FAQ · Culture & Etiquette 66

Outside of major tourist attractions and large international hotels, it is rare to find people who are conversant in English. However, public facilities like trains almost universally include English signage, and many Japanese people can understand written English well. It is also helpful to carry your hotel's business card to show people if you lose your way.

Japan has 26 World Heritage Sites. These include Himeji Castle and the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and Nara.

Sino-Japanese Warbonds are not collectible because there are no records of actual sales outside of institutions such as the Bank of Japan Currency Museum. These notes were the oldest military currency issued during the post-Imperial restoration era and had a very short lifespan.

The coalition government succeeded in passing landmark political reform legislation in January 1994. This package consisted of new political financing restrictions and major changes to the electoral system.

Traditional Japanese architecture is often typified by wooden or mud plaster structures that are elevated slightly off the ground with tiled or thatched roofs. Many temple buildings utilize tatami mats and sliding doors to break down the distinction between rooms and indoor and outdoor space.

Osaka Castle is located in Osaka, and Himeji Castle is a World Heritage Site in Himeji. Additionally, Heijō Palace is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

Some modern architects, such as Yoshio Taniguchi and Tadao Ando, are known for their amalgamation of Japanese traditional and Western architectural influences. This style blends indigenous aspects with Western influences that have primarily shaped Japan since the Meiji era.

Highway buses are a major mode of intercity transportation and serve as a cheap alternative to rail travel. These buses are plentiful and can be used for overnight travel. You can purchase tickets online, at the point of departure, or at convenience stores.

The Japanese archipelago grows gradually due to tectonic plate movements, earthquakes, stratovolcanoes, and land reclamation. For example, volcanic eruptions can create new islands or connect existing islands to peninsulas. Additionally, earthquakes can shift the landmass and change the shape of the coastline.

Japan's many national parks offer plenty of rugged terrain for hiking. You can find many small trails across the country, and some hikes can even be part of a spiritual experience. For example, Shiretoko National Park offers unspoiled wilderness in northeastern Hokkaido.

Japan has perfected the art of local products, and almost every town has food it is known for, ranging from fresh dishes to packaged goods. These local products are easy to find near major train stations and roadside stations. Additionally, food hygiene standards are very high and tap water is safe and of good quality throughout the country.

Japan celebrates the New Year from 30 December to 3 January and the long Golden Week holiday from 29 April to 5 May. In March or April, people participate in hanami, which involves outdoor picnics and cherry blossom viewing. Summer also brings various local festivals and impressive fireworks competitions.

The New Year is the most important holiday in Japan and pretty much shuts down the country from 30 December to 3 January. During this time, Japanese people head home to their families, eat festive foods, and visit neighborhood temples at midnight. While most shops are open on weekends and public holidays, they are typically closed during the New Year period.

The provided text does not contain information regarding independence day celebrations. It focuses on the political and social transformations in Japan during the Allied occupation from 1945 to 1952.

Music festivals are popular in Japan and draw tens of thousands of people. Fuji Rock Festival is the largest festival and covers many genres. Rock In Japan Festival is the biggest festival where only Japanese artists are allowed to perform.

The four traditional theatres from Japan are noh, kyōgen, kabuki, and bunraku. Noh is characterized by masks, costumes, and stylized gestures, while kyōgen is known for its humorous character. Kabuki features male actors playing feminine roles and uses specific makeup, while bunraku is a form of Japanese puppet theater.

Traditional Japanese music is based on the intervals of human breathing rather than mathematical timing and typically slides between notes. It stresses sound quality and incorporates formalized noise to imitate nature. Major aesthetic concepts include jo-ha-kyu, which involves starting slowly and ending swiftly, and ma, which refers to the space or rhythm between points.

Japan has created its own forms of pop music following the arrival of Western pop in the 20th century. One such form is enka, which consists of sentimental ballads composed to resemble traditional Japanese music. Additionally, jazz has been very popular in Japan since the 1930s.

The immediate post-occupation period became a golden age for Japanese cinema. This was due to the abolition of government censorship, low film production costs, and expanded access to new film techniques. Additionally, there were huge domestic audiences because other forms of recreation were relatively scarce at the time.

Early works include the Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, and the Man'yōshū poetry anthology. Significant authors range from Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote The Tale of Genji, to modern writers like Haruki Murakami. Japan has also produced two Nobel Prize–winning authors, Yasunari Kawabata and Kenzaburō Ōe.

Local products including arts and crafts are generally easy to find and are a large part of the domestic tourism market. You can almost always find shops selling them near major train stations and roadside stations. While some items are mere trinkets, others serve well as decorative keepsakes or practical items for use at home.

Noh is characterized by the use of masks, costumes, and stylized gestures. In contrast, masks are rarely used in kyōgen. Kabuki is also known for the use of makeup for actors in historical plays.

Modest Japanese food stalls known as Warjep or Warung Jepang offer items like tempura, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki at moderately low prices. Additionally, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson offer favorites such as oden, chicken katsu, chicken teriyaki, and onigiri.

For a quick caffeine fix, you can visit Starbucks or competitors like Doutor and Excelsior. For a unique experience, kissaten offer a calm atmosphere, including jazz coffee shops meant for quiet listening. You can also find maid cafés where employees dressed as French maids serve food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tianbula, which is known as Taiwanese tempura, is a popular night market snack. It is actually satsuma-age that was introduced to Taiwan during Japanese rule by people from Kyushu.

Japan offers a large selection of music, films, and products from a huge manga and anime industry. You can also find popular video games and fashion. These various forms of entertainment are part of a growing Japanese content industry.

If you have a leftover balance on your card, you can spend the money at restaurants, convenience stores, or at the duty-free shops at the airport. Please note that digital IC cards cannot be refunded to a non-Japanese bank account.

The sale of alcohol in stores or off-license is legal between 10:30 AM and 10:00 PM. However, on Sunday mornings, the sale of alcohol is forbidden until 12:30 PM.

You can find several kinds of uniquely Japanese accommodation, ranging from rarefied ryokan inns to strictly functional capsule hotels and over-the-top love hotels. In addition to these, there are usual youth hostels and business hotels. Long-distance overnight ferries also offer accommodations ranging from mats on a shared tatami floor to hostel-style bunk rooms or private hotel suites.

Not all establishments with the word ryokan in their name are luxurious. Some are actually guesthouse-like inns, including some minshuku. You can determine the type of lodging by checking the price.

During a homestay, you may be offered the use of the bath before the rest of the family or given the host's bed while they sleep on the couch. In Japanese culture, you should apologize for inconveniencing them as a way of accepting their generosity. You might also notice the host busily working to ensure all your needs are being met.

Pricing for Japanese inns is often per person rather than per room, and some hotel chains also charge per person. You should check the fine print to see which meals are included, as this can significantly affect the price. Additionally, while large chains accept credit cards, many smaller places and ryokan remain cash only.

Eating out is generally cheaper than in Western countries, though still expensive by Asian standards if you stick to a basic rice or noodles meal at a local joint. At the other end of the spectrum, fine dining can be very expensive indeed. Some restaurants have implemented a dual pricing system to account for the extra effort it takes to serve foreigners.

You can easily climb Mount Fuji with just adequate clothing, some basic gear, and 1–2 days in your itinerary. On the most popular route, no actual climbing is required, though you will need to use your hands for support. It is easily doable if you are not too out of shape.

You can easily climb Mount Fuji with just adequate clothing, some basic gear, and 1–2 days in your itinerary. On the most popular route, no actual climbing is required, though you will need to use your hands for support. It is easily doable if you are not too out of shape.

Among the most popular sites are Sensoji temple in Tokyo and Nikkô. Other notable locations include the Fushimi Inari shrine or the Kinkakuji in Kyoto. Japan also features 26 World Heritage Sites, such as Himeji Castle and the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and Nara.

A few establishments, particularly in the nightlife/sex industry, will refuse entry to all foreigners. Some places may ban specific nationalities, with Chinese citizens being the most common targets. These prohibitions are sometimes attributed to language barriers or social etiquette rather than racism.

You can find local products like food, beverages, and arts and crafts in almost every town. Many of these items are easy to find near major train stations or at roadside stations. Additionally, upscale department stores often feature food courts in the basement and affordable eateries on the roof.

The rainy season begins in early June and lasts for about a month, bringing hot and wet weather. In Okinawa, the rainy season starts early in May and continues until mid-June. You should also be aware that typhoons can bring furious rainstorms to Japan between July and October.

Traditional Japanese houses are designed to be cool in summer, which often means they are freezing cold inside in winter. You should bulk up on clothing and make good use of the bathing facilities to stay warm. Futon bedding is usually quite warm.

The climate from June to September is marked by hot, wet weather brought by tropical airflows. A marked rainy season begins in early June and lasts for about a month, followed by hot, sticky weather. Additionally, five or six typhoons pass over or near Japan every year from early August to early October.

During the New Year and Golden Week, transport is heavily congested and prices for flights and hotels increase significantly. Obon also sees packed transportation as people travel to visit ancestral spirits. Traveling during the weeks immediately before or after Golden Week is often an excellent choice.

Most highway bus companies offer online reservations in English and several other languages. You can also purchase tickets online, which is probably the cheapest option. Tickets can also be bought at the point of departure or at convenience stores if you command some Japanese.

While larger hotels and major chains are fine with credit cards, many smaller places and ryokan remain cash only. You should keep this in mind when booking your stay.

Specialized currency exchange shops generally provide better rates than banks and work more quickly. You can recognize these shops by displays of foreign banknotes or signs that say money exchange. While exchange machines are available in many shopping centers, they often offer rates significantly below the mid-market rate.

Japan's central bank has the second largest foreign-exchange reserves after China. It holds over one trillion US Dollars in foreign reserves.

Tipping is generally not part of Japanese culture, but there are exceptions. Interpreters and tour guides are among the exceptions to the no-tipping culture.

TTP travelers do not receive the temporary visitor landing permission stamp on their passport. This stamp is required to receive travel passes or tickets restricted to foreigners such as the Japan Rail Pass. In these instances, you will have to undergo standard immigration procedures to receive the stamp.

TTP travelers do not receive the temporary visitor landing permission stamp on their passport. This stamp is required to receive travel passes or tickets restricted to foreigners such as the Japan Rail Pass. In these instances, you will have to undergo standard immigration procedures to receive the stamp.

Efficient and speedy transport is possible through an extensive rail network and domestic flights. Some planes used for intra-Japan travel involve modifications to favor the relatively short distances involved.

Accommodation options range from shared tatami rooms and hostel-style bunk rooms to private hotel rooms with en suite facilities. On board, you can find food options like cafes, buffets, and vending machines, and passengers are welcome to bring their own food and alcohol. Most ferries also provide gender-segregated bathhouse facilities for all passengers.

Blue Trains were long-distance sleeper trains that connected major destinations across Japan. These services were gradually eliminated as the Shinkansen network expanded and regional airports opened. Aside from luxury excursion trains, only the combined Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto remain in regular operation with sleeping accommodation.

The provided text contains historical information regarding the Hertz Corporation, including its expansion and various acquisitions. However, the excerpt does not contain information specifically about japan-issue.com or its services regarding car rentals.

The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line opened in 1927. It is the oldest subway line in Asia.

Many taxi companies run their fleets on liquefied natural gas. This is part of Japan's energy landscape where the country aims to diversify its sources.

Taxi apps like GO, DiDi, and Uber are increasingly common, with GO offering an English-language app. These apps can provide approximate fares, but trips are still charged by the meter and costs can fluctuate. Please note that if you hail a taxi with an app, you cannot board it at or near a regular taxi stand and may need to walk away to escape the geofence.

Japan has many great cycling routes and rentals can be found throughout the country, especially near popular routes like the Shimanami Kaido Bikeway. Even very rural roads are well paved, but you will need your lowest climbing gear a lot because Japan is quite mountainous. In cities, it is a great idea to use a bicycle to get around and explore the sights.

You should wear shoes that can easily slip off and on, such as athletic shoes tied loosely or quality walking sandals. It is important to keep a pair of socks handy because you must remove your shoes before entering certain restaurants, temples, and houses. Wearing socks is generally more common when you are in these locations if slippers are not available.

The speed limit on a divided expressway is normally a maximum of 100 km/h, though it may be up to 120 km/h under specific conditions. On undivided expressways, the maximum speed limit is 70 km/h. Urban expressways within major cities often have a speed limit of 60 km/h.

A single network of speed, divided, limited-access toll roads connects major cities. These roads are operated by toll-collecting enterprises.

Butane and propane are highly flammable petroleum products that can explode if mixed with oxygen and ignited in an enclosed container. Because of these safety concerns, the EPA has classified certain flammable blends of hydrocarbons as unacceptable substitutes for CFC-12 in motor vehicle air conditioners. It appears unlikely that the EPA will approve hydrocarbon-based refrigerants for automotive use due to these safety reasons.

Consuming alcohol while driving a motor vehicle is legal as long as the driver is not over the driver blood alcohol limit. Additionally, the alcohol must not be consumed in a liquor-free zone. Passengers of motor vehicles are also allowed to consume alcohol provided they are not in a liquor-free zone.

A lap belt is a strap that goes over the waist and is commonly found in older cars, coaches, and passenger aircraft seats. Three-point belts became more common as safety regulations were revised to prevent seat belt syndrome. Eventually, regulations required three-point belts in all seating positions in passenger vehicles.

Parking in major cities like Tokyo is expensive and difficult to find. Additionally, roads in these areas are often plagued with massive traffic jams. Driving in these cities is generally considered more of a hindrance than anything else.

Japan has left-hand traffic. The 1.2 million kilometers of paved road are one of the major means of transportation.

Roundabouts reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions by reducing traffic speeds and minimizing T-bone and head-on collisions. They also reduce driver confusion associated with perpendicular junctions and decrease queuing compared to traffic lights. Additionally, they can lead to less pollution because vehicles spend less time idling than at signalled intersections.