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There is the most important rule Japanese always keep in mind and have been taught from their childhood : Do not disturb others.

Having lived in Osaka for 4 years and travelled to all 47 prefectures, I've been exposed to way too many "things to know before traveling to Japan" videos. And yet, this is the ONLY video I've seen with legit, accurate advice. Well done

I am a Japanese living in Tokyo. Since you have come all the way from far away to Japan, I want you to enjoy yourself as much as possible. However, there are some things I would like you to understand about the Japanese way of thinking, so let me write just two things here. 1. Most Japanese people are part of a "project to make Japan a better place", and I would like you to know that we take a lot of pride in this. Whether it is paying taxes, being kind to others, thanking store clerks, not talking loudly on trains or in public, not throwing unwanted plastic bottles or wrapping paper on the street, or not talking on the phone inside a store, each of us is doing what we can to keep the value of Japan from going down. As children we are taught this by our parents, but as we grow older we realize that we are part of a collaborative team that is building Japan, and we find joy in the Minecraft-like collaborative effort to make Japan a better place, to the extent that it is within our abilities. For this reason, we feel more uncomfortable when someone does something in front of me that lowers the value of Japan as a country than when I am punched in the face. This is because I feel that I am not alone and that the efforts of my colleagues, who are working hard to make things better, are being ridiculed. For many Japanese people, the act of lowering the value of their own country or town has the same meaning as having their family members insulted by others. (However, there are some Japanese who are naturalized immigrants to Japan who are not members of the "Better Japan Project," and these people are relatively indifferent to such things.) 2. This is a bad thing about Japanese people, but Japanese people rarely point out other people's behavior even if they find it offensive. This is because Japanese people believe that to point out another person's behavior is to deny the other person's sense of values, which is not only offensive to the other person, but also to their own dignity. (This is because they realize that they are small people who cannot tolerate other people's behavior.) If a Japanese person points out something you have done, he or she may already be outraged by your action. By the time you are pointed out, it will be too late for anything else. With that being said, you may be wondering if there are any tips on how to avoid taboos, but it is very easy. Because "Japanese who may suddenly become enraged" themselves are always living in fear of such a crisis. Therefore, Japanese people always think of others around them first when they are in public places, so as not to offend others, lest someone suddenly point out their behavior." Why are the Japanese so well behaved?"The answer is that "you never know when the Japanese people around you will become enraged, just like you are, so you have to be careful how you behave, just like walking through a minefield with your bare feet." From my point of view as a Japanese, the information covered in this video that Japanese people really find offensive is "talking loudly" and "throwing garbage on the roadside or road." It may seem surprising, but "not carrying cash" and "not taking off your shoes" are not taken so seriously, as they are not about sincerity, but just lack of knowledge. It may be easier to understand if you think of Japan as someone else's home. You would be offended if a guest you invited to your home made loud phone calls in your home or threw food scraps in your living room. But if they don't know to take their shoes off and mistakenly enter your house with their shoes on, you may be annoyed, but you won't be angry. In other words, the important thing is whether the conduct stems from dishonesty. I hope that the above information is not meant to frighten you, but to help you enjoy Japan more. Come to Japan!

The first unwritten rule I learned in Japan was about escalator usage. If you get on an escalator and just stand still and ride it, stand on the left side. The right side is for people that are walking up or down. It is rude to stand in the middle or right side.

Something I learned 10 years ago - if you're going to Japan for sightseeing and photography, June is one of the worst times to do so. It's hot, it's humid, and the low hanging clouds will obscure many of the views you had hoped to capture with your camera. On top of this, many museums are closed for maintenance at this time.

When traveling in Japan, keep a very large ziplock freezer bag in your backpack for storing your trash. You can empty it when you find a trash can (ie. At your hotel) to properly dispose. It is just an easy solution.

Agree with your hints. Lived in Japan for about 8 years and loved it. The safest, cleanest and most friendly country I have visited.

I'm a current Tokyo resident, and decided to check this video out when it came up in my recommendations in case the info provided in it might prove useful to send to my family when they inevitably come visit me. I've never seen any videos from your channel before, so I was expecting this to be yet another in a long line of Japan travel videos that provide outdated or incorrect information -- but to my surprise, this may be the most comprehensive, succinct, informative video for would-be visitors to the country I've ever seen. I'm extremely impressed, and just wanted to say, thanks for this! I will most definitely be linking this to family and friends before they visit, as it perfectly summarizes just about every tip I might've given them, and literally every one of your points is a good one. Very nicely done!

Good tips.. One I might suggest is getting a business card (meishi) from the hotel you stay at. I have helped a few tourists that didn't know how to get back to their hotel, and it took a lot longer than it would have if they had a card from the hotel. Or ask the concierge desk to write the address in Japanese on a piece of paper. That way, if you get lost and don't feel like searching any further, you can get in a taxi and show the driver the card/paper. It should not cost too much if you are in town, and I believe most taxis now also take credit cards.

All of these things were true when I went to Japan back in the early 2000s. This is a very good video for people going there for the first time to watch. The only other tip I have and you mentioned it a little bit is, please give them the courtesy of attempting their language before you start talking to them in English. Most Japanese will be happy to speak English with you after you’ve tried to speak their language first

I lived in Japan for 7 years, loved every second of it. Best way to learn is just immerse yourself in their culture. I was raised with respect in Texas so fitting in their culture was easy for me, and probably will be for you. Mind your business and your manners and that goes a long way.

I was in Japan in 1975 & rode in many taxis. I was really surprised to see, as I was exiting the driver pulled a little lever on the floor between his seat & his door & my door popped open. I thought this was unique to just this taxi, but it seemed all of them did that. I have mentioned how different, polite, very clean & just TOTALLY different they are from us!

One thing of note: adhering to the law is especially important in Japan, because if you get busted (or strongly suspected of) doing something illegal, Japan's abnormally high conviction rate of almost 100% *will* make sure you won't weasel yourself out of it.

I’ve always had the upmost respect for Japans people and culture.

I had a friend who went to jail in Japan for bringing 3 joints in his luggage. He didn’t think it was a big deal but got locked up for 6 months

I have spent a significant portion of my life traveling for my work, I have explored various regions across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, but only Japan has left a lasting impression on me. The Japanese people are truly remarkable and have captured my admiration.

Wow. I visited Japan just once for a 20 hr transit. And these were the exact things I noticed. Thanks for summarizing it so precisely ❤

I've lived in Japan since 2012 and I don't like carrying around cash. But there's no problem. More places are accepting credit cards now. But I rarely need to use my bank card because I use my SUICA card. Suica (and Pasmo) are plastic IC cards you can get at railway stations. The cards can be used on trains and buses. It is amazing how many shops, supermarkets, convenience stores and even restaurants accept Suica cards. If you are spending any time in Japan I highly recommend getting a Suica or Pasmo card. You can top the card up at railway stations. Any retail outlet near a station is likely to accept Suica.

I knew all of these, but it was nice to be reminded and double check that there weren't any I was unaware of. Thanks!

This is single handedly the most useful Japanese tips video I've come across.

Thank you for the tips and advice, Josh. This will be very useful.

Loved the "Hitchhiker's Guide" footage. "It's a rough universe out there!"

Really nice video, as a person planning to study in Japan this was pretty helpful, especially the money part, usually I do not carry much with me since it's unnecesarry and most stores here prefer change over bills so it being the opposite in Japan is surprising to say the least

Very comprehensive video! We visited Japan pre-covid and are going back this year :) I love the fact that just knowing a couple of phrases and attempting to speak Japanese is greatly appreciated. And the non-verbal cues are also very powerful like slight bows, nods of approval, etc. I wouldn't quickly take my passport with me myself but this is an individual decision I guess. Losing it means having to pay thousands of euros and a delay to get back home, problems with work etc. The fine could be about 100,000 JPY I read somewhere. The most important thing is that you can prove you are in the country legally, so a photo of the visa page might be a good idea as well.

Went to Japan in March this year, hope to go back sometime. Loved it.

Great presentation. Concise and to the point. Thank you!

Great video and thank you for the heads-up(s)! I've read quite a bit, but several things I was NOT aware of. Well done.

I have to agree that learning some basic phrases whatever the local language can be a life saver. I speak, or I used to speak fluent German, which served me well while I was stationed in Germany. However, the AIr Force, in its infinite wisdom, decided to send me to just about the only "remote" assignment in Japan, knowing maybe a half a dozen words that I had learned from the novel Shogun. To compound this, we did not haver dorms or barracks but lived on the local economy. (There was total of 6 of us on the comm site and two guys working the passenger terminal at the airport.) Fortnately, between the guys I worked with and my neighbour in my apartment complex who was a JSDF (Japanese Self-Defense Forces) officer who happened to work on the radar site on Mount Sefuri (aka Seburiyama) that our Comm Site was situated, I was speaking broken pidgin Japanese in no time. (Later being set up with a girl friend who had been an exchange student to New Jersey, was a godsend!) I loved my year in JApan and not extending my tour there has been one of the few regrets I have in my life. (We had one guy there that had been there over eight years.)

Perfect timing, right before I leave for my trip. Cheers!

Thankyou for the informative and well edited video🎉

Very interesting and important Intel, it's a good guide. Thank you! 👍

Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge with us ❤

yea, my dad was stationed on Okinawa for several years in the early to mid 90's when he was in the Air Force. By far the worst time of year for traveling was during typhoon season, and my parents always stopped by the currency exchange on base before we would travel off base. Also, the Mcdonalds that were off base were not very cheap even back then for the four of us it was like $40-$50 USD so we only went on special occasions. And the temps you mentioned were pretty spot on, as I remember going to beach parties in December, January and February as the temp rarely got below 50 degrees F at night

Seriously one of the most pertinent must know videos I’ve watched over the past few weeks. thank$ again!

Cool video. I learned a lot about travelling to Japan.

Not being able to effectively talk to people during my visit was very frustrating and embarrassing. This is mostly my fault for not learning the language better or full embracing my translation app but it was a stressful element to my trip.

Excellent video, great tips for us when we visit japan in December ❤

I am traveling to Japan with my family next week and this video really helped me. Imma share this with my family!

Wonderful and practical guide to behaving properly and intentionally in Japan! I can't wait to read your other videos.

I knew Adams was spot on with the importance of the towel! This was informative, thanks!!

Super informative video, quashing some of my concerns. Sounds like a lot of my inherent tendencies of etiquette and behaviour are mirrored in Japan - seems so logical and fair - I should try it.

I can't wait to visit

Awesome info! Thanks, mate! :D

My number 1 tip: use the luggage forwarding service. It's very affordable and makes travel between accomodations so much more hassle-free.

As someone traveling Japan right now I can really confirm these hints. Really helpful videos for first time travelers.

Very informative! Thank you! 👍

Loved this, thank you

So accurate! I just got back from 10 days in Japan and wish I’d seen your video beforehand.

Loved the Hitchhiker's Guide reference. That got my sub. 👍

Excellent info, thanks for your presentation! 💖🙌😺

❤❤thanks super helpful for us More blog to come

So many good tips from different people in one place. Thank you all for the tips!😍 ありがとうございます！

I've been studying some japanese and got so excited to recognize these words😊 I do it for my mental health since I'm 54 but I hope someday to visit. Fascinating and interesting country ❤

i just got back from a 10 day trip in Japan, 3 days in Tokyo and 7 in Osaka, and it's fun to see all the spots ive ben in this video

Thank you needed this ❤❤

I was stationed in Japan for 3 years. It's definitely different compared to the U.S. If you're going to be there a while and using the trains, learn how to read the sign for where you're staying. It may be different now since I was there back form 2001-2004 but the train station signs were not in english at all even in heavy military areas.

I would take exception to the not needing to know Japanese because most know English. I used to travel for business to Yokohama. On one trip I had a medical emergency during the middle of the night. No one on duty at the hotel spoke English, once we got an ambulance no one on it spoke English, and once at the ER at the hospital (a very large one) no one spoke English there. Thankfully I had a translation app on my phone to help us communicate. (an EMT on the ambulance also had an app on their phone) Everyone was very nice but no one spoke English. I have had similar issues on the train and bus systems.

This is by far the best video on this topic that I've watched - I've just returned from Japan (2 weeks in Tokyo) and still learned something new from this video (not to pass cash directly to staff members). Also, your voice is so comforting and relaxing! Very enjoyable listening experience - my ears are very happy 🥰

I loved living in japan for many of these reasons 😊

I’ve lived in nearby China and visit Japan a couple times a year. Most often in Hokkaido or Nagano. I very much enjoy my time there every time we visit

Appriciate your down to earth approach and adivce. Unlike some Japan channels, you honor the culutre and don't act like your own the place (ahem you know who I mean) certainly would love to have some ramen with ya, hear your stories of your travels

Wonderful video. Very valuable true information.

Thank you. Very useful to know.

Me and few of my coworkers, we're planning on going to Japan early October. It'll be my first time going and I'm SO excited. I've always dreamt of visiting Japan and I'm planning on staying for 2 weeks.

I just travelled during Golden Week and didn't have any problems. We spent much of the time in Osaka and got a great deal on a business/conference hotel because everyone was out of town and no business meetins were happening.

Awesome video. Thank you

Great video! I love your shots of Osaka!

Recently spent several days in Osaka. Was very easy to get around by rail.

The reason for the misunderstanding about vegan and vegetarianism is also due to differences in language, not just because they are not familiar with the concept, although vegetarianism is indeed much less common. The Japanese word for meat is 肉 (niku). But it's not exactly the same. Niku does not refer to fish or seafood, only to poultry & meat from land animals. So if you tell them "I'm vegetarian. I don't eat meat," in English OR in Japanese, unless they've lived in an English speaking country for some time and understand the nuance, they're going to think you mean you don't eat niku. That does not necessarily include seafood. Since you mentioned that buses and trains are quite inexpensive compared to taxis and that Japan is a quiet country, it's worth mentioning the quality of their public transportation. They are efficient, frequent, and reliable. Use the buses and trains. But don't ever speak on your cell phone on public transportation, at least not any louder than a hushed tone. This is one of Japanese people's biggest pet peeves. We may be used to loud public transportation; they are not. And speaking on your cell phone on the train in any more than a hushed tone (better yet, go to one of the spaces between cars, away from the regular seating), is like the guy who stands up and takes a phone call in the movie theater and takes his sweet time to make his way out of the theater, talking the whole time. Great video! Well presented, and as someone who lived in Japan for a number of years in the past and has been married to a Japanese woman for 24 years and uses the Japanese language on a regular basis, this was informative and I even learned a thing or 2 (I knew it was socially awkward to eat while you're walking in public - but I didn't know why - or that it's more acceptable at festivals). Thank you!

Thanks for sharing

Thanks and definitely very helpful. Agree with the times not to travel, but I would also include the new years holidays as well. I was enjoying the JR Pass very much and went all the way to Kyushu the southern most island. On the way back, I got caught in the new years rush and had to stand 5 hours on the way back to Tokyo. Felt lucky that there was standing room! Enjoy!

What other unwritten rules do you know about Japan? And if you're Traveling to Japan, Get your JR Rail Pass & Pocket Wifi Here: click.jrpass.com/SH5O

I'm studying abroad in Hyogo right now, and if you need to bring certain ADHD medicines - whether for a two week holiday or a longer stay like for work or study - you need to fill in an application to bring it in. There's a form on the website for the ministry of health, labour and welfare, that needs to be filled in and submitted for review. Once approved, they will email a PDF of the approval letter to you. Be sure to print off two copies of it, as customs may wish to keep one, and the other one will be useful in case you are queried elsewhere. I can provide links for those who need it. ETA: Adderall is illegal and cannot be brought in at all, however, vyvanse, ritalin and concerta can with the correct documentation

This Inaka Adventure youtube feature of Unspoken Rules of Japan What I Wish I Knew Before Coming is illustrative and helpful to watch especially with the inclusion of the multiple examples of each of the rules. I admit that I was emotionally tickled/amused with the inclusion of what phrase to utilize for Starbucks (because I started to go there more frequently when I was last there around 19 years ago some time after my now husband introduced me to one of the Starbucks in Japan that we both enjoyed together more frequently during the remainder of the time afterwards when we were both there at the same time).

planning to visit japan next year on winter and videos like these really help

This is quite an impressive footage because of the precise observation through real experience & interpretation. Very practical, helpful & informative. This kind of tips are the last ones coming from us Japanese. Every point here makes me nod, "Oh, yes, that's right". Understand perfectly, but hardly occur to us as useful suggestions. Purely visitors' view. Excellent, & grateful for presenting Japan this way! Just one thing about safety issue about cash. Mostly without much concern as noted here, but around the dinner time onwards, with alcohol, it'd be prudent take a bit more care! PS. Tax door is the best advice. Unusual & very unique (exclusive?) to Japan. That was exactly what I gave to a Spanish friend of mine before her trip many years ago! Nostalgy & chuckle! Also, leaving tip is, good or not, bits of embarrassment (for both parties). Simply, there's no such custom (?) in Japan. Just say, "Doumo arigatou!" (instead of arigatou only. "Doumo" emphasizes your appreciation. & why not with a bow just slightly. You'd see the effect in the reaction of who attended you. Give it a try!

It is so refreshing to find a country such as Japan that is so well structured and maintained. This is exactly why Japan has such strict regulations regarding tourist and workers from other countries This is not racist in any way. They have a right to their own Sovereignty as most countries do unless you live in places like the USA. Respect & honor is alive and well in Japan.

Very useful information. Thank you.

Your video is THE best I have seen on this topic for Japan! It's accurate, it's helpful and delivered in a peaceful and calm manner, I appreciate your content and looking forward to watching more. Ps. handy phrases, thank you

I usually don’t carry cash in Tokyo. But the local situation is different and I always keep some cash in my pocket due to the delay of digitalizations.

This is a very nice and helpful video. My wife and I are planning a "big" trip for our next anniversary and Japan is on the short-list. The part about hot and humid in the summer, 36C, 100% humidity? That's just a normal south Texas summer. :)

After visiting Japan, there is information in this video I could have used before, but learned later. Thank you for posting.

Nice video. I am not planning to go but it’s interesting to learn the customs of other countries and cultures.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy joke was on points. I felt like Ford Prefect on my first trip to Japan, just a happy go lucky guy hanging out with the locals telling weird stories that people only seem to understand.

Video: don't forget a towel, you can even use it to reserve a table. Germans: I AM HOME!

This video is amazing .. too good.. 👏 👏

This is so great!! Fantastic job on the content and edits. I’m 1000% with you on the most important word, that completely opens up your experience to go from frustration to magic. I lived in Taiwan and my first visit and first few days were so difficult. I kept saying Hi 👋 when I needed help and that completely failed, SUMIMASEM” completely changed my experience and once I started using that I got help from everyone when I needed it. 👍👍👍👍

I have been to Japan once and it was a long time ago. I remember we traveled by train a lot and one tip I can give is to try to avoid the rush hour in the morning when people are heading to work and evening when people are heading home from work. The rush hour is intense and super crowded where they literally jam pack the train where you would be feeling like a sardine in a can. As a female, I had to bent both arms up to my chest or else your chest would be smashed into someone’s body. I didn’t need to hold onto anything since everyone around you kept you upright lol. So after that experience, we left a little bit before or after the rush hour to do our sight seeing and it was less crowded on the trains.

The medication info is something I would not have even thought of. I want to go to Japan someday. Thank gawd I saw this video.

Thanks for the tips! I'll be heading over in March 2024 and found these very helpful.

An important detail with tax free shopping is that the items are sealed and can not be used or be consumed UNTIL after leaving Japan.

was stationed in Japan for 4 years, loved every second of it.

Great video!

Love the hitchhiker's guide reference, you are a truly hoopy frood.

I researched my first trip to Japan very carefully. Then later when I came to live there, it was very easy indeed. In fact I think living in Japan is one of the easiest things in terms of being able to live in a country where you don't know the language. It is far easier for example to live in Japan speaking no Japanese than living in China speaking no Chinese, and the same goes for Korea.

watched this a few days into my kyoto trip and realized i never used the tray, now i know 💀

Excellent video - top notch advice

Thank you. Very informative.

Lol I like how he’s been there for years and has never seen a cop stop someone and demand to see their passport but that happened to me on the SECOND day of my first trip there ever in 2018. 🤣