!['Stop With the Personal Questions!' - Things That Shocked British People When Visiting Japan](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/04/a0004203/img/basic/a0004203_main.jpg?20200827073026&q=80)
England is home of London, a beautiful and historic city, and of landmarks like Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site. What is the impression British people have of Japan when they visit?
In this article, we will talk about things that shocked British people when they came to Japan. (The following reflects the opinion of the interviewees only and was written by a Japanese national.)
Unfortunately, there aren’t many restaurants offering vegetarian options
![Unfortunately, there aren’t many restaurants offering vegetarian options](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/04/a0004203/img/en/a0004203_parts_5e4dccaa2c416.jpg?20200827073026&q=80)
A British woman in her 40s living in Japan with a child talked about Japanese food.
“I heard that Japanese food is healthy, but I can only find dishes that use meat or eggs. It felt like there weren’t many vegetarian restaurants. Yet tofu is the best healthy food. When I went to Japan, I always had tofu salads.”
This British woman does not eat meat or eggs. Japan uses fresh eggs and juicy meat often, but for this woman, it’s a problem. It’s good she found delicious tofu, though.
Christmas presents on New Year’s?
![Christmas presents on New Year’s?](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/04/a0004203/img/en/a0004203_parts_5e4dccc18731b.jpg?20200827073026&q=80)
“I was surprised by the custom of relatives gathering and giving out New Year gifts. In the UK we give presents on Christmas, but never on New Year’s. And the envelopes used to give money to younger people are beautiful.”
Since Christmas is so big in Christian countries, there is a different way of celebrating the New Year. Looking at the representation of Christmas in foreign movies and shows, with a large tree, a roasted turkey and a pile of presents, this holiday seems to have much more relevance than it does in Japan.
Spending a lot of money on presents and then also having to make the envelopes for your younger family members can take a toll on your wallet…
Don’t ask too many personal questions!
![Don’t ask too many personal questions!](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/04/a0004203/img/en/a0004203_parts_5e4dccd82ab08.jpg?20200827073026&q=80)
“Many Japanese men asked a lot of personal questions on a first date. I thought it was a bit rude. They want to know where you’re from, about your family, your job, etc. There was no second date with these guys, of course (laugh).”
It’s not unusual in Japan to talk about more private matters as a way to know each other, but it also gives the impression of jumping into one’s personal life too quickly. If you want to learn more about the other person, don’t be rude!
Japanese beer compares to British beer!
![Japanese beer compares to British beer!](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/04/a0004203/img/en/a0004203_parts_5e4dccf39e837.jpg?20200827073026&q=80)
“’Ale’ is a popular style in the UK, and I really like its rich taste. Until now, I thought that British beer was the best in the world, but if you drink a beer from a convenience store in Japan, you’ll see it’s delicious! It’s rich and the right amount of bitter, and it tastes fresh even though it’s canned beer! It’s really amazing.”
Japanese beer makers strive to make sure their beer not only tastes good, but it also stays fresh. Mr. J, who loves beer, was impressed by this skill.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
[Taste Test!] A New Product in the Popular 'Pikachu Tokyo Banana' Series! Adorable Special Cans Now Available
-
BicCamera Coupon! Tax-free, Plus Discount!
-
Experience the Magic: Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival (August)
-
Tokyo Summer Festivals: Bon Odori, Digital Festivals, and Theme Park Events for August 2024
by: Kaori Kimura
-
5 Quirky Japanese Summer Festivals You Must See: Dancing, Fire, Bellybuttons & More!
by: Miyu Shimada
-
Beat the Heat in Japan's Famous Hot Springs: 5 Recommended Summer Springs
by: Miyu Shimada
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
8 Scenic Hakone Lodgings with Breathtaking Views of Mount Fuji from Your Room
-
Make Your Tokyo Stay Comfortable! 10 Convenient Hotels with Airport Shuttle Service
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Breathtaking Views! Handpicked Tokyo Hotels with Tokyo Tower Views
-
Enjoy a Private Luxury Stay! Recommended Hotels with Night Views in Shinjuku
-
Stay Near the Cherry Blossoms! Hotels for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo
-
Top Hotels Offering Free Shuttle bus to Tokyo Disneyland
-
Best Hotels with Extended Stay in Hakone for a Comfortable Experience
-
10 Asakusa Hotels Featuring Views of Tokyo Skytree®
-
10 Open-air bath Onsen Ryokans in Hakone for Ultimate Relaxation
-
'With My Boss'!? 4 Weird Things About Japanese Bath Culture That Shocked Foreign Visitors
-
So You Think Your Commute Is Tough? Check Out Japan's Top 10 Most Crowded Commuter Trains!
-
10 Major Cities in Japan: Which One Should Top Your Bucket List?
-
What to Pack for Japan: 8 Essential Things for a Hassle-Free Trip
-
'Japanese People on Trains...' Italian Woman Surprised by Japanese Rules
-
Kichijoji – Explore Tokyo’s Top-Rated Stylish Suburb in Half a Day!
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks