My twenty something granddaughter is planning a four week trip to Japan in mid January. She’s not uncomfortable traveling alone or with one friend but is concerned about making making cultural mistakes. If anyone can suggest a guidebook that might address that, we’d appreciate it. Also, maybe recommendations for guided day or multi day trips catering to young adults. Any information would be appreciated.
Posted by
Chicago
758 posts
Here’s a start. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html
That website is excellent for research and background.
Posted by
Freedonia
15010 posts
The above guide in Ordtraveler's post is very good.
Japan is still very much cash oriented so she shouldn't expect to use a credit card for everything.
She should also become familiar with transit cards like the Suica. Not only can she use it for public transit but to pay for things in some stores like convenience stores.
If she takes a taxi, she shouldn't touch the doors. The driver controls them.
Posted by
7667 posts
We loved Japan and spent several days there.
Can't think of any big cultural mistakes.
The people are very friendly and helpful. Many speak English, but try to learn a few basic words like thank you, good morning, check please, were is the train station.
We used our credit cards a lot, but still took cash.
Also, the Japanese never throw any trash on the street or public places. The country is very clean.
People dress up a lot more than Americans. You don't see people dressed like thugs or with clothes with rips or holes in them.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2825 posts
The link provided by ORDtraveler is excellent.
As is the case when visiting any foreign country learning a few basic phrases would be helpful.
I used to go there on business quite a bit and one thing I learned early was to study the map of the train stations before venturing out. Though signage in English is generally pretty good, some of the stations are gigantic rabbit warrens and can be a challenge to navigate unless you've done a little homework in advance to understand their basic layout. People are generally very kind and will readily help with directions if asked politely.
Posted by
Chicago
758 posts
Robert's advice is excellent. There are also excellent travel apps - Jorudan and Navitime. Point to point directions complete with platform and exit information.
Posted by
835 posts
An IC card (prepaid debit card) makes paying for things much simpler, especially the subways. Just tap the card when you enter the subway, and again when you leave and it deducts your fare from the card. You can also use it in some retail stores, like 7-11 convenience stores.
https://questionjapan.com/blog/travel-tips/suica-vs-pasmo/
https://tokyocheapo.com/travel/pasmo-suica-cards-tokyo-travel/
Posted by
11159 posts
No one leaves their newspapers,or food containers on trains. Take them with you.
When waiting for the train, look for your ticket info on a sign as it will all be listed.
Japan is the cleanest place I have ever been. People are very polite. I loved Japan and hope to return.
Posted by
741 posts
I am in Japan for first time. I also wanted to know about cultural faux pas. So before I left I looked them up and also used YouTube for that information. Perhaps your granddaughter could do the same.
Posted by
Australia
76 posts
My 21 year old daughter is doing an Intrepid tour in Japan in November. It is a small group tour specifically for 18-30 year olds travelling by train, about 10 days. She hasn’t been yet, so I can’t make a recommendation exactly. It is relatively inexpensive compared to tours aimed at the older age group. A mix of hostels and basic rooms, few inclusions. I thought it might be a good introduction and then could follow on with independent travel.