10 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Japan
Hi there! ๐
Welcome to KITAKAMI JAPAN BOOKS DIRECT ๐
We are based in Japan and specialize in sharing the world of WASHOโbooks originally written in Japaneseโwith readers around the globe. Through this blog, we'd like to introduce not only fascinating Japanese books, but also the culture, traditions, daily life, and unique perspectives that can be found between the pages of those books.
Whether you're planning your first trip to Japan โ๏ธ, interested in Japanese culture ๐, or simply looking for your next great read ๐, we hope you'll enjoy this journey with us.
For our very first article, let's start with something useful for anyone thinking about visiting Japan.
๐ 1. Japan's Trains Are Your Best Friend
Seriously, you'll probably use trains every day.
Japan has one of the best railway systems in the world ๐, and it's usually the easiest way to get around. Whether you're exploring Tokyo ๐ผ, visiting Kyoto โฉ๏ธ, or taking a day trip to a smaller town, trains will quickly become a part of your daily adventure.
At first, the train maps may look a little intimidating ๐ . Don't worryโyou'll get used to them much faster than you think.
One tip I always give first-time visitors is to get an IC card. My recommendation is Suica ๐ง. Instead of buying a ticket every time you travel, you can simply tap your card at the ticket gate and go.
If you're using an iPhone ๐ฑ, it's even easier. You can add a Suica card directly to your Apple Wallet and travel around Japan using just your phone.
Trust meโsetting up a Suica card before you start exploring will save you a lot of time and stress, especially in busy stations like Shinjuku ๐.
And speaking of Shinjuku... don't worry if you get lost there once or twice. You're definitely not the first! ๐
โฐ 2. People Take Punctuality Seriously
If a train says it leaves at 10:03, it will probably leave at exactly 10:03.
Being on time is considered respectful in Japan ๐ค. Whether you're meeting friends, joining a tour, or heading to dinner ๐, arriving a few minutes early is always a good idea.
Think of it as a small way to show consideration for others โค๏ธ.
๐ด 3. Carry Some Cash
Japan has become much more cashless in recent years ๐ณ, but cash is still useful.
Small restaurants ๐ฑ, local shops ๐ฎ, temples โฉ๏ธ, and rural areas ๐พ may not always accept credit cards, so keeping some yen with you can be very helpful.
Having a little cash on hand can save you from awkward situations when you're hungry and discover your favorite noodle shop only accepts cash! ๐
๐ฃ๏ธ 4. Learn a Few Japanese Words
You don't need to speak Japanese fluently.
Simple phrases such as "Arigatou" (Thank you) ๐ and "Sumimasen" (Excuse me) ๐ can make a wonderful impression.
Most people will appreciate the effort, even if your Japanese isn't perfect.
Sometimes a smile and a simple "Arigatou" can open doors to unexpected kindness ๐ธ.
๐คซ 5. Trains Are Surprisingly Quiet
One thing many visitors notice is how peaceful Japanese trains can be.
People often spend their commute reading books ๐, listening to music ๐ง, or quietly checking their phones ๐ฑ.
If you're traveling with friends, just remember to keep your voice down a little.
The calm atmosphere is actually quite relaxing โจ.
๐๏ธ 6. Trash Bins Can Be Hard to Find
This surprises almost everyone.
You can find delicious snacks ๐ almost anywhere, but finding a public trash bin is sometimes another story ๐ .
Many Japanese people simply carry their rubbish with them until they find a proper place to dispose of it.
A small plastic bag in your backpack ๐ can be surprisingly useful.
๐ 7. You May Need to Take Off Your Shoes
Removing shoes is a common part of Japanese culture.
You'll be asked to do this in many homes ๐ , traditional inns ๐๏ธ, temples โฉ๏ธ, and even some restaurants ๐ต.
Don't worryโthere's usually a designated place for shoes, and in many places slippers will be provided.
Think of it as one of the small cultural experiences that makes Japan special ๐ธ.
๐ช 8. Convenience Stores Are Amazing
No, reallyโthey're amazing.
Need breakfast? ๐ฅช A bottle of water? ๐ง A fresh cup of coffee? โ An umbrella? โ Cash from an ATM? ๐ด
Japanese convenience stores, known as konbini, can help with almost all of that.
They're one of my favorite parts of everyday life in Japan โค๏ธ.
Don't be surprised if you end up visiting one several times a day! ๐
๐ฏ 9. Respect Local Customs
You don't need to memorize every etiquette rule before you arrive.
Just be observant ๐ and respectful โค๏ธ.
Whether you're visiting a shrine โฉ๏ธ, riding a train ๐, or exploring a quiet neighborhood ๐ฟ, showing consideration for others goes a long way.
When in doubt, simply watch what local people are doing and follow their lead ๐.
๐งญ 10. It's Okay to Get Lost
I know this sounds funny, but hear me out.
Many travelers get lost in places like Shinjuku Station ๐.
In fact, getting lost is almost a part of the Japanese travel experience ๐.
Some of the most charming cafรฉs โ, hidden bookstores ๐, and quiet streets ๐ธ I've discovered were found completely by accident.
So if Google Maps ๐บ๏ธ isn't helping for a few minutes, don't panic.
Take a deep breath ๐ฌ๏ธ, look around, and enjoy the adventure โจ.
You never know what you'll find around the next corner.
๐ Final Thoughts
Japan isn't a country that you simply visit.
It's a country that you experience โจ.
You experience it while eating a convenience store rice ball ๐ late at night, wandering through a quiet neighborhood ๐, discovering a hidden bookstore ๐, or searching for the correct exit at Shinjuku Station ๐.
Here at KITAKAMI JAPAN BOOKS DIRECT ๐๐ฏ๐ต, we believe that books are one of the best gateways to understanding Japan.
Through Japanese books and stories, we'll continue sharing the culture ๐, history ๐ฏ, and everyday life โ of Japan in future articles.
So whether you're preparing for a trip โ๏ธ, studying Japanese culture ๐, or searching for your next favorite book ๐, we hope you'll join us on this journey.
See you in the next article! ๐โจ๐๐ฏ๐ต
๐ Today's Book Recommendation
Convenience Store Woman
by Sayaka Murata ๐
If you'd like to learn more about everyday life in Japan ๐ช, this internationally acclaimed novel offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese society through the eyes of a convenience store worker.
A perfect companion to today's article about modern life in Japan ๐ฏ๐ตโจ.
