Scenset's Guide to Japan

Japan has one of the oldest film industries in the world, gaining international attention in the 1950s, and gaining cultural status in the 1980s through to the early 2000s.

Some of our recommended films to watch are:

• Tokyo Story, one of Japanese Cinema's most acclaimed films, revolving around the story of family, growing up and ageing parents - trailer here.
  
• Strawberry Shortcakes follows four distinctly unique women as they embark on a quest for love and purpose amidst the lively hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo. - more information here.
  
• Battle Royale stirred controversy upon release but has since become regarded as one of the best Japanese films of the 2000s, and is one of director Quentin Tarantino’s favorite movies; inspiring the Hunger Games franchise - trailer here.
  
• Adrift in Tokyo is filled with Japanese humour, plenty of cultural references and gentle moments; an enchanting examination of modern Japan through the streets of Tokyo - trailer here.
  
• All About Lily Chou-Chou is a poignant coming-of-age story, following two boys as they grapple with the challenges of adolescence. The film sheds light on Japan's pop culture, embodied by cyber pop idol Lily Chou-Chou. It's a disquieting and perceptive portrayal of modern pressures on young people in contemporary Japan - trailer here.
  
• Tokyo Idols delves into the cultural phenomenon of Japanese female J-pop singers. After its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, "Tokyo Idols" received acclaim for offering valuable insights into Japanese music culture among the younger generation - trailer here.

Anime is synonymous with Japan, and for good reason! Anime culture has penetrated so deeply into society that Japan’s culture is more recognized for these productions than many other things.

A few must-watch movies or anime series are:

• Spirited Away, the well-known Studio Ghibli film by Hayao Miyazaki, is an Oscar-winning classic that celebrates hand-drawn animation in today's digital age, despite its slow production pace of one minute per month - trailer here.
  
• Tokyo Godfathers is an animated movie by the late anime auteur Satoshi Kon and is a touching love letter to the city of Tokyo - trailer here.
  
• Grave of the Fireflies, another Studio Ghibli production, is the tale of two starving children who lose their mother during a bombing raid and seek refuge in a firefly-lit bomb shelter. It's a haunting depiction of the wartime experience for Japan's civilian population - trailer here.
  
• Akira is a beautifully animated film that shattered the notion that "all animation is meant for children" by incorporating mature themes into the medium, while also propelling the cyberpunk genre to popularity and revolutionizing conventional storytelling within anime - trailer here.
  
• One Piece is one of the most popular anime series ever created, with the manga comic being the number 1 top-selling manga series of all time. As one of the longest-running anime to date, the story is incredibly character-driven and highly-rated as a must-watch anime - trailer here.
  
• Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the newest anime to launch in 2020 but is already one of the most popular and highly-anticipated anime series to come out in recent years. It's beautifully animated with engaging fight sequences and interesting characters - trailer here.

A few of our favorite books to read before (or while in) Japan are:

• A Geek in Japan, by Hector Garcia, has been hailed as a definitive text on Japanese 'Otaku' culture. This engaging and humorous book covers everything from ancient traditions to modern subcultures, including the world of Otaku - individuals deeply dedicated to indoor interests like computer games, anime, and cosplay - click here for more information.
  
• Fifty Sounds is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the Japanese language and culture, chronicling a British woman's personal voyage of discovering, embracing, and immersing herself in the Japanese language during her life on a tranquil, isolated Japanese island - click here for more information.
  
• Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World offers a must-read and captivating historical account for those intrigued by the rise of global pop culture phenomena like anime, manga, video games, karaoke, kawaii culture, and Hello Kitty - click here for more information.
  
• Convenience Store Woman is a short novel that tells the story of a woman who has worked in a convenience store for 18 years. It represents the pinnacle of modern Japanese literature, forcefully scrutinizing contemporary Japanese life; exposing the fragility of Japanese society, where everything runs smoothly as long as all its components work seamlessly - click here for more information.
  
• Tokyo Ueno Station is a new book (2019) that has been praised for its unforgiving look at Japan's class system by following a protagonist that struggled in modern-day Tokyo - click here for more information.

Here are the Spotify playlists we have designed for your trip, including local talent and great vibes:

• Japan is full of popular Japanese artists and contemporary songs, straight off the streets of Tokyo!
  
• The Open Road is what road trips were meant for; great songs and beautiful views.
  
• Campfire Chill is great for relaxing evenings, especially in rural Japan!

A few Japanese phrases to try during your trip are:

• Hello: Konnichiwa (kon-nichiwa)
  
• How are you?: Ogenki desuka? | If someone asks this question of you, say Genki desu. Arigato! That means, “I’m fine. Thanks!”
  
• My name is...: Watashi wa no namae wa… | If you’d like to introduce yourself, say Watashi no namae wa (insert your name) desu. In this sentence, watashi means “I” and namae means “name”
  
• Thank you: Arigatou | The simplest way to say “thank you” in Japanese is Arigatou. If you are in a formal situation, you would elongate the thanks to Arigatou gozaimasu. Most people bow while saying thank you in order to add emphasis to their words of gratitude
  
• Please: Kudasai | Similar to saying “please” in English, '(name of item) wo kudasai' is a way of politely asking to look at or purchase an item. If you don’t know the item’s name – such as when ordering food from a display case – feel free to point or gesture
  
• Sorry: Sumimasen | Whenever you immerse yourself in an unfamiliar culture, you are bound to make a few mistakes. If you bump into someone, forget to take off your shoes, or find some other reason to apologize, simply say sumimasen for “excuse me”. This word can also be used to get someone’s attention, such as when you wish to summon a waiter in a restaurant or to ask someone to repeat something they’ve said

Some more phrases to help you are:

• You’re welcome: Dō itashimashite
  
• Yes: Hai.
  
• No: Iie
  
• I’m sorry: Gomen’nasai.
  
• Good morning: Ohayō.
  
• Good evening: Konbanwa.
  
• Good night: O-yasumi nasai.
  
• I don’t understand: Wakarimasen.
  
• I understand you perfectly: Yoku wakarimasu.
  
• That’s all right: Dai jōbu desu.

Visitors to Japan now have the option to complete a Visit Japan Web before their arrival. By providing all of the requested information before arrival, it should expedite procedures through immigration & customs when you land in Tokyo.

Note that this is not compulsory, and the relevant forms will be available when you land, but it will likely allow for a smoother arrival.

Clothing:

• Light jackets or sweaters
  
• Light rain jacket or poncho
  
• T-shirts or light shirts for warmer days (possible in early October)
  
• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers (for some temples & restaurants you may be required to remove your shoes)
  
• Socks and underwear

Travel essentials:

• Passport
  
• Travel itinerary, tickets, and reservations
  
• Portable charger for electronic devices
  
• Universal power adapter (note that Japan has the same outlets as the US)
  
• Camera and/or smartphone with extra memory card
  
• Cash and credit cards
  
• Travel insurance documents
  
• Proof of Covid vaccination (just in case entry requirements should change - updated Oct 2023)

Miscellaneous:

• Small daypack or backpack for daily excursions
  
• Hat or cap for sun protection
  
• Sunglasses

• Adapters designed for local outlets in Japan support voltage specifications of 100V and can accommodate both 50Hz and 60Hz frequencies.
  
• The predominant plug types in Japan are Type A and Type B, which are also prevalent in North and Central America, China, and Japan. These plugs have a two-prong design, with Type B featuring an additional third prong for grounding purposes.

We recommend bringing a travel adapter that has multiple specifications so you're always prepared.

Hotels may have adapters you can use, but they may not always be available or working, so it's best to have your own.

Here are some tips on health, safety and general rules to be aware of:

Security

• Dial 110 and ask for the police if you have an emergency.
  
• Crime levels in Japan are low, however, it's important to remember that like all major global cities, pickpockets operate in highly populated areas; especially areas frequented by tourists.
  
• It is highly recommended not to bring or wear valuable or sentimental jewellery, watches or items with you that you do not wish to lose or have stolen.
  
• While most visitors do not have any issues whatsoever when visiting, it's always good to be aware of your surroundings and your personal items.

Health

• Dial 119 if you have a medical emergency and ask for an ambulance.
  
• If you are under special medical treatment, you are advised to take enough medicines with you to cover your trip and any delays, as it is a high possibility that you may not find the same medicine in Japan.
  
• The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law and ignorance may not be considered a defence. This includes Vicks Inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems, cold and flu medication containing Pseudoephedrine and even some over-the-counter painkillers like those containing codeine.
  
• You may also want to check the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare webpages on advice if you bring medicine into Japan (click here), a general Q&A (click here) as well as a list of banned items (click here).
  
• If you need hospital treatment in Japan, the medical facilities are good, but the cost of treatment is high. Hospitals and clinics are well equipped and staff highly trained. Some Japanese doctors may speak English.
  
• Ensure you have travel insurance with you that covers medical, if you are not already covered by your supplier.

Local laws/customs

• Japan has a zero tolerance towards drug crime and there are severe penalties for all drug offences.
  
• Drinks and meals are paid for at the end of your visit to a Japanese bar. Tipping is not necessary. In some places, prices can be high. Disputes over bills can lead to arrest.
  
• Tattoos in Japan have a historical association with organised crime, and while attitudes towards them are increasingly accepting, many public swimming pools, hot springs, beaches, and some gyms do not admit anyone with tattoos. Other establishments may simply ask that any tattoos be covered up while using the facilities.

Natural Disasters

• As Japan is in a major earthquake zone you should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake or tsunami, and take note of instructions in hotel rooms, at train stations and on your local prefectural website.
  
• Information on earthquakes and any impact on towns and cities in Japan, including tsunami warnings, are published by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
  
• To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake check the safety tips from the Japan National Tourism Agency.
  
• There are several active volcanoes in Japan. You should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
  
• The tropical cyclone (typhoon) season runs from June to December with most activity between July and September. Southern parts of the country are particularly at risk. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency and via NHK news.

In general, tipping is not necessary in Japan. Guests do not have to tip restaurant staff, bellmen, taxi drivers, or housekeeping.

While not expected, guides and drivers will always appreciate a tip for their services. Amounts are not fixed, but any number beginning with 4 should be avoided for superstitious reasons (4 is pronounced the same as "death" in Japanese). Tips should be passed along in a plain, white envelope with no markings/ribbons on it.

Generally speaking, something in the region of $25-$35 per day for a guide, and $15-$20 a day for a driver is sufficient.

• The Japanese Yen (JPY) is the official currency of Japan
  
• Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although using an American Express card is less widely available.
  
• Most places in major cities accept card payments (a Revolut card is an amazing way to keep local currency on you with a card payment to avoid transaction fees), but it's important to always have some cash money on you when traveling to rural areas and islands as cash culture is still common in Japan.
  
• Cash is usually withdrawn from automatic teller machines at bank branches, which are easy to find in Japan.
  
• 7-ELEVEN is a good place for tourists to withdraw money, as their ATM machines accept most common cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)

Japanese cuisine is famous worldwide, but when travelling through the country; it's the perfect opportunity to try the most authentic cuisines on offer!

Here are a few of our favourite dishes to try in Japan:

• Ramen is a beloved and inexpensive delicacy in modern Japan, found abundantly in restaurants and ramen bars scattered across the streets. Ramen is so popular in Japanese that Tokyo boasts a ramen-themed museum and amusement park.
  
• Sushi is one of Japan's biggest culinary dishes worldwide! Popular sushi types encompass makizushi (sushi rice and fillings rolled in nori seaweed), nigiri sushi (small mounds of sushi rice topped with slices of raw fish), and inarizushi (sushi rice within seasoned, fried tofu pockets).
  
• Tempura are pieces or slices of meat, fish, and/or vegetables that have been covered in a special tempura batter and deep fried until they become crunchy and pale gold in colour; commonly seafood or vegetables.
  
• Yakitori, translating to 'grilled chicken', refers to small skewers of bite-size chicken chunks seasoned with salt or coated with a sauce (tare) made of mirin, soy sauce, sake, and sugar. The most common types are momo (chicken thigh), negima (chicken and spring onion), and tsukune (chicken meatballs).
  
• Donburi is almost as popular as ramen and is a frequent lunchtime pick for the bustling Japanese workforce. Donburi involves cooking a variety of meats, fish, and vegetables—often through simmering or frying—and serving them over steamed rice in sizable bowls (also known as 'donburi').
  
• Curry rice, the national dish of Japan, is also known as kare or kare raisu, generally sweeter in flavour, thicker in texture, and prepared more like a stew (with meat and vegetables being cooked by boiling in water together) than a traditional curry.
  
• Onigiri are portions of Japanese rice, normally with a filling in the centre, that have been moulded into triangular or cylindrical shapes before being wrapped in nori seaweed. Popular onigiri fillings include umeboshi pickled plums, seasoned seaweed, tuna mayonnaise, and teriyaki chicken.
  
• Takoyaki, also known as ‘octopus balls’ or ‘octopus dumplings’, are very popular street food options. This delicacy is cooked using a special hot plate with rows of half-spherical moulds. Each of the moulds is filled with a savoury batter mixture before a bite-size piece of tako octopus meat is inserted into the middle.

• Make sure to take off your shoes at the assigned entryway upon reaching someone's residence. This practice is among the limited set of norms in Japan that are not typically waived for foreigners. Similarly, certain places such as schools, ryokans, and spas adhere to this protocol. You can expect to find slippers provided in the entry hall.
  
• Several households and ryokans tend to provide distinct slippers for bathroom use. In such instances, it is customary to switch from one's designated "room" slippers to the specifically designated bathroom slippers while using the toilet. The bathroom slippers should always be left in that area.
  
• When receiving an invitation to a Japanese home, it is customary to bring a small present or omiyage (a souvenir, often food). If you are arriving directly from your country, it is preferable to bring some local culinary specialties unique to your hometown or region. Remember to present the gift with both hands as a sign of respect.
  
• The toilets in Japan are advanced pieces of technology that might puzzle those unfamiliar with their features. Known as "smart toilets," they come equipped with buttons placed alongside the seat or on a panel close to where a conventional Western bathroom would have a toilet paper roll. These buttons serve various functions, including playing music to conceal any noise, providing a gentle warm water spray for cleaning, and in certain department stores or busy public spaces, dispensing plastic covers that loosely fit over the seat. While travelers might come across the occasional squat toilet, the majority of bathrooms are fitted with standard Western-style toilets.
  
• In Japan, it's not a common sight to witness people blowing their noses in public. Similar to other Asian cultures, the act of blowing one's nose into a handkerchief and then tucking it away in a pocket is perceived as unpleasant. While the Japanese are generally aware of this custom in Western societies, observing it in public might cause some discomfort.
  
• Eating while standing or strolling on the street is discouraged. Even when indoors, it's customary to sit down while consuming meals. The only exceptions to this rule are eating at a counter, for instance, when having ramen, or enjoying an ice cream while walking.
  
• Avoid pointing your finger, feet, or chopsticks at individuals. When indicating an object or direction to someone, it is preferable to wave your fingers with the palm facing downward.
  
• Refrain from making phone calls on the train unless explicitly permitted. However, messaging or browsing on your mobile phone is generally acceptable and a common practice.
  
• It's common to observe a significant portion of the population wearing face masks, especially in crowded places like the subway or other public areas. The Japanese adopt this practice to prevent the transmission of their own germs when they are unwell or in the process of recuperating from an illness.

In Buddhist Temples:

• Prior to entering a temple or shrine, verify whether footwear is permitted. It is often preferred that you take off your shoes and either place them in the provided storage or carry them along with you.
  
• Be sure to wear clean socks that aren't damaged or have holes.
  
• As a sign of respect, it's advisable to refrain from wearing shorts. Women should opt for skirts that extend at least to the knee, while both men and women are encouraged to wear full-length pants.

When sitting at the table:

• Avoid inserting your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this practice resembles a Buddhist funerary ritual.
  
• Do not pass food to someone else with your chopsticks.
  
• During a nomikai (a social drinking event, such as at an izakaya or traditional home-cooked food restaurant), it is customary to replenish the glasses of those nearby when they become empty, and they are expected to do the same for you. If you intend to refill your glass, begin by serving others. However, if you do not wish for a refill, avoid emptying your glass.
  
• Unlike Western customs, it is encouraged to slurp noodles in Japanese dining etiquette. Similarly, bowls or plates should be lifted toward the mouth instead of bending the head down to them.

• Before entering the water, it's customary for the Japanese to cleanse themselves. This practice applies not only to public baths but also to onsens, or hot springs. Typically, there is a communal bathing area equipped with individual stalls that include plastic seats. Genders are always segregated, and public nudity and bathing are considered standard.
  
• When in public baths, avoid confusing the men's and women's changing rooms, as this can be highly impolite, even if it is unintentional. Generally, the men's rooms are located on the left, often marked by a blue curtain, while the women's room is typically on the right, distinguished by a red curtain. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to ask the staff for guidance.
  
• Avoid wearing a bathing suit in public baths - it is customary for bathers to always be nude.
  
• In the majority of public baths, tattoos are prohibited. If you possess a tattoo, it is advisable to consult the reception staff beforehand to prevent any inconvenience.

World-famous chef, Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, is best known for his Nobu chain of restaurants and hotels.

Below, Nobu shares a recipe for squid pasta with a light garlic sauce; perfect to make at home!

• Click here for the recipe.

The Japanese tourism board has recipes for you to try at home - click here for more details!