Japan, where Hello Kitty is from, is a country that can be visited at any time of the year, although during spring the cherry blossoms arrive, a natural spectacle that no one should miss.
The Japanese country, which has a population of 125,836,021 people, has temples, Zen gardens and Shinto shrines, which are examples of the spirituality that characterizes the Japanese.
It also has large cities that “expose the somewhat reckless frenzy in which Japanese society is immersed,” say the lucky ones who have traveled to Japan.
Those who have the opportunity to get to know this country will find small Japanese fast food restaurants in its streets, you will also come across young people dressed as manga characters and, with some luck, you will even be able to see geishas turning around a street corner.
If you plan to travel to Japan, we tell you 15 curiosities about the country, which will surely be very useful during your stay there.
15 things you should know about Japan, if you plan to travel to it
1. Smoking is prohibited
Smoking is not allowed in the streets due to the risk of burning someone. It can only be done standing still and at marked points, where there are ashtrays; as well as in bars and restaurants.
2. You will not suffer from hunger on the street
The streets of Japan are full of vending machines that sell all kinds of products, such as: soft drinks, snacks, hamburgers, ice cream and even lettuce leaves.
3. You cannot use a cell phone in the Metro
Talking on a cell phone is prohibited on the Shinkansen, the Japanese high-speed network; the Metro and other public transport, since it is considered a lack of respect, since tranquility and silence are two of the main features of the Japanese spirit.
4. You will save the tip
Unlike countries like Mexico and the United States, it is unusual and strange to tip, if you do, the waiter will probably follow you to return it.
5. You can eat on the Shinkansen
People bring their own food or buy it from a cart that frequently passes through the aisle, and eat it at their seat. Because the smell of food is very strong, it can make Western travelers uncomfortable.
6. They do not “tutean”
You are never spoken of to an older or more experienced person, especially in companies, sports clubs and associations that carry a hierarchy.
7. Never shake hands
In Mexico we are used to shaking hands and even hugging other people; however, in Japan physical contact is frowned upon, especially if it is a woman.
8. Salute with a bow
Because physical contact is frowned upon, the proper greeting is to bow politely; the more you bow, the more respect you show the other person.
9. Don’t even think about littering
In Japan, citizens are responsible with their waste; for example, if they eat a candy, they keep the wrapper until they find a trash can, they do not throw it in the street as unfortunately happens in Mexico.
10. The streets have no name
Most of the streets do not have a name, the reference to navigate is the district and the name of the neighborhood, so you must be very careful.
11. Modern bathrooms
While in Mexico paper is used to clean oneself, in Japan the toilets do the dirty work, since they are characterized by having a small control with buttons that activate their different functions, the most famous being the trickle of water that helps to clean intimate areas.
12. In Japan you can make noise when eating
If you have ever been called out for making noise while eating, you will not have any problems here, it will even be seen well, because that means that you are enjoying the food.
13. Karaoke
Karaoke is the preferred nightlife option for the Japanese. They are divided into rooms or private rooms and, in some of them, there is also an open bar for drinks.
14. Carry cash
It is not common for card or mobile payments to be accepted, so if you are going to travel to Japan, it is important that you always carry cash.
15. You can sleep wherever you want
In Japan you won’t be judged if you fall asleep on public transport, during work meetings, in class or at a conference, as that means you work a lot.
15 curiosities of Japan that you will like to know if you are going to travel there