Japan is often portrayed as a country with complex rules and strict etiquette, which can sometimes intimidate travelers before they even arrive. "Will I offend someone?" "What if I use chopsticks wrong?"
But fear not. As a local living here, I want to tell you that you don't need to be perfect. Here are five simple mindsets to help you truly enjoy your trip to Japan.
1. You don't need to know all the rules (Even we don't!)
It is impossible to know every single manner and rule, even for Japanese people. The most important thing is not perfection, but the attitude of respect and willingness to learn.
I am a Japanese reporter, born and raised here, but even I often find myself walking into a traditional restaurant and not knowing the specific etiquette. In those moments, I simply ask, "How should I do this?" And you know what? People are happy to teach you. Don't be afraid of making mistakes; be open to learning.
2. Don't force the search for "Authentic Japan"
It is wonderful to eat pizza in Italy and sushi in Japan. However, it’s a shame if you only chase the stereotypes. There are no ninjas running on the rooftops, and we don't eat sushi every single day. In fact, many of us love hamburgers from McDonald's!
So, relax and try to live a little bit like a local. Go to a convenience store, walk down a quiet residential street, or enter a random coffee shop. You will surely discover unexpected, genuine sides of Japan that are far more interesting than the guidebooks.
3. When in doubt, look around
If you are unsure about what to do—whether it's how to queue for a train or which side of the escalator to stand on—just look at the Japanese people around you. If you mimic what the locals are doing, there will be no problem.
Memorizing every rule from a textbook is exhausting and takes the fun out of travel. Relax, observe, and follow the flow. If you do that, you are already acting like a splendid Japanese citizen.
4. You only need a few phrases
You don't need to be fluent. Just a few phrases are enough. When we visit America, we don't spend months on Duolingo beforehand. However, learning just a few simple words like "Arigato" (Thank you) or "Sumimasen" (Excuse me) can work magic.
Using these words shows you care. The smiles and connections you get from trying to speak the language are something Google Translate can never show you.
5. Don't worry about other foreigners
Japan is currently experiencing a tourism boom, and you will see many other people from abroad. You might feel, "I came all this way, but there are tourists everywhere!" But please don't let that bother you.
You don't need to worry about other guests. When you are in Japan, you are an individual guest, and your experience is yours alone. Focus on your own interaction with the country, the food in front of you, and the people you meet.
Now, relax and enjoy your trip!