Located on the other side of the vast Pacific Ocean, Japan is miles away from the United States both in distance and culture. The country has traditionally sparked the interest of travelers thanks to its unique culture filled with historical traditions that are still relevant today. It has also been the subject of endless rumors. While many of those are false, some of them true.
You shouldn’t believe everything you hear about Japan, but there are some things that are nothing but the truth. And you should always be able to separate fact from fiction before visiting a foreign country. Keep reading to find out what rumors about Japan are actually true!
15 Most People Don’t Speak English
Japan is the type of destination where you should definitely learn some of the local language before you travel there. You might find some English speakers, but in general, most people don’t speak English. This is because many people like to avoid the embarrassment that comes with not being able to speak English properly.
14 The Amount Of Advertisements Will Overwhelm You
If you’ve ever seen pictures of urban cities in Japan, you get the feeling that they’re filled with lots of advertisements. The pictures don’t lie—there really are heaps of advertisements! In fact, the sheer amount of them might overwhelm you. But they do make for great pictures!
13 People Really Are Polite In Public
Japanese people are often stereotyped as being disciplined and polite. In general, that rings true. You’ll notice it in places like public transport where people are purposely quiet so they don’t disturb other commuters. Don’t be that loud obnoxious tourist that sticks out like a sore thumb!
12 The Etiquette And Social Customs Are Different
The etiquette and social customs in Japan are worlds away from what you might be used to. Do your research beforehand to find out what’s acceptable and what’s not. For example, blowing your nose should never be done in public and gifts should always be given with two hands.
11 But It’s Not Rude To Slurp
One thing that’s not rude to do in Japan, though? Slurping. Visit any noodle bar and you’ll see that slurping up your noodles is not considered inappropriate at all. In fact, it’s pretty normal to eat noodles this way.
10 It Is Kind Of Expensive
Japan has a reputation for being a little expensive, and you might find that it is. Of course, whether or not you think it’s expensive is relative to what you’re used to and what you’re prepared to spend. But Japan is definitely more expensive than other popular Asian destinations.
9 You’ll Be Expected To Remove Your Shoes And Wear Slippers
One of the social customs that can take some getting used to in Japan is the removal of shoes. Shoes are generally not to be worn indoors, so you’ll often be asked to remove them before you enter a house or building. Bathroom slippers are also provided for the restroom.
8 There Is A Lack Of Trash Cans
Another thing that tends to leave western travelers a little baffled about Japan is the lack of trash cans available. Depending on where you are, you might find that there’s nowhere to place your garbage. In that case, you might have to hold onto it until you come across a trash can.
7 The Food Really Can Be Out There
Some of the food in Japan is rumored to be quite strange by western standards, and that’s one rumor about the country that’s definitely true. From horse meat to raw egg to fermented soybeans, the delicacies can be really out there for foreign travelers.
6 There Really Are Animal Cafes
This is one rumor about Japan that we’re so glad is true! You will find tons of animal cafes in Japan, and they’re not just for cat-lovers. There are also bunny cafes, hedgehog cafés, and even a penguin bar!
5 Not Everyone Will Respect Your Personal Space
In general, Japanese people tend to be quite polite in public spaces, but they might not give you the same amount of personal space that you’d get in other countries. Many areas are very crowded, meaning people often walk quite close to each other and don’t think anything of it.
4 The Technology Really Is Truly Advanced
Another rumor about Japan that turned out to be true is the crazy technology that is available. Sometimes, you’ll look upon items like a smart toilet or an electronic waiter in a restaurant and realize how advanced this country is.
3 The Customer Service Really Is Great
Most travelers report that the customer service in Japan is superior to the customer service you’d get in other countries. Staff members tend to be politer, even in fast food establishments such as McDonald’s, where you wouldn’t normally expect stellar customer service.
2 Anime Really Has Impacted The Culture In Some Areas
A lot of people expect to be inundated with anime when they arrive in Japan. In Akihabara, located near Tokyo, this is certainly true. There are anime-related stores and attractions pretty much everywhere you go. It’s no stretch to say that anime has heavily impacted the local culture.
1 It Can Give You Quite A Culture Shock
It’s not an exaggeration to say that you’ll probably get a culture shock your first time in Japan. From the way people rush onto the subway to the types of food available to the advanced technology, it can often feel like you’ve landed in a wonderful new world.