{"id":2355,"date":"2020-03-18T07:00:33","date_gmt":"2020-03-18T06:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2355"},"modified":"2024-11-21T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T07:35:01","slug":"things-to-know-before-traveling-to-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/things-to-know-before-traveling-to-japan","title":{"rendered":"Things to know before traveling to Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Japan is truly a captivating country where the past meets the future in seamless harmony. Only in Japan can you go from having your dinner served by robots, to traveling through the picture-perfect and quiet countryside.<\/p>\n<p>Discovering Japan is understanding the many nuances that make this country unique, so to help you prepare your trip we have gathered a list of<strong> important information you should know before your trip<\/strong>\u00a0to the land of the Rising Sun.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Quick_facts_about_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Quick facts about Japan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Do_I_need_a_visa_to_travel_to_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Accommodations_and_reservations\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Accommodations and reservations<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Traveling_with_children\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Traveling with children<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Cash_not_credit_cards\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Cash, not credit cards<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Avoid_tipping\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Avoid tipping<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Healthcare_in_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">7<\/span> Healthcare in Japan<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Emergency_numbers\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">7.1<\/span> Emergency numbers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Japanese_National_Holidays\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">8<\/span> Japanese National Holidays<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Tattoos_in_Japan_are_banned_in_some_places\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">9<\/span> Tattoos in Japan are banned in some places<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Removing_shoes_is_a_common_courtesy\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">10<\/span> Removing shoes is a common courtesy<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Public_transportation_is_incredibly_reliable\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">11<\/span> Public transportation is incredibly reliable<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Japanese_wear_surgical_masks_as_a_preventative_measure\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">12<\/span> Japanese wear surgical masks as a preventative measure<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Disposing_of_garbage_in_Japan_may_be_a_mission\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">13<\/span> Disposing of garbage in Japan may be a mission<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Getting_around_and_understanding_Japanese_addresses\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">14<\/span> Getting around and understanding Japanese addresses<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Public_restrooms\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">15<\/span> Public restrooms<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Quick_facts_about_Japan\">Quick facts about Japan<\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"width: 85%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"15%\"><strong>Capital<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Tokyo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"15%\"><strong>Language<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Japanese<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"15%\"><strong>Area<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>377,973 km<sup>2<\/sup> (145,936 sq mi)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"15%\"><strong>Population<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>126,150,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"15%\"><strong>Timezone<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>UTC\/GMT +9 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"15%\"><strong>Currency<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Yen (\u00a5 JPY)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"15%\"><strong>Country Code<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>+81<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"15%\"><strong>Electric Sockets<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>100 V AC, 50 \/ 60 HZ<br \/>\n<strong>Type A:<\/strong> U.S. style plug, commonly 2-prong without ground.<br \/>\n<strong>Type B:<\/strong> like type A but with an extra prong for grounding. This socket also works with plug A.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span id=\"Do_I_need_a_visa_to_travel_to_Japan\">Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To visit Japan for touristic purposes, and depending on nationality, visitors are required to obtain a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/temporary-visitor\">\u2018temporary visitor\u2019 visa<\/a> before arrival. This visa is valid for up to 90 days and is placed in your passport on arrival.<\/p>\n<p>However, <strong>citizens from 68 countries can visit Japan<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-visa\"> visa-free for up to 90-days<\/a>, including the United States<\/strong>, Australia, Canada, Spain, Germany, and Singapore. No visa is required for a same-day transit between international flights at the same airport. However, you may not leave the secured area.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Accommodations_and_reservations\">Accommodations and reservations<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In Japan, you can stay in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hotel-discounts\">hotels<\/a>, hostels, and inns, or you can stay in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ryokan-japanese-guest-houses\">Ryokan<\/a> a traditional Japanese inn.<\/p>\n<p>Unless you are a resident of Japan, when checking in to any accommodation, by law, they are required to make a copy of your passport. A useful tip, especially if you are traveling in groups, is to present the staff a <strong>photocopy of your passport<\/strong> to speed up check-in.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1101\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1101\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-1101\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/ryokan-tatami-e1489144840214.jpg\" alt=\"Tatami floored room in a ryokan\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/ryokan-tatami-e1489144840214.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/ryokan-tatami-e1489144840214-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1101\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tatami floored rooms are found in most ryokan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Keep in mind that especially<strong> during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-holidays\">national holidays<\/a> you should book your accommodation in advance<\/strong> and that Japan is mostly a cash only country, and that many smaller forms of accommodation do not accept credit cards. We advise you to bring enough cash to be able to pay in advance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Useful tip:<\/strong> if you are taking a day trip and you don\u2019t know what to do with your luggage, we suggest you read our article about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/transporting-luggage-forwarding\">luggage forwarding and coin lockers<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Traveling_with_children\">Traveling with children<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Very little planning is necessary for travelers with children heading to Japan. <strong>It is a safe, easy to explore, kid-friendly destination.<\/strong> It is no wonder that it is increasingly gaining popularity as a top <strong>family vacation spot<\/strong>. There is an incredible array of activities and child-friendly tourist attractions.<\/p>\n<p>From visiting the snow monkeys, petting the deer in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a>, riding the bullet train, climbing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-fuji\">Mt.Fuji<\/a> or a walk through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama. Seeing the amazing castles like the ones in Matsumoto, Hikone, Himeji, and Osaka, or even going to one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/theme-parks-japan\">Japan\u2019s theme parks<\/a> including Fuji-Q Highland, Tokyo Disney &amp; Disney Sea, and Sanrio Puroland (Hello Kitty). <strong>Japan really has something for everyone in the family!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most museums, theme parks, amusement parks, trains, offer discounted prices for children under the age of 12. Children below the age of 6 usually get in for free. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\">JR Pass<\/a>\u00a0also has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/children-discount\">special prices for children<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Cash_not_credit_cards\">Cash, not credit cards<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Japan runs mostly on cash!<\/strong> While most big department stores and hotels accept credit cards, the most common method of payment in Japan is cash. Many businesses like bars, shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and caf\u00e9s do not accept credit cards and even lack the technology to do so. Other businesses, while they may accept credit cards, will apply a minimum charge to accept payment with this method.<\/p>\n<p>Japan is an extremely safe place, where it is possible to carry around large quantities of Yen in one\u2019s wallet. <strong>You can easily find a 7-eleven to use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-atms-in-japan\">ATM<\/a> in bigger cities.<\/strong> However, this could be almost impossible in smaller towns or more isolated areas. So always make sure to carry around plenty of money especially when traveling outside major cities.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Avoid_tipping\">Avoid tipping<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Japanese are well known for their remarkable service. However, unlike in the U.S., <strong>tipping is not customary in Japan<\/strong>. In fact, it does not exist and may be regarded as an insult. For example, if you leave a tip in a restaurant, the staff will probably run after you to return your money. The way they see it, they require no extra incentive to do their job properly. However, some restaurants may add a 10% service charge<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Healthcare_in_Japan\">Healthcare in Japan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Japan boasts a first-class affordable health care system.<\/strong> In general, there are no communicable diseases of significance and health hazards are few and far between. This is also due to Japan\u2019s obsession with cleanliness. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere, and food hygiene standards are very high.<\/p>\n<p>Because cities like Tokyo or Osaka are extremely congested metropolis where millions have already touched everything you touch, the <strong>Japanese encourage their visitors to wash their hands with soap throughout the day<\/strong> as often as possible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"note\">For updates about advice <strong>regarding the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak<\/strong>, please check our page on whether <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-japan\">it is safe to travel to Japan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Emergency_numbers\">Emergency numbers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In case of emergency here are all the important numbers you need to know. You can call using a mobile, landline or payphone, and they are toll-free.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>119 &#8211; <\/strong>Medical emergency<strong>\/\u00a0 <\/strong>Ambulance \/ Fire<\/li>\n<li><strong>110 &#8211;<\/strong> Police<\/li>\n<li><strong>118- <\/strong>Coast Guard (Sea Rescue)<\/li>\n<li><strong>03 3501 0110 &#8211; <\/strong>Tokyo English-speaking Police (weekdays 08:30-17:15)<\/li>\n<li><strong>03 5276 0995 &#8211; <\/strong>Tokyo Emergency First Aid Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The <strong>Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Institution Information Service<\/strong> provides an emergency translation service over the telephone &#8211; <strong>03 5285 8185.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Japanese_National_Holidays\">Japanese National Holidays<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most important holiday in Japan is <strong>New Year<\/strong>. The New Year celebrations go from December 30 to January 3.<\/p>\n<p>From late March to early April on average (May in Hokkaido), Japanese celebrate the festival known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\"><strong>cherry blossom<\/strong><\/a> (<em>sakura<\/em>) viewing. It is a truly magical season. It is almost impossible to predict exactly when it will happen until about a month beforehand. If you want to visit Japan during the cherry blossom season, please check our nifty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossom forecast<\/a>, which we update regularly starting February.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1094\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1094\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-1094\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/himeji-castle-cherry-blossom-e1489142445938.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season\" width=\"700\" height=\"445\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1094\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The longest holiday in Japan is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/golden-week-travel-tips\"><strong>Golden Week<\/strong><\/a> when there are four <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-holidays\">public holidays<\/a> within a week. During this busy week, trains are overcrowded, that is why we highly recommend that you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/seat-reservation\">reserve your seats<\/a> in advance.<\/p>\n<p>The largest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/summer-festivals-japan\">summer festival<\/a> is <strong>Obon<\/strong>, which honors departed ancestral spirits. It is held in mid-July in eastern Japan (Kanto) and mid-August in western Japan (Kansai).<\/p>\n<p>Except for New Year\u2019s Day, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, it may be observed with a bank holiday the following Monday.<\/p>\n<p>If the Respect-for-the-Aged Day falls on September 21 and the Autumnal Equinox Day on September 23, then September 22 will also be declared a holiday. This is known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/golden-week-travel-tips#Japanese_Silver_Week\">Silver Week<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The list below is accurate for national holidays in Japan for 2019:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>January 1<\/strong> &#8211; New Year&#8217;s Day<\/li>\n<li><strong>January 2 and 3<\/strong> &#8211; New Year&#8217;s Bank Holidays<\/li>\n<li><strong>January 14 (Second Monday of January)<\/strong> &#8211; Coming-of-Age Day<\/li>\n<li><strong>February 11<\/strong> &#8211; National Foundation Day<\/li>\n<li><strong>March 21<\/strong> &#8211; Vernal Equinox Day (this holiday may vary between March 20 and March 21)<\/li>\n<li><strong>April 29<\/strong> &#8211; Showa Day &#8211; first holiday of Golden Week<\/li>\n<li><strong>April 30<\/strong> &#8211; Abdication of Emperor Akihito<\/li>\n<li><strong>May 1<\/strong>&#8211;\u00a0Beginning of a new Era, &#8220;Coronation&#8221; of new Emperor Naruhito<\/li>\n<li><strong>May 3<\/strong> &#8211; Constitution Memorial Day (part of the Golden Week)<\/li>\n<li><strong>May 4<\/strong> &#8211; Greenery Day (part of the Golden Week)<\/li>\n<li><strong>May 6<\/strong> &#8211; Children&#8217;s Day &#8211; last holiday of Golden Week (it&#8217;s actually day 5, but it moves to Monday as it falls on Sunday)<\/li>\n<li><strong>July 15 (third Monday of July)<\/strong> &#8211; Sea Day or Marine Day<\/li>\n<li><strong>August 12 &#8211; <\/strong>Mountain Day (it&#8217;s actually day 11, but it moves to Monday as it falls on Sunday)<\/li>\n<li><strong>September 16 (third Monday of September)<\/strong> &#8211; Respect-for-the-Aged Day<\/li>\n<li><strong>September 23<\/strong> &#8211; Autumnal Equinox Day (this holiday may vary between September 23 and September 24)<\/li>\n<li><strong>October 14 (second Monday of October)<\/strong> Health-Sports Day<\/li>\n<li><strong>October 22<\/strong> &#8211;\u00a0Enthronement of Emperor Naruhito<\/li>\n<li><strong>November 4<\/strong> &#8211; Culture Day (it&#8217;s actually day 3, but it moves to Monday as it falls on Sunday)<\/li>\n<li><strong>November 23<\/strong> &#8211; Labor Thanksgiving Day (or following Monday if it falls on a Sunday)<\/li>\n<li><strong>December 31 &#8211;\u00a0<\/strong>New Year&#8217;s Eve Bank holiday<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Tattoos_in_Japan_are_banned_in_some_places\">Tattoos in Japan are banned in some places<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Tattoos in Japan are considered taboo<\/strong> in many places. Although it is perfectly acceptable to walk in the street and visit attractions in the major cities, many Japanese people still associate tattoos with the Yakuza criminal gang.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tattoos are outright banned in most public <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/all-about-onsens-the-japanese-hot-springs\">onsen<\/a> baths<\/strong>. As no swimwear or clothing is permitted in these natural hot springs, covering up any ink is hard, but bandages are an acceptable option and it is also possible to <strong>visit a private onsen<\/strong> instead.<\/p>\n<p>Tattoos are also <strong>expected to be covered up if visiting swimming pools and gyms<\/strong>, and most water parks and beaches. Covering up is <strong>also advised if visiting any temples, shrines, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ryokan-japanese-guest-houses\">ryokans<\/a><\/strong> (Japanese inns).<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Removing_shoes_is_a_common_courtesy\">Removing shoes is a common courtesy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In Japan, as in many Asian countries, <strong>keeping shoes on when entering certain buildings is a sign of disrespect<\/strong> and should be avoided.<\/p>\n<p>This custom initially arose because Japanese homes were traditionally fitted with \u2018tatami\u2019 flooring, which can be incredibly hard to clean. Additionally, <strong>Japanese people use flooring for much more than just walking on<\/strong> and both typically eat and sleep close to the floor.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9554\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/hoshinoya-ryokan-tokyo.jpg\" alt=\"Hoshinoya Ryokan, tokyo\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/hoshinoya-ryokan-tokyo.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/hoshinoya-ryokan-tokyo-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Taking shoes off when entering someone\u2019s home<\/strong> is essential, and may also be expected in certain restaurants and the dressing rooms of clothing stores. In public places, it\u2019s a good idea to <strong>check for signs or a \u2018shoe box\u2019<\/strong> to indicate whether this is necessary and to follow the lead of others in the vicinity.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Public_transportation_is_incredibly_reliable\">Public transportation is incredibly reliable<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With a wide variety of services available including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen bullet trains<\/a>, buses, and extensive rail networks (including 150 lines and 2,000 stations of underground and overground rail in Toyko alone), <strong>Japan is well served by public transport<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Besides being widely available, Japanese public transportation has an excellent reputation for being <strong>efficient, clean, punctual<\/strong>, and extremely comfortable.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-tokyo-metro\">Getting around Tokyo<\/a> by subway<\/strong> is incredibly easy, safe and convenient, and you can also download the Toyko Metro phone app to help you navigate the city.<\/p>\n<p>For covering long distances, a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a> for traveling on Shinkansen is a must<\/strong> for getting around Japan cheaply, comfortably, and conveniently. The JR Pass can be used on a number of lines throughout the country, including Kyoto-Tokyo, Tokyo-Hiroshima, and Tokyo-Kanazawa.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Japanese_wear_surgical_masks_as_a_preventative_measure\">Japanese wear surgical masks as a preventative measure<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Travelers from the West who visit Japan for the first time are often surprised, and even alarmed, by the common sight of a busy street filled with pedestrians <strong>wearing surgical masks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>However, the sight of <strong>face masks in Japan<\/strong> does not necessarily mean a viral outbreak is underway. In fact, Japanese use of surgical masks is widespread on a day-to-day basis as a <strong>measure to protect from allergies and pollution<\/strong>, as well as to prevent the infection of others during the flu season.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-11614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/facial-masks-coronavirus-japan-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Japan Coronavirus outbreak\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/facial-masks-coronavirus-japan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/facial-masks-coronavirus-japan-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/facial-masks-coronavirus-japan-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Surgical masks are also increasingly being <strong>used as a fashion accessory<\/strong>, and the sight of brightly colored or branded face protection has become common in major cities. Face masks are also considered a good additional measure for keeping the cold off the cheeks in the winter months.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Disposing_of_garbage_in_Japan_may_be_a_mission\">Disposing of garbage in Japan may be a mission<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although Japan is an immaculately clean country, you may be surprised to see that the<strong> streets are virtually empty of trash cans<\/strong>. In fact, on many occasions may find yourself carrying a piece of garbage around for some time before you can find a place to put it.<\/p>\n<p>Trash cans are not common in Japan because of the <strong>cultural aversion to littering<\/strong>: Japanese do not typically eat or smoke while they are walking, and locals commonly carry pieces of rubbish with them until they can dispose of it at home.<\/p>\n<p>If you do find a spot to <strong>get rid of trash in Japanese cities<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find a group of different bins crowded together in which carefully separated bits and pieces have to be placed.<\/p>\n<p>Oftentimes, the nearest place to <strong>dispose of plastic or paper quickly<\/strong> may be in the trash in the closest convenience store.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Getting_around_and_understanding_Japanese_addresses\">Getting around and understanding Japanese addresses<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>In Japan, it can be challenging to find streets and houses based solely on the address.<\/strong> Japanese addresses are completely different from anything you have ever seen. They are long and confusing, and if you don\u2019t know how to read one correctly, you may find yourself lost and unable to reach your destination.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Japanese address system is based on areas.<\/strong> These areas are divided from big to small. Contrary to most address systems in the Western World, which usually start with the most specific area and proceed to the largest, the Japanese system is the other way around. <strong>Japanese addresses start with the biggest geographical area and move to the smallest.<\/strong> They begin with the postal code, followed by the prefecture, city, and subarea(s), and end with the recipient&#8217;s name.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Except for major roads, Japanese streets are not named.<\/strong> Instead, cities and towns are subdivided into areas, subareas, and blocks. Houses within each subarea were formerly not numbered in geographical sequence but in the temporal order in which they were constructed.<\/p>\n<p>Our tip for not getting lost? While in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/maps\">Japan online maps<\/a> are your friends!<\/p>\n<p>We suggest you read our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-apps-travel-japan\">Best apps to travel in Japan <\/a>and also consider purchasing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/sim-card\">SIM Card<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/pocket-wifi\">Pocket WiFi<\/a> for your mobile phone since they will be your best allies while in Japan.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Public_restrooms\">Public restrooms<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Finding public restrooms in Japan&#8217;s metropolitan areas is easy.<\/strong> You can always find bathrooms inside train stations, department stores, and all the main tourist attractions.<\/p>\n<p>There are three types of toilets in Japan: the familiar Western-style sitting toilets, the older Japanese-style squatting toilets, and the high-tech toilets.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Japanese-style toilets have a sort of porcelain hole in the ground<\/strong>, and you must stand over them and squat. The most important thing to remember is the correct way to squat, usually with your back facing the door. This type of toilet can still be found throughout Japan, especially in remote areas and public parks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Western-style toilets are the most common style toilet<\/strong>, as found in the Western-world. You sit on them as if it was a chair. The washlet or <strong>high-tech toilets<\/strong> <strong>have a control panel<\/strong> so you can wash and dry yourself after doing your business.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Most bathrooms provide baby changing tables in both women&#8217;s and men&#8217;s toilets.<\/strong> Large multipurpose-bathrooms almost always provide a changing station and can be used by families with small children. There are also special rooms with private booths for nursing mothers.<\/p>\n<p>Do not throw used the toilet paper into the trash can. Please flush it. However, <strong>do not flush anything other than toilette paper<\/strong>. Please throw used sanitary products in the garbage bin.\u00a0<strong>In Japan, restrooms are usually spotless<\/strong>, so do your best to leave them the same way you found them.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, keep in mind that each country has its own customs. Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-etiquette-tips\">Japanese etiquette<\/a> article to find out other do\u2019s and don&#8217;ts while traveling in Japan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japan is truly a captivating country where the past meets the future in seamless harmony. Only in Japan can you go from having your dinner served by robots, to traveling through the picture-perfect and quiet countryside. Discovering Japan is understanding the many nuances that make this country unique, so to help you prepare your trip we have gathered a list of important information you should know before your trip\u00a0to the land of the Rising Sun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[92],"tags":[],"acf":{"related_tours":{"tour_number":false},"pageresume":"Discovering Japan is understanding the many nuances that make this country unique, so to help you prepare your trip we have gathered a list of important information you should know before your trip.","bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","shortcodes":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>15 Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan | JRailPass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Planning to go to Japan with the JR Pass? 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