8 Tips to Prepare You for Your Next Trip to Japan

There’s more than a rising sun in the Nippon. Visiting Japan can be your immerseful trip to another world due to its standards in culture. This beautiful country offers convenience, humility, and respect towards its inhabitants and visitors alike. Check our list to see what awaits you before the 2020 Olympics or your next booking confirmation.

Convenience stores 

Wrapped around nearly every corner, Japanese convenience stores are a hallmark to the true meaning of convenience. FamilyMart among others such as, Lawson and 7/11, offers more than just a quick snack. You can pay bills, make photo copies, recycle trash, and even purchase basic necessities for work; socks, tie, toothbrush, etc.

Vending machines

Similar to the Convenience stores, the vending machines share no comparison to the rest. Not only does it supply you with cold drinks, but you can purchase hot coffee, tea, and soup as well. There are vending machines that are stocked with a huge variety of items. You can buy beer, cigarettes, ice cream, toys, etc. There is a vending machine on at least every block in metropolitan areas. If you do find yourself in the rural areas, just walk around a neighborhood. They won’t be too far to reach.

Transit system

Now before you reserve a rental car, you may want to invest in a more inexpensive method of transportation. ICOCA or IC cards allows transistors to commute to work, school, or any place in their choosing in a very effective and convenient way. Simply charge your card with a set amount of yens and you’re on your way. IC cards allow you to interchange with buses, trains, and even taxis. Saving you time from buying a train ticket at every change and scraping your purse for loose change.

Pride 

If you consider yourself a litterbug or have lack of respect for commonwealth, then you are in for a storm. It’s no secret that Japan is one of the cleanest countries in the world. Its inhabitants share a deep love and passion for the wellness and respect of others. Recycling may be inherited in the DNA of citizens in Japan. So before you think about tossing that can or jaywalking in the street. You may have an elderly Japanese man or woman ready to give you a stern talking of why you mustn’t do that. Whether you don’t know Japanese or they can’t speak English, you will find the understanding in their demeanor.

Shinkansen

Booming past your eye within seconds is not a rocket on wheels. Although it has been compared as such, the Shinkansen offers a quicker city to city mode of transportation. There are models of the Shinkansen that can reach a maximum operating speed of 320 km/hour. Cutting the travelling time by buses, cars, and planes in half. There are even more models being developed that can reach speeds of 505 km/hour making the travel time between Tokyo and Osaka a mere 67 minutes!

Crime rate

Good or Bad no country is perfect, Japan has a history of violence, gangs, and even terrorist attacks. But they have made tireless efforts to fight crime. With a high increase in its Koban (police) ranks and security cameras, Japan has managed to decrease the crime rate within a decade. According to its National policy Statistics Bureau, crime has decreased in every category; theft, murder, rape, assaults, every past year since 2007. Reaching a record low of 915,042 in 2017.

Mascots 

Mascots are the spirit of every organization or event it represents. Japan has a deep sense of pride and passion for everything they do, Whether it be flipping burgers or handing out flyers, the Japanese culture is centered around showing respect and generosity. So you can expect to find a mascot for literally every company, event, or organization. Mascots draw appeal to customers, give information to visitors, and inspire youth to recycle overall do the right thing. To truly find Japan you must become lost, and a cute bear pointing you towards the nearest transit map may help guide you along the way.

Racism

As stated before, Japan has a immense pride in the culture. Some are very traditional as to not mix Gaijin (foreigners) within their infrastructure. Although it is slightly uncommon in metropolitan areas, you may not find the warmest welcome amongst retail stores, restaurants, bars, and onsens (bathhouses). Foreigners bring excitement, wonder, and curiosity to many Japanese but, the same respect may not come from someone who has no interest in Melanin or blue eyes. Hafus (biracial Japanese) have faced this discrimination since birth and are only claimed as Japanese when that person is famous or have made a major accomplishment i.e. Naomi Osaka, Ariana Miyamoto.