I’ve always been drawn to the East – and the further, the better ;). So when one of my biggest dreams came true in April – a trip to Japan – I was probably the happiest person in the world.
Japan itself has always been on my radar – so I prepared well for the trip and thought nothing would surprise me – and yet I was wrong.
Below is a short list of things in Japan that surprised, annoyed and delighted me. And right away, I want to mention my positive experiences in playing at a Japanese online casino. I can now advise you to turn your attention to the カジ旅のレビュー. I will also try to dispel some myths that have grown up around this exotic country.
TRAIN PUNCTUALITY IN JAPAN
Do you think trains are never late in Japan? I thought so too, and yet this is just a myth. Of course, most trains are punctual, and when they are late you won’t experience the familiar horrors of PKP travel, but still – delays are there.
On trains, however, information about current delays is displayed – which lines, in what direction, what is the time of delay and the cause. When the cause is removed and trains are back on track, this information is also displayed.
I wrote above that trains are late, but most are on time… And very much on time… Sometimes I even wondered if the drivers were not equipped with atomic watches (FYI – the most accurate in the world).
The train is supposed to arrive at 19:34 – check. Departure at 19:36 – check. Even during rush hour, when a sea of people get on and off the trains.
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Trains in Japan are extremely punctual.
A small remark on this point and the following ones about railways – trains in Japan do not run only on long distances – they are also used (together with the underground) to move within the city. For example, you can cover the whole city of Tokyo by train (this is how I used to travel around the city).
WHAT TRAIN TRAVEL IN JAPAN LOOKS LIKE
The media often promote the image of tired Japanese people sleeping on trains – I am not going to fight it, because the truth is that a typical salaryman (corporate employee in Japan) leads a very tiring life. However, what no one talks about, and which came as a shock to me, is that Japanese trains are very sleepy!
I don’t know if this is due to the seating arrangement, the monotonous rhythm, the relative silence in the carriage, or some other factor. But the fact is that every time I took a train (and it was even several times a day), I fell asleep… And I am a person who never falls asleep on a train, bus or tram!
Before going to Japan, I had read that you cannot talk on trains, either on the phone or with your companion. There was supposed to be absolute silence on trains.
ENGLISH IN JAPAN
Don’t know any Japanese and are afraid you won’t be able to cope in Japan? Nothing could be further from the truth. In larger cities or tourist towns, all signs at stations, trains, etc. are in English. In addition, announcements are also spoken in this language.
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The Japanese, as for a well-educated nation, speak English. Better or worse but communication is not a problem
One of the most popular myths about Japan – nobody speaks English. Fortunately, it is only a myth ;). In shops, restaurants, at railway stations – there is no problem with communication. Admittedly, often their English is not on a high level, but there is no problem with getting along.
NO RUBBISH BINS OR BENCHES IN JAPAN
The two most annoying things for me? The lack of trash bins on the street and benches. I had heard about the lack of bins, I was prepared, but I did not think it would be such a nuisance… The Japanese are very keen on recycling, so they bring all their rubbish home and separate it. The only bins you will sometimes find are by the drinks vending machines – but you can only put bottles in them.
The lack of benches was not at all what I expected – in all the cities I have been to, it was obvious to me that there are benches or walls to sit on. In Japan, you are unlikely to see this, so if you get tired, you can just relax in a nice cafe ;).
JAPANESE RESTAURANTS
First impression upon arriving in Tokyo from the airport and exiting Ueno station? A peculiar smell wafting from the restaurant. For me, very unpleasant. Fortunately, I quickly got used to it and after a few minutes I stopped smelling anything (unless I entered a restaurant ) I was not able to smell anything.
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As you can see in the picture in Japanese restaurants there are available dishes from Chips over chicken salad to typical Japanese sushi
The restaurants themselves are numerous – starting from small pubs, ending with exclusive establishments. The variety of cuisines is also striking – obviously Asian cuisine dominates. For a European, who does not eat Japanese delicacies every day, there is not much difference between a cheap and a very expensive restaurant. Therefore, there is no need to overpay – meals in cheap places are also very tasty ;).
The portions are very large – I must admit that this surprised me a lot. The Japanese society is rather on the lighter side of the scales – meanwhile, portions in restaurants are really huge!
I don’t think I’ve ever eaten everything on my plate, and I can even eat 5 pieces of pizza at once ;). In restaurants there is usually a choice of 3 sizes of dishes – I don’t recommend taking ‘big’ ones, because you’ll only waste them ;).
