If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you want it to be as amazing as possible. Follow this expert advice and you’re sure to have an incredible experience.
From planning in advance to being open-minded while you’re there, these tips will help ensure that your trip to Japan is everything you hope it will be.
Plan Your Trip in Advance.
Do your research
When you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s important to do your research in advance. Not only will this help you save money, but you’ll also be able to avoid any potential problems that could arise.
There are a few things you should research before booking your trip. First, check the weather conditions for the time of year you’ll be visiting. Japan is a country with four distinct seasons, so you’ll want to make sure you pack appropriate clothing.
Next, research the best way to get around Japan. The country has an extensive public transportation system, but it can be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak Japanese. If you’re not confident in your language skills, consider renting a car or hiring a driver.
Finally, familiarize yourself with Japanese culture and customs before your trip. This will help ensure that you have a respectful and enjoyable experience while in Japan.
Choose the right time to go
The best time to visit Japan depends on what you want to see and do while you’re there. If you’re interested in cherry blossoms, for example, spring is the ideal time to go. Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to early April nationwide, although the exact dates vary depending on the region.
Summer is considered peak travel season in Japan due to the mild weather and long vacation days. However, this also means that accommodation and transportation prices are at their highest during this time of year.
If you’re looking for cheaper options, autumn or winter may be better suited for your needs. While winter can be cold in some parts of the country, it’s also when ski resorts open up across Japan – making it a great option for avid skiers and snowboarders. No matter when you choose to visit, there’s always something special about Japan .
Book your tickets and accommodation in advance It’s no secret thatJapan is an expensive country to visit . While there are ways to save money (such as staying in hostels or Couchsurfing), one of the best ways to reduce costs is by booking your flights and accommodation well in advance . Not only will this give you more choice , but you’ll often find better deals too . When it comes to winter travel , booking early is especially important as many accommodations fill up quickly due to both domestic and international demand . The same goes for popular summertime destinations such as Okinawa and Hokkaido . So if you know when you want to visit , make sure you take care of bookings as soon as possible .
Pack the Right Things.
Clothes
What you pack in your suitcase will depend largely on the time of year you visit Japan.
If you’re visiting in summer, expect high humidity and temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius.
Bring light, airy clothing that you can layer – linen shirts, sundresses, shorts, and capris are all great options.
Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit if you plan on spending time at the beach or taking a dip in one of Japan’s many hot springs.
In winter, temperatures can dip below freezing in some parts of the country, so make sure to pack a coat, hat, scarf, and gloves.
Jeans or leggings paired with a sweater or cardigan should keep you warm enough during the day, while thermals will help you stay cozy at night.
Toiletries
There are a few things you’ll want to make sure to pack in your carry-on bag when it comes to toiletries:
Toothpaste and toothbrush – You can find these items at any convenience store in Japan, but they may not be the same brands you’re used to using back home.
Deodorant – Again, this is something that’s widely available in Japan, but it may not be what you’re used to using. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to bring your own from home.
Sunscreen – Japanese sunscreen tends to be quite strong, so if you have sensitive skin it’s best to bring your own from home.
Makeup remover wipes – These come in handy for those nights when you just can’t be bothered to wash your face before bed (trust me, we’ve all been there). You can find them at any drugstore in Japan.
Lip balm – The air gets very dry in wintertime in Japan, so lip balm is a must!
Be Prepared for Culture Shock.
Research the country’s customs
When traveling to Japan, it is important to be prepared for culture shock. Culture shock can be defined as “the feeling of disorientation that one experiences when encountering a new culture, especially a way of life that is different from one’s own” (Dictionary.com). There are a few things you can do to prepare for culture shock and make your transition into the new culture smoother.
One of the best things you can do is research the customs of the country before you go. This will help you to avoid any unintentional cultural faux pas and know what to expect in terms of social norms. For example, in Japan it is considered rude to blow your nose in public, so it is best to do this in private. It is also considered good manners to take your shoes off when entering someone’s home or certain types of businesses, such as restaurants and temples.
Other things you should research before your trip include:
• The country’s history – this will give you some context for understanding the culture.
• Major holidays and festivals – these are often great times to visit a country and experience its culture firsthand!
• Etiquette – knowing the proper way to greet people, how to dress, and other social etiquette will help you avoid any embarrassing situations.
Be respectful of religious beliefs
Another thing to keep in mind when preparing for your trip is that Japan is a very culturally and religiously diverse country. In addition to Shintoism and Buddhism, which are practiced by many Japanese people, there are also small minorities of Christians, Muslims, and Hindus living in Japan. As a foreigner, it is important to be respectful of all religious beliefs and not engage in any behavior that could be considered offensive or disrespectful. For example, visitors should always take their shoes off when entering a shrine or temple (regardless of whether they are Buddhist or Shinto), as this is considered sacred ground. When taking photos, be sure not ask permission before doing so, as some people may not want their photo taken for religious reasons.
Be prepared for different social norms
Some other things to keep in mind when visiting Japan are that social norms can be quite different from what you’re used to at home. For example, Japanese people generally don’t like public displays of affection (PDA), so it’s best to avoid kissing or hugging in public places like parks or on public transportation. In general, Japanese people also tend to be more formal than Americans; for example, they use titles like “Mr.” or “Mrs.” even with close friends and family members instead of first names like we do in the US . It’s also considered impoliteto talk loudly in public places or interrupts someone else while they are speaking .
So , while it’s perfectly normal To feel a bit overwhelmed when visiting Japan for the first time , by following these simple tips , you can help ensure that your trip goes smoothly !
Learn Some of the Language.
Basics Phrases
In order to have a great trip to Japan, it is important to learn some basic Japanese phrases. At a minimum, you should learn how to say hello, goodbye, please, and thank you. It is also helpful to know how to ask for directions and order food. Here are some useful phrases to get you started:
Hello – Konnichiwa
Goodbye – Sayonara
Please – Onegai shimasu
Thank you – Arigatou gozaimasu
Excuse me/Sorry – Sumimasen
Yes/No – Hai/Iie
Do you speak English? – Eigo o hanasemasu ka?
I don’t understand. – Wakarimasen.
Where is the bathroom? – Toire wa doko desu ka?
Can I have a menu please? – Menyu o onegai shimasu.
I’d like to order…- Chuumon o kudasai…
Common Courtesy Phrases
In addition to the basics, there are certain courtesy phrases that will endear you to the Japanese people. For example, it is considered polite to use formal language when addressing someone older than yourself or of a higher social status. You can do this by adding “-san” after a person’s name. Some other useful phrases include:
Thank you for your help – Tasukete kurete arigatou gozaimasu
I’m sorry for the inconvenience – Taihen na koto desu ga… May I trouble you for a moment? – Chotto osewa ni natte mo ii desu ka? Please go ahead (of me) Osaki ni onegai shimasu No thanks kekkoo desu
Numbers and Days of the week
Finally, it is helpful to know some basic numbers and the days of the week. This will come in handy when you’re trying to catch a train or bus, or when you’re ordering food.
1 – ichi
2 – ni
3 – san
4 – shi/yon
5 – go
6 – roku
7 – nana/shichi
8 – hachi
9 – kyuu/ku
10 – juu
Monday – Getsuyoubi Tuesday – Kayoubi Wednesday – Suiyoubi Thursday Mokuyoubi Friday Kinyoubi Saturday Douyoubi Sunday Nichiyoubi
Travel With an Open Mind.
Be open to new experiences
When traveling to a new country, it is important to be open to new experiences. This can be anything from trying new foods, exploring different landmarks, or even participating in activities that are unique to the culture. It is also important to remember that not everything will be as you expect it to be, and that is okay! Embrace the differences and learn from them.
Go with the flow
There will be times during your trip when things do not go as planned. Maybe you miss your train or your hotel room is not what you expected. It is important to remain flexible and go with the flow in these situations. Getting upset will only make things worse and ruin your trip. Instead, take a deep breath and roll with the punches. You might even end up having a better time than you originally planned!
Be prepared for the unexpected
No matter how much you plan, there will always be some element of the unknown when traveling to a new place. Be prepared for this by keeping an open mind and being flexible with your plans. Expect that things will take longer than they do at home, and go with the flow when they do. By doing so, you’ll ensure that you have a truly amazing trip – no matter what surprises come your way!
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, congratulations! You’re in for an amazing experience. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that your trip is everything you’ve dreamed of.
Here are a few final tips to help you make the most of your trip:
1. Don’t forget to pack your passport and other travel documents!
2. Be prepared for culture shock by doing some research on Japanese customs before you go.
3. Learn some basic Japanese phrases – it will go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.
4. And finally, travel with an open mind. Be prepared to have your expectations challenged and be open to new experiences.
We hope these tips have been helpful in getting you excited for your upcoming trip to Japan!
