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i'm going to Japan(travel tips)

Posted by DrBurst • 6/18/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic

Hey, i'm going to Japan. This is the first time i'm going to leave the country for more then 2 hours. Any tips for me.

I'm debating whether or not to blog during the trip. Does anyone have insight.

User Comments

6/18/08

crkian

wikitravel.org/en/Japan

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6/18/08

GameboyKnight

Hopefully, you have established everything you are going to do. (Tours, hotels, restaurants) Because you need to be ready for anything. I'm guessing you are going to Tokyo, so, when you get to Narita Airport head STRAIGHT to customs, because you are going to be there a while if you dilly-dally. Signs are in English and Japanese, but if you happen to be lost, ask someone "Sumimasen. --insert place here-- doko desu ka?" Which means Excuse me. Where is..."

Manners are number one, especially since you are a foreigner, the immediate thought of many Japanese are "They are going to be rude, obnoxious and stupid." Prove them wrong by acknowledging people you pass by closely with a quick nod of the head. Assuming you know at least enoguh Japanese, use forms of respect when talking to anyone, unless told otherwise, but even then, use it, it shows humility.

Restaurant things...this is where alot of mistakes happen. Don't rub your chopsticks together after you break them. Many people do this in America and it's a sign to the owner that you think the restaurant sucks. Also, don't stick your chopsticks into a bowl of rice and leave it there. It's a sign of death and people may stare. When eating sushi, being adventurous is a virtue, but don't make yourself uncomfortable. Ginger is NOT a topping, you only eat it when you are switching between types of sushi, it refreshes the palate.

Dress modestly! My mom learned this the hard way. She wore sort of like a women's tanktop, but she has large breasts, so the girls there kept laughing and pointing at her and making large circles on their chests. SO don't let it all hang out. XD

Lastly, HAVE FUN! This is Japan, we're talking about. Relax and enjoy your time.
I have more tips, but I can't think of all of them right now. But do a little research as well.
-hits forehead-
Hope these help!

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6/18/08

Shiley

I don't have any tips I've never been outside the states. I just wanted to say have fun!

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6/18/08

bigbear6208

If i were you i would take countless amount of pictures.

But make sure you have fun and I definitely think you should blog your experience.

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6/18/08

morgantj

Japan is great. I especially love Okinawa. I hope you have fun. When eating rice, don't let your chopsticks stick up in your rice. They only do this after somebody has died. Just lay your chopsticks down flat across your bowl.

Do not pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks. This is another thing that is only done in a ceremony after someone has died.

Do be respectful, bow as needed. The lower the bow, the more respect you have shown. But you don't need to over do the bows either, usually a medium or short bow will get you by.

Learn some Japanese before you go. A little bit of Japanese can go a long way, and it will impress the locals and show that you are a caring Gaijin(foreigner).

Get out, have fun, do different things, try different foods, go to different places, have a blast and behave.

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11/05/08

TriptoJapan

Well, I am going to Japan, and I am blogging to be able to raise up the money for my trip, I think you would blog so everyone would know some tips and get ideas for trips to Japan

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11/05/08

CharlieHash

comment removed by the community.

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11/05/08

TriptoJapan

CharlieHash, stop spamming, maybe you should use a chat box, I am getting traffic with it and I don't need to spamm ^^

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11/05/08

pocketcultures

Hey, I am going to Japan as well! I'm looking forward to the food.

Personally, I try to blog little when I am travelling, because it takes up a lot of time. I prefer to see as much of the place as possible while I have the chance. You can always write about your adventures when you get back home. Depends how addicted you are though...

Have a great trip!

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11/05/08

Timesobserver

I go to Japan at least once a year to visit my inlaws, who live in Tokyo. A lot of people already gave you some great advice. I don't know what to say, because Japan is a pretty civilized country. Enjoy their food, but they have many Western dishes as well.

The one thing I'll say is this: Get ready for some major jet lag. It's tough, because it usually takes me about a week to get my body in order. But have a great time.

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11/05/08

Shiley

HAS ANYONE NOTICED THIS DISCUSSION WAS WAY BACK IN JUNE?

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11/05/08

pocketcultures

haha thanks for pointing that out! In my excitement about the topic totally forgot to look at the date

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