{"id":2408,"date":"2014-08-29T14:36:54","date_gmt":"2014-08-29T14:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/?p=2408"},"modified":"2014-08-29T14:37:45","modified_gmt":"2014-08-29T14:37:45","slug":"orient-yourself-10-things-to-know-before-you-go-to-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/orient-yourself-10-things-to-know-before-you-go-to-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Orient Yourself: 10 Things to Know Before you go to Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a stranger to Asia there will be quite a few cultural differences you\u2019ll notice when you get there, but a good grasp of the language<\/a> will help you no end \u2013 as well as taking notice of these top ten tips!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Picture<\/a><\/p>\n

What to Pack:<\/b><\/h3>\n

1. Get Connected<\/b><\/h4>\n

Most of the sockets in Japan are compatible with a flat two pin 100 volts AC, 50-60Hz plug, which is also commonly found in the US, but not so much in the UK. A plug converter can solve this problem so pick one up before you go \u2013 they charge extortionate prices for them at the airport.<\/p>\n

2. Four Seasons In One Country<\/b><\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re going to be travelling the length and breadth of Japan bring clothes for all seasons as the country spans 20 degrees of latitude and the varying climate shows that.<\/p>\n

Depending on the season and where you\u2019re at, you may encounter monsoons, typhoons, heat waves, and snow \u2013 from the highs to the lows. But you\u2019ll also be well advised on the weather conditions by the locals as it\u2019s a hot topic all over Japan.<\/p>\n

3. Sock It To \u2018Em<\/b><\/h4>\n

Take plenty of easy to remove shoes and clean socks with no holes in because you\u2019ll be taking your shoes off all the time!<\/p>\n

A widespread custom in Japan is to take your shoes off when you enter a home. In fact most buildings, and in most cases there will be slippers provided or in worst case scenarios something that resembles a pair of Crocs!<\/p>\n

4. The Gift Of Giving<\/b><\/h4>\n

The art of gift giving is a complex tradition in Japan, where a simple faux pas can upset both host and guests, and cause for awkward silences all round. One thing that always goes down a treat is gifts from home \u2013 no matter how silly and tacky you think they are.<\/p>\n

Everything from Union Jack flags to royal family tea spoons to London Bridge key rings will be greatly appreciated, but to really impress, give gifts with Harrods branding on it \u2013 you\u2019ll have instant respect, whatever it is!<\/p>\n

5. Health & Safety<\/b><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to get a high price premium medical insurance cover<\/a> because health treatment is very expensive in Japan, and medical facilities have been known to refuse treatment for visitors that aren\u2019t insured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bonus Information:<\/b><\/h3>\n

No Visa Required<\/b><\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re heading to Japan from the UK or the USA you\u2019re good to go without any extra stamps in your passport \u2013 for three months<\/a> anyway. You can get this extended up to six months by officials, so keep an eye on the time!<\/p>\n

Fast Cash Is A Bit Slow<\/b><\/h4>\n

For such a technically advanced society finding an ATM machine is a bit like a treasure hunt.<\/p>\n

Even in shops and restaurants it can be a bit of a lottery, so it\u2019s a good idea to take hard cash with you for the first few days, and when you find an elusive ATM machine over there, make the most of that withdrawal opportunity\u2026 it may be your last for a while!<\/p>\n

Send \u2018em Packing<\/b><\/h4>\n

A really handy service when you\u2019re travelling around Japan is the forward luggage companies, so you can travel bag free and arrive at your destination with your things awaiting you \u2013 or at least not far behind!<\/p>\n

You can send your bags from hotel to hotel or to the main airports, and in most cases it\u2019s an overnight service and relatively cheap, but you pay per item so it\u2019s a good idea to take one large bag rather than two medium ones if you\u2019re going to use this service.<\/p>\n

There are plenty of companies that provide this service, and airports and hotels can point you in the right direction, but the most popular one is Yamato Transport<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bless You<\/b><\/h4>\n

Don\u2019t take a cold with you, because\u00a0sneezing<\/a>\u00a0and nose blowing is considered the height of bad manners, although sniffing is acceptable. Don\u2019t be surprised by the number of locals wearing surgical masks either \u2013 if you want to get on the bandwagon, you don\u2019t need to bring your own mask with you, you\u2019ll find plenty available over there!<\/p>\n

Hold The Phone<\/b><\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re planning on taking your phone to Japan, think again. UK, and indeed most of the world use the Global System for Mobile communications standard (GSM), but Japan uses a CDMA version which is not compatible so it won\u2019t work.<\/p>\n

Even if you have a CDMA phone you\u2019ll need it to use 2100 MHz band, and then if that\u2019s the case, it\u2019s a lot cheaper to get a SIM card with an assigned number than the very expensive global roaming alternative \u2013 or just leave your phone at home and enjoy your holiday!<\/p>\n

Japan is a fantastic country to visit, and the people are lovely, especially when visitors make an effort with their language \u2013 so book a course<\/a> near you soon, then book those flights and it\u2019s \u3055\u3088\u306a\u3089<\/b> (sayonara!) to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a stranger to Asia there will be quite a few cultural differences you\u2019ll notice when you get there, but a good grasp of the language will help you no end \u2013 as well as taking notice of these top ten tips! What to Pack: 1. Get Connected Most of the sockets in Japan(\u2026)<\/p>\n

\n
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