Understand
Osaka Castle
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The "Land of the Rising Sun" is a country where the past meets the future. Japanese culture stretches back millennia, yet has also been quick to adopt and created the latest modern fashions and trends.
Japan has often been seen as a land combining tradition and modernity. Many traditional structures and practices are preserved, but modern structures and practices definitely dominate your experience in Japan. |
Japan was the first Asian country to independently modernize, and the country continues to embrace new technologies and aesthetics, but unlike in many countries, Japan does not feel a particular need to attack or remove older technologies, structures, or practices. New things are mostly just layered beside old things.
As Japan has undergone periods of openness and isolation throughout its history, Japanese culture is if anything unique. Visibly foreign visitors remain a rarity in many parts of Japan outside of major cities, and you will likely encounter moments when entering a shop causes the staff to seemingly panic and scurry off into the back. Don't take this as racism or other xenophobia: they're just afraid that you'll try to address them in English and they'll be embarrassed because they can't understand or reply. A smile and a "Konnichiwa = Hello – Good afternoon" often helps.
As Japan has undergone periods of openness and isolation throughout its history, Japanese culture is if anything unique. Visibly foreign visitors remain a rarity in many parts of Japan outside of major cities, and you will likely encounter moments when entering a shop causes the staff to seemingly panic and scurry off into the back. Don't take this as racism or other xenophobia: they're just afraid that you'll try to address them in English and they'll be embarrassed because they can't understand or reply. A smile and a "Konnichiwa = Hello – Good afternoon" often helps.
Language & Talk
The National language of Japan is Japanese. It is a language with several distinct dialects, although standard Japanese "hyojungo", which is based on the Tokyo dialect, is taught in schools and known by most people throughout the country.
Most Japanese under 40 have studied English in school for at least 6 years, but same as many other countries the instruction tends to focus on formal grammar and writing rather than actual conversation. As a result, outside of major tourist attractions and establishments that cater specifically to foreigners, it is rare to find people who are conversant in English.
Reading and writing tends to come much better though, and many younger Japanese are able to understand a great deal of written English despite not being able to speak it. If lost, it can be practical to write out a question on paper in simple words and give it to someone young, preferably high school or college students, who will likely be able to point you in the right direction.
It can also be helpful to carry a hotel business card with you, to show to a taxi driver or someone if you lose your way. Take comfort in the fact that many Japanese will go to extraordinary lengths to understand what you want and to help you - and try to pick up at least "Basic Greetings And Thank Yous" to put people at ease. Why You Should Learn Japanese
Most Japanese under 40 have studied English in school for at least 6 years, but same as many other countries the instruction tends to focus on formal grammar and writing rather than actual conversation. As a result, outside of major tourist attractions and establishments that cater specifically to foreigners, it is rare to find people who are conversant in English.
Reading and writing tends to come much better though, and many younger Japanese are able to understand a great deal of written English despite not being able to speak it. If lost, it can be practical to write out a question on paper in simple words and give it to someone young, preferably high school or college students, who will likely be able to point you in the right direction.
It can also be helpful to carry a hotel business card with you, to show to a taxi driver or someone if you lose your way. Take comfort in the fact that many Japanese will go to extraordinary lengths to understand what you want and to help you - and try to pick up at least "Basic Greetings And Thank Yous" to put people at ease. Why You Should Learn Japanese
Climate
Miyajima Island
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The Japanese are proud of their four seasons and "an astonishing number of them are firmly convinced that the phenomenon is unique to Japan", but the tourist with a flexible travel schedule should aim for spring or autumn.
Spring is one of the best times of year to be in Japan. The temperatures are warm but not hot, there's not too much rain, and March-April brings the justly famous "Cherry Blossoms = Sakura", and is a time of revelry and festivals. |
Hayama Imperial Villa
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Summer starts with a dreary "Rainy Season" in June and turns into a steam-bath in July-August, with extreme humidity and the temperature heading as high as 37°C.
Avoid, or head to northern Hokkaido or the mountains of "Chubu & Tohoku" to escape. The upside though, is a slew of fireworks shows and festivals big and small. |
Miyajima Island
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Autumn - starting in September, is also an excellent time to be in Japan.
Temperatures and humidity become more tolerable, fair days are common and fall colors can be just as impressive as cherry blossoms. However, in early autumn typhoons often hit the southern parts of Japan and bring everything to a standstill. |
Tadami Line - Fukushima
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Winter is a good time to go skiing or hot-spring hopping. Heading south to Okinawa provides some relief.
There is usually heavy snow in Hokkaido and northeast Japan due to the cold wind blasts from Siberia. Note that the Pacific Coast of Honshu where most major cities are located has milder winters than the Sea of Japan Coast: it may be snowing in Kyoto while it is cloudy or sprinkling rain in Osaka, an hour away. |
Currency
Japanese Coins
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The currency of Japan is the Japanese yen "pronounced – En - in Japanese".
In Japan, the symbol for the yen is "円". In foreign exchange contexts it's more common to see the "¥" or "JPY" symbolization used. Coins: 1 "silver", 5 "gold with a center hole", 10 "copper", 50 "silver with a center hole", 100 "silver", and 500 yen. There are two ¥500 coins, distinguishable by their color; the new ones are gold, but the old ones are silver. |
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Bills: 1,000 "blue", 2,000 "green", 5,000 "purple", and 10,000 yen "brown".
Due to its extreme rarity a 2,000 yen bill might be thought of as a collector's item. Most merchants will not object to receiving a ¥10,000 bill even for a small purchase. Japan is fundamentally a cash society. Although most stores and hotels serving foreign customers take credit cards, many businesses such as cafes, bars, grocery stores, and even smaller hotels and inns do not. |
Pasmo Card
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There are also a number of "NFC-based payment systems" like Suica - Pasmo, and others in use in major cities, for transport or purely for payments "QuicPay/Edy". These are generally credit-card sized charge cards that can be recharged in exchange for cash in 1000 yen increments, either at Railway Station Ticket Vending Machines or at convenience store cash registers for no additional fee.
A Pasmo Card is a very convenient way to pay for everyday purchases and can be obtained for a 500 yen deposit and the initial charge amount from ticket vending machines or offices at railway stations. |
Suica Card
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Almost any major bank in Japan will provide Foreign Currency Exchange from US dollars "Cash and Traveler’s Checks". Other currencies accepted are Euros; Swiss Francs; Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand Dollars, British Pounds, Singapore, Hong Kong Dollars, Korean Won and Chinese Yuan.
Japanese post offices can also cash traveler’s checks or exchange cash for yen, at a slightly better rate than the banks. Traveler’s checks also have a better rate of exchange than cash. If you are exchanging amounts in excess of US$1,000 "whether cash or traveler’s check", you will be required to provide identification that includes your name, address, and date of birth. |
Religion
Japan has two dominant religious traditions: "Shinto" is the ancient animist religion of traditional Japan, and "Buddhism" officially arrived in 552 CE. For much of its history, the two faiths were not clearly differentiated, but there was a schism when Buddhism lost favor with the fall of the "Shogun" and the subsequent modernization of the country in the late 19th century.
Today, the two faiths are clearly separated, most Buddhist elements have long since been removed from most "Shinto Shrines", and the ceremonies are clearly separated.
Christianity has never gained wide acceptance in Japan, and while it is no longer persecuted, only a small percentage of Japanese are Christian.
Generally speaking, the Japanese are not a particularly religious people. It is common to visit shrines and temples to offer coins and make silent prayers, and many homes often have a small shrine or display religious artifacts from various temples, but there is little mention of religious faith or dogma in daily life.
Japanese people also tend not to think of religion as a matter of dogma or faith but rather as a matter of particular practices, and they will follow practices from various religions as it suites them, thus it would be impossible to try to represent what percentage of the population is Shinto versus Buddhist, or even Christian. According to a famous poll, Japan is 80% Shinto and 80% Buddhist, and another oft-quoted dictum states that Japanese are Shinto when they live, as weddings and festivals are typically Shinto, but Buddhist when they die, since funerals usually use Buddhist rites. Most Japanese accept a little bit of every religion. For example, Christmas decoration is probably more evident in in Tokyo than New York, but there is little thought of Christ.
At the same time, Shinto and Buddhism have had an enormous influence on the country's history and cultural life. The Shinto religion focuses on the spirit of the land, and is reflected in the country's exquisite gardens and peaceful shrines deep in ancient forests. When you visit a Shrine "Jinja" with its simple "Tori – Gate", you are seeing Shinto customs and styles. If you see an empty plot of land with some white paper suspended in a square, this is a Shinto ceremony to dedicate the land for a new building.
Buddhism in Japan has branched out in numerous directions over the centuries. Nichiren is currently the largest branch of Buddhist belief. Westerners are probably most familiar with "Zen Buddhism", which was introduced to Japan in the 14th and 15th centuries. Zen fit the aesthetic and moral sensibilities of medieval Japan, influencing arts such as flower-arranging "Ikebana", tea ceremony "Sado", ceramics, painting, calligraphy, poetry, and the martial arts. Over the years, Shinto and Buddhism have intertwined considerably. You will find them side by side in cities, towns, and people's lives. It's not at all unusual to find a sparse Shinto Tori standing before an elaborate Buddhist temple "O-tera".
Today, the two faiths are clearly separated, most Buddhist elements have long since been removed from most "Shinto Shrines", and the ceremonies are clearly separated.
Christianity has never gained wide acceptance in Japan, and while it is no longer persecuted, only a small percentage of Japanese are Christian.
Generally speaking, the Japanese are not a particularly religious people. It is common to visit shrines and temples to offer coins and make silent prayers, and many homes often have a small shrine or display religious artifacts from various temples, but there is little mention of religious faith or dogma in daily life.
Japanese people also tend not to think of religion as a matter of dogma or faith but rather as a matter of particular practices, and they will follow practices from various religions as it suites them, thus it would be impossible to try to represent what percentage of the population is Shinto versus Buddhist, or even Christian. According to a famous poll, Japan is 80% Shinto and 80% Buddhist, and another oft-quoted dictum states that Japanese are Shinto when they live, as weddings and festivals are typically Shinto, but Buddhist when they die, since funerals usually use Buddhist rites. Most Japanese accept a little bit of every religion. For example, Christmas decoration is probably more evident in in Tokyo than New York, but there is little thought of Christ.
At the same time, Shinto and Buddhism have had an enormous influence on the country's history and cultural life. The Shinto religion focuses on the spirit of the land, and is reflected in the country's exquisite gardens and peaceful shrines deep in ancient forests. When you visit a Shrine "Jinja" with its simple "Tori – Gate", you are seeing Shinto customs and styles. If you see an empty plot of land with some white paper suspended in a square, this is a Shinto ceremony to dedicate the land for a new building.
Buddhism in Japan has branched out in numerous directions over the centuries. Nichiren is currently the largest branch of Buddhist belief. Westerners are probably most familiar with "Zen Buddhism", which was introduced to Japan in the 14th and 15th centuries. Zen fit the aesthetic and moral sensibilities of medieval Japan, influencing arts such as flower-arranging "Ikebana", tea ceremony "Sado", ceramics, painting, calligraphy, poetry, and the martial arts. Over the years, Shinto and Buddhism have intertwined considerably. You will find them side by side in cities, towns, and people's lives. It's not at all unusual to find a sparse Shinto Tori standing before an elaborate Buddhist temple "O-tera".
Kitano Tenmangu - Kyoto
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TemplesBuddhist temples have what is called a "Main Temple Building".
The principal image "the most important Buddhist image at the temple" is enshrined in the main temple building. When standing before this image, worshipers put their hands together to pray. |
Fushimi Inari Taisha Torii - Kyoto
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ShrinesShrines also have what is called a "Main Shrine Building". It is the largest building in the shrine precincts. The shrine deity is enshrined in the main shrine building. A traditional Japanese gate "Torii" most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to sacred.
If there is an offertory box there, people put money inside the box, ring the bell and offer a prayer. Then they stand up straight and respectfully to pray again. After that they clap their hands twice to pray once again. |
Chozuya
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When visiting a Shinto Shrine or a Buddhist Temple, follow the appropriate cleansing procedure at the "Chozuya" before you enter.
After filling the dippers with water, rinse your left hand, then your right hand. Thereafter, cup your left hand and fill it with water, using it to rinse your mouth. Do not touch the dipper directly with your mouth. Finally, rinse your left hand again with the water remaining in the dipper. |
Omikuji
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OmikujiOmikuji is Japanese-style oracle "The random fortunes written on strips of paper at Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples".
The fortune that one is granted can range from having a great blessing to a great curse. There are different methods to get one, including from an Omikuji Vending Machine. The prices range from 30 to 500 yen. |
What To Refrain From Doing
- Temples are religious places. Speak quietly in the main halls, and do not enter dressed like you’re off to the beach.
- Taking photos inside of buildings, including temples and shrines, is generally prohibited.
- Eating and drinking is prohibited inside of most traditional buildings.
- It is best not to touch sliding doors, pull doors, hanging lattices and other fittings when it is not necessary to do so. Since these cultural properties are merely fitted into their running grooves, not only are they apt to become detached but they might also be damaged as a result.
Holidays
The most important holiday in Japan is New Year "Oshogatsu", which pretty much shuts down the country from December 30 to January 3.
Japanese head home to their families “which means massive transport congestion”, eat festive foods and head out to the neighborhood temple at the stroke of midnight to wish in the New Year. Many Japanese often travel to other countries as well, and prices for airfares are very high.
Japanese people eat a special selection of dishes during the New Year celebration called Osechi. This consists of boiled seaweed "konbu", fish cakes "kamaboko", mashed sweet potato with chestnut "kurikinton", simmered burdock root "kinpira gobo", and sweetened black soybeans "kuromame". Many of these dishes are sweet, sour, or dried, so they can keep without refrigeration. The culinary traditions date to a time before households had refrigerators, when most stores closed for the holidays.
Today, sashimi and sushi are often eaten, as well as non-Japanese foods.
Japanese head home to their families “which means massive transport congestion”, eat festive foods and head out to the neighborhood temple at the stroke of midnight to wish in the New Year. Many Japanese often travel to other countries as well, and prices for airfares are very high.
Japanese people eat a special selection of dishes during the New Year celebration called Osechi. This consists of boiled seaweed "konbu", fish cakes "kamaboko", mashed sweet potato with chestnut "kurikinton", simmered burdock root "kinpira gobo", and sweetened black soybeans "kuromame". Many of these dishes are sweet, sour, or dried, so they can keep without refrigeration. The culinary traditions date to a time before households had refrigerators, when most stores closed for the holidays.
Today, sashimi and sushi are often eaten, as well as non-Japanese foods.
Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing
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In March or April, Japanese head out en masse for Hanami "Flower Viewing", which is a festival of outdoor for Sakura "Cherry Blossom Viewing". The exact timing of the famously fleeting blossoms varies from year to year and Japan's TV channels follow the progress of the cherry blossom front from south to north obsessively.
The longest holiday is "Golden Week - 27 April to 6 May". When there are four public holidays within a week and everybody goes on extended vacation. |
Fireworks "Hanabi"
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Trains are crowded and flight and hotel prices are jacked up to multiples of normal prices, making this a bad time to travel in Japan, but the weeks immediately before or after Golden Week are excellent choices.
Summer brings a spate of festivals designed to distract people from the intolerable heat and humidity. There are local Festivals "Matsuri" and impressive fireworks "Hanabi" competitions throughout the country. Obon is an annual Buddhist custom to commemorate the spirits of one's ancestors. During Obon, the spirits of the dead are believed to visit the homes of their living families.In many Japanese homes Obon begins with the lighting of lanterns, often hung in doorways to guide the spirits home. |
Candle-lit Lanterns Released In The River
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The spirits are believed to visit for several days before returning to their world, when their return journeys, too, are often guided by lanterns — this time released into nearby rivers, lakes or seas. Obon traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon-Odori.
Obon is the largest summer festival held in mid-July in some regions of Japan according to Solar Calendar, and mid-August in other regions according to the formerly used Lunar Calendar. During Obon week in mid-August everybody heads home and transport is packed. |
National Holidays
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January 1
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New Year's Day
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January 2nd Monday of the Month
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Coming-of-Age Day
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February 11
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National Foundation Day
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March 21
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Vernal Equinox Day
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April 29
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Showa Day
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May 3
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Constitution Day
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May 4
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Greenery Day
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May 5
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Children's Day
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July “3rd Monday of Month”
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Marine Day
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September “3rd Monday of Month”
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Respect For The Aged Day
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September 23
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Autumnal Equinox Day
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October “2nd Monday of Month”
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Health and Sports Day
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November 3
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Culture Day
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November 23
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Labor Thanksgiving Day
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December 23
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The Emperor's Birthday
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Food
Tempura Shrimp
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Japanese cuisine, renowned for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, has taken the world by storm. The key ingredient of most meals is White Rice, usually served steamed.
Soybeans are a key source of protein and take many forms, notably the "Miso Soup" served with many meals, but also Tofu bean curd and the ubiquitous soy sauce Shoyu. Seafood features heavily in Japanese cuisine, including not only creatures of the sea but also many varieties of seaweed as well, and a complete meal is always rounded out by some Pickles "Tsukemono". |
Hashi and Hashi-oki
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One of the joys of getting out of Tokyo and travelling within Japan is to discover the local specialties. Every region within the country has a number of delightful dishes, based on locally available crops and fish. Most Japanese food is eaten with Chopsticks "Hashi". Eating with chopsticks is a surprisingly easy skill to pick up, although mastering them takes a while.
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Some chopstick guidelines to be aware of: Never place or leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, and never pass something from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks. These are associated with funerary rites. If you want to give a piece of food to someone, let them take it from your plate, or place it directly on their plate.
When you are done using chopsticks, you can rest them across the edge of your bowl or plate. Most nicer restaurants, put a small wooden or ceramic Hashi-oki "Chopstick Rest" at each place setting. You can also fold the paper wrapper that the chopsticks come in to construct your own hashi-oki.
Licking the ends of your chopsticks is considered low-class. Take a bite of your rice instead. Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls "really anything other than food" is rude. Pointing at things or people with your chopsticks is rude. Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be used as only a last resort.
Disposable chopsticks "Wari-Bashi" are provided in all restaurants as well as with Lunch Box "Bento" and other take-out foods. You shouldn't whittle your chopsticks after breaking them apart.
Many restaurants give you a hot towel "O-Shibori" to wipe your hands with as soon as you sit down; use it for your hands, and not your face.
Many Japanese dishes come with different sauces and garnishes. Soy sauce is used for dipping sushi in before eating, and they pour it on grilled fish and tofu as well.
When you are done using chopsticks, you can rest them across the edge of your bowl or plate. Most nicer restaurants, put a small wooden or ceramic Hashi-oki "Chopstick Rest" at each place setting. You can also fold the paper wrapper that the chopsticks come in to construct your own hashi-oki.
Licking the ends of your chopsticks is considered low-class. Take a bite of your rice instead. Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls "really anything other than food" is rude. Pointing at things or people with your chopsticks is rude. Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be used as only a last resort.
Disposable chopsticks "Wari-Bashi" are provided in all restaurants as well as with Lunch Box "Bento" and other take-out foods. You shouldn't whittle your chopsticks after breaking them apart.
Many restaurants give you a hot towel "O-Shibori" to wipe your hands with as soon as you sit down; use it for your hands, and not your face.
Many Japanese dishes come with different sauces and garnishes. Soy sauce is used for dipping sushi in before eating, and they pour it on grilled fish and tofu as well.
Food Samples
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Most Japanese style restaurants have lunchtime "Teishoku", or fixed set meals. These typically consist of a meat or fish dish, with a bowl of miso soup, pickles, and rice "often with free extra helpings".
These can be as inexpensive as ¥600 yet ample enough even for large appetites. Menus will, for most establishments, be in Japanese only; however, many restaurants whether included the photo of the food in the menu or have models "Many in Exquisite Detail" of their meals in their front window, and if you can't read the menu it may be better to take the waiter or waitress outside and point at what you would like. |
Food Vending Machine
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Restaurants will present you with the check after the meal, and you are expected to pay at the counter when leaving — do not leave payment on the table and walk out. The phrase for "bill" is "kaikei".
When it's getting late, a server will usually come to your table to tell you it's time for the "last order". When it's really time to go, Japanese restaurants have a universal signal — they start to play "Auld Lang Syne". This is true across the country, except at the most expensive places. That means pay up and move out. Many cheap chain eateries have vending machines where you buy a ticket and give it to the server. At most of these restaurants, you'll have to be able to read Japanese to use them, though. If your Japanese language skills are limited or non-existent, these restaurants with vending machines are really quite comfortable places because there is limited or no conversation required at these establishments. Most of the customers will be in a hurry, the hired help will usually not be interested in making conversation and will just read your order when they take your ticket and the water/tea, napkins, and eating utensils are either supplied automatically or self-service. |
Tipping
Tipping effectively does not exist in Japan, and attempting to offer tips can often be seen as an insult. Japanese service is legendary, and you do not need to bribe the waiters/waitresses to do their job properly.
If you leave a tip in a restaurant, the staff will probably come running after you to return the money you "Forgot". Even bellhops in high end hotels usually do not accept tips.
When Japanese people say the word "service", they mean "Free of Charge". If someone says to you "This is a service", you don't need to tip them. It is best to simply reply with a polite "thank you."
If you leave a tip in a restaurant, the staff will probably come running after you to return the money you "Forgot". Even bellhops in high end hotels usually do not accept tips.
When Japanese people say the word "service", they mean "Free of Charge". If someone says to you "This is a service", you don't need to tip them. It is best to simply reply with a polite "thank you."
Dress Code
For everyday dress as a tourist, you are already at a disadvantage: no matter how you dress, you will stand out next to throngs of salary-men in suits and grade-schoolers in uniforms.
First and foremost: Wear shoes that you can slip off easily, as you may be doing this several times a day. Athletic shoes are perfectly acceptable; just lace them very loosely so you can get in and out of them without using your hands. Sandals and flip-flops are uncommon.
Shorts are also uncommon, even in summer, and are very touristy; you'll blend in better in a pair of trendy jeans and an unbuttoned dress shirt over a T-shirt. Don’t trudge around town with a big backpack like some kind of urban camper; you will stand out very badly, your backpack will get in everyone's way "including your own", and it's just inconsiderate.
Young Japanese females often dress in a manner that could be considered quite sexually provocative by Western standards, even during the daytime. This style of dress is not necessarily expected of foreign women, so wearing what one is most comfortable with should suffice. Be warned however that exposed cleavage is virtually never seen in Japan and could attract a lot of wandering eyes, and even bare shoulders are frowned upon.
In business, suits are still the standard at most companies unless you know otherwise. Plan to wear your suit into the evening for drinks and entertainment. Use two hands when giving or receiving presents, important documents, or your name/business card"business cards are very important in Japan".
Although everyone bathes naked at hot springs, for the beach or pool, you still need a bathing suit of some kind. Swim trunks or speedos for men are fine, but long board shorts will stand out. If you will be using a pool, you will likely be required to have a swimming cap as well.
First and foremost: Wear shoes that you can slip off easily, as you may be doing this several times a day. Athletic shoes are perfectly acceptable; just lace them very loosely so you can get in and out of them without using your hands. Sandals and flip-flops are uncommon.
Shorts are also uncommon, even in summer, and are very touristy; you'll blend in better in a pair of trendy jeans and an unbuttoned dress shirt over a T-shirt. Don’t trudge around town with a big backpack like some kind of urban camper; you will stand out very badly, your backpack will get in everyone's way "including your own", and it's just inconsiderate.
Young Japanese females often dress in a manner that could be considered quite sexually provocative by Western standards, even during the daytime. This style of dress is not necessarily expected of foreign women, so wearing what one is most comfortable with should suffice. Be warned however that exposed cleavage is virtually never seen in Japan and could attract a lot of wandering eyes, and even bare shoulders are frowned upon.
In business, suits are still the standard at most companies unless you know otherwise. Plan to wear your suit into the evening for drinks and entertainment. Use two hands when giving or receiving presents, important documents, or your name/business card"business cards are very important in Japan".
Although everyone bathes naked at hot springs, for the beach or pool, you still need a bathing suit of some kind. Swim trunks or speedos for men are fine, but long board shorts will stand out. If you will be using a pool, you will likely be required to have a swimming cap as well.
Onsen
Rotenburo
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Onsen "Hot Springs", are the pinnacle of the Japanese bathing experience. Clusters of hot spring inns pop up wherever there's a suitable source of hot water, and in volcanic Japan, they're everywhere.
The most memorable Onsen experience is often the "Rotenburo": outdoor baths with views of the surrounding natural scenery. While baths are usually large and shared, some swankier accommodations offer, often for an additional fee, reservable baths for you and yours alone, known as family baths, racier "Romance Baths" or just plain old reserved baths "Kashikiri-Furo". |
Onsen baths can be either in standalone buildings available for anybody "Sotoyu", or private guest-only baths inside your lodgings "Uchiyu".
To find those really off the beaten track hot spring inns, check out the Japanese Association to Protect Hidden Hot Springs, which consists of 185 independent lodges throughout the country.
To find those really off the beaten track hot spring inns, check out the Japanese Association to Protect Hidden Hot Springs, which consists of 185 independent lodges throughout the country.
Etiquette
Men usually cover their genitals with a small towel while bathing, while women usually wrap their bodies in full size towels. Children of either sex may be seen in both the men's and the women's baths. In some prefectures of Japan, including Tokyo, people are obligated to wear swimsuits or "Yugi", which are specialized clothing for baths.
Bathers are not normally allowed to wear swimsuits in the baths. However, some modern Onsen with more of a water-park atmosphere require their guests to wear a swimming suit in their mixed baths.
At an onsen, all guests are expected to wash their bodies and rinse themselves thoroughly before entering the hot water. Bathing stations are equipped with stools, faucets, wooden buckets, and toiletries such as soap and shampoo; nearly all onsen also provide removable shower heads for bathing convenience. Entering the onsen while still dirty or with traces of soap on the body is socially unacceptable.
Onsen guests generally bring a small towel with them to use as a wash cloth. The towel can also provide a modicum of modesty when walking between the washing area and the baths. Some onsen allow one to wear the towel into the baths, while others have posted signs prohibiting this, saying that it makes it harder to clean the bath. It is sometimes against the rules to immerse or dip towels in the onsen bath water, since this can be considered unclean. In this latter case, people normally set their towels off to the side of the water when enjoying the baths, or place their folded towels on top of their heads.
Onsen vary from quiet to noisy, some play piped music and often feature gushing fountains. Bathers will engage in conversation in this relaxed situation. There are usually prohibitions against rowdiness in the washing and bathing areas. A small amount of excess energy and splashing around is usually tolerated from children, however.
Many Onsen ban bathers with tattoos, which in Japan, as in the West prior to the radical changes that have taken place in society, are recognized as a badge of criminality "Yakuza" traditionally have elaborate tattoos. Despite this background reason, the rule is often enforced strictly against all, including foreigners, women and even when tattoos are small and "peaceful".
Bathers are not normally allowed to wear swimsuits in the baths. However, some modern Onsen with more of a water-park atmosphere require their guests to wear a swimming suit in their mixed baths.
At an onsen, all guests are expected to wash their bodies and rinse themselves thoroughly before entering the hot water. Bathing stations are equipped with stools, faucets, wooden buckets, and toiletries such as soap and shampoo; nearly all onsen also provide removable shower heads for bathing convenience. Entering the onsen while still dirty or with traces of soap on the body is socially unacceptable.
Onsen guests generally bring a small towel with them to use as a wash cloth. The towel can also provide a modicum of modesty when walking between the washing area and the baths. Some onsen allow one to wear the towel into the baths, while others have posted signs prohibiting this, saying that it makes it harder to clean the bath. It is sometimes against the rules to immerse or dip towels in the onsen bath water, since this can be considered unclean. In this latter case, people normally set their towels off to the side of the water when enjoying the baths, or place their folded towels on top of their heads.
Onsen vary from quiet to noisy, some play piped music and often feature gushing fountains. Bathers will engage in conversation in this relaxed situation. There are usually prohibitions against rowdiness in the washing and bathing areas. A small amount of excess energy and splashing around is usually tolerated from children, however.
Many Onsen ban bathers with tattoos, which in Japan, as in the West prior to the radical changes that have taken place in society, are recognized as a badge of criminality "Yakuza" traditionally have elaborate tattoos. Despite this background reason, the rule is often enforced strictly against all, including foreigners, women and even when tattoos are small and "peaceful".
Therapy
The volcanic nature of Japan provides plenty of springs. When the onsen's water contains distinctive minerals or chemicals, the onsen establishments display what type of onsen it is. Some examples of types of onsen include:
In Japan, it is said Onsen have various medical effects. Japanese people believe that a good soak in proper Onsen heals aches, pains and diseases, and visit Onsen to treat the illnesses, such as arthralgia, chronic skin diseases, diabetes, constipation, menstrual disorders and so on.
These medical benefits have given Onsen a central role in Balneotherapy which is called Onsen Therapy "Onsen-Ryoho". Onsen Therapy is a comprehensive bathing treatment conducted to maintain health, normalize dysfunctions and prevent illness.
- Sulphur Onsen
- Sodium Chloride Onsen
- Hydrogen Carbonate Onsen
- Iron Onsen
In Japan, it is said Onsen have various medical effects. Japanese people believe that a good soak in proper Onsen heals aches, pains and diseases, and visit Onsen to treat the illnesses, such as arthralgia, chronic skin diseases, diabetes, constipation, menstrual disorders and so on.
These medical benefits have given Onsen a central role in Balneotherapy which is called Onsen Therapy "Onsen-Ryoho". Onsen Therapy is a comprehensive bathing treatment conducted to maintain health, normalize dysfunctions and prevent illness.
Risks
Although millions of Japanese bathe in Onsen every year with few noticeable side effects, there are still contraindications to Onsen usage, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Legionella bacteria have been found sporadically in Onsen with poor sanitation. Revelations of poor sanitary practices at some Onsen have led to improved regulation by hot spring communities to maintain their reputation.
Many Onsen have posted notices for visitors, reminding anyone with open cuts, sores, or lesions to not bathe. Additionally, in recent years Onsen are increasingly adding chlorine to their waters to prevent infection, although many Onsen purists seek natural, unchlorinated Onsen that instead does not recycle its water, cleaning baths daily. These precautions as well as proper Onsen usage Oi.e. not placing the head underwater, washing thoroughly before entering the bath" greatly reduce any overall risk to bathers.
Legionella bacteria have been found sporadically in Onsen with poor sanitation. Revelations of poor sanitary practices at some Onsen have led to improved regulation by hot spring communities to maintain their reputation.
Many Onsen have posted notices for visitors, reminding anyone with open cuts, sores, or lesions to not bathe. Additionally, in recent years Onsen are increasingly adding chlorine to their waters to prevent infection, although many Onsen purists seek natural, unchlorinated Onsen that instead does not recycle its water, cleaning baths daily. These precautions as well as proper Onsen usage Oi.e. not placing the head underwater, washing thoroughly before entering the bath" greatly reduce any overall risk to bathers.
Electronics
Map of the world colored by voltage and frequency
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Battery-powered small electronics and still cameras made for sale in Japan will work anywhere in the world, though you might have to deal with an owner's manual in Japanese, "some of the larger stores will provide you with an English manual on request".
However, if you are buying other electronics to take home, it's best to shop at stores that specialize in overseas configurations, many of which can be found in Tokyo's Akihabara or Osaka’s Den Den Town. Also, keep in mind that Japanese AC runs at 100v "50hz/60hz", so using "native" Japanese electronics outside Japan without a step-down transformer can be dangerous. |
For example, even the US standard 110V voltage is too much for some devices.
Prices are lowest and shopping is the easiest at giant discount stores like Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Sofmap and Yamada Denki. They usually have English-speaking staff on duty and accept foreign credit cards.
For common products the prices at any are virtually identical, so don't waste time comparison shopping. Bargaining is possible in smaller shops, and even the larger chains will usually match their competitors' prices.
Prices are lowest and shopping is the easiest at giant discount stores like Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Sofmap and Yamada Denki. They usually have English-speaking staff on duty and accept foreign credit cards.
For common products the prices at any are virtually identical, so don't waste time comparison shopping. Bargaining is possible in smaller shops, and even the larger chains will usually match their competitors' prices.
Vending Machines
Japanese Vending Machines
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Vending machines in Japan are known for their pervasiveness and the variety of products they sell.
Most will take ¥1,000 bills, and some types such as train ticket machines will take up to ¥10,000; none accept ¥1 or ¥5 coins, nor ¥2,000 notes. And even the most high-tech vending machines do not take credit cards, save for certain ones in train stations. Note that cigarette vending machines require a Taspo Card "age verification", which are unfortunately off limits to non-residents, but local smokers are usually happy to lend you theirs. |
Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes remains popular in Japan, especially among men. While cigarettes are sold at some of the many vending machines dotting Japan, visitors to Japan who wish to purchase them must do so at a convenience store or duty-free.
As a result of the Japanese tobacco industry cracking down on minors "the legal age is 20", you now need a special "age-verifying IC card", called a Taspo Card, to purchase cigarettes from a vending machine. Taspo Cards are issued only to residents of Japan.
Cigarettes generally come in 20-cigarette king-size hard packs and are fairly cheap, around ¥300-400. Japan has few domestic brands: Seven Stars and Mild Seven are the most common local brands. American brands such as Marlboro, Camel and Lucky Strike are available in the market as well.
As a result of the Japanese tobacco industry cracking down on minors "the legal age is 20", you now need a special "age-verifying IC card", called a Taspo Card, to purchase cigarettes from a vending machine. Taspo Cards are issued only to residents of Japan.
Cigarettes generally come in 20-cigarette king-size hard packs and are fairly cheap, around ¥300-400. Japan has few domestic brands: Seven Stars and Mild Seven are the most common local brands. American brands such as Marlboro, Camel and Lucky Strike are available in the market as well.
Karaoke
Karaoke is a form of interactive entertainment in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music "a music video" using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known popular song minus the lead vocal. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol, changing color, or music video images, to guide the singer.
In some countries, a karaoke box is called a KTV. It is also a term used by recording engineers translated as "empty track" meaning there is no vocal track.
A karaoke box is the most popular type of karaoke venue. A karaoke box is a small or medium-sized room containing karaoke equipment rented by the hour or half-hour, providing a more intimate atmosphere. Karaoke venues of this type are often dedicated businesses, some with multiple floors and a variety of amenities including food service, but hotels and business facilities sometimes provide karaoke boxes as well.
Karaoke was invented in Japan and can be found in virtually every Japanese city. Most karaoke places occupy several floors of a building. You and your friends can have a room to yourself and no strangers involved. Payment is based on the standard hourly rate.
The major chains all have good English-language song selections. Old folks prefer singing "Enka" ballads at small neighborhood bars.
In some countries, a karaoke box is called a KTV. It is also a term used by recording engineers translated as "empty track" meaning there is no vocal track.
A karaoke box is the most popular type of karaoke venue. A karaoke box is a small or medium-sized room containing karaoke equipment rented by the hour or half-hour, providing a more intimate atmosphere. Karaoke venues of this type are often dedicated businesses, some with multiple floors and a variety of amenities including food service, but hotels and business facilities sometimes provide karaoke boxes as well.
Karaoke was invented in Japan and can be found in virtually every Japanese city. Most karaoke places occupy several floors of a building. You and your friends can have a room to yourself and no strangers involved. Payment is based on the standard hourly rate.
The major chains all have good English-language song selections. Old folks prefer singing "Enka" ballads at small neighborhood bars.
Stay Healthy
Western-style Toilet
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Japan is a country obsessed with cleanliness and health hazards are few and far between. Tap water is potable everywhere and food hygiene standards are very high. There are no communicable diseases of significance, as despite the name, Japanese encephalitis has been almost eradicated.
Toilets in Japan are generally more elaborate than toilets in other developed nations. There are two styles of toilets commonly found in Japan; the oldest type is a simple "Squat Toilet", which is still somewhat common in public conveniences. The current state of the art for Western-style toilets is the "Bidet Toilet", which as of March 2012, is installed in 72% of Japanese households. |
Control elements of a modern Japanese toilet
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In Japan, these bidets are commonly called "Washlets", and include many advanced features rarely seen outside of Asia.
The feature set commonly found on washlets are anus washing, bidet washing, seat warming, and deodorization. The device is operated via a control panel and may incorporate over 30 buttons "all labeled in Japanese" at first glance bearing more resemblance to a Space Shuttle navigation panel than your average WC. Don't panic — help is at hand. |
A contemporary Japanese squat toilet
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The first key to solving the puzzle is that the actual flush mechanism is usually not operated by the control panel: instead, there is a standard, familiar, Western-style lever, switch or knob somewhere and it is thus entirely possible to take care of your business without ever using the washlet features.
In rare cases, mostly with very high-end gear, flushing is integrated; if lifting your bottom off the seat doesn't do the trick, look for buttons labeled 大 or 小, meaning a big or small flush respectively, on a wireless control panel on the wall. |
The second key to exploration is that there is always a big red button labeled 止 on the panel — pressing this will instantly stop everything. Older models simply have a lever nearby that controls the flow of a sprayer.
Armed with this knowledge you can now begin to dig deeper. Typical controls include the following:
Oshiri - "おしり" - "buttocks", for spraying your rear - typically shown in blue with a stylized butt icon; this action can be unnerving, but travelers should not be afraid - by the second or third attempt it will seem normal.
Bidet - "ビデ" - for "spraying your front" - typically shown in pink with a female icon.
Kanso- "乾燥" - "dry", for drying off when finished - typically yellow with a wavy air icon.
Other, smaller buttons can be used to adjust the exact pressure, angle, location and pulsation of the jet of water. Sometimes the seat of the toilet is heated, and this can also be regulated. One explanation is that since houses are not usually centrally heated, the toilet business can be made a little more convenient by heating the seat. To be polite and save energy, you should leave the cover down on heated toilet seats.
Some Japanese public toilets do not have toilet paper, although there are often vending machines nearby that sell some at token prices. You can do as the Japanese do and use the tissue packets handed out free by advertisers at major train stations.
Though it may be "common sense" for people who have lived in urban areas, many newcomers to Tokyo or Osaka are unfamiliar with life in an extremely congested metropolis, where almost everything they touch has been touched by hundreds of other people that same day.
When newcomers to large Japanese cities take no precautions, they may be more susceptible to ordinary illnesses like the common cold. As in any other urban area, when in a large Japanese city like Tokyo or Osaka, wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible, especially after travelling on public transportation and before meals.
Be sure to bring a small umbrella for the frequent rainy days. Don't rely too much on the weather forecasts, especially from a day or two ago. Then again, if you forget, you can always go into the nearest convenience store and pick one up for ¥300 to ¥500.
Japan has its share of dirty areas. In cities, because of the sheer magnitude of traffic, the streets and curbs are just as dirty as anywhere. The obsession of cleanliness and removing shoes before entering someone's home makes sense because of the conditions of the outer world.
If you do become ill with a cold or other sickness, purchase a mouth covering, "Cloth Surgical Mask". You will find that people frequently wear these out on trains and on the job. This filters your sneezing and coughing so you do not transmit to others.
Passive Smoking is a major health hazard in nearly all Japanese restaurants and public areas; this includes Multi-National Food Chains as well as local eateries. Non-smoking areas are not often provided and are sometimes substandard if they are.
Medical Facilities in Japan are largely on par with the West, and the better known hospitals are usually equipped with the most cutting edge medical technology. However, few doctors can communicate in English. Better known hospitals in the major cities are more likely to be staffed by doctors who can speak English.
For travel notices and tips to stay healthy before travelling, visit the CDC's page for Japan.
Armed with this knowledge you can now begin to dig deeper. Typical controls include the following:
Oshiri - "おしり" - "buttocks", for spraying your rear - typically shown in blue with a stylized butt icon; this action can be unnerving, but travelers should not be afraid - by the second or third attempt it will seem normal.
Bidet - "ビデ" - for "spraying your front" - typically shown in pink with a female icon.
Kanso- "乾燥" - "dry", for drying off when finished - typically yellow with a wavy air icon.
Other, smaller buttons can be used to adjust the exact pressure, angle, location and pulsation of the jet of water. Sometimes the seat of the toilet is heated, and this can also be regulated. One explanation is that since houses are not usually centrally heated, the toilet business can be made a little more convenient by heating the seat. To be polite and save energy, you should leave the cover down on heated toilet seats.
Some Japanese public toilets do not have toilet paper, although there are often vending machines nearby that sell some at token prices. You can do as the Japanese do and use the tissue packets handed out free by advertisers at major train stations.
Though it may be "common sense" for people who have lived in urban areas, many newcomers to Tokyo or Osaka are unfamiliar with life in an extremely congested metropolis, where almost everything they touch has been touched by hundreds of other people that same day.
When newcomers to large Japanese cities take no precautions, they may be more susceptible to ordinary illnesses like the common cold. As in any other urban area, when in a large Japanese city like Tokyo or Osaka, wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible, especially after travelling on public transportation and before meals.
Be sure to bring a small umbrella for the frequent rainy days. Don't rely too much on the weather forecasts, especially from a day or two ago. Then again, if you forget, you can always go into the nearest convenience store and pick one up for ¥300 to ¥500.
Japan has its share of dirty areas. In cities, because of the sheer magnitude of traffic, the streets and curbs are just as dirty as anywhere. The obsession of cleanliness and removing shoes before entering someone's home makes sense because of the conditions of the outer world.
If you do become ill with a cold or other sickness, purchase a mouth covering, "Cloth Surgical Mask". You will find that people frequently wear these out on trains and on the job. This filters your sneezing and coughing so you do not transmit to others.
Passive Smoking is a major health hazard in nearly all Japanese restaurants and public areas; this includes Multi-National Food Chains as well as local eateries. Non-smoking areas are not often provided and are sometimes substandard if they are.
Medical Facilities in Japan are largely on par with the West, and the better known hospitals are usually equipped with the most cutting edge medical technology. However, few doctors can communicate in English. Better known hospitals in the major cities are more likely to be staffed by doctors who can speak English.
For travel notices and tips to stay healthy before travelling, visit the CDC's page for Japan.
Things To Do
Learn a little of the language, and try to use it. They will be complimentary if you try, and there is no reason to be embarrassed. They realize that Japanese is very difficult for foreigners and are tolerant about your mistakes; on the contrary, they will like you more for trying.
Bowing: men bow with their hands to their sides. Women bow with their hands together in front. Women's hands look like they are settled in their lap when bowing. The exact degree of the bow depends on your position in society relative to the receiver of the bow and on the occasion: the largely unwritten rules are complex, but for foreigners, a "token bow" is fine. Many Japanese will, in fact, gladly offer a handshake instead.
When you are handing something to someone, especially a business card, it is considered polite to present it holding it with both hands.
Gift-giving is very common in Japan. You, as a guest, may find yourself inundated with gifts and dinners. Foreign guests are, of course, outside of this sometimes burdensome system of give-and-take "kashi-kari", but it would be a nice gesture to offer a gift or souvenir "Omiyage", including one unique to or representative of your country.
A gift that is "consumable" is advisable due to the smaller size of Japanese homes. Items such as soap, candies, alcohol, and stationery will be well-received as the recipient will not be expected to have it on hand on subsequent visits. Re-gifting is a common and accepted practice, even for items such as fruit.
Expressing gratitude is slightly different from obligatory gift-giving. Even if you brought a gift for your Japanese host, once you return, it is a sign of good etiquette to send a handwritten thank-you card: it will be much appreciated.
Japanese guests always exchange photos that they have taken with their hosts so you should expect to receive some snapshots and should prepare to send yours "of you and your hosts together" back to them. Depending on their age and the nature of your relationship "business or personal", an online exchange may suffice.
Bowing: men bow with their hands to their sides. Women bow with their hands together in front. Women's hands look like they are settled in their lap when bowing. The exact degree of the bow depends on your position in society relative to the receiver of the bow and on the occasion: the largely unwritten rules are complex, but for foreigners, a "token bow" is fine. Many Japanese will, in fact, gladly offer a handshake instead.
When you are handing something to someone, especially a business card, it is considered polite to present it holding it with both hands.
Gift-giving is very common in Japan. You, as a guest, may find yourself inundated with gifts and dinners. Foreign guests are, of course, outside of this sometimes burdensome system of give-and-take "kashi-kari", but it would be a nice gesture to offer a gift or souvenir "Omiyage", including one unique to or representative of your country.
A gift that is "consumable" is advisable due to the smaller size of Japanese homes. Items such as soap, candies, alcohol, and stationery will be well-received as the recipient will not be expected to have it on hand on subsequent visits. Re-gifting is a common and accepted practice, even for items such as fruit.
Expressing gratitude is slightly different from obligatory gift-giving. Even if you brought a gift for your Japanese host, once you return, it is a sign of good etiquette to send a handwritten thank-you card: it will be much appreciated.
Japanese guests always exchange photos that they have taken with their hosts so you should expect to receive some snapshots and should prepare to send yours "of you and your hosts together" back to them. Depending on their age and the nature of your relationship "business or personal", an online exchange may suffice.
Silver Seat - Priority Seat
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The Elderly are given special respect in Japanese society, and they are used to the privileges that come with it. Visitors waiting to board a train may be surprised to get shoved aside by a fearless "Obaa-san" who has her eye on a seat. Note that certain seats "silver seats" on many trains are set aside for the disabled and the elderly.
There are not many trash cans in public; you may have to carry around your trash for a while before finding one. When you do, you'll often see 4 to 6 of them together; Japan is very conscious of recycling. Most disposable containers are labelled with a recycling symbol in Japanese indicating what type of material it is. Some types of recycling bins you'll often see are: |
Recycling Bins In Japan
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Things To Avoid
Japanese House Slippers
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Japanese people understand that visitors may not be aware of the intricacies of Japanese etiquette and tend to be tolerant of blunders in this regard by foreigners. There are a few serious etiquette breaches, however, that will meet with universal disapproval, even with foreigners, and they should be avoided at all costs.
Never walk on a tatami mat wearing shoes or even slippers. Japanese dwellings and Japanese style hotel rooms will have a Entry Hall "Genkan", a transitional area. Take your shoes off while standing in the Genkan, stepping back onto the boarded area of the floor. The whole point is to keep the inside floor free from the dirt of the street. |
Never leave your chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice as that is how rice is offered to the dead. Never enter a bathtub without washing up first.
Shoes and feet in general are considered very dirty by the Japanese. Avoid pointing your soles at anybody such as when sitting on the train. Brushing your feet against somebody's clothing, even by accident, is very rude.
The Japanese consider back slaps rude, especially if they're coming from someone they just met. As it is not common practice in Japan, hugging should also be avoided. For Japanese it is typically very awkward and uncomfortable. You will not see Japanese people kissing or hugging.
Point at people with an open hand not a finger, but pointing this way at things is fine, and tell people to come by waving your hand facing down, not up.
Avoid shouting or talking loudly in public. Talking on a mobile phone on a train is considered rude, and many trains have signs advising you not to use them. Sending text messages, however is considered OK.
Blowing your nose in public is considered rude, much like flatulence. It is fine to walk around sniffling until you can find a private place to blow your nose.
Do not expect too much flexibility. Not all Restaurants are willing to alter dishes to suit dietary preferences or requirement, and not every Ryokan has slippers or Futons big enough for a foreigner.
Shoes and feet in general are considered very dirty by the Japanese. Avoid pointing your soles at anybody such as when sitting on the train. Brushing your feet against somebody's clothing, even by accident, is very rude.
The Japanese consider back slaps rude, especially if they're coming from someone they just met. As it is not common practice in Japan, hugging should also be avoided. For Japanese it is typically very awkward and uncomfortable. You will not see Japanese people kissing or hugging.
Point at people with an open hand not a finger, but pointing this way at things is fine, and tell people to come by waving your hand facing down, not up.
Avoid shouting or talking loudly in public. Talking on a mobile phone on a train is considered rude, and many trains have signs advising you not to use them. Sending text messages, however is considered OK.
Blowing your nose in public is considered rude, much like flatulence. It is fine to walk around sniffling until you can find a private place to blow your nose.
Do not expect too much flexibility. Not all Restaurants are willing to alter dishes to suit dietary preferences or requirement, and not every Ryokan has slippers or Futons big enough for a foreigner.
