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Questions tagged [japan]

An island nation in East Asia known for many aspects of its unique culture and having one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo as its capital.

This should be used for questions that are specific to travelling to Japan.

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Is it rude to give up your seat in Japan?

I heard that in Japan it may be considered rude to give up your seat for someone else while you are on a train or bus, because it would make the other person feel in debt with you. Is this true? (Of course "priority seats" like elders or pregnant…
Joril
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What is wrong with eating while walking in Japan? It doesn't seem to be an issue in other Asian countries

I have seen on many etiquette questions about Japan that this is a no no, but I can't seem to find what the reason for this is. I know that in countries like Taiwan or China it doesn't seem to be an issue at all, so I would like to know why there is…
Michael Lai
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Japanese etiquette: Most common (and offensive) mistakes?

I am aware that Japan has many unwritten rules of etiquette. What are some of the most common (and offensive) breaches of etiquette made by visitors? On the flip side, what behaviors show respect and understanding of the Japanese culture?
Felix
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I have a tattoo. Can I visit a public swimming pool in Japan?

A friend of mine is currently traveling in Japan. She has a small tattoo on her neck. Now she wanted to visit a public swimming pool but was denied entry. It was difficult to understand the reason but it seems that tattoos "look too dangerous". Can…
RoflcoptrException
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Male using change tables in female restrooms in Japan

Next month I'll be traveling to Japan with my wife and two children. Our youngest (1yo) is still in diapers. I read a few guides about traveling in Japan, and saw mention that change tables are sometimes placed only inside female restrooms. This is…
freekvd
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What are the yellow stickers with the letter G and one or two arrows on some Japanese streets?

I've been traveling around Japan recently and I've come across these stickers with the letter "G" and one or two arrows in many streets in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Some streets have dozens of them. What do they mean?
Jaime Caffarel
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OK we're all nerds here, so really, how on earth should I use a Japanese toilet?

OK so for anyone who's traveled to Japan you know what I'm talking about. They're devices that are a textbook example of excessive featuritis. But I want to use something other than the flush knob before leaving Japan. What is a feature that has the…
Golden Cuy
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How do you know if a Japanese person means no when they say yes?

I have come across a few situations when a Japanese person will extend themselves beyond what they probably should to help people. I am often worried when asking them to do something that they will not refuse for whatever reason. I am wondering if…
Michael Lai
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Is it culturally acceptable for an American to visit the memorials in Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

The title says it all. Is it culturally acceptable (to the Japanese) for an American to visit the memorials to the victims of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? I realize that a Japanese person probably wouldn't tell me to leave, but…
Chris Mueller
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I didn't do any exit passport control when leaving Japan. What should I do?

I left Japan today on a 3 month tourist visa (I am a US citizen). I guess I was following some other people, or perhaps even I was just waved on, but I didn't speak with the exit passport controller when leaving Kansai International Airport. So,…
dattebane
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Is it safe to travel in Japan considering the nuclear situation?

Are there any areas that should be avoided and are there any steps I should take to protect myself from radiation?
victoriah
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What does "Shin" in a Japanese train station name mean?

Quite a few train stations have "Shin" in their name, then the name of the city. For example, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Sapporo, Shin-Kobe. What does it mean, and does it indicate the station is for shinkansen (which in Japanese means "New trunk line"),…
Golden Cuy
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Traveling to Japan from the USA avoiding air travel?

This may be a bit of an odd question, but is it possible to make it to Japan without using an airplane. I have an inner ear disease and the last time I flew, it literally left me incapacitated for a week. My doctor said it's just not a good idea to…
cloudnyn3
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Toilet laws for Transgender people in Japan

I'm a trans woman heading to Japan on holidays soon. Are there any particular laws surrounding the toilets in Japan for transgender people? I will be presenting female - but I will be visibly transgender sadly. I don't really feel comfortable…
john hon
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Conflicting information: does the Hikari 535 Shinkansen exist?

I wish to travel by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto in the evening of 24 February, as late as possible, keeping in mind that I will have a Japan Rail Pass and thus cannot use Nozomi trains. The Hyperdia website is often recommended, and it shows that…
fkraiem
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