JAPAN'S UNSPOKEN RULES 🙊 | 16 You Need to Know Before Traveling!

JAPAN HAS SO MANY UNSPOKEN RULES I COULD BE HERE ALL DAY TALKING ABOUT IT 😣 I hope to save you some embarrassment with this video!!
Today I'm sharing 16 unspoken rules in Japan that you need to know before your next trip to Japan 🥰 They are varying levels of...originalness...throughout the video. It's impossible to make one of these with totally fresh information, so if you think the first few are obvious or something, I encourage you to keep watching or skip ahead to the next ones to see!! Because there's a lot!! But really they can all be boiled down to the last one lmao 😆
Let me know if you can think of any others people should be aware of down below in the comments!!
-----
🚃 TRAVEL JAPAN WITH JR PASS (affiliate link so buy through here to support me 🥰)
NATIONWIDE PASS (most popular, allows travel on JR trains across Japan: click.jrpass.com/SH6k
REGIONAL PASSES: click.jrpass.com/SH6l
-----
🌸 follow me on social media 🌸
twitter: @allisonintokyo
personal instagram: @allisintokyo
study instagram: @allistudy
⭐️ Support me on Ko-fi! ⭐️
ko-fi.com/allisonintokyo
🗼 new upload every friday JST 🗼
🔰 timestamps 🔰
❤️ music ❤️
🎈Song : Daystar - Smile /
• ✨샛별 - Smile :)✨(Royalt...
🎈Song : Daystar - Daisy Fleabane / • ✨샛별 - 🍳계란꽃🌼✨(Royalty F...
JAPAN'S UNSPOKEN RULES 🙊 | 16 You Need to Know Before Traveling!

Пікірлер: 620

  • @AllisoninTokyo
    @AllisoninTokyo Жыл бұрын

    What rule surprised you the most!? And you do know any others I didn't mention in this video? Let me know down below!!! ☺

  • @MK-nd1om

    @MK-nd1om

    Жыл бұрын

    I think what always shocks me is the etiquette on the subway. I used to live in NYC for 7 years and holy cow it is a dog eat dog world and everyone is so jaded. When I first went to east-Asia, I couldn't believe that people were so courteous and actually let people off the train first. So logical and simple but not every populous actually follows it.

  • @Seriinudesu

    @Seriinudesu

    Жыл бұрын

    I didn't know about the taxi doors and the seat reservation 😄

  • @iNancy

    @iNancy

    Жыл бұрын

    One thing I noticed on my last trip was that Osaka had a lot more people (locals not foreigners) who did not wait in the queue for the train but would cut and push in while people were coming out. It happened almost every time I was at a station. Tokyo was surprisingly a lot more orderly.

  • @yurukuri

    @yurukuri

    Жыл бұрын

    Could you do a video on the first things you should do when you get to Japan for the first time as a traveler? Like how to get a train pass, money, and SIM card, etc?

  • @otterpoet

    @otterpoet

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this. The taxi door one made me sit up and go 'huh?!' But, yeah, that sorta makes sense. So thank you for saving me some embarrassment at the airport XD (I'm pretty sure Tokyo is still talking about my Salad Incident of 1986, so need all the help I can get).

  • @Reia_Shi
    @Reia_Shi Жыл бұрын

    I’m American, but it will always baffle me how some Americans will get absolutely furious that they can’t tip in Japan and many other countries. Like why are you mad that the waiters get paid an actual good wage and you don’t have to pay their salary basically? The tipping culture in the USA is absolutely ridiculous and it needs to go away.

  • @VictorRodriguez-qn1kz

    @VictorRodriguez-qn1kz

    Жыл бұрын

    AYO facts but those same people won't tip in America 😂

  • @Reia_Shi

    @Reia_Shi

    Жыл бұрын

    @@VictorRodriguez-qn1kz The only reason I tip is because you’re literally looked down upon if you don’t here 😭😭

  • @VictorRodriguez-qn1kz

    @VictorRodriguez-qn1kz

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Reia_Shi like bro why should it be the consumers responsibility to pay their wages pay them a fair wage 😭😭

  • @Reia_Shi

    @Reia_Shi

    Жыл бұрын

    @@VictorRodriguez-qn1kz exactly

  • @aldente2011

    @aldente2011

    Жыл бұрын

    It's just to follow the good old saying, "When in Rome, do as Romans do". Regarding tipping in the US, it is sheer false economy.

  • @susanma4899
    @susanma4899 Жыл бұрын

    I thought of a few: on the train, do NOT talk on your phone. I am convinced that texting was invented in Japan because train passengers do need to contact others, but they're not allowed (well, you know) to actually talk on their phones while on a train. Also don't put on makeup, brush your hair, spray perfume, etc on a train. You can do that in the restroom I guess, but not at your seat. Also, if you speak Japanese at all, people will not say "no" or contradict you. For example, if you ask, "Does this train go to Kyoto?" they won't say, "No, that's the wrong train." However, if you said, "I'm trying to get to Kyoto and I'm not sure which train..." Then they'd say, "Oh, it's that one over there."

  • @ambermac77

    @ambermac77

    Жыл бұрын

    Oohhh!!! Good tip about asking for advice. Thank you!

  • @aldente2011

    @aldente2011

    Жыл бұрын

    Text messaging was not invented in Japan. It was introduced to general public rather later than the rest of the world. However, it became a huge hit in Japan in late 1990s, people finding it matching well with their way of life.

  • @susanma4899

    @susanma4899

    Жыл бұрын

    @@aldente2011 Yeah, I was just taking a shot in the dark, lol.

  • @Pinkkermit17

    @Pinkkermit17

    10 ай бұрын

    What’s the difference from talking to the person next to you and talking on the phone? Just because you cant hear what the other person is saying.😅

  • @samueltk6495

    @samueltk6495

    10 ай бұрын

    @@Pinkkermit17 there was a theory for this in someone else’s video (don’t remember who it was), but it actually makes sense. When two people are talking quietly to each other you may perceive it as some kind of background noise that it’s not disturbing at all. But if there’s only a single person’s voice around your brain will think it’s weird and this will draw more attention.

  • @valmarsiglia
    @valmarsiglia10 ай бұрын

    I've never been to Japan, but I taught English to lots of Japanese students at a Berlitz school when I was young, and it was a chore to get them to say negative statements beginning with "no." In one exercise, I'd hold up a red pen and ask "Is the pen black?" with the expected answer of "No, the pen is not black, the pen is red" but instead they'd try to talk around it, usually with something like "Um... maybe the pen is red." They were clearly very uncomfortable with the idea of contradicting me directly.

  • @keintabak

    @keintabak

    8 ай бұрын

    That is interesting. Duolingo commonly teaches statements like, "iie, kono boorupen wa kuroi desu" starting sentences with 'no', negative statements.

  • @rachelar

    @rachelar

    8 ай бұрын

    Spot on. It gets tired if you live there. Also they don't say "must" they say "must not not do". They also have a recent (post WW2) culture of lying ie saying what you want to hear (tatemae). Avoid unless paid super expat deal

  • @aibao_eipariru_april

    @aibao_eipariru_april

    23 күн бұрын

    My husband is Japanese and absolutely hates when I answer questions like this 😂 he wants a yes or no answer and apparently I don’t know how to do that. 😅 I will say, “no” is never the correct answer unless it makes the question a positive outcome. Like “is the food bad?” Answer no. But if you didn’t like the food you have to answer as if you did. Basically lie your face off to make everyone feel better

  • @valmarsiglia

    @valmarsiglia

    23 күн бұрын

    @@aibao_eipariru_april As the British say when they really don't like something: "It was _quite_ good."

  • @susanma4899
    @susanma4899 Жыл бұрын

    Here's something I've often seen in the US that drives me bonkers. We put up with it here, but if you try to pull this in Japan, get ready for some stink eye. It's parents who give their small kids a phone or tablet and let them watch videos, listen to music, or play games in restaurants. The point is, that sh*t is LOUD and incredibly annoying. If you or your kids have a device that is making noise, USE EARBUDS. On a train, on a bus, in a restaurant, in any public place--it's rude if others can hear it. In America, restaurants are pretty loud anyway, so we can usually tune it out, but in Japan it'll come across as beyond rude.

  • @ryuukakhadijah7766

    @ryuukakhadijah7766

    Жыл бұрын

    This happened a lot in my country too.. 😣

  • @a.s.1737

    @a.s.1737

    Жыл бұрын

    Pretty sure many infants are not going to be interested in wearing ear buds..... Do you prefer the sound of screaming babies on the bus instead? I got far more stink eye for that over using tablet/phone.

  • @azabujuban-hito8085

    @azabujuban-hito8085

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@a.s.1737 Interestingly enough, the music club in my community here in Tokyo, Japan often held mini concerts. And during such events the club always provides earphones for little children ( as the music can be loud ). So far I have never seen those little children scream and wail in agony for wearing earphones. 🤷‍♀️

  • @cyirvine6300

    @cyirvine6300

    Жыл бұрын

    When I experience that I politely ask they turn off the sound. They always do but I think if they refused I'd grab the thing and stick it in the toilet if I was in a mood. Stink eye? That hasn't worked since I was 10

  • @christineschwarz5308

    @christineschwarz5308

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@a.s.1737 I would like to recommend that infants not need to self soothe by staring at a screen. Adults can entertain them at a quiet volume. Infants need to learn to absorb what is going on around them in their environment not stare at a screen.

  • @punkin314
    @punkin31410 ай бұрын

    My biggest shock when I moved to Tokyo in 1999 was the sheer rigidness of refusing to not put a pickle on the burger at McDonald's. I'm half Japanese so not my first time there, but first time living there and I actually said to the person 'what if I am allergic and you putting the pickle on my burger contaminates it and I die??'. She literally pulled out the BINDER and showed me where it said that the pickle had to be put on. GOT IT. hahahhhaah

  • @roxazaloah

    @roxazaloah

    9 ай бұрын

    Lol so they'd rather weed out everyone who has a food allergy... got it 😂😂😂 That's actually pretty bad, tbh. I don't have any food allergies thankfully, but do they just tell the person to order something else, or go somewhere else if they refuse to accommodate allergies? I'm actually being serious here.

  • @punkin314

    @punkin314

    9 ай бұрын

    @@roxazaloah Its a VERY rigid culture. When I lived there the only way you could be vegetarian is by making food yourself. I had a friend that figured out restaurants were giving her food without meat pieces in it, but cooked in meat stock etc. so she was actually being fed meat the entire time. She had to explain why being cooked with meat and having the pieces taken out wasn't vegetarian. Having said that, there are many accommodating places now but I wouldn't trust any restaurant fully if I had a bad allergy.

  • @rowbearly6128

    @rowbearly6128

    7 ай бұрын

    Typicl american, arguing just to feel like you won. Go home, Japan is not for you.

  • @J-sy5cu

    @J-sy5cu

    7 ай бұрын

    @@punkin314 It’s ridiculous how people just expect a whole culture to accommodate their persnickety nonsense. If you’re too fancy or sensitive to eat out, then stay your ass home. Vegetarians and vegans are the worst.

  • @tranquilbakergentletraveller
    @tranquilbakergentletraveller Жыл бұрын

    Japanese society seems quite respectful (lining up in an orderly fashion, keeping quiet on public transport). Most of the rest of the world can learn a thing or two from the Japanese.

  • @tpkyterooluebeck9224

    @tpkyterooluebeck9224

    Жыл бұрын

    ROFL They blatantly refuse to accommodate anyone with food allergies, meaning that we will either never be able to eat at a restaurant or if we do, we die. This isn't nice! Hitler tried to ban Jews from German food! Japanese restaurant ban food allergic people for Japanese food in restaurants and cafes! This is evil! This is not nice! I would never want to be like them! People don't just wake up and say I'm going to be allergic to soy today!

  • @SuperMegaLamp

    @SuperMegaLamp

    Жыл бұрын

    It's just asian culture

  • @rogerphillips7270

    @rogerphillips7270

    11 ай бұрын

    Asian culture? China is very different!

  • @juliequilts7204

    @juliequilts7204

    10 ай бұрын

    I agree 100% . I am American and I am often embarrassed by the behavior of many Americans!!

  • @simulationkoyo

    @simulationkoyo

    10 ай бұрын

    they can sense fear too.

  • @billwindsor4224
    @billwindsor422411 ай бұрын

    An addition: have the word “sumimasen” (“excuse me”) at the front of your lips all the time. Or: “Oh, sumimasen.” I traveled to Japan on business about six times over a two-year period, and I knew I was going to mess up in my behavior occasionally to the Japanese standards; and I found that my saying “sumimasen” was a quick way to recover grace from the people around you. Or then consider adding “gomen nasai” if you need to add an apology.

  • @michaelw5048
    @michaelw5048 Жыл бұрын

    When in Japan three years ago, I learned that pedestrians always obey walk lights even in very small towns. I was in a town so small that it had only one stop light and witnessed a pedestrian waiting for the light to change even though there was no traffic in either direction for at least a 1/2 mile. Conform and blend in.

  • @jimshackelford6302

    @jimshackelford6302

    7 ай бұрын

    I lived in a big city, Nagoya. I saw very little rigid following of pedestrian rules, though people did use common sense. And if you're around bars between 10 and 12 at night, you'll see all kinds of slightly unsafe walking.

  • @Aiera
    @Aiera Жыл бұрын

    I'm living in Japan long term, but my brother is getting ready to visit for the first time -- this video was a great reminder of things that might surprise him that I forgot about/got used to, so thank you! The socks one is a big one that I don't think people talk about enough!

  • @Off_the_clock_astrophysicist
    @Off_the_clock_astrophysicist8 ай бұрын

    When I was in Tokyo I would sometimes forget about the reversed pedestrian traffic flow and gravitate to the right side of the side walk. The onslought of people trying to go opposite of me quickly reminded me to move back to the left side.

  • @nobodynothing00000

    @nobodynothing00000

    2 ай бұрын

    I just got done 3 weeks in Japan and in Tokyo they walk all over the damn sidewalk

  • @ogcupcake
    @ogcupcake Жыл бұрын

    You will usually have to take your shoes off in change rooms as well. And a lot of stores will give you a cover to put on your head so that you don’t get makeup on the clothing item you are trying on (like sweaters etc).

  • @kendutchess
    @kendutchess Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic advice. I have lived here since 1989, and really appreciate your video. I hope everyone who visits here watches this before arriving.

  • @kbro6625
    @kbro6625 Жыл бұрын

    When travelling in Japan it is just a case of be courteous and aware of others, this is sadly a rule / way of life that is lost in a lot of places in the west. I will be in Japan in a weeks time with my wife for our 30th wedding anniversary, it will be my third visit but my wife's first time visiting the country and I am looking forward to showing her the sights. Love the videos Allison, you are a great source of Japanese information and you are highly entertaining. Oh...nothing surprises me anymore in Japan.

  • @DJAYPAZ
    @DJAYPAZ11 ай бұрын

    There are so many videos about things not to do in Japan. More videos about rules, social norms, how to eat, how not to eat, even rules about social etiquette when catching a train, using an elevator or handling cash. All these videos could discourage people from visiting Japan. It is a case of information overload and inconsistent content quality. Having visited Japan a number of times, I find that some videos create the false impression that tourists are unwelcome in Japan. Allison makes a genuine effort to explain some things you would probably encounter daily. None of the rules surprised me. Of course there are many other social norms that could be the topic of more videos. A few I would mention are elevator etiquette and the lift captain ( yes it's a thing ), leaving a clear table after eating at a cafe and being aware of women only spaces like certain train carriages etc. I hope Allison does a part 2 of this video.😀😀😀

  • @AyuuLea
    @AyuuLea Жыл бұрын

    I feel on the taxi door one. I've moved to Japan from the US 7 months ago and there was one time where I shut the door without even thinking by accident. It was after I shut the door that I was like "Oh crap, I shouldn't have done that". For those of us in the US, opening and closing taxi doors ourselves is second nature.

  • @ruthnoronha8206

    @ruthnoronha8206

    8 ай бұрын

    Esp if you are from New York

  • @MK-nd1om
    @MK-nd1om Жыл бұрын

    This is so helpful!! Thank you! I'll be traveling to Japan in about 4 weeks so this is perfect timing.

  • @foma518
    @foma518 Жыл бұрын

    We just came back from our trip to Japan. I accidentally opened the driver's side of the taxi cab we got into. It was so embarrassing but the cabbie was super nice and chuckled. My husband accidentally got us all into the "women's only" train. Thankfully it was towards the end of rush hour. By the time we figured it out, there was only 1 stop left so he just dropped his head in shame. He'll never live that one down!

  • @TheDive99

    @TheDive99

    Жыл бұрын

    Lol

  • @jfrancobelge

    @jfrancobelge

    7 ай бұрын

    A women only train?! To me, as a Westerner/European, that's really weird, I wonder why. Is sexual harassment so common that women need to travel between themseleves?

  • @artemis1993

    @artemis1993

    6 ай бұрын

    @@jfrancobelge Yes Brazil also have these

  • @ChibiZerocchi
    @ChibiZerocchi Жыл бұрын

    Sometimes I think it's very sad that some of these things have to be said out loud at all. That's partially why I love Japan so much. Just don't bother anyone with your business! No matter if that means to be mindful while talking or walking or whatever... just respect the space and peace of the people around you. Sadly this seems very hard. This Video really reminded me how much more of a culture shock it was to come back from Japan to my home country ._.

  • @DL-od9rx
    @DL-od9rx Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tips! ❤️

  • @LillikoiSeed
    @LillikoiSeed Жыл бұрын

    This was very informative, and touched on things I wasn’t aware of. Great video.

  • @Scooterx2
    @Scooterx2 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for another great video! I didn’t know the taxis have automatic doors. How cool! The 17th rule (sort of)- you will be greeted when you enter any store, business, hotel, restaurant… and you’re not expected to say anything in return. That’s a tough one for me. I keep wanting to respond, or say hello, or thank you.

  • @ShinnoEli

    @ShinnoEli

    Жыл бұрын

    I mean, you're not expected to respond and most Japanese people won't, but the staff doesn't seem to mind if you smile or nod in acknowledgement. It must get kind of demoralizing to keep saying "Welcome" for no reason, really, so it probably makes for a decent change of pace. It might be considered clueless, but no one seems to think it's rude. Just for the record.

  • @francesca8907

    @francesca8907

    Жыл бұрын

    Oh no, this is going to be very difficult for me. How can I not answer?

  • @Scooterx2

    @Scooterx2

    Жыл бұрын

    @@francesca8907 I just smile.

  • @user-ez5mn1rq1m

    @user-ez5mn1rq1m

    11 ай бұрын

    You can always just say konnichiwa or hello and leave it at that. That's fine.

  • @flannerypedley840

    @flannerypedley840

    9 ай бұрын

    Whereas in France, you respond to 'Bonjour' with 'Bonjour'.

  • @emiliiajayne
    @emiliiajayne Жыл бұрын

    7:23 "if you litter I will personally find you and yell at you", this made me thumbs up the video right away!! 😂

  • @OneKillQuota
    @OneKillQuota Жыл бұрын

    I am visiting for the first time in a couple of weeks and I am bringing my 10-year-old daughter with me. Your videos have been invaluable in my prep, so thank you for all these videos 😁

  • @glebolkhovsky2531
    @glebolkhovsky25318 ай бұрын

    As someone from a Slavic family, I don't understand how someone can walk into the house with their street shoes. We always have a pair of slippers for everyone, just because outdoor shoes are dirty and we don't want to make the house dirty. Same goes usually for the rest outdoor clothes but it's more flexible than shoes.

  • @hai_katsu807
    @hai_katsu807 Жыл бұрын

    The most informative video about traveling to Japan for people in a hurry. I'm headed there this week!

  • @katalynarose7037
    @katalynarose7037 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the very informative video!!

  • @acfarob69
    @acfarob697 ай бұрын

    Thank you, these are great points!

  • @dianebaker5243
    @dianebaker5243 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing some off the rules in Japan 😊

  • @tensaichigo2
    @tensaichigo27 ай бұрын

    This was absolutely fantastic and so useful. As a Londoner who is about to travel there and stay for three months, this has been so useful. Nicely done.

  • @wykaye
    @wykaye9 ай бұрын

    My husband and I lived in Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo for 3 years and I agree with your 16 unspoken rules. Thanks for sharing!

  • @pknumba1
    @pknumba1 Жыл бұрын

    I am moving to Japan in November! I accepted an English teaching job and I am super stoked!

  • @mouse8618

    @mouse8618

    7 ай бұрын

    I hope you are enjoying your experience here.

  • @timlee7227
    @timlee7227 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent tips. I remembered some of them but had forgotten others. Thanks!👍

  • @AllisoninTokyo

    @AllisoninTokyo

    Жыл бұрын

    🫡

  • @majfinan
    @majfinan8 ай бұрын

    I visited Japan back in 2018 and went around various parts of the country. I think you mentioned some great tips, some I feel would be clear to anyone visiting and others are good to know before going as you wouldn't know like the taxi doors, rare to find a public bin etc I found on whole the people of Japan to be very warm and welcoming and always respectable of others around them. I love how any worker in a public facing role like a department store or on a train, they always bow before leaving the shop floor or moving onto the next carriage. I would love to see more of this happening in the Uk. Great video!

  • @bennykoh
    @bennykoh Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this video. Hope to bump into you when i am back in Tokyo last week of March for the sakura.

  • @isakso89
    @isakso8922 күн бұрын

    God bless ya, you are so real honestly. Love it. Love your clock and CPU in the back ❤

  • @leddik
    @leddik Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! We are headed there next month so these are super helpful.

  • @cececampbell2343
    @cececampbell2343 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, this was informative, we're going next week.

  • @themediterraneanguy
    @themediterraneanguy8 ай бұрын

    thanks for sharing the 16 rules, I enjoyed it , just subscribed

  • @stevengiarc4743
    @stevengiarc474311 ай бұрын

    This a great "refresher" for me. I actually lived in Japan for 10 years before moving back to the U.S. 20 years ago for a career change. I'm visiting next month and this video was a nice little reminder. Thanks!

  • @TommieJohnston-ut2jn
    @TommieJohnston-ut2jn26 күн бұрын

    What great advice. Thank you!

  • @justalittleotaku3994
    @justalittleotaku399411 ай бұрын

    just spent a month in Japan and everyone is so respectful. It was culture shock coming back to US

  • @drewcorry5056
    @drewcorry5056 Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely loved every minute

  • @jessiebarry279
    @jessiebarry2799 ай бұрын

    Such good tips, thank you! Going to Japan in November so this has been helpful 🫶🏻

  • @roy_funk
    @roy_funk17 күн бұрын

    im a dutch going to japan next month , thank you for all your tips .. they are very clearly explained and helpfull ❤

  • @risakoiscoolwithm
    @risakoiscoolwithm Жыл бұрын

    First time commenting. Such an on point video; I can tell you really know how to survive in this culture lol I think the tipping rule is relaxed in some places. I used to work at an American restaurant and a lot of foreign costumers(except the ones who looked like they lived in Japan for long) tipped me. I was so happy they liked my service but do know that tipping is not a thing here!

  • @dianesimoes8943
    @dianesimoes894310 ай бұрын

    Really enjoyed your video

  • @trishaangelique2568
    @trishaangelique2568 Жыл бұрын

    I just came back and I don't know if this is a tip or not but just going around Tokyo (walking at least 6 to 8 miles a day), besides getting good walking shoes I noticed that it isn't easy to find places to sit at least what I found in malls/public places that are not parks etc. My tip for my friends is really not to go cheap and you literally should "pay" to sit down in places if that makes sense? I found more success buying small cafe foods and sitting in those places taking interval rests then trying to actively find a place to sit in public lol

  • @ingridhunt7841

    @ingridhunt7841

    Жыл бұрын

    I needed to see this. I had ankle surgery in December and still not completely healed so I'm anticipating being uncomfortable with all the walking. Goin in April. Can't wait.

  • @jinda857

    @jinda857

    Жыл бұрын

    I totally agree, I’m in Kyoto at the moment and we go to cafes and buy coffee if we need to sit.

  • @hannahlholton

    @hannahlholton

    Жыл бұрын

    I had this exact struggle today in Tokyo! We quickly bought some lunch items at 7/11, but then couldn’t find a place to sit and eat them 😅

  • @siobhankenny6380

    @siobhankenny6380

    Жыл бұрын

    Lots of cities have "smoking parks" I don't know the proper name for them. They are cordoned off sections with seats and pleasant smelling plants where smokers can sit and enjoy a cigarette without annoying anybody. Because they're outside you don't really smell the smoke, I think they're also WiFi hotshots.

  • @madisonsmith4436
    @madisonsmith4436Ай бұрын

    I’ll be watching all of these! Thank you! I’m glad you mention the princess Kaguya movie because I was a little turned off by the style, so I’ll give it a shot!

  • @EveryHandleIsTaken979
    @EveryHandleIsTaken9797 ай бұрын

    So many of these things are just really good societal rules to reduce the spread of illness. It’s like: 1.Yes! Take your shoes off in peoples houses! 2. The taxi door opens on it’s own? Fabulous! 3. Putting the money in the dish instead of handing it directly to the cashier? Good idea! 4. Wear a mask when you’re sick even when it’s not the height of Covid times? Yes!

  • @mrsthe97
    @mrsthe97 Жыл бұрын

    I was surprised by the auto taxi doors, that would definitely catch me off guard. Thanks for the list, I like to be prepared when entering a different culture.

  • @AverageBot
    @AverageBot Жыл бұрын

    For me a lot of stuff comes natural tbh. Even if someone can't remember all of it I think rule nr 16 will help you the most in daily life 😊

  • @AllisoninTokyo

    @AllisoninTokyo

    Жыл бұрын

    Exactly!! 😆

  • @bonyo888
    @bonyo888 Жыл бұрын

    Always appreciate an Allison day!! Thanks for this vid and especially the tip about payment in eateries!! Restaurants always bring anxiety in not knowing where to pay, when, blablabla hahaha!

  • @AllisoninTokyo

    @AllisoninTokyo

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes I feel this!! 😂😂

  • @janseger1693
    @janseger16939 ай бұрын

    Thanx;) great insight to unwritten rules in Japan.

  • @erniesandoval9669
    @erniesandoval9669 Жыл бұрын

    Love your videos Allison 💖❤️.

  • @mizzcachon
    @mizzcachon Жыл бұрын

    Great video! Thanks for the taxi rule! I would totally try to open it myself….😅

  • @PtaQman
    @PtaQman Жыл бұрын

    Be kind and it's all going to work for you! Great stuff as always Allison. I watched till the end and even translated everything for my mom ( she likes you a lot even though she doesn't understand english at all) Stay safe ! Do more videos like this one. It's really helpful and interesting.

  • @seanjohnson2563
    @seanjohnson2563 Жыл бұрын

    You're so awesome. My wife and I have been watching your videos for a few months now leading up to our big trip in April for Sakura season and I feel a lot better prepared (and excited!) thanks to videos like this. Your editing is also really entertaining 😊 The rule that surprised me the most is the taxi handles. That seems so easy to accidently do, so thanks for the emphasis on it.

  • @AllisoninTokyo

    @AllisoninTokyo

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks 🥹🥹

  • @susanma4899

    @susanma4899

    Жыл бұрын

    I feel like touching the handle is not as egregious as pulling or pushing the door. So if you inadvertently put your hand of the door handle and feel it opening on its own, you can jump back, like, Sorry!

  • @joelyisdoingherbest

    @joelyisdoingherbest

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Allison. I love your videos! I’m so excited to go to Japan! Weird question but what’s the name of the cute plushie in the background of your video? Right behind your head…the larger one. I want to get that for my step daughter ❤️

  • @OneFoxTwoFox

    @OneFoxTwoFox

    11 ай бұрын

    ​@@joelyisdoingherbest if you are talking about the pink and white one that is a Sylveon and the pink one next to that is a Ditto. Both are pokemon. Sorry no one was answering so I thought I chime in.

  • @joelyisdoingherbest

    @joelyisdoingherbest

    11 ай бұрын

    @@OneFoxTwoFox thank you so much!

  • @heathercampbell4575
    @heathercampbell457511 ай бұрын

    Thank you, so glad you mentioned the taxi doors.

  • @ibookje
    @ibookje11 ай бұрын

    good tips! Thank you

  • @Waynes.bit.retirement
    @Waynes.bit.retirement11 ай бұрын

    I lived in Japan 4 years forking for the Navy in Yokosuka and lived in Yokohama. Your list is right on mostly, I will state that the Yokohama COSTCO deli where you get the American style pizza was the exception to the restaurant seating convention. Definitely a free for all!! Great video.

  • @The5trongmonkey
    @The5trongmonkey8 ай бұрын

    will travelling to Tokyo for the first time, good vid!

  • @luciesimackova4805
    @luciesimackova4805 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the sharing, the video is good altought I think it might be less cut up and a bit slow. I sense nervousness, you can relax a bit you're doing great 😉

  • @user-op5hg6km7g
    @user-op5hg6km7g Жыл бұрын

    I've heard about the washcloth thing but failed to believe it to be true until you confirmed. thank you!

  • @tania7716
    @tania7716 Жыл бұрын

    I would LOVE to have the 1 hour video about unspoken rules for people living there 😍 (... Omg maybe I have to work on my priorities after this comment 😅)

  • @midge007
    @midge007 Жыл бұрын

    Oh haiiii 4K! lol Thank you for putting these rules out there! I usually don't talk to anyone when I ride the local transit system here in the US so that's one thing I have down haha! Hopefully folks take some notes!! :3

  • @suzannegrandchamp
    @suzannegrandchamp8 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @kakman1958
    @kakman1958 Жыл бұрын

    I was in the Mont Bell store in Hiroshima and wanted to try on some hiking pants. I was terribly embarrassed because I didn't leave my shoes OUTSIDE the change room. I knew to take them off, but I though I could do it inside the booth. I spent the next 5 minutes bowing and apologising :) Japanese are beautiful people and if you're courteous and respectful I'm sure they'll forgive the occasional faux pas from tourists. I absolutely love their orderly nature - especially on the trains and escalators.

  • @TheCAG1976
    @TheCAG197610 ай бұрын

    I’ve watched one of these videos before about rules in Japan. It’s definitely helpful to know this and when me and my Philippine fiancé get married we are planning a trip to visit Japan. So in traveling to the Philippines through Japan I’ve made the mistake just actually not knowing I had my small gimbal video camera, just excited about being in Japan. This was at Haneda airport I was talking to myself and recording motioned the camera on two sales women standing outside of a store holding samples I think. Thankfully they both had friendly laughs. I say hi and went on about my way, but I’m realizing how much this could have sparked offense. I’m not one who takes joy in causing someone discomfort so I’ll be more careful. Anyways. Thank you for this video! Although also an American I’m one who does like order and quiescence and like to be considerate so I may not have too many problems.

  • @crystaltowler5829
    @crystaltowler58299 ай бұрын

    Love how all of these are considering others

  • @Gei8ha
    @Gei8ha8 ай бұрын

    Very helpful I will be going in a month for 3 months.

  • @TheAggroKreg
    @TheAggroKreg Жыл бұрын

    I think what has thrown me off the most in my visits to Tokyo has been the bicyclists on the sidewalks, it seems like they just weave through everyone and trying the "walk on the left" doesn't always pan out like I hope lol

  • @TheDive99

    @TheDive99

    Жыл бұрын

    Hint. Carry a bicycle bell with you to get through crowds faster.

  • @chrysnicolaides
    @chrysnicolaides Жыл бұрын

    Epic timing with this video, thanks Allison!! I arrived in Tokyo 2 nights ago. First time visiting, so appreciate the tips! Also, I totally see what you mean about American tourists. They do kinda stand out.. 🥲 Also also, I have mad respect for you for living in Japan 🙌🏻

  • @bpattila11
    @bpattila1111 ай бұрын

    People can eat on the shinkansen since food is also served and it is a long distance train. However, people do not eat on any other train, especiall NOT on a city train.

  • @melcrose
    @melcrose Жыл бұрын

    studying for a trip and EVERY thing you mentioned? I've read many times. I say that as a compliment as your advice is dead-on. :)

  • @atsukorichards1675
    @atsukorichards1675 Жыл бұрын

    Very good and practical advices. About giving the tip, I think we don't feel insulted if you tip us, but perplexed for it is not what we do.

  • @d3r4zz
    @d3r4zz9 ай бұрын

    Just sitting at the airport gate to Tokio. Luckily I'm basically doing (almost) all of these already so it won't be a problem haha :D thank you!

  • @Terrible_Hime
    @Terrible_Hime Жыл бұрын

    Not a problem I had, but once I gave my seat to an older lady on the train and she was so cute and so grateful it honestly made my day. 10/10 would give up my train seat in Japan again.

  • @KeziahMason
    @KeziahMason Жыл бұрын

    Your new camera is great!

  • @azabujuban-hito8085
    @azabujuban-hito8085 Жыл бұрын

    As someone who live in Japan ( I live in Tokyo ), let me add : 1.Please dont insist paying something with credit card if the stores don't accept it. 2. Please dont insist paying something with your country's currency ! I had witnessed an american tourist literally enraged when the store staff do not accept his US$ and insisted that he used Jpn¥. 3. Please take your shoes off upon entering the change room when you're trying out clothes. And if the store staff gives you a scarf to cover your face for changing clothes ( to prevent the makeup smearing the clothes ), please USE IT !

  • @davevanfunk8917
    @davevanfunk8917 Жыл бұрын

    Wow!! So much has changed since the 70s. I lived in Kansai (Osaka and Kobe) and I saw a lot of small items being tossed on the ground: cigarette packages, film canisters & boxes. As for entering and exiting the train it was every man/women for themselves. I actually remember someone running to catch another train with her head down. She crashed smack into my abdomen, spun around and then continued on. The foreigners often remarked about how the Japanese can queue up in places like bakeries. Didn't know about socks in temples.

  • @ShinnoEli

    @ShinnoEli

    Жыл бұрын

    The local culture in Kansai is significantly less reserved than it is in the Kantou area. Osakans in particular are famous for actually saying what they think and letting it all hang out (there's a reason lots of Japanese comedians have or affect Kansai accents), so these rules could very well have been true for Tokyo in the '70s, and they may still not be true for Osaka. 😅

  • @idgafortunecookie3992
    @idgafortunecookie3992 Жыл бұрын

    To slurp or not to slurp when eating noodles? Love the videos, btw. They’re so helpful!

  • @susanma4899

    @susanma4899

    Жыл бұрын

    I vote slurp. But if you're in a restaurant I don't think anyone will really notice or care.

  • @90293Mike
    @90293Mike Жыл бұрын

    The thing that annoys me the most is that you have to carry your trash around. But usually there are small trash cans in front of Lawsons / Family Mart / 7-11 where you can discreetly throw it away. And normally, at least in large cities, you are never more than maybe 2 blocks from a convenience store.

  • @supercent5320

    @supercent5320

    Жыл бұрын

    Don't put your trash to convenience store trash boxes. Bring it to your home or office.

  • @AccordGG1

    @AccordGG1

    Жыл бұрын

    it is annoying if you're not used to it but the reason i think that they don't do it is because it can still cause a mess. where i live there are trash cans on some corners but it's always overflowing with trash. yes everyone uses it but it's never cleaned up fast enough and there's trash on the floor. enough to fit another trash can.

  • @jamesp.mcquoid1639

    @jamesp.mcquoid1639

    8 ай бұрын

    No trash cans in public places dates from the sarin gas attacks in the subway in 1995. They threw the gas in trash cans. @@AccordGG1

  • @jackokeefe6164
    @jackokeefe6164 Жыл бұрын

    Going to Japan in December for 12 months for a working holiday so this vid helps alot!

  • @ShinnoEli

    @ShinnoEli

    Жыл бұрын

    That sounds excellent. Have fun!!

  • @twoshadesofochre
    @twoshadesofochre Жыл бұрын

    One no one mentioned but I found on my trip: no shoes in changing rooms! I was very embarrassed and didn’t make that mistake again 😭😂

  • @user-ov4wr5yu4r

    @user-ov4wr5yu4r

    9 ай бұрын

    True. Luckily I saw other customers had taken off their shoes and realised I should do the same.

  • @adin4407
    @adin440710 ай бұрын

    I know it wasn't intented, but this video made me ponder reincarnation, because some of Japan's unspoken rules totally match what I full-on would like as "public courtesy rules" here in the US! Maybe I was Japanese in a past life?!?!🤔

  • @Off_the_clock_astrophysicist
    @Off_the_clock_astrophysicist8 ай бұрын

    I've seen people eat on a local train, but it was an intercity. I waited to see what people would do and took out my lunch when I saw others do the same. Other things I wondered about was whether it was OK to apply makeup in public. I am talking about a quick touch up of lipstick. I did see a high school girl skillfully apply a full face of makeup on the train (eyeliner beautifully done, considering the jostling). But I thought that might be a rude thing she was doing. Another one that bothered me in Japan (all visits were during the cold season) was the train/public place etiquette when it comes to the use of a tissue. Is it better to blow one's nose, or is sniffling better? I couldn't figure that out, as apparently I was the only one who got a runny nose in cold weather.

  • @kimferguson4785
    @kimferguson47857 ай бұрын

    We reserved our seats at uni cafeteria. With a jacket , books ,backpack or a person for the table for a group

  • @heatherbradstreet1426
    @heatherbradstreet1426 Жыл бұрын

    Great info! I was just in Tokyo and absolutely loved. What is the expectation with bikes? It seemed like I had a lot close calls. I couldn’t identify a pattern with where people walk and where the bikes are expected to be. Thank you! I would like to hear more about what it takes to live there.

  • @happycook6737

    @happycook6737

    Жыл бұрын

    In Tokyo on busy roads, bikes must go on the sidewalk. On small side streets bikes are on the edge of the road.

  • @azabujuban-hito8085

    @azabujuban-hito8085

    Жыл бұрын

    Tattoos are OK as long as you dont visit bath house, gym, public swimming pool.

  • @kimberlyvuong6396
    @kimberlyvuong6396 Жыл бұрын

    Ty Allison some people forgot the rules ❤

  • @nikolaipodsakoff5117
    @nikolaipodsakoff5117 Жыл бұрын

    I’m shocked that my friend who’s been to Japan twice, still has an issue with tipping. We went to an Izakaya, and it was run by a Japanese family. I usually don’t tip (at Japanese establishments), and he looks at me and says “We aren’t in Japan. You tip here.” Like, yes, at other restaurants. I asked the wait staff if we should, and had to confirm it by asking again, they said “The quality of the food and service is included in the overall price. So…no tip, please.”

  • @ShinnoEli

    @ShinnoEli

    Жыл бұрын

    If you're in the US, it does tend to be more of a question, especially if you've ever had a friend who works in the service industry; many of them literally need those tips if they're going to pay their bills. That's definitely a thing that needs to be fixed, but until it is, lots of people will play it safe and tip unless they're specifically told not to. My local izakaya is fine with tipping, so even with Japanese restaurants, it does depend on the establishment.

  • @avagrego3195
    @avagrego31957 ай бұрын

    Loved every single moment of the 10 days I spent in Japan. I did try to be unobtrusive.

  • @Momowild3230
    @Momowild3230 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @ginawilkolak7492
    @ginawilkolak7492 Жыл бұрын

    Videos like yours were so helpful the first time I visited Japan! The escalator thing was wild to me since “us Americans” purposeful clog everything humanly possible. 🤣🤣🤣

  • @sergbastian5
    @sergbastian5 Жыл бұрын

    Congrats again on graduating soon! :)

  • @pambulama973
    @pambulama97310 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @katherinemantha1555
    @katherinemantha1555 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, I'm planning on moving to Japan, and I would be sooo interested in a video like this one, but for living in Japan ^.^

  • @jordyshears
    @jordyshears Жыл бұрын

    Come move to Australia! Would love your take 🎉

  • @attache675
    @attache675 Жыл бұрын

    Not really a rule but just something to be aware of specifically with buses. In Tokyo like the Chii bus or Toei bus usually have a flat fare paid at the front and you get off wherever. However a lot of the time in the countryside some buses accept Suica and a lot don’t but you get on in the middle, usually take a ticket if Suica isn’t allowed and pay the distance at the front before exiting.

  • @chuck6290
    @chuck62907 ай бұрын

    We were in Tokyo a week and we were on a train when a convention ended at the Big Thing building and it was crazy to see business locals talking loud to each other! I suspect Kirin was involved, haha.

Келесі