Japan – Wolters World

Five Things You’ll Love and Hate About Visiting Kyoto

Posted on December 8, 2020December 7, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Kyoto, the former capital city of Japan. Kyoto is a wonderful place that includes 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we really fell in love with Kyoto during our trip. However, as with any destination, we like to share the good and the bad, so today we’re sharing the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate, when you visit Kyoto, Japan.

Love #1: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto has over 1,000 temples, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Adashino Nenbutsu-ji has over 8,000 statues alone! The temples, and the gardens around them, are simply stunning! Of all the cool places to visit in Kyoto, temples are a major attraction

Hate #1: Kyoto Temple Burnout

You won’t notice this on your first day in Kyoto, but after a couple of days, you might feel burned out on visiting temples. There are some amazing temples in Kyoto, dozens of them, but that doesn’t mean they don’t all start to run together after a couple of days. I recommend mixing up your temple visits with other activities like museums and markets.

visit kyoto — Yes, it is that gorgeous in Kyoto.

Love #2: Walkability in Kyoto

While many of the best Kyoto sightseeing destinations are spread out, there are also many temples and attractions in close proximity to each other. This makes it easy to focus on one area of the city each day of your visit, but it does require some advance planning so you aren’t zig-zagging all over the city every day.

Hate #2: Tourist Crowds

Kyoto is a popular travel destination, for international travelers, as well as Japanese travelers. It’s on a small island, so you can really feel squished in the crowd sometimes. If you travel over school holidays, or during special festivals like cherry blossoms in the spring or fall foliage, you will be overwhelmed with crowds. Weekends, even in low season, can be incredibly busy, so plan accordingly.

How to Beat Peak Season Travel Prices

Love #3: Nature in Kyoto

Despite being a city of 1.5 million, Kyoto still has a lot of natural areas to enjoy. That’s why it’s such a popular place during the spring cherry blossom, and during autumn when the leaves are changing color. There are many bamboo forests in and around Kyoto, which are great destinations for hiking.

Hate #3: Travel Time Between Attractions

Many of the UNESCO Sites and important temples are located on the outskirts of Kyoto, so you may feel like you spend a lot of time traveling between the Kyoto attractions. The center of Kyoto is the least attractive, but you will pass through it several times in transit to other Kyoto destinations. Beware that the subways don’t always go to these attractions, so you might also have to take a bus to reach your destination.

slurp noodles in kyoto — Don’t forget to slurp your noodles to accentuate the flavor.

Love #4: Kyoto Market

The Nishiki Market is so much fun to explore. We love exploring local markets all over the world, and this one does not disappoint! We tried some really unusual foods, like octopus on a stick. It’s a great place to try new foods for a small price. It is a small space, so expect to be crowded, but it’s definitely an experience to have on your Kyoto trip. My son actually said the market was one of his favorite things in all of our travels.

Hate #4: Lack of English

Even as world travelers, we get used to having menus and signs in English, with a fair bit of English speakers to rely on. That’s simply not the case in Kyoto, as there are few English speakers and you won’t often find English menus. The locals, however, are very helpful, and thankfully, the Japanese are big fans of picture menus. Just note that most restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so make sure your stomach gets on a “normal” eating schedule quickly or you may go hungry until dinner!

Love #5: Cultural Opportunities

Kyoto was the capital city of Japan for many centuries, until the 17th century, so there is a plethora of culture and history here. Because of the abundance of attractions, the tourism infrastructure is also great. There are tons of accommodations to choose from, and the public transit system is readily available. There are many restaurants, entertainment options, and tours. It is also a great place to witness the Geisha culture of Japan.

Hate #5: Tight Accommodations

Space is a hot commodity in Japan, so most accommodations are very small. We could not find a Kyoto hotel to accommodate the four of us, so we ended up renting an apartment for the extra room.

Five Tips for Choosing a Vacation Rental Home

weird food in kyoto — The charcoal ice-cream was interesting.

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Less than three hours by bullet train from Tokyo, it is easy and worthwhile to visit Kyoto. Despite the “hates” we listed here, we all really loved our time spent in Kyoto. Because there are so many cool places to visit in Kyoto, I highly recommend it for any family planning a trip to Japan. It should absolutely be your number one or number two choice of destinations in Japan. Looking for more tips on family travel in Japan? Check out these other blog posts:

Visiting Japan with Kids

Posted on July 29, 2020July 21, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about traveling to Japan with kids. We visited Tokyo with our two boys, and we have some tips for other parents who may be interested in a family trip to Japan.

Japan is Very Safe

One of the reasons that Japan is a great family destination is that it’s very safe. If your kids are a bit older, you can easily give them a bit more freedom than you might in other cities, and they don’t always have to be right by your side. Even when walking near traffic, it’s not like other countries in Asia. The drivers in Japan are very orderly, and pedestrians have the right-of-way. The biggest concern is probably the bicycles, so just make sure your kids are aware of bikes and listening for the bells to get out of the way.

18 Things That Will Shock You in Japan

Japan is Very Quiet

Japanese culture is very quiet; you won’t hear much talking on trains or in public. This can be hard for kids, especially if you’re on a long Metro journey. Talking quietly is ok, but we all know how hard that can be for children. If you know any silent games that can occupy them, it will help pass the time on public transportation.

25 Don’ts of Traveling in Japan

Japan is Very Clean

Another thing we loved about Japan is the cleanliness. As a mom, sending boys into a public bathroom can be a gross experience sometimes, but not in Japan. Bathrooms are typically spotless, and so are the streets. It’s rare to see trash on the streets in Japan. It’s astounding that a city of 35 million people can be so clean! That said, it’s not easy to find trash cans, so if your kids snack a lot, make sure you have a Ziploc bag to gather all of your trash until you can find a bin.

Expect a Lot of Walking

A lot of the sites in Japan are spread out, and you will do a lot of walking during your trip. Of course, there is public transportation, but you’ll still be walking a lot. So, it’s important to have comfortable shoes for you and your kids. Many places in Japan request that you remove your shoes before entering, so it’s best to have slip-on shoes for your kids that they can easily take off and put back on throughout the day.

Plan Downtime for Play

Although Japan is very clean and orderly, most of the cities are still huge with massive amounts of people. Touring sites can be exhausting, so it’s important to let your kids run a bit each day. It’s pretty easy to find a local park where they can run and play and burn off some energy. This is really important no matter where you are traveling, but especially in huge cities like those in Japan.

Balance the Temples and Shrines

The temples and shrines of Japan are really cool, and even the kids enjoyed them. However, like castles and churches in Europe, you really have to balance out your activities to avoid “temple burnout.” Even adults can get burned out, so imagine how the kids feel. This is why it’s important to allow time to run and play and incorporate some sights of their choosing as well. Japan has amazing toy stores! We also found a really cool drum museum in Tokyo that the kids loved.

Explore Pop Culture

In addition to ancient shrines and temples, Japan has a lot of cool Manga and pop culture attractions that the kids will love. Cartoons and anime are everywhere in Japan, and the kids will love it. Along with the huge toy stores, there’s a lot to keep the kids entertained.

Eating in Japan with Kids

If you have a picky eater, traveling in Japan will be a challenge. You may want to try introducing some foods before you leave, like rice or noodles. You may also end up relying on the convenience stores in Japan, where they have lots of great options for snacks and food. They are way more elaborate than convenience stores anywhere else in the world.

If you have food allergies, have someone write them out on a piece of paper in Japanese!

Visit the Amusement Parks

Tokyo has a few amusement parks nearby. Our kids were so happy we planned a kid-centric day at the amusement parks. There’s a Universal, Tokyo Disney, and Joypolis. There are also several zoos in the area, so it’s really easy to plan a kid-centric day that they’ll enjoy. The lines can be super long, so if you can visit during the week, that is better than visiting on the weekends when all the locals are also out.

Japanese Hotels with Kids

Hotel rooms in Japan are quite small; depending on the size of your family, you may need to get more than one room. For a family of four, you will typically need to get two rooms or consider staying at a Ryokan. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese guest house, and you’ll typically have futon mats on the ground. Don’t expect typical Western-style hotel rooms in Japan. In Kyoto, we actually rented an apartment, which is always a great option when traveling as a family.

Pharmacies in Japan

Pharmacies are readily available in Japan, and you can easily get diapers, baby food, over-the-counter medications, and other things you might need. However, if you need a prescription filled in Japan, you need to have your prescription with you, especially for things like pain killers, which are highly controlled.

Japan is Expensive

Traveling in Japan is quite expensive, but you can get discounts for children. Plan to spend a bit more on hotels and dining out than you would on a usual family vacation. Many places have reduced fares or free admission for kids under a certain age, so that helps balance out the budget. Most of the shrines and temples you visit are free, so that also helps.

Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!

I hope this helps you feel more confident about planning a family trip to Japan. It’s really a wonderful place to bring your kids as they can experience a vastly different culture in a very safe destination. International travel with kids can seem overwhelming if you’ve never done it, but we’ve had so many unique family vacations. Not only are you teaching your kids how to be good travelers and global citizens, but you’ll create an incredible family bond through travel experiences. For more tips on family travel, check out some of our other blog posts:

25 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Japan

Posted on December 21, 2018May 9, 2019 by admin

The “Don’ts” of Japan: Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Greetings from Kyoto, Japan! This is the former capital of Japan and one of the places you don’t want to miss when you visit Japan. Today, we’re sharing some of the cultural “don’ts” for travelers visiting Japan for the first time. With these Japan travel tips, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy your Japan vacation.

Japan Travel Tip #1: Don’t Put the Toilet or Bidet on High Pressure

Japanese toilets are high tech and advanced, with lots of settings to play with. The toilets in Japan are great, but if it’s your first time, it may be hard to figure out what all the buttons are for. If you use the bidet with the pressure on high, you might get quite the surprise, and you might think you accidentally pressed the colonoscopy button!

Japan Travel Tip #2: Don’t Forget to Pre-Order Your Japan Rail Pass

Don’t forget to get a Japan Rail Pass before your trip. You can’t get them once you arrive in Japan. With the JR Pass, you can travel as much as you want within the number of days you purchase (7, 14, 21 days.) The JR Pass doesn’t just work for travel between major cities, but will sometimes also work within the cities. Once you arrive in Japan, purchasing train tickets is very expensive, so this is a great way to save money in Japan.

Japan Travel Tip #3: Don’t Expect to Hear a Lot of English

Japan is culturally advanced in so many ways, but not when it comes to having English available for tourists. You won’t hear a lot of English, nor see a lot of English menus. The same applies for most non-Japanese languages. Fortunately, the people in Japan are very helpful and will try to help you figure out menus and directions. If you can learn just a few Japanese phrases before you come, it will help a lot.

Japan Travel Tip #4: Don’t Wear Clothes at the Onsen

Onsen, or Japanese traditional spas, are a huge part of Japanese culture. However, no clothes are allowed in the onsen. Not to worry, they are separated by gender. Before entering the onsen, visitors receive two towels. The larger one should be saved for after the hot springs, while the smaller one comes with you and is placed on your head while you soak.

Japan Travel Tip #5: Don’t Just Visit Tokyo

Yes, Tokyo is awesome, but there is so much more to see in Japan. Even if you just visit Kyoto, or Osaka, you will see a different side of Japan than the city of Tokyo. Japan has so many different landscapes, from islands and beaches to mountains and forests. There are so many things to do in Tokyo, it can be tempting to spend all of your time there, but if you have the JR Pass, it’s actually pretty cheap to get to other parts of Japan.

Japan Travel Tip #6: Don’t Think You Will Only See Tokyo Stereotypes

What you see on TV is just a sliver of Japanese culture. Yes, you’ll see lots of neon lights and anime costumes in Tokyo, but once you explore the countryside of Japan, expect to see a lot of temples and nature.

Japan Travel Tip #7: Don’t Expect A Lot of Space in Your Hotel Room

Don’t think you can squeeze a family of four into one hotel room. Very few hotels have enough space to accommodate a large family in one room. We typically rent apartments, which is more affordable and gives us more space.

Japan Travel Tip #8: Don’t Wear Shoes In Someone’s Home

Never wear your shoes inside someone’s home in Japan. Everyone should remove shoes at the door, and there are usually guest slippers for you to wear inside the house. Some homes will have special bathroom slippers, so don’t forget to swap out your house slippers for the bathroom slippers when you enter and exit the bathroom. Some restaurants even have patrons remove their shoes.

Japan Travel Tip #9: Don’t Be Rambunctious in Ryokan

If you travel outside of Tokyo to smaller towns or historic places, you might stay in Ryokan, or a traditional Japanese guest house. These homes have paper walls and sliding doors, so it’s very easy to irritate other guests by making a lot of noise.

Japan Travel Tip #10: Don’t Be Loud, Especially on Public Transportation

Japan is a very quiet country, and there is very little noise on the trains. Even out on the streets, it’s pretty quiet in general.

Japan Travel Tip #11: Don’t Forget to Look Right When Crossing the Street

In Japan, they drive on the left, so when crossing the street, you have to look to the right for oncoming traffic.

Japan Travel Tip #12: Don’t Freak Out About Automatic Taxi Doors

If you ride in a taxi, the back doors are automatic and will pop open for you.

Japan Travel Tip #13: Don’t Smoke or Eat While Walking in Public

There are signs all over Japan reminding you not to smoke and walk. You can actually get fined for this. Eating and walking at the same time is more of a cultural faux pas, so you’ll see people sit down to eat, but they are not eating while walking.

Japan Travel Tip #14: Don’t Use the Hot Towel at Restaurants on Your Face

Many restaurants will give you a hot towel when you arrive. This is only for hands, not for the face.

Japan Travel Tip #15: Don’t Have Bad Chopstick Etiquette

There are some basic etiquette rules when it comes to eating with chopsticks:

Don’t point with your chopsticks
Don’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick
Don’t rest chopsticks vertically in food

Japan Travel Tip #16: Don’t Pay Your Waiter

When eating at a restaurant in Japan, you don’t pay your bill with the waiter. The waiter will drop the bill at your table, but you pay on the way out at the front of the restaurant. You also don’t tip in Japan, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Japan Travel Tip #17: Don’t Worry if You Don’t Know What You Are Eating

In Japan, oftentimes you’ll order based on sight. If it looks good, try it. Also, don’t worry if you don’t know how to eat the food. The waiter can show you how to eat everything and how to pair the foods you’ve ordered, even without speaking English.

Japan Travel Tip #18: Don’t Worry About Noodle Slurping

Slurping your noodles is a good thing in Japan! It’s supposed to enhance the flavor, and isn’t considered bad manners.

Japan Travel Tip #19: Don’t Try to Pay if You Are a Guest at Dinner

If someone invites you to dinner, don’t try to pay. The person who makes the invitation is expected to pay for the whole meal and trying to pay for your meal will be insulting to them. The reverse also holds true: if you invite someone to dinner, be prepared to pay.

Japan Travel Tip #20: Don’t Forget to Give Things With Two Hands

This is especially common with business cards, or gifts, money, receipts, or anything of reverence. Be sure to hand these things off with both hands.

Japan Travel Tip #21: Don’t Pour Alcohol For Yourself

If you happen to be out drinking in Japan, especially with business colleagues, don’t pour your own alcohol. It’s custom to pour alcohol for others, but to let them pour for you.

Japan Travel Tip #22: Don’t Be Late in Japan

They won’t be late, so you shouldn’t either. Buses, trains, meetings and pretty much everything in Japan runs on time. If something is running behind, it’s a source of embarrassment in Japan. Being punctual is a key part of Japanese culture, so make sure to observe this.

Japan Travel Tip #23: Don’t Freak Out By Long Lines or Crowded Transportation

While it’s important to be on time, you’ll likely find yourself waiting in long lines or crowded onto a bus or subway car. They are very efficient in Japan when it comes to getting things done. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and efficiently a line is processed.

Japan Travel Tip #24: Don’t Forget Your Manners on Public Transportation

When stopping at a station, rather than squishing together to let people exit, it’s very common to hop off the train, let everyone exit, and then get back on. Also, on escalators, it’s the opposite of what you’re used to. Rather than stand to the right to allow faster walkers to pass on the left, in Japan you stand on the left and pass on the right.

Japan Travel Tip #25: Don’t Expect to Find Garbage Cans

It can be difficult to find garbage cans in Japan, so plan to carry things around for a while if you are creating trash. Having a few plastic bags along can be helpful until you find a trash can. Once you do find a garbage bin, don’t forget to separate your trash. A lot of garbage in Japan is incinerated, so pay attention to the signs on the bins to see what you can throw in each container.

Hopefully these tips will help you prepare for an amazing vacation in Japan. It’s a fantastic country, so don’t miss out! For more Japan travel tips, check out some of our other blog posts and videos:

18 Things That SHOCK Tourists When They Visit Japan for the First Time

Posted on October 15, 2018May 9, 2019 by admin

18 Japanese Culture Shocks for First-Time Visitors to Japan

Greeting from Kyoto, Japan! Today I’m sharing some of the biggest shocks of Japanese culture for first-time visitors to Japan. These Japan travel tips will help alleviate some of the shock you’ll feel when you first arrive in Japan.

Japanese Culture Shock #1 Japanese Toilets

You will be shocked at the toilets in Japan. In every other country in the world, toilets are pretty self-explanatory. In Japan, you need an instruction manual to use the toilets. The toilets in Japan come with a remote control, heated seats, built-in bidets, a blow dryer, and even music to mask your bathroom sounds. Before you get started, find the stop button. Some Japanese toilets even have a sink built on top of the tank so that your gray water is then used to fill the tank for the next person.

Japanese Culture Shock #2 Access to Cash

Japan is very much a cash-based society, and you’ll be shocked at how hard it is to get cash in Japan. Not all of the bank ATM’s accept foreign debit cards. To get around this, you can pay by credit card in many places. To get cash, you have three good options. The ATM’s at the airport will take foreign debit cards, so if you can, get cash right when you arrive. The Post Office ATM’s are another option. The best option, though, is to go to a convenience store like a 7-11. Those ATM’s will take foreign cards.

Japanese Money Explained

Japanese Culture Shock #3 Convenient Convenience Stores

You’ll be shocked at just how convenient the convenience stores really are. In the U.S. and other countries, convenience stores have lots of junk food, beer and soda. In Japan, they are more like a mini-supermarket. You can find anything from shaving supplies to electronics, as well as really high quality food. The sushi at a Japanese convenience store will probably be better than any sushi you’ve had in the U.S.

Read: 5 Things to NEVER Pack in Your Checked Luggage

Japanese Culture Shock #4 Japanese Vending Machines

You’ll be shocked at how many vending machines you’ll see, plus the variety of things they sell. Yes, you can get hot or cold beverages. You can also get school supplies, or toys, clothing and beer. Most often you will pay with coins, but you can also pay with your Metro card.

Watch: Japanese Vending Machines

Japanese Culture Shock #5 Plastic Food Displays

Outside most Japanese restaurants, you’ll see all kinds of plastic food on display. Think back to your Fisher Price childhood kitchen set. Japan has taken that to a whole new level. At some restaurants, they’ve got a very realistic plastic version of nearly every menu item on display. This is actually super helpful for tourists because it’s hard to find an English menu in Japan. You can even buy the plastic food items as souvenirs.

Japanese Culture Shock #6 Food in Japan

Many times in Japan, you will have no idea what you are eating, or how to eat it. But the food is amazing in Japan! You can ask your server to help you out if you’re not sure how something works. You really don’t have to worry too much about getting sick from the food in Japan, because it’s so clean. Which brings us to the next Japan culture shock…

Japanese Culture Shock #7 Cleanliness in Japan

Japan is a super clean country. The streets, public transportation, homes, restaurants and shops are all impeccably clean. It’s shocking how a city like Tokyo, with 35 million people, can remain so clean. Japan does a great job keeping clean, and this extends to restaurants with clean and high quality food.

Things Tourists Should NOT Do When They Are in Japan

Japanese Culture Shock #8 Quiet in Japan

In addition to being super clean, Japan is also super quiet. In general, Japanese people are just not very loud. So you can be in Tokyo or Kyoto and find quiet places to escape to. It’s not just the people, though. Even the cars in Japan are quiet.

Japanese Culture Shock #9 Safety in Japan

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world to visit. You will be shocked at how relaxing it is to visit such a safe country, where you don’t have to worry about safety at all times. If you lost your wallet, you’re in for another shock as it will likely show up at your hotel, cash and cards intact.

Japanese Culture Shock #10 Small Spaces in Japan

One potentially negative Japanese culture shock is the tight spaces you’ll encounter. Huskier folks might find some spaces a bit constricting, as many places in Japan are very tight quarters. Hotels, bathrooms, showers and apartments are all smaller than what you might be used to in the West. Japan packs a huge population onto several small islands, so space is a premium. If you decide to take a train in Japan at rush hour, be prepared to forego any personal space as they really pack into the train cars.

Japanese Culture Shock #11 No Smoking on the Streets

You will be shocked to learn that you can be fined in Japan for smoking on the street while you are walking around. It’s also frowned upon to eat while you are walking around.

Safety Issues in Japan

Japanese Culture Shock #12 Japanese Avoid Sneezing in Public

Another surprising shock about Japan is that people here to try avoid sneezing or blowing their noses in public. It’s just part of the culture in Japan to try to excuse yourself and do these things in private.

Japanese Culture Shock #13 Paying at Japanese Restaurants

When you eat at a restaurant in Japan, the waiter will bring your bill, but they won’t take your money. You have to pay at the front. You also don’t tip your waiter.

Read: 10 Culture Shocks Tourists Have When They Visit China

Japanese Culture Shock #14 Swastikas in Japan

As you look at your tourist map for temples, you’ll notice several familiar symbols, like a cross indicating a church, or a Metro station symbol. You might also be shocked to see a swastika symbol on the map. In Japan, the swastika is a sign of hope and good luck. The swastika pre-dates Nazis by centuries, so you’ll see them all over Japan.

Japanese Culture Shock #15 Number of Temples in Japan

You’ll be shocked at how many temples there are in Japan. Throughout the country, there are so many temples. Several are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but others are just every day temples that are still gorgeous to look at. Make sure you take the time to see some of the smaller temples, you might find you have it all to yourself.

Japanese Culture Shock #16 Japanese Landscape

Visitors to Japan are often shocked at the majestic beauty of the landscapes here. Mountains, waterfalls, bamboo forests, autumn color, and spring cherry blossoms all make an astounding backdrop to the phenomenal culture and architecture of Japan.

Read: 10 Shocks of Visiting Canada for the First Time

Japanese Culture Shock #17 Japanese Onsen Experience

A few things at the Onsen (Hot Springs) might shock you. First, you must go naked into the onsen. They are divided by gender, so it’s not a big deal. At the onsen, you’ll receive one small towel and one large towel. You might be tempted to cover up with the towel as you enter the onsen, but the large towel is to be saved for after your soak. The small towel is actually for your head.

Japanese Culture Shock #18 Japanese People

You will be shocked at how wonderful the Japanese people are. They are friendly, helpful and kind. Even if they don’t speak English, and most won’t, they will really try to help you in any way. The people of Japan will really make you fall in love with the country.

I hope these fun facts about Japanese culture convince you to visit. It’s an amazing country, from temples to mountains and fantastic food. All of these shocks are really just fun surprises about Japan. You’ll have a blast if you decide to visit Japan. If you want more Japan travel tips, check out some of our other videos:

The Best Things That SHOCK Tourists about Visiting Tokyo

Posted on October 15, 2018May 9, 2019 by admin

Fourteen Things That Will Shock You About Tokyo Culture

Greetings from Tokyo! Today we’re sharing ten things that shock tourists when they visit Tokyo, Japan for the first time. Don’t let these Tokyo culture shocks scare you off! You should definitely plan a trip to Tokyo because it is shockingly awesome.

Tokyo Culture Shock #1 The Massive Size of Tokyo

Tourists are shocked at how massive Tokyo is. There are 35 to 40 million people in Tokyo, and it’s evident before you even land on the ground. Flying in to Tokyo you get a sense for how massive and sprawling the city is. Along with crowds everywhere you go, you’ll deal with long distances. It can take an hour or more to travel to sights in another part of the city, depending on where you stay in Tokyo. Given the distances, it’s best to plan out your days and break the city into sections so you’re not traversing back and forth multiple times.

Tokyo Culture Shock #2 Packed Trains at Rush Hour

You’re going to use the subways and trains to get around town. They are super efficient, punctual and cover anywhere you want to go. The trains get super packed at rush hour, to the point of disbelief. On the other hand, you’ll be shocked at how much space there is when you are on a train at any time other than rush hour. You’ll have no problem transporting your luggage on the subway, as long as it’s not rush hour! During rush hour, not only will you be shocked at the crowds, but you’ll be shocked at how efficiently the huge crowds board and disembark the trains. You’ll also be shocked at the Japanese travelers that can apparently sleep anywhere, including a crowded train!

Tokyo Culture Shock #3 Tokyo is Very Quiet

You’ll be shocked at how quiet it is on the train. Even at rush hour, the train (and Tokyo in general) is amazingly quiet. When you visit a city of 40 million people, you expect a lot of noise, but that’s not the case in Tokyo.

Tokyo Culture Shock #4 Tokyo is Incredibly Clean

You will be shocked at how clean the streets of Tokyo are. Everything is super clean in Tokyo; from the food to the parks, the metro and the subway. It’s amazing how they can keep everything so clean with so many people.

Tokyo Culture Shock #5 Safety in Tokyo

Along with being very clean, Tokyo is also very safe. Huge cities aren’t always the safest place, or don’t always feel safe. In Tokyo, it’s safe to walk around at night, even with your kids. Of course, you have to pay attention like you would anywhere, but pickpockets and traveler scams are very rare in Tokyo.

Tokyo Culture Shock #6 Shopping With Your Metro Card

This is a nice shock in Tokyo. Once you buy a metro card to ride the trains, you can also use it to pay for things at a convenience store. This is especially nice when you are leaving, if you have money left on the card. Normally, you just forfeit the balance, but in Tokyo, you can spend it on something.

The Don’ts of Visiting Japan: What Tourists Shouldn’t Do in Japan

Tokyo Culture Shock #7 Foreign Credit & Debit Cards Often Don’t Work at Bank ATM’s

You might find that your debit card from home is probably not going to work at the banks or ATM’s in Tokyo, but it will work at the 7/11. Many tourists are shocked upon arrival when they can’t withdraw money from their account. Also, Tokyo is still very much a cash-based society, so you’ll need cash. You just have to go to the convenience stores to get it.

Tokyo Culture Shock #8 Quality Convenience Store Food

You’ll be shocked at the quality of the food you can find in the convenience stores in Tokyo. In the U.S. you will find a lot of junk food, or questionable food. In Tokyo, even the sushi at the convenience stores is pretty good. These are also open 24 hours, so if you have jetlag, the convenience store is going to be your breakfast destination.

Tokyo Culture Shock #9 Prices in Tokyo

Tokyo is not a cheap place to visit. Be ready for high prices, and small accommodations. For a family of four, you might have to get two hotel rooms. It’s expensive to eat in Tokyo, and even more so at some of the famous places, like the Robot Restaurant. To save money, you can rent an apartment rather than stay in a hotel. This will also help you save money on food as you can prepare a few meals at your apartment. Fortunately, a lot of Tokyo’s attractions like the shrines, are free to enter. Public transportation in Tokyo is also pretty affordable, so there are a few places you can save money.

Tokyo Culture Shock #10 Japanese Toilets

Japanese toilets are something to behold. They have heated toilet seats, remote controls, and all kinds of unique features. You might also get a shock if you hit the bidet button and get a splash surprise. At the other extreme, you’ll still come across squat toilets in Japan, too. Either way, even the public toilets in Tokyo are super clean.

Tokyo Culture Shock #11 Crazy Fun Stuff in Tokyo

The Tokyo you see in movies and on TV is real. The flashing neon lights and crazy costumes and anime obsession are real. You’ll see all kinds of interesting things that you’d never see back home in the U.S. The shocking part is that it’s not everywhere. Tokyo has many distinct areas within the city, and it’s possible to find quiet parts of town if you look.

How to Survive That Long Haul Flight to Japan

Tokyo Culture Shock #12 English Is Rarely Spoken in Tokyo

Tokyo is a global city, but English is actually not spoken very often. It’s pretty rare to find an English menu, or a server that can help speak English. However, it’s not as big of a hindrance as it sounds. People in Japan are very friendly and will try to help. Many restaurants will have food on display in the window, so you can try to choose your meals that way. Make sure you learn a few words of Japanese before you go. Hello, Please and Thank You can go a long way.

Tokyo Culture Shock #13 Tokyo Vending Machines

You will be shocked at all of the vending machines on the streets of Tokyo. Vending machines are a quintessential part of Tokyo’s culture. You can get soda, snacks, toys, clothing and hot or cold food. There are also rental lockers around town where you can store things while you shop or sightsee.

Watch: Japanese Vending Machines

Tokyo Culture Shock #14 Vast Amount of Tourist Sights

Many tourists are shocked at the sheer number tourist sights to visit in Tokyo. There’s a very eclectic mix of museums, from the Drum Museum to the Hello Kitty Museum. There are so many things to do in Tokyo, it’s not possible to see it all in one day. Even in five or six days, you’ll barely put a dent in seeing all the cool attractions in Tokyo. Also, Tokyo isn’t representative of the whole country, so make sure you have time to see other areas of Japan as well.

Hopefully, these tips will help lessen your shock when you visit Tokyo for the first time. Tokyo is an awesome city, and I get excited anytime I can visit. As you plan your Tokyo vacation, check out some of our other travel videos:

10 Shocks of Visiting Tokyo

Posted on January 20, 2018May 9, 2019 by admin

10 Shocks of Visiting Tokyo, Japan

Neon Lights, Robot Waiters, Sardine Packed Subways, Godzilla Climbing Over a Building, 40 Million People & No Trash on the Ground. These are just some of the things that SHOCK Tourists when they visit Tokyo, Japan. The megacity and capital of Japan is a tourist’s dream, tons of amazing sights and shrines, restaurants that will make your mouth water days later, a subway system that defies anything you have ever seen before. Tokyo is amazing and here we cover the 10 Things That SHOCK Tourists about Visiting Tokyo. And yes there are many more than ten things.

The Massive Size of Tokyo:

Tokyo has anywhere from 35-40 million people and you can feel that throughout the city. It stretches for miles in every direction, but what is amazing is that there are numerous different districts around Tokyo that make it distinct. From electric town to Shinjuku to the shrines, Tokyo is massive and has a massive amount of things for tourists to see, do and take in.

The Subway at Rush Hour:

yes, the videos you have seen online are true. The subway at rush hour in Tokyo can be claustrophobia inducing. But what is even more shocking is that if you ride the subway at off peak times it can be almost empty. And even when it is rush hour the whole process is efficient and super quiet.

How Quiet the Subway & The City Are:

Tokyo is a huge city, but it is amazingly quiet at the same time. You will feel out of place speaking loudly, especially on the quiet as a mouse subways trains. So keep your voice down, you may scare the locals. And don’t wake the locals when they are sleeping in the train. They had a long day at work.

The DON’Ts of Visiting Japan

You Can Pay with Your Subway Ticket:

the Pasmo and Suica cards are used for subway entry and exit, but the money you put on them you can use to pay for things in some shops around Tokyo.

You Will Feel Safe:

with so many people many people think that they have to worry about their safety. This is far from the case in Tokyo. You will notice how safe it is to go out at night or whenever you want. And if you do need help there are a number of small police stations around town where they can point you in the right direction.

The Bank ATMs Won’t Take Your Card:

you can pay with foreign debit and credit cards all over Tokyo, but cash is the preferred method of payment. The problem is that Japanese banks’ ATMs do not always take non-Japanese cards. The solution? Go to a convenience store like 7-11 or Lawson’s and they will have an ATM that will take foreign cards.

The Quality of Products in Convenience Stores:

Tokyo and Japan in general have some of the best convenience stores in the world. Whether you want a nice meal, a hot drink or getting cash the Japanese 7-11 will outshine most any other convenience store in the world.

Sticker Shock:

Tokyo is expensive. I cannot lie about that. Also, for your money you will probably be getting rather small hotel rooms so be prepared to either rent two rooms if you have a family of four or rent an apartment.

The Lack of English or Other Foreign Languages:

you will not hear a lot of English spoken in Japan, and not every restaurant will have an English menu. Though they may have plastic versions of their food outside the restaurant you can pick from. You should learn a few courtesy words of Japanese before you go to Tokyo. And even if you don’t the people are super friendly and helpful and you will do just fine.

The Japanese Toilets:

imagine someone from the future came and brought with them the toilets from the year 3000. Those would be Japanese toilets. From remote controls to music to the “self-cleaning” option where you don’t even need toilet paper. Japanese toilets are amazing. Though in public places you may only find squat toilets. But they come with instructions!

10 SHOCKs of Visiting Japan

How Clean the City Is:

with so many people you would not think that the ground would be almost clean enough to eat off of, but in parts of Tokyo may feel that way. Tokyo is an amazing city and the people have such pride that they take care of the city and that includes cleaning up. So make sure you put your garbage in the right container.

The Crazy Fun Neon Light Tokyo & Quiet Tokyo:

All of the films and shows that have shown all the neon lights and glow of Tokyo do not do it justice. This city is bubbling with energy and people, but what is amazing that even in a city so large you can find quiet spots throughout the city to enjoy a rest or a green space.

How Many Sights There Are in Tokyo:

You cannot possibly see all the sights in Tokyo. There are just too many. From amazing shrines and museums to cool architecture and districts, it really is an amazing city that can fill up your days from morning until late night.