Japan
The beauty of Japan
It’s no secret that I absolutely adore Japan. I’ve been there twice and am heading back for a third time this summer. Out of all the countries I’ve visited, it’s probably my favorite, closely followed by Thailand. Japan has some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever had the fortune of laying my eyes on. Their nature, their giant cities and their small country-side villages—it’s all absurdly beautiful.
My observations
As I said, I’ve been there twice already, and during those times, I noticed some interesting things. Firstly, all their special unspoken “rules.” Their customs can sound confusing and overwhelming, so here is a list of the most important ones:
Don’t walk while you’re eating or drinking, as this can be seen as rude or make it look like you’re going to litter, which is a big no-no. (it can result in a fine of at least 30k yen.)
Don’t sit on the ground. This is seen as extremely unhygienic, especially because most Japanese people (and foreigners) take public transportation. Sitting on the dirty ground and then sitting on a train seat that can’t be cleaned is understandably seen as unsanitary.
Don’t give cashiers damaged money. If you accidentally rip a bill, it’s much better to use it in a vending machine and get undamaged change back.
- If you’re a woman who likes to wear revealing clothes, be prepared to be looked at. It’s rare to see a Japanese woman reveal any cleavage or even shoulders, for that matter. Both times I was there, I wore kinda revealing clothes (by their standards, not Western standards), and I can’t count the number of stares I got. I don’t mind, but if you’re self-conscious, that’s definitely something to keep in mind.
- Lastly, and most importantly, DON’T talk loudly or play music on the train. In my opinion, it should be like this everywhere, but because of how tightly packed the trains are, if everyone were talking, it would be absolutely unbearable. That, along with the fact that Japanese people are extremely respectful and don’t want to disturb others, has led to a strong silent culture on trains and other public transport.
This might seem a bit excessive, but remember, these aren’t laws. Most Japanese people give foreigners some leeway because they know it can be overwhelming to remember everything. So, think of them more as guidelines than strict rules.
Except for the last one—seriously, don’t talk loudly on the train.
Last tips, tips and recommendations
I made a lot of mistakes on my trips—some of them cost me a lot of money. So here, I want to share some tips on how to avoid getting surprised by the bill and, in general, how to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
When going from the airport to your hotel, you’re most likely tired and don’t want to deal with public transportation. If that’s the case, your first instinct is probably to take a taxi. Be aware, however, taxis are expensive. Don’t be surprised if you end up paying around 30.000YEN (1400DKK) for your ride. So, although taking a taxi is by far the easiest option, you might want to look into where the nearest train station is.
Speaking of trains, you should get a Pasmo or Suica card as one of the first things on your trip. You can get one at any train station, and there are instructions in English. If you have an iPhone, you can even download it before you arrive by going into Apple Wallet, pressing “Add Card,” searching for Suica, and adding it to your wallet.
Also, the last train leaves at 11:00 PM, so if you’re out late, be aware that you’ll either need to take a taxi home or do what some Japanese people do—sleep in the streets for a night and take the first train in the morning.
Learn a bit of Japanese
Seriously, not only will it help you navigate, but Japanese people really appreciate it when foreigners make an effort. It doesn’t even have to be a lot—just simple words like:
- ありがとう ございます (Arigato gozaimasu) – Thank you (polite)
- だいじょうぶ (Daijoubu) – OK / It’s fine
Although I’ve found that most people do speak some English—at least enough to help you or have a basic conversation (contrary to popular belief)—it’s still a good idea to learn a bit of the local language.
Google Maps is your best friend. Not only can it help you navigate the small and confusing streets, but it can also help you find new restaurants to try and even show you exactly how to navigate the complex train system. Seriously, I would not have survived without Google Maps.
Lastly, if you need a prepaid SIM card, the best place to get it is Bic Camera. They’re by far the cheapest and easiest to install (they even have a designated area in the building for installation), and Bic Camera has locations all over Japan, making it easy to access no matter where you are.
