Things to Know Before You Travel to Japan
Things to Know Before You Travel to Japan
Japan is a very diverse nation. It offers a fair share of the old times and the modern world. Whether you are a frequent visitor or planning to travel to Japan for the first time, it is one of the destinations that can be very tricky to navigate. Before taking a trip to Japan, the following are some of the most important things to keep in mind.
Cash is King
Although Japan is one of the world leaders in the technology front, they still handle money the old fashion way. Most of their payments for both goods and services are made in cash. While there are some establishments that accept credit cards, most of the restaurants, shops and even public transport in Japan deal in cash. Therefore, make sure you have lots of Yen upon arrival.
Rail Transport is the Most Popular
Japan has one of the most extensive rail networks in the world. In Tokyo alone, there are over 150 rail lines, spanning more than 5, 000 kilometers. If you wish to visit a variety of places across Japan, the best way to travel is through rail transport. Buying a rail pass is cheaper and also more convenient. However, the trains do not operate 24/7.
Streets are not named
One thing that is fascinating about Japan is that an area so big has countless nameless streets. In the capital Tokyo, there are a few through ways named mainly for ceremonial reasons. The names of their streets do not appear in addresses as you would expect. Their Addresses are mainly based on buildings, which can make it hard to move around alone. However, there are new technologies like GPS that you can use to navigate your way across Japan.
Japanese Etiquette
In Japan, there are many ‘normal’ things that are considered an insult to the people. For instance, there are some restaurants that require patrons to take off their shoes. The Japanese also consider speaking loudly in public to be rude. Besides, pointing at things or people with your fingers is impolite. The people are generally friendly but, do not be surprised if you are turned away at the door simply because you are a stranger.
There are many other things that you should also know before visiting Japan. So, take some time to do a little further research to avoid disappointments.
Check out this site I found that gives some good info for tourists wanting to visit Japan.