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13 Basic Things You Need to Know When Coming to Japan for the First Time!

Vacationing abroad is super fun – but there are so many questions? Is the voltage the same as in my county? Are the rules and laws the same, such as shopping and traffic? Things that are normal at home are sometimes done entirely different in another country. Even on a global scale, Japan stands out as having a lot of unique cultural points, so first-timers to Japan may find themselves overwhelmed and, at times, confused. Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, you might still come across surprises when in Japan. Do people speak English? Are the toilets generally free or charged? How expensive is Japan? How available is free Wi-Fi? We’ll go over these and other questions to help you prepare for your trip and explore Japan with confidence. Here are 13 basic things you need to know about Japan!

Tokyo’s Spectacular Night Views: The 5 Very Best Photo Spots in Odaiba!

Odaiba
Exploring Tokyo Station: 10 Must-Visit Spots Around the Heart of Tokyo

Tokyo Station Downtown
Sightseeing in Asakusa: 7 Tips for Exploring Japanese Culture to the Fullest!

Asakusa Other Sightseeing
Ramen recommendations for Sapporo! A selection of unique dishes to try in Susukino

Sapporo / Chitose Ramen
[Movie] A Taste of Retro Tokyo! Rose Viewing on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)!

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Landscapes
Things to do in Sapporo: Exploring Nijo Market - Fresh Seafood Bowls & Crab!

Sapporo / Chitose Sashimi

What Do Japanese Really Buy? Top 10 Japanese Sodas at Keio Supermarket!

Tokyo's Surrounding Areas Grocery Stores

For the past few years, sparkling drinks have experienced a boom in Japan because of growing consciousness regarding health and nutrition. There aren’t only sweet sodas on the market but also fizzy drinks with zero sugar, with plenty of new creations being released by major companies on a regular base. In contrast to Europe, where sparkling water is enjoyed as it is, Japan has mainly used carbonated water to mix with whiskey and other spirits. However, more and more people in Japan are discovering it as a refreshment all by itself. Competition is fierce on the fizzy drink market, so we’re going to show you our top 10 favorites at Keio Supermarket!

Shopping at Keio Store: The 10 Must-Try Chuhai Drinks to Savor Japan’s Tasty Highballs!

Grocery Stores
Makeup and Skincare Must-Buys at Best 100 Yen Shop Daiso!

100 Yen Shops
Best View of Shibuya Crossing?! Check out the Deck in Magnet by Shibuya109!

Shibuya Department Stores
10 Major Cities in Japan: Which One Should You Visit?

Tokyo Station Downtown
Perfect Balance of Chocolate and Plum Liquor: Try the Brand-New “KitKat Umeshu Tsuru-ume” - Japan’s Popular KitKat Sensation!

Ningyocho / Monzen-Nakacho / Kasai Other Cafes and Sweets
Quirky, Cute & More: Top 10 Items at Sanrio World Ginza!

Ginza Other Shopping

[MOVIE] A Japanese Drum Experience at TAIKO-LAB

Shibuya Other Sightseeing

Have you always wanted to learn a traditional Japanese instrument? How about one that makes you exercise in the process? If the deep sound and rhythms of the traditional Japanese taiko drums have always spoken to you, why not try your hand at taiko drumming with a dynamic class? As I learned at TAIKO-LAB in Aoyama, taiko is more than just making sound; it’s about feeling the rhythm through your entire being!

[MOVIE] Tokyo Joypolis: Odaiba’s Indoor Amusement Park of Thrills and Fun

Odaiba Theme Parks
[MOVIE] Navigating Virtual Airspace with Skyart JAPAN

Shinagawa Adventure Activities
[MOVIE] DRUM TAO’S MANGEKYO – a Kaleidoscope of Taiko Drums

Shinagawa Shows
[MOVIE] Visiting Classic Maid Café Mai:lish

Akihabara Other Cafes and Sweets
[MOVIE]Become a True Gundam Pilot - Step into the P.O.D. at a Japanese Arcade!

Arcades
Stringraphy at Studio EVE: A Striking and Unique Musical Experience

Shibuya Other Contemporary Arts

Sushi, Snacks & More: Sampling 8 Local Treats on Tokyo’s East Side via the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)!

Shibamata / Kita-Senju / Kameari Other Restaurants

The Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) is one of the few remaining trolleys in Tokyo connecting the eastern part of the city with its center. This historic old line evokes memories of a time long ago when the city was crisscrossed by trolleys. Along this tram course there are several delicious places to visit and experience food that has been favored by local residents for decades and which can only be had there. They also make great gifts. The tram offers a one-day ticket for only 400 yen that allows you to get on and off the tram as often as you like—which is perfect for sampling the gourmet dishes offered at places found along the path of the tram.

What’s the best way to enjoy taking photos of the Sapporo Clock Tower?

Sapporo / Chitose Other Architecture
Top 10 Ranking of the Most Crowded Commuter Trains in Japan!

Shinjuku Lifestyle
10 Things to Know About Summer in Japan – From Weather to Events!

Summer
Delicacies! Feasting on dishes and pasta made with Rishiri bafun and purple sea urchin

Wakkanai Seafood
10 Things to Buy With Your Last ¥1,000 Before Leaving Japan!
Tips from a Japanese Travel Expert! 10 Things You Must Know Before Making Lodging Reservations in the Tokyo Area

Tokyo Station

Life In Japan: Filipinos Recommend Places To Visit!

Other Sightseeing

Japan is an amazing country to visit with many attractions for everyone. Whether you like long walks by beautiful landscapes, culture-rich locations, clubs, museums, unique attractions, or historical sights, Japan has something to offer. Sometimes it’s hard to decide where to go in your limited time. All of us tend to look things up on the Internet to find what might be best for us, but we rarely know if what we read and what we are going to experience is going to match. Furthermore, especially if it’s the first time for you to visit Japan, wouldn’t it be more comfortable and more of a sure shot to know what others who have been in your shoes recommend? To get an insider’s perspective we spoke with several attendees at this year's Philippine Festival in Tokyo to hear which places in Tokyo and around Japan are a must-see for visitors – especially those from the Philippines!

Layover in Tokyo? Check out these useful services at Narita Airport (NRT)!

Narita Airport
Visiting Hokkaido: 10 Things you need to know about Hokkaido before you go!

Sapporo / Chitose Other Sightseeing
Tokyo, the City with the World’s Largest Population Density: 18 Times Japan?!
8 Japanese Words That Say More Than English Ever Could
Is Japan Really a Safe Country? Let's Take a Look at How Their Crime Rate Compares to the Rest of the World!

Tokyo Station Other Sightseeing
Visiting Tokyo: The Ultimate Asakusa and Odaiba 1-Day Itinerary

Odaiba Other Townscapes

English Word Usage: Japanese-Style

Japanese uses many loan words from several different languages, and sometimes the meanings differ from the original! Here we’d like to look at some words that originate from English but have a slightly different context than the common English meaning.