9 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING TOKYO
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the world’s most exciting cities everyone’s been wanting to explore. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo which is a small castle town in the 16th century and later on grown into one of the world’s most populous cities. Today, Tokyo provides an array of choices for shopping. entertainment, and dining to its visitors. The city’s vibrant history is still alive and can be appreciated in districts like Asakusa and in various excellent museums, historic temples and even gardens that you visit in the area.
It may seem impossible to know everything about Tokyo and Japan in totality, but still, there’s a lot to learn about Japanese culture. The vibrant capital of Tokyo has its own unique culture and is a constantly evolving landscape of social norms and conventions. Tokyo is home to the renowned intersections, dream cuisines, sparkling skyscrapers, and a lot more interesting things.
If you want to get the latest updates on your flight status as fly to Tokyo, like changes in arrival or departure times, cancellations if any, and even airport information, you can do flight tracking. By means of this, you’ll be equipped with the essential information in relation to your flight.
We all know how excited you are to make your way to the Land of the Rising Sun. But before that, it is essential to arm yourself with some local know-how to prepare you for your dream getaway. We’ve listed here vital knowledge you need to know before hitting Japan’s sprawling capital:
Greetings
Greetings are a very important part of Japanese culture. As you make your way to Japan for the first time, you really need to take note of it seriously. Following certain etiquette does not only mean being modest but also a sign of respecting their unique culture. Whenever you are to meet someone in Japan, it is necessary for you to bow and say Konnichiwa, which means hello in Japanese. Please be reminded that people In Japan great each other by bowing.
Don’t tip
Tipping isn’t expected in restaurants, taxis, hair salons, and even for doormen and bartenders. Japanese people really value their cultural dedication to hospitality locally called as omotenashi. They won’t accept any tips and if ever you leave money behind, don’t be surprised. Servers will literally chase you to return it. They are very attentive when it comes to their work and its normal in Japan. They are really dedicated to providing quality service.
Walk right – on the left
It is true that Tokyo is one of the most populated urban centers in the world with more than 35 million living in the area. But despite of this, you’ll notice that crowds are orderly. Everyone is well disciplined. They patiently wait until the light changes so they can cross the street. Japanese strictly follow the rules imposed on them. Please be reminded that on Tokyo escalators, you should stand on the left and walk on the right.
All you need is one card for all trains and buses
The Tokyo train system is composed of three train companies. There are the so-called rechargeable Suica and Pasmo cards which allows travelers to seamlessly travel in and out of all lines. This is available in almost any ticket machine. The ¥50 deposit for the card is refundable. You can even keep the card as a souvenir, just in case you’d like to.
How to get Free Wi-Fi
Along with the increase in Japan’s tourists’ arrival and in line with the preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games, as being reported to Japan Times, both the municipal and national government agreed to focus on increasing access to Wi-Fi. It is an app that provides you access to over 140,000 hotspots. You just need to register your email address. It also allows you to save money and allocate it to other things. If this is not good enough for you, you can rent a sim card or a pocket Wi-Fi that’s available at the airport.
Vegetarian Cuisine
Japan is being influenced by the Buddhist. Being said so, they have this long tradition in relation to Buddhist, the vegetarian cuisine known as shojin ryori. It is being prepared and served on lacquerware and ceramics. The Michelin-starred Itosho is worth experience though it’s a bit expensive.
Clear Umbrellas
Weather is really unpredictable. As you go on with your trip and the rain falls, don’t worry too much and think that your vacation is ruined. It is the perfect chance for you to have your own clear umbrellas and get a good photo with it.
Driving
In Japan, they drive on the left side of the road and the driver’s side is proportionately on the car’s right. Road signages are either posted in English or Romaji while speeds are in kilometers. Those who have international driving permits are accepted and will be allowed to drive in Japan for the span of up to one year. In Tokyo, bike lanes are only limited. Prepare yourself to share the road with them.
Drink outside, smoke inside
The more enclosed a certain place, regardless if it’s a smaller bar or restaurant, the more likely it is to be smoker-friendly. Although, smoking in Japan is prohibited in many sidewalks, be sure to look for signages, except around public ashtrays. There are street patrols that stop people who engage in aruki-tabako, it means walking-smoking. On the other hand, opening a beer or can of fruity on either sidewalk or train going home is a cherished tradition here.