Not-So-Touristy Japan
Quick Travel Guide to Enjoying the Modern-Day Culture
Appreciate modern-day Japan with five not-so-touristy experiences. Immerse in everyday activities to understand the culture.
Every traveler to Japan needs to see Mt. Fuji, eat sushi and visit a temple. During the trip, immerse in the country's everyday life to appreciate the modern-day culture. Here's a quick travel guide to five not-so-touristy experiences:
Shop a department store. These are multi-level complexes selling everything from house wares to kimonos. A food section is usually on the basement level with pre-made entrees, fresh seafood and artfully decorated sweets. Clerks constantly call out "sumi masen," basically meaning, "excuse me, can I have your attention."
Since gift giving is an important part of Japanese culture, a department store is a good place to pick up souvenirs. These include decorative handkerchiefs, rice bowls and tea sets. When the store clerk handles a customer’s purchase, the price tag is almost always removed and the item is carefully packaged, usually in a beautiful bag.
Sing karaoke. A visit to Japan is complete after an evening of karaoke. Unlike the United States, karaoke is an intimate performance in a small bar or private room, not in a noisy bar (although the private rooms can get noisy, especially after sake is delivered). Karaoke is a form of stress relief for the Japanese and enjoyed by just about everyone.
Good karaoke songs include “Hotel California” by the Eagles, "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by Peter, Paul and Mary and "Hound Dog" by Elvis. To really "wow" the Japanese, learn a tune in the language such as "Sukiyaki."
Play pachinko. This is a crazy game with mini steel balls flying everywhere and the purpose is to collect as many as possible. It looks like a cross between a pinball and a slot machine. The game is a form of gambling except the prize isn't cash, but steel balls. The balls are traded for prizes and big prizes are exchanged for cash. Gambling is illegal in Japan and this system of trading is a legal way to win cash from the game.
Pachinko was introduced in 1929 during the U.S.’s gambling age and faded away during World War II (steel was needed to make weapons). Following the War, the game became popular as it gave hope following the country’s defeat. In modern-day Japan, there are more than five million machines to play and pachinko parlors are easy to locate.
Soak in an onsen. Soaking in a hot bath is one way the Japanese relax and an onsen (hot spring) provides the ideal opportunity for this. Most onsens are public and usually developed with indoor and outdoor options. They are commonly found in hotels and in Japan’s countryside. Men and women usually soak in the hot springs separately.
It’s important to enjoy the experience in the buff (yes, nude) and shower thoroughly before soaking. While the experience is relaxing, it’s an empowering experience enjoying it in the nude.
Ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). When visiting Japan, the easiest way to get from one city to another is the Shinkansen. It’s a high-speed train traveling at 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour). The train connects Tokyo with most major cities. Local trains are easy to use, too but travel time is longer.
Most signs and maps in the rail system are not in English. Navigate the rail system by matching the symbol in a guidebook to a symbol on the rail map to determine which stop to get off. Importantly, follow train etiquette and not talk on a cell phone.
More about Japan in Suite101.com: Japan, Cherry blossom in Fukuoka; Matsumoto Japan Magic; Quick Travel Guide to Hamamatsu; Shimada Obi Festival
