Thanks! Good things to be aware of to avoid unknowingly creating inconvenient or uncomfortable situations for everyone. Also it is more meaningful to experience participating in cultural activities properly.
Kevin san, thank you so much for your kind support! I wasn’t sure I’m the right one who can make this video, but I saw on Internet that some travelers worried about breaking the manners in Japan and couldn’t enjoy much, so I’m glad i could make this one. :) Thank you always!
Thank you for the very good advice to being an aware traveller. What surprises me is when tourists enters a metro car, no one is talking, it is silent and they start a loud conversation. They don't seem to be able to sense the tone of the space they enter and to act in accordance with that space. Shhhhh... is an international phrase. ☺
We had a mini disaster in Kamakura where a business caught fire on a windy night right across from our ryokan. We just packed and waited for the train station to open. Outside of the good tips here, my advice is to be flexible. We missed on Enoshima and other goals but instead we had a great early day at Meiji and Shibuya that we might have otherwise missed.
I do admire your diplomacy and not wishing to take business away from certain viewing platforms for that perfect sunset photograph. Also, it is true about not overly worrying about Etiquette. It is something I was guilty of, because I felt I had a responsibility to my Japanese teacher (Giri) and didn't want people to think badly about him if I made a mistake with manners, etc. But he told me to relax & just be myself, and that Japanese people understand foreigners can't be 100% on every small thing when visiting Japan. So that was a weight off my shoulders & a relief of the pressure I was placing on myself.
Thank you for your message. Sounds like you met a great Japanese teacher. I agree. It's a great thing to try to be polite for local Japanese and nothing wrong with that, but I read some comments worried too much about it during the trip. It's important to enjoy. 😄
Tokyo Kenchan out here producing another great video! I do have a question for you Ken-san, you seem like someone that has a lot of interests off camera. Would you be willing to make a video about what YOU would do on YOUR perfect day? Thank you again for all of the information that you provide to people all over the world, but I do think it would be great to see what your perfect day would be? Would you wake up and go to your favorite cafe? or maybe you're secretly a big gamer and would spend all day at a game center like Mikado in Takadanobaba? Or maybe you like to shop at thrift/second hand stores? Japan (and especially Tokyo) has wonderful second hand shops for clothing, toys and other merchandise! Thank you again for everything, Ken-san!
Haha. Thank you for such an interesting comment. hmmm I haven't thought about that. My life is pretty boring probably not taking advantage of being in Tokyo enough, but I'd like to work on those videos someday. Thank you again for such a warm message. :)
Great job on this video Kengo-San!!! One of the first etiquette I learned way back in Japan was not to walk and eat at the same time! 😊But respect goes a long way…🙏🏽
Yes, making a social/cultural mistake has been my biggest fear in Japan. I have visited twice. When Japanese dont want to sit next to you on the train or dont make eye contact, it makes a visitor like myself feel bad. But you right, we should not put our expectations too high or worry too much. We should relax, enjoy the uniqueness of Japan and remain polite and humble. On my next trip to Japan, I will try to see things a bit differently. We really need your feedback so that we can understand things from a Japanese perspective. Many, many thanks. 🙏
Thank you for sharing your experience. That must have been uncomfortable. I have the similar experience in other countries and I feel bad that you experience the same here. Some people look unfriendly mainly because of language barrier, and not personal reason. But actually, being Japanese doesn't mean I always get good service or people are nice to me. I think the good part of Japan is while you enjoy the uniqueness and difference from your country, you can also travel like being in your country without too much worry. I hope you enjoy your next visit to Japan. Thank you again.
Such an interesting video Kengo san! I love the part where you’re demonstrating talking on the phone in the train, and then turn to face the camera and a big red ‘X’ comes up😂
Hey Kenchan thanks for the tip on Tokyo City View - I'm staying near Roppongi in the first week of October so I'll definitely go there (although on the website it says its closed from the 1st to the 4th of that month). I have one etiquette story from my last time in Japan... I knew all about taking shoes off in the home, but I didn't know it applied in some shops - I went to try some jeans on in a shop and the girl assistant went crazy at me because I didn't take my shoes off before I went in the changing cubicle! Is that normal? Thankfully that didn't happen in larger stores like Muji!
Thank you for watching and sharing your experience! That is true. Most of the shops ask you to take off shoes in Japan in the fitting room. Even though that sounds a bit too much to go crazy about it. 😅 I hope you enjoyed your trip overall. The Tokyo City View site says it closes from 2nd to 5th (Mon-Thu) as of today. I hope you can visit the Sky Deck. Please make sure to visit the Sky Deck (outdoor) if you are looking for the same view as in the video. :)
I think I wrongly pressed the blind people's priority button instead of regular pedestrian crossing button several times when I visited Japan for the first time.
Thank you for your support for the video! I'll get another beer for my next ride (just kidding). I agree to the comment you left earlier. :) Thank you again.
If you're in a store and someone is looking at something and you need to walk behind, or in front of, them is it expected to say something like "sumimasen" when passing them? A lot of the shopping videos that I've watched I haven't heard the person recording saying anything as they're walking in front of the person. As always your videos are invaluable with how much of the smaller details that you give that other TH-camrs don't. The smaller details make a big difference.
Thank you for watching and your kind message. Yes, if you need to let the person know that he/she needs to move away so you can pass by, "sumimasen" is a word to say or come closer to the person little by little so he/she notices. I think it's natural to say "sumimasen" quickly or just bow lightly if you just pass by. As you noticed, we might not say "Excuse me" as much as you do in the US.
Is it allowed to eat and drink on the Romancer train from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto? The Odakyu says it was allowed however I can't find much information about it. I wish to book an early train to Hakone using the Romancer train GSE 70000 series and have my breakfast (bento) on board. Please help to advise.
Konichiwa, is there a proper way to dress when in Japan and going to eat in restaurants? I have seen a little bit about not wearing yoga pants and sleeveless shirts or very short pants. Would you please explain more? I have been learning a lot from your videos and appreciate your advice. We will be traveling to Osaka in October. Domo arigato!
Hello. It's probably the same as other countries. For regular dinning scenes, I don't think there is a special rule that exist in Japan, but we might hide skin or body shape a little more (not an official rule. Just my thought). If you go to luxury restaurants, like Sushi, Tempura, Teppanyaki, hotel dinings etc. In that case, it might be better to avoid Yoga pants, T-shirts, and tone down the perfume might help. Otherwise, you can wear what you feel comfortable with. Have a great trip in Osaka!
If an adult man or woman wears short pants (regular shorts, not short shorts) to a casual restaurant, do you think that’s okay or do you think that makes Japanese people uncomfortable? In America, it’s not unusual for a woman to wear a nice shorts outfit with a sweater or blazer with high heels and it can be considered okay to a nice/expensive restaurant. It seems like anything is okay to wear in America, but not appropriate in other countries. I would like to be respectful of the people in Japan.
Hi. Everyone wear shorts in summer, so it's common to wear shorts in casual restaurants. I think you can follow what you do in the US depending on the category or grade of restaurants. :) I feel it's all about if the restaurnat has a dress code or not. For casual restaurants, usually no dress code so no worry. Thank you for asking!
Hey Kenchan! Great video! A lot of useful info I will keep in mind on my trip this month! Question, What kind of etiquette should I keep in mind with my skateboard? I only skate flat ground areas and will avoid people. Is there anything else I must consider? I will also travel with a surfboard but will mail it to my hotels
Hello! Thank you for watching. I checked the regulation, but I only see very vague rule that says not at busy place. e-skateboard with power is not allowed without drivers license. I hope you enjoy your trip in Japan. :)
Hello Kenchan! I have 1 last question! On my visit to Japan, I will be having lunch with some of my fathers business friends. They are older(in their 80s) and I want to be extremely respectful to them. Should I bow to them as a group? Or should I bow to each person individually?
Hello. I think that depends on how they show up to you, but it might be better to bow to everybody and one by one if you greet them so. :) I hope it goes well for you.
Thanks! Good things to be aware of to avoid unknowingly creating inconvenient or uncomfortable situations for everyone. Also it is more meaningful to experience participating in cultural activities properly.
Kevin san, thank you so much for your kind support! I wasn’t sure I’m the right one who can make this video, but I saw on Internet that some travelers worried about breaking the manners in Japan and couldn’t enjoy much, so I’m glad i could make this one. :) Thank you always!
Thank you for the very good advice to being an aware traveller. What surprises me is when tourists enters a metro car, no one is talking, it is silent and they start a loud conversation. They don't seem to be able to sense the tone of the space they enter and to act in accordance with that space. Shhhhh... is an international phrase. ☺
We had a mini disaster in Kamakura where a business caught fire on a windy night right across from our ryokan. We just packed and waited for the train station to open. Outside of the good tips here, my advice is to be flexible. We missed on Enoshima and other goals but instead we had a great early day at Meiji and Shibuya that we might have otherwise missed.
8:17 that was definitely me lol
I do admire your diplomacy and not wishing to take business away from certain viewing platforms for that perfect sunset photograph. Also, it is true about not overly worrying about Etiquette. It is something I was guilty of, because I felt I had a responsibility to my Japanese teacher (Giri) and didn't want people to think badly about him if I made a mistake with manners, etc.
But he told me to relax & just be myself, and that Japanese people understand foreigners can't be 100% on every small thing when visiting Japan. So that was a weight off my shoulders & a relief of the pressure I was placing on myself.
Thank you for your message. Sounds like you met a great Japanese teacher. I agree. It's a great thing to try to be polite for local Japanese and nothing wrong with that, but I read some comments worried too much about it during the trip. It's important to enjoy. 😄
Tokyo Kenchan out here producing another great video!
I do have a question for you Ken-san, you seem like someone that has a lot of interests off camera. Would you be willing to make a video about what YOU would do on YOUR perfect day?
Thank you again for all of the information that you provide to people all over the world, but I do think it would be great to see what your perfect day would be? Would you wake up and go to your favorite cafe? or maybe you're secretly a big gamer and would spend all day at a game center like Mikado in Takadanobaba? Or maybe you like to shop at thrift/second hand stores? Japan (and especially Tokyo) has wonderful second hand shops for clothing, toys and other merchandise!
Thank you again for everything, Ken-san!
Haha. Thank you for such an interesting comment. hmmm I haven't thought about that. My life is pretty boring probably not taking advantage of being in Tokyo enough, but I'd like to work on those videos someday. Thank you again for such a warm message. :)
Binge watching all your videos in preparation for trip in three weeks. Thank you 🙏
Thank you for watching! I'm glad to hear that. I wish you the best trip in Japan. :)
Great job on this video Kengo-San!!! One of the first etiquette I learned way back in Japan was not to walk and eat at the same time! 😊But respect goes a long way…🙏🏽
Yes, making a social/cultural mistake has been my biggest fear in Japan. I have visited twice. When Japanese dont want to sit next to you on the train or dont make eye contact, it makes a visitor like myself feel bad. But you right, we should not put our expectations too high or worry too much. We should relax, enjoy the uniqueness of Japan and remain polite and humble. On my next trip to Japan, I will try to see things a bit differently. We really need your feedback so that we can understand things from a Japanese perspective. Many, many thanks. 🙏
Thank you for sharing your experience. That must have been uncomfortable. I have the similar experience in other countries and I feel bad that you experience the same here. Some people look unfriendly mainly because of language barrier, and not personal reason. But actually, being Japanese doesn't mean I always get good service or people are nice to me. I think the good part of Japan is while you enjoy the uniqueness and difference from your country, you can also travel like being in your country without too much worry. I hope you enjoy your next visit to Japan. Thank you again.
@@tokyokenchan If I continue to watch your videos, I am sure I will enjoy my next trip to Japan even more! Again, thank you for your guidance.🙂
Such an interesting video Kengo san! I love the part where you’re demonstrating talking on the phone in the train, and then turn to face the camera and a big red ‘X’ comes up😂
Thanks Kenchan, great tips on things to be aware of. Hopefully this helps a lot of people!
Thanks for the video Kengo san, its simple just be courteous, have self discipline and be considerate to others. 🙏
I'm travelling to Japan n 12 days. Can't wait. Thank you for your help/information.
Thank you for watching! I wish you have a great trip in Japan soon.
Thank you! You vídeos are very helpfull! September we are travelling to Japan for the 4th time and hope not the last!
Thank you
Thanks!
Thank you Irene san for watching this video and your warm support!! I really appreciate it.
You’re welcome, I enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for making them 😊
Nice video about Japan.
Thank you for watching and leaving a message:)
Another great and helpful video! Thank you so much for making these. We will be in Japan next week. So excited!
Hey Kenchan thanks for the tip on Tokyo City View - I'm staying near Roppongi in the first week of October so I'll definitely go there (although on the website it says its closed from the 1st to the 4th of that month).
I have one etiquette story from my last time in Japan... I knew all about taking shoes off in the home, but I didn't know it applied in some shops - I went to try some jeans on in a shop and the girl assistant went crazy at me because I didn't take my shoes off before I went in the changing cubicle! Is that normal? Thankfully that didn't happen in larger stores like Muji!
Thank you for watching and sharing your experience! That is true. Most of the shops ask you to take off shoes in Japan in the fitting room. Even though that sounds a bit too much to go crazy about it. 😅 I hope you enjoyed your trip overall. The Tokyo City View site says it closes from 2nd to 5th (Mon-Thu) as of today. I hope you can visit the Sky Deck. Please make sure to visit the Sky Deck (outdoor) if you are looking for the same view as in the video. :)
I think I wrongly pressed the blind people's priority button instead of regular pedestrian crossing button several times when I visited Japan for the first time.
i saw that button as well, as a newbie tourist. but thought twice before hitting it lol. i was like nah this light has to be automated.
Thanks for drinking beer on train haha
Thank you for your support for the video! I'll get another beer for my next ride (just kidding). I agree to the comment you left earlier. :) Thank you again.
@@tokyokenchan❤
If you're in a store and someone is looking at something and you need to walk behind, or in front of, them is it expected to say something like "sumimasen" when passing them? A lot of the shopping videos that I've watched I haven't heard the person recording saying anything as they're walking in front of the person.
As always your videos are invaluable with how much of the smaller details that you give that other TH-camrs don't. The smaller details make a big difference.
Thank you for watching and your kind message. Yes, if you need to let the person know that he/she needs to move away so you can pass by, "sumimasen" is a word to say or come closer to the person little by little so he/she notices. I think it's natural to say "sumimasen" quickly or just bow lightly if you just pass by. As you noticed, we might not say "Excuse me" as much as you do in the US.
Great video. What was the observation deck you mentioned towards the end of the video please? Thank you
It’s Tokyo City View Sky Deck. The rooftop of Roppongi Hills. :)
Is it allowed to eat and drink on the Romancer train from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto? The Odakyu says it was allowed however I can't find much information about it. I wish to book an early train to Hakone using the Romancer train GSE 70000 series and have my breakfast (bento) on board. Please help to advise.
Yes, you can eat and drink on Romance Car. Usually train doesn't have any regulation about it. Some city buses have.
@@tokyokenchan thanks for your info
Thank you, good video. I missed the name of the observation deck in Tokyo, could you tell me please.
Hello. That is Tokyo City View Sky Deck. The roof top of Roppongi Hills. :)
@@tokyokenchan Thank you very much. Will check it out in October.
Konichiwa, is there a proper way to dress when in Japan and going to eat in restaurants? I have seen a little bit about not wearing yoga pants and sleeveless shirts or very short pants. Would you please explain more?
I have been learning a lot from your videos and appreciate your advice. We will be traveling to Osaka in October. Domo arigato!
Hello. It's probably the same as other countries. For regular dinning scenes, I don't think there is a special rule that exist in Japan, but we might hide skin or body shape a little more (not an official rule. Just my thought). If you go to luxury restaurants, like Sushi, Tempura, Teppanyaki, hotel dinings etc. In that case, it might be better to avoid Yoga pants, T-shirts, and tone down the perfume might help. Otherwise, you can wear what you feel comfortable with. Have a great trip in Osaka!
If an adult man or woman wears short pants (regular shorts, not short shorts) to a casual restaurant, do you think that’s okay or do you think that makes Japanese people uncomfortable? In America, it’s not unusual for a woman to wear a nice shorts outfit with a sweater or blazer with high heels and it can be considered okay to a nice/expensive restaurant. It seems like anything is okay to wear in America, but not appropriate in other countries. I would like to be respectful of the people in Japan.
Hi. Everyone wear shorts in summer, so it's common to wear shorts in casual restaurants. I think you can follow what you do in the US depending on the category or grade of restaurants. :) I feel it's all about if the restaurnat has a dress code or not. For casual restaurants, usually no dress code so no worry. Thank you for asking!
Thank you!😊
Itsumo arigato, Ken-san 🙏
Itsumo arigato gozaimasu!
Use common sense, be respectful anywhere you go, not just for Japan. If you cannot figure out common sense or courtesy, best you stay home.
Nothing bothers me more than those who don't even bother to learn simple words like "sumimasen" or bow.
Haha. Probably it's not easy to remember Japanese words especially when their destination is not only Japan.^^
ive seen japanese kids make fun of a tourists bow lol
@@cstpa1 Best satire is John Belushi’s Saturday Night Live skit from the 70’s, with him bowing holding a knife in the back.
Hey Kenchan! Great video! A lot of useful info I will keep in mind on my trip this month! Question, What kind of etiquette should I keep in mind with my skateboard? I only skate flat ground areas and will avoid people. Is there anything else I must consider? I will also travel with a surfboard but will mail it to my hotels
Hello! Thank you for watching. I checked the regulation, but I only see very vague rule that says not at busy place. e-skateboard with power is not allowed without drivers license. I hope you enjoy your trip in Japan. :)
Arigatou gozaimas Kenchan! :)
Hello Kenchan! I have 1 last question! On my visit to Japan, I will be having lunch with some of my fathers business friends. They are older(in their 80s) and I want to be extremely respectful to them. Should I bow to them as a group? Or should I bow to each person individually?
Hello. I think that depends on how they show up to you, but it might be better to bow to everybody and one by one if you greet them so. :) I hope it goes well for you.