TOP 10 TIPS
Author Angus Turvill explains how to get to grips with Japanese culture and customs
1
GETTING ABOUT
Probably the best transport
deal in the world is the Japan
Rail Pass – certainly better than
your average commuter pass. It lasts
seven, 14 or 21 days and gives almost
limitless travel on the country’s main train
network. Supplement the pass with an
IC card (prepaid smart card for transport,
shops and more) and Japan will be yours!2
FEET FIRST
In Japan you’ll often find
yourself having to remove your
shoes in unexpected places.
For the Japanese themselves this is
second nature, but for a recently-arrived
foreigner it often means swaying
perilously on one leg as you tug at an
uncooperative bit of footwear. When you
eventually succeed in removing it, you
may remember you’re wearing odd socks.So wear shoes that are easy to take off
and socks you can be proud of!3
EARTHQUAKES
Earthquakes happen frequently
and most are nothing to worry
about, but be prepared. For
Japanese National Tourism Organisationadvice on how to behave in an emergency,
see jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/eng/emergency4
BATHTIME
If you’re on your own in a
Western-style hotel bathroom,
no restrictions apply! But if
you venture into a communal bath then
the golden rule is: wash before you get
into the water. That means getting all
the soap off too. The water is for quiet
soaking and has to be kept clean.5
IN YOUR POCKET
The essentials are cash and a
hanky/tissues. Cash because
it’s the usual way to pay in
shops and restaurants (note – not all cash
machines take foreign cards, so look out
for the ones at 7-Eleven stores). A hanky
because you may not find hand-drying
facilities in public lavatories.Advice
High speed
A Shinkansen (bullet train)