What problems should I pay attention to when traveling to Japan?

With the development of the times, more and more people like to travel. Japan is also a good place to travel, but if you travel to Japan, you'd better know a little Japanese, which is helpful for your trip. You must know these tips about traveling to Japan.

1. It will be helpful to know a little Japanese.

In Japan, Japanese is the natural language of communication. Few Japanese can communicate fluently in English, and even if they can, most of them are too shy to speak, and even fewer Japanese can speak Chinese. After all, Chinese is more difficult than English. But don't worry too much. Almost all vehicles have signs in multiple languages, and restaurants in tourist areas will also provide menus in Japanese, English and even Chinese for the convenience of customers. If not, you can even look at the Chinese characters in Japanese to get a general idea. But learning even the most basic Japanese phrases will certainly bring more convenience to your trip to Japan.

2. Take some common medicines for travel.

It is best to prepare some daily medicines for domestic use before going to Japan. Drugs that may be easily available in China are prescription drugs that can only be prescribed by hospitals in Japan, or they are not available at all (such as Yunnan Baiyao). So be sure to prepare some commonly used drugs before you leave, so as to be prepared.

3. The railway system may be confusing

Japan has a huge and comprehensive railway network connecting the whole country, but traveling between different subway lines in the city may often be confused, especially in Tokyo. Although all kinds of subways, light rails and trams all over the city can take you anywhere you want, even local people will use navigation software to find the most effective route. So downloading a navigation map is the best way to ensure that you reach your destination.

In addition, it should be noted that Japanese railways and subways belong to several different companies, so not all trains or subways can be transferred at the same station. When you are not sure about the train number, you can go to the information desk at the station, and they will answer your questions professionally.

The famous scenic spots are also crowded with people.

The main tourist attractions in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo may also become very crowded. When visiting Tokyo, you should pay attention to avoid the rush hour. It's best to arrange some less well-known parks, gardens, museums and shrines during the trip, which are a little far away from tourist hotspots.

It should also be noted that almost everyone in Japan is on vacation during the Japanese Golden Week holiday from the end of April to the beginning of May every year. The booking speed of hotels is usually much faster than usual, and the price of air tickets sometimes rises by more than three times, so when making travel plans, avoiding the Golden Week in Japan must be the focus.

In some places, guests with tattoos are not allowed to enter.

If you have tattoos, most hot springs, public bathrooms and water parks are off-limits for you. Although there are many places that allow tattooed guests to enter, there are still many places that are not allowed. Most Japanese people know that tattoos are actually common all over the world, but they are generally indifferent to tattoos in Japanese public cognition.

6. Public toilets may take a little time to understand.

Toilets in Japan are divided into squatting type and sitting type. If you are used to flushing the toilet at home, congratulations, just look at the picture signs and you can finish it. If you are used to squatting at home and come across a toilet with only flushing in Japan, you have to spend some time studying the function of each button. If it really doesn't work, just press the emergency button in the toilet and someone will help you.

7. Remember to bring enough cash.

With the approach of the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020, more and more Japanese businesses are installing equipment to receive cashless payment, but there are still many shops and restaurants that only accept traditional payment. Compared with the ubiquitous mobile payment method in China, Japan lags far behind China, so please bring enough cash when traveling. In addition, automatic withdrawal opportunities in some rural areas are closed after 6 pm. The last backup plan is to go to a convenience store that is open 24 hours a day. In most cases, you can find an ATM in it.

8. Dietary restrictions

Although vegetarian restaurants are becoming more and more common in big cities in Japan, it is necessary to make more travel plans in advance to meet more specific needs (such as vegan and halal food), and many ordinary restaurants cannot provide similar designated catering services.

9. There is no tipping culture

Tipping is not allowed in restaurants and hotels in Japan, and no one will think you are rude because you don't tip. In many places, there is no tip when checking out, but an "appetizer" fee is added. Some places will add table fees, and some more advanced restaurants will automatically add service fees to the bill. So pay the bill.

There may be earthquakes every day.

It is said that there are earthquakes in Japan every day. Most earthquakes are so small that you don't even notice them, but big earthquakes do happen and can be quite scary. The safest place in an earthquake is to hide under a solid bunker, such as a table. If it is in an unreinforced building, it is the best way to evacuate with most local people.