• SwizzleStick@lemmy.zip
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    23 hours ago

    We visited Tokyo in Autumn 2018, staying at a hotel in Shinjuku. Given that this was 7 years ago, note that our experience is that of the time.

    We stayed mainly in & around the city, but we did make a trip out to Hakone. Having a local friend who speaks the language made all the difference - especially out in Hakone - but it is easy to pick up the most basic greetings & manners.

    Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

    Confirmed Expectations

    • Public transit runs well and is frequently overpacked.
    • High speed trains are exciting.
    • People are generally polite & will try to help.
    • Food is to die for.
    • Gaijin tax does exist in some places - e.g. foreign language menus with different prices. Only ran into this twice over a 10-day stay.
    • General orderliness and tidiness. Almost everywhere.
    • Salarymen can drink like fish.
    • Most things can be obtained from a convenience (Lawson, 7-Eleven etc).

    Surprises

    • Cash is king.
    • Depending on the line, the trains may change track at fairly high speed. You are warned when this will happen. How the locals can free-stand and not fall over during this remains a mystery.
    • Smoking is inside, not out, with some exceptions.
    • Not many public bins - expect to hold trash for a time until you find one or get back to where you are staying.
    • The best and worst in toilet technology.
    • The variety in the KitKat department.
    • Hot bottled drinks in vending machines.
    • McDonald’s is actually good, and caters to the local tastes.
    • 100 Yen shops have some neat stuff.
    • Elevators to places that open onto the street, and tell you if you need an umbrella.
    • On umbrellas - stands exist in shops specifically for quickly wrapping wet umbrellas, preventing puddles.

    Tips

    • Don’t tip.
    • Bow.
    • Accept and give anything meaningful with both hands. Gifts, cards etc.
    • Look up customs at shrines & temples before visiting.
    • Buy your transport tickets (JRPass esp.) in advance.