Hi Niu! I see you're in Japan at the moment - actually I'm coming out to Tokyo next week - could you suggest some good places to visit? It's our first trip so we're a bit lost! Thanks :)
I’ve been in Tokyo only twice for a short amount of time, so I can’t give much any Tokyo tips. But here are some which apply to whole Japan
Put your phone in silent mode when in public transportation and do not talk to phone in public transportation either. You can use phone on platforms freely.
Do not eat or drink while walking! Always stop when you have to eat or drink on the go. I do not recommend eating or drinking in public transportation either. Taking a small sip or a small bite of something is OK.
If you are a smoker, smoking is prohibited in many places. The best place to have a smoke is to go to a cafe or a restaurant, where there are areas for smokers.
Do not blow your nose in public. Very rude! You may wipe your nose if it’s running.
When you go to temple areas, locate water container and wash your hands first. If you want to go to pray, the ritual is following: 1) Wash your hands and if there’s incenses, brush the smoke over your head 2) toss a coin (if there’s a coin box, 5 yen coin is the luckiest to use) and ring the jingle bell 3) take three steps backwards and stop 4) clap your hands three times 5) bow and say your prayer in your mind 6) when you are done, straighten your back, take one step backwards and bow at the temple before leaving.
Always put your money or card on a small plate on a counter when you are purchasing something
Get yourself Suica card from airport and load it with money. It’s the easiest when traveling around the city. Suica can be used everywhere in Japan.
Do not go to expensive tourist shops; just locate Daiso or Seria 100 yen shops and get anything you need from them :3
If you want to have fan merch, in Tokyo, Akihabara is for guys and gatchapon stuff, while Ikebukuro is for girls and doujinshis. If you want to buy R18 materials, bring your passport with you.
Cheapest manga can be bought from BOOK OFF second hand stores. If you want to have new books, go to Kinokuniya.
No need for tipping anywhere!
If you are staying in Airbnb or other places which is private owned for hosting people, it’s polite to bring a little present for the owner. Local food from your home country or home area is the best! Wrap it nicely and you are extra polite :3
LOFT department store is really good for gifts and souvenirs too.
Toilets are everywhere!
I recommend you to buy a small hand towel from 100 yen shop to go with you to public toilets for drying your hands.
Near Tokyo there’s Saitama and in Saitama, there’s Sayama Forest, also known as Totoro Forest as it was inspiration for Totoro.