If you're moving to Tokyo or are just visiting, it's important to understand some of the customs and etiquette so you can blend in and enjoy your time like a local.
We hope after reading this blog post, you'll have a better understanding of how to live life as a local in Tokyo, even if it's just for a visit.
You'll know where to go, what to do, and how to behave to make the most out of your experience in this amazing city.
Whether you have Japanese friends or speak Japanese there are things you just don't know.
Keep reading to see how amazing the Japanese culture is and how to fit in Tokyo!
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TOKYO JAPANESE LIFESTYLE
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and one of its 47 prefectures.
The Greater Tokyo Area is the most populous metropolitan area in the world. It is the seat of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese government.
Tokyo is in the Kanto region on the southeastern side of Japan's main island, Honshu, and includes the Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands.
Tokyo Metropolis was formed in 1943 from the merger of the former Tokyo Prefecture and the city of Tokyo.
The metropolitan government also administers 39 municipalities in the western part of the two outlying island chains.
The population of the special wards is over 9 million people, with the prefecture's total population exceeding 13 million.
The prefecture is part of the world's most populous metropolitan area called Greater Tokyo, which comprises Tokyo and its surrounding areas.
With over 39 million residents in the Greater Tokyo Area, it is by far Japan's largest and most populous metropolitan area and one of the world's most populous megacities.
The Tokyo metropolitan government administers the 23 Special wards of Tokyo (each governed as an individual city), which cover the area that was the city of Tokyo before it merged with the surrounding prefecture in 1943 to form the metropolis, as well as 39 municipalities in the western part of the two outlying island chains.
The population of the special wards is over 9 million people, with the prefecture's total population exceeding 13 million.
5 AMAZING TOKYO JAPANESE LIFESTYLE HACKS
1. Tokyo is a great place to live if you are looking for an urban lifestyle and all of the conveniences that come with it. The city has excellent public transportation, a variety of restaurants and cafes, and plenty of things to do.
2. If you want an authentic Japanese experience, Tokyo is the place to be. The city is full of traditional temples, shrines, parks, and gardens.
3. Tokyo is a great place for shopping, with a wide variety of shops and department stores. You can find everything from clothes to electronics to souvenirs.
4. Tokyo is also a great place to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. You can find everything from sushi to ramen to yakitori.
5. If you want to experience Japanese culture, Tokyo is the place to be. The city is full of museums, galleries, and cultural events.
Shopping Guide: Getting There
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TRADITIONAL JAPANESE FESTIVALS: ULTIMATE GUIDE
1. Cherry Blossom Festival
The cherry blossom festival or Hanami is one of the most popular festivals in Tokyo. The nature festival takes place in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. People from all over the world enjoy picnicking under the cherry trees during the festival and viewing the flowers.
Temperatures can range from 39 degrees F in the morning to 80 degrees F in the afternoon at this time of year. So layers and a hat are advisable.
2. Sumo Tournament
A sumo tournament is a popular event in Japanese society and happens every May. People can watch sumo matches during the tournament and see the wrestlers up close. Its customary to sit on the floor so be prepared with a portable pillow and some yoga socks.
3. Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon is a popular event that takes place every February. During the marathon, people can run or walk through the streets of Tokyo. Please note that leggings without shorts over them are frowned upon.
4. Halloween
Halloween is a popular event in Tokyo that takes place every October. During Halloween, people dress up in costumes and go to parties. Japan has had more foreign residents in the past decade than ever before. Make sure you help keep their culture alive by participating. Here is an easily packable costume that can be worn with an all black outfit and you won't feel left out when all the other "kids" are having fun.
5. New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is a popular event and one of their national holidays. During New Year's Eve, people celebrate the New Year with fireworks and elaborate parties. Pack this tiara and wear it with anything black and you will be all set.
EXPAT GUIDE TO ETIQUETTE IN TOKYO
In Tokyo, it is considered important to follow certain etiquette rules. For example, removing your shoes when entering someone's home is customary. Additionally, you should avoid talking on your phone in public or eating while walking.
If you are looking to make Japan your home country and start a new life Japan is a beautiful place to do it. Most real estate agents speak english, there are lots of young people living in the largest cities and they have great medical care available to most people.
These are just a few examples of the many etiquette rules in Tokyo especially if you are going to be living in Tokyo If you're not familiar with them, be sure to do some research before your trip!
Some Tokyo Japanese Etiquette that you should be aware of:
1. Remove your shoes when entering someone's home: In Japan, it is considered very rude to wear shoes inside someone's home. Instead, you should always remove your shoes before entering.
2. Avoid talking on your phone in public: In Tokyo, it is considered impolite to talk on your phone in public places like trains or on the street. If you must take a call, try to find a quiet place away from other people.
3. Don't eat while walking: In Japan, it is considered very rude to eat while walking on the street or in public places. If you're hungry, find a place to sit and enjoy your food.
4. Give way to people: In Tokyo, it is considered polite to let people go ahead of you, especially if they are elderly or children.
5. Queue up: In Japan, it is considered very rude to push in line or cut in front of someone. Instead, you should always queue up and wait your turn.
6. Say "thank you" In Japan, it is considered very rude not to say "thank you" when someone does something for you. Whether it's a waitress bringing your food or a friend giving you a gift, always remember to say "thank you."
7. Bow: In Japan, bowing is a way of showing respect. When you meet someone new, bow to them. When you're thanking someone, bow to them, and when you're apologizing, bow to them don't forget this while living your expat life.
8. Never hand anyone money directly. Wait for the merchant or server to hand you a tray with your bill. It is considered poor taste to exchange money by hand.
PEOPLE LIVING IN TOKYO HAVE A UNIQUE FASHION SENSE
Tokyo is known for its unique and trendy fashion sense. If you're thinking of going to Tokyo, pack some fashionable clothes! The locals love to dress up, so you'll fit right in if you do the same.
A Comprehensive Guide for Dressing Like a Local in Tokyo:
1. Go for bright and bold colors: The locals in Tokyo love to stand out from the crowd, so don't be afraid to wear bright and bold colors, especially in central Tokyo.
2. Be experimental with your style: Tokyo is the perfect place to experiment. Don't be afraid to try new things! Japanese people love novelty.
3. Accessories: The locals in Tokyo love to accessorize their outfits. Whether it's a statement necklace or a funky pair of earrings, don't forget to add some accessories to your outfit. It may be a bit of culture shock to see people in the major cities dressed in furry costumes or other outrageous gear.
4. Dress for the weather: The weather in Tokyo can be very unpredictable, so it's important to dress for the occasion. If it's hot outside, opt for light and airy clothing. If it's cold, be sure to layer up!
5. Consider your footwear: The locals in Tokyo love to dress up their feet, so don't forget to pack some fashionable footwear.Remember remove your shoes when entering a Shinto or a private home. Whether it's a pair of heels or stylish sneakers, make sure your shoes are on point.
JAPANESE TOKYO CULTURE EATING ETIQUETTE
1. Eating while walking on the street or in public places is considered very rude. If you're hungry, find a place to sit and enjoy your food. Convenience Stores are amazing places to try local foods. Their standards are very different and you will be happily surprised at what you will find.
2. When eating at a restaurant, it is considered polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. It is worth noting that manners are a huge part of daily life in Japan. Foreigners often forget to abide by local customs and it can make for a bad experience for all.
3. It is considered very impolite to leave food on your plate. Finish everything on your plate before leaving the table.
4. When drinking alcohol, it is considered polite to pour for others and to let others pour for you. This is Tokyo Knowing.
5. It is considered rude to drink directly from a bottle or can. Pour your drink into a glass before drinking. Even in vending machines, which are everywhere, a drink often comes with a disposable cup.
6. It is considered polite to use chopsticks when eating Japanese food. If you're unsure how to use chopsticks, ask the waiter for a fork or spoon but seriously on a day-to-day basis of expat living in Tokyo you should really learn to use them.
Tokyo is known for its unique and trendy fashion sense. If you're thinking of going to Tokyo, pack some fashionable clothes! The locals love to dress up, so you'll fit right in if you do the same. In addition to fashion, the locals in Tokyo have a unique sense of Etiquette regarding food and drinks.
Rush hour and confusing train lines will take some mastery as so many Japanese people tend to have office jobs in the city but live in the suburbs. So just plan ahead with your routes and know where you are going. Eventually, navigating public transportation will be surprisingly easy.
Many become foreign residents to teach English at a language school or a Japanese company. Many Japanese colleagues want to learn or improve their language skills. Other English-speaking doctors want to learn Japanese.
Mind these tips above you'll be sure to have a nice time in Tokyo.
