Going to Japan - preparation

To many people in the west, going to any Asian country is a big adventure. Their cultures and languages are very different from the western's.

One of the most popular Asian countries for traveling is Japan. Who doesn't like to visit there? One of the richest country doesn't always attract people with their thousands of business buildings or high-technology transportation systems. They actually attract more people with their old traditional Japan, still kept and preserved in its people and the land.

As you prepare yourself and plan to visit Japan, you will discover the first challenge for any traveler to Japan is the language. You may know "Kon nichiwa", at leat, but their complicated language is not the only wall for us.


Learn some basic expressions in Japanese:

• Basic greetings

Know what to say when greeting someone. Make sure to know "Excuse me", and "I'm sorry", as well as "Thank you".

• Typical words for travel needs

Here are some keywords for travel. Taxi, bus, subway, hotel,
Asking destination



Basic mannerism

• Bowing

Shaking hands are ok if the person is accepting. In a formal situation, greeting is more common.

• Taking off your shoes

When you visit someone's house, you must take off your shoes. People in Japan almost never wear shoes in their houses. They take off shoes at the front, often place them in shoe box.

• Using chopsticks

Many people like Asian food, as we all love Chinese restaurants, so this may not be a difficult thing for some people. But they expect to use chopsticks for certain food. Forks or spoons may not be available.