How is one treated when visiting Japan?

Question

I've never been to Japan before, but I plan on going there soon.
I'm sure the people are friendly, but are there things i should do or shouldn't do.
This may sound a little weird but, would i be treated diffrently because I come from America?
I don't know how other countries veiw the US at the moment, so i didn't know if that would effect my visit.

Answer 1

It really depends on you (personality) and what ethnicity you are. But if you are Caucasian you are in luck because Japanese in general respect Americans and like U.S. government.

Answer 2

Because you are a foreigner, you will be treated differently. I know I would try my best to communicate with a foreigner whose language I could not speak in America because they are trying hard to communicate in English. You'll get that treatment in Japan. I don't know where your language skills are, but if they are not so hot, consider studying the language a little. When I went on my trip just a few months ago, I had a pretty good grasp at communicating the language-at least enough to stay in hotels, shop, and do well at miscellaneous other places. But I went on a private tour, and a few members knew very little or no Japanese. But they still had a blast.

So even if you go without the language, you'll have an awesome time. Japan is truly a world of its own, and you won't want to leave once you're there. And if you are interested in learning the language, staying there is an easy way to do so. Regardless of how long your stay is, you should know a few things. Many others here have pointed out a few things not to do, and I would concur. I would like to add that you should always make sure trash goes in the proper place. Not that you would be so rude to throw trash and pollute the environment here, but in case you think about it there, don't. I also read that yelling, or any loud outbursts are bad there. But I should note an experience-when I stayed with my friends, and we were eating dinner, a cockroach came close to the table, and when we some of the girls noticed, there was a little commotion (I had never seen one before that day, by the way. They're fast). That was more of necessary loudness. Anything unnecessary should be avoided.

Does that mean they are completely reserved people? No, in fact they can be great to have a blast with. It seems the simplest of fun activities to a Japanese person will seem very exciting. Just playing video games garnered a lot of excitement from my friend. It wasn't really that fun of a game, but I knew that he didn't get to play it often with others. His daily schedule involves all day work at school, only to come home to more work and get very little sleep and practically zero free time. Gives a whole new meaning to the word 'weekend'.

But you should find plenty to do as a tourist. And you may even be surprised to learn that they don't just use symbols. Many establishments use English writing to cater to us. It seems normal when you are there, but it shouldn't because, you don't see Japanese writing everywhere here. They seem to look up at English writing as professional. And that should answer your question as to how they view us. I hate to reference World War II, but just so you know, most Japanese are over it. Is there some animosity? Yes. But will you run into people who will treat you poorly because of it? Doubtful. I even had a man stop my friend in the street and asked her if we were American. She said yes, and he said to enjoy our stay in Japan. A few other things were exchanged between them that I can't remember, but it was very surreal. Nobody talks to you on the street in Japan. And all this man had to say with uplifting. He was trying to give the impression that many others his age maybe wouldn't-that they care about us and are over the past.

With that said, I would highly recommend a visit to Japan. And if you go there, I would highlight a few key cities. Hiroshima has some great shopping, but the obvious reason is the Atomic Bomb Dome. Be sure to visit the site and the museum. I heard Hiroshima Castle is a great place, though I missed it. Then take a trip to Miyajima island and Itsukushima for a look at tame deer and Shinto structures. If you land in Osaka, be sure to visit the Osaka Castle before leaving. Kyoto also has some landmarks, and a few worth mentioning are Heian Jingu, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizudera. And be sure to visit Nijo Castle to discover the true Japan of 400 years ago. The place is quite amazing. And finally, Tokyo will provide with a more urban look at Japan. If you want to go shopping, there are many places-but bring big bucks, and patience through the most populated region in the world. And I truly hope that you enjoy Japan no matter what part you visit.

Answer 3

Spent a lot of time there in the 70's and found the people to be very friendly and helpful. You can walk the streets at night in Tokyo and feel safe. You can get around by taxi, bus and train. I used to ride the trains to Tokyo on the weekend, you will go crazy shopping there. The streets and shops are very clean so don't be a litter bug. The trains are always on time. Japanese are very polite people. Hotels in Tokyo add 10% onto your bill since there is no tipping. The subway can get crazy during the rush hour so best to avoid it.

Answer 4

Don't worry about that.
I guess most respectable people in Japan are Chinese, and American.
Because Japanese have learned a lots of knowldge very hardly from both country in their history, so you will be treated kindly unless you are very rude or do stupid thing.

People can understand your simple English, I guess they try to speak English to you, but I warn you, you must not speak English fast as usual.
It can be rude, accent and pronunciation is extremely different, people can't understand your natural speed English probably, Japanese always suffer from an inferiority complex to their not so good English conversation ability.
But I know not few people can read even science thesis in English...

If you want to communicate with them more certainly, I suppose you'd better to bring a small memo book, and write what you want to say down it after you say 'sumimasen' (or excuse me).
They can read English pretty well because of education, it may be a good idea.

Answer 5

the people there are extremely friendly..(only if you ask them a question.) in japan.. people tend not to be in others buisness. So everyone looks rather cold when they are walking around. But, when there is conversation, they are extremely nice. They will help you as much as they can even though they don't speak english.

Japnaese people are all about manners. Don't do anything you think would be rude. Especially don't cut in line. They hate that.

Answer 6

As long as you don't act like the typical "ugly American" you will be kindly accepted. Read up on the areas you will visit, learn a few good phrases, and make sure you don't wear shoes into any houses. Just be yourself. There's nothing worse than a fake, pandering foreigner. When you are confident, it translates into any language.

Answer 7

i live in japan for 2 years and i love it the people is so friendly nice. cost for food is expensive. There is a lot to do in japan site seeing make sure you check out roponggie out that's a nice place alot of tourist visit there.

Answer 8

The Japanese are famous for being polite and respectful. Thus that should be your key: be polite and respectful to them and you will have a wonderful time.

Also master 10 - 15 words in Japanese as a sign you are respectful of them and their culture. Especially learn : excuse me (I have a question) , excuse me (I bumped into you ) thank you, good morning -afternoon-evening.

Answer 9

The people will treat you kindly. the japanese are naturaly friendly (its in there nature). if you have red hair and blue or green eyes they treat you especialy nice because you have a hair color thats hard for them to obtain. so youll be treated like a celebrity by most of them, especialy younger girls.

Answer 10

Japanese people will treat you with respect. Be sure to respect them in turn and you'll have a very nice visit.