4 small tips for life in Japan

(Updated August 2020)

Mt Fuji, Yokohama

Japan, the safe, clean land of amazing food, entertainment, service & craftsmanship! 

Here are some 4 little-known tips to make your trip that much smoother.

1. Dense population
   Most people take public transport in the city, as it is on time and convenient. It can get crowded, especially before and after 9am-5pm. On the train, place your bag at your feet or in front of you, so it doesn’t bump into others. So you don’t need to say ‘sumimasen’ (sorry) and feel bad if you turn around and hit someone with your bag accidentally. Small things like this keeps things peaceful.

2. Neat shoes at the entrance
   Japanese people, like in most Asian countries like to keep the floor of their houses clean, so please remove your shoes before you enter a house or even a traditional restaurant.
   You will notice that there will be a ‘step up’ to go into the house and a shoe cupboard to put your shoes. If there is no cupboard, then you can place your shoes neatly together with the heels facing the step. This is so you can easily put your shoes back on before getting out. Convenient!

Easy access & neat shoes :)

There are indoor slippers for inside to keep your feet warm and the floor clean. Sometimes, there are even separate slippers provided to change into when using the restroom.

3. Taking care of your futon

You may sleep on a futon in Japan, although Western style beds are quite common nowadays. If you do, make sure you fold your futon away every day, or else it will collect mold and/or dani (mites) and ruin your tatami mat! Rotate it regularly to prevent sink spots. Hang your futon outside in the sun every week to let it air out/kill germs. The best time to dry your futon is between 10am and 3pm, when the sun is the strongest and the humidity is the lowest, for 1 or 2 hours on each side. A drying cover is a sheet you put over your futon to protect it from pollen outside and other particles, as well as from fading. Black is the best for a drying cover, since it will help the futon heat up. They can be bought at places that sell futons and most department stores. Once you are done airing out your futon, bring it inside and lay it out on the floor for a while to let it cool down to release moisture. A nice clean futon is the best feeling! ^^

4. Finding Your Way Around
In a big city, Google Maps, although it seems reliable, is not much help, as it drops you near the vicinity of your desired location, but not the actual destination. Zoom out so you can see the whole picture. Don’t walk around looking at your smartphone; it is dangerous and frowned upon in Japan. There is a special phrase for it: “Aruki sumafo”.

The best thing to do is to ask the locals for directions. Ask a shop attendee or someone close by and say: "Sumimasen, (excuse me), ___ wa doko desu ka? (where is ___?)".

Have fun and enjoy your stay in this beautiful country!