10 tips for a first trip to Japan

1. By learning a few words of Japanese you will show that you respect the country you are going to and the Japanese will be pleasantly surprised. It's also a good time to attract sympathy and make beautiful encounters!

• Hello: Konnichiwa
• Thank you: Arigatou gozaimasu
• Excuse me: Sumimasen

2. In Japan, it is important to follow some rules of life in society . A few examples: we don't make noise on public transport, we don't eat or smoke in the street and we quietly wait for the light to turn green to cross the road, even if there's no car ! To avoid missteps, follow the example of the Japanese around you.

3. Get off the beaten track for an afternoon of discovery in the Japanese countryside or to spend a few days in a less touristy city like Kanazawa , Takayama , Sapporo or Sendai . Japan is full of treasures outside of the unmissable Tokyo and Kyoto and you will meet far fewer tourists there.

• For a trip in complete freedom in the four corners of the archipelago, consider the Japan Rail Pass!

4. Traditional Japanese culture and rich, soak in during your stay with a few hours in an onsen (traditional baths in natural hot springs), trying a kimono , participating in a tea ceremony or by spending a night in a Buddhist temple, the Shukubo .

• Have an expert on Japan and its culture accompany you for a few hours: discover our guided activities.

5. It is important in Japan to have shoes that are easy to remove and to pay attention to the socks you have on your feet, you will often have to take off your shoes to visit temples, shrines, historic buildings and even in certain bars, restaurants and hotel lobbies.

6. Buy Yen before you leave and take cash with you ! Japan has not developed the credit card payment system much and it is therefore essential to have cash to pay in the vast majority of Japanese establishments. And if you run out of cash during your stay, head to a Family Mart, Lawson or Seven Eleven convenience store, their ATMs usually accept Visa and Mastercard.

• Alternative means of payment in more and more establishments, discover the IC Suica and Pasmo cards .

7. In Japan, you don't tip. This practice, common in the West to thank for a service, will be seen as insulting by a Japanese. Prefer an Arigatou Gozaimasu accompanied by a slight tilt of the bust and head to show your gratitude.

8. Prepare to eat your meals with chopsticks and be careful, a few rules must be respected so as not to be frowned upon: do not stick your chopsticks in your bowl of rice, do not pierce your food with them and do not pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks.

9. The practice of English is more and more widespread in Japan but it is difficult if not impossible to find someone fluent in English outside the big cities. Downloading a few online translation apps to your smartphone can help you have a stress-free stay!

• Stay connected in Japan with a Pocket Wifi or a Sim Card .

10. There aren't many garbage cans on the street in Japan, get into the habit of keeping a plastic bag in your bag to put your garbage in during the day and throw it away when you get back to your accommodation at night. .

Are you planning your trip to Japan? Contact us!

For further :

• Japan: mistakes not to make
• 5 tips for avoiding the crowds
• Akimahen: The Guide to Good Manners in Kyoto
• Onsen: a short guide to good manners
• Withdraw money in Japan