Emergency
For emergencies, dial 119 for medical assistance or firefighters, and 110 for police for immediate help and assistance 24/7.
For emergencies, dial 119 for medical assistance or firefighters, and 110 for police for immediate help and assistance 24/7.
Bowing is a traditional greeting and a sign of respect, with different types of bows depending on the situation, context, and relationship.
The next holiday in Japan is New Year's Day (Shōgatsu) on January 1, 2025, celebrated with family gatherings and traditional customs.
Tap water is safe to drink and available, but not commonly offered in restaurants. Customers usually have to ask for it, and it’s typically free.
A popular platform for short-term rentals is Rakuten Travel, offering vacation homes, apartments, and hotels in cities and tourist destinations across Japan.
Toilet paper is used and flushed, but some high-tech toilets offer water cleaning, and in some restrooms, paper is disposed of in bins due to plumbing.
It is generally safe for tourists, with efficient law enforcement and a focus on safety. Visitors should stay cautious in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and festivals.
In Japan, cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and delicate flavors, with dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura, focusing on rice, fish, soy sauce, and seasonal produce.
Tourist: "How can I get the perfect picture of Mount Fuji?" Local: "Simple. Wait until the tourists leave, then take your photo." Tourist: "But... when will that be?" Local: "Around 5 a.m. on a weekday. Good luck!"
In Tokyo, the public transport system includes trains, metro, and buses. The Suica or Pasmo card is used for travel, and contactless payments are accepted on trains and metro, but not all buses.
Tokyo TransportThe two main intercity bus operators in Japan are Willer Express, offering budget-friendly, nationwide services, and JR Bus Group, which operates regional routes across Japan.
Willer ExpressJapan's rail network, managed by Japan Railways (JR), connects major cities with regional and long-distance services, featuring an extensive Shinkansen system.
Japan RailwaysIt is known for cutting-edge technology, including the Shinkansen, robotics, and high-tech toilets with heated seats, bidets, and music.
Japan blends Shintoism and Buddhism, with thousands of shrines and over 1,600 Buddhist temples in Kyoto, creating a rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Japan consists of 14,125 islands, with Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku being the main ones. About 73% of its land is mountainous.
Japanese people have deep respect for nature, and many cultural practices, like "forest bathing" or "Shinrin-yoku," center around spending time in forests.
Their language has different levels of politeness, with keigo (honorifics) used in formal situations to show respect, especially to elders or superiors.
They are known for their customs, such as bowing to greet, removing shoes before entering homes, and offering business cards with both hands.