Navigating Japan For Families
Visiting Japan for the first time? Navigating Japan for families is easy with these tips
If it feels like everyone you know is in Japan right now, you’re probably not wrong. With the Aussie dollar at an all-time high against the yen coupled with Japan’s safe cities, ancient shrines and ultra-modern transport system, what’s not to love about a visit to the land of the rising sun. But Japan can be overwhelming for first-time visitors – especially those with little people in tow. Language barriers aside, navigating the cultural nuances and bustling streets of this vibrant country can be complex to say the least. So, if you’re hooked on the idea of a Japan experience, we’ve compiled a list of tips and suggestions to make your first visit that little bit less stressful.
🙌 Respect public spaces
Pop into a busy food hall, supermarket or hop on a train – even at rush hour – and you’ll be surprised at the noise level: practically subdued. Known for being polite, Japanese people also have a great respect for communal areas and when in public areas, they speak even quieter than a new mum who’s just managed to put her baby to sleep. No surprises that they love visitors who do the same. Find yourself in the subway, at a market, shrine, museum or gallery – adopt a quieter speaking voice and, where possible, avoid speaking loudly on your mobile in public.
Tip: Worried your kids will break the Japanese sound barrier? Make it a game as to who can stay silent the longest during a train commute or speak in their quietest voice. Many school aged kids tend to pick up on the vibe of what’s around them and will quickly notice if the adults are being silent or loud.
🙌 Eating and walking is a no-no
It might come as a shock that in a country known for its abundance of street food and snacks (hello egg sandos, grilled yakitori skewers and sushi rolls) eating or drinking on the street is frowned up. Even in food markets like Nishiki in Kyoto, where every stall seems to be selling a tasty bite, posters abound and announcements are regularly made reminding visitors not to eat and walk (say what?). But all’s not lost. Grab a bite from a ‘konbini’ – convenience stores like 7-11, Lawsons and Family Mart (see more about konbini below) – and it’s perfectly fine to stand outside the front of the store and eat, some even have designated areas where you can pull up a stool and happily munch on your onigiri. If you need a quick bite do as the locals do and pause for a few moments to enjoy your meal. Plus, eating at the place where you’ve purchased your snack means you can easily throw away your rubbish as garbage bins are few and far between in most Japanese cities, meaning if you’re eating on the run you’ll need to take your trash with you when go and only dispose of it when you find a suitable bin (like in a public toilet or 7-11).
Tip: The exception to the eating in public rule are shinkansens. Eating whilst taking a trip on these bullet trains is practically encouraged with ekibens (bento boxes made specifically to be brought on trains) available from a multitude of food stalls at train stations. If you’re catching the bullet train to travel between cities, make a point to head to the station earlier to pick up lunch and snacks before you hop onto the train. Also, whilst some ekiben sellers might be on the same level as your platform, you’ll find many food outlets are actually located in the basement level of major stations – Kyoto Station is great example.
🙌 Get acquainted with konbinis – aka convenience stores
Step inside any Japanese convenience store, known affectionately to the locals as konbini, and you’ll never look at an Aussie 7-11 again the same way. Whole articles have been devoted to the joys of konbinis (hit up Google if you don’t believe us) so be sure to pop inside as these will quickly become your best friend in Japan when travelling with kids. Best of all, there’s often a konbini at every train station and street corner so you won’t have to look far to find one.
Want breakfast and just discovered most Japanese cafes don’t open until 10am? Forgot your toiletries and about to hop onto a shinkansen (bullet train) that won’t stop for another 3 hours? Or got caught in a passing rain shower and need a new shirt/socks/underwear? Konbinis are the answer. Plus, there are quirky Japanese snacks, pastries, even whole meals ready to go for those times when you want a quick bite or a meal to eat in-hotel or at your AirBnB that won’t break the bank. If you love an egg sandwich, be sure to sample the iconic egg sandos available from Lawson’s, Family Mart and 7-11.
🙌 Remove shoes when indoors
When entering someone’s home, traditional ryokans (inns), or even certain restaurants, it’s customary to remove your shoes at the entrance. Not sure if you’re meant to? Look for a designated area or shoe rack to leave your footwear, either outside or immediately inside the doorway. Premises which feature traditional tatami mats, ie flooring made of finely woven straw, are also giveaway. You might find these when visiting cultural sites that include traditional homes and also at some shrines. If in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask or check signage, locals will appreciate your cultural sensitivity – and remember to wear clean socks as going barefoot is considered rude.
Tip: Wear slip on shoes (like lace-free Vans) to make putting on and removing footwear a breeze – little ones who haven’t yet mastered their laces will love this idea in particular.
🙌 Bring a coin purse
Home to one of the most modern cities on the planet, you’d be forgiven for thinking everything in Japan can be paid for with a quick tap of a credit card or flash of a smartphone. Think again. From gachopon (those cute little capsule toy machines) to vending machines and little trinket stalls at shrines, many retail outlets in Japan still operate on a cash only basis. So be sure to bring a little coin purse (or purchase one when you’re there) to make your retail interactions that little bit easier.
Tip: When paying with cash look for little trays near the cash register and pop your notes and coins on these, not directly into the hands of the person. By placing the money in the tray, you’re showing you are not just handing over the money but offering the person care and respect – Japanese people are conscious about personal space and by avoiding direct physical contact, you’re respecting their physical boundaries.
🙌 Hit up Don Quijote for inexpensive souvenirs
One of the largest discount store chains in Japan, Don Quijote – known as Donki to the locals – is one of the cheapest places to buy good quality souvenirs, snacks to bring home (hello Matcha flavoured Kit-Kats, we’ve got our eye on you), even Japanese skincare and food products. Thanks to the chain’s huge buying power, you can rest assured you’re buying licensed brand items, not fakes – in fact, some items sell exclusively at Don Quijote stores only so you can stock up on Hello Kitty plush toys knowing you’re typically paying less than department store prices. Buying over 5,000 yen worth of items? (the equivalent of $50), don’t forget to bring your passport so you can avail of their tax free service (every little bit helps right?).
Tip: Don Quijote outlets in popular areas like Shibuya, Tokyo, can be intensely crowded (think Boxing Day sales levels). The good news is that there are often several outlets in the same area, sometimes within a short distance of each other. It might sound odd but in cities like Tokyo, with a population of over 40 million, it really does make sense.
🙌 Install Google Translate (or any language translating app on your smartphone) and make it your best friend
Since the arrival of Google lens, Google Translate (and any other instant language translating app) there’s no reason to let the language divide hamper your Japanese experience. Not sure what a sign says? Hold up your phone and let the app work its magic. Wondering how to ask the friendly shop assistant that you need powdered formula? Pop the sentence into your phone and hold up the translation – many Japanese people in large cities are familiar with this process so don’t feel you would be offending them. In fact, large retailers in popular areas have dedicated language devices that they use specifically for understanding visitors’ requests. Got a child with a nut allergy and worried that a packaged snack might contain peanuts? Just scan the ingredients list on your phone to put your mind at rest. You get the drift.
Tip: If you don’t want to get hit with outrageous data roaming fees from your Aussie telco provider, you can easily purchase a Japanese SIM card or rent a portable wifi router, the latter might come in handy if you have teens who can’t go device free! Best of all, you can have these delivered straight to your hotel on the day of your arrival. There are several Japanese telco companies that specialise in this type of service so it pays to shop around (check data limits), Japan Wireless is amongst the providers we’ve used previously with no issue.
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Travelled to Japan recently and have a tip you want to share? Leave a comment below or email us at info@theinnerwestmums.com.au
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