to hear you enjoyed it!
I agree. Having lived in Japan since 2012 I think this is an excellent introduction for people who have never been here. Everything in the video is correct and true. The part about veganism/vegetarianism is spot on and not always mentioned. If you cook at home being a vegetarian or even a vegan is no problem. You can buy all your ingredients - tofu, beans etc from the supermarket. However, if you eat out, being a vegetarian is almost impossible. Vegetarianism is not part of Japanese culture. My ex wife, who is an American vegan, visited me here. She had made a list of all the vegan restaurants in Tokyo - about half a dozen at that time. We went to all of them and none were good value. Most were expensive and not that good. They were all in the trendiest, most expensive parts of Tokyo.
@@fidomusic Funnily enough, I'm decidedly NOT a vegetarian or vegan in any way (I kind of hate vegetables, but looooove meat!), yet while I was out walking a few months back, I stopped in at a quaint riverside mom-and-pop vegetarian and vegan restaurant on the outskirts of Kichijoji (technically Suginami City), and the vegan curry I ordered there was absolutely DELICIOUS -- and surprisingly affordable, too! So there are definitely options to be found if you look -- you just have to REALLY look, as there just aren't that many.
(If you're curious, the name of the restaurant is Cafe Kawasemi Pipelettes.)
Good tips.. One I might suggest is getting a business card (meishi) from the hotel you stay at. I have helped a few tourists that didn't know how to get back to their hotel, and it took a lot longer than it would have if they had a card from the hotel. Or ask the concierge desk to write the address in Japanese on a piece of paper. That way, if you get lost and don't feel like searching any further, you can get in a taxi and show the driver the card/paper. It should not cost too much if you are in town, and I believe most taxis now also take credit cards.
Having your destination address in writing is very helpful in any country where you don't speak the language. It worked very well for me in France, for example.
i once lost the hotel i was staying at and there were like 3 different same hotels in the same block and got lost a couple times but once you get used to the place it's not so bad
😂 it happened to me. I misplaced the card my hotel gave me. Everyone was so nice and happy to help me find my way back 😊
I lived in Japan for 7 years, loved every second of it. Best way to learn is just immerse yourself in their culture. I was raised with respect in Texas so fitting in their culture was easy for me, and probably will be for you. Mind your business and your manners and that goes a long way.
Very true!
can I just say this made me laugh since Texas and Japan are complete opposites!!😛
I have said this so often. Many people would be surprised at how far you can get by just being polite and courteous to the other person.
Texas isn't a country.
I was in Japan in 1975 & rode in many taxis. I was really surprised to see, as I was exiting the driver pulled a little lever on the floor between his seat & his door & my door popped open. I thought this was unique to just this taxi, but it seemed all of them did that. I have mentioned how different, polite, very clean & just TOTALLY different they are from us!
After dark, expect taxis to not open their doors to foreigners. It's not a foreigner hate thing. Foreigners have a bad history of stiffing taxi drivers, so they just don't pick them up, especially in neighborhoods with a lot of bars. (Drunks on foot are bad news everywhere....)
@@ronaldmayle1823 WTF are you talking about?
Yup they are great
Well, they are very depressed, as they must work 6 days per week and getting enough money to move out of your parent's apartment with your bride takes many years. Each urban section has a 'reflection' park where people can go to calm their minds. Online personas are more important than yourself - if someone insults the false persona, you can expect a verbal or maybe physical fight if they don't stop. Homeless are beaten if they bother people on the subway - they are to be 'invisible'. Most of what the western world is taught about Japan is false.
@@missalaineous8468 You have never lived in Japan. It shows.
All of these things were true when I went to Japan back in the early 2000s. This is a very good video for people going there for the first time to watch. The only other tip I have and you mentioned it a little bit is, please give them the courtesy of attempting their language before you start talking to them in English. Most Japanese will be happy to speak English with you after you’ve tried to speak their language first
If you are planning on living in Japan for many years as I did then naturally you are going to want to learn the language. But nobody expects most tourists to learn Japanese before taking a one-week vacation there. And the Japanese people will certainly not consider it to be the least bit disrespectful or discourteous that you have not learned any Japanese. Furthermore with the great translation apps available today tourist can communicate fairly well without speaking the language. By the way, while the Japanese who can actually speak English will indeed be happy to speak English with you (whether you try Japanese first or not), the vast majority of them cannot really communicate in English at all, despite the fact that they all learn English in school. The bottom line is, if you are going to visit Japan as a tourist and you want to learn some Japanese words and phrases beforehand, that’s great. But if you cannot do so please do not be worried that the Japanese people will think any less of you for not knowing any Japanese. They will be thrilled if you try to speak their language but they will not be offended or put off in any way if you do not.
I agree with you about at least trying. It is only common courtesy to learn at least the basics of manners before travelling. Personally I learn a little of the language of each country before I visit even if only for a port call. Simply learning please, thank you, hello etc. show that you are trying
Perhaps learn two or three of the common phrases and amenities. It’s a lot to ask of a tourist whose native tongue has few cognates in Japanese, with the exception of some in Katakana. I studied Katakana when I visited Kyushu and Honshu in September 1993. Back then, the attempt was greeted warmly. But I’m 30 years older now, and learning more than a few syllables is much more difficult.
@@davidc831 - I agree that its great to learn some spoken words and phrases in Japanese before taking vacation to Japan but to be honest, I’m not quite sure what cognates have to do with anything. After all, Japanese does not really have a parent language that we know of which could have passed down any cognates. It has a lot of loan words of course from English and other languages but loan words are not true cognates. Of course, the Japanese did borrow their main written language from China and this did have some effect on the spoken language as well, but I don't know if these changes qualify as cognates. In any case, while this would not really give Chinese people an edge up on learning the spoken language, the fact that many Kanji have the same or a similar meaning in both Chinese and Japanese can sometimes allow them to communicate a bit through the written characters.
As for Hiragana and Katakana - the later of which is used solely for loan words - you should be able to learn both of these in just a few weeks with a little work - unlike Kanji which takes years. The problem of course is that you will not be able to really read anything without also knowing Kanji, and without reading things from time to time in Japanese you would very quickly forget all the Hiragana and Katakana that you worked so hard to learn. Still, you can sometimes find text that are written in only Hiragana and Katakana which are made to help people practice reading and retain their knowledge of these, even though they do not yet know Kanji. In fact, when I lived in Japan someone started a magazine called Hiragana Times which was written in both English and Japanese and in which all the Kanji had hiragana translations (furigana). I guess they thought it would be a good way for westerners to stay brushed up on their Hiragana/Katakana and possibly even help them pick up on some of the Kanji as well. And you can probably easily find stuff like this online today.
I think that carries over in most places on the world. Always a good idea to greet people in their native language, make a joke of it if you mess it up, and friendly ask if you can switch to English. Worked pretty much everywhere i ever visited. And you can also ask "what is a good phrase for this and that", and learn a bit at a time.
I've lived in Japan since 2012 and I don't like carrying around cash. But there's no problem. More places are accepting credit cards now. But I rarely need to use my bank card because I use my SUICA card. Suica (and Pasmo) are plastic IC cards you can get at railway stations. The cards can be used on trains and buses. It is amazing how many shops, supermarkets, convenience stores and even restaurants accept Suica cards. If you are spending any time in Japan I highly recommend getting a Suica or Pasmo card. You can top the card up at railway stations. Any retail outlet near a station is likely to accept Suica.
Yep its a lot better than it used to be, but when you're a tourist and going to multiple locations a day you go through cash very fast and dont want to take time out to find an atm or recharge your IC's
Also, an ICOCA card. But you don't even need the physical card. A 'virtual' ICOCA card can be loaded into your iPhone's wallet allowing the phone to be used just like a physical card, but with the advantage that it can be topped up without having to go railway station (or manually at a convenience store which is an alternative but a bit cumbersome).
Not sure what the situation is with other IC cards and Android
I have spent a significant portion of my life traveling for my work, I have explored various regions across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, but only Japan has left a lasting impression on me. The Japanese people are truly remarkable and have captured my admiration.
Just keep in mind they tortured American POW's during WW2
A nation full of "Cs": Clean, Considerate, Compassionate, Caring, Ceremonial, Calm
@@Rick-l6ewell they had two nukes dropped on them after countless incendiaries, but you do you
How is the sex industry in all those countries?
Ha, no I’m sure you didn’t. Of course not
@@deemo5245 This is truly a very insensitive remark you made, insinuating HANNAH has involved him/herself in prostitution. You make a remark like that in person and surely my fist would be going through your mouth. I have been an expat for 30 years and I despise prostitution. I have been to Japan on numerous occasions and love JAPAN with all my heart and would never contemplate such filth. You shoud be ashamed to even bring it up.
One thing of note: adhering to the law is especially important in Japan, because if you get busted (or strongly suspected of) doing something illegal, Japan's abnormally high conviction rate of almost 100% *will* make sure you won't weasel yourself out of it.
Yeah, a couple IRL streamers are learning this right now
Depends what is considered illegal. Japan still produces child porn material legally, if you take that to your home country you will be busted and labeled a sex offender. It's all legit in Japan. Please make a video on the exploitation of minors in Japan, in junior idols, and comics/manga/and "adult" figures/sex dolls. The most important advice is that a comic book you may buy may actually get you arrested when you return home because most countries don't celebrate drawing child abuse comics. Have a good day.
This conviction rate also comes from the fact that they only prosecute when they’re convinced they’ll win.
I’ve always had the upmost respect for Japans people and culture.
me too
Utmost
A little bit of respect goes a long way.
Check out their junior idol scene. Their child abuse manga scene. Do you respect that as well? How about their revenge on foreign cities which create Korean comfort women monuments. People worship the Japanese as though they're special but I've dealt with so many to know that many are below world average.
I have to agree that learning some basic phrases whatever the local language can be a life saver. I speak, or I used to speak fluent German, which served me well while I was stationed in Germany. However, the AIr Force, in its infinite wisdom, decided to send me to just about the only "remote" assignment in Japan, knowing maybe a half a dozen words that I had learned from the novel Shogun. To compound this, we did not haver dorms or barracks but lived on the local economy. (There was total of 6 of us on the comm site and two guys working the passenger terminal at the airport.) Fortnately, between the guys I worked with and my neighbour in my apartment complex who was a JSDF (Japanese Self-Defense Forces) officer who happened to work on the radar site on Mount Sefuri (aka Seburiyama) that our Comm Site was situated, I was speaking broken pidgin Japanese in no time. (Later being set up with a girl friend who had been an exchange student to New Jersey, was a godsend!) I loved my year in JApan and not extending my tour there has been one of the few regrets I have in my life. (We had one guy there that had been there over eight years.)
I have my own personal translator. Cut out all the frustration All it cost me was a wedding ring. 😁
@@nasis18 And mixed children who will likely be persecuted in Japan. That's the reality.
You Yanks should pull out of Japan and let it become a Chinese province. Of course you won't. If you need to learn their language because you're protecting them and they've taken jobs from your people back home, they need to sod off. But I don't think most of them care because it's weebs who say you should learn the language when a non immigrant.
@@peterc4082 who said we live in Japan?
My number 1 tip: use the luggage forwarding service. It's very affordable and makes travel between accomodations so much more hassle-free.
It's entirely unnecessary. You can just drop your luggage off at the hotel yourself and check in later
@@Jc-cv2ug The hassle is the actual travel between hotels with your luggage, not waiting to check in. dragging around a big luggage onto busy trains and buses can be a hassle.
I’ve lived in nearby China and visit Japan a couple times a year. Most often in Hokkaido or Nagano. I very much enjoy my time there every time we visit
I love Nagano, but never been to Hokkaido. My plan is to do it this year, any recommendations?
Also, important tip - do not use perfumes, strong colognes or any deodorants/antiperspirants with a strong scent (seriously, leave your Axe at home). It is considered rude in Japan to reek of either sweat or perfume. You may not be even allowed to some restaurants if your perfume is to strong as it would "disturb the flavour". Go for a barely scented or unscented antiperspirant (such as a mineral stick).
I was stationed in Japan for 3 years. It's definitely different compared to the U.S. If you're going to be there a while and using the trains, learn how to read the sign for where you're staying. It may be different now since I was there back form 2001-2004 but the train station signs were not in english at all even in heavy military areas.
I was there with the Navy in various years. I did find English on some train station signs in military areas or major cities where tourist would go. Outside of those areas you better have a train/road map on you. I was there in '79, '85, and '86, mostly around Yokosuka and Atsugi. Had a license to drive there also, and that's a different experience altogether.
@@johnknapp952 you brought back memories, Atsugi VA-115 very young then, too awkward & shy to have a chance with the Japanese girls, tough duty
As someone traveling Japan right now I can really confirm these hints. Really helpful videos for first time travelers.
Glad to hear it, what other topics about Japan would you like to see in future videos?
Wow. I visited Japan just once for a 20 hr transit. And these were the exact things I noticed. Thanks for summarizing it so precisely ❤
Very comprehensive video! We visited Japan pre-covid and are going back this year :)
I love the fact that just knowing a couple of phrases and attempting to speak Japanese is greatly appreciated. And the non-verbal cues are also very powerful like slight bows, nods of approval, etc.
I wouldn't quickly take my passport with me myself but this is an individual decision I guess. Losing it means having to pay thousands of euros and a delay to get back home, problems with work etc. The fine could be about 100,000 JPY I read somewhere.
The most important thing is that you can prove you are in the country legally, so a photo of the visa page might be a good idea as well.
Photocopy would probably be fine honestly, a policeman could press the issue if they really wanted to be a pain but its not something I can imagine unless that particular one had an axe to grind
I'm from the U.S.A. and I request an ID Passport Card with my Passport . That way I don't need to carry my Passport and it's totally ok . But I also get a driver's license for Japan for the trip to Japan and can legally drive around . I wouldn't recommend getting a Driver's License for Japan due to the high cost of car rental as public transportation is so much cheaper and so convenient . But if you need your medication , first make sure you do the required paperwork to go through customs legally without any problems . You will really enjoy Japan and Japanese People ! Just be polite at all times and you will be treated with full respect .
Not being able to effectively talk to people during my visit was very frustrating and embarrassing. This is mostly my fault for not learning the language better or full embracing my translation app but it was a stressful element to my trip.
Yeah, I felt the same. I definitely felt like an outsider and it was kind of lonely during my solo stay. I'd recommend at least traveling with a friend of companion if going there without any Japanese.
I feel that way about all travel to foreign language locales. I'm surprised travel is so popular.
You can almost get away with it in a big city but it's like yeah, why are you even going somewhere if not to meet new friends!
@@TheSpatulaCity You are so right. I tell anyone to go with friends, Japan can get lonely with the isolation.
Well you know what to do? Learn.Their.Language
yea, my dad was stationed on Okinawa for several years in the early to mid 90's when he was in the Air Force. By far the worst time of year for traveling was during typhoon season, and my parents always stopped by the currency exchange on base before we would travel off base. Also, the Mcdonalds that were off base were not very cheap even back then for the four of us it was like $40-$50 USD so we only went on special occasions. And the temps you mentioned were pretty spot on, as I remember going to beach parties in December, January and February as the temp rarely got below 50 degrees F at night
Went to Japan in March this year, hope to go back sometime. Loved it.
This is single handedly the most useful Japanese tips video I've come across.
Loved the "Hitchhiker's Guide" footage. "It's a rough universe out there!"
I knew all of these, but it was nice to be reminded and double check that there weren't any I was unaware of. Thanks!
I would take exception to the not needing to know Japanese because most know English. I used to travel for business to Yokohama. On one trip I had a medical emergency during the middle of the night. No one on duty at the hotel spoke English, once we got an ambulance no one on it spoke English, and once at the ER at the hospital (a very large one) no one spoke English there. Thankfully I had a translation app on my phone to help us communicate. (an EMT on the ambulance also had an app on their phone) Everyone was very nice but no one spoke English. I have had similar issues on the train and bus systems.
This is by far the best video on this topic that I've watched - I've just returned from Japan (2 weeks in Tokyo) and still learned something new from this video (not to pass cash directly to staff members). Also, your voice is so comforting and relaxing! Very enjoyable listening experience - my ears are very happy 🥰
Glad you had a good trip! Hope you got to see some of the surrounding areas of Tokyo too
The reason for the misunderstanding about vegan and vegetarianism is also due to differences in language, not just because they are not familiar with the concept, although vegetarianism is indeed much less common. The Japanese word for meat is 肉 (niku). But it's not exactly the same. Niku does not refer to fish or seafood, only to poultry & meat from land animals. So if you tell them "I'm vegetarian. I don't eat meat," in English OR in Japanese, unless they've lived in an English speaking country for some time and understand the nuance, they're going to think you mean you don't eat niku. That does not necessarily include seafood.
Since you mentioned that buses and trains are quite inexpensive compared to taxis and that Japan is a quiet country, it's worth mentioning the quality of their public transportation. They are efficient, frequent, and reliable. Use the buses and trains. But don't ever speak on your cell phone on public transportation, at least not any louder than a hushed tone. This is one of Japanese people's biggest pet peeves. We may be used to loud public transportation; they are not. And speaking on your cell phone on the train in any more than a hushed tone (better yet, go to one of the spaces between cars, away from the regular seating), is like the guy who stands up and takes a phone call in the movie theater and takes his sweet time to make his way out of the theater, talking the whole time.
Great video! Well presented, and as someone who lived in Japan for a number of years in the past and has been married to a Japanese woman for 24 years and uses the Japanese language on a regular basis, this was informative and I even learned a thing or 2 (I knew it was socially awkward to eat while you're walking in public - but I didn't know why - or that it's more acceptable at festivals). Thank you!
The concept of vegetarian (let alone vegan) is poorly understood by many people in the US as well. I once signed up for the "vegetarian meal option" at a conference. There didn't seem to be any vegetarian dishes on the lunch buffet, so I asked a server, who replied "Sorry, we're all out of fish." Thank goodness they also had a salad bar!
@@carolthedabbler2105 It is not just in US, in Europe it is a lot of fun too. If you say you don't eat meat, you'd be offered a fish. Or even poultry, because only pork and beef are REAL MEAT. A friend went to meet her future mother-in-law, who made a roasted turkey because that's not meat. A vegetarian friend ordered a "meatless omelette", which had sausage in it, because "sausage is not meat"...
@@SevenJetC -- I'm not at all surprised. A friend referred to herself as vegetarian because she doesn't eat beef very often. I guess many people all over the world consider it a relative term!
It is so refreshing to find a country such as Japan that is so well structured and maintained. This is exactly why Japan has such strict regulations regarding tourist and workers from other countries This is not racist in any way. They have a right to their own Sovereignty as most countries do unless you live in places like the USA. Respect & honor is alive and well in Japan.
Exactly which regulations are you talking about? I lived in Tokyo in the 80’s and 90’s and I never felt particularly boxed in by any regulations. In fact, the regulations for foreign workers there are not much different those in any other Asian country. I do know that when I was there they would bring in large groups of Pakistanis and Africans to do the low paying labor intensive jobs that Japanese would not do themselves, but unlike in the USA it would be virtually impossible for these people to illegally stay past the end of their contract or to bring their wives or kids over. They also had to live in dormitories outside the city center and did not have any opportunities to really interact with Japanese society. Still, for foreigners who are able to land white-collar jobs I would not say its any more strict than in any other country I have lived in. In fact, I would say its much more restrictive in Thailand as you have to report to immigration to verify your address every 90 days regardless of your visa status. Anyway, it sounds as if you think that the Japanese think that if that let too many foreigners in or allow them too many freedoms that it will be detrimental to Japanese society as a whole. But even if they were thinking this it has little to no bearing on the regulations. That being said, I used to worry myself that all the idiot foreigner I encountered while in Japan (including a lot of the US servicemen) would eventually have a negative effect on Japanese society, but for the most part I was worrying needlessly. You are correct by the way about them not being racists. In any case, it sounds as if you have not been there long enough to have peered under the well manicured veneer of Japanese society to see its dark side. Still, I had the best time of my life there and outside of California Tokyo is the one city that still feels like home to me.
That's it you answered the majority of what I just said. In the USA once you have entered the country, either legally with term limits or illegally, if you should choose to stay, then you just stay. Over staying your Visa in Japan is something that is frowned upon, with consequences, yes. The same as it is here in the USA , but if you don't say anything, nobody cares. You need to keep your documents up to date in Japan, yes? In the USA... Who really cares?@@SLOBeachboy
I've been studying some japanese and got so excited to recognize these words😊 I do it for my mental health since I'm 54 but I hope someday to visit. Fascinating and interesting country ❤
Learning a language is a great hobby, keep it up and then come try it in japan!
Me and few of my coworkers, we're planning on going to Japan early October. It'll be my first time going and I'm SO excited. I've always dreamt of visiting Japan and I'm planning on staying for 2 weeks.
Sounds like your trip will be one of the last that can take advantage of the JR Pass original price, its increasing in October but you should be able to avoid this by buying it before October, I also have a video on alternative passes: ua-cam.com/video/yEnNqY6s9Ck/v-deo.html
@@InakaAdventure Yeah, we're still debating if we will use the JR Pass. One if my coworker wants to visit Osaka for one day.
My dream 😮
I can’t wait to revisit this comment one day and hear how your experience was!
I recommend you stay in the greater Tokyo area, there's tons to do and see. Even 2 weeks isn't enough to be able to experience and see it all. Those 2 weeks will serve as a great primer for your next trip, especially if you plan to do a multi city tour.
Super informative video, quashing some of my concerns.
Sounds like a lot of my inherent tendencies of etiquette and behaviour are mirrored in Japan - seems so logical and fair - I should try it.
The honest truth is that if you just use some common sense and be polite you'll be fine, but this is difficult for a lot of people = /
I lived in Tokyo for 3 years back in the 90's and this video is probably the best I've seen regarding rules in Japan. Dai Sho!
Cheers!
I'm studying abroad in Hyogo right now, and if you need to bring certain ADHD medicines - whether for a two week holiday or a longer stay like for work or study - you need to fill in an application to bring it in. There's a form on the website for the ministry of health, labour and welfare, that needs to be filled in and submitted for review. Once approved, they will email a PDF of the approval letter to you. Be sure to print off two copies of it, as customs may wish to keep one, and the other one will be useful in case you are queried elsewhere. I can provide links for those who need it. ETA: Adderall is illegal and cannot be brought in at all, however, vyvanse, ritalin and concerta can with the correct documentation
Great to have some tips from someone thats gone through the process, cheers!
when having sake poured for you - you should use both hands to hold the sake cup (ochoko) and NEVER have you palm facing upwards.
Good tip
Really nice video, as a person planning to study in Japan this was pretty helpful, especially the money part, usually I do not carry much with me since it's unnecesarry and most stores here prefer change over bills so it being the opposite in Japan is surprising to say the least
Its slowly changing and in larger cities a few places offer cashless, the worst thing in Japan is you just seem to accumulate coins if you don't go out of your way to give exact change
He is correct about the passport requirement for foreigners I've been stopped by Japanese police a few times mostly to check if my passport is valid and then I'm on my way. It was like that in Russia also when i visited a few years back
I researched my first trip to Japan very carefully. Then later when I came to live there, it was very easy indeed. In fact I think living in Japan is one of the easiest things in terms of being able to live in a country where you don't know the language. It is far easier for example to live in Japan speaking no Japanese than living in China speaking no Chinese, and the same goes for Korea.
Im pretty sure all european countries are easier to live without knowing local language.
@@markoliimatainen2565yeah, to the point it's a problem. You don't even need to learn Dutch to live comfortably in the Netherlands. Which is a huge problem and shows the problems of multiculturalism.
It is a problem to not have to deal with the language barrier?!
Thailand is way easier. Most people speak at least some English. And everything is just quicker and hassle free.
@@BrotherHood-xh9sg Tell me about it. Austria had the largest influx of foreigners per capita of all European countries in recent years. Most of them do not talk German with their children, they do not talk German during breaks or in their free time; they mainly use foreign internet sites and TV channels etc., hence average grades started to plummet. (The only reason they make it through school at all is because of drastically reduced demands. Public school is so much easier now than it was 20 years ago, it's insane.) I started avoiding public parks and baths, public transportation, ... because people are so rude and uncivilized now. It's like I'm suddenly living in a strange, foreign country. 🤨
i just got back from a 10 day trip in Japan, 3 days in Tokyo and 7 in Osaka, and it's fun to see all the spots ive ben in this video
I knew Adams was spot on with the importance of the towel! This was informative, thanks!!
For some reason i was hoping for a towlie meme from southpark :D " Dont't forget to bring a towel
I almost threw that in too actually
Beautiful video! Thank you! Many similarities with our Finnish culture, though still very different, of course.
Yes, indeed. I really need to vent this out of my head: vegans, stay in your home and stop pestering the world with your dietary life. Nobody cares. If you can't see a vegan menu in a restaurant, leave in silence and find another place to eat. It's your responsibility, not ours. It's your choice, not ours. Your difficulty, not ours. No more than 1% of human population on this planet is vegan, so no, we are not going to run extra miles for your personal choice. Find a place that has vegan food and stop asking for special treatment for no extra payment. I'm dead-tired of the entitled people everywhere these days.
Japan is kind of funny with the way the language works, if you say you dont eat meat they offer you chicken or fish
I just travelled during Golden Week and didn't have any problems. We spent much of the time in Osaka and got a great deal on a business/conference hotel because everyone was out of town and no business meetins were happening.
Good to hear, I traveled during GW and had to stand on the bullet train all the way to my destination :S
It really depends on where you go I guess. If you go to major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, there might not be much of a difference, but if you go to smaller places, the difference can be a lot bigger. In 2018, my first time to Japan, I spent golden week in Tokyo and found it manageable. The next year, I also spent a week in Tokyo but outside of golden week and I did not really notice that big of a difference. However, both trips I also visited Kyushu with a home base in Fukuoka for the week, and in 2019 I spent that week during golden week. And there, I did notice the difference. Not only within the city itself, but also when taking the Shinkansen to other cities. There just was little to no room on those trains. I'll compare again with next year when golden week will once again be part of my travel itinerary.
Seriously one of the most pertinent must know videos I’ve watched over the past few weeks. thank$ again!
Cheers! Let me know what other topics you'd like to see about Japan
0:10 ‐ *Context: This is The Shinto Kanamara Matsuri (かなまら祭り, "Festival of the Steel Phallus"). It's an annual Japanese festival held each spring at the Kanayama Shrine* in Kawasaki, Japan.
Good eye, I have a short video about 2 phallus festivals here: ua-cam.com/users/shortsF9x8J-y66vo?feature=share
@@InakaAdventure lol, awesome. I’ll definitely check them out
Surprisingly, we went in Golden week this year and it was perfectly fine. We stayed in Tokyo for the whole of Golden week for very cheap, and then went to Kyoto just after and saved money because that's a low season for them in Kyoto
That is surprising, It was really busy for me this year so you must have gotten lucky!
I usually don’t carry cash in Tokyo. But the local situation is different and I always keep some cash in my pocket due to the delay of digitalizations.
Yeah especially now that there is a shortage on IC cards
Thanks for the video! It's very important to respect and follow the local rules as a visitor.
I have been to Japan once and it was a long time ago. I remember we traveled by train a lot and one tip I can give is to try to avoid the rush hour in the morning when people are heading to work and evening when people are heading home from work. The rush hour is intense and super crowded where they literally jam pack the train where you would be feeling like a sardine in a can. As a female, I had to bent both arms up to my chest or else your chest would be smashed into someone’s body. I didn’t need to hold onto anything since everyone around you kept you upright lol. So after that experience, we left a little bit before or after the rush hour to do our sight seeing and it was less crowded on the trains.
Yeah I cant stand the rush hour, honestly Tokyo trains always make me what to avoid that area
This Inaka Adventure youtube feature of Unspoken Rules of Japan What I Wish I Knew Before Coming is illustrative and helpful to watch especially with the inclusion of the multiple examples of each of the rules. I admit that I was emotionally tickled/amused with the inclusion of what phrase to utilize for Starbucks (because I started to go there more frequently when I was last there around 19 years ago some time after my now husband introduced me to one of the Starbucks in Japan that we both enjoyed together more frequently during the remainder of the time afterwards when we were both there at the same time).
An important detail with tax free shopping is that the items are sealed and can not be used or be consumed UNTIL after leaving Japan.
Mt Fuji is really clean these days, but there is an issue with dumping trash in the countryside due to the expensive recycling laws, its sad to see.
Thanks for this video. It does help you get around easier in a foreign country. Everybody has their different customs!
Very true!
I had a friend who went to jail in Japan for bringing 3 joints in his luggage. He didn’t think it was a big deal but got locked up for 6 months
I was stationed in Japan when Paul McCartney got busted for trying to bring over a half a pound of pot into Japan. We found this kind of amusing as some of us were growing our own at the time. Myself included. When I harvested my plant just before I was rotating back to America it yielded over a pound of cleaned prime weed. Which I parcelled out to some of my fellow growers, my girlfriend, and a couple of my NEC tech friends that mainted our communications equipment.
Yeah it is pretty amazing how harsh they are towards weed.
Then read something like this
"Before the World Cup in 2002 it was possible to get magic mushrooms in vending machines in Japan, but they decided to clamp down on that before the influx of international visitors. Now it's still possible to get herbs that aren't technically illegal but have similar effects."
Then this "The Japanese government is set to allow the medical use of cannabis to treat patients with incurable conditions, while cracking down on recreational consumers."
yeah any drugs in japan is EXTREEEMELY bad.. and will land you in jail.
How the hell did your friend survive 6 MONTHS in jail tho?? japan's jail system is one of the harshest in the entire world and extreme inhuman.
And don't forget, Japan still uses the death penalty, either hanging or lethal injection!
@@heyjeySigma虚言癖
This is quite an impressive footage because of the precise observation through real experience & interpretation. Very practical, helpful & informative. This kind of tips are the last ones coming from us Japanese. Every point here makes me nod, "Oh, yes, that's right". Understand perfectly, but hardly occur to us as useful suggestions. Purely visitors' view. Excellent, & grateful for presenting Japan this way! Just one thing about safety issue about cash. Mostly without much concern as noted here, but around the dinner time onwards, with alcohol, it'd be prudent take a bit more care!
PS. Tax door is the best advice. Unusual & very unique (exclusive?) to Japan. That was exactly what I gave to a Spanish friend of mine before her trip many years ago! Nostalgy & chuckle! Also, leaving tip is, good or not, bits of embarrassment (for both parties). Simply, there's no such custom (?) in Japan. Just say, "Doumo arigatou!" (instead of arigatou only. "Doumo" emphasizes your appreciation. & why not with a bow just slightly. You'd see the effect in the reaction of who attended you. Give it a try!
I would say thank you. If I'm coming to your country because your government wants that and is promoting that, and spending money there and buying your products, all our stuff was always Japanese made - there were better Dutch and German products too - but anyway - if I come to your country as a guest, treat me as a guest and don't treat me like garbage. The guest should be treated with kindness and respect. They are not at home and among a strange, sometimes hostile culture. There are many places to go in the world, and most don't expect you to pander to them. So maybe get over yourself. If you come to my Europe, I won't expect you to know a single word of any of the languages. I would be a total piece of garbage if I wanted that. If you come to any of my countries (I'm a citizen of two) I won't expect anything of you. So don't expect anything of tourists who spend a long time flying to you, spend a lot of money supporting your economy and even use your products back home. Thankfully your companies are going down, and these days I prefer LG and Samsung and Apple to your makes. Have a great day. And don't treat tourists like garbage.
I miss Japan! I want to go back again and see it.
The medication thing will prevent a lot of Westerners from visiting. A lot of people take various meds, and you can't just stop taking some of those things to go on a trip.
For life saving medication there is likely a waiver for ones that aren't straight up banned, but you need to contact your embassy to confirm first. Most medication should fall under the 1 month supply rule.
I remember each time I traveled to Japan I brought my medications in their bottles and a list of my medications from the HMO website. I thought it was in case I needed to replace any of them. I never had a problem.
I’ve always wanted to visit Japan, but as a person with attention deficit disorder, the ban on amphetamine-based medication is going to be a problem for me because I can’t function at 100% without the ones prescribed to me by my doctor to treat my attention deficit disorder. Are there any substitutes or strategies that are legal in Japan that can help manage attention deficit naturally without medication?
@samuelkent7482 contact your closest Japanese embassy to see if your medication is exempt or if they have a medical waiver for it
i remembered also the time when i visited the philippines.they are so kind and aswangs. what a fang
So accurate! I just got back from 10 days in Japan and wish I’d seen your video beforehand.
Cheers, hope you had a great time over here, any tips of your own?
Loved the Hitchhiker's Guide reference. That got my sub. 👍
Awesome, thank you!
When visiting temples you may find wide steps outdoors (talking 30 feet wide). Don't sit on those steps no matter how tired you are. Found that out the hard way. lol
Oh yeah that's the temple threshold, I've done that before I knew too haha
Most useful phrases to learn: "baka gaijin desu!" followed by "choto nihongo" followed by "gomen nasai!" 😁
Oh yeah I hear that first one on the daily
Just back from Japan.
Used the taxis a few times to get back to the hotel after long exploratory walks.
Found the taxis to be very reasonably priced.
What country are you from? the taxis are fine in my experience as long as your ride isnt more then 15-30 minutes, but from the airport its just ridiculous
@InakaAdventure
Australia.
No, I wouldn't get a cab from the airport.
Most we paid for a ride of about 10 minutes was 2000 yen.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy joke was on points. I felt like Ford Prefect on my first trip to Japan, just a happy go lucky guy hanging out with the locals telling weird stories that people only seem to understand.
Im glad a couple people enjoyed that reference
97F and (near) 100% humidity... sounds like the New Orleans area for nearly half the year. That's why every third bar in the French Quarter specializes in frozen slushy-style drinks called daiquiris and most everyone carries them and sips on them as they walk around. Hydration, sugar for energy, vital cooling, and alcohol... it's like a life support system when it's like a sauna outside. Some are even made with an energy drink base for caffeine rejuvenation! Another thing that's very common is a treat called "sno-balls", shaved ice with flavored syrup --basically a thicker daiquiri without the alcohol that you eat with a spoon. What do the Japanese use to beat the heat when they have to be outside?
Isn't there something about it being a great idea to bring small gifts from your home country, to give to those who help you while in japan.
If you are staying with someone, for example a homestay this is a great idea. Most tourists will be at hotels though so it's unnecessary. If you are coming to Japan for a long time then bring some gifts for friends or coworkers sure
Great video and thank you for the heads-up(s)! I've read quite a bit, but several things I was NOT aware of. Well done.
No worries!
Although it's not customary to give tips in Japan, certain restaurants or hotels may add about 10 - 15 % fee called service fee or service charge. This service fee is often added at high end restaurants, or when the number of guests exceed a certain number, like a in a small party. You generally cannot negotiate or not pay this fee.
I never see this personally but it might be the places Im frequenting
Love the hitchhiker's guide reference, you are a truly hoopy frood.
A few men of culture appreciated that reference :)
Excellent video, great tips for us when we visit japan in December ❤
Since you're coming in December you might want to check out my video on alternative rail passes: ua-cam.com/video/yEnNqY6s9Ck/v-deo.html in October the JR pass will be increasing in price. I *think* if you buy it just before the beginning of October you can get the old pricing since you can buy it 3 months before traveling. Ill post an update video closer to Oct when details are finalized.
After visiting Japan, there is information in this video I could have used before, but learned later.
Thank you for posting.
Just means youll be prepared on the next trip!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge with us ❤
Any time!
Your video is THE best I have seen on this topic for Japan! It's accurate, it's helpful and delivered in a peaceful and calm manner, I appreciate your content and looking forward to watching more. Ps. handy phrases, thank you
Cheers!
Recently spent several days in Osaka. Was very easy to get around by rail.
Subway in Osaka is much better than Kyoto
Many in the US remove their shoes at the doors of their home, and don’t wear shoes around the house, with many homes having shoe benches or other shoe storage areas right inside the front or back door. It is common enough that I and others often ask neighbors their preference (shoes on or off) before entering a home for the first time.
So….not a completely foreign concept for many Americans, and my guess, many of other nationalities as well.
I think it varies by region mostly
This is a very nice and helpful video. My wife and I are planning a "big" trip for our next anniversary and Japan is on the short-list. The part about hot and humid in the summer, 36C, 100% humidity? That's just a normal south Texas summer. :)
bring your best mosquito repellent here, pure DEET oil
Picaridin has been found, based on my search of the laypress literature, to be superior to DEET.
Yes, I suppose it is, but I bet that the Japanese electric power supply is more reliable than that in Texas! What a wonderful job DEREGULATION has done in that state!
Japan is so wonderful! Yes, it is hotter in Texas, but you are not normally outdoors all day. I am in Tokyo now and often spend all day walking around here. I definitely won’t come here in the summer next time.
Deet hasnt been the choice for over 20 years lol.
Picaridin or citronella tablets/diffusers are like the least you can do for yourself while also not causing an environmental issue wherever you go
Excellent words of advice, thank you so much---as well as many of the comments from people below! So many GREAT tips!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Lol I like how he’s been there for years and has never seen a cop stop someone and demand to see their passport but that happened to me on the SECOND day of my first trip there ever in 2018. 🤣
I lived out in the countryside for most of it, my prefecture had a lot of foreigners specifically Brazilians so maybe the cops were used to foreigners haha
@@InakaAdventure probably MMA fighters
planning to visit japan next year on winter and videos like these really help
Glad to hear it!
was stationed in Japan for 4 years, loved every second of it.
On signage, there's very few signs in any language outside of cities, even on road junctions if it isn't a major road. When cycling in rural areas I was dependent on my sense of direction and google to navigate anywhere; even villages didn't display a name.
I was so curious about how accurate this would be and while I don't think this is an "unwritten guide" as many of these are well-documented among other bloggers, this is a pretty solid list for first-time comers. I can't emphasise enough the "please mind your manners" while in Japan. You may think you're a tourist so your behaviour doesn't matter because you'll just go home - but the locals remember these experiences and it affects their perspective of not only other tousits, but immigrants and expats who are trying to make a life here and assimilate.
The one I think you left out is - don't go about your day here speaking full-speed complicated-worded English to the locals. Lots of Japanese people have so much anxiety about speaking English (and being spoken to in English) that they avoid being near foreigners altogether. Please be nice and patient with Japanese peoples' English.
Given the history I think it’s more subtle racism than fear of languages that drives the aversion to apparent foreigners tbh.
Good advice, very true about speaking fast english
It's not just anxiety about English. Japanese are averse to getting sucked into any unnecessary difficult or awkward encounter. They will avert their gaze, duck their head, and race past you, hoping that they've become invisible and that they don't get spoken to. It's actually very predictable and pretty funny to watch it play out.
I loved living in japan for many of these reasons 😊
When I was doing a year abroad in Japan I was issued a visitors id card that we were allowed to carry in lieu of our actual passport, but that’s been several years ago so it may have changed and I’m pretty sure it’s only an option to longer term visitors.
Its different for residents, tourists need passports, residents or people on visa use residence cards. You need to carry one of them legally in Japan, I dont really mention it here because this is mainly for visitors and people moving to Japan should be aware of this already
if carring cash be hustle to a foreigner you can use Suica card or Pasmo card this is a chargeble cash card, you can used almost anywhere of this convinient card you dont need to carry a big amount of cash, you can swipe this card to pay your bills no need to wait for exchange ,you can charge to this Card at train stations .hope it helps
So many good tips from different people in one place. Thank you all for the tips!😍
ありがとうございます！
Yeah there are some comments with tips that I didnt even know, its great!
Also never approach strangers or say hi or make eye contact as a foreigner, coming from California we normally approach girls, guys and are very friendly and outgoing. I learned quickly the Japanese don't do that ( how anyone meets in this country is still a mystery to meet) haha. But my girlfriend who's from Sapporo taught me the "rules"
Perfect timing, right before I leave for my trip. Cheers!
I don't see any attraction for visiting there. Thank you for this video.
watched this a few days into my kyoto trip and realized i never used the tray, now i know 💀
No worries everyone makes mistakes, and its a pretty small one they understand
Two add ons i recommend is getting your prescriptions apostilled at your local notary (japan doesn't recognize foreign doctors, apostille makes it international... outside of that, its police descretion) and most places that give a foreign discount there is stipulations (donkijote is 100$ minimum last time i was there) and you cannot use the item in japan so they put it in a tamper evident bag)
i think the minimum spend for the discount is 5,000 at Donki now, so about 30 bucks!
Also, stand on the left side of escalators so others can pass by on the right side.
Reverse if in Osaka
Another simple one (I also lived in Japan for a few years), do not stab your food with your chopsticks. This can remind (mostly elders) of funeral rites in Japan, and can be seen as insensitive. If you aren't eating either place them on a napkin or on the side of the bowl or plate horizontally. In cities a lot of the time Forks are available on request, so just ask if you aren't comfortable with chopsticks (smaller restaurants often will not have silverware though, chopsticks are cheap and biodegradable).
Also, if you do frequent a restaurant or other service, and want to tip, gifts are generally accepted and appreciated, just not raw currency.
With regards to the language barrier, and this isn't just restricted to Japan, I'm always of the opinion that if you are wilfully visiting another country where the language is not your native tongue, for one thing, it's just common courtesy and respect to learn to speak the language of that country even if only to a basic, functional level to begin with before visiting, and for another, understand that you are a foreigner in their country and therefore it shouldn't be up to locals to speak anything other than their native tongue in order to communicate with you. If you can't be bothered to learn their language and at least try to meet them halfway, why should they show you the same/any courtesy and/or respect by attempting to speak your language?
If you're some kind of refugee, then of course it's a slightly different story and you're effectively 'learning as you go'.
People like you put people off travelling, just go and make the most of it. These ‘nice things’ end up being barriers to people attempting stuff.
So many of these hints would be wonderful if they were shared by every culture on earth. Most of it boils down to simple courtesy.
Yes. Summer in Japan is the worst. The mosquitoes here really do bite and the cicadas are so noisy. It’s really hot and humid here. Then, in June-August, you have the rainy season and the typhoons.
Rainy season is from June to July. Mid July to end of August is even worse. We have 35-40Degress C now.