JAPAN'S UNSPOKEN RULES 🙊 | 16 You Need to Know Before Traveling!
Vložit
- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
- JAPAN HAS SO MANY UNSPOKEN RULES I COULD BE HERE ALL DAY TALKING ABOUT IT 😣 I hope to save you some embarrassment with this video!!
Today I'm sharing 16 unspoken rules in Japan that you need to know before your next trip to Japan 🥰 They are varying levels of...originalness...throughout the video. It's impossible to make one of these with totally fresh information, so if you think the first few are obvious or something, I encourage you to keep watching or skip ahead to the next ones to see!! Because there's a lot!! But really they can all be boiled down to the last one lmao 😆
Let me know if you can think of any others people should be aware of down below in the comments!!
-----
🚃 TRAVEL JAPAN WITH JR PASS (affiliate link so buy through here to support me 🥰)
NATIONWIDE PASS (most popular, allows travel on JR trains across Japan: click.jrpass.com/SH6k
REGIONAL PASSES: click.jrpass.com/SH6l
-----
🌸 follow me on social media 🌸
twitter: @allisonintokyo
personal instagram: @allisintokyo
study instagram: @allistudy
⭐️ Support me on Ko-fi! ⭐️
ko-fi.com/allisonintokyo
🗼 new upload every friday JST 🗼
🔰 timestamps 🔰
❤️ music ❤️
🎈Song : Daystar - Smile /
• ✨샛별 - Smile :)✨(Royalt...
🎈Song : Daystar - Daisy Fleabane / • ✨샛별 - 🍳계란꽃🌼✨(Royalty F...
JAPAN'S UNSPOKEN RULES 🙊 | 16 You Need to Know Before Traveling!
What rule surprised you the most!? And you do know any others I didn't mention in this video? Let me know down below!!! ☺
I think what always shocks me is the etiquette on the subway. I used to live in NYC for 7 years and holy cow it is a dog eat dog world and everyone is so jaded. When I first went to east-Asia, I couldn't believe that people were so courteous and actually let people off the train first. So logical and simple but not every populous actually follows it.
I didn't know about the taxi doors and the seat reservation 😄
One thing I noticed on my last trip was that Osaka had a lot more people (locals not foreigners) who did not wait in the queue for the train but would cut and push in while people were coming out. It happened almost every time I was at a station. Tokyo was surprisingly a lot more orderly.
Could you do a video on the first things you should do when you get to Japan for the first time as a traveler? Like how to get a train pass, money, and SIM card, etc?
Thank you for this. The taxi door one made me sit up and go 'huh?!' But, yeah, that sorta makes sense. So thank you for saving me some embarrassment at the airport XD (I'm pretty sure Tokyo is still talking about my Salad Incident of 1986, so need all the help I can get).
I’m American, but it will always baffle me how some Americans will get absolutely furious that they can’t tip in Japan and many other countries. Like why are you mad that the waiters get paid an actual good wage and you don’t have to pay their salary basically? The tipping culture in the USA is absolutely ridiculous and it needs to go away.
AYO facts but those same people won't tip in America 😂
@@VictorRodriguez-qn1kz The only reason I tip is because you’re literally looked down upon if you don’t here 😭😭
@@Reia_Shi like bro why should it be the consumers responsibility to pay their wages pay them a fair wage 😭😭
@@VictorRodriguez-qn1kz exactly
It's just to follow the good old saying, "When in Rome, do as Romans do". Regarding tipping in the US, it is sheer false economy.
I've never been to Japan, but I taught English to lots of Japanese students at a Berlitz school when I was young, and it was a chore to get them to say negative statements beginning with "no." In one exercise, I'd hold up a red pen and ask "Is the pen black?" with the expected answer of "No, the pen is not black, the pen is red" but instead they'd try to talk around it, usually with something like "Um... maybe the pen is red." They were clearly very uncomfortable with the idea of contradicting me directly.
That is interesting. Duolingo commonly teaches statements like, "iie, kono boorupen wa kuroi desu" starting sentences with 'no', negative statements.
Spot on. It gets tired if you live there. Also they don't say "must" they say "must not not do". They also have a recent (post WW2) culture of lying ie saying what you want to hear (tatemae). Avoid unless paid super expat deal
My husband is Japanese and absolutely hates when I answer questions like this 😂 he wants a yes or no answer and apparently I don’t know how to do that. 😅
I will say, “no” is never the correct answer unless it makes the question a positive outcome. Like “is the food bad?” Answer no. But if you didn’t like the food you have to answer as if you did.
Basically lie your face off to make everyone feel better
@@aibao_eipariru_april As the British say when they really don't like something: "It was _quite_ good."
I thought of a few: on the train, do NOT talk on your phone. I am convinced that texting was invented in Japan because train passengers do need to contact others, but they're not allowed (well, you know) to actually talk on their phones while on a train. Also don't put on makeup, brush your hair, spray perfume, etc on a train. You can do that in the restroom I guess, but not at your seat.
Also, if you speak Japanese at all, people will not say "no" or contradict you. For example, if you ask, "Does this train go to Kyoto?" they won't say, "No, that's the wrong train." However, if you said, "I'm trying to get to Kyoto and I'm not sure which train..." Then they'd say, "Oh, it's that one over there."
Oohhh!!! Good tip about asking for advice. Thank you!
Text messaging was not invented in Japan. It was introduced to general public rather later than the rest of the world. However, it became a huge hit in Japan in late 1990s, people finding it matching well with their way of life.
@@aldente2011 Yeah, I was just taking a shot in the dark, lol.
What’s the difference from talking to the person next to you and talking on the phone? Just because you cant hear what the other person is saying.😅
@@Pinkkermit17 there was a theory for this in someone else’s video (don’t remember who it was), but it actually makes sense. When two people are talking quietly to each other you may perceive it as some kind of background noise that it’s not disturbing at all. But if there’s only a single person’s voice around your brain will think it’s weird and this will draw more attention.
An addition: have the word “sumimasen” (“excuse me”) at the front of your lips all the time. Or: “Oh, sumimasen.” I traveled to Japan on business about six times over a two-year period, and I knew I was going to mess up in my behavior occasionally to the Japanese standards; and I found that my saying “sumimasen” was a quick way to recover grace from the people around you. Or then consider adding “gomen nasai” if you need to add an apology.
Here's something I've often seen in the US that drives me bonkers. We put up with it here, but if you try to pull this in Japan, get ready for some stink eye. It's parents who give their small kids a phone or tablet and let them watch videos, listen to music, or play games in restaurants. The point is, that sh*t is LOUD and incredibly annoying. If you or your kids have a device that is making noise, USE EARBUDS. On a train, on a bus, in a restaurant, in any public place--it's rude if others can hear it. In America, restaurants are pretty loud anyway, so we can usually tune it out, but in Japan it'll come across as beyond rude.
This happened a lot in my country too.. 😣
Pretty sure many infants are not going to be interested in wearing ear buds.....
Do you prefer the sound of screaming babies on the bus instead? I got far more stink eye for that over using tablet/phone.
@@a.s.1737 Interestingly enough, the music club in my community here in Tokyo, Japan often held mini concerts. And during such events the club always provides earphones for little children ( as the music can be loud ). So far I have never seen those little children scream and wail in agony for wearing earphones. 🤷♀️
When I experience that I politely ask they turn off the sound. They always do but I think if they refused I'd grab the thing and stick it in the toilet if I was in a mood. Stink eye? That hasn't worked since I was 10
@@a.s.1737 I would like to recommend that infants not need to self soothe by staring at a screen. Adults can entertain them at a quiet volume. Infants need to learn to absorb what is going on around them in their environment not stare at a screen.
My biggest shock when I moved to Tokyo in 1999 was the sheer rigidness of refusing to not put a pickle on the burger at McDonald's. I'm half Japanese so not my first time there, but first time living there and I actually said to the person 'what if I am allergic and you putting the pickle on my burger contaminates it and I die??'. She literally pulled out the BINDER and showed me where it said that the pickle had to be put on. GOT IT. hahahhhaah
Lol so they'd rather weed out everyone who has a food allergy... got it 😂😂😂 That's actually pretty bad, tbh. I don't have any food allergies thankfully, but do they just tell the person to order something else, or go somewhere else if they refuse to accommodate allergies? I'm actually being serious here.
@@roxazaloah Its a VERY rigid culture. When I lived there the only way you could be vegetarian is by making food yourself. I had a friend that figured out restaurants were giving her food without meat pieces in it, but cooked in meat stock etc. so she was actually being fed meat the entire time. She had to explain why being cooked with meat and having the pieces taken out wasn't vegetarian. Having said that, there are many accommodating places now but I wouldn't trust any restaurant fully if I had a bad allergy.
Typicl american, arguing just to feel like you won. Go home, Japan is not for you.
@@punkin314 It’s ridiculous how people just expect a whole culture to accommodate their persnickety nonsense. If you’re too fancy or sensitive to eat out, then stay your ass home. Vegetarians and vegans are the worst.
There are so many videos about things not to do in Japan. More videos about rules, social norms, how to eat, how not to eat, even rules about social etiquette when catching a train, using an elevator or handling cash. All these videos could discourage people from visiting Japan. It is a case of information overload and inconsistent content quality. Having visited Japan a number of times, I find that some videos create the false impression that tourists are unwelcome in Japan. Allison makes a genuine effort to explain some things you would probably encounter daily. None of the rules surprised me. Of course there are many other social norms that could be the topic of more videos. A few I would mention are elevator etiquette and the lift captain ( yes it's a thing ), leaving a clear table after eating at a cafe and being aware of women only spaces like certain train carriages etc. I hope Allison does a part 2 of this video.😀😀😀
Japanese society seems quite respectful (lining up in an orderly fashion, keeping quiet on public transport). Most of the rest of the world can learn a thing or two from the Japanese.
ROFL They blatantly refuse to accommodate anyone with food allergies, meaning that we will either never be able to eat at a restaurant or if we do, we die. This isn't nice! Hitler tried to ban Jews from German food! Japanese restaurant ban food allergic people for Japanese food in restaurants and cafes! This is evil! This is not nice! I would never want to be like them! People don't just wake up and say I'm going to be allergic to soy today!
It's just asian culture
Asian culture? China is very different!
I agree 100% . I am American and I am often embarrassed by the behavior of many Americans!!
they can sense fear too.
7:23 "if you litter I will personally find you and yell at you", this made me thumbs up the video right away!! 😂
When in Japan three years ago, I learned that pedestrians always obey walk lights even in very small towns. I was in a town so small that it had only one stop light and witnessed a pedestrian waiting for the light to change even though there was no traffic in either direction for at least a 1/2 mile. Conform and blend in.
I lived in a big city, Nagoya. I saw very little rigid following of pedestrian rules, though people did use common sense. And if you're around bars between 10 and 12 at night, you'll see all kinds of slightly unsafe walking.
just spent a month in Japan and everyone is so respectful. It was culture shock coming back to US
You will usually have to take your shoes off in change rooms as well. And a lot of stores will give you a cover to put on your head so that you don’t get makeup on the clothing item you are trying on (like sweaters etc).
When I was in Tokyo I would sometimes forget about the reversed pedestrian traffic flow and gravitate to the right side of the side walk. The onslought of people trying to go opposite of me quickly reminded me to move back to the left side.
I just got done 3 weeks in Japan and in Tokyo they walk all over the damn sidewalk
When aren't there problems with American tourists? Many think they are the hub of the world and everything must revolve around them. Many Americans are uncomfortable with their behavior, loud and often disrespectful. You can completely confuse an American tourist if you answer his question with a counter-question as to whether he can repeat his question in understandable English. The reaction and the looks, just priceless. A colleague of mine is particularly good at it, with a really serious face. I then escape to my company car because I often have to laugh out loud. Before I visit any country, I find out about local customs. Then you should be able to speak and understand certain idioms, polite phrases, in their language. This is required by decency, respect and courtesy. Above all, you should exercise restraint and not attract negative attention. One should not forget that in Japan itself, many locals speak little or no English. Even young people only have a rudimentary command of English. Even if it surprises you, a not insignificant part of the Japanese population is skeptical about foreigners and sometimes makes no secret of their rejection. It can happen that the word "Gaijin" is thrown at you. Even racism towards foreigners is fortunately rare, but it does happen. To this day, Japan has found it difficult to open up to the world, fearing the negative impact on their culture. Although they are not entirely wrong about that. You should always keep in mind that you are only a guest in this country.
Sometimes I think it's very sad that some of these things have to be said out loud at all. That's partially why I love Japan so much. Just don't bother anyone with your business! No matter if that means to be mindful while talking or walking or whatever... just respect the space and peace of the people around you. Sadly this seems very hard. This Video really reminded me how much more of a culture shock it was to come back from Japan to my home country ._.
I feel on the taxi door one. I've moved to Japan from the US 7 months ago and there was one time where I shut the door without even thinking by accident. It was after I shut the door that I was like "Oh crap, I shouldn't have done that". For those of us in the US, opening and closing taxi doors ourselves is second nature.
Esp if you are from New York
We just came back from our trip to Japan. I accidentally opened the driver's side of the taxi cab we got into. It was so embarrassing but the cabbie was super nice and chuckled. My husband accidentally got us all into the "women's only" train. Thankfully it was towards the end of rush hour. By the time we figured it out, there was only 1 stop left so he just dropped his head in shame. He'll never live that one down!
Lol
A women only train?! To me, as a Westerner/European, that's really weird, I wonder why. Is sexual harassment so common that women need to travel between themseleves?
@@jfrancobelge Yes
Brazil also have these
I'm living in Japan long term, but my brother is getting ready to visit for the first time -- this video was a great reminder of things that might surprise him that I forgot about/got used to, so thank you! The socks one is a big one that I don't think people talk about enough!
Fantastic advice. I have lived here since 1989, and really appreciate your video. I hope everyone who visits here watches this before arriving.
I am moving to Japan in November! I accepted an English teaching job and I am super stoked!
I hope you are enjoying your experience here.
When travelling in Japan it is just a case of be courteous and aware of others, this is sadly a rule / way of life that is lost in a lot of places in the west.
I will be in Japan in a weeks time with my wife for our 30th wedding anniversary, it will be my third visit but my wife's first time visiting the country and I am looking forward to showing her the sights.
Love the videos Allison, you are a great source of Japanese information and you are highly entertaining.
Oh...nothing surprises me anymore in Japan.
Thanks for another great video! I didn’t know the taxis have automatic doors. How cool!
The 17th rule (sort of)- you will be greeted when you enter any store, business, hotel, restaurant… and you’re not expected to say anything in return. That’s a tough one for me. I keep wanting to respond, or say hello, or thank you.
I mean, you're not expected to respond and most Japanese people won't, but the staff doesn't seem to mind if you smile or nod in acknowledgement. It must get kind of demoralizing to keep saying "Welcome" for no reason, really, so it probably makes for a decent change of pace. It might be considered clueless, but no one seems to think it's rude. Just for the record.
Oh no, this is going to be very difficult for me. How can I not answer?
@@francesca8907 I just smile.
You can always just say konnichiwa or hello and leave it at that. That's fine.
Whereas in France, you respond to 'Bonjour' with 'Bonjour'.
Thank you for the very informative video!!
Thanks for the tips! ❤️
What great advice. Thank you!
Really enjoyed your video
Thank you, these are great points!
Thanks! We are headed there next month so these are super helpful.
This was very informative, and touched on things I wasn’t aware of. Great video.
Thank you for sharing some off the rules in Japan 😊
good tips! Thank you
This is so helpful!! Thank you! I'll be traveling to Japan in about 4 weeks so this is perfect timing.
I just came back and I don't know if this is a tip or not but just going around Tokyo (walking at least 6 to 8 miles a day), besides getting good walking shoes I noticed that it isn't easy to find places to sit at least what I found in malls/public places that are not parks etc. My tip for my friends is really not to go cheap and you literally should "pay" to sit down in places if that makes sense? I found more success buying small cafe foods and sitting in those places taking interval rests then trying to actively find a place to sit in public lol
I needed to see this. I had ankle surgery in December and still not completely healed so I'm anticipating being uncomfortable with all the walking. Goin in April. Can't wait.
I totally agree, I’m in Kyoto at the moment and we go to cafes and buy coffee if we need to sit.
I had this exact struggle today in Tokyo! We quickly bought some lunch items at 7/11, but then couldn’t find a place to sit and eat them 😅
Lots of cities have "smoking parks" I don't know the proper name for them. They are cordoned off sections with seats and pleasant smelling plants where smokers can sit and enjoy a cigarette without annoying anybody. Because they're outside you don't really smell the smoke, I think they're also WiFi hotshots.
Absolutely loved every minute
Thank you, this was informative, we're going next week.
The most informative video about traveling to Japan for people in a hurry. I'm headed there this week!
I am visiting for the first time in a couple of weeks and I am bringing my 10-year-old daughter with me. Your videos have been invaluable in my prep, so thank you for all these videos 😁
Thank you for this video. Hope to bump into you when i am back in Tokyo last week of March for the sakura.
Excellent tips. I remembered some of them but had forgotten others. Thanks!👍
🫡
Thanx;) great insight to unwritten rules in Japan.
thanks for sharing the 16 rules, I enjoyed it , just subscribed
Love your videos Allison 💖❤️.
This was absolutely fantastic and so useful. As a Londoner who is about to travel there and stay for three months, this has been so useful. Nicely done.
For me a lot of stuff comes natural tbh. Even if someone can't remember all of it I think rule nr 16 will help you the most in daily life 😊
Exactly!! 😆
This a great "refresher" for me. I actually lived in Japan for 10 years before moving back to the U.S. 20 years ago for a career change. I'm visiting next month and this video was a nice little reminder. Thanks!
My husband and I lived in Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo for 3 years and I agree with your 16 unspoken rules. Thanks for sharing!
Such good tips, thank you! Going to Japan in November so this has been helpful 🫶🏻
I visited Japan back in 2018 and went around various parts of the country.
I think you mentioned some great tips, some I feel would be clear to anyone visiting and others are good to know before going as you wouldn't know like the taxi doors, rare to find a public bin etc
I found on whole the people of Japan to be very warm and welcoming and always respectable of others around them.
I love how any worker in a public facing role like a department store or on a train, they always bow before leaving the shop floor or moving onto the next carriage.
I would love to see more of this happening in the Uk.
Great video!
God bless ya, you are so real honestly. Love it. Love your clock and CPU in the back ❤
I think what has thrown me off the most in my visits to Tokyo has been the bicyclists on the sidewalks, it seems like they just weave through everyone and trying the "walk on the left" doesn't always pan out like I hope lol
Hint. Carry a bicycle bell with you to get through crowds faster.
im a dutch going to japan next month , thank you for all your tips .. they are very clearly explained and helpfull ❤
People can eat on the shinkansen since food is also served and it is a long distance train. However, people do not eat on any other train, especiall NOT on a city train.
I’ll be watching all of these! Thank you! I’m glad you mention the princess Kaguya movie because I was a little turned off by the style, so I’ll give it a shot!
Thank you, so glad you mentioned the taxi doors.
First time commenting. Such an on point video; I can tell you really know how to survive in this culture lol
I think the tipping rule is relaxed in some places. I used to work at an American restaurant and a lot of foreign costumers(except the ones who looked like they lived in Japan for long) tipped me. I was so happy they liked my service but do know that tipping is not a thing here!
Great video! Thanks for the taxi rule! I would totally try to open it myself….😅
As someone from a Slavic family, I don't understand how someone can walk into the house with their street shoes. We always have a pair of slippers for everyone, just because outdoor shoes are dirty and we don't want to make the house dirty. Same goes usually for the rest outdoor clothes but it's more flexible than shoes.
Always appreciate an Allison day!! Thanks for this vid and especially the tip about payment in eateries!! Restaurants always bring anxiety in not knowing where to pay, when, blablabla hahaha!
Yes I feel this!! 😂😂
Thank you!
Be kind and it's all going to work for you! Great stuff as always Allison. I watched till the end and even translated everything for my mom ( she likes you a lot even though she doesn't understand english at all) Stay safe ! Do more videos like this one. It's really helpful and interesting.
You're so awesome. My wife and I have been watching your videos for a few months now leading up to our big trip in April for Sakura season and I feel a lot better prepared (and excited!) thanks to videos like this. Your editing is also really entertaining 😊
The rule that surprised me the most is the taxi handles. That seems so easy to accidently do, so thanks for the emphasis on it.
Thanks 🥹🥹
I feel like touching the handle is not as egregious as pulling or pushing the door. So if you inadvertently put your hand of the door handle and feel it opening on its own, you can jump back, like, Sorry!
Thanks, Allison. I love your videos! I’m so excited to go to Japan! Weird question but what’s the name of the cute plushie in the background of your video? Right behind your head…the larger one. I want to get that for my step daughter ❤️
@@joelyisdoingherbest if you are talking about the pink and white one that is a Sylveon and the pink one next to that is a Ditto. Both are pokemon. Sorry no one was answering so I thought I chime in.
@@OneFoxTwoFox thank you so much!
I was surprised by the auto taxi doors, that would definitely catch me off guard.
Thanks for the list, I like to be prepared when entering a different culture.
I was in the Mont Bell store in Hiroshima and wanted to try on some hiking pants. I was terribly embarrassed because I didn't leave my shoes OUTSIDE the change room. I knew to take them off, but I though I could do it inside the booth. I spent the next 5 minutes bowing and apologising :) Japanese are beautiful people and if you're courteous and respectful I'm sure they'll forgive the occasional faux pas from tourists. I absolutely love their orderly nature - especially on the trains and escalators.
Love how all of these are considering others
Your new camera is great!
Oh haiiii 4K! lol
Thank you for putting these rules out there! I usually don't talk to anyone when I ride the local transit system here in the US so that's one thing I have down haha! Hopefully folks take some notes!! :3
will travelling to Tokyo for the first time, good vid!
I've heard about the washcloth thing but failed to believe it to be true until you confirmed. thank you!
I would LOVE to have the 1 hour video about unspoken rules for people living there 😍 (... Omg maybe I have to work on my priorities after this comment 😅)
Not a problem I had, but once I gave my seat to an older lady on the train and she was so cute and so grateful it honestly made my day. 10/10 would give up my train seat in Japan again.
I lived in Japan 4 years forking for the Navy in Yokosuka and lived in Yokohama. Your list is right on mostly, I will state that the Yokohama COSTCO deli where you get the American style pizza was the exception to the restaurant seating convention. Definitely a free for all!!
Great video.
studying for a trip and EVERY thing you mentioned? I've read many times. I say that as a compliment as your advice is dead-on. :)
Thank you for the sharing, the video is good altought I think it might be less cut up and a bit slow. I sense nervousness, you can relax a bit you're doing great 😉
Epic timing with this video, thanks Allison!! I arrived in Tokyo 2 nights ago. First time visiting, so appreciate the tips! Also, I totally see what you mean about American tourists. They do kinda stand out.. 🥲 Also also, I have mad respect for you for living in Japan 🙌🏻
Congrats again on graduating soon! :)
Thank you.
Going to Japan in December for 12 months for a working holiday so this vid helps alot!
That sounds excellent. Have fun!!
I’ve watched one of these videos before about rules in Japan. It’s definitely helpful to know this and when me and my Philippine fiancé get married we are planning a trip to visit Japan.
So in traveling to the Philippines through Japan I’ve made the mistake just actually not knowing I had my small gimbal video camera, just excited about being in Japan. This was at Haneda airport I was talking to myself and recording motioned the camera on two sales women standing outside of a store holding samples I think. Thankfully they both had friendly laughs. I say hi and went on about my way, but I’m realizing how much this could have sparked offense. I’m not one who takes joy in causing someone discomfort so I’ll be more careful.
Anyways. Thank you for this video! Although also an American I’m one who does like order and quiescence and like to be considerate so I may not have too many problems.
Very good and practical advices. About giving the tip, I think we don't feel insulted if you tip us, but perplexed for it is not what we do.
Very helpful I will be going in a month for 3 months.
I know it wasn't intented, but this video made me ponder reincarnation, because some of Japan's unspoken rules totally match what I full-on would like as "public courtesy rules" here in the US! Maybe I was Japanese in a past life?!?!🤔
Thank you
To slurp or not to slurp when eating noodles? Love the videos, btw. They’re so helpful!
I vote slurp. But if you're in a restaurant I don't think anyone will really notice or care.
Thank you! I leave for Japan on a tour in a couple of days. I wish the rest of the world was as courteous and respectful as Japan ♥
P.S.- If perhaps you read this comment, or anyone else with knowledge, can answer a question regarding the removal of shoes: Would I be allowed to place my removed shoes in a backpack as opposed to leaving them at the entrance of a shrine, restaurant or museum? Thank you in advance!
🎉y.. Useful!
One no one mentioned but I found on my trip: no shoes in changing rooms! I was very embarrassed and didn’t make that mistake again 😭😂
True. Luckily I saw other customers had taken off their shoes and realised I should do the same.
Excellent, spot on.
Great info! I was just in Tokyo and absolutely loved. What is the expectation with bikes? It seemed like I had a lot close calls. I couldn’t identify a pattern with where people walk and where the bikes are expected to be. Thank you! I would like to hear more about what it takes to live there.
In Tokyo on busy roads, bikes must go on the sidewalk. On small side streets bikes are on the edge of the road.
Tattoos are OK as long as you dont visit bath house, gym, public swimming pool.
Wow!! So much has changed since the 70s. I lived in Kansai (Osaka and Kobe) and I saw a lot of small items being tossed on the ground: cigarette packages, film canisters & boxes. As for entering and exiting the train it was every man/women for themselves. I actually remember someone running to catch another train with her head down. She crashed smack into my abdomen, spun around and then continued on. The foreigners often remarked about how the Japanese can queue up in places like bakeries.
Didn't know about socks in temples.
The local culture in Kansai is significantly less reserved than it is in the Kantou area. Osakans in particular are famous for actually saying what they think and letting it all hang out (there's a reason lots of Japanese comedians have or affect Kansai accents), so these rules could very well have been true for Tokyo in the '70s, and they may still not be true for Osaka. 😅
Ty Allison some people forgot the rules ❤
Just sitting at the airport gate to Tokio. Luckily I'm basically doing (almost) all of these already so it won't be a problem haha :D thank you!
1.) People reserved seats on restaurants
2.) train manners- be quiet on trains, yield seats for elderly and pregnant people
3.) Don’t draw too much attention on you by talking too loud
4.) Don’t be rude to people
5. If you cough or sneeze just cover your mouth
6.) Remove shoes on Japanese house or temples and some restaurants or historical places
7.) Bring socks with you in public cuz u never know
8.) Don’t tip in Japan
9.) Don’t eat or drink while walking in public
10.) Put your money on the tray don’t hand it to them directly unless they don’t have a tray
11.) Bring cash Japan uses cash a lot
12.) Don’t touch taxi doors
13.) Carry garbage with you because there’s no garbage cans in Japan
12.) Be careful about taking photos
13.) Menu are difficult to read and don’t ask for complicated dish
14.) Japan loves lines
15.) Stand on the left line of the escalator
16.) be aware
I’m shocked that my friend who’s been to Japan twice, still has an issue with tipping. We went to an Izakaya, and it was run by a Japanese family. I usually don’t tip (at Japanese establishments), and he looks at me and says “We aren’t in Japan. You tip here.” Like, yes, at other restaurants. I asked the wait staff if we should, and had to confirm it by asking again, they said “The quality of the food and service is included in the overall price. So…no tip, please.”
If you're in the US, it does tend to be more of a question, especially if you've ever had a friend who works in the service industry; many of them literally need those tips if they're going to pay their bills. That's definitely a thing that needs to be fixed, but until it is, lots of people will play it safe and tip unless they're specifically told not to. My local izakaya is fine with tipping, so even with Japanese restaurants, it does depend on the establishment.
Hi, I'm planning on moving to Japan, and I would be sooo interested in a video like this one, but for living in Japan ^.^
Not really a rule but just something to be aware of specifically with buses. In Tokyo like the Chii bus or Toei bus usually have a flat fare paid at the front and you get off wherever. However a lot of the time in the countryside some buses accept Suica and a lot don’t but you get on in the middle, usually take a ticket if Suica isn’t allowed and pay the distance at the front before exiting.
Great list! If I ever get extra $$ I’m going to Japan!
4:36 👋 Best tip ever
So many of these things are just really good societal rules to reduce the spread of illness. It’s like:
1.Yes! Take your shoes off in peoples houses!
2. The taxi door opens on it’s own? Fabulous!
3. Putting the money in the dish instead of handing it directly to the cashier? Good idea!
4. Wear a mask when you’re sick even when it’s not the height of Covid times? Yes!
Just got back from Japan but the one thing I found very difficult was waiting at traffic lights for up to 2 minutes even when traffic just simply wasn’t coming. I did my best, but often I was rushing between places due to a packed schedule, so I fear I may have been rude and breached what seemed to be a social norm many times…
Hi, that's one that would concern Me. I'm a Glaswegian, we're among the World leaders in jaywalking, and we don't care if it's at junctions or mid-block.
👍❤️🏴!