Japan Facts & Trivia: 10 Things Foreigners Should Know

by Facts From Locals Worldwide, Japan40 comments

If you have been following my updates on Facebook, you would know by now that in a week’s time, I’ll be heading to Japan for 3 weeks! I’m CRAZY excited about this trip because ever since I was a little girl, I always aspired to see and experience their culture — both the old and the new (yep, even the “odd” parts! And yep, I’m one of those people who love watching anime and reading manga.) [Japan Facts]

With that in mind, it follows of course that I would be featuring this wonderful country for this month’s Fun Facts from Locals Around the World‘!

Top Activities in Japan?

Come and check out this list of the top things to do in Japan which features the best activities and tours to do in places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and more!

First things first: contacting a local was a hard task since apart from the fact that I do not know any Japanese person (yet), there was also that language barrier (it’s no news that a lot of Japanese people don’t speak English). Thankfully, I remembered that I have a friend from university, Kaila, who had truly integrated herself into Japan after moving and living there for years!

Of course, Kaila is technically a foreigner, but we all know how expats can already have TONS of insight about the country they’re in — so they can already be regarded as locals (in a sense). That’s why I think that it still fits to present her thoughts here about Japan.

So below, you will see 5 interesting facts about Japan from Kaila. The rest of the 5? It will be written by her friend, Ashley, who also lives in Japan!

Take it away, girls!

RELATED READ: Sample Japan Itineraries

Bios & Intros

Kaila Ocampo

Konnichiwa! My name is Kaila Ocampo and I am a Kawaii Lifestyle Blogger both based in Japan and in the Philippines.

I have been living in Japan for almost 5 years now and I love sharing about Japan travel information, kawaii (cute) culture, and my other creative pursuits on my blog, Rainbowholic.

I am also the founder of JapanLover.me, an online portal / growing community of Japan Lovers around the world. Together with my Kawaii friend Ashley, we launched “OurKawaii.Tokyo”, a website that shares all things cute that you can experience in the Tokyo metropolis.

– – –

Ashley Dy

My name is Ashley Dy and I am the other half of OurKawaii.Tokyo. When I was a child, my dream is to travel the world and of course, that’s what I’m trying to do until now — slowly but surely. I blog about the essential part of my life at AshleyDy.com

I was born in Greenhills, San Juan, and spent most of my years in Manila as well. After which, I moved to Japan when I was 20 years old. Whilst in Japan, I’ve already lived in 3 prefectures, Hyogo, Osaka, and Kanagawa.

Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world. There are endless things to do — and they are most of the time available only for a limited time! …How can someone not love Tokyo? The people are mostly polite, the cutest things are also there, everything is fast and convenient. It’s definitely a dream come true!

Top Japan Facts & Trivia

1. “Kawaii” is considered as a lifestyle in Japan

Japan Facts: Kawaii Culture (Cosplayer)

Kawaii (cute) is almost a way of life. It’s pretty normal to have cuteness embedded in the Japanese people’s daily fashion and life in general. There are the cute bentos (packed lunch), Disney-fied Milk tea bottles, pig-shaped pork buns, Totoro cream puffs, promotional character mascots for each prefecture, and so much more.

As you can tell, “Kawaii” or cute culture surely contributes a lot to Japan’s economy. Wherever you go, there is a hint of “kawaii” in almost everywhere and everything.

For one thing, Tokyo never seems to run out of kawaii café ideas for cute lovers to visit! Some of these kawaii cafes are Kawaii Monster Café, Cinnamoroll Café, My Little Pony Café, Owl / Rabbit / Cat Cafés, Sailormoon café… and so much more.

Most of the time, companies market their products and services effectively by coming up with cute packaging designs (that will make you buy the product even if you find it useless, haha) or by having kawaii personalities as endorsers like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (dubbed as the Kawaii queen or princess of Japan).

2. There is no “best season” to travel in Japan…

Ninna-ji Temple (Kyoto)

…because ALL seasons have their unique experiences to offer!

Once you travel to Japan once, you will find yourself coming back and wanting to travel in all four seasons.

During the winter season, you can enjoy the illuminations that lit up the city with its rainbow-sparkling lights. You can go snowboarding or skiing in Nagano and have a relaxing time in a Japanese onsen (hot spring).

Experiencing cherry blossoms in Japan when it’s springtime should be included in every traveler’s #BucketList. There are the seasonal Starbucks Sakura lattes, hanami viewing (flower viewing) picnics in the parks, and lots of kawaii pink trees enveloping the country.

During Summer, you can go and visit Hokkaido for its famous flower fields (lavender, sunflower, etc.). And all over Japan, many people dress up in yukata and attend Japanese festivals with their friends and family.

Experiencing a Japanese festival even for once in your life is truly an unforgettable memory. Imagine a row of food stalls, festival games, and fireworks display afterward. Even if Japanese summer is sometimes unbearable because of the heat, you can always munch on the yummy kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) being sold in Japanese matsuris (festivals).

Autumn in Japan is also a breathtaking encounter for any traveler. Not too cold and not too warm; it is just right to go and have a spontaneous adventure in Kyoto. For photography enthusiasts and photo bloggers, autumn in Kyoto will absolutely mesmerize you. You can also have a maiko (apprentice geiko) makeover experience while you’re in the heart of Japan.

These are just a few of my recommendations. As you can tell, it’s so hard to answer the question “When is the best season to travel in Japan?” because Japan has thousands of things to offer for a wide-eyed traveler!

3. When in Japan, do as the Japanese do

Japan Train Etiquette

Before coming to Japan, do learn about their manners first.

In Tokyo, people stay at the left of the escalator if they are not in a hurry to make way for those who want to go up first. Inside the trains, it’s advisable not to cause hassle for others or converse in a loud voice. In other areas and shops, photography is prohibited (you would know if there is a sign) so it’s best to ask for permission first if you don’t want to be called out publicly.

Here’s a helpful page where you can learn about the other manners every foreigner should know before coming to Japan first.

4. You can enjoy tax-free shopping in Japan by bringing your passport with you

Harajuku : Japan Itinerary

Yep, you can shop until you drop without breaking a bank!

If you are planning to shop at the major department stores or gadget stores, it is advisable to bring your passport with you so you can get reimbursement for the 8% consumption tax.

Here’s a tax-free shop locator guide that might be helpful: [ click ] Besides tax-free shops, there are vintage shops or thrift stores in Japan as well! If you love second-hand goods, books, and magazines, BOOK OFF is a great place to shop.

5. Japan is super safe, but there can be… weird scenarios

Tokyo Itinerary

Though it is super safe in Japan (crime-wise and besides, people do NOT really steal here), be warned that you might encounter weird scenarios or circumstances during your stay.

Japan may be a safe place to leave your bags on your chair while you go to the toilet, but it’s not really a completely safe place if you’re a woman. Wondering why Japanese smartphones cannot have a silent camera even when it’s on silent mode? It’s because of the “upskirting” practice done by perverts (a.k.a. “Chikan”).

Also, there might be times that your train gets delayed for 30 minutes. If that happens and you hear “passenger injury (jinshin jiko)” being announced, it might be because somebody passed out inside the train or… somebody jumped off in front of the train.

Anyway, these are just isolated cases so you do not have to worry so much. Even if Japan appears to be a perfect first-world country because of the notable cleanliness, efficiency, culture, manners, and so much more, just like any other country; it has its own share of cons as well.

6. Japan has best transportation system (in the world!)

JR Bullet Train Shinkansen

You can easily travel anywhere via train!

TIP: Get a JR Pass. It’s like an unlimited pass to anywhere using JR (government-owned) trains if you want to maximize your trip by traveling to lots of prefectures (that’s what they call their regions in Japan).

Only tourists are allowed to use this, so you are very lucky if you are! Normally a round trip fare from Osaka to Tokyo is worth $250. Imagine how many places you can visit within 7 days if you have a JR Pass!

You can buy your JR Pass online here.
– 7 day JR Pass: $243
– 14 day JR Pass: $387

7. Fukubukuro (lucky bags) season is the best time to go shopping in Japan

Japan Facts: Fukubukuro (Lucky Bags)

It happens every first week of January and the Japanese go CRAZY for it! Some stores start on the first day, some on the second due to their New Year traditions — it depends. So if you have a specific store in mind, check their website about their schedule first.

The best and worst area to go shopping in is actually Tokyo. It’s the best since most brands have a store in Tokyo, but it is also the worst since it is cramped with people. They line up so early (it’s freezing in January mind you), just for this sale.

TRIVIA: The KonMari method of cleaning by Kondo Marie is actually a New Year’s tradition for the Japanese. They do general cleaning, they keep things that they want, and throw the unnecessary before New Year. This was picked up by the retail businesses of course so they took this opportunity for a New Year’s / Lucky bags sale (wherein they put random items and sell at a lower price).

8. MYTH: Japan is “expensive”

Heian Shrine

It might be true 5-6 years ago when I moved to Japan; but recently, everyone could just afford to go to Osaka or Tokyo. There are lots of LCCs (Low Cost Carriers) that fly to Japan’s main cities. The chances of getting a cheap shared dorm room or AirBnB are also endless.

How to survive in Tokyo? The answer is konbini (convenience store). It’s the best place to get fast and cheap food. Your ¥1000/$8-10 (depends on the exchange rate) can get you far.

What else could you do in a convenience store? You can buy your tickets to theme parks in advance, you can withdraw cash from their ATM (if your bank allows international use), use FREE internet, read manga while waiting, etc.

9. Japanese people are proud of their country

Kyoto Itinerary

They love their culture, their people, their customs, their country, their food, and so much more!

They are also usually proud of their “unique” traits for something as meager as using the chopsticks really well. So don’t be shocked or don’t feel offended if someone greeted you that you are good or bad at using chopsticks — it’s just their way of starting conversations.

10. Fun and unique yearly ‘traditions’

Fushimi Inari

Aside from what I stated earlier about New Year traditions of cleaning up and buying lucky bags, they have a lot more such as The Coming of Age Day which is celebrated every second Monday of January. Its purpose is to officially celebrate everyone who turned 20 (the legal age in Japan).

Another famous (yet ridiculous) tradition in Japan is to have KFC chicken for Christmas. Since Japanese people are mostly Buddhist, Shintoist, or both, they are not supposed to have a Christmas celebration — but due to commercialism, they are actually celebrating it now. Though… it’s mostly for couples dating (like how we usually celebrate Valentine’s Day).

• • •

» Top Japan Tours «

Robot Restaurant Show

Robot Restaurant Show
See this famous show in Tokyo!

Kimono Rental

Kimono Rental
Try out Japan’s traditional kimono for a day!

• • •

Japan Facts

Overall

If you’re from Japan or an ‘expat’ in Japan like Kaila and Ashley, do you agree with these Japan facts that they wrote about? Maybe you have something to add, too?

If you ask me, since I’m such a HUGE fan of Japan, these are all points that I already know and agree to!

• • •

Have you seen my latest vlog?

How I Afford to Travel the World (Vlog)

About Me

About Aileen : Sidebar

Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid.
At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful digital nomad (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission? To show you how it is absolutely possible to create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

Follow Along

CURRENTLY BASED IN: The Philippines

Trending Now

Top 10 Things to Do on a Trip to South America

South America is one of the most diverse continents — full of natural wonders and fascinating cultures. Join us as we explore the top 10 things to do.

Top 10 Things to Do for Your First Tibet Travel

Make the most of your Tibet travel with these top 10 must-do activities, from exploring ancient monasteries to trekking mountains!

Geisha of Japan: Understanding the Facts, History & Myths

Japan’s geisha are cloaked in mystery & secrecy resulting in a number of false ideas about them — so let’s get the facts straight!

Maximizing Your Miles: Unlock Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks & Tips

Start traveling smart! Take note of these travel hacks that will help you in maximizing your miles or do points hacking.

EU261 Compensation: Your Essential Guide on European Flight Delays or Cancellations

Learn to claim EU261 compensation for flight disruptions like delays, cancellations, downgrades, or denied boarding!

Learn Today

How to Start a Successful Blog

and Earn Money!

40 Comments

  1. Kiwi

    You have no idea how much I loved this post (I pinned it). I am trying to go to Tokyo this year its my ultimate bucketlist travel spot. I have been a lover of the Kawaii culture since I was a little girl…I love love love it and I am going to go there one day and load up on all the Kawaii goodies and go to all the fun places. Yes I have to go to a huge Hello Kitty store and do some damage too…I love Japan and this year I am ready to travel!

    Reply
    • Aileen

      Awww, I’m happy to hear that! Thanks Kiwi! :D Japan culture has also been a huge part of my life ever since I was a kid — with that, I hope you also get to see it sometime soon!!!

      Reply
  2. Yoko Lu

    I have decided to leave a reply!

    I live and work full time in the IT industry (though my background is not IT) at the moment, in Japan. Something that is interesting in Japan is the fashion and anime. Akihabara is one of the places where foreigners go during their stay in Japan. Lots of Cosplays and weird things there – i.e. maid cafes as you have already mentioned. One of the maid cafe is based on AKB48, an idol group, which targets men and people go crazy over them – like fans want to marry them! Actually one of the most bizarre things I have ever heard is one Japanese man is married to a girl on the phone!

    Actually, there are so many types of Japanese people wherever you go, so in general, you don’t need to worry about what you wear!

    Reply
    • Aileen

      Haha! I watch anime and manga, and generally a “fan” of the Japanese culture so I also know all these things that you’re talking about — in fact, I’m not surprised haha! Thanks for sharing though, Yoko. Japan is truly such a wonder!

      Reply
  3. Yona Williams

    What a cool blog post – I love the layout of it too! OMGoodness…there is such a thing as a My Little Pony Café…that would definitely be something that I would want to visit if I went to Tokyo. I bet cherry blossoms in Japan would be such a treat to see in person. Hokkaido and the flower fields also interest me. Also, that’s a very interesting tradition of having KFC chicken for Christmas. And, I would love to visit during the lucky bags season.

    Reply
    • Aileen

      Aw, thanks Yona! :D And yeah, there really are TONS of interesting cafees in Japan! I really can’t wait to see them all. I won’t have time to see Hokkaido though as it is far in the north, but I guess that just calls for a 2nd trip then haha.

      Reply
  4. Charlotte

    I really like your fun facts posts! Looking forward to reading more about Japan! :)

    Reply
    • Aileen

      I’m glad you like this series, Charlotte! <3 Thanks — I look forward to sharing it with you all, too!

      Reply
  5. Kat

    In Tokyo, people stay on the left side of the escalator, while in Osaka, people stay on the right. No eating and talking in trains bec they consider it rude. At mahihiya ka sa pagkaorganized nila sa trains! Love your blog Aileen, enjoy Japan!

    Reply
    • Aileen

      Thanks for those tips, Kat! :D True — ever since I’ve been here to Europe, I’m amazed at how their public transportation is so organized. So how much more for Japan, right? Haha. Thanks Kat! I will :D

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pin It on Pinterest

Use promo code AILEEN5OFF to save 5% off on all Klook tours and hotels!
This is default text for notification bar