Five Situations in which Tourists Had Trouble with Japanese Locals

It seems that Japan, the most backward country in the world, is finally reviving tourism little by little. As a man who has worked in the tourism industry and seriously loved my job there, I couldn't be happier.
However, it seems there are many people who are worried about coming to Japan, that is opening its borders for the first time in two years, as it is often said to be a xenophobic country.
So today, I will introduce the major troubles that used to happen in 5 different situations in Japan when tourism was still active. The troubles will be more related to unique customs in Japan towards the end, so I hope you can enjoy the full video.
I hope this video will be useful for anyone coming to Japan, not only for those who are coming for tourism.
However there is just one thing I need to make clear before I start. The rules I will introduce include some that Japanese people often break a lot, and some that may be considered common sense anywhere in the world. However they were actually things that became problems in Japan, so I have included them in the list.
If there’s anything else you’d like to know before coming to Japan, please let me know in the comments!
In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips on traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content!
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[Timecodes]
0:00 Let's START!
1:56 1. Trouble on the Streets
5:11 2. Trouble at Restaurants
6:52 3. Trouble on Trains
8:46 4. Trouble at Tourist Sites
12:30 5. Trouble at Onsen Hot Springs
15:55 The Ending
*The content is based on personal studies and experience
There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects
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[@atinyevil1383]

I really enjoy Japanese street fashion and there's a big conversation about how disrespectful tourists taking pictures, touching, and gawking at people in those fashions scared those groups away from Harajuku, which is sad. I don't understand how that's not common sense. You don't want people treating you like a llama at a petting zoo, so don't do it to other people.

[@onlyechos6810]

Have you ever seen what happens to people who mistreat Lamas? I have. I saw a little boy harassing two Lamas and it ended with him running to his parents crying. When Lamas feel threatened or annoyed they start spitting like machine guns.

[@picklewart5382]

I find it ironic that sheep from one country photograph sheep from another as if they're somehow any different.

[@ninjaneko]

Been getting into street fashion recently so this is sad to hear. People tend to treat the people of a country like an attraction rather than humans living their lives

[@atinyevil1383]

@@onlyechos6810 that's not really what I'm talking about.

[@MilesEdgeworthTheProsecutor]

@@onlyechos6810 So what you're saying is the responsibility of defending oneself befalls on the alt fashion wearers because they wear alt fashion or something along that line? That's just victim blaming. They're also human beings and deserve to be treated with respect just like other human beings. Human rights do not become lax when you diverge a bit from popular culture.

[@dyahrahayupradita80]

I always have this mindset that “you need to do like the Romans do” everytime i’m going abroad. In this case, everytime i went to Japan, even me, as a tourist myself sometimes i get annoyed by rude/ignorant tourist in Japan. I always kept annoyed with annoying tourists in Bali, Indonesia (my home country), so if i were Japanese, i will also feel annoyed by that and really understand about their feelings

[@DccAnh]

@@missplainjane3905 my answer for all of them is that Japanese are great people.

[@DccAnh]

@@missplainjane3905 yeah I have

[@AJM2408]

If people had this mentality they would learn so much from other cultures.

[@HaohmaruHL]

Japanese loooove to nab you with "do as romans do" when you're gok to japan. The irony is that when they travel abroad they still treat everyone around as gaijin (despite being gaijin themselves) and still behave as if they're in japan refusing to adapt to local norms. So much for do as romans do.

[@TheKaiTetley]

Yes!

[@mistergoodfellow5847]

Really appreciate you talking about tourism, the potential challenges with it, circumstances one might encounter, etc. It really helps to inform people - especially as someone planning on visiting Japan, possibly even Kyoto, in the near future. I'm very worried about coming across as disrespectful, uninformed, or just generally rude, so videos like these help me prepare to avoid that and "blend in" more. Thanks again Shogo!

[@c602]

You might as well just stay home.

[@mistergoodfellow5847]

@@c602 That's the plan for the next 2 years - think I'll see how it's going in 2024-2025.

[@rubyy.7374]

My perspective as a traveler: in most touristy areas of other countries, the people who dress in traditional garb do it in order to attract tourists and charge for photos. (Eg. People in Rome dressed as Roman soldiers.) My guess would be that tourists expect Japan to be the same, not knowing their work… isn’t to do that. (Not that there aren’t tourists who feel entitled, but I figured I could give my 50 cents.)

[@Wolfietjuh]

Might be as you say, though to my experience people in general seem to feel entitled to taking pictures of others when you wear some kind of "costume". This is often an issue when you do events such as cosplay conventions, medieval celebrations, 50's pin-up events, victorian era celebrations etc. When you dress up in the appropriate apparel, people feel entitled to snapping pictures of you. Not even just during the events, but also while you are walking to the event. I reckon people are just excited to see something unusual and they want to take a picture to show it to friends and family, but they forget that the thing they are taking a picture of, is a living individual human being. In many countries, taking pictures of individuals without consent is illegal by law, and someone donning a special outfit does not excuse you from this law, yet still this problem persists.

[@kazukimisaki2312]

The problem is japanese who dresses up in their traditional garb are NOT doing it for the tourist. They are wearing their work's uniform Imagine if someone walking up to a... I don't know a doctor or police officer who's wearing their uniform in their work place then demanded to get a photo of them. They might have urgent matter to attend to right? And they will be passed and ask the tourist to go away That's what japanese people feel. They are often is a rush when they are out in public wearing those dresses. And they have so little time to spare that they don't even have a chance to change their clothes! So in sparing even a minute for the tourist to take a photo, they are in risk to be late and their client can be mad at them. Japanese is a very punctual country. That even if a train arrive 1 minute late, the entire crew will issue an official apology

[@kazukimisaki2312]

@@missplainjane3905 yeah to kyoto once. And I met a geisha there but my tour guide explaines to me why its not polite to ask for photo shoot of them. And I appreciate him for telling me that

[@paulorocky]

On the phone call thing, reportedly there’s research showing that overhearing (ie: you aren’t making an effort to eavesdrop but you can still hear it) another person’s phone conversation can trigger stress. It might have something to do with not being able to hear the other side of the conversation. People who talk on phones also have a tendency to talk louder and faster to compensate for background noise and poor phone signals. Face to face conversations on transport tend to be softer, slower and more calm, as both participants can be mindful of those around them.

[@BigHalfSteps]

" It might have something to do with not being able to hear the other side of the conversation." I don't think so. I think people don't want to come over as eavesdropping so they want to effectively ignore it, but they can't. Leaving would look rude and if they stay, it also could come over as eavesdropping - that could lead to stress, since everyone in Japan is trying to conform and not outstand with bad manners.

[@RadenWA]

The lack of lip reading may also make people speak louder in the phone, although with masks now I don’t know how that affects it.

[@educateyourself3872]

The thing with the phone is that Japanese people sometimes do do it but they speak quietly into the door when on the phone. Regarding foreign people on phones in Japan, Japanese who get annoyed with it have to understand that many of foreign people’s relatives have a huge time difference, so sometimes their conversations can only take place during a limited time frame and therefore have to take place while on the train. On the foreigners part, there should be a reasonable effort to make it quiet.

[@johnnymelopochino6076]

I’m guessing the main cause of this tip-toeing with phone calls in train stations is them generally being very quiet. But I think forcing literally every foreigner to conform to every single detail in their rule book is a bit stingy to me. I can get behind learning the language, not being rude, and generally staying out of trouble but phone calls? It’s their personal lives they’re handling at that point and there are million reasons for someone to be on a call. I would say people should be mindful of their volume if they’re at a train station. But if they are handling a call out in the street there’s no reason for locals to feel the need to hear absolute silence especially if they live in a city, that’s kind of ridiculous.

[@lyndsaybrown8471]

Yes! Also, there's an inequality to it. Like the person the phone call expects everyone else to be quiet so that they can have their phone call.

[@killua_thecatboy]

As I was born in Japan and living in Japan, I always had to follow the rules in Japan in public areas, train stations and also on the streets. These points and rules in Japan that Shogo mentioned are really essential and I always had to follow these rules when I was living in Japan. I'm a very polite person and I want tourists to be respectful and I do want tourists to have a lot of experience and enjoyment of visiting Japan and living in Japan as well. It's a really important video from Shogo to learn from and I personally know these rules in Japan myself. Thank you very much for a wonderful video Shogo!

[@missplainjane3905]

Don't mind me asking. 1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, local products, scenery/landscape, standard of living/quality of life, etc.) on a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) How would you overall describe the characteristics of Japanese people ? 4) If you have 3 words or more to describe Japan, what would it be ?

[@Schilddruse]

The eating on the streets part always bothered me when I was in Japan. I really wanted to conform to Japanese norms and customs but I found that as a foreigner you just couldn't do it right, even when imitating what other Japanese people were doing. Where exactly are you supposed to eat the things you get at one of those food stands at shrines for example? We were desperately looking for a place to eat our Yakitori as we knew we shouldn't eat it while walking but you also shouldn't eat it while standing. But nobody is taking those home either. So when we had seen that other people sat on a bench while eating, we did the same thing and people still considered that as rude behavior. What's up with that?

[@DccAnh]

I think you should just ask a Japanese where you should eat it.

[@gerdanbombales]

@@missplainjane3905 1. No, they are still pretty old school mostly paperwork. 2. I havent really experience difficulty since I was a trainee in Japan, but living in Japan is expensive esp. in major cities. The rest food,scenery etc. are the best..my best times in my life. 3. Those who had I met are very nice. If just can at least read the room and follow rules and manners youll be fine. 4. Beautiful,Nice(Weather),Melancholic

[@HaohmaruHL]

No matter how perfect you follow and conform these Japanese norms the Japanese people would still automatically see you as a monkey who just came out of a cave. You're just wasting energy on pointless things instead of focusing on enjoying your stay. The longer you stay in japan the more of a realization it will become.

[@Roygasm]

At some stands there's a designated area where you can eat while standing so you can throw away the garbage at their stand as well. Even if you're copying what's happening in your surroundings, 9 times out of 10 they were looking at you because you're a foreigner, it usually isn't malicious or "you're being rude". You can also see people walking while eating a lot of the times at festivals and stuff because the food is made with that in mind. Shogo is mostly talking about situations where you grab something at the convenience store and start eating it on the way out.

[@lzh4950]

@@Roygasm Well after all Japan is also the land of outdoor stand-up _ramen_ restaurants also

[@francocorbelli3941]

Finally my father, who traveled to Japan in the '70s (a different world, no internet, no English, no maps, no translators, in short, travelers, not tourists) had a card prepared, written by a "real" Japanese, with something like (I quote from memory) "I'm Italian, I didn't want to be rude, I just don't know your customs. Please forgive my bad manners and please call me a taxi" as last resort :-)

[@francocorbelli3941]

@@missplainjane3905 No. Planned in late 2020 (too hot in summer) but covid block everything. Really sad

[@level20art50]

At least here in the US, I find it very rude myself when people come into a restaurant and bring outside food. Most people who are traveling will be carrying water bottles, as they should to keep themselves hydrated, and will still order a drink at a restaurant, so I'm not as bothered by drinks. And most food is a kid's meal from a different restaurant because they know the kid won't eat what's there, which I also don't see too big a problem with.

[@Miss_Wonderful1]

In Italy you could never consume the food or drinks you brought yourself. If someone (babies or people with allergies) need a special kind of food, they should inform the restaurant beforehand (at the entrance is fine, because not many restaurants require reservations).

[@leclashjuste8790]

Reastaurant owner can kick you out if you bring your own food,, Restaurant is not Rest Area or Public Garden.. It's Like you go to the Bar and you bring a pack of Beer from Walmart.

[@RadenWA]

As an Asian, I often hear people doing it by bringing rice into restaurants that doesn’t serve them as they can’t have a proper meal without rice. That is obviously not the issue in Japan so idk what food these people are bringing. And before people ask, yes, these people eat rice with stuff like pizza and pasta. Judge them to your heart’s content.

[@ActivelyVacant]

With the exception of baby food, I have never heard of people bringing their own food into a restaurant.

[@khalilahd.]

This is actually so helpful!! I want to visit Japan (hopefully next year!) and I never want to offend anyone so I’ll definitely be keeping this in mind! 🙏🏽

[@Anthropomorphic]

The rule about not making phone calls on the subway is pretty common internationally, I think. Supposedly, there's something almost inherently annoying about listening to someone talking on the phone, because the fact that you're only able to hear one half of the conversation repeatedly prompts your brain to try to "correct" what it perceives as incorrect or incomplete communication.

[@anitatapodi3375]

In Finland on trains we have dedicated tiny cabins for making phone calls to avoid disturbing others but people sometimes still do it and so annoying.

[@jeffsvlog203]

No such rule in Australia

[@jtho8937]

No such rule in Singapore or Malaysia

[@Spacemongerr]

@@anitatapodi3375 That's cool. In Norway trains have three types of carriages: normal, family and quiet. In quiet sections you shouldn't even speak to companion really except some quiet whisper if necessary. In the normal section it is still not well seen to talk loudly on the phone, phonecalls should be short and quiet. And family section is obviously for kids, there they can make some more noise but not scream and run around like maniacs.

[@XxHunterlovexX]

Before I visited Japan for the first time in 2016, I researched some “do and don’t”. I was taking Japanese courses for college, so I knew some stuff. If I’m going to a new country, I want to be as respectful as possible and search for things. Unfortunately, I had some friends who didn’t care and 1) got any trouble and 2) got them kicked out except for me, but I still got the second wave of embarrassment.

[@missplainjane3905]

Don't mind me asking. 1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, local products, scenery/landscape, standard of living/quality of life, etc.) on a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) How would you overall describe the characteristics of Japanese people ? 4) If you have 3 words or more to describe Japan, what would it be ?

[@Onewith24]

I remember visiting Kyoto, when a friend and I was going to onsen, it was no trouble following the rules, because in Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland(I'm from Sweden), it is common to always wash before going to sauna or to the swimmingpool and then after spending time in sauna or swimmingpool, you get up and wash again and always follow the instructions of what to do with towels and the hair etc. It wasn't that complicated.

[@ArktinenPeikko]

As a Finn, I was about to comment on this exact same thing. And overall, all the rules said in this video just seem to be a common sense stuff we are accustomed in Nordic countries as well. Hats off when stepping inside, especially in places of worship etc. even if you are not that religious yourself, just common courtesy. Also applies when eating, outside or inside. Carry your trash if you can't find a bin, try to mind your own business in public transport etc. And of course, shoes off when inside a house (or a place which requires you to do so). Like my fellow swede here said, it's really not that complicated.

[@missplainjane3905]

@@ArktinenPeikko You visited sir

[@HaohmaruHL]

I go to onsens several times a month and you'd be surprised but most who don't follow the rules and go into onsens without even washing themselves are the old japanese jijis

[@samuraijackoff5354]

@@HaohmaruHL Rebels till the day they die

[@That_One_Gaming_Guy]

It's nice to hear Japan is (slowly) opening up. That's cool Also I don't get the idea bringing your own food to a restaurant. I undersatnd if it's for babies, but for regular adults? Then just don't go. So I understand being an issue with restuarants as a whole rather than pure a Japanese concern.

[@renmasaki2331]

6:32 try it again.

[@That_One_Gaming_Guy]

@@renmasaki2331 Will do

[@renmasaki2331]

@@That_One_Gaming_Guy 🤦🏻

[@ronumpleby3517]

"Also I don't get the idea bringing your own food to a restaurant." Right!? You don't bring McDonalds into Burger King, or even Katz into Tavern on the Green... disrespectful to both restaurants!

[@That_One_Gaming_Guy]

@@ronumpleby3517 Exactly

[@wynegs.rhuntar8859]

This kind of videos are A LOT useful for non-japanese speakers, some of these problems are completely understable, but others (if you're a gaikokujin) you can't know what to do if you bearely know the culture. Thanks for the tips, Shogo-San!

[@GuillaumeCeccarelli]

First of all. Thank you! I’ve been learning a lot through your videos over the past few months :) Being a wheelchair user, I must confess a small anxiety I have about the shoes rule and overall maintaining of indoor floor cleanliness when coming from outside. I’m sure I’ll figure it out with people once I come. However, I thought it an interesting “exception” you may have insights about, considering your experience in the tourism industry, by which I mean accompanying many people with various backgrounds and quite possibly constraints. All the best!

[@catherinekenyon7555]

Great question! I occasionally use a cane, so it would be interesting if he would address cane usage in places, too.

[@pvffin]

My late Japanese grandfather was a wheelchair user (he passed in 2018). Last time I visited him (2017), not a lot of people cared about indoor floor cleanliness when it came to his wheelchair because, well, he was old and disabled. So people around him do try to make exceptions and accommodate to his needs as best as they can. In places that really care about cleanliness (hospitals, temples, homes), they often had a spare wheelchair in advance and slippers or clean the floor after the wheelchair user leaves. I don't think you should worry too much about the people's attitudes but worry more about which locations are wheelchair friendly. But, take my word with a bit of salt because I haven't been to Japan in the past 5 years and things change a lot in those times. Hope that gives at least a bit of insight. If you'd like some readings on wheelchair users though, look up Hirotada Ototake. Hope this helps even a little.

[@KurtCollier]

I listen to most podcasts, and watch most of my KZbin at 1.5x-2x. On KZbin, I usually have captions on always. I don't see creators help their audience optimize their experience with the content like you do. I really appreciate this feature of your work. You have really brought your hospitality work into your video content in a complete way.

[@valeriegirard4798]

Thank you Shogo for this video. The most word is RESPECT. To not forget what to do or not, there's one question to think about for people"would you enjoy if someone do this in your house (example throwing dirty paper on the floor), or do it to you (photos) ?” If the answer is NO, so you can't do this ! 😉 That's m'y way of living 🙂

[@nourah5033]

Honestly when I visited Japan I felt like I was walking on eggshells. I don’t want to look like a bad tourist and make the rest of my countrymen look bad but Jeez, Some of the rules are a bit too much it’s hard to keep up.

[@c602]

Don't worry about. The average person on the street is just going about life. This notion that the Japanese are easily upset by the slightest deviance is plain nonsense.

[@missplainjane3905]

@@c602 Don't mind me asking. 1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, local products, scenery/landscape, standard of living/quality of life, etc.) on a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) How would you overall describe the characteristics of Japanese people ? 4) If you have 3 words or more to describe Japan, what would it be ?

[@trkimura]

Guys I have always loved your videos but I gotta let you know that your group efforts are really paying off! The content is covered perfectly and it’s well edited!

[@dirtymike69420]

Can't get enough of these videos!

[@juntam0m0]

When i visted Tokyo in 2018, I was a bit surprised to see a lot busy sidewalks being shared by pedestrians and cyclists. Since then ive always wondered how often do incidents/accidents happen between pedestrians and cyclists, particularly involving foreigners such as me who are not accustomed to that kind of situation.

[@Josh_Quillan]

I've lived here for 10 years and ride my bike on the sidewalk every day. Never hit anyone, although I came close once when an old lady walked out directly in front of me and instead of trying to move just stood and screamed. I don't think I've ever seen anyone else have an accident either. There are rather vague rules about when it's OK to ride on sidewalks and when it isn't, but my policy is to always use a bike lane when there is one and if not, I assume the pavement is fair game. I've been hit by a car once, someone who went over the line on the road as I was passing; my luggage rack was bent out of shape, and his front bumper was fragged; since we both had damage but the law says any time a car and bike have an accident, it's always the car's fault, we agreed to just deal with it ourselves. I kicked it back into shape in two minutes, and he...I don't care, he was driving dangerously and he clearly knew it. Like any road user anywhere, trying to make plain to others around me what I want to do, and trying to do the most easily predictable thing in any given moment is always the best, safest policy, but in my experience the key to cycling safely in Japan comes down to three things: - knowing the law about cyclists' behaviour, - understanding that the law has a clear, unbreakable hierarchy with pedestrians at the top, cyclists one step down and cars below them, so if I hit a pedestrian it is 100% my fault, 100% of the time, irrespective of what they were doing, and it's never safe to assume the pedestrian has any awareness of me or common sense at all, it's all on me to make sure I don't; and - giving way to anything that can kill you, i.e. anything with an engine, unless you are entirely certain they are giving way to you. It can be frustrating, and I have at times considered replacing my bell with an air horn. But it all comes down to the larger picture: when you're a foreigner it doesn't matter what you're doing, the rule is the same - as an outsider, watch what insiders around you do, and do that, or something like it.

[@HaohmaruHL]

Tokyo is quite safe when it comes to sidewalks and bicycles. But wait till you visit Osaka - I hold for my dear life walking the street every day. The generule rule of thumb is "always assume there's a crazy speeding cyclist at any given time behind you". There are so many that it feels you're always a single pedestrian walking among a bicycle marathon. They usually don't give a f about your existence and try to speed everywhere. I always try to find and walk the backstreetd every time when I go somewhere just so I could avoid bicycles. I come from a place with lots of car accidents and even back home I didn't have as much anxiety walking down the street as I do here in japan

[@redsofaanimation]

Amazing videos shogo! You have helped me understand Japan more and more. I can’t wait to visit the country in a near future.

[@dirtymike69420]

Also, you are an incredible teacher. Very easy to follow and well explained and has depth. Thank you!

[@erlanggasatyaputera7952]

Thanks for the information shogo-san 👍👍

[@wolfganghaiden5817]

You are amazing Shogo san. I love your videos a lot. So informative. Your voice is so nice and soft and calming. It feels really great to listen to you. Thank you for being so great

[@albertb.martinezjr.9218]

I've been watching your videos for quite some time now and I want to thank you for all the information you've been sharing. I'm Filipino and my fiancée is Japanese and she was the one who recommended your videos to me and I could say I've learned a lot and want to learn more. I truly appreciate your time and effort making these awesome informative videos and I've recommended your videos to my friends too. Dōmo arigatōgozaimashita Shogo sama ☺

[@Devil6660707]

i love the vibe of your videos! you almost always say to change the speed of the video, but i never do! i love the speed, its so calming and relaxing!!! :)

[@oscarvi3232]

Yet another thoroughly enjoyable video. Thank you.

[@rztrzt]

3. But people eat on many trains like the shinkansen etc where they get a bento at the station, some trains even sell food on the train. The no eating thing is probably more applicable to the city commuter trains where it's crowded.

[@exexalien]

Yeah, I live in the countryside and it's not uncommon at all to see people eating and drinking on local trains, provided they're sitting down (and not typically on a crowded train during peak hours either). It's not even that unusual to see people drinking beer or sake.

[@rztrzt]

@@exexalien I'm subscribed to a few Japanese train channels where entire journeys are recorded out the front window. The rural videos are my favourite for the beautiful scenery and the atmosphere on those rural trains can be quite lively with people chatting away, laughing, kids voices etc.

[@robertsantiago953]

@@rztrzt Give us the link of those channels pls

[@Shiromochimochi]

Basically, you should not do that act on local trains, express trains or rapid trains (It should not be done at any time of the day, whether in the city or in the countryside.) However, eating and drinking are allowed on limited express and Shinkansen(Super express) trains that have private rooms, desks, and rest areas inside the train. If you must eat or drink, please do so after sitting in a chair at the station.

[@gurufabbes1]

love your videos, shogo. please keep them up

[@Kewlausgirl]

We found bins everywhere! But when we couldn't we saw people had plastic bags where they would sort their rubbish into the bins when they came across them. We found this right away, so started doing that exact same. I think that's the issue when people travel... They don't take in what the locals are doing and following that. We learnt most things by watching people or asking people :) Plus the Airbnbs we stayed at would share most of these tips with us too. So we were really grateful for booking an Airbnb for the first week we stayed in Tokyo, as our Host helped us a lot with getting the run of things and that helped us during our one month holiday, traveling across Japan! :)

[@alessandrorinaldi842]

This channel is so usefull i actually think you're saving lives.

[@JimFortune]

I love how he strikes the tatami with an upward stroke, and it gets cut on a downward slant.

[@YondaMoegi]

I won't visit Japan any time soon, but someday I would. And I am a pretty anxious person, so I appreciate instruction-like videos so I could know how things are done beforehand

[@alfoncesmithe]

Long before I travelled to Japan the first thing I did was lots of Research ( more then a year) where I wanted to visit getting around and of course Respecting the people in there own country so I had a greater understanding before I arrived there, & it all payed off. When visiting Kyoto which is so beautiful I was very interested is photographing Geisha & maiko & I did understand when you see them walking as quickly as they could in there kimono they are working & I did try to photograph them BUT it was the Japanese Photographers that seem to be more of a problem in the streets some 20 plus getting in the way of the Geisha and calling out to them, there are many videos here on KZbin and you can clearly see this problem is not only form tourist, when I saw a few foreigners taking photos they where some distance away & not in there way as always your videos are very useful and helps us have a greater understand on your lovely country. thank you

[@missplainjane3905]

Don't mind me asking. 1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, local products, scenery/landscape, standard of living/quality of life, etc.) on a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) How would you overall describe the characteristics of Japanese people ? 4) If you have 3 words or more to describe Japan, what would it be ?

[@applegurrll]

I so love your videos, I think you are wonderful and so kind in your presentation and tone. Thank you for doing such an amazing job! 💛

[@seeryu42]

I do feel that removing trash cans in places like the Tokyo metro recently is a big mistake. They originally quoted it was for security and they often already removed them temporarily around major events, but I’m seeing more evidence it was for budget reasons instead. JR still keeps them at least, but for other train companies this move really is a customer unfriendly policy that puts Japan in a bad light.

[@educateyourself3872]

It’s horrible. We can’t throw anything away anymore and have to risk it leaking in our bags on the way home. Yea I heard it was for budget reasons too, yet they can still afford hiring two guys at the top and bottom of the stairs to keep repeating “keep left” “keep right” etc. and also keep giving stations facelifts, but they can’t keep the garbage cans people need.

[@bocahdongo7769]

Espescially Tokyo Metro, definitely they would do this Just remember where the Sarin Gas Attack came frome

[@DetroitSoul]

I've been watching your channel on the sidelines for months and I've always found your videos very well done and informative....and today I discovered that you used to live here in my state of Michigan, USA. That my friend, earned you a new sub from me :)

[@captain_dn]

15:32 Thank you so much for all the helpful knowledge you share with us Shogo! However, I believe it is absolutely the visitors fault, if they do not prepare before visiting another country to soak up as much info as they can about where they are headed, so as to not disrespect, or disrupt the people that live there. I can understand culture shock, and no one is gonna know/or remember every rule when they finally visit a new place, but it is certainly not the country's fault the visitor is unprepared.

[@johnnycycle69]

I've always found when visiting or living in another country, your a guest and its very important to be a very polite guest, you represent your country and you always want to at least be a decent representative to your nation. When visiting anywhere. so always learn the rules and customs of any country you visit. I lived in Korea for a year. so I got educated in foreign culture quickly. there were some culture shocks but I got over them quickly. even learned the language witch helped a lot. have basic conversational language is key to be a better guest.

[@nyecov]

Thanks for making such videos about Japan. Hope I will be able to visit once!

[@lone6718]

In the US the old school rules/manners was to remove your hat and non-prescriptions eye wear when entering a building, especially a religious one. But we had hats and sunglasses confiscated by teachers also….and that was in the 90´s.

[@LoriQuaid]

I have heard that some hotel staff will not make dining reservations because if their guest doesn't show up for his reserved table, the restaurant wants to charge a fee. Hotels have been charged the fee because they are the ones who made the reservation, which makes the hotels reluctant to provide this service.

[@19741226ify]

i enjoy your channel. it is very informative.

[@ScarletBrotherhood]

I'm glad you clarified the shinkansen. Your video was making me feel like that was a trap, them selling me sando, and then looking down on me for eating them. The clarification made me feel better. :-)

[@samsanimationcorner3820]

I actually think my dad would really love Japan given how neat and orderly of a person he is. A lot of this stuff I already knew or was common sense, but I think this is a great refresher and it provides a much deeper explanation than some other videos I've seen.

[@theofilos4202]

Very useful information 👍

[@fourleafclover2377]

I can understand the talking on a phone problem even in the USA there are people who feel annoyed by listening to someone tak on the phone but don’t say anything if I was on a bus in the USA I don’t really like listening to someone talk on the phone which may explain why they prefer to talk amongst themselves

[@ShinSeikiEvan]

Some of these rules are common place everywhere. But I feel like there are way too many rules in Japan. And the Japanese break them all the time, so I find it a bit hypocritical that they get mad at Westerners for breaking them. Like when I was in Kyoto, I was walking with a friend down a foot path. There was writing all along the path that bicycles were prohibited, but bicyclists continuously came through ringing their bells at me to get out of their way. It was REALLY annoying and I felt like yelling at them in my bad Japanese "Nihongo yomehen ka? Chari Kinshi ya, nna aho!"

[@NoOne-ev7vj]

Some day someone should do a video on how the US has to deal with foreign tourists as well. When I lived in Seattle I saw some appalling behavior from what I could only describe as tourists that we as Americans would totaly find offensive or rude. But these types of videos only ever point out how places like Japan have to deal with it. this channle doing it is understandable giving the nature of the show but honestly wheres the reverse equivalent for the US?

[@ShinSeikiEvan]

@@NoOne-ev7vj I get where you're coming from, as I live in that region. Lots of stories to tell. It not just the tourists, but it's also many of the 1st generation immigrants. But I feel like if I made a video about it on my channel, people would call it xenophobic.

[@snorremortenkjeldsen6737]

Annoying indeed, but don’t be that gaijin who calls Japanese people ‘aho’ for something like this

[@HonestFarmerLigue1Fan]

@@snorremortenkjeldsen6737 Japanese people who call tourists who paid a lot of money to visit your country as "gaijin" is practically begging to be called "aho"

[@RadenWA]

@@HonestFarmerLigue1Fan Gaijin literally means “foreigner”. There is nothing inherently derogatory about it, like you have the right to call tourists in your country “foreigner”. But Japanese people who breaks their own rule do deserve to be called Aho.

[@Kewlausgirl]

That's odd. We travelled all over Japan and went into really obscure restaurants and local shops without reservations. But there were always free tables available. We were always able to communicate by writing things in English or trying our best to repeat basic Japanese phrases to get by :) Never had any issues with going into a Japanese restaurant off the street though! But for the super expensive ones we reserved them online or called them before hand. But that was only a few. The rest we were able to go in and ask if a table was free. That phrase in Japanese is always best to learn! :)

[@lasticonoclast2960]

Agreed. I frequently travel to Japan on business, and one of the joys is exploring new restaurants. Most restaurants in major cities have sign-in sheets and chairs placed outside for you to wait until one is seated, first-come, first-served. The only time you need to make a reservation is if you want to dine at one of those hidden restaurants that cater to "regular locals" or the establishment is popular and in high demand (e.g., Michelin star rated). Eating is also permitted (even encouraged) on certain trains like the Shinkansen where food is sold on-board and they have fold-out tables. The train stations also offer delicious bento boxes to be eaten on board.

[@MrZachzippo]

My father was in the military and was stationed on Okinawa. I was only 3-6 at the time and it was some of the most formable times of my life. I remember when he took the family to Japan were we stayed in a military hotel. There were trails and we got to walk around the countryside near Mt. Fuji. I had would like to visit sometime in the future after I retire. I was curious what disability services are available, that is accommodations for those in wheelchairs, etc. My apologies as I do not know how to refer to the islands as they are all part of the Japan nation now.

[@MrZachzippo]

@@missplainjane3905Yes I do consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country. As for rating Japan, I would have great difficulty in rating the standard of living from the snapshot of over 70 years ago when I was there. Eliminating that I would say 9 to 10. Once know to them, they are typically respectful, considerate, charming. I country and culture rich with traditions, customs while existing on the edge of the future.

[@Ckawauchi35]

Most of these things were reasons why I had a huge cultural shock when I first lived in the States. After about 30 yrs, I am going back to retire in Okinawa and your videos are helpful with my transition. Thank you.

[@Ghostmaxi1337]

10:57 in German its similar, my Grandma had the saying of "Schuhe aus oder Raus!" Shoes off or out!

[@JimMendenhall]

Thank you for this very informative video. I can't wait until Japan starts to allow solo tourists again! One thing that confused me when I was there was the trash system. Often times it was separated by "burnable" and "not burnable", other times in different ways. An overview of this would be extremely helpful as in America we generally only have "recyclable" and "trash."

[@darthzayexeet3653]

In my opinion, I like your "Omake" Style more. Your Structure and Bullet points are cool, but I honestly prefer the style of the casual free talk at the end. Please do more of this if you can, it feels way more fun and not so strict and rigid. Sorry if my English isn't the best, it's my third language (German and Polish are the first two).

[@tpopfever]

Most of these tips are really common sense for most Asian countries. Korea, Thailand, etc. As long as you follow them you should be fine and enjoy your trip!

[@dmweibel7423]

Thanks for the information. Did not know about some of these issues. When I have visited and lived in Japan, seen some breaking these rules. I think one should know these taboo when traveling where ever you go. Oh, some of my favourite places visited in Japan are Koyasan and Kyoto.

[@keiyangoshin3650]

Thank you for this great video! Many of these issues emerge from a combination of, a language and culture barrier and, being rude and unobservant. For myself, I try my best to properly prepare in advance when visiting a country where 80% of everything is different. I’m sure I’ll make mistakes regardless. But I won’t panic, or feel too bad, if I know I tried my best. 😊

[@teresakusic8308]

I'm watching this a year later and addressing these issues is great, but sad knowing what you addressed in this video IS happening 😥 now in Kyoto. It makes me appalled that people are so rude when visiting.

[@auracle6184]

Hi Shogo! I wondered if you have any experience of blind people living or visiting Japan? I'd love to visit one day (I'm from the UK) but I'd want to be confident that my wife who is blind wouldn't be frustrated by accessibility problems or by appearing rude when there's something that she hasn't seen. A video on the topic would be very interesting!

[@marymerrill1612]

Thank you for clarifying about eating on shinkasen.

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

Thanks! Love your informative videos … SE Michigan, USA… too cold here for you and family 22 Fahrenheit today

[@jillmondt5398]

As always Shogo, thank you for the clue in. 🙏🏼

[@Secret_Takodachi]

It's embarrassing to see so many items on this list that aren't exclusive to Japan not be understood by travelers as "common sense" whether you're from the Americas or Europe a lot of the items on this list including the entire bus/train section are just "don't be rude" requirements that are pretty universal. Then again the other half of the list include VERY Japan specific customs so this video is great for explaining those issues and giving context behind "the rules". Thanks for the great info, hope it's still relevant a decade from now when I expect travel to ACTUALLY become viable in Japan again... 😮‍💨

[@ecroker53]

eating while standing was surprising but understandable. i do not agree with it, however, asian customs are different and more conservative. i do agree eating while walking in dense places is annoying…it bothers me in the states. not having many trash cans outside definitely was an interesting note i did not know.

[@mats7492]

Ive seen many people eat in front of a 7/11 in Japan.. I don’t think it’s a big problem

[@miguelito8912]

I been to Japan multiple times. For my first time I did some research cause I didn’t wanna break rules but most importantly I didn’t wanna feel/be embarrassed. For trash I always carry a back pack with a plastic bag for trash. In Kyoto I stayed in Gion and the house next to me was like a Geisha/Maiko house. Saw them walking in later at night . Never took a picture of one cause I feel it was disrespectful. The only interaction I had with one was cause she walked next to me and I couldn’t helped it so I said to her: kirei! (Pretty or nice) and she laughed and smile at me.

[@udorechner6846]

Very informative video.

[@ronumpleby3517]

I disagree that it is the fault of the Japanese people not learning the language of their guests, and being unable to communicate the rules and traditions. It is the responsibility of the guest (tourist) to learn the language, or at least learn the rules of each of the places they will be going. Thank you for this unique look into Japanese culture!

[@MrInuhanyou123]

I think this is a bad take, because Japan depends on tourism not the other way around. And are also more and more dependent on audiences from abroad from many industries, if makes total sense for Japanese to learn English to get ahead. If English wasn't the most popular language in the world it would be different

[@missplainjane3905]

@@MrInuhanyou123 You visited

[@DccAnh]

@@MrInuhanyou123 Japan doesn’t much depend on tourism though, that’s why they close the country during the pandemic, because tourism is not that important. Also not everyone have time to learn a foreign language, they’re busy and have other more important work to do than to care about the feelings of some random foreigners who come to their country no less. Imagine trying to make the house owner learn your language just so you don’t have to learn his language when you come to his house, that’s just entitled and disrespectful at its finest.

[@Jack1994hoo]

@@DccAnh no offense but if you work in tourism specifically, it is really helpfull to learn a foreign language, that improves relationships with customers, which translates into profit, so it is in their best interests to learn another language.

[@sheilavil3244]

It seem that Japan is a strict with a lot of rules i didn't know ! Thank shogo explains in details about everything in this video and also i really grateful that you speak kindly and clear too ! For Now i may be less stressful ! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@HaohmaruHL]

That's nothing, actually. Wait till you start working in a Japanese company. That's when you're at "please kill me" level of strict rules you didn't know.

[@DraylianKaiju]

This has been hugely enlightening and informative, I have a great respect for Japanese culture and the last thing I would want would to be disrespectful. I hope to visit Japan in the next year or 2 and want to not only enjoy my visit but to be a courteous visitor in your beautiful country. Thank you Shogo!!! :)

[@HCWu-hi6dq]

Perhaps can add the following points which have direct legal consequences: Troubles in shops: For the same shop with multiple stories, (E.g. book off) try your best to find a cashier at the same floor and pay it before you leave for another floor. There are many occasions that foreigners don't realize and trigger the alarm. Troubles in trains: Not all trains can be boarded in a station without a reservation. Some trains are reserved-only. For example, there was an occasion before foreigners mistook the NEX express with the airport Narita (エアポート成田) in the old days at Shinagawa as they have the same platform. NEX express is a reserved-only train. Similar applies to Skyliner. Boarding those trains without an extra reservation ticket is considered fare evasion in Japan. For passengers holding JR pass, you will still need to book your seats in advance.

[@sallymoen6371]

Thank you for these helpful hints. As to the litter: Is it okay to pickup other people's litter that is soiling the walkway/gutter? Here in the U.S. it isn't usually done, but I have heard of 'plogging' (jogging + picking up litter). And neighborhood cleanups on a periodic basis will encourage citizens to pickup litter as a community. In some cities, there are people paid to pickup litter. So I'm wondering if I would get a side-eye from others if I saw a wrapper on the street and picked it up to carry it to the convenience store garbage bin.

[@tazreenrahman3587]

After watching all your videos about the culture, people, and mostly the dos and don'ts of Japan, I should relax on my own home, watch Japanese movies and anime, Japan travel blogs, and learn to cook delicious Japanese meals.

[@jhighway5972]

Thank you 😊 💓

[@ososmemory8290]

I discovered this channel recently, I really enjoy it so far! I grew up loving Japanese culture, so now that I am married my wife and I want to take a trip there. While she is short and chubby, I think she will be fine as a tourist, but I am kind of awkward. I am built broad and chub, sport a full beard, I am mexican and brown, and almost 2 meters tall, any tips for a traveler like me?

[@kvom01]

When talking about eating on trains, this applies to the local metro trains. On long distance trains it's pretty common to eat from the bento boxes sold at the stations. For restaurants that require reservations, I've found that many require your hotel concierge to charge your credit card if you don't show up at the restaurant. For that reason, the concierge can make a reservation for you for only the days you are staying at the hotel. The rules for onsen also apply for public sento baths. The ones I went to would rent towels, but I needed to bring my own soap.

[@missplainjane3905]

1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, local products, scenery/landscape, standard of living/quality of life, etc.) on a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) How would you overall describe the characteristics of Japanese people ? 4) If you have 3 words or more to describe Japan, what would it be ?

[@ElitePortraits]

Im becoming the "friendly kawai alien" in my neighbourhood after your videos, thank you sensei . You have no idea how helping your videos are for me. In order to behave, it is a must to understand the root of every culture.

[@HaohmaruHL]

I bet every time a random piece of litter spawns on the streets in the neighborhood they automatically think it's their "friendly kawaii alien" who did it ;)

[@GrumpyKay]

Why are they calling you an alien at all? That's extremely offensive.

[@zetsushoren]

from someone who has never seen a maiko or been to kyouto prior to my visit with my family back in 2019, i guess i could say that we didn't really know what the deal with the geisha was, or why they were dressed that way as foreigners who didn't know the culture, i'm ashamed to admit that perhaps the reason why we take photos of them is because we assume that they are a tourist attraction themselves and that it's okay to take photos of them

[@E_M_O_Lizzie]

This was really helpful, but I am curious…. When I was in Japan, my friend waited in line for me while I went to get something else at the store and when I went back in line many of the people who were behind me were very mad and cut me and gave me dirty looks when we got to the front. Is it not normal to hold someone’s place in line in Japan? I did a lot of research on social rules and expectations, but I couldn’t find anything on lines, but see how those people reacted it seems like it was not ok. Holding someone‘a place in line is normal in America and there is a whole slew of rules and expectations that come with it, too. I understand that different places have different rules and social expectations, but at the time of my visit to Japan, there weren’t a lot of videos or articles on social exceptions. I am really glad you and other channels have been going more in-depth to social rules and expectations for Japan. It’s really helpful!

[@smallfish01]

Because you are late, and ppl came earlier than you already waiting, why you can get in early just because have some friends holding for you? This is why made them mad. The truth is you are late, no matter what you have friends or not.....

[@Mizuyah]

Should have just given the stuff to your friend to pay on your behalf but I’ve seen locals do this as well to be honest.

[@missplainjane3905]

@@Mizuyah Don't mind me asking. 1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, local products, scenery/landscape, standard of living/quality of life, etc.) on a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) How would you overall describe the characteristics of Japanese people ? 4) If you have 3 words or more to describe Japan, what would it be ?

[@HaohmaruHL]

It's rude but there were many occasions when I queued in Tokyo Disneyland and Universal studios japan when suddenly a group of young people pops up in front of you holding tons of snacks because someone held a place for them while they went shopping for food

[@E_M_O_Lizzie]

@@HaohmaruHL Interesting, hearing how younger people are starting to do it, it might become the new norm in Japan. I wonder if they learned it outside of Japan. I know it’s normal in America, but I don’t know if it’s normal elsewhere, too.

[@herbstwind9962]

I've never had a reservation when I visited a restaurant in Japan and it was never a problem. Sure, somtimes the restaurant was full, but then I simply went to another restaurant. I think that's not a difference to other countries

[@c602]

True.

[@junrosamura645]

I live in Tokyo and never made a reservation unless it was for a big group. I just show up and its never been an issue.

[@Fuzz82]

I imagine it was the tourists being rude and entitled. Or simply not understanding that the restaurant was already fully reserved.

[@hatsuoki]

Hi Shogo! Thank you for the video! I thought I knew all of these but apparently I didn't. When I visited, I knew I shouldn't eat while walking and we were not headed back to the hotel, so we stood outside the conbini to eat. Where should we eat in situations like that? Thank you!

[@FuzzyKedama]

Hey Shogo, I dunno if anyone pointed this out, if not then allow me to be the first. I want to applaud you and your team and more specifically the person who edited your video. I noticed a significant drop in the use of the sound effects specifically like when bullet points are displayed or when a picture of a character is shown. I've done my fair share of video editing for not only myself but for others and it always bothered me (not just as an editor but as a viewer) when there's a gratuitous overuse of sound effects (unless it was done deliberately for comedic effect or for some other specific purpose). 🍺

[@AaaaNinja]

I was part of a group hosted at an event in Rochester New York. One pair was visiting from Spain and they had trouble finding places where smoking was permitted.

[@HaohmaruHL]

They should come to Osaka instead. The local jijis have no trouble smoking in your face anywhere

[@ERTWcoach]

Nice; thank you.

[@Yashar110]

That was informative

[@JinxHowlia]

Hi Shogo! I am a huge fan of your channel and I do have a question for you. I am going to be moving to Japan in about 2 years and I am really excited to immerse myself in the culture and society. My main worry as a foreigner is that I don't want to inadvertently disrespect the people or the culture in terms of language and/or mannerisms. My fiancée and I want to have a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony there. What are some of the "must-knows" when it comes to these aspects?

[@prodge888]

Shogo, you really make me want to return to Japan!

[@sebastienkneur1280]

When I went to Japan, I tried to be as respectful as I could but I think I disrespected some rules though. Thank you for teaching them to us. I am learning japanese and I wish I’ll be able to return in Japan speaking enough japanese to understand and be understood. 教えてくれてありがとうございます。

[@missplainjane3905]

1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, local products, scenery/landscape, standard of living/quality of life, etc.) on a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) How would you overall describe the characteristics of Japanese people ? 4) If you have 3 words or more to describe Japan, what would it be ?

[@abunchabears]

Are there a lot of problems that tourists with tattoos might cause without knowing?

[@IQzminus2]

As a Swede I’ve heard quite a few swedes coming home having the opposite problem with the photos with Maiko and Geisha. We swedes often are blond and blue eyed, which I guess was seen as unusual and exciting(?) I have multiple friends coming home from Japanese trips talking about having Japanese people regularly pose for photos and film them without asking them for permission first. And it happening often when they were sitting on a bench tired and trying to get a break. So often they couldn’t get any rest or be still for any longer amounts of time, because people would start taking photos or bothering them without out asking. I’m a Swedish person that doesn’t like being in photos. Is there any thing I can say to politely but sternly make it clear I don’t want people to take photos or pose for photos with me?

[@witchytitan1870]

A few of these seem really obvious, but a lot of them i've never heard of. I'll definately be watching this video a few more times before I travel o7

[@AngelRedRose0]

Love the video keep up the wonderful work it’s really education, but I don’t understand that it’s really hot there caz in my country it’s 50 degrees I’m from KSA/ Saudi Arabia

[@asheralexandersmith]

I often have seen Maiko in Kyoto (including in a number of private events) and it still makes me feel amazing too, whenever I spot a Maiko again on the street! I try to subduedly say konnichiwa if I can.

[@missplainjane3905]

1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, local products, scenery/landscape, standard of living/quality of life, etc.) on a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) How would you overall describe the characteristics of Japanese people ? 4) If you have 3 words or more to describe Japan, what would it be ?

[@holland9199]

I was always told🙄’When in Rome do as the Roman’s’ (as we have learned from the female basketball player in Russia)

[@Gamercat01]

I learned some things I didn't know about at all. Thank you Shogo! :)

[@shiimeica]

So I remember that when I was in a train/metro in Tokyo, I saw a Japanese woman ate her bread secretly. The bread was in her bag and she ate it slowly and after she finished, she put the plastic in her bag. I don't know why. But I guess there're some people who don't obey the rules although they're locals as well lolss

[@missplainjane3905]

Don't mind me asking. 1) Do you consider Japan as a highly developed and advanced country ? 2) How would you personally rate Japan (from culture to technology, architecture, food, local products, scenery/landscape, standard of living/quality of life, etc.) on a scale level of 1 to 10 ? 3) How would you overall describe the characteristics of Japanese people ? 4) If you have 3 words or more to describe Japan, what would it be ?

[@UNSTABLE111]

hahaha about the onsen..so i did rinse myself and washed up...but I absolutely ALMOST ate crap because the water was alot deeper than i thought..thankfully caught myself before further splashing and fortunately i caught my towel before it hit the waters...so ALMOST a hard lesson learned ..go to the onsen SLOWLY! had a few looks, but went about our business..seemed like a nice casual atmosphere to be honest

[@ijsklont]

Regarding drinking on train, I do drink water or green tea while on the train and never got in trouble for that.

[@PapaPonoupo]

10:19 I live in a place that's considered to be a place with a lot of snow, but I never wear hats because it makes my head itchy