Traveling to Japan?

Pietro Bagnasco
Aug 24, 2017 · 5 min read

Here is what most travel guides won’t tell you


Japan was always pretty high on my travel list, it always felt like I HAD to go see where half of my childhood games, gadgets and memories came from.

DragonBall, #1 afternoon appointment for 90’s kids in Italy. Drop a tear if you grew up with these guys

Now, I was so excited about this trip that when the time finally came I wanted to study, I wanted to read and I wanted to prepare in order to fit in the culture and enjoy the experience at its best.

And I did. Or at least I thought so. Truth is, I turned out not prepared at all.

Here is a list of things you wont find on most guides:
(yes, I like lists. If you have read my other piece on Japan you already know by now so we’re getting one step closer to calling me “boring list guy”)

  • “Women should be let through the door first” gentlemen habit does not actually work here. I found myself (multiple times) offering way to women when reaching a a door, just to get a surprised look back. Japan values more Seniority and Age than Sex. So you’ll only need to let through older people or Senior people (in a business context).
  • Handshake is not a thing. At all. If you need to introduce yourself, just keep the distance and get your way through it with a few “Hello”. Also, keep in mind that “Hi” is very similar to the Japanese YES. Don’t mess up. Add a little bow for some extra point.
    Needless to say stay away from hugs.
The Ultima Guide to the perfect Bow
  • First names are rear to hear. Unless you are close friends, people tend to call each other adding the -San after the first name. Now, as a foreigner you’re probably not expected to do it, but they would definitely appreciate if you do. And then you will get called yourself “Pietro-San”, which is freakin’ awesome!
  • Download the offline translator English-Japanese. Not because you’ll try to actually say something, but rather because you’ll be able to show your question on the screen when you get lost at the train station. And you will.
I could only fit a small one, so I went for the easy Bus map at Shibuya station in Tokyo. The tube map do not fit my phone camera
  • Your foreigner shiny credit cards are not always welcome. Cash, and especially change (Japan has coins for anything from 1 to 500 yen) is vital. Anything from Tube tickets to drinks at the vending machines goes with cash. Credit cards won’t work either at train station and at most of the truly Japanese restaurants you want to go to.
    Bring cash, and tight your belt. All those coins will weight a ton.
  • Bring an empty backpack. According to Japanese costume, eating/drinking in the streets is a rude thing, which means you will not find a single trash bin within miles. The only bins are where the machines are. Double win: get your drink and throw away the old ones
    (Pro Tip: Some of the companies sponsoring these machines, automate them for Earthquake emergencies. Machines will be open and provide free drinks in case of humanitarian problems. Nice)
This is what Survival in Japan looks like. And Trash bins too, at the same time.
  • Take with you a bunch of old t-shirts and clothes, if you intend to go eat Ramen (and you should. otherwise you wasted a trip to Japan). Trust me on this one, I’m Italian, I should be pro at eating spaghetti-kind-of-things. But Ramen will most likely end up giving you an amazing culinary experience aaaaaand, a few stains on your t-shirt. Oily ones. Hardcore ones. (if you’re under 18 or not in charge of laundry, ask your mum she will confirm those are hard to remove)
Ramen, a dish worth a 12h flight. Usually it will cost you $5–8.All images Copywrite of Pietro Bagnasco.
  • Have your passport with you. At all times. Not because it’s a Police State but rather because tax Free shopping it’s a thing here. Huge plus is you pay directly the tax-free price , and have to do nothing but enjoying your purchases. No queuing at the Tax Refund counter at the airport, no forms to fill. Sweet.
    (If you are visiting Tokyo, Hakihabara is THE place for electronics. Check it out here)
Young people crowding the streets of Akihabara, searching for Manga or Games. Copywrite of Pietro Bagnasco.
  • Sushi is not as big as you think. It might be just me here but I was always convinced this was a pretty standard thing, like pasta for Italians or Burgers for American (hello Mr Stereotype!). I actually found out is not, and most Japanese people do not eat sushi that often. That’s why you will likely find few tourists in any Sushi place you go, and even Tourist Sushi restaurants so be careful. If you choose right though, you won’t forget it for a long time.
Yes, it’s out of focus. Try taking a good picture with one hand while lifting a sushi piece with chopsticks with the other hand and then call me. Copywrite of Pietro Bagnasco.
  • Give up on your shopping for clothes plan, if you are above 185cm (6').
    Do not enter any cool shop searching for that nice t-shirt, because if you do find it, it won’t fit you. Japan is made for Japanese.
  • Escalators in Tokyo work the opposite way thanLondon and NewYork, you have to keep on the left. The only thing that remains the same is how much you’ll piss off people if you don’t. They just won’t show it here, but they are pissed.
    (to make things easier, in Osaka is the other way around again. Thank you Japan!)

Now, I am not saying something went wrong here..but this guy made it even to the Tokyo Metro Stations….and no, it’s not compliments what’s on there.

)

Pietro Bagnasco

Written by

Born Italian, left in 2012 to the world. I work in Tech but will most likely write about my thoughts and my experiences as I grow up & find my way. Come say Hi

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