Once in Japan, one will begin to understand why people from Japan are taking cameras on vacation and constantly taking pictures. Europeans behave the same way when they are in the territory of the island- that seems to be an island attraction. Our cultures are so different that everything seems alien and you want to immediately capture all the strangeness in front of you.
Tourists traveling to Japan, have an extensive set of stereotypes that they are trying to follow blindly. But there are things that you better do not do in Japan or you’ll get into trouble…
1. Don’t Play Pachinko
Despite the fact that gambling is not much welcomed in Japan, yakuza, of course, found a way to bypass restrictions and came up with “Japanese pinball”. They play it on heavy metal balls, which formally can not be exchanged for money. But prizes are given out for these balls, which you can then sell in special shops around the corner, which, of course, has no relation to the gambling establishment. There is nothing dangerous to go play pachinko, but do not expect that the local casinos will even remotely resemble the huge halls of Las Vegas.
Places to play Japanese pinball are rather similar to the gambling houses recently-existing near the subway stations: stuffy, noisy, dark and smoky. You probably can’t affect the course of the game as well. After throwing, the ball is flying uncontrollably through the maze inside the machine until it stops.
If you really want to be surrounded by multiple screams and intrusive noise, it’s better go to karaoke. Karaoke bars, by the way, also have nothing to do with the ones you can find in other countries. The whole space is divided into separate cubicles, so all those present at the institution do not necessarily listen to how you bother the ears of your friends. All is quiet, peaceful and private. Sometimes drinks are also included in the cost of entrance ticket.
2. Don’t Climb Mount Fuji in “Hot Season”
During the official climbing season, which is in August, you will not only have to stand in long lines to be able to move to the top of the mount, but also to admire the pictures, filled with people of different nationalities, behind whom the mountains are not even visible.
It is better to choose a more quiet time: like September or October, when there is still little snow and you can climb safely without long waiting lines. Later, in November or December, you may not simply be allowed to the slope until you are sure about your “mountaineering “skills or you are a professional mountain-climber. April-May is not suitable because of the rains. If you are an adventure fan of travel and have strong health, then you should try Fuji Mountain Race.
3. Don’t Drink in Park Hyatt Hotel
The bar, located on the top of the hotel, which became world famous through the film “Lost in Translation”, is worth to visit if you are a fan of Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray. Everyone else won’t be eager to pay 40-50 dollars for just a small plate of cheese and fruit.
It is better to look for a less glorious place, because you can admire the city views from many other points. The first thing that comes to mind is a gallery and coffee shop on the roof of the shopping center Roppongi Hills.
4. Don’t Dress up as a Geisha
There are quite a lot of places that offer to dress you up as a real geisha. In some places for 100-300 dollars your face will be painted with white paint, your hair will be done just like geisha do and your body will be wrapped in a silk kimono. Besides, you will be given several photos that will be possible to show your friends on arrival. Alas, no matter how hard makeup artist try, they cannot do anything with your European appearance, and you will still look extremely ridiculous in the traditional Japanese garb.
It is better to go and see the only Western woman who could become a real geisha.
5. Do not travel the country to see the best cherry blossom
Even if you happen to be in Japan in April, when the trees hid pinkish-white hazy blanket, do not immediately go on a trip to the country in pursuit of a better place, where you can picnic and enjoy the quiet of cherry blossoms. Many do so, starting their journey from the south of Okinawa in March and ending in Hokkaido in early May. In fact, the cherry blossoms are the same everywhere, and spending much time on such a trip is not worth it and its just a loss of time.
It is better to go to the nearest to your hotel park, spread out the mat, open the bottle of Asahi and enjoy the slowly falling to the ground petals. Certainly, there are more beautiful trees in Japan, the petals of which are more pink and bigger. But the essence of the holiday is in quiet contemplation, but not in the bustle and comparison.
