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Japan is an archipelago, a collection of islands, located in Eastern Asia.  Because of Japan’s location, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes are common.  Japan's has the total land area of 145,883 square miles, approximately the size of California.  At the moment, Japan’s population is 126 million (10th highest worldwide).  But, Japan’s population has recently been on the decline, with an aging population. Another interesting fact is that Japan’s population is 98.1% Japanese.  This is completely different compared to America, so be prepared to be in the minority in Japan.

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1) Nihongo o hanashimasen -
I do not speak Japanese.
2) Eigo o hanashimasu ka -
Do you speak English?
3) Wakarimasen -
I don't understand.
4) Ohayo gozaimasu -
Good morning.
5) Konnichiwa -
Good afternoon/Hello.
6) Konbanwa -
Good evening.
7) Arigatou gozaimasu -
Thank you.
8) Sumimasen -
Excuse me.
9) Gomen nasai -
I'm sorry.
10) Hai・iie
Yes・No

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In Japan, when you introduce yourself to someone else, you say your surname (last name) before your given name.  In Japan, when referring to someone else, only call them by their surname.  To get a hang of speaking some Japanese names, here are the five most popular surnames: Sato, Suzuki, Takahashi, Tanaka, and Watanabe.

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If you are having trouble pronouncing Japanese words or names, just remember that the Japanese language is either split up by one vowel (a, i, u, etc.) OR a combination of a consonant and a vowel (ka, su, to, be, etc). Sadly, this isn’t true all of the time (for example: shi, n, nyo, etc.).  But, this trick should work around 80% of the time.  If you want to familiarize yourself with all of the sounds, click at the chart below.

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While traveling through Japan, you may hear some words that sound familiar.  And no, it’s not your ears playing tricks on you.  Japan has many imported foreign words (Gairaigo).  These words are called loan words and are commonly used in the Japanese language.  Sometimes it is easy to convert a Japanese loan word back into English.  But, other times the sound of the word is slightly changed or shortened.  Easy to tell: Juusu (Juice), Aisukuriimu (Ice Cream), Hoteru (Hotel), Kisu (Kiss).  Harder to tell: Suupaa (Supermarket), Erebeetaa (Elevator), Reji (Cash Register).

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Can Japanese Speak In Pure Japanese? | ASIAN BOSS

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Bowing is an important part of Japanese society.  There are many different forms and uses for bowing.  Some examples of when to bow are when greeting someone, saying thank you, saying farewell, and if some bows to you.  If the person you are bowing to is of a higher social status, bow with a larger angle (as seen in the image).  Make sure to face the person you are bowing to and do not make eye contact with them.

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Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is the most visited city by tourists.  It is also the most populated city in the world.  There are an endless amount of fun activities around Tokyo to keep you entertained.  Examples are shopping centers, museums, amazing restaurants, and cultural sites.  The video below contains the history of Tokyo and more specific attractions.

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Top 5 Things to do in Tokyo | japan-guide.com

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Kyoto is the second most visited area in Japan.  Kyoto has countless sites such as temples, shrines, gardens, and historical buildings.  Natural features such as trees, streams, and mountains make this area very beautiful, especially in the fall.  The video below goes into more depth about the attractions around Kyoto.

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Top 5 Things to do in Kyoto | japan-guide.com

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Washoku refers to traditional Japanese cuisine.  The major aspects of a washoku dish are quality ingredients, aesthetics, balance, and colors based on the season.  Washoku dishes usually come with a bowl of rice, soup, two side dishes, and one main dish.  Some examples of washoku are tempura, soba and udon noodles, yakizakana (grilled fish), tofu, and sushi.

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Tempura is a delicious traditional Japanese cuisine.  Tempura is lightly battered, deep-fried seafood and vegetables.  Tempura will usually be served with either salt or dipping sauce.  The best place to try tempura is at restaurants that specialize in the dish. These restaurants are called tempura-ya.  The average price at these restaurants is around 7 to 25 dollars.

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Youshoku is western-influenced Japanese food.  Youshoku is cooked using western techniques and has a unique Japanese twist.  Some examples of youshoku dishes are karee (curry), hanbaagu (hamburger without bun), omu-raisu (omelet filled with rice), and supagetti naporitan (Japanese inspired spaghetti napolitan).

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Karee is a popular Japanese dish with inspiration from Indian curry.  Karee is a thick mild, sweet sauce covering either meat, vegetables, or tofu.  If you don’t like spicy foods, you won’t have to worry.  Japanese curry is not very spicy. Karee is a staple of Japanese cuisine.  The average price is 5 to 14 dollars.

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Onsens are natural hot springs, and are located throughout Japan.  Water in onsens have minerals that are therapeutic to the body and mind. Onsens are often located in scenic areas, creating a relaxing environment while you soak in the warm water.  Check out “Taking Baths in Japan” to learn the rules of bathing in an onsen.

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In Japan, before getting into a bathtub, you must wash your body with shampoo and soap.  This is done at home, in public bathhouses (sentous), and in natural hot springs (onsens).  The reasons for this is that the price of water is quite expensive in Japan. Water is saved by families by bathing in the same water.  It is therefore necessary to wash before bathing in sentous or onsens.  Sentous and onsens are most of the time split up into male and female areas.  There will be a changing room to remove and store clothes before entering the water.  After removing all clothing, you will enter the sentou or onsen with only a towel.  You will then wash and clean yourself.  Sentous and onsens are enjoyed naked, so you are not permitted to enter the water with a towel.  But, you are allowed to carry your towel with you before entering the water.

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A wide variety of sports are played in Japan.  Sports played in Japan can be split into two categories: sports that originated in Japan, and sports imported from other countries.  Some examples of sports created in Japan are Sumo wrestling, Kendo (fencing), Kyudo (archery), and other martial arts (Karate and Judo).  Japan has as incorporated foreign sports into its culture.  Baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, swimming, and volleyball are examples of popular sports that did not originate in Japan.  These sports are still popular throughout Japan, with baseball being the country's favorite sport.

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There are around 4,800 arcades (commonly referred to as game centers) located throughout Japan.   Game centers are identified by tall, bright, and colorful buildings with many floors.  There are many different types of games throughout a game center.  Examples are crane games, accuracy based games, rhythm based games, fighting games, racing games, and purikura (photo booths).  Make sure to bring plenty of money to spend at a game center!

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Whats in JAPANESE ARCADES? (Game Centres)

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Japan has quite a lot of traditional unlucky numbers. The numbers 4, 9, 42, 43, and 49 are all considered very unlucky.  All of their pronunciations sound similar to words that describe death or suffering.  But, Japan also has lucky numbers; 7 and 8.  When 8 is written it looks like this: 八. It represents prosperity, growth, and happiness.  This is because of the widening strokes at the end of the symbol.