What is japan like

You get one or two days off work for grieving and travel to the funeral, any other time is to be vacation time. So I had to pull out my contract and remind them that they agreed to give me a week in such an event. So yeah, moral of the story: Japanese people are overworked and under social pressure not to relax. This all sounds pretty lousy to me.

I mean, my job isn't very stressful at all, but I still really look forward to my days off and just having time to relax. I can't imagine living and working in Japan being so stressed out and then being discouraged to take time off. It sounds awful.

Compared to American public transport at least, Japanese public transport is unbelievably awesome. In Europe and other countries, it's probably pretty good as well, but the Japanese have really got it down pat.

Their subway and train systems are crazy convenient, accurate, and make getting around the country so much easier. Even their buses are awesome.

When I was in Japan, I never felt like having a car would have made my life more convenient. Having such a integrated system of public transport made getting around very easy and simple and it's one of the things I miss most. Japan sure does love its trains though. Again, this is one of those cons that depends on the people you're with and the area in which you find yourself.

It also seems to depend on the age of Japanese people you're around as the younger crowd seems much more tolerant of foreigners. I've heard some of my friends talking about how whenever they walk around in Japan, older Japanese folk will click their tongues when they see Americans.

Like they are tsk tsk-ing them for showing themselves in public. Overall, I would say that it's not too bad, and to an extent probably depends on the person what you look like, how you dress, and if you're with Japanese friends when you're out , but if you're already finding yourself isolated and not making friends in Japan, people scoffing at you in public will only add to your depression.

While the country certainly modernized much more quickly than lovers of old Japan such as the illustrious Alex Kerr would have liked, Japan — despite its striking modernity — nevertheless retains a rich and enviable cultural heritage that even today feels very alive and relevant.

In an ancient city like Kyoto , it is still easy to find generations-old shops with hundreds of years of history many of which are featured in the excellent Old Kyoto , where traditional crafts — or in the case of cuisine , dishes — have been steadily perfected for longer than the United States has been a country.

And few countries India comes to mind can match Japan for its wealth of traditional ceremonies and festivals. Throughout Japan, age-old traditions remain alive in contemporary culture, and while many travelers are drawn primarily to the romance of ancient Japan, for many others ourselves included contemporary Japan is just as fascinating. Particularly since the Edo Period, Japan has undergone incredible transformations — with major events including the Meiji Restoration and World War II — and, despite the post-bubble economic stagnation , remains an economic and cultural powerhouse.

It does. I have one friend who had her wallet stolen while on a crowded subway in Tokyo, and you can read reports in the news of other crime in Tokyo and beyond. Another friend left her passport in a taxi in Kobe. This slightly paranoid worry often prevents travelers from asking strangers for assistance, and also has the unfortunate side effect of preventing travelers from more immersive and unscripted interactions with local people.

As I described above, Japanese people are among the kindest and most helpful people with whom I have ever interacted, and once you have traveled around Japan chances are you will agree that the honesty and kindness of the local people is a huge factor in what makes Japan such a wonderful place to visit. One of the best things about Japan — and an unexpected highlight for so many travelers — is how beautifully and efficiently everything works.

Almost without fail, when friends from the United States return to the US after visiting Japan, I receive exclamatory messages of relative shock bemoaning the rundown airport, the inefficiency of the immigration and customs process, the poor condition — or lack — of public transport options the bullet train spoils people , and the generally disheveled appearance of their post-Japan trip surroundings.

The trains run on time, drivers arrive on time or early, and nearly everywhere you go efficiency and order reign. Not having to worry about things like this is surprisingly relaxing. I had my first experience of punctuality in Japan during my first visit to Kyoto. Images of the country typically include snow-capped mountains, bustling city streets, and conveyor belts of sushi. While these are all true, there are other practicalities to be aware of when making the Land of the Rising Sun your new home.

One important custom to learn when moving to Japan is the proper way to handle chopsticks. Chopsticks are used in most meals in Japan.

It is important to place your chopsticks on the table correctly whenever you are not using them. Incorrect positions can be rude or, worse, a symbol for death. You can learn more about this in our Culture and Social Etiquette section. Luckily, Japanese society is very welcoming of foreigners and forgiving should you commit a faux pas.

Whether you need to know how to greet people in Japan, the best way to set up communications, such as your phone or internet, or tips on driving and public transportation, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to feel at home in this exciting Asian nation.

What are the pros and cons of living in Japan? Most expats who have already settled in the country will agree that there are many more advantages than there are disadvantages. In fact, in a society as advanced and efficient as Japan, what constitutes as a drawback will likely be based on personal preferences. The second Monday of every January celebrates those in Japan who will turn 20 years old that year.

Local governments throw a seijin shiki adult ceremony to celebrate the new adults. This holiday is celebrated on the birthday of the current reigning emperor. The current emperor of Japan is Emperor Naruhito, whose birthday is February This holiday marks the start of Golden Week, which contains six separate holidays. It is a nationally recognized holiday to give appreciation to nature.

This holiday marks the official end of Golden Week. It is celebrated to honor the children of Japan. This holiday celebrates the elderly population of Japan. Activities and events promote an active, healthy lifestyle. After that, the next major airport is Kansai Airport in Osaka. As an expat, understanding the cultural and social etiquette of your new home is important to not committing a grievous faux pas. In a country as steeped in customs and traditions as Japan, this is especially important.

Japanese society is renowned for its politeness and reserved quality. Culturally, it is frowned upon to draw too much attention to yourself, and it is especially taboo to draw attention to others. Even when having a disagreement at work, it is more acceptable to stop talking and let the moment pass rather than continue to fight. Worried about fitting in in Japan? InterNations GO! We can set you up with individual training or group courses for your whole family. When most people think of greetings in Japan, they think of bowing.

In Japanese society, it is common to see people bow when greeting one another. This is done by bending at the waist, keeping your back and neck straight with your arms either at your side or fingertips touching and at thigh-level.

As a foreigner, you are not expected to bow when greeting people. Instead, you can simply nod your head. Do not try to shake hands unless the other person initiates. Hierarchy in Japan is very important.

There is great respect for elders, as is indicted by the national holiday specifically celebrating the elderly. Observance of hierarchy is most important in Japanese work culture, but you should be aware of it in every day interactions as well. This means that when you are interacting with someone older than you, it is important to be polite.

For example, holding doors open and allowing someone older than you to walk through first. There are many manners and customs that must be observed in regard to eating in Japan. For example, if eating with a group of people and sharing dishes, you must not eat from the communal plate. Instead, place food onto your own, individual plate and eat from there.

Be sure to only take what you can finish as it is impolite to leave food on your plate. Never pour your own drink.

Instead, you should pour a drink for others and leave yours empty. Someone will then pour a drink for you. How to use chopsticks like a Tokyoite. How to cycle like a Tokyoite. The basic dos and don'ts for tourists in Tokyo. Things to do City Life. How to pay out like a Tokyoite. How to visit a temple or shrine like a Tokyoite. How to queue in line like a Tokyoite. How to use a Japanese toilet — an etiquette guide. How to drink like a local.

How to phone like a Tokyoite. Tokyo train etiquette: how to be a good commuter. How to give like a Tokyoite. How to survive a Japanese wedding.