Local Life & Etiquette

: Why Japanese People Rarely Say No Directly

2026/7/26 topic-language

Why Don't Japanese People Say No Directly? A direct refusal carries risk in Japanese social contexts. Saying no outright can feel like it damages the other person's face — their sense of dignity or standing — or disrupts the relationship between the two people. To avoid that, the preference is often to decline indirectly, leaving the listener to pick up the meaning from tone, phrasing, and context rather than from the words alone. This is not evasiveness for its own sake. It is a form of consideration — a way of letting someone down without making the moment feel like ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Why Do People in Japan Wear Masks? The Honest Explanation

2026/7/26 topic-health

Why Do So Many People Still Wear Masks? The reasons vary from person to person, and often overlap: Infection prevention — reducing the risk of catching or spreading colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses Consideration for others — when feeling unwell, wearing a mask is a way of not passing something on; this is treated as basic cough etiquette Hay fever — Japan's pollen season runs roughly from February to May, and masks are a standard part of managing symptoms for a large portion of the population Personal preference — some people feel more comfortable wearing one, prefer not to ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Omotenashi: What Japanese Hospitality Actually Means

2026/7/26 topic-language

What Is Omotenashi? Omotenashi is a concept frequently associated with Japanese hospitality and service. It describes an approach to caring for others that is not transactional — not performed in exchange for a tip or a reward, but offered as a genuine expression of consideration. The distinguishing quality is anticipation: noticing what someone might need and providing it before they have to ask. That is what separates it from ordinary service in the way the word is typically used. How Does It Show Up in Practice? Visitors often notice it in small, unremarkable moments: An oshibori (wet towel) arrives at ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Shrine or Temple? How to Tell the Difference in Japan

2026/7/20 topic-language

How to Tell Them Apart at a Glance The most reliable sign is the torii gate. If you see one — that tall, usually orange-red structure at the entrance — you are at a shrine. Temples do not have torii gates. A few other things often seen at shrines: stone guardian dogs (komainu) flanking the path, thick rope decorations (shimenawa) around trees or rocks, and a purification fountain near the entrance. These are not guaranteed at every shrine, but they are common enough to be useful clues. Temples, on the other hand, tend to feel more enclosed. Look for a ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Why Do Japanese Ryokan Ask You to Leave Your Key at the Front Desk?

2026/3/20 topic-accommodation

You're heading out for the day, and the ryokan staff gestures toward the front desk — they'd like you to leave your room key. In many Western hotels, this would feel unusual. In Japan, it's completely normal. This page explains why the practice exists, how locals think about it, and what to do if you'd prefer to keep the key with you. Why this practice exists At a ryokan, guest services are timed around your schedule — dinner is served at a set hour, futons are laid out while you're at the bath, and breakfast is prepared based on when ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Yukata Wrap: Left or Right Side on Top? How to Wear It Correctly at a Ryokan

2026/3/20 topic-accommodation

Your ryokan has provided a yukata — the lightweight cotton robe worn at Japanese inns. But which side goes on top? And does it actually matter? It does. This page explains the correct way to wrap a yukata, why it's easy to get confused, and a simple check you can do to confirm you've got it right. Why people get confused The most common source of confusion is the word "left." When someone says "left side on top," they mean your left — from your own perspective as you're wearing it. To a person facing you, your left side appears ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Ryokan Check-In Time in Japan: What to Expect and What to Do If You Arrive Early

2026/3/20 topic-accommodation

You've arrived at your ryokan earlier than expected — but the room isn't ready yet. This is a common situation, and there's a straightforward way to handle it. This page explains why ryokan check-in times are later than hotels, what locals do when they arrive early, and what to keep in mind about check-out as well. Why ryokan check-in is later than hotels After guests check out, ryokan staff do much more than clean the room. They prepare the futon bedding, set out the yukata, arrange dinner service, and ready the private or shared baths. All of this takes time. ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Is Asakusa a Good Place to Stay in Tokyo? Pros, Cons, and Who It’s Best For

2026/2/23 region-asakusa, region-tokyo, topic-accommodation

Asakusa is often very appealing to first-time visitors to Tokyo. With its temples and traditional downtown atmosphere, it’s widely known as a place where you can feel a strong sense of “old Tokyo.” At the same time, many travelers hesitate. They wonder whether staying in Asakusa is actually convenient, and whether it works well as a base for exploring Tokyo. Questions about airport access and overall transportation convenience are especially common. Famous sightseeing areas can sometimes feel different in practice than they do in images or guidebooks. The actual experience of staying there—and how easy it is to move around—doesn’t ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors (Pros and Cons)

2026/2/23 region-tokyo, topic-accommodation

When planning a place to stay in Tokyo, many people start by looking for a good hotel. For a first-time visit, however, choosing the right area often has a much bigger impact on how comfortable your trip feels. Tokyo is a very large city, and different areas can feel completely different. Even small differences in distance or the number of transfers can noticeably change how stressful daily travel becomes. This article does not recommend specific hotels. Instead, it focuses on how to think about choosing an area. Rather than deciding based only on what is popular or well-known, the goal ...

Local Life & Etiquette

: Best Things to Do in Asakusa: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

2026/2/23 region-asakusa, region-tokyo

Asakusa is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Tokyo for first-time visitors. Centered around Senso-ji Temple, it offers traditional streets, local food, and classic “Japan” scenery in one walkable area. If you are unsure where to start your Tokyo trip, Asakusa is one of the safest choices. This guide highlights the best things to do in Asakusa from a local Japanese perspective. Why Asakusa Is So Popular with International Visitors You Can Experience “Classic Japan” in One Place In Asakusa, famous sights like Kaminarimon Gate, Senso-ji Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Street are all close together. Just walking around the ...

Local Life & Etiquette