Basics
I would like to start with the basics:
Language
Primary language is Japanese. Although each prefecture has its own dialect/accent, you don’t have to know all of them to get by. I have been taking Japanese language classes, so I hope to showcase some useful phrases here.
To prepare for Tokyo Olympics 2020, Japan has been promoting the use of English and a lot of Japanese especially in the service industry have been learning English. I have travelled to Japan prior to, and after the pandemic- the overall level of English has been significantly improved. However, learning some simple phrases or keywords in Japanese definitely helps convey the message better. Most importantly, Japanese will be very happy to know that you are trying to learn their language!
At least in the tourism sector, I noticed a number of salespersons can speak Chinese (mainly Mandarin), and Korean. At the airport and some stations, I have seen signs written in Korean and Chinese as well.
One key point to note about language is that Japanese don’t really say “no”. Instead of saying no, they say “chotto” (ちょっと…).
Money/Currency
Currency is Japanese Yen (円). Note that in Japanese, this is pronounced as “en” instead of how Americans pronounce it as “yen”.
I have exchanged yen in the US through banks, in other countries, and in Japan. Based on my experience, getting the money exchanged (US dollars to Japanese yen) in Japan has a slightly better rate. In all honesty, I just exchange the yen whenever the rate is favorable since I go visit so often.
Important culture point is that Japanese don’t like their bills folded, or damaged, or wrinkled. The main exception is the otoshidama (お年玉). This is the New Year money envelope. You may have seen them in Japanese stores like Daiso. The envelopes are small, so if you put bills into it, you will have to fold it. But even for this, you will fold a perfectly straight bill nicely for the kids. Don’t get me wrong - you can still use the wrinkled money, especially if you got them from currency exchange, but they do prefer straight money. Also, don’t hand money (bills and/or coins) into a Japanese person’s hand. Always leave them on the little tray next to cashier and avoid physical contact.
IC Card (pronounced as “i-shi-cardo” in Japanese because they don’t have “c” in their language. It is widely used and accepted in metropolitan cities like Tokyo and Osaka, for example, as a method of payment. You can use it in convenience stores (“konbini” in Japanese), and some stores/restaurants. Other than the physical cards, you can also get it through Apple Wallet. This is super convenient as I recently just bought an electronic Suica (separate from my physical Suica) on my iPhone and since I use my phone for directions, it helps that I can just use the phone to enter/exit train station gates.
Coins are essential in Japan. With the wide use of credit cards and IC cards, they still remain essential when you pay in cash. Unlike in the States or in Asia where you may not want to take the coins and would leave them as “tips” - Don’t do that in Japan. You don’t need to tip in Japan and it can be considered offensive. Just take the coins back. If you don’t like to carry coins, you can use them to refill your physical IC card at the stations, or use them in vending machines.
Transportation
Japanese public transportation system is very great. We prefer traveling by train, especially Shinkansen 新幹線 (bullet train), since we can enjoy the scenery while sitting comfortably. One of our favorite things to do is to buy some bentos and drinks from the train station and enjoy them on the shinkansen while looking outside through the windows.
Train system is very good in Japan and super reliable. I would suggest downloading some apps that are preloaded with the train maps, or getting familiar with map apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps for directions. The map apps are so good now that not only do they tell you the mode of transportation (i.e., walk, type of train/bus), they even tell you the timetables, which door is closest to your exit, and whether your IC card has sufficient funds for this itinerary (if you have the Suica in Apple Wallet like I do - it connects to my Google Maps app).
Services provided by the taxi drivers are amazing. They always make sure they handle your luggage with care (they even wear white gloves!). They are courteous and helpful, especially when you cannot speak Japanese, they will try their best to make sure they understand where you want to go to. The only downside is that it can be expensive. Our recent trip from Haneda International Airport (HND) to Shinjuku during peak hours was about 9500 jpy (at the time of writing this post, it’s about US $72) for 40 minutes of ride (due to traffic). In comparison, taking airport limousine bus would be around 1300 jpy (or US $10) per person.
Don’t worry - I have more information to share for each. Please continue to read my blog to find useful information about traveling in Japan.