Urban Myths in Japan & FAQs

The urban myth Yeses and Nos.

Pics 2 & 3. Yes, Japanese like subdued colors in their clothes.

Pic 4. Yes, near rush hour those trains get crowded.

Pic 5. No, folks do eat on the street (but it’s not common).

Yes, there are no trash cans! But the city and even the bathrooms are very clean. Tip. Return your trash before leaving a fast food restaurant.

Pics 6 - 9. Yes, toilets are a thing! No ifs ands or butts. Complete instructions (in Japanese only). The captains command console (Pic 6) is replete with options (I recommend not hitting the eject button by mistake). No standing on the toilet! Pic. 7. Sit down dudes! Pic. 8. Wear special shoes it the toilet closet (onsen rule).

No, spoken English is common in Tokyo, especially by service people. Google translate works well (tip: turn your phone horizontally and it displays the translation in full screen).

Pic 10. No, bare shoulders are not verboten. Not common, but not verboten.

Pic 11. No, shorts are not common but are OK too.

Pics 12 & 13 Yes, Kimonos are ever present. You can even rent them.

Pic 14. Yes, the 7-Elevens are very different and worth a visit. The egg salad sandwich is a welcome treat anytime.

Pic. 15. Yes, as expected, shoes off when entering a home. Exceptions are hotel rooms and commercial establishments.

Pic. 15. No, the metro is easy and intuitive to use. English directions are ever present. Google maps shows the line, the platform, the number of stops, the stop at the beginning and end and the entrance and exit. Numbers are used for stops. Announcements are in English and Japanese. Even buses have English announcements. Japan Rail is a little weird, but manageable.

Video & Pic 16. Yes, baseball is a thing. Chanting the whole game. Young women carting around beer packs waving their hands.

Pic. 17. No, the Ryokan futons are NOT uncomfortable. Quite the contrary you’ll get a good nights sleep. Just remember to takeoff your shoes as you enter add wear your house shoes. Pics 18 & 19.

Final myth. No, Japan is not a hard place to visit for English reading tourists who wish to visit the major areas.Read more