bicycle helmets japan image
Helper!
I think that I want to move to Japan. I'm visiting there this summer. I don't really know what I'd do there, but it just seems like a really nice place to live.
Do you know anything about Japan? For example, is it more expensive to live there than in England or New York?
What is daily life like?
What's it like being out at night?
Stuff to do? Things to see?
How do people act?
Customs?
Food?
Is clothing expensive?
Is it more peaceful there than in America?
And one last thing, I'm Korean, and would the Japanese be able to tell the difference between me and a native Japanese person? Is there racial tension between Japanese and Koreans?
Really, anything that you could tell me about living in Japan, or just about Japan in general (no history please, unless it's needed) would be great!
And yes, I've already asked this question, but I got crappy answers. Also if you're wondering, I live in America, and I'm a native English speaker.
Please help!
Thanks
Answer
I recently went to Japan [Nov/Dec 2007], so from my experience, I can tell you this:
1/ I was warned about how expensive it is and let me tell you now - it was all a lie! The prices are similar to Australia. Definitely cheaper than England. Not sure about NY as I've never been there.
The train passes in Tokyo are expensive (approx $500 for 2 weeks unlimited travel), but aside from that.. the food is $5-10 per meal at restaurants. The general rule is: If you eat with the locals, it's cheap. If you go to some fancy upmarket place, of course it's going to be expensive, but you're getting the same food in the end anyway, it's just costing you more.
What is daily life like?
Everyone is very friendly. If you smile and give a small nod to ANYONE, they will do the same. The city areas are very busy. A lot of people ride bicycles - on the footpath, with no helmet. Watch out for them!!
In Tokyo, you can not walk and smoke a cigarette - it's considered rude. They ahve special "smoking stations" set up every few blocks. In other cities, like Osaka and Kyoto, this rule doesn't apply.
There's an array of people out during the day, having meals and reading newspapers/books on their own in cafés... people going shopping... Japan is very "alive".
What's it like being out at night?
Excellent. But be aware of what kind of places you are going to. There are disctricts that you definitely don't want to be in - you may be approached by prostitutes.
I also came across many places that were filled with old men having drinks after work. Going out at night is very male oriented.
BTW, drinks are like, AU $3!!! So cheap to drhink there! And cigarettes too - $3-4 per packet!
Stuff to do? Things to see?
Plenty, you've just gotta find them all. Check online. There's also very helpful information booths at major trainstations where some staff speak English. Although... there's A LOT of signs etc in English, so it's hard to get lost.
A little note on catching cabs... they're very cheap for short trips, but VERY expensive for long trips.
How do people act?
Very modestly. Japanese people are very introverted, but if you take the initiation to speak to them, they are the firendliest people...
The trains are generally very quiet - they have rules to turn off your phones or put them on silent - something the Western world desperately needs to implement!!!
Customs?
You give a nod to say hello. You nod/bow to thank someone... the depth of your bow depends on how much respect you want to show the person.
You don't blow your nose, you sniffle. Blowing your nose is really rude...
I can't think of tradiitonal stuff right now, just trying to give you some basic ettiquette tips.
Food?
Lots of noodle soups!!! I practically lived off them when I was there... although there's A LOT of Americanised places. E.g. Cafés that serve eggs for breakfast (the serving is the size of one ice-cream scoop, by the way). The further out of town you are, the more traditional the food is and the less English people speak. AND the less "western style" toilets you will find!!!!
Is clothing expensive?
Depends where you shop. I found most things quite reasonable, but of course there are boutique stores that will empty out your pockets quickly. T-shirts and hoodies were AU$20-50. Little gifts like chopsticks etc were very cheap.
Is it more peaceful there than in America?
I haven't been to America but I can tell you now... Japan is very peaceful. You don't see conflict on the streets... there isn't even graffiti anywhere! I saw one person who was drunk & disorderly riding a bike (and crashing into bushes) and a policeman LAUGHED and helped him up, and told him to walk home, not ride.
And one last thing, I'm Korean, and would the Japanese be able to tell the difference between me and a native Japanese person? Is there racial tension between Japanese and Koreans?
Yes, Japanese people have very distinct features, BUT they don't all look the same. I guess you would most likely blend in and don't stress about racial tension. If you're friendly, people will show you the same courtesy. They tend not to judge people - I went there with tattoos, piercings and bright red hair [I even had a mohawk up one day] and I had no trouble talking to people, getting cabs etc. People love talkign to foreigners because most of Japan's tourists seem to be internal [e.g. from other parts of Japan]. I hardly saw any other Westerners on my visit!!!
I recently went to Japan [Nov/Dec 2007], so from my experience, I can tell you this:
1/ I was warned about how expensive it is and let me tell you now - it was all a lie! The prices are similar to Australia. Definitely cheaper than England. Not sure about NY as I've never been there.
The train passes in Tokyo are expensive (approx $500 for 2 weeks unlimited travel), but aside from that.. the food is $5-10 per meal at restaurants. The general rule is: If you eat with the locals, it's cheap. If you go to some fancy upmarket place, of course it's going to be expensive, but you're getting the same food in the end anyway, it's just costing you more.
What is daily life like?
Everyone is very friendly. If you smile and give a small nod to ANYONE, they will do the same. The city areas are very busy. A lot of people ride bicycles - on the footpath, with no helmet. Watch out for them!!
In Tokyo, you can not walk and smoke a cigarette - it's considered rude. They ahve special "smoking stations" set up every few blocks. In other cities, like Osaka and Kyoto, this rule doesn't apply.
There's an array of people out during the day, having meals and reading newspapers/books on their own in cafés... people going shopping... Japan is very "alive".
What's it like being out at night?
Excellent. But be aware of what kind of places you are going to. There are disctricts that you definitely don't want to be in - you may be approached by prostitutes.
I also came across many places that were filled with old men having drinks after work. Going out at night is very male oriented.
BTW, drinks are like, AU $3!!! So cheap to drhink there! And cigarettes too - $3-4 per packet!
Stuff to do? Things to see?
Plenty, you've just gotta find them all. Check online. There's also very helpful information booths at major trainstations where some staff speak English. Although... there's A LOT of signs etc in English, so it's hard to get lost.
A little note on catching cabs... they're very cheap for short trips, but VERY expensive for long trips.
How do people act?
Very modestly. Japanese people are very introverted, but if you take the initiation to speak to them, they are the firendliest people...
The trains are generally very quiet - they have rules to turn off your phones or put them on silent - something the Western world desperately needs to implement!!!
Customs?
You give a nod to say hello. You nod/bow to thank someone... the depth of your bow depends on how much respect you want to show the person.
You don't blow your nose, you sniffle. Blowing your nose is really rude...
I can't think of tradiitonal stuff right now, just trying to give you some basic ettiquette tips.
Food?
Lots of noodle soups!!! I practically lived off them when I was there... although there's A LOT of Americanised places. E.g. Cafés that serve eggs for breakfast (the serving is the size of one ice-cream scoop, by the way). The further out of town you are, the more traditional the food is and the less English people speak. AND the less "western style" toilets you will find!!!!
Is clothing expensive?
Depends where you shop. I found most things quite reasonable, but of course there are boutique stores that will empty out your pockets quickly. T-shirts and hoodies were AU$20-50. Little gifts like chopsticks etc were very cheap.
Is it more peaceful there than in America?
I haven't been to America but I can tell you now... Japan is very peaceful. You don't see conflict on the streets... there isn't even graffiti anywhere! I saw one person who was drunk & disorderly riding a bike (and crashing into bushes) and a policeman LAUGHED and helped him up, and told him to walk home, not ride.
And one last thing, I'm Korean, and would the Japanese be able to tell the difference between me and a native Japanese person? Is there racial tension between Japanese and Koreans?
Yes, Japanese people have very distinct features, BUT they don't all look the same. I guess you would most likely blend in and don't stress about racial tension. If you're friendly, people will show you the same courtesy. They tend not to judge people - I went there with tattoos, piercings and bright red hair [I even had a mohawk up one day] and I had no trouble talking to people, getting cabs etc. People love talkign to foreigners because most of Japan's tourists seem to be internal [e.g. from other parts of Japan]. I hardly saw any other Westerners on my visit!!!
HAIR HELP!!! EASY 10 POINTS?
livelaughl
i live in japan, and i ride a bicycle to work.
do you think it would be weird to show to work early, and fix my hair just like tease it a little.
cause i will have helmet hair.. NOT GOOD, by the way i am a leisure travel agent.
but do you guys think it would be weird at all???? or do you have any ideas??
thanks
IN THE BATHROOM FIRST OF COURSE!!!
Answer
that is perfectly normal. they make travel size blow dryers, straighteners, brush and stuff. so you can have a little bag of this stuff and fix your hair at work. i think it is fine if you do.
that is perfectly normal. they make travel size blow dryers, straighteners, brush and stuff. so you can have a little bag of this stuff and fix your hair at work. i think it is fine if you do.
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Title Post: Life in Japan?
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Author: Unknown
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