JAPAN'S UNSPOKEN RULES 🙊 | 16 MORE You Need to Know Before Traveling!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

Exclusive! Grab the NordVPN deal ➼ nordvpn.com/allisonintokyo and get 4 extra months of subscription time. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

[@SWMonkeyRaffSW]

I live in France and yes here we have all the Ghibli movies on Netflix. With audio in japanese, french, english, etc and all the subtitles too. With the VPN connect to France to watch them all 😅

[@Sourrags7]

Should do a video about the different ways restaurants work. Like some you have to write your name down to get in. Others ticket machines. How seating works, how izakayas dont have menus but are on the walls. Some use tablets and that to get staff attention you are meant to call them unlike the west were they check up on you all the time. I still never been in a write your name restaurant apart from with my gf since she is Japanese and going around Japan with a Japanese person makes the whole country much better and shows me that I learn the language I will enjoy the country ten times better.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

Good idea...wonder if this is interesting for others 🧐

[@ehlersdanlosandi]

I would watch a video about restaurants!

[@DoktorTaiko]

I think it was in the last video already, but don't forget a small hand towel and soap or hand sanitizer when travelling, as many public bathrooms don't offer these.

[@elkeyes]

The restaurant not taking larger groups one got us when we traveled last year. Even though it was 4 of us, 1 was my 3 year old and the taller bar stools weren't very good for him to sit on and eat. It took us longer than I thought it would to find places sometimes! Luckily Google Maps usually had photos of the inside of restaurants so we were able to search for ones that had lower seating.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

yes!! it can be surprisingly difficult for more than 2 people, especially with kids 🥹

[@franziskaklaiber5768]

The rule about reserving your seat at a food court!! I was at a crowded food court, sat down and some old man came and pointed to a big bottle of hand sanitizer, which was not his but he had used it to reserve his seat. So i felt like the unpopular kid at the wrong lunch table.

[@katalyna_rose]

Yes, girl, the slipper rules!! Thank you for spelling them all out! I got super confused this summer in Kyoto, partly because most of the people around me were also tourists who didn’t know the rules very well so I was never sure what was etiquette and what was gaijin doing whatever lol. This makes a lot more sense now.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

I've been here five years and fear there will always be a secret slipper rule I'm unaware of 😂

[@TIAGames57]

10:15 oh, I was born and grown in Russia, this "no shoes" stuff we have in common, actually almost the same rule 😄 It was so strange to me when I saw here in Italy no one cares about it😂

[@Minimusje]

Please, also wear socks on tatami. It might be different for some Japanese, but I have been taught no bare feet on tatami. Always wear clean socks, or have a clean pair in your bag that you can change into because feet get nasty after a day’s walking.

[@1980rlquinn]

And if you're participating in a tea ceremony, make sure they're white!

[@gayathrinarayanan4263]

oh wow! the 'crunchyroll is blocked' was definitely a new fact for me - thank you for mentioning that! That's interesting though, I wonder why that's the case?

[@pinklu64]

Been caught out with the toilet slippers 😱

[@AllisoninTokyo]

🤪

[@lydiawarner]

I’ve written all the information you’ve said so I know what to do to be respectful in Japan thank you so much

[@aakritibagchi2663]

the apple pay and slipper tips were helpful!

[@heleng.2317]

I've found that restaurants aren't too bad about leaving things off but they don't generally do substitutions. I did low-carb a few years ago and restaurants were okay with leaving off rice or bread, but they very rarely give you something else to replace it. A Japanese friend once asked that they give me an extra piece of meat since I didn't want the rice and I nearly died of embarrassment. The restaurant did, but there was much tongue-sucking and discussion. I also dined with a friend who ate Halal and the staff brought out the actual sauce packets so she could check the labels. If you are polite and be nice about it, waitstaff will do their best to help. (She had a card listing products in Japanese she couldn't eat which was a big help obviously.)

[@wynnefromtexas]

I’m in Tokyo now and I’m overwhelmed. Thank you for your tips!

[@paul-beinetti]

These are great. Between this and the last 16 I am getting my kids mentally prepared for our trip. They're 4 and 8, should be an adventure

[@ConnieMW10]

I’m diabetic and have not encountered any problems with my insulin or other meds when traveling within the states or Europe. What do I need to know when traveling to Japan regarding meds? Also, I try to stay away from rice, pastas, potatoes, breads, most carbs, sauces/foods that contain sugar etc, because of my diabetes, how can I accommodate my diet in restaurants in Japan with more vegetables/salads/proteins or will this even be an option?

[@timlee7227]

I can attest to the small slipper on big feet issue. It’s not comfortable but you can make it to your hotel room for example and then get relief 🥳

[@AllisoninTokyo]

😂

[@mariatobias9948]

Thank you for sharing these tips. You are very brave to have moved to a foreign country as a woman alone. All helpful information

[@hulahickey6959]

Thank you I didn't know about the no slippers on tatami

[@checkplease4532]

you def should get more sponsorships coz that was a great advert

[@The_official_jaijai]

ONE PIECEEEE!!!!!!! This is why I love it here!!!! RELATABLE CONTENT!!!!!

[@airyozone6499]

You're the best, Allison! I adore you and especially the diplomatic tone you exude when, say, discussing the many slippers and potential slipper situations. We Americans are SO not Japanese.

[@dbl0fluff]

Interesting about the bathroom slippers.

[@laurabuchanan3428]

Can you bring your own slippers? I lived in Japan as a child so I remember the slipper rule in general but not the specifics!

[@CarVivLie]

I love your videos and learning rules but it also makes me anxious for what I don't know or won't remember!

[@askela8040]

Jaywalking: みんなで渡れば怖くない😉

[@jimwoodworth9130]

Awesome video! Thanks for the slipper etiquette explanation. Had to look up what tatami is. Interesting.

[@dianebaker5243]

Lovely video, thanks for sharing 🥰👍

[@grechethslittleangel5542]

Toilet slippers… it makes sense because bathrooms can be NASTY sometimes but I never knew 🤷‍♀️

[@reddwarfhead]

I didn't know most of these, thank you!!

[@Baemigo]

I was just in Japan and always heard it as touch-i like touch then e or タチ when wanting to do ApplePay and on 7/11 payments ApplePay is in the credit card section even if a debit card. I can also vouch for VPNs, I kept mine on the whole time in Japan for all the free wifi to be careful of personal information. As a solo traveller, I always copied etiquette from other people and if in doubt asked. No harm in asking and I feel they would appreciate it more if you ask than have to be scolded and then be taught.

[@ThePowerofJames]

My wife and I had such an interesting time with tattoos, we both have one piece jolly Rogers, and my half sleeve is all various villains (Vader, cell, Ganandorf) and three things happened: 1) people would recognize what our tattoos were and you could see them nodding or subtle thumbs up even more so in the Nintendo store in Tokyo I was the hit of the store and all the cashiers wanted to see my half sleeve. 2) at least for me I had a couple people eye me and shuffle away uncomfortably, I don’t think I’m intimidating but my wife has to remind me I can be. 3) I wish we could have used the big baths at our ryokan and the staff almost said we could when they saw the tattoos but they said no in the end, but we did book a private bath with no issue!

[@clownearound5751]

Hi Allison, I don’t think anything overly surprised me but I do have our shoes organised at home (England) so I quite like that rule lol 😆 thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences about everyday things. I would imagine most of these rules become almost second nature to you after some time living there and you’d likely have a pair of slippers for nearly every occasion 😊 Best wishes

[@vguy488]

I had no idea toilet slippers were a thing. I'll just write all these down for when I land in Osaka next saturday. I'm slightly worried about the small slippers-big feet thing, as I have slightly big feet for a man my size, but I guess I'll manage. Cheers!

[@llllogix]

Very informative! Thank you. Have my first trip to tokyo in a couple of months for a week. I'm nervous but stoked.

[@DL-od9rx]

Thanks for the tips! ❤️ your channel!

[@ThomasMusic77]

Allison, thank you again for sharing more of your experience and knowledge of how to visit or live in Japan.

[@mcam963]

Alison - I think I just walked past you but was too nervous to walk up to you as if it was not you it would be embarrassing. If you were at Sunshine City shops today around 3pm then it was you !! I just want to thank you I have watched your videos for the last 6 months to plan my trip to Japan

[@AllisoninTokyo]

hehe it was me 😈😈 thank you!! have a great trip!

[@ginay4878]

I saw slippers in the bathroom of our ryokan. I guessed they were for just the toilet area. Whew. I did not know about the tatami mats tho. Could you do food etiquette or restaurant etiquette in Japan? Thx!!

[@jordan8276]

Oooh the Apple Pay/QUIC pay tip. I’ve been wondering about that!!!

[@jow.2450]

No tattoos were new to me. Interesting. Thanks.

[@galas455]

I'm enjoying your channel Allison, thanks for the info.

[@margaretries2606]

Interesting info. Love your videos.❤

[@chappy9245]

Nice Pikachu plushie on your dresser 👍🏻😊

[@B33KIND]

Ty for the part 2! This is very useful.

[@normanbrooks126]

very good info. however, after clicking on your link, I learned Nord doesn't allow monthly payments, so it is a deal killer.

[@MargaretSurrock]

Allison, we will be arriving in Tokyo from New Mexico, USA, one day before our cruise in Nov. There are 4 adults in our party. We want to make the most of our one day. We hired a local travel guide for the day. They will customize our day based on what we want to see and do. I've researched the different areas in Tokyo like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and Roppongi, but I don't know how much time to plan for each or whether it's even possible to visit all those places in just 8 hours; plus, add the jet lag! Do you have suggestions? We want to try great street food, fun shopping, and must-see attractions. Our guide will take us on public transportation. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[@Sakura-zu4rz]

I have a frustrating experience. Not knowing where to begin or hitting a plateau can feel demoralizing and make it hard to hit the books and study like you know you should…Having friends from other cultures makes me more creative. In fresh ways about space and how people create their own world and environment. It is best way to connect between creative thinking and cross-cultural relationships.

[@Commonsenseisnotcommon8]

5:25 @allisoninjapan can you wear your Apple Watch in the Onsen ? Because it covers up my wrist tattoo perfectly. But I know sometimes they don’t want you to wear jewelry and watches.

[@Irulanne]

That would be a big no no.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

No they don't allow those even in most pools here 🥲 I really wouldn't even bring it into a private one actually because the water can be super hot and may ruin it 😔

[@Commonsenseisnotcommon8]

I felt like it was a big NO 😂 I guess Ill get a bandage. Which by the way, I didn’t know that they had so thank you for that piece of information. Your videos are great. Do you ever go out to Tokyo Disneyland? That would be a good vlog 👍

[@flowerpower2906]

"they're not interested in you" 💔 i cry forever

[@AmbuBadger]

They're probably trying to get you to go to their male host clubs. On the bright side, there's "rental girlfriend" services, so maybe there's a version of that with rental guys, if you're a girl.

[@mariojsworld]

Nicely presented video about Japan.

[@Its-Kat_]

My Japanese husband NEVER organizes his shoes, I do but he doesn't. Including slipper placement to get back into them when he's back.

[@ML-cc7gj]

Same! It really depends on the character of the person, there are lots of Japanese who don’t do all of it but they know they should in theory.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

Yeah it totally depends on the person (especially a lot of Japanese men I've met are like this lolll) but in general I believe in do what you want at home, but in public at least try to be organized and follow rules 😎 (my genkan is usually a mess lol)

[@ichigomatcha]

Oh my gosh, I wish this video was available before I went to Japan this past spring. I am unfortunately guilty of unknowingly wearing my shoes into a fitting room. The Uniqlo fitting rooms in Ginza had a small room leading to the actual fitting room, where you’re apparently supposed to remove your shoes before stepping into the fitting room. I realized a bit late and corrected myself but the embarrassment and memory will always remain haha. Thank you for the tips, Allison! Toilet slippers is a new concept for me as well 😆

[@sa1tpack3t]

we're planning to go to japan next year, but could you give advice on fruit picking activities we could do? i read that we have to make reservations but i'm not sure where to book it

[@johnsonlyndsie]

Do you keep the pajamas?

[@reptongeek]

What's rush hour like at the weekend on the trains?

[@VerhoevenSimon]

Thank you for the interesting video, people not know about taking your filthy shoes of did surprise me a bit.

[@KarinaBeby]

ALLISON I LOVE YOUUU

[@terrieedwards836]

Thanks for these tips! Plan to visit my son in Tokyo and didn’t know these things😳 BTW. we are also from Central Florida😊

[@dwwestling]

I have a shoulder tattoo, and no one ever batted an eye at me when I went into any of the onsens I visited. Japanese people that I asked at the onsens told me not to worry about it. I clearly don't look like a Yakuza member though 😂

[@NikosAdventures_]

I got a cute & comfortable pajamas from one of the hotels I stayed and took them with me 🙌🏽 (we asked first 😅)

[@AverageBot]

quite a few tips I havent hear before. 😊

[@erinfeldmandesigns8913]

Could have used the VPN code when I was there last week..... I just bought it for the trip XD

[@mrssandycandy]

Interesting 😊

[@reikosasakihida-osaka200honey]

Allison! Your talk about slippers reminded me of how difficult it is to explain where to put your feet without shoes when taking them off before getting in the house in Japan. When foreigners take their shoes off, they first walk on the ground without shoes to step in the "house" space. But that is a "No, no!" for all Japanese. I always fail to explain the rule because the moment passes in a second. I know you totally know what I mean! Maybe you can make a video about it?! I think the instruction will be revolutionary!

[@RTTales]

I just got to Japan today and I was so confused with quick pay I ended up leaving so embarrassing 😭

[@AllisoninTokyo]

don't worry....i also have done this 🥹

[@drumetii.2024]

Greetings from Romania! ❤We were here!

[@kristenmalick-hatta4300]

Back in 2016 my friend and I got Nanpa in Namba XD

[@mariovilla1388]

Hello Allison, I have a question unrelated to this video, so I apologize in advance for that. I have been watching a lot of your JET program related videos and there is one thing of which I am still not sure. Can a person from any country in the world apply to this program? I have checked the JET list of countries where they seem to have an office but i don't see mine, so I am not sure If I am eligible due to this. Thank you in advance for the response.

[@FarstanLuce]

Good original content A+

[@riffgroove]

When I was in Japan I noticed that I would get dirty looks from people if they even suspected I was photographing them in public But if you go up and ASK them first if you can take a picture of them, most of them will be flattered and are more than happy to pose for you.

[@AmbuBadger]

The photograph thing is real, to the extent that Ive seen my Japanese friends blur the faces if people around them in Instagram posts. Even if it's a birthday party for their kid, they'll blur the faces of the other kids.

[@PizzaCome]

I saw people jaywalking alot in osaka and kyoto. So I followed what everyone did XD

[@marielisec.a.3072]

Watching this a few hours before taking my flight for Tokyo. I learned new things though I've been watching your videos and a bunch of other videos intended for tourists in Japan (like obsessively for the past year 😅) ❤ Thank you!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

have fun!

[@НадеждаЧудинова-и9т]

Cool! Thank you :)

[@okancihan2414]

I've seen nanpa happen a lot at stations in Japan! Even happened during the day in Yokohama station.

[@DCSWCCkingpin1]

Are you sure it's nampa (guys trying to pick up girls for honest fun/date together)? Or are they touts (trying to get you to spend money at their bar)?

[@franziskaklaiber5768]

I do get taking your shoes off ....generally it is a good thing. However I went to a ryokan ,had to take shoes off...ok..but no slippers were provided and they had this horrid , old, stained, used carpetball around the house..it was so gross! My toes were cringing! They had toilet slippers inside the toilet...it is also gross cause you only wear them to pee and everybody wears them! Eeeewww..no slippers in the shower....yuk.. So i was happy that i still had a pair of clotg slippers from te last hotel !!!!

[@pegz.3959]

I didn’t know that Japanese internet isn’t much like it is here in the US. That the country blocks many websites.

[@3elawi]

Do people understand if you ask them whether they have halal food? Or do I need to ask them for vegetarian/vegan options only?

[@ennur4208]

I had no problem with the women only trains, as they have it too, where I live. 😅

[@franziskaklaiber5768]

About tatami...as in ryokans,et i do get it but in real life ithe no shoe zone does not work. Cause travellers will certainly drag in their filthy luggage.or sit on the tatami with street clothes,which is just as bad as wearing shoes.

[@Irulanne]

I tried to order a burger without mayo a few years ago in a restaurant and the waitress completely froze. I got my burger without mayo but geez, it almost caused a diplomatic incident... Once I went to a special themed cafe and they brought me the wrong entree. When I told them, it took no less than 3 employees and the manager to admit that they had given me the wrong order and to get the kitchen to prep the right meal. It caused such a commotion for an error THEY made! I just shake my head sometimes 😅

[@Feed_the_Kitty_a_Hotdog]

Unspoken rules don’t livestream or trespass and hassle the locals where it’s not appropriate. Take Johnny Somali as an example. In jail where he belongs for messing around like that.

[@samuraishonan4706]

******Do not step out of your shoes and stand in your socks where shoes are or were. Step up as you take them off one at a time.

[@ayeeyelena]

I love your videos 🥹😭✨

[@himajinkazutaka98]

This is common sense worldwide. Strictly abide by the language, lifestyle, manners, laws, and customs of your new destination. Do not emigrate if you are not prepared to give up your identity in your home country.

[@emilyh1429]

One thing my tour guide emphasized was that if you get hit by a car, it's your own responsibility. Driver's have the right of way for the most part, so you'll have to pay for your own medical bills with no help.

[@ML-cc7gj]

Nope, pedestrians have the right always! and it will be the driver’s fault, even if you cross on red light, jump in front of the car, etc. But it could be that the whole insurance thing will get complicated if it’s a foreigner, so the tour guide said this. That’s why driving in Japan feels way more scary.

[@AllisoninTokyo]

Yea pedestrians are basically always in the right except maybe if you literally jump in front of a car (and even then the car may be at fault lol)! I agree I think they just want you to be more careful since it may not be the case in all countries 😎

[@genevievehernandez1595]

wait so apple pay = quick pay???

[@tatsumasa6332]

There's no laws against not following the rules in this country.

[@lizzie7929]

❤️⛩️🙌❤️

[@bigsanimations5]

great, young people are getting into tattoos... ask the millenials here in the west who thought it was hip to do this how that turned out

[@Cloud777-7]

What if I just wear slippers everywhere I go to save time?

[@secret-mx9ry]

free porn sites also blocked in japan?

[@TheRealAshiboy]

I have a text tatoo a name and a birthday of my godchild would that be ok

[@AllisoninTokyo]

No, what the tattoo is doesn't matter...but if you can cover it with a bandaid or something (Depending on location) that would be best 😇

[@jonathansakura]

Honestly, you don't need to know anything Just have fun 😅

[@1deadhead]

Yes, be nice, don’t be an ass-hole

[@mikeryan2319]

So, honesty, "this tastes bad," is a bad thing. And, lying, "Mmm, delicious," when it tastes horrible, is a good thing.That goes against what my mom and dad taught me. Living in Japan is all backwards. And, rules..rules. !! Sounds like the army or prison. A short trip would be fine because you would know that you are leaving. Have fun. But, living there? Where speaking directly is a bad thing? Good and bad are reversed? Lying is the way to go? None of the Japan videos from anyone tell what would be the positives of living in the country. Oh, I have two; safety might be better and the streets are cleaner. But, socially? Person to person? Japan sounds like a horrible, very restrictive place to live. Why would you put yourself through all of this? Not trolling, actually wondering why.

[@user-qm7jw]

So you would honestly say to an ugly person, "You are ugly"?

[@mikeryan2319]

Great question. No, I wouldn't. Because it is a person. For food, yes. Or, if the company I worked at did a bad thing to us all, then, yes, I would say what happened. Honesty is a good thing. Just don't aim it at a person. With your question here, we got a good opportunity to discuss in public, where, when, and how to direct honesty.@@user-qm7jw

[@MsU2bviewer]

Thank you! I am now a NordVPN subscriber!

[@AllisoninTokyo]

👏👏

[@qkb3128]

Sound lonely.

[@fluramba]

For all the good you hear about Japan, it's mostly true. Though, the sexual assault is definitely real and I was so glad to see the 2 special trains for women only when I was there. That's something the US would never be able to do unfortunately. The other thing that is very relevant still in Japan is the misogyny, it exists in social life, work life, and almost culture. Unfortunately every country has it's own issues, though Japan has shown me that it has some of the best culture if you're willing to follow rules and be aware of others, rather than having an American mindset of "me me me". I love Japan and can't wait until my work visa goes through and call it my home!

[@Xubuntu47]

Hmmm, my experience of U.S. American culture for the last 60+ years is that it's mostly about following the rules and conforming to group norms, covered by a thin veneer of individualism. If someone actually considers their own needs first, rather than sacrificing themselves for others, they are judged for being too selfish. I don't see an attitude of 'me, me, me' being accepted by the culture at large. Since I find even US culture restrictive, I really wonder If I could adapt to Japan very well. OTOH I do take my shoes off at home.