Has anyone been to Japan? Tips?

[AK-Bird-brain]

Like hippie chick said, try eating local! But I recomend the squid, mmmmhhhhh teriyaki squid on a stick over a BBQ fire. I used to get 3 tenticles for 100 yen ($1) on an island just off the coast of Hiroshima.
Don't be afraid to ask directions! Most folks you ask will make it their job to help you. Most school children learn some basic English and love to practise.
Most important advice I can give, carry some toilet paper! Most public restrooms don't stock it. It's considered unclean to share public toilet paper. Some business put their advertisements on pocket size packs and have folks handing them out on the street.
Almost forgot beware of the green paste at restaurants and on sandwiches from vending machines. It's wasabi and hot as heck.

 

[preppy*hippie*chick]

My aunt spent three weeks in china and has a tip I think would apply. If he purchases any clothing - tell him to buy it really big, sizewise as the sizes are super small.

 

[SophieLain127]

Oh when I went my hair was a nice blue color so someone always wanted to touch my hair.... I didn't mind it.

My advice always carry a small messenger back in order to carry all your essentials in.

The most important tip ever
******Take lots of photos****** It is colorful and you never know what you're going to see he will want to remember this for the rest of his life.

 

[okiron]

Be prepared to be surrounded by people who want to use you to practice their english. Be prepared not to understand a word they're saying.

I'm Japanese and was born and raised in Japan

 

[Guinea Goonie]

The trains run at very strict intervals. Pay very close attention to the time lines, the train destinations, and have the schedule book handy at all times.

Trains are the way the Japanese get around and it is a VERY efficient system. Be sure he has someone that speaks the language order his tickets for the long train runs.

Be sure to visit the city of Kyoto. This is the one with all the temples and has the emperors palace. Book in advance for the palace tour.
Do not miss this opportunity to see this enchanted city.

 

[ORChick]

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I don't remember having any TP issues when we were there, but it is a good idea to carry a clean handkerchief or other small cloth in your pocket for drying your hands in a public restroom - there will be no paper towels.

 

[Cetawin]

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silly woman but you are correct. They know it in Spain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Austria, Switzerland, Brazil, Korea, Vietnam and last but not least Sweden. Those I have used that very "question" and gotten fabulous directions.


Oh yes and if he gets the chance...visit Sapporo. Depending on the time of year (as I forgot if it was mentioned in your post), there can be seen the Sapporo Snow Festival which is incredible and it so beautiful there. It is the capital city of the Hokkaidô Prefecture and can be easily accessed by train.

 

[okiron]

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Wait..what? Those are tissue packets that are given out on the street, I have never seen toilet paper being given out. Unclean to share toilet paper??? Where are you getting your information from?

 

[Bluemoon420]

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I had that happen too

My Dad was stationed in Korea for many, many years. I would usually spend my summers there while I was out of school. Well, My dad got me a job teaching slang english to college kids going US for college in the fall. Most of these kids were my age. They did speak english, but it was very limited.
Anyway, We used to get concert tickets which were usually in Japan. A bunch of us ( including some of the korean kids I made friends with) would get permission to go, and we always had a great time. I'm not sure how even to this day, but word spread I taught english. As we were leaving the concert to get back to our meeting point, I was surrounded by a whole bunch of Japanese kids who were pelting me with english phrases, swear words, you name it.
It was somewhat overwhelming, and funny at the same time to have someone saying the most obscure things ( Most were swear words ) and beaming with pride....Did I say that right?.

Bluemoon

 

[KattyKillFish]

my boyfriend just scowled and said "I want to go to Japan, I wish I was a student ambassador!"