Japan provides travellers an experience rich with metropolitan action, impressive cultural histories, and diverse landscapes. The Land of the Rising Sun has found a way to combine the modern and the old in a way that always leaves you wanting more but because the country is so diverse, it often leaves the uninitiated a little overwhelmed. To save you from information overload we’ve scoured the deep, dark depths of Lonely Planet for their very best tips and tricks when it comes to exploring Japan.
Tips for speaking basic Japanese
Hello – Konnichiwa
Goodbye – Sayōnara
Good morning – Ohayō gozaimasu
Good night – Oyasuminasai
Thank you – Arigatō gozaimasu
Yes and no – Hai/Iie
Do you speak English? – Eigo o hanasemasu ka.
My name is (your name). – Watashi no namae wa (your name) desu.
I don’t understand. – Wakarimasen.
Can you speak more slowly? – Motto yukkuri hanashite kudasai.
Read here for how to order yourself a coffee, vegetarian food or a drink in a bar!
Tips for basic etiquette
Bowing instead of handshaking: Bowing is a well-known custom that replaces the traditional Western handshake. Whether you’re simply greeting someone, saying goodbye, thanking someone or even apologizing to them, bowing is the right move. Although don’t be taken aback if you do end up being greeted with a handshake because most locals are accustomed to shaking hands when meeting non-Japanese.
Removing your shoes: Heed this pro tip and back shoes for your trip that is easy to slip on and off because in many instances you’ll be expected to take them off. Before you enter someone’s home, a ryokan, and even in some restaurants (see below) you’ll need to take off your shoes and throw on some slippers.
Passing money during a transaction: When you’re paying for something, regardless of whether it’s a good or service, you should put the money down on the small tray that’s provided rather than handing it directly to the cashier.
Tips for visiting an onsen (Japanese hot spring)
There’s nothing more rewarding then ending a long day of experiencing the hustle and bustle of Japan then by visiting a natural hot spring. To make the experience truly relaxing, follow these steps to ensure you don’t commit any faux pas:
- Undress and clean yourself thoroughly in the washing area before you enter the baths.
- Forget the swimsuit and strip down, it’s a bath after all!
- You’ll be provided two towels: one small and one large and it’s critical to know which towel is for what. Save the biggest towel for when you’re done and ready to completely dry off. The small towel should be taken to the bath with you and applied to your head.
Tips for dining in restaurants
When you don’t speak the language, eating out can be a bit stressful. Gesturing will get you somewhere but keep these additional culture tips on hand to make everything a little easier:
When you first enter a restaurant you can typically expect to be greeted with “irasshaimase” which means “welcome, please come in.” In Japan, it’s not common for restaurants to have guests seat themselves so wait to be guided.
Most restaurants in Japan offer Western-style dining experiences (meaning tables and chairs) but many also have zashiki-style dining settings, which includes low tables where guests sit on pillows on the floor. In some cases, a restaurant will have both styles of dining and allow you to choose which you’d prefer. If you choose the zashiki-style of eating you’ll need to remove your shoes before stepping into the sitting area.
Important: While the Western world and other Westernized areas have almost entirely banned smoking indoors, that is not the case in Japan. In some restaurants, you may be provided with an option between sitting in the smoking and non-smoking sections while other places are either entirely one or the other.
If you’ve ordered an alcoholic beverage, wait until everyone has received their drink before taking a sip. Cheers by saying “kanpai!”
You can also say “itadakimasu” before eating as a way to express your gratitude for the meal.
In terms of your utensils, you can expect to find a set of chopsticks (typically disposable wooden ones) at your table. It takes practice but the learning curve is swift! Whatever you do, do NOT stab at your food with your chopsticks.
Once you’re finished, the bill will be brought to you face down on the table. In most restaurants it’s uncommon to pay at the table, instead, you must bring your bill to the cashier on your way out when leaving. It’s recommended that you carry cash with you as it’s the most common form of payment. You should not expect your credit card to be accepted in most places, though this is starting to change.
Important: You do not tip your server in Japan. In most cases, if you leave cash behind you’ll get a restaurant employee chasing you down the street as you leave, thrusting your money back into your hands. If you believe that the service you received was truly exceptional than you can always try discreetly handing over cash in a white envelope. Don’t hand them the bills directly as it is considered crass.
Tips for riding public transit
Don’t fulfil the stereotype of the noisy foreigner. In Japan, it’s pretty rude to answer your phone or listen to loud music while riding public transit. You should also avoid eating on the trains or blowing your nose.
Best time of year to go (the season of Japan)
Japan is amazing year round, but it doesn’t hurt to make yourself familiar with their weather patterns so you visit during the season you prefer.
Spring (March to May) – Likely the most popular time to travel to Japan, spring brings special festivities like Golden Week (early May) and Cherry Blossom season, where you can enjoy being blissfully showered in soft, pink and white petals. People in Japan will be on vacation throughout April and May so you’ll have to deal with the added traffic of locals enjoying recreation time as well as tourists.
Summer (June to August) – June and July are considered Japan’s rainy season in pretty much everywhere aside from Hokkaido. You can expect oppressively humid temperatures nearly everywhere you travel so be sure to pack accordingly.
Autumn (September to November) – September is the time of the year where the weather can be both unpredictable or typhoon-ridden. October is a decent time to visit because the crowds are starting to taper off and the humidity begins to disappear. Not to mention that when the leaves change, you get to enjoy Japan’s beautiful fall colours!
Winter (December to February) – This is a great time to travel to Japan if you’re into winter activities, New Year celebrations, and small crowds. Keep in mind that the Japan Alps, the northern island of Hokkaido and the Japan Sea coast gets a lot of snow. You can expect to get little to no snow if you’re sticking around Tokyo.
Tips for how to travel (and how to do it affordably)
If you’ve been to certain parts of Asia before you may expect Japan’s travel costs to be relatively similar but be careful because you may be in for a nasty (and costly) surprise. Travel throughout Japan can be very expensive if you don’t plan ahead.
Trains are likely the fastest, most efficient and reliable way to get around the country but if you get stuck with buying tickets inside the country you can expect to see your money disappear before your eyes. If you’re staying 7 days or longer and plan to move around a lot, I would seriously recommend investing in a Japan Rail Pass. Important: Japan Rail Passes (or JR Passes) can only be purchased by non-Japanese citizens from outside the country. In addition to their world-class train and subway/metro system you can travel via:
Ferry: You can make long inter-island hops by ferry for low prices and see a different side of Japan.
Bus: If a part of Japan is not served by train or ferry, it’s almost certainly served by good local or long-distance buses.
Car: Rental cars are widely available, roads are great, driving is safe, and a car will give you plenty of freedom. Renting a car is especially recommended in Hokkaidō and Okinawa. Important: Drive on the left!
Air: Japan has an extensive network of domestic flights and it will be easy (though not inexpensive) to fly around the country.When arriving by air, it is recommended that you avoid the fairly inconvenient Narita airport if possible. Consider flying into Haneda or one of Japan’s many other airports.
Don’t forget all of Japan’s amazing winter experiences as well! Discover the 9 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Japan in the Winter right here.
Featured image by Marufish
