Advice about Just in Case
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Be prepared and learn how to survive…natural disaster.
Sorry for those look for fun items and experiences in Japan. The title won’t be something international tourists expect to find... but as you know, in Japan we often have earthquakes, including very big ones some times, because of that, the government provides a center called “the Disaster Preventi…(613 words)
TomokoI
Black or Dark Suits/Dresses
If you are in Japan during a funeral, a dark suit should be worn for men, along with a black tie. Very inexpensive black ties can be found for men in most men's clothing stores and department stores. For women, black or dark dresses.(44 words)
Sweet42.195
Turkey Day Tokyo Style!
Many restaurants do Thanksgiving specials now- a big change from just 10 years ago! I must admit that I am biased. I own a small restaurant called "Kimono wine and grill" which is a euro american bistro. We do an Awesome Thanksgiving! truly one of the best and most affordable here in Tokyo. We do o…(128 words)
LShannon
Sorry, but...no..
In Japan, the most common gesture you will likely see is the small “X” that people will make with their index fingers, somewhat like a cross. This is for all intents and purposes a relatively polite way of saying no; or more specifically, no, we’re closed, or no, you cannot enter here. It may feel …(175 words)
KurtisW
Name Drop
Usually when I meet Japanese people, even though I speak Japanese, they may be hesitant to properly introduce themselves to me, particularly if it is a group with multiple people and one distinct leader, or connection between my group and theirs. One thing I try and make a point of is coming across…(200 words)
KurtisW
Japan Festivals for December and January.
There would be opportunities to join a community Mochi-zuki making event at the annual year-end/year-beginning season (in Japanese it is called Nen-matsu, Nen-sho). Please ask the hotel concierge or someone who speaks English where your City office is. Then, you can go over to the City office and i…(130 words)
Train stations, convenient stores and book stores are few places where you can get maps & guidebooks
You can get a subway / train map at any train station. They are kept there - and could be in Japanese. You can ask for a English one.You can also find road maps in any of the convenient stores. But they might be in Japanese. Then there are book stores like Yurindo - Kinokuniya etc where you can c…(135 words)
suku
Taxi, Business hotels, Manga kissa (Internet comic cafe) are some options where you can spend night
If you miss the train - which happens many times then there are couple of options.. 1. If you are closeby your hotel or place of stay then you can take a cab. After 11, the cab will charge an extra 10-15% depending on if it is a company taxi or personal /private taxi (you will find this mark when…(283 words)
suku
Check the vicinity
It is not as though earthquakes are constantly happening in Japan, it is just that they are more frequent statistically. Being slightly more aware and prepared is thus advisable, but the precautions don't need to be excessive. One thing however to keep in mind is where you will go in the event of a…(142 words)
KurtisW
Look up TV antennas
Look up TV antennas on houses and buildings to check placement of short elements. When you are in Tokyo 23 ward, it is normally pointed toward Tokyo Sky Tree or North East of Tokyo. For example, in case of the attached photo, the antenna is beaming toward the left.(48 words)
Asiantiger
It depends on the hospital
Japan has public and private specialist and general hospitals. There are also quite a few public and private clinics. Your medical need may influence your choice.All hospitals require initial registration at which time a card will be made for you. If you don't have Japanese health insurance you…(76 words)
Kenji
Are you allowed to Use Your Cellphone in the Train in Japan?
In Japan, using cellphones in the train is ok. In fact, you will see a lot of people texting on their cellphones in the train. However, there are rules to cellphone use. First of all, using cellphones near the priority seating is a big NoNo. Priority seats are where people with pacemakers sit and c…(125 words)
GenS
How to be prepared for an Earthquake in Japan?
You would be very surprised at the items you can find in Japan for that just-in-case feeling. A lot of the items would be very convenient to have in your bag during your travels around the world, so a leisurely jaunt to Tokyu Hands in Shibuya would be a very educational and helpful experience. Find…(144 words)
Stop by a TRAVELEX!
There are many Travelex stalls in Japan, usually at famous sightseeing areas or major stations. For example, near Kaminari-mon in Asakusa, one of the famous sightseeing spots in Tokyo, there is a small Travelex stall. There is also another one in Yokohama station. Look out for a blue and red sign!(51 words)
RieS
Post Offices Take Most Cards
Tokyo post offices accept most foreign ATM cards and can be found in all Japanese cities. They usually have a couple machines and they are often available after the main post office closes. Look for the red T-shaped sign or ask a Japanese person for the yuubinkyoku.(47 words)
KurtisW
Try exploring the local area around you
Most people in Tokyo either intend on staying out all night, until the trains begin in the morning, or make it a point to get to the station early, even before the very last train to their respective destination. However, if you're one of the many who with every intention of returning home for the …(147 words)
KurtisW
Lost anything? Go to the Koban!
Japanese police boxes are so useful, because the policemen are kind and willing to help people who are having difficulties finding the way. Also, Japanese people tend to be honest and caring for other people – they deliver lost items to the police box, especially if the item looks expensive or is a…(104 words)
RieS
McD's In Japan
Charging your electronic devices using any "unofficial" plug will get you into trouble. Trust me, I'm writing from firsthand experience. I was on a 7 day bicycle trip down South to Fukuoka and needed electricity desperately. I was at a hotspring and tried sneaking some juice while I was soaking in …(125 words)
GenS
The Post Office is the best place when you need CASH!
In my experience, it's hard for my co-workers from overseas to take out cash by their cards. I found that many cards work well at the Post Office.http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/ias/en_ias_index.html(39 words)
Shinji
You should enjoy staying at a Tube Hotel called a Capsule Room Hotel!!!
It's amazing and you can feel another world to stay a Tube Hotel. It's Cool Japan. The price is around USD40 per night.(23 words)
Shinji
Safety in Japan
I have heard from some of my foreigner friends that in some countries, people would rather avoid getting involve with the police than seek justice for a small problem. In Japan, you don't have to worry about the police taking advantage of you. Although they can be a hassle at times do the the amoun…(281 words)
GenS
Getting ready for earthquakes
At Mark Is, the new mall in Minatomirai, on the 4th floor, there is an exhibition on how to prevent yourself from getting hurt by taking some precautions for your house during an earthquake. There were things such as putting attachments that prevent your bookshelves from falling over, locks on draw…(85 words)
RieS
Kinokuniya in Shinjuku
The best-known branch of this chain is on Shinjuku Dori, but the branch behind the nearby Takashimaya (on the south side of Shinjuku station) is bigger. Kinokuniya has perhaps the largest selection in Tokyo of new books in French and German, as well as English, with numerous specialised academic ti…(97 words)
Andrew Soh Chih Jen
T-site & Ivy Place for gorgeous and fun english books
Spend an afternoon browsing the amazing selection of books, have a coffee under the trees, lunch at Ivy Place and just relax. Especially great for cooking books, travel, art and design. There is also an amazing stationary shop AND a starbucks inside! http://tsite.jp/daikanyama/store-service/tsit…(49 words)
LShannon
Need Medical Help in Japan
This website is a Tokyo city website dedicated entirely for foreign patients seeking medical help in Tokyo. Perfect for you! It is in English and you can search for any hospital in Tokyo. There is also a phone number you can call incase you cannot find a hospital and another number you can call to …(79 words)
GenS
What the Dickens? in Ebisu
One of the best loved and most frequented British Pubs in the heart of Tokyo (Ebisu st.) hosts an annual week long Turkey day feast for around 2,000yen per plate.They also have free entrance and free live music with some of the best band to be found on the scene.Ask for Scottish John, the o…(68 words)
Career Coach Brent
HOW I BUY CONTACTS !!!!!
To buy a contact lens in Japan is very easy .You can get one at any drug store ! but the best drug easiest you can see in town is the MATSUMOTO KYOSHI DRUG STORE is allover Japan !!!(37 words)
Pop
Guidebook bought at the station.
You can buy a guidebook or map at the small shop at the subway station. And also can buy at the convenience store such as FamilyMart or 7-11.(28 words)
PatY
Place you can eat a Thanksgiving meal in Tokyo
You can have a Thanksgiving meal which is Turkey at Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo at Roppongi and Hard Rock Cafe Ueno-eki at JR Ueno station. They will probably serve the meal from Nov 15th to 30th.(36 words)
shinR
100 yen shop is a cheap choice
You can buy underwear for 100 yen at a 100 yen shop. They even sell disposable underwear that are made of some sort of plastic, if you like to travel light. You can find every sort of undergarment you could want and a few that you might have a hard time identifying.(53 words)
Kenji
Hotels are pretty fair for exchange rates AND there are more ATM Options
Unlike in many countries, I feel that the hotel exchange rates in Tokyo are pretty fair and accurate. The best is to change money at the airport but if you need to change more later- then most of the large hotels can take care of your request (depending on currency) Also if you are using an interna…(108 words)
LShannon
St. Paul International Lutheran Church
Please come to our small and close knit congregation for Christmas service. http://www.spilchurchtokyo.org/ChristmasWe are located near Iidabashi station in the center of Tokyo. Many lines intersect here:JR Sobu lineTokyo Metro Namboku lineTokyo Metro Tozai lineTokyo Metro Yurakucho l…(213 words)
Kevin
to protect yourself from other people's cold
Yes, as all the other sempais say, the masks are for protecting yourself from pollen, and to protect others from your your virus and cold.I think it is also a way to protect yourself from other people's virus and cold, when you feel weak. No Japanese people would admit this of course but it is …(189 words)
Claire
Do what the people around you do or ask you to do!
Most of the time, there is nothing to do.When there is an earthquake that feels longer, stronger than normal, you can switch the radio on and listen to the information that they will give. You can also rely on internet meteo data to know where it did happen, if there is any risk of tsunami (if …(304 words)
Claire
Kagami biraki: The opening of New Year's rice cakes
Kagami biraki is the practice of eating the kagamimochi (round mirror-shaped rice cakes) that were offered to the gods. It is supposed to bring a sense of closure to Osyogatsu (New Year’s Holidays). Kagami biraki is to get power from the year gods to live happily for one year. For Kagami biraki, pe…(92 words)
OKAKI-sun
Be polite in the train - a follow-up of other posts
I would also add in the don't list:- do not sleep and fall on your neighbor; their shoulders are not pillows- do not put the music to high on your headphonesand some do, please, ...- do step into the train and really go inside - do not stop at the very in trance of the car- do give your…(218 words)
Claire
In Praise of Shadows
Japan has raised lavatory facilities to a palatable topic. Hygiene is very important here, and of course, toilets should reflect your concern. Even if you are in the wildest place of Japan, in a rush, don't worry, you will always find a clean, hygienic, welcoming toilet. If you are in crowded area…(431 words)
Claire
Yaikagashi (burn and smell) at Setsubun
On Setsubun day (February 3rd), there is a culture to make "Yaikagashi" (a holly sprig with a baked sardine's head). Japanese people have a time-honored custom of putting this "Yaikagashi"at their door on Setsubun (the traditional end of winter) to ward off evil spirits. They may look a little bit …(73 words)
OKAKI-sun
nature airliner
nature airliner emerged as a husband-and-wife folk duo in the summer of 2010, when Japanese photographer Eiko Hosaka Tiernan (vocals) and Canadian musician Laurier Tiernan (guitar) joined forces to start playing unplugged shows of Laurier's unreleased songs which suited Eiko's voice. The first sing…(183 words)
Laurier Tiernan
If you get sick in Japan... but not enough to go to the doctor
Well, it can be a cold, a hangover, jetlag, ...There are plenty of pharmacies in Japan. The thing is, they do not always look like pharmacy. They usually sell a lot of different things that you do not expect to find in a pharmacy.Such as beauty product like shampoos, shavers, hair dying pro…(190 words)
Claire