What should I know before going to Japan? - I will be there in less than 2 weeks.

[Alex Hogendorp]

Japanese Culture is different from those in North America so I really don't want to be intertwined with something wrong going on. I just don't want to appear as a retarded foreigner.

 

[Betonhaus]

Make sure you have a mapping app that will work with your data plan. Japan's address system is based on when the address was registered and not where the address is, and it's very difficult to navigate as streets are rarely named. Usually when a company wants to give you their address they would give you a simplified map that shows the location in relation to something like the nearest highly visible convenience store

 

[Alex Hogendorp]

please americans, do not talk like a anime character.
this is not how normal people talk.
it is a little embarrassing too watch

So many American's have this misconception that a Japanese Highschool is like something that's portrayed in an anime series. It really isn't. In fact it's one of the most stressful things for any American due to Japan's higher standard of success, also to mention summer break is only 6 weeks long and takes place in a school year. If that wasn't painful enough, Japanese workers are often overworked and some even died because of it. Don't expect big tit woman's who are capable of combat. That never happens there. Some people are literally stupid enough to believe that anything that happens in High School DXD happens for real.

Isn't a ton of advice I can give was only there for a few days. I know for whatever weird reason talking on public transportation is a major taboo. I don't know why but it really pisses then off.

Beyond that some restaurants will refuse to admit anyone not Japanese just move on if it happens.

Only other thing I can recall is violence utterly shocks them. They will scream less then an inch in front of your face but even showing them makes them turn ghost white. They are extremely adverse to any kind of physical confrontation.

I am well aware of the fact trains were meant to be silent. But I never knew some restaurants refuse service to foreigners. It's something you couldn't get away with in America or else they'll scream racism. If they refuse service to me, it's their decision, then again after doing more research I find that many just don't want to deal with that language barrier which makes sense (It can be rectified if you're fluent in Japanese and living with a Japanese local though but I only know some Japanese and it may still be an issue to me because I only made Japanese friends on the internet) and this technique also eliminates long wait times so honestly, I find it perfectly reasonable, one of my hotels is actually at the Ginza close to some shops that refuse service to foreigners. Reminds me of religiously exclusive places in Saudi Arabia where some places are Muslim only (I won't go to Mecca unless I officially converted to Islam). I'm only bringing the medicine I needed so hopefully it won't be a problem (I'd be pretty disappointed if that was the case) to them and I believe I also applied for an e-visa so I can get out of the airport quicker. I never wanted to be seen as a threat to any Japanese either and I do heavily agree with their intolerance of violent crimes.

Fortunately there are indicators on places where you could only speak the native language and be a local to enter.

With that being said. I will absolutely love Japan however. I am pretty hesitant on giving up my countries citizenship so I'd only go there for vacations unless the Japanese really wants me here.

 

[sadrefrigerator]

Hardly anywhere uses card so make sure you get plenty of cash exchanged at the airport.

This is not true anymore. Most places accept card now. Having a card with no foreign transaction fees is very nice.


I'm in Japan right now. You will never go hungry. There's a lot of good cheap food, but also a lot of expensive good.

Trash cans are rare. You'll be carrying around your trash most of the time.

You can buy stuff at big store tax-free (10%) discount if they have tax free shopping. Just show them your passport. You cannot use the tax-free items in Japan though.

COVID check before flying in bullshit. The flight counter takes a glance at it once. I think it's gone by the time you go. You don't need to wear a mask. A lot of Japanese do during the day (probably because of work and school) but half don't at night.

Try not to travel during rush hour. It's a shit show.

A lot of casual restaurant work by ordering with a machine. You select money, put in cash or card. It gives you a ticket. You give it over the counter and they give you food.

Most japanese don't speak English, but you can gesture past everything. There's a lot of tourists so they are used to it.

Stand to one side in the escalators. There might be a Japanese late for work that has to run past everyone

Also don't get advice from anonymous internet forums.

 

[PixarsTedKennedy]

Isn't a ton of advice I can give was only there for a few days. I know for whatever weird reason talking on public transportation is a major taboo. I don't know why but it really pisses then off.

The whole emphasis on not bothering people in their culture makes me want to live in Japan. I grew up around Mexicans, which probably is the reason, and they try to bother everyone around them at all times.