Tips while in Japan    

I.  Behavior

1.  Be Punctual!

Please remember “Gofun mae koodoo,” which literally means “5 minutes ahead behavior.”  When Japanese people meet someone, we usually try to be at the location of the meeting 5 minutes before the scheduled time.  In order for our group to start our activities and have all of the activities run smoothly, it is crucial that everyone be on time.

     2.  Be Part of the Group

Not only are we a group of EPMS teachers, students and their families, but we also may be traveling with other groups.  Please bear in mind that this is not a private family trip.  For example, please be considerate to others by talking quietly on the bus, be cooperative in case of schedule changes, and avoid selfish behavior. 

     3.  Listening

Whether you are on the tour bus, train, or in the hotel, please be sure to listen to our tour guide carefully for instructions and important information about tour itinerary and locations.

     4.  Be Positive

During the trip you may encounter situations and/or activities that you may not feel like participating in.  Please remember that this will be a once in a lifetime experience, and that you are about to have an unforgettable, cultural adventure.  So enjoy every second and have fun! 

5.      Resting Well

Plan on going to bed early each night so that you can enjoy the next day’s activities.  If you are being bothered by jet lag, simple remedies such as lying down and resting periodically will help you recover and gain energy by the following day.  If you do not get good rest at night, you may become exhausted easily and, thus, will not be able to enjoy the activities.

     6.  Be Adventurous

Be curious and explore as much as you can during our free time, and practice your Japanese at restaurants, shops, and other locations.  If you don’t know how to say certain phrases in Japanese, just ask me!  Do not be afraid to make mistakes.

     7.  Spending Money

Parents, please talk to your child about how they can efficiently spend their personal money during the trip.  A good way to do this is to sit down with your child and write a list of ideas concerning what they need to buy for relatives and friends, as well as how much he/she is allowed to spend on each souvenir.  This will give your child a good idea of how much personal money will be left over to spend on desired items in Japan.

     8.  Keeping a Journal

During our trip you will learn and experience many various aspects of Japanese culture.  At the end of each day in Japan I would like you to write a detailed account of what you did, including funny experiences, useful expressions that you learned, and other items of interest.  You will undoubtedly have many memorable and important experiences every day.  Even if you feel too tired to sit down and focus, please make the effort to write in your journal (even jotting down a few sentences in the evening will prove to be of immeasurable value to you, your family, and your classmates later).  If you bring a camcorder, video journaling is also recommended—not only can you record the scenery and cultural differences, you can also record any useful Japanese expressions or conversations you have with native Japanese people.

II.  At various places & situations

1.  At the Western-style hotel:

• A “Yukata” (Japanese dress) may be provided in the closet.  It is used as pajamas only in the Western-style hotel, so please do not wear them outside of your room;
• The shower pressure tends to be much weaker;
• The showerhead is detachable;
• The signs on the toilet sign will say “大” for “big” and “小” for “small”.

2.  At the Japanese-style Inn (“Ryokan”):

• Remove your shoes when entering the room.  There is a shoe closet at the entrance, so you will know where to take them off.
• Guest rooms have a tatami (straw mat) floor and a low table.
• A “yukata” (Japanese dress) is provided and is to be worn during your stay at the inn. The “yukata” can be used for walking around the inn and as your pajamas.  It is also okay to take a walk outside of the inn in your “Yukata” at the Japanese-style inn.
•  Guests sleep in traditional style, using a futon, which is spread out on the tatami floor. The staff at the inn will prepare the futon for you before bed time (usually while we are having a dinner).  During the day, the futon is kept in the closet.
•  At the Japanese-style inn, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a hot spring (a gender separated, communal bath), but there is also a private bathroom in each room. 

 3.  How to Take a Bath at Hot Spring (Public Bath)

(Resource from: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2292_how.html )

Typical layout of a small indoor hot spring bath:

4.  At the Restaurant:

• Many restaurants have a display of food at the entrance to help you decide what to order;
• When seated, your waiter/waitress will give you a glass of water or tea and a wet towel called “Oshibori”;
• Japanese waiters/waitresses may not come to your table to check on how you are doing.  If you need additional food or have any requests, you will need to call the waiters/waitresses by saying “sumimasen!” (excuse me!) to get their attention;
•  Tipping is not necessary;
• After you finish eating, take the receipt (your waiter/waitress will put it on your table) to the cashier at the entrance to pay.  When you leave the restaurant it is polite to say “gochisoo sama deshita” (“thank you for the meal” / “I enjoyed the meal”).
• Visit http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2005.html to find out more table and chopsticks manners!

5.  How to Make International Phone Calls

From Japan to the United States:  001+ 010+ 1+ your number

For example, to call the US number (123) 456-7890, dial 001+010+1+123-456-7890.

International Pre-paid cards (available from EF) and telephone cards (sold in Japan; available at convenience stores and vending machines) are the most convenient way to make international calls.

6.  How to tell various coins and paper money:  Currency in Japan     

Conversion Rate ($1 = approximately ¥120)

Visit Currency converter:  http://www.xe.com/ucc/

A.  Coins

B.  Paper money