Going to Japan in a month... first time ?

Question

What should I expect and prepare for? What's going to be different from the US and Japan . I know the obvious things like the language (haha :|) but what else should I know? Thank you so much for helping! I'm really excited :3

Answer 1

Well, in my opinion...i did major reaserch on Japan.

Of course the language is going to be different,

but here are some things to say if you are confused with japanese language:

Konichiwa- means hello. Pronunciation ( Ko-nee-chee-wa)

Shoujo- means girl, or lady. Pronunciation (Show-joe)

Shonen- means boy, or man. Pronunciation (Show-nin)

Now, if your going to say someones name, i suggest you use this in the end of there name..for respect purposes:

(name)-san

(name)-sama

(name)-dono

most likely, please use (san)

Here is the landscape you should expect:

Beautiful lands, flowers, bonsai...and many plants growing anywhere! Also, check out Mount Fuji!

great site!

Expect nice people:

Japan has one of the most educated people in the world! So expect some people to know english-or knowing and or understanding what your saying..there are very nice people in japan, so if you need help...just ask anybody!

Expect crowds: there can be a lot of people in Japan, and i do mean a lot!

Be sure Not to get lost, its easily with the crowds, there are also large buildings,

Food:

Mostly there is sushi, or sashime in japan, dont expect to see a "MucDunaldes" in Japan, dont expect whoppers, or fries, expect raw fish and rice, lots and lots of rice! - Also dont think they use forks, practice using chop sticks...

Pretty much what you need to know! hope i helped!

Answer 2

stay aways from black vans with big black flag on top.

usually they got big japanese national flag along with their black flag.

they are in active even in mid-town tokyo.

why? hum...just stay away!

never ever say ko-nee-s**+-waa with them!

Answer 3

I been to tokyo alot. the power outlet is a lower voltage but you don't need a converter for the outlet our two prongs works there. If you going to tokyo when you get off the flight you are not in tokyo but a town called Narita and it is a few miles to tokyo. People there are very nice and respectable. Most knows english but too shy to try to converse in english. You would say "eigo" and they make the gesture no. They don't jail walk even if there are no cars coming they still wait for the light to change. They don't chain their bicycles because crime there is very Very rare. You can walk down a dark alley and feel safe and not alert like you do in the states.  

Answer 4

I hope you have a good trip it is a wonderful place to be sure.

Some things you will notice.

Japan is a mostly cash society. A lot of places do not accept Credit Cards and most people have not even heard of a Debit Card before. Checks are not popular either. When you pay for something you will see a tray next to the cash register or will be handed one. Put your money in the tray don't had it to the person. They will likely give you change in the same manner by placing it in the tray.

In Japan physical contact is not as common as it is in the West. Most people don't hug or kiss so keep that in mind.

You may notice people staring at you and even on trains and restaurants people will listen in on your conversation. In some parts of Japan it is very rare to see Foreigners and people love the chance to test their English ability. They don't really want you to talk to them because they will feel nervous but they want to listen to see how much they remember from school. Don't take offense at this it is nothing personal.

Manners are very important in Japan. Do not talk too loud, do not use a cellphone on the train except for e-mail and texting, do not eat while walking along the street, just use common sense and good manners and all will be fine.

As far as food. It is not really acceptable to leave food on your plate. It is bad manners. Even if you are too full you should do your best. If you are using chopsticks (Hashi in Japanese) Never stick them in your food standing up as this is a symbol realted to death. Just lay them down flat.

Remember to remove your shoes if you enter anyone's house. You will also need to do this at some Shrines and Temples too. Wear good socks.

There are lots of smokers in Japan which is different from some places so if you are sensitive to smoke you may have a challenge.  

Some bathrooms have squatters. Toilets that are built into the ground that you kind of just hover over and do your business. Most places that have these also have Western style toilets too but some don't.

That is all I can really think of. You will notice many other things on your own but again common sense and manners is all it really takes so just have fun.

Answer 5

Don't listen to the person above me. That is NO WAY you pronounce the Japanese words. You'll at least have an extreme accent or no one will understand you at all.

You need to learn the basics first. I suggest you learn katakana first.

Expect little English from people. Almost everything will be different. People will be much politer, food will be different, and MUCH higher prices. Don't worry about people being rude to you just because you're a foreigner. It's not like America, where people go "CHING CHING CHONG" at you. They're very polite people. Only a few will not like you, but don't worry about anything.

Just learn your way around and things will be alright.

If you have trouble, look for anyone and ask:

"Sumimasen..Eigo o hanashimasu ka?"

which is Excuse me, do you speak English?