Joy (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} butterflydemise) wrote,@ 2008-02-13 21:54:00 |
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101 Helpful Hints to Survive Japan
Okay, here's is my 2nd 101 Helpful Hints list ♥ It's not as joking as my Horror Movie one, but I think still pretty helpful. Enjoy~ ♥
101 Helpful Hints to Survive Visiting Japan
I tried making this list from before to Japan all the way to the end of your trip (but some still got mixed in). I hope you enjoyed and use these helpful hints when you visit Japan! (Credit: I thought back to HouseTek’s guide on JF for a few of these hints.)
1. Know how to speak a pinch, or even basic Japanese, before going!
2. Make sure to pack, repack, then pack once more to make sure you use up as little space as possible.
3. Also, while packing, be sure to make sure you don’t forget something vital. (Like your passport, money, etc.)
4. If you have a problem just forgetting little things here and here, make a checklist! (Save the people at the airport whining about forgetting your hairbrush!)
5. Be sure to reserve your hotel a month or two ahead of time (so you won’t be stuck paying for a place out of your budget).
6. Get a really good map book of Japan, whatever city your visiting, and the districts in that city. (Since they don’t use street signs, at least in Tokyo).
7. Convert your money before leaving to Japan! (Trust me, it’s just easier)
8. Try reserving a room at a hotel near the airport (If you arrive in the Narita Airport, stay at the Holiday Inn.. They’re great!). Only do this if you’re unfamiliar with the train systems at the airport or are just too tired to make it all the way to your hotel in Tokyo. (So, also, if you do this, reserve your hotel room in Tokyo for the day -after- you arrive in Japan).
9. Bring comfortable shoes! (Unless you get Dr. Scholl‘s gel insoles~)
10. Take a hot shower before going to the airport. (Being on a plane for 18 hours won’t do anything for feeling more hygienic.)
11. Bring your camera or video camera! (Hey.. don’t you want to take photo or video memories?)
12. Don’t rely on a person for your trip! (If that person pulls out a week before take-off, you’re screwed or out (money wise) a lot.)
13. While at the airport, on the plane, or even in Japan, don’t ogle any Japanese people. Some might find it flattering, but I’m sure most would be freaked out.
14. Never run around saying random Japanese words aloud (EX: Kawaii, Chibi, or Konnichiwa). (Trust me.. It’s annoying! Whether in your country or Japan if you don’t know most of the language.)
15. If you need help with directions, or almost anything in general, don’t be afraid to ask. (Unlike most other countries, a good majority of the country don’t mind helping for a second. From what I‘ve heard and seen.)
16. If you see a “Japanese Only” sign, or something of that sort, don’t get offended. (It’s not racism.)
17. When going up an escalator, if you’re standing stay to the left, if walking walk up the right!
18. Learn proper chopstick etiquette before attempting to eat with chopsticks in Japan.
19. On the train, tram, whatever, always let the elderly, pregnant, or just exhausted looking person sit down first. (Or offer them a seat if you’re already seated).
20. There’s not many trashcans in Japan, so be sure to eat or drink whatever you get at the machine you get it from. (There’s a reason those little bins are right next to the machines. Plus, throwing it away there is more polite than drinking or eating while walking.)
21. There’s also not that many benches, so when you find one and you’re a little tired, sit and rest for a few minutes. (It might be the last bench you see for an hour or so.)
22. If dressing a certain fashion (Lolita, Decora, Ganguro, etc.), try and be sure to do the fashion properly. (Some might get offended at foreigners for wearing the fashion either way, but most would probably compliment you if you do it right, or perfect!)
23. If buying something big, try to save it for last (before returning to your hotel). The last thing you want to do is lug around something big or heavy around a ‘cramp’ city.
24. Don’t randomly hug people on the street! It’s not cute or fun in your country and it’s not cute or funny in Japan.
25. Also, don’t take pictures of people without asking first. (It’s only polite, and I’m sure they’d get annoyed if you didn’t. Harajuku Bridge might be different.. but they might pose (which would make a better picture) if you asked.)
26. Also.. also, don’t take pictures inside stores. (This is hardly ever allowed anywhere anyway.) You can get kicked out!
27. Don’t start a fight with anyone. (You can get put in jail or kicked out of the country.)
28. Make sure to check how the weather’s going to be while you’re in Japan so your don’t end up packing a winter coat for Summer or something.
29. Be sure to head back to your district before mid-night. (That’s when trains stop until 5am..!)
30. If you have a small group going to Japan with you, get rented phones online before leaving the country! (Just in case.)
31. If staying in a traditional in or a Japanese home, be sure to remember what’s proper. (Don’t want to be a ‘foreign monster’ do you? (Term I heard from a book on etiquette a long time ago.)
32. Slurping = good when eating.
33. Don’t cut, skip, or ignore others in stores, subways, etc.! (Wow.. Stuff you should have learned when little. “No cuttsies!”)
34. Never dry hump the people dressed like pandas and ask “where’s the rest of you at?”. (Seriously, I heard a guy did this a few years back!)
35. Don’t ‘squee’ at -every- cute thing you see. You’ll just seem crazy or retarded.
36. Bring some paper with you everywhere in case you need to write down a number, address, or directions.
37. While carrying a purse or bag, be sure it’s a zip-up or Velcro. (Even though Japan has a low crime rate, there’s still pickpockets around.)
38. If you’re 20, legal to drink in Japan, try not to get drunk in public. At least wait until you get back to your hotel room.
39. Keep your passport on you at all times!
40. Don’t take or place change into your/their hands. (That’s why they have that little tray.)
41. Also, be sure to wait for your change, even if it’s little. They -will- run after you to give it back.
42. Don’t tip. (Tips are included in most bills (at least eating out).
43. If going to a Japanese concert, be sure to be courteous. (Don’t punch and push to get to the front.)
44. If there’s multiple bands playing one after the other: if you’re not a fan of the current band up move back to let some actual fans up front.
45. Vary where and when you spend your shopping money. (Don’t want to go broke your first day, right?)
46. Never yell “Godzilla!”.
47. Don’t go with intentions of seeing a Japanese ghost. (Like anywhere, if you expect it, you probably won’t see one.)
48. Practice squatting before leaving your country in case you have to use a public, ‘ground level’ toilet.
49. If you go to Yoyogi Park, don’t ‘boo’ any band or performer! (You might get chased.. and it‘s rude.)
50. Before entering a temple, be sure to read any signs at the entrance. (In case you need to take off your shoes, ‘purify your soul’, etc. before entering the building or grounds. Also to see if you‘re allowed to take pictures.)
51. Bathe!!! (Trust me, you and everyone around you, will appreciate it.)
52. Learn how to use their public phones properly. (For local and long-distance calls. It’ll come in handy.)
53. Be sure to eat and drink to keep up your strength.
54. Order only what you know you can eat. (Another etiquette one.)
55. Try not wearing a kimono around. (I’ve been told a good amount of people find it offending.)
56. Don’t flush things down the toilet that won’t easily break down. (Their plumbing isn’t the best.)
57. If you’re a woman, when the sun goes down, don’t go into certain districts. (like Roppongi I‘ve heard.) Drunken men can be dangerous.
58. If you’re Closter phobic, be sure the room you’re getting is not a tin can! (Best way to avoid this is to not stay in the very crowded districts (Like Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc. (Unless you‘re willing to pay much more than usual for a room.)
59. If bringing something to plug in, be sure to bring a converter. (Don’t want to change a short fuse, do you?)
60. Be sure to bring some headache, cold, and stomach pain medicine with you.
61. If you’re able to drive, remember that the pedestrian always has the right of way, and you can not turn on a red light!
62. It’s always good to bring some little gifts with you to Japan. (Try giving them to people who are very kind to you.)
63. Learn the proper way to receive business cards. (There might be a chance in you getting one.)
64. Know that quick shakes in Japan are pretty common. Don’t freak! Nothing bad will happen.. you’ll just look silly if you freak.
65. To call the police, dial 110!
66. For a medical or fire emergency, call 119!
67. Try to use ‘yon’ instead of ‘shi’ when saying ‘4’. (shi, when said, also means ‘death’.)
68. Be sure to remember that most lockers in Tokyo only allow you to leave stuff in there for 3 days tops. (Your stuff will be emptied out if you don’t return for it in time. Bye bye, $1,000 Kimono. *waves*)
69. Only place your items on those racks on the trams if you -know- you won’t forget them!
70. Like anywhere, there’s people who have bad attitudes or are mean. Be careful, at least at night around the club areas.
71. Don’t try and sneak onto the Ninja Warrior (Sasuke) grounds. If you wanna ‘practice’, build your own in your backyard like everyone else!
72. Before leaving your current hotel, or before going to the airport, be sure to do a once-over your room. (Even under the bed and in the closet. You never know if one of your brand new key chains rolled into there.)
73. Don’t burp after a meal! It’s considered rude.
74. When going to the local arcades, you can’t leave a coin and claim the next game.
75. Also, don’t take pictures in Arcades. You will get kicked out.
76. When shopping for clothes, remember that their S, M, L and so on are usually smaller than ours. (In some stores they have the measurements on the tag, so no worries in those places.)
77. Carry around a good phrasebook just in case. (Don’t want to try and ask where the bathroom is and instead ask where the coconut lives.)
78. To make it easier on yourself, look up when the stores, bars, clubs, etc. are open so you don’t miss out.
79. When you go to Japan, bring extra cash for emergencies! You never know if some extra Hello Kitty mirror compact catches your eye and your spending cash is gone. (Or if you’re robbed..)
80. Be sure to keep a little package of tissues with you.. Some bathrooms have no toilet paper!
81. If you’re staying for a month or longer, trying renting a short-term apartment instead of staying in a hotel. (It’d be much more cheap.)
82. DO NOT try to kidnap your favorite Japanese celebrity! (I don’t think they’d like that. Plus, it‘s kind of hard to explain a body cramped into a duffle bag to the airport.)
83. Remember that when you rent a love hotel room, it’s only for a few hours, not a whole night.
84. Also, remember that love hotels aren’t just for sex and whatnot, it’s also to have fun and hang out. (They have karaoke in most rooms for goodness sakes!)
85. Be sure to bring only one suitcase with you and two empty duffle bags. (The bags will be for what you buy).
86. When shopping, please keep in mind your two carry-on (the duffle bags) can only weigh 70pds at the most. (So be a ‘light’ shopper.)
87. If your hair is picky on what shampoos work on it, bring a small bottle of your own shampoo instead of using the hotel’s or buying a random brand when you get there.
88. When going to Japan or back home, know there’s a big time difference. (To not mess up your schedule do this: If arriving in Japan (or home) in the morning, stay awake as much as you can the night before you travel then sleep as long as you need to on the plane. When you arrive you’ll be fully rested for the day ahead. If arriving at night, get sleep when you’re home (but not too much), then stay awake the whole way to your destination and sleep when you get to your hotel.)
89. If someone offers you a massage on the streets, they’re most likely a hooker! Step.. away..
90. Anxious to see a movie while in Japan? Go ahead.. Just don’t bother going unless you’re willing to pay pretty much double for a ticket compared to US prices.
91. If you win a little goldfish at a festival or game machine, be sure to know if you’ll be able to take it home. (No need to get a pet you’re just going to flush before you return.)
92. A good majority of the elderly are very traditional. Be sure to be respectful. (Especially if it’s an older man that still believes women are not equal to men. (a tip for the ladies)
93. Do not always assume that girl across the way is really a girl. (VK lovers should know this!)
94. Not everyone is an anime nut in Japan! (Save your ‘outbursts’ for conventions.)
95. When boarding a train, be sure to get on and settled before it takes off. They sometimes close pretty fast if you lag.
96. Before you go or return, be sure to be aware of the list of items you can’t bring on the plane, or bring period.
97. Moisturizer or germ-x = pure love!
98. Save some money when leaving Japan. They have some cute and cool gift shops at the Narita Airport!
99. Know that when you return home, you can’t exchange 1, 5, 10, or 50 yen coins.. So just blow them at the airport on a soda or something.
100. When on the plane home, try not to disturb others on the flight with spazzing about your trip. (Save it for home.)
101. If you plan to visit again, be sure to follow these hints, plus whatever you learn on your own.
~Joy
Okay, here's is my 2nd 101 Helpful Hints list ♥ It's not as joking as my Horror Movie one, but I think still pretty helpful. Enjoy~ ♥
101 Helpful Hints to Survive Visiting Japan
I tried making this list from before to Japan all the way to the end of your trip (but some still got mixed in). I hope you enjoyed and use these helpful hints when you visit Japan! (Credit: I thought back to HouseTek’s guide on JF for a few of these hints.)
1. Know how to speak a pinch, or even basic Japanese, before going!
2. Make sure to pack, repack, then pack once more to make sure you use up as little space as possible.
3. Also, while packing, be sure to make sure you don’t forget something vital. (Like your passport, money, etc.)
4. If you have a problem just forgetting little things here and here, make a checklist! (Save the people at the airport whining about forgetting your hairbrush!)
5. Be sure to reserve your hotel a month or two ahead of time (so you won’t be stuck paying for a place out of your budget).
6. Get a really good map book of Japan, whatever city your visiting, and the districts in that city. (Since they don’t use street signs, at least in Tokyo).
7. Convert your money before leaving to Japan! (Trust me, it’s just easier)
8. Try reserving a room at a hotel near the airport (If you arrive in the Narita Airport, stay at the Holiday Inn.. They’re great!). Only do this if you’re unfamiliar with the train systems at the airport or are just too tired to make it all the way to your hotel in Tokyo. (So, also, if you do this, reserve your hotel room in Tokyo for the day -after- you arrive in Japan).
9. Bring comfortable shoes! (Unless you get Dr. Scholl‘s gel insoles~)
10. Take a hot shower before going to the airport. (Being on a plane for 18 hours won’t do anything for feeling more hygienic.)
11. Bring your camera or video camera! (Hey.. don’t you want to take photo or video memories?)
12. Don’t rely on a person for your trip! (If that person pulls out a week before take-off, you’re screwed or out (money wise) a lot.)
13. While at the airport, on the plane, or even in Japan, don’t ogle any Japanese people. Some might find it flattering, but I’m sure most would be freaked out.
14. Never run around saying random Japanese words aloud (EX: Kawaii, Chibi, or Konnichiwa). (Trust me.. It’s annoying! Whether in your country or Japan if you don’t know most of the language.)
15. If you need help with directions, or almost anything in general, don’t be afraid to ask. (Unlike most other countries, a good majority of the country don’t mind helping for a second. From what I‘ve heard and seen.)
16. If you see a “Japanese Only” sign, or something of that sort, don’t get offended. (It’s not racism.)
17. When going up an escalator, if you’re standing stay to the left, if walking walk up the right!
18. Learn proper chopstick etiquette before attempting to eat with chopsticks in Japan.
19. On the train, tram, whatever, always let the elderly, pregnant, or just exhausted looking person sit down first. (Or offer them a seat if you’re already seated).
20. There’s not many trashcans in Japan, so be sure to eat or drink whatever you get at the machine you get it from. (There’s a reason those little bins are right next to the machines. Plus, throwing it away there is more polite than drinking or eating while walking.)
21. There’s also not that many benches, so when you find one and you’re a little tired, sit and rest for a few minutes. (It might be the last bench you see for an hour or so.)
22. If dressing a certain fashion (Lolita, Decora, Ganguro, etc.), try and be sure to do the fashion properly. (Some might get offended at foreigners for wearing the fashion either way, but most would probably compliment you if you do it right, or perfect!)
23. If buying something big, try to save it for last (before returning to your hotel). The last thing you want to do is lug around something big or heavy around a ‘cramp’ city.
24. Don’t randomly hug people on the street! It’s not cute or fun in your country and it’s not cute or funny in Japan.
25. Also, don’t take pictures of people without asking first. (It’s only polite, and I’m sure they’d get annoyed if you didn’t. Harajuku Bridge might be different.. but they might pose (which would make a better picture) if you asked.)
26. Also.. also, don’t take pictures inside stores. (This is hardly ever allowed anywhere anyway.) You can get kicked out!
27. Don’t start a fight with anyone. (You can get put in jail or kicked out of the country.)
28. Make sure to check how the weather’s going to be while you’re in Japan so your don’t end up packing a winter coat for Summer or something.
29. Be sure to head back to your district before mid-night. (That’s when trains stop until 5am..!)
30. If you have a small group going to Japan with you, get rented phones online before leaving the country! (Just in case.)
31. If staying in a traditional in or a Japanese home, be sure to remember what’s proper. (Don’t want to be a ‘foreign monster’ do you? (Term I heard from a book on etiquette a long time ago.)
32. Slurping = good when eating.
33. Don’t cut, skip, or ignore others in stores, subways, etc.! (Wow.. Stuff you should have learned when little. “No cuttsies!”)
34. Never dry hump the people dressed like pandas and ask “where’s the rest of you at?”. (Seriously, I heard a guy did this a few years back!)
35. Don’t ‘squee’ at -every- cute thing you see. You’ll just seem crazy or retarded.
36. Bring some paper with you everywhere in case you need to write down a number, address, or directions.
37. While carrying a purse or bag, be sure it’s a zip-up or Velcro. (Even though Japan has a low crime rate, there’s still pickpockets around.)
38. If you’re 20, legal to drink in Japan, try not to get drunk in public. At least wait until you get back to your hotel room.
39. Keep your passport on you at all times!
40. Don’t take or place change into your/their hands. (That’s why they have that little tray.)
41. Also, be sure to wait for your change, even if it’s little. They -will- run after you to give it back.
42. Don’t tip. (Tips are included in most bills (at least eating out).
43. If going to a Japanese concert, be sure to be courteous. (Don’t punch and push to get to the front.)
44. If there’s multiple bands playing one after the other: if you’re not a fan of the current band up move back to let some actual fans up front.
45. Vary where and when you spend your shopping money. (Don’t want to go broke your first day, right?)
46. Never yell “Godzilla!”.
47. Don’t go with intentions of seeing a Japanese ghost. (Like anywhere, if you expect it, you probably won’t see one.)
48. Practice squatting before leaving your country in case you have to use a public, ‘ground level’ toilet.
49. If you go to Yoyogi Park, don’t ‘boo’ any band or performer! (You might get chased.. and it‘s rude.)
50. Before entering a temple, be sure to read any signs at the entrance. (In case you need to take off your shoes, ‘purify your soul’, etc. before entering the building or grounds. Also to see if you‘re allowed to take pictures.)
51. Bathe!!! (Trust me, you and everyone around you, will appreciate it.)
52. Learn how to use their public phones properly. (For local and long-distance calls. It’ll come in handy.)
53. Be sure to eat and drink to keep up your strength.
54. Order only what you know you can eat. (Another etiquette one.)
55. Try not wearing a kimono around. (I’ve been told a good amount of people find it offending.)
56. Don’t flush things down the toilet that won’t easily break down. (Their plumbing isn’t the best.)
57. If you’re a woman, when the sun goes down, don’t go into certain districts. (like Roppongi I‘ve heard.) Drunken men can be dangerous.
58. If you’re Closter phobic, be sure the room you’re getting is not a tin can! (Best way to avoid this is to not stay in the very crowded districts (Like Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc. (Unless you‘re willing to pay much more than usual for a room.)
59. If bringing something to plug in, be sure to bring a converter. (Don’t want to change a short fuse, do you?)
60. Be sure to bring some headache, cold, and stomach pain medicine with you.
61. If you’re able to drive, remember that the pedestrian always has the right of way, and you can not turn on a red light!
62. It’s always good to bring some little gifts with you to Japan. (Try giving them to people who are very kind to you.)
63. Learn the proper way to receive business cards. (There might be a chance in you getting one.)
64. Know that quick shakes in Japan are pretty common. Don’t freak! Nothing bad will happen.. you’ll just look silly if you freak.
65. To call the police, dial 110!
66. For a medical or fire emergency, call 119!
67. Try to use ‘yon’ instead of ‘shi’ when saying ‘4’. (shi, when said, also means ‘death’.)
68. Be sure to remember that most lockers in Tokyo only allow you to leave stuff in there for 3 days tops. (Your stuff will be emptied out if you don’t return for it in time. Bye bye, $1,000 Kimono. *waves*)
69. Only place your items on those racks on the trams if you -know- you won’t forget them!
70. Like anywhere, there’s people who have bad attitudes or are mean. Be careful, at least at night around the club areas.
71. Don’t try and sneak onto the Ninja Warrior (Sasuke) grounds. If you wanna ‘practice’, build your own in your backyard like everyone else!
72. Before leaving your current hotel, or before going to the airport, be sure to do a once-over your room. (Even under the bed and in the closet. You never know if one of your brand new key chains rolled into there.)
73. Don’t burp after a meal! It’s considered rude.
74. When going to the local arcades, you can’t leave a coin and claim the next game.
75. Also, don’t take pictures in Arcades. You will get kicked out.
76. When shopping for clothes, remember that their S, M, L and so on are usually smaller than ours. (In some stores they have the measurements on the tag, so no worries in those places.)
77. Carry around a good phrasebook just in case. (Don’t want to try and ask where the bathroom is and instead ask where the coconut lives.)
78. To make it easier on yourself, look up when the stores, bars, clubs, etc. are open so you don’t miss out.
79. When you go to Japan, bring extra cash for emergencies! You never know if some extra Hello Kitty mirror compact catches your eye and your spending cash is gone. (Or if you’re robbed..)
80. Be sure to keep a little package of tissues with you.. Some bathrooms have no toilet paper!
81. If you’re staying for a month or longer, trying renting a short-term apartment instead of staying in a hotel. (It’d be much more cheap.)
82. DO NOT try to kidnap your favorite Japanese celebrity! (I don’t think they’d like that. Plus, it‘s kind of hard to explain a body cramped into a duffle bag to the airport.)
83. Remember that when you rent a love hotel room, it’s only for a few hours, not a whole night.
84. Also, remember that love hotels aren’t just for sex and whatnot, it’s also to have fun and hang out. (They have karaoke in most rooms for goodness sakes!)
85. Be sure to bring only one suitcase with you and two empty duffle bags. (The bags will be for what you buy).
86. When shopping, please keep in mind your two carry-on (the duffle bags) can only weigh 70pds at the most. (So be a ‘light’ shopper.)
87. If your hair is picky on what shampoos work on it, bring a small bottle of your own shampoo instead of using the hotel’s or buying a random brand when you get there.
88. When going to Japan or back home, know there’s a big time difference. (To not mess up your schedule do this: If arriving in Japan (or home) in the morning, stay awake as much as you can the night before you travel then sleep as long as you need to on the plane. When you arrive you’ll be fully rested for the day ahead. If arriving at night, get sleep when you’re home (but not too much), then stay awake the whole way to your destination and sleep when you get to your hotel.)
89. If someone offers you a massage on the streets, they’re most likely a hooker! Step.. away..
90. Anxious to see a movie while in Japan? Go ahead.. Just don’t bother going unless you’re willing to pay pretty much double for a ticket compared to US prices.
91. If you win a little goldfish at a festival or game machine, be sure to know if you’ll be able to take it home. (No need to get a pet you’re just going to flush before you return.)
92. A good majority of the elderly are very traditional. Be sure to be respectful. (Especially if it’s an older man that still believes women are not equal to men. (a tip for the ladies)
93. Do not always assume that girl across the way is really a girl. (VK lovers should know this!)
94. Not everyone is an anime nut in Japan! (Save your ‘outbursts’ for conventions.)
95. When boarding a train, be sure to get on and settled before it takes off. They sometimes close pretty fast if you lag.
96. Before you go or return, be sure to be aware of the list of items you can’t bring on the plane, or bring period.
97. Moisturizer or germ-x = pure love!
98. Save some money when leaving Japan. They have some cute and cool gift shops at the Narita Airport!
99. Know that when you return home, you can’t exchange 1, 5, 10, or 50 yen coins.. So just blow them at the airport on a soda or something.
100. When on the plane home, try not to disturb others on the flight with spazzing about your trip. (Save it for home.)
101. If you plan to visit again, be sure to follow these hints, plus whatever you learn on your own.
~Joy
