A country with a timeless history but is techno savvy at the same time is one of the most fascinating countries a person could visit or experience. If you are planning a trip or going to Japan to study or even planning to settle down here are a few things you need to know about the country just to make your transition smoother.

1. Train best mode of public transport

Japan’s railway network might be flabbergasting for first time users but it’s punctuality, excellent service and next to never delays is what makes it the most used transport system in the country. Despite it being already the most economical transport one can save more by purchasing a train pass. Word of caution, the metro in Japan isn’t 24 hours and you could find yourself paying a pricey cab fare or you could stay out in an all night karoke joints.

2. Navigation tips

Spending money on a pocket wifi will be an useful item on your quest. One can get lost in the the huge landscape and population and you will need the wifi to navigate around. Reply on counting the blocks rather than the street because city blocks are numbered and many roads are rendered nameless making it difficult to rely on.

3. Foodie Haven

With more three Michelin starred food joints than any other country. Highly reputed restaurants might have longer queues during peak times but the food will live to the hype. It will help a long way if you know basic words that describe the food or be familiar with what the local cuisine consists of because most local eateries don’t have a translate menu or a pictorial menu. A little broke to go out to have sushi? You can still indulge in pocket friendly but high quality department store bought sushi.

4. Adhere to the local etiquette

The Japanese follow certain customs that you should adhere to just so that you don’t offend the locals. Tipping is frowned upon and is considered to be disrespectful. Before entering anyone’s house or several local eateries you have to take out your shoes, so do wear socks or carry them. It is rude to walk and eat or smoke too. Smoking should only be done in the designated spots. Tattoos shouldn’t be shown openly and some public baths don’t allow you in if you have a visible tattoo. The country also frowns upon littering the street and you should throw your rubbish in trash cans only.

5. Learn the local language

Learning basic everyday used phrases can go a long way. Even if you will find several local who know English it won’t hurt and shall be extremely useful to learn the language if not master it.

6. Cash is King

Japan’s economy is mostly based on cash and it isn’t uncommon to find people always riddled with cash which is just a testimony to the low crime rates in Japan. However it isn’t also relatively hard to find local businesses that accept credit cards. If you do find yourself out of cash you can run to the nearest 7 eleven, a 24/7 ATM.