From other topic, it seems Australian loves to travel to JAPAN
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/561274
Why should we go / not go to Japan?
I know someone who forgot the phone in bus in Japan, contact the hotel for help to search it (as most people have limited English there) and the phone is back the next day.
Please share your experiences here.
There is a lot to love about Japan, especially from a touristic point of view.
For me a huge aspect is just the fact that its safe.
How many countries can you go to and not worry about getting pickpocketed, scammed or something worse?
Its not a big list, then take away all the countries that don't have a direct flight in under 10 hours.
Well that’s what happens when your society is 97.8% homogenous.
And with only 2% fat.
I don't disagree. But it's not just homogeneity. Like, 99% Aussies wouldn't guarantee safe anything. Worse maybe.
But yeah, the lack of downvotes is impressive. Or they just didn't get triggered.
99% Aussies wouldn't guarantee safe anything.
Guess you haven't lived in 60s-80s when people would leave houses and cars unlocked during the night then :)
I haven't too but I got plenty of stories from old aussies who actually despise the current state of Oz.
Child of the 80s but I just barely remember unlocked doors. Or at least a key on the outside sill, under a rock or in a pot plant.
Guess you haven't lived in 60s-80s when people would leave houses and cars unlocked during the night then :)
Guess you didn't realise that it was normal to see an Aboriginal killed on the street or turned away at the pub or the Asian humiliated by a bunch of thugs or drunken behaviour considered normal in the street and domestic violence rampant. Australia was a disgraceful country to be in during that post-war period.
99% Aussies wouldn't guarantee safe anything.
Australia in the 1960-1980s:
"THE ASIANS ARE TAKING OVER"…zzzzz.
"Too many Indonesians in inner Sydney! They don't deserve to keep coming here"…..even after 300 years of relations between Indonesian visitors and native Australians.
Let's not forget the Stolen Kids (Generation) from Aboriginal Families.
"'The one-way train ride to misery', Illawara Mercury, 13/2/2008, p.7
Source: A guide to Australia's Stolen Generations - Creative Spirits, retrieved from https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/…
Went to Japan last year for the first time. A few things to love from my perspective:
- Feels incredibly safe and welcoming, which probably removes a lot of culture shock that you might get visiting foreign countries.
- Public transport is incredible. We went 2 weeks there without getting into a car and never felt inconvenienced.
- You get the buzzing metropolis and untouched country side within a relatively small area.
- Super clean and generally high standard of service. I never really felt 'ripped off' anywhere in Japan because it always like the staff were always giving it their best.
- Cheap flights. My wife and I went there and back for ~$1200 total iirc.
- It's different…but not too different. Similar to my first point, I think Japan hits the sweet spot between familiarity and 'new and exciting'.
- Plenty of tourist attractions. You can visit many times over and still be overwhelmed by choice.
We can't wait to go back, though judging by the other thread, they're going to be absolutely flooded when flights resume.
weebs, neckbeards, mouth breathers
Any advice on adult entertainment ?
Do your research and make sure you don’t visit spots “owned” by yakuza because you can be scammed out of your money.
Some joints even refuse foreigners too so you need to look for specific places which allow foreigners.
Officialy “adult entertainment” is illegal in Japan, it is always a “tea date” with the waitress.
It “just so happens” that she really likes you and it all ends in a “happy consequence”.
You can find whatever adult entertainment you want around Shinjuku, and I mean literally anything. If I was to go into detail of what I have seen I would get banned from the boards (lol).
As far as the comment about not visiting spots owned by the Yakuza - they are either all owned by them or pay protection money to them. Indeed, in Roppongi just about all of the bars pay off the Yakuza in one form or the other.
I have no kids, but I have heard from friends with young kids they have difficulties strolling around the Japan big cities using baby strollers. Some train stations do not have lifts or even escalators, only stairs.
Good, lets keep those tiny permanent-noise makers away from Japan!
I can vouch for this. Tokyo is not accessible friendly to parents with young children or handicapped.
many asian cities' infrastructures are lacking accessiblity, Hong Kong has better accessibility overall, Shanghai is also catching up.
This is the same for Korea.
They are getting better but, I remember one of my American friends has huge issues getting around on her crutches.
Love their public transport which allows fast, convenient access to corners of this wonderful country. The mix of modern and classical throughout the country is simply dazzling. Prices and lack of accessibility (for those on wheelchairs or with prams) are the only cons I can think of.
It's impossible to explain to those who have not been. It has to be experienced to be believed.
One reason. Strong Zeros
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9fb520_628df9d9da854f4f86…
9% Alcohol
No Sugar
Tastes like Lemonade
And about $2 at the local 7/11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0RX59G2jaA
Just look how they move your house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Knock on the neigbour just to tell them you are moving………………!!!!!!
It’s a good place thats why. Been there and loved every bit of it. Can’t wait to retake my family over there again for a vacation.
Good food
Nice places to visit
Nice culture
Lot of model train and toy shops
High tech toilets 🤘
Seriously, Japan should put that list on a tourist poster
I am from Japan and lived in Australia for more than 10 years. I feel that we can get good value for money in Japan for accommodation, food and restaurant. What's your thought?
Yes, I agree. I was pleasantly surprised that Japan was quite expensive for things like electronics but very affordable for food, beer, transport and accommodation. I expected it to be the other way around, but I'm glad it wasn't.
Everybody love eating Sushi.
Seriously, Japanese are more adapt to foreigners then other countries. That explain the 50K of US personnel station in Japan.
Are you kidding . The locals want em out its only due to government security arrangements with the US .
Many people do not realise the USA only returned Okinawa to Japan in 1972 - 27 years after the war finished.
WW2 explains that. Same reason there are 40k US troops in Germany…
White people thinking they own the place.
The safest place I have been, the cleanest, the most well behaved even though it may be forced. By far the best public transport system in the world. Great choice of food a deep cultural history everything I can think of which I look for in a travel destination Japan is usually at the top for every category.
I also dropped $70 Australian equivalent on the floor of a convenient store and went back half hour later and it was right next to the cashier.
Japan is nice however, i strongly recommend NOT going to Tokyo if you have young children (ages 1-5) or if you are handicapped. Too crowded and not as accessible as cities like Melbourne.
How do their elderly population move around?
I hardly see any elderly in tokyo. Its all late teens, middle aged and working class adults.
Evangelion started it for me. Everything else you read on this thread kept us returning!
We went in December/January this year. I was worried about my high expectations.
Food - cheap, healthy, easy, something for everyone and ticked our tight arse criteria as the stuff at family marts was cheap.
Skiing - omg, the worst season in years there was amazing to us. Combine with hugely long ski runs and good quality cheap food on the slopes compared to here.
People were incredibly polite, the scenery was amazing, the transport was great, everyone was happy!
Only issue now is we all can’t wait to go back!
I enjoyed Japan but just to balance out the comments:
Relatively expensive. Very expensive if you want the nice stuff.
Osaka and Toyko are too big and corporate. Not nice for families.
Little selection of fresh produce / vegetables / fruits unless you want to pay crazy prices.
I don't see the big deal about the cherry blossoms and maple tree seasons that tourists flock to. They look nice in photos, but they are just trees that someone planted, and there are lots of them.
A general feeling of superficiality and consumerism.
Okay so I've got quite a few suggestions, but I have to be careful coz I seem to get negs everytime I say something on here.
Japan is made for exploring, just get off the beaten track and drop in somewhere.
When you want to eat do a bit of research, not too much, just some simple comparisons and then dive in.
Having some set phrases works wonders.
Learning any language gets you into a whole new world.
There is more to Japan than Tokyo & Kyoto.
Try Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima (Miyajima), Nagasaki, Fujisan, Naha.
Notice I didn't mention Nara…
I've never been skiing or to the snow but I did enjoy Yamagata and am looking forward to getting back there.
Get a JR Pass and try a new place for a day, I recommend Nagoya.
Also buy a PASMO or SUICA.
Some cities have suburbs which specialise in retro 80s shops, these are my newest favourites.
Try to find the craziest shows on TV, there are plenty.
Also I try to train karate when and where I can, doing a sport like that is like a key to another Japan that the average tourist doesn't know about.
I sincerely agree with all the points… but I think Nara is still a pretty fun place to visit for a day if you haven't been there. There is something surreal about deers waiting for pedestrian lights IMO.
What most people are missing and sleeping on is Kyushu. Rent a car (same side of the road!) and go visit some onsens and sleepy towns.
Deer broke my iPhone!
Headbutted me haha…
OP troll thread successful
Either that or he’s actually really ….
Been twice and highly recommend it to anyone. The food, technolgy, toilets, sightseeing and people are great.
I lost my wallet with $400 AUD in it at Shinjuku one night. The next day police contacted my hotel and found my wallet. Picked it up and everything including cash was still inside.
There are very few countries that I could see this happening. Japanese people have amazing manners. Always baffled me how they managed to raise kids to be like that.
Yep, my partner left her phone on the Shinkansen when we arrived in Osaka but we had to leave to Kyoto on the same day so we couldn't go back to check and we didn't know who to contact. Came back to the station 5 days later and apparently the cleaning crew picked it up and kept it aside for us at the station, she couldn't believe it was still there.
Does anyone know what sort of values do the Japanese bestow on their kids that's different to the ones taught in Australia?
Respect for others
Politeness
Less Pretentiousness
Hard work ethic
Big push on sustainability
Obey the law
I could go on and on
Yeah nah, we love Bali more than anywehre else!!!
Well, it almost is a part of Australia
$2 BINTAAANNGSS
I plan to go to Japan to see their military parades, it would be incredible to see their battle mechs up close, or to even fly through space in a formation of them if they offer tours of the planet.
Even their hairstyles match what you have seen.
100 yen stores!
Japan is an awesome place to visit, it has everything from ancient historical and traditional areas to ultra modern and weird and everything in between. To top it off the people are polite and friendly and it is a relatively safe area of the world to visit, you don't feel like everyone there is trying to take advantage of you as a tourist (though that still happens in some places). I have only had great experiences in Japan thus far and we look forward to going back as soon as possible.
I've been to Japan 5 times and speak it decently. Personally for me it is my love for all the 90s stuff I grew up with. The games, the tech, the cars.
Outside of the big cities Japan is truly beautiful, food is amazing, people are nice, nature surrounds you. The ski fields are good, weather is generally good too (apart from July-Aug) and flights are cheap!
Nowadays I just go to "live in Japan", brush up on my language skills, visit new towns, see cars and look out for anything special and 90s.
The only bad thing I can say is the 5km trek to find a rubbish bin (always bring a bag with you for rubbish).
Here you can just leave it on the ground or throw it out your car window - the japanese don't like that
I once left a bag on a train in Tokyo. The bag contained my passport and my 3DS. The hotel helped get the bag back within 24 hours. My passport was inside, my 3DS was not. Make of that what you will about Japanese culture.
Otherwise Japan was awesome. I really liked Hiroshima, Osaka and the island of Shikoku. I would highly reccommend anybody visit Japan.
Petty thieves are more common than identity thieves?
Love Japan. Love everything about it from the people to cleanliness to scenery to culture.
The only downsides are:
1) Alot of establishments are not smoke free. Japan has a culture where smoking is normal and to always give 100% customer service so with that, it might be difficult for families with kids or anyone with respiritory issues.
2) As with most metropolitan megaopolis' the living spaces are very small. So if you're travelling with kids it can cost alot for space enough for kids. Although there's plenty of places to stay outside of the main city areas that do have space.
The smoking point sounds like its changed recently, not sure how strictly this will be enforced though
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/04/01/national/japan-…
Edit: Didn't realise there was a new law as per above link
I personally believe you can easily see Asian culture in Australia so am more interested in going to different places.
A lot of people have families. It's the safest place in asia for families with young children.
The racism part is in every country, it's not so much racism as it is an in built part of human nature to be wary of things that are very different to you just in case it tries to eat you.
I'm not saying Australians eat Japanese people.
lol.
I prefer going to Mainland China honestly.
Japan isn't part of offshore China just yet.
But it was oh so close the other way around.
Grew up watching Cheese TV so I absorbed all the geeky stuff. Continued watching Anime into high school and studied the language to a degree that I can get by without much issues.
Public transport is reliable and easy; an IC card and a JR Pass will get you basically anywhere in the country.
Convenient stores are so cheap and well, convenient.
Delicious food at every price point.
The whole country is picture-esque. They blend their tradition into the modern world tastefully.
High hygiene.
The locals are very respectful, mindful and considerate.
For a non-English speaking country, it's pretty easy to get around.
I (profanity) love Japan.
Had the same experience as OP. Left behind sun glasses in a hotel in Kyoto. Call them up and the next day it was delivered to my hotel in Tokyo.
Actually had plans to visit again towards the end of Oct. Not happening now and just waiting for the airline to update their refund windows (my flight is a couple of days outside it).
WEEBS
it makes my kokoro go dokidoki
My grandfather died making Japan what it is today, instead of what it could have been. So I kinda owe it to him to check it out.
To experience what it would be like to Bullet train from Sydney to Melbourne
To reinforce what a lot of people have said. Left my gameboy colour on a JAL plane while flying through Japan in 2001. I was in primary school at the time so we couldn't figure out where I had lost it.
6 months later we were returning to Aus via Japan. Thought we'd ask at an information desk at the airport - surely enough they identified the gameboy (with pokemon still inside), had said that it had been passed on to Japanese police station as it was left with them for ages. Knowing that we were going back to Australia, they arranged to have it flown to Australia immediately after us. Really really impressive. I think it would be fascinating to truly understand how they got to this state and whether it's something Australia and others could work towards.
FWIW - for those who enjoy Japan but want to go somewhere different, I would strongly recommend Taiwan. It's a great country, interesting mix of Chinese culture, Japanese culture (they were a Japanese colony) and Western culture and ideologies. A real melting pot I'd say. People there are almost on par with the politeness I've seen in Japan. Pricing is transparent, it's extremely safe etc. Interestingly, but not surprisingly a huge amount of Japanese go on holiday to Taiwan and vise versa. I've been a few times and absolutely love it.
Lovely scenery and people. It's refreshing to go to a country where people still have mindfulness of others.
I travelled to Japan 5 times. 4 times in Tokyo alone. For each season. Best place I will ever visit for a relaxation tour.
Taiwan for its cheaper version of Japan if you do not want to spend much.
This discussion really stoked my interest in Japan again. I've been very curious to explore the country and culture for a long time. My only concern is that if I go solo it might be a bit of an insular experience unless I hit the back packers ofcourse. I've heard the Japanese socially stick to their own lane.
As a former Japanese citizen, I love visiting all the places to experience food, visit beautiful scenery, and everything working efficiently but i would not want to live there to work (due to many unpaid hours you are expected to work where the work becomes more important than your family and if you put your work second, you often get frowned upon) or raise kids (especially if he or she is interracial)
The "long hours" claimed to be worked is somewhat of a myth.
Our office hours in Tokyo were 8:30am - 4:30pm but most staff would arrive by 7:30am. Not to work, but to sit in the air-conditioned comfort of the fully equipped staff room (TV, Fridge, Microwave, Couches etc) and have their breakfast - Far better surroundings than the rabbit hutches they live. At right on 8:30am they would clock on for work.
You lived and worked there so I don't doubt your experience - but I think this is super industry dependent AFAIK.
With all due respect, Japan is one of the places I love to visit, but I would never live there. Even ignoring the crazy work culture, I honestly think concepts such as honne is toxic at its worst and insincere at its best. But I honestly think that, even when you have surpassed the language barriers, foreigners (regardless of skin colour) will find it hard to integrate into the society even with a 'respectable' job and social standing.
Not to mention the dominance of extremely conservative regimes for the past 50 years and lack of change/alternative in political landscape in Japan. Also, they have a pretty bad record when it comes to freedom of speech/journalism as well. Perhaps a little better than Singapore, but not that great overall.
IMO, despite the 'first world' societal front in appearance, the general Japanese population is behind in gender equality and social justice not too dissimilar to 'third world' countries.
Honne is one of the reasons why Japan is so great, especially when you look at the comments here. It's how they've gotten such a respectful society unlike Australia /America where it's all very self centred and as long as you succeed nothing else matters. It's why there's often a lack or morals and honour where everything is fair game as long as it's within the laws. Man what I would give if people were a bit more considerate about their actions on society. The Japanese and Chinese care how their citizens behave overseas but Australians don't.
Rich history
Nice people
No rip off to tourists
Nice food
Advanced public transport network
Feels safe
Transparent/clear tourist information
Affordable airfare and accommodation options
We went to Japan for the first time in March this year and decided to go back while we were still there for all the reasons others mentioned. Would it be weird if I say one of the reason I want to go back is for their toilets?
No, I understand. I miss Japan
I've investigated what it would cost to install a bidet at home..
Food, countryside, interesting culture, ninjas samurai, technology, trains and robots. Saw a hologram like thing in Akihabara and robot being used as a announcer in a shop.
Shop till you drop there as shops are open 10-10 mon- Saturday in Tokyo.
And the Kit Kats…
Australians don't do well in Japan, often the most obnoxious, loud and crude. Actually, pretty much anywhere, they seldomly care about traditions or anything apart from stereotyping. It's quite sad what they have to deal with, it's great for Australians that they're polite and don't spit and attack people like Aussies do to the Chinese here. The only real reason most people go is because it's a bucket list thing or it's cool or it's something foreign and weird they should see like some sort of exhibition because they saw it on tv. Let's just hope we don't turn it into another Bali, it's the worst when a destination becomes popular, especially by certain countries. Hardly anyone gets anything out of going except bragging rights and the belief that they're now somehow cultured and their minds have expanded beyond their beliefs because they saw Osaka castle. It would be great if people did manage to absorb some Japanese culture such as honesty, politeness, selflessness, honour and minimalism but I doubt it.
Australians do great in Japan. Obnoxious, loud and crude people, regardless of their nationality, do not.
Yeah they just suddenly become great going from Bali (or basically any other country with culture and traditions) to Japan. They really don't understand anything, what anything means or the things they do, all they really go for is to stare at pretty things, go 'oooo, aaaaaa' and take photos for Instagram whilst behaving like they would in Australia. My experience from coming to contact with hundreds, maybe thousands of Australians abroad anyways. I'm not saying that Australians are the only ones that are crude and obnoxious either but if there is an incident, my money is on either Australian or American. The difference is like oil and water.
Let's just hope we don't turn it into another Bali
The Aussies around the night life in Shinjuku were the worst during the world cup last year. Besides the typical Bali get up with their singlets and thongs they were very obnoxious and rowdy. Had to apologise and leave an izakaya because they were trying to put a whole tube of wasabi paste in their drinks while yelling at the Irish in the opposite Izakaya.
Yeah, it's quite unfortunate what they have to put up with, if only America was a lot closer, I think the culture is much more aligned. This behaviour just doesn't belong there.
Because in terms of tourism, it’s perfection.
Except if you want to do some illegal activities (Bali for youngsters and Thailand for middle aged).
Have been multiple times.. It's very hard to get a bad meal there, even the little shop near the local station with the old man cooking that chicken curry katsu at 11 pm is delicious
My fav country my wife and I have been on holiday to reasons -
-the people are super friendly and polite, clean and courteous definitely more so than Sydney alot more patient and polite than Chinese for example
-it's like travelling I to the future, trains are faster, everything is cleaner, internet is much faster
-cherry blossom are so beautiful and even just Japanese temple gardens are superb
-they haven't accepted immigration in the past so japaense so culture has remained intact unlike alot of countries that are multicultural
Yep been to japan 13 times it's a magical place
Any special reason?
Asian fetish possibly. Same deal with Thailand and SE Asia.
Radiation?
No bogans, unlike Bali
At customs at Tokyo airport one December, the officer looks at my passport and goes through my luggage. "Where is your ski gear?!" We all apparently go there to ski!
I suppose it's a "sophisticated" place to go without breaking the bank (Thailand is too middle class, Europe is expensive!). It's cool to be a Japanophile.
Japan was nice enough but predictable and exactly how you expect it to be. I wouldn't keep going back when there are so many other intriguing places to travel to.
lots of Asian bargainers here, Japan has always been their favorite place, the poll might be a bit biased (not saying Japan is not a nice place to visit but each to their own).
Japan is a great place for many reasons like food, scenery, people can be very polite and nice. Its clean and very efficient. Only thing i dont like about Japan is the culture / people are also very racist but they are still polite and respectful to your face.