Japan trips

The official language of Japan is Japanese. While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic phrases to get started:

• Hello: Kon’nichiwa
• Goodbye: Sayanara
• Please: Onegai shimasu
• Thank you: Arigato
• Pardon me: Sumimasen
• Yes: Hai
• No: Iie
• Cheers: Kampai

As you prepare to spend time in a new culture, here are some expert tips to help you understand the ins and outs of Asia, and feel like a true local:

• #BeHumble: The Japanese are simultaneously the most proud and the most humble people. Humility is a core principle in Japan, and there is a deep respect for elders, superiors, and order. You’ll notice this in locals bowing, customer service, or even lack of confrontation.
• Navigating: There are no street names in Japan, so an address in Japan starts with the city, then the ward, then a specific area of the ward, then finally ends with the block number. Try to orient yourself with landmarks and asking for directions!
• Bargaining: Haggle for everything in the markets! Request a price that is half of what the vendor initially asks. After that, it’s just back and forth until you’re happy with a price!
• Restaurants: Some restaurants in Japan may turn you away because you are foreign. This is usually because they are either worried about making a mistake, or, pure exclusivity and needing an introduction from a trusted patron to get in.
• Bathrooms: The rumors are true. Japan has high-tech bathrooms, specifically toilets that flush backwards and have a lot of buttons. It’s an experience to say the least.

Dining in Japan is very different than in the United States. Prepare to dive into a fusion of ancient tradition and extremely modern practices. This is the gastronomical paradise that is Japan. Read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Street Food: In Japan you have to try the street food. Try to find stands with long lines - that means it’s delicious, AND safe to eat.
• Noodles: Noodles are a popular base in Japan, similar to rice in China. Soba noodles are buckwheat flour noodles with soy sauce or sugar sauce. Udon noodles are kneaded wheat flour with similar toppings as soba, but a much thicker, firmer density than soba!
• Shabushabu: Sometimes known as “Hot Pot” - this is a dish where you boil your own meat and vegetables in a flavored broth and eat as you cook! Try adding some udon noodles to the dish to kick it up a notch too.
• Onigiri: A boiled rice ball typically dried plum, salmon, or cod roe all wrapped in a sheet of dried seaweed. You can ind these everywhere and take them to go. And you should.
• Sushi: Heard of it? In Japan, try a kaitenzushi (conveyer belt sushi restaurant) for some cheap, yet delicious, sushi options. Just 100 yen per plate!
• Tempura: Tempura is a dish where veggies, seafood, or other ingredients are dipped and fried in a flour & egg batter. Served with dipping sauce, guaranteed deliciousness.
• Ramen: Consider Ramen in Japan a significant upgrade from your 99 cent college ramen noodle days. Try this noodle soup dish with a chicken, beef, or seafood broth, noodles, veggies, spices, and usually an egg!

Note: Chopsticks are a staple of Asian cuisine and culture. Attempting to use chopsticks instead of western cutlery will earn you some respect with the locals, but be wary of using chopsticks to point at someone, poke at food, or play them like musical instruments - these are all signs of disrespect.

Japan’s mix of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation makes it one of the most fascinating countries to explore.

• Tokyo: The heartbeat of Japan—home to neon lights, themed cafés, and endless shopping. Don’t miss Shibuya Crossing and the Tokyo Skytree.
• Kyoto: Step back in time with traditional tea houses, geisha districts, and over 1,600 temples including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.
• Osaka: The “kitchen of Japan,” known for its street food, lively nightlife, and Osaka Castle.
• Mount Fuji: Japan’s tallest peak and most photographed landmark. Hike it or admire it from Lake Kawaguchi for that perfect postcard shot.
• Hiroshima: A city of resilience and peace. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum for a powerful look at history.
• Nara: Famous for its friendly free-roaming deer and Todai-ji Temple, home to a massive bronze Buddha.
• Nakasendo Trail: Wander Edo-period post towns along this ancient route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo. Cobblestone paths, preserved inns, and quiet mountain scenery transport you straight into Japan’s past.

Japan is a land of deep-rooted customs, discipline, and beauty in simplicity. Here, the small gestures mean everything.

• Respect and etiquette: Bowing, removing shoes indoors, and punctuality are standard. Politeness isn’t optional—it’s a way of life.
• Technology meets tradition: Robots coexist with shrines. You might use facial recognition to enter a café, then pass a 400-year-old temple on your walk home.
• Fashion: Tokyo is a trendsetting capital, from Harajuku streetwear to minimalist design. Don’t be afraid to express yourself.
• Pop culture: Anime, manga, and J-pop are integral parts of daily life. Visit themed cafés and arcades to experience it firsthand.
• Festivals: Japan’s festivals (matsuri) are vibrant celebrations of the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks in summer, and lanterns in autumn.

Japan is a year-round destination, but each season has its own magic:

• Spring (March–May): The iconic cherry blossom season. Expect mild weather, pastel blooms, and countless hanami (flower viewing) parties.
• Summer (June–August): Lively festivals, beach trips, and Mount Fuji climbing season. Expect heat, humidity, and a lot of energy.
• Autumn (September–November): Crisp air and vibrant red and gold foliage—perfect for temple visits and scenic walks.
• Winter (December–February): Snow-covered temples, hot springs, and world-class skiing in Hokkaido.

No matter when you visit, Japan’s combination of serenity and stimulation guarantees you’ll leave changed—and probably planning your return before you even board the flight home.