How To Prepare for a Trip to Japan.
How To Prepare for a Trip to Japan.
Blog Article
1. Fashion-wise almost anything goes, but check the forecast
At the risk of sounding boring, knowing what to wear in Tokyo is often more about being sensible than following fashion – pack for the weather.
The summer heat and humidity are especially draining, and you’ll see lots of locals in hats, shorts and t-shirts, though it’s very uncommon to see anyone showing much skin on their upper body.
In the pre-summer rainy season, an umbrella is better than a rain jacket, as the humidity can turn even Gore-Tex into a sauna suit.
In terms of fashion, outside of a work environment, anything goes in Tokyo – just look at the vibrant fashions of Harajuku or the cosplayers of Akihabara. That said, there are some exceptions you might encounter. If you are going to a high-end restaurant, dress smartly.
If you’ve got your bags packed or planning your getaway, make sure you grab a Japan eSim for world-class connectivity in Japan and beyond.
If you're eating sushi, don’t wear any perfume or cologne as that can interfere with the subtle flavors and is considered bad manners.
If you are going for a tea ceremony, make sure you are wearing something loose enough for kneeling on the tatami, then slip off any rings or bracelets just beforehand to avoid damaging the teacups.
2. Understand the rules around drink and drug use
Let’s start with the good news. If you like beer in the park, drinking outside is legal – as long as you are at least 20 years old (the legal age for drinking and buying alcohol).
Just be aware of manners when doing it: don’t make too much noise and always clean up after yourself.
Recreational drugs, however, are a different matter. Japan has a zero-tolerance policy on marijuana and other drugs. One exception is CBD (cannabidiol) products, which are trendy right now. However, they legally cannot contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in Japan, the component that gives marijuana its high.
3. Beware the sex trade and touts
For a country that is in many ways very conservative, it can be a surprise to see how public sex work is in Tokyo. It comes in many forms, from hostess and host clubs where clients go to drink and flirt (and spend a fortune) to bathhouse brothels called soap lands.