Japan is an incredible country with a wonderfully unique culture. If you are planning on traveling there, you may want to keep these tips at hand so you can avoid getting yourself into any sticky situations.
There Are No Street Names
To say that navigating Japan is tough would be an understatement. There are no street names and so a Japanese address is based on buildings alone. If you are visiting for more than a couple of days, we suggest investing in a sim so you can use GPS to find your way around.
Carry Cash
Despite Tokyo being a prime hub for technological advances, many places in Japan do not accept credit cards. If you don’t want to end up in an awkward situation where you can’t pay for your groceries, make sure you pack cash.
Eat Out
In Japan, there is a real culture of eating out. If you want to experience the “real Japan”, get chatting to locals and ask them for a recommendation on where to eat. Knowing a hidden gem for ramen noodles in Tokyo is equivalent to knowing the best speakeasy in New Orleans.
Gochaso Sama
“Gochaso sama” roughly translates to “it was a real feast.” If manners are important to you, be sure to say this to your waiter at the end of a meal. Reputation is an important part of Japanese eating culture and so the right dining etiquette is key.
Balance Your Chopsticks Horizontally
When eating from a bowl, it is important to remember not to stick your chopsticks in the rice. This image relates to the Buddhist practice of burning incense for the dead. To place your chopsticks in this way is an offense and you should instead balance them on your bowl horizontally.
