Not really a problem most westerners face but the majority of travelers that are staying in Japan for an indefinite time will find Japan either fun or stressful. Even tourists feel the same. The country is known for its uniqueness with their culture and it is expected that travelers will face challenges which can either be good or bad. Bottom line, your experience in Japan will make it worthwhile and memorable, which makes most travelers visit the country over and over again. Some even decide to stay and make Japan their new home.
- In the largest cities in Japan you should expect yourself to get lost. At times when you look for restaurants or shops in the area, you will only find a few in the ground floor. If you focus too much on the first floor, you will eventually miss everything. Never hesitate to go upward to find that which you are looking for.
- When you plan your trip to Japan, always consider about weather. It will ruin your trip if you visit the country during its rainy seasons.
- Train stations in Japan are known for its complexity and finding the right exit will make you insane, especially if you do not know how to read Kanji. It can be tiring if you are going to a specific destination. You are recommended to bring along a guide of the train stations before you go out of the station.
- There are neighborhoods in Japan, particularly in Tokyo that can drain your energy. One of them is Shinjuku and the place can either be stressful and overwhelming for some but thriving for majority of its visitors. If you want to feel something different, a quieter neighborhood is an option for you.
- Randomly wandering around the streets of Japan is a good thing but planning ahead works better. If you are aiming for the nightlife of the city, you might turn up in a place dangerous for both the locals and the foreigners. Always do your research first before randomly entering into an establishment.
- There are times when the locals will misunderstand your Japanese, even if you pronounced it right. Focus more on the basics rather than memorizing on vocabulary.
Language barrier is a major problem in Japan and majority of the people living here cannot speak English properly. You are lucky to find a local who can speak English but when you do, speak slowly coupled with body language. You are also helping them learn English too.