Japan - Visitors' Manual

Being in Japan on vacation or for work can be an amazing experience, but it can also feel like a challenge because of the country’s unique culture, its distinct way of life, and the inevitable language barrier.

Originally intended as a guidebook for the participants in an international event held in Kyoto, this book offers a brief outline of a country known worldwide for its elegant culture, futuristic technology, contradictions, and transformations. It also offers solutions to problems one may encounter during their stay in Japan.


1. General information 

1.1 Japan: An Outline

1.2 Weather and climate

1.3 Electricity

1.4 Language

1.5 Greetings

1.6 Religion

1.7 Earthquakes


2. Daily life in Japan

2.1 Banks and ATM

2.2 Post offices

2.3 Staying connected

2.4 Traffic rules



3. Transportation

3.1 Airports

3.2 Japan Railways (JR)

3.3 Visiting Kyoto

3.4 Prepaid IC cards

3.5 Women only cars

3.6 Taxi



4. Food

4.1 Sushi

4.2 Katsudon

4.3 Okonomiyaki

4.4 Takoyaki

4.5 Tempura

4.6 Noodles

4.7 Tofu

4.8 Kawadoko

4.9 Depachika

4.10 Beer gardens

4.11 Kyoto sweets



5. Shopping

5.1 Convenience stores

5.2 100 yen shops

5.3 Department stores

5.4 Uniqlo and Muji

5.5 Drugstores

5.6 Tax Free

5.7 Kyoto souvenirs



6. Culture

6.1 Kabuki

6.2 Noh

6.3 Bunraku

6.4 Takarazuka revue

6.5 Sumo

6.6 Festivals

6.7 Fireworks

6.8 Manga museum

6.9 Karaoke

6.10 Cultural tips

6.11 Japanese toilets

6.12 Table manners



7. Sightseeing

7.1 Kyoto

7.2 Uji

7.3 Kurama hot springs

7.4 Hot springs rules

7.5 Osaka

7.6 Kobe

7.7 Nara

7.8 Himeji

7.9 Lake Biwa

7.10 Visiting temples and shrines