What to know when traveling to Japan? 7 tips from frequent travelers

“Japanese culture is about respecting your environment and the people around you. Do not talk on the phone on public transportation and in confined spaces when other people are present.

Additionally, enjoying your food is an important sign of respect, so don't eat while walking. Instead, sit back and savor every bite.

And be prepared to keep your trash in the city when traveling or sightseeing: the chances of finding a trash can are slim to none! Residents usually bring a small bag to carry the day's trash back home. Japan is very clean and you will find that public toilets are spotless compared to other countries. Basically, try not to leave any traces. »

– Tyler Monahan, assistant director of golf caddies based in New Jersey, married to a Japanese citizen. He made three trips to Japan totaling 155 days.

“The trains are extremely punctual, so two minutes is a big deal – if it doesn't arrive at the exact time, it's another train! If you miss a train in a big city like Osaka or Tokyo, another one will be here in a few minutes, so don't worry, in the countryside though, it could be hours, or tomorrow!

Also know the concept of “last train”. AllA The rail scene, both public and private, closes between midnight and 5 a.m., which can seem a little early in big cities, so be warned. In rural areas it may be much sooner. Be prepared to take a taxi, or if you like, explore this nightlife – perhaps in a jazz club that stays open until the first train leaves – which, in big cities, represents an economy of its own whole. A

– Henry Rose, Seattle-based architect who has made more than 10 trips to Japan.

“Exchanging 'meishi' is a glorious and serious tradition in Japan. The cards are presented with both hands and with a deep salute. It's also one of the most unexpected and fun icebreakers you can use to meet new people.

Get maps printed entirely in Japanese: you can use Google Translate for translation. Kinkos staff – located in all major cities in Japan – will guide you through the process. After that, the locals will be shocked and absolutely delighted that you have meishi for them. During my last trip to Japan, I had 100 cards printed in Kyoto. I handed them out during the rest of the trip, always with a smile.”

-Olivier Horovitz, New York-based travel writer who has visited Japan three times.

“In Japan, bare feet are a big no-no. Travelers should expect to remove their shoes often in Japan and should always wear socks when doing so. Shoe removal can even occur in places unexpected, like a restaurant.

Additionally, it is common to have slippers at the entrance to public restrooms, in the hope that visitors to the restroom will use these slippers and return them promptly. Make sure to only pack and wear your best socks (clean and hole-free) while in Japan. If you have a collection of fun or interesting socks, take them to Japan where they can be seen and admired!”

– Jolaine Pfeifer, a school administrator based in Aspen, Colorado. She made nine trips to Japan, in addition to her middle and high school years in Yokosuka..

“Rest assured, the only resemblance between these little oases and their American counterparts is in their names! Stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson are spotlessly clean and carry just about everything you could need, including Some must-have items I look for every time:

• A great selection of onigiri, which are sandwich-sized triangles of rice wrapped in seaweed and filled with things like salmon, tuna, eggs and pickled plums.

• Coffee – especially at 7-Eleven. State-of-the-art automated machines grind the beans and brew the best coffee I've ever had, with many preference options such as temperature, brew strength, milk, sweeteners and flavors.
• These little bottles of vitamin C flavored shots called You-C1000, which I really enjoyed in winter during my cross-country skiing adventures in Hokkaido. They come in tasty flavors like apple, orange or lemon and are a convenient way to get daily vitamin C.”

– Jeffrey Cole, a Colorado-based leadership coach who has made four trips to Japan, covering the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern island of Miyakojima.

“Not only is the layout great, with a different department on each level, but the merchandise is vast and unique. There are 60 stores across the country, and they focus on leisure, home improvement and lifestyle products.

This is a great place to find affordable, non-touristy gifts. They have the best pens, papers and organizers, as well as camping supplies – if it's small, efficient and practical, they have it!