I finally had chance visiting Japan. This my first time and it’s hard to believe for my friends knowing this because Japan has always at the top of the list of travel destination for a lot of people now I can see on social media most of the time. I felt I have been to Japan before and more often than traveling in other countries or domestic one because of those pictures. Finally, we decided to be in Japan and it is not that I expected to go for this year. Of course! we travel backpack by ourselves. This is the way we learned how to be local.

All pictures I saw, have never said much more than the real experiences. Japan is so unique culture and details in everything which make me want to visits there again and again and again.

Here are what I have known about Japan. You might agree or not agree if you have been there before or if you’ve planned to visit there soon. Here are facts about Japan you need to know.

BE PUNCTUAL

Traveling public by train or bus, there’s timetable for you everywhere. Usually timetable has fix on specific period most of them you can find on their website if you know which company operates on that route and you know where you want to go in advance. It always easier and predictable. Remember, on the timetable show departure time not arrival time. If you have missed one minute then catch the next available one. Operation hours also exactly what’s on the sign have told you.

TRANSPORTATION

Train network in Japan is incredible! You can travel from city to city in short time by bullet train. If you have Japan Rail pass with you, it’s important to check condition carefully. Sometimes it’s not always covered all train lines you will go. Travel by bus also good choice. Some route, if you travel by train may take more time than bus. Taxi also a good choice but be aware that it is quite pricy especially at night. I found that getting public transportation is quite difficult at night when probably you can catch the last train/bus to another city. Less bus and train operate after 7PM when it’s already dark. Some train there is ladies only carriage so it is safe for lady who traveling alone. Don’t forget to turn your phone on vibrate and keep silent while on board.

TOILETS

You can find luxury toilets almost everywhere in Japan. Surprise, surprise. They can do warm seat, lots of button to choose which area to want to spray water, music sounds, scents, flushes sensor, warm blow dry and you can wash your hand when toilets fill its water tank. I could not imagine how come toilets have such a lot functions like this. Restroom in Japan are so clean. You can littering Japanese toilet paper directly into toilets which I’ve never thought I can do but because they can dissolved by water. You can try Japanese style restroom too.

TAKE YOUR TRASH HOME 

It is hard to find trash can in public. You need to take trash around the trip with you until you find one or carry to your hotel. I learned from the sign in Japan “No littering, it is illegal” which may explained why Japan is so clean and neat. Every household they need to keep trash into designated trash bag and the bag will be picked up on scheduled day.

PEOPLE

Japanese people is so nice, so kind and helpful. I always asked them when I lost my way. They try to help me as possible they try even though they have not spoken English with me, they talked Japanese to me but with expression and body language I can understand what they try to say. They will ensure you understand and go to correct way. They’ve never got tired to say ‘A-ri-ga-tou-go-zai-ma-su’.

WATER PAVILION

Most of the time I went to old heritage city. I visited many beautiful and unique shines where you can feel tradition of the city. There is a small fountain with basin in every shines. People will wash their hands and rinse their month from their believe to keep themselves cleansed physical and mind before visit inside and praying at main area.

PRODUCT IN JAPAN

There are many products you have never seen in Japan. I felt so much enjoyed to look around and spent more time at each store. Japanese herbs and vitamins are popular. Some product you’ve never know you need it, but you need to try it. For example, the medication that treat scratch that occurred on your skin or make up for teeth(whitening). Don Quijote discount store and Matsumoto drug store are recommended store you need to visit. You can shopping tax-free at department store in tourist area. No need to refund at the airport.

CASH WITH YOU

Some of restaurants, convenience store and most of hostel are not accept credit cards. Make sure you have enough cash with you to cover your trip. Otherwise you need to find ATMs that accept your card type. When you are on bus, you need to prepare exactly amount of money to pay for a bus fee otherwise it could not guarantee that driver will not have exchange for you.

VENDING MACHINE

There are many many of vending machines everywhere. Many things I’ve never know I can buy on vending machines for example souvenirs, umbrella, ice-cream, warm dinner so and so. After you bought some food from vending machine you need to stand or sit to finish eating do not eat while walking considered rude in Japan.

SOFT CREAM

I love soft cream and I recommended you cannot miss to taste many many flavor available for example Macha, Lavender, Wisteria flower, Black Sesame and a lot more other flavor I wish to taste them next time.