Japan

Culture

• The Japanese culture is a multi-layered and complex system that has been developing within itself and forming new layers for thousands of years

Somethings you might have never known

• The Japanese take great pains to keep their cities clean. You can trust that stores and restaurants are also held to this high standard. Most restaurants will ask you to remove your shoes before entering through the lobby. Shoes are seen as especially dirty because they touch the ground all day. As a guest in a Japanese household, you’ll be given guest slippers, but at restaurants your socks will suffice. If you need to use the toilet, bathroom slippers are provided.

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• There is a time and a place for everything in Japan –– except blabbering loudly in public. In general, use an ‘indoor voice’ outside. This is hard for Westerners because we often speak loudly. Even if you think you’re speaking quietly, you’re probably not. Just remember: Do as the Japanese do! If everyone is silent on the train, be silent also. Sure, say a few things to your friend; just keep it down.

Something you might need to know: toilets

• If you just can’t resist a mysterious button, there’s one you must know among the thousands that Japanese toire (toe-ee-ray) have, and it looks like this: 止 This tiny button will save you from certain embarrassment if you find your toilet spraying water and playing music. 止 stops every function and restores order to your bathroom. Every house and most restaurants will have these luxury toilets, but you won’t find them on the metro. Let’s review some of the buttons you’ll find on them... おしり (oshiri), or ‘buttocks,’ releases a spray of water. If you’re standing, expect a punch of water in the face. ビデ (bide), or ‘bidet,’ is like oshiri, but for women. And 乾燥 (kansou), or ‘dry,’ will release a burst of air. Also, observe the flushers to conserve water –– 大 for a big flush and 小 for a tiny one. And remember!! Japanese bathrooms do not typically stock toilet paper! If you forget, buy some in the dispensers –– if you’ve got the change.

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• Japan is known for its earthquakes, so should you get stuck in the middle of one crouch under a sturdy table or desk, stand under a doorframe or head for the bathroom – these locations are usually the most structurally sound and offer you the most protection.

Museums and temples are free

• Not all of them, but the ones owned by the government are usually free, and they even handle you a free audio guide in your language! I know, how crazy is that when you think Muse D’Orsay entrance + Audio guide equal your lunch for 2 days.