On the Way to TOKYO

Being a good traveler in Tokyo

• Please help keep this very tidy city clean. Help save energy, especially electricity and water. Reject plastic bags if you can (You can say “kono ma ma daijobu desu”). Recycle (a habit which is fairly well-established in Tokyo). Trash cans can be found in front of most convenience stores and near the ticket gates of most stations. Trash is often sorted by burnable, non-burnable, and plastic bottles/cans/glass.
• Wait in the queues formed on the train platforms and file on to the train in a timely fashion. During peak hours you will be closer to Tokyoites than any other time - usually pressed right up against them! Men - keep your hands above your head if possible, and women, use caution - there are regular reports of inappropriate fondling on crowded trains.
• Do not use a loud voice in public spaces. It is important to try to keep the "wa" (harmony) as much as possible. This goes even when you are frustrated about/by something. It is best to bow and just walk away, unless, of course, you are being inappropriately fondled!
• Try to speak and learn some basic Japanese. People will try to help you more and will reward your efforts. At the same time, many Japanese are excited by the chance to use English with you, even if it is not your native language.
• Japan is generally a fairly conservative country on the surface, but most of this impression is due to the necessity of keeping the harmony. Japanese people tend to avoid controversial subjects as much as possible – that way it’s easier for everyone to live so close together!
• You may find extreme differences in reaction from Japanese people if you ask them for help. Some will take you by the hand to exactly where you want to go, while others will avoid you and ignore you. If the latter happens, don't get angry, with so many people in Tokyo, it is common for people to tune out what's going on around them. Just try asking another person.