{"id":2676,"date":"2019-11-13T16:06:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-13T16:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/expedia.blog.au.local\/things-to-know-before-going-to-japan\/"},"modified":"2022-08-08T23:30:03","modified_gmt":"2022-08-08T23:30:03","slug":"things-to-know-before-going-to-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/things-to-know-before-going-to-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to know before going to Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Japan<\/a> is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture and numerous attractions and appeal<\/a> for travellers. If you\u2019re considering a trip, take a look at these tips for travelling in Japan and get advice to prepare for your visit and ensure an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

When to go<\/h2>\n

Japan is lovely during all seasons, so choosing the time to go depends on what you\u2019re looking to experience. The fall, which runs from September to December, is beautiful with the vibrant foliage and a great time to explore the outdoors. Winter, which spans December to March, brings snow-capped peaks, but little rain or snow on the ground. Summer, which runs from June to September, has balmy weather for hiking in many of the outdoor areas. Spring, which runs from March to June, is arguably the best time because you\u2019ll experience mild, pleasant weather and gorgeous blooms all over, such as the prized cherry blossom.<\/p>\n

\"shikisai
Shikisai no Oka, Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where to stay<\/h2>\n

Whether you want a swanky hotel or more low-key accommodation, Japan has an array of holiday rental options. If you want an authentic experience, you may want to stay in a ryokan<\/a> for at least one night. Originating in the Edo period of the 17th century, ryokans are traditional inns where you sleep on a tatami mat on the floor, eat a traditional Japanese breakfast and bathe in a communal environment. The rooms are minimal, usually offering floor mats, sliding doors, low furniture and pine bathtubs, though many of the ryokan options also have modern amenities.<\/p>\n

Etiquette and customs<\/h2>\n

Politeness is important to Japanese culture, so it\u2019s best to familiarise yourself with some of the customs, etiquette and travel tips before your trip. There are a number of taboo behaviours and gestures, such as smoking or eating openly in the streets, taking pictures of people, pointing, talking loudly and entering a home with shoes. It\u2019s also customary to bow as a sign of respect, though avoid the full 90-degree bow, which is reserved for dignitaries. A 30-degree or 70-degree quick bow is more appropriate for normal social interactions.<\/p>\n

\"osaka
Osaka Aoyama History and Shrine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Safety in Japan<\/h2>\n

Japan is among the safest destinations in the world. Japanese people not only avoid aggression and conflict, but it\u2019s a relatively crime-free country in terms of theft. This is due to Shinto beliefs in which a possession carries the essence of the owner.<\/p>\n

\"akasaka
Akasaka, Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Though Japan is safe, it\u2019s best to exercise sense and caution when travelling. Like any other destination, it\u2019s good sense to secure your personal belongings, avoid unfamiliar areas alone and stay in well-lit, public areas at night.<\/p>\n

Cash is common<\/h2>\n

Though Japan is known for its technology, the country relies on cash as the primary means of payment. Many restaurants and shops only accept cash, and you\u2019re unlikely to find any establishment that takes cards outside of the cities. It\u2019s not uncommon for locals to carry large amounts of cash on them, especially with Japan\u2019s low crime rate. It\u2019s best to know before you go and prepare yourself with all the cash you anticipate needing for your excursion.<\/p>\n

Cash is also viewed as a crafted product of value, so Japanese cash is kept straight and clean. You won\u2019t see people crumpling or creasing bills.<\/p>\n

Learn some of the language<\/h2>\n

Japan is a popular traveller destination, so many people can speak English well. Still, it\u2019s good to learn some common phrases in Japanese to prepare for your trip, especially in a culture that values politeness so much. Learn how to say things like \u2018please\u2019, \u2018thank you\u2019, \u2018excuse me\u2019 and other common phrases. You may want to make a note with some translations, such as for ‘bathroom’, ‘exit’ and ‘directions’, which will be helpful if you need assistance from a local during your trip. You could also purchase a small language guide that covers what to know in Japanese to communicate your needs.<\/p>\n

\"anamori
Anamori Inari Shrine, Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Public transport is accessible<\/h2>\n

Public transport is the primary mode of getting around in Japan. You\u2019ll find numerous metro and train systems that travel all over the country, offering the most efficient form of transport. If you\u2019re travelling in a city, you can get an IC Card for automated calculations and to gain a discount on your trips. If you\u2019re travelling over longer distances, you can get a JR Pass for the country\u2019s rail network and a mobile app to find detailed train schedules and a filter for itinerary.<\/p>\n

\"public
Public Transportation in Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Take in the culinary experience<\/h2>\n

Japanese cuisine is popular all over the world, so experiencing an authentic Japanese food tour during your trip is a must. There\u2019s no shortage of restaurants throughout the country, and you\u2019ll enjoy high-quality ingredients in clean, friendly environments, no matter where you choose to dine. Some must-try highlights include curry, gyoza, okonomiyaki, soba, ramen and tempura. If you wish you knew where to get the best sushi, keep in mind that some of the best sushi restaurants are small and independent.<\/p>\n

\"dining
Dining in Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Japan has some unique cultural expectations with dining. It\u2019s not customary to tip, no matter what. It\u2019s considered a rude gesture.<\/p>\n

Learn to use chopsticks<\/h2>\n

Chopsticks are available in wood, metal and plastic. Most Japanese meals are eaten with chopsticks, so it\u2019s a good idea to do your best to learn prior to your trip. Placing chopsticks across your plate or bowl indicates that you\u2019re finished, but you can put them to the right or below your dish if you\u2019re still eating. Just make sure that the tips don\u2019t touch the table.<\/p>\n

Chopsticks should never be used to point to someone, stab your food or tap on the edge of your dish. You should also avoid sticking them vertically into your food, which is reminiscent of the Buddhist funeral practice of incense burning.<\/p>\n

Spend time in a traditional garden<\/h2>\n

Japanese gardens are unlike any other gardens in the world and a must-see if you\u2019re going to Japan. Combining aesthetics and philosophies, traditional gardens are designed to highlight nature and express the fragility of existence through time. Japanese gardens also have cultural significance and reflect the periods in which they were designed.<\/p>\n

Some beautiful garden elements include water features, particularly waterfalls, rocks and sand, bridges, water basins, stone lanterns, trees and flowers, fences and gates and fish. Sacred gardens are designed with principles of miniaturization, concealment, borrowed scenery and asymmetry, all of which contribute to a Zen feeling.<\/p>\n

Plan your trip to Japan<\/h2>\n

Now that you have all the essential information you need to know before visiting Japan, you\u2019re ready to plan your trip. Visit Expedia to discover Japan holidays<\/a> to make the most of the experience!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Get tips and advice for planning a visit to Japan, such as when to go, what to pack and what attractions to see.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2677,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,502],"tags":[],"authors":[],"class_list":["post-2676","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destination","category-japan","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThings to know before going to Japan - Expedia AU Stories<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get tips and advice for planning a visit to Japan, such as when to go, what to pack and what attractions to see.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.au\/stories\/things-to-know-before-going-to-japan\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Things to know before going to Japan - 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