Nihon e yokoso! Welcome to Japan!

 

In his final exclusive article for NUFC.com, Simon Moran gives a brief guide to getting the most out of your trip to Japan, adding to the information proved by the club and NUST

 

Trains

 

Japan is a densha-otaku (trainspotter’s) paradise. Underground, overground, rapid, local, new trunk line, monorail, double-deckers, one-man-car, no-man-car, linear motor car - Japan has the lot.

 

Jorudan is a good public transport app with an English version for iPhone and Android. Google and Apple maps can also guide door-to-door with mixed transport, including trains, buses and planes.

 

https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/?sub_lang=ja

 

Google Play:  https://g.co/kgs/2nGAvBF

 

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/japan-transit-planner/id299490481

 

Japanese trains run on time, all the time. Rejoice!

 

Part of this is attributable to the tough conditions staff work under, so please be nice to them and don’t laugh as they bow to each car as they walk through the train.

 

When the Shinkansen is late for reasons of severe weather and the like, it makes the national news.

 

Sometimes, though, the reason is more sinister. Almost 23,000 people committed suicide in Japan in 2023, an estimated 6%, or 1,320 on the railways. That’s almost 4 per day. Families of the departed are billed tens of thousands of pounds.

 

So, lend an ear if you see someone looking perturbed on the platform.

 

Travel cards are convenient and can be used to tap and go (terp and gan for Big Dan Born) on all transport nation-wide.

 

For visitors to East Japan, get the Suica, which will also work nation-wide: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html

 

Japan Rail Pass

 

Foreign tourists visiting for an extended stay may wish to consider the Japan Rail Pass, which gives unlimited travel on most JR services for one, two or three weeks. This is a good deal for those considering several long Shinkansen journeys.

 

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html

 

Getting to the Stadia

 

See here

 

Tokyo Hotels

 

There are lots of hotels in Tokyo, all served by booking.com, hotels.com and many other apps and services. One hotel for the duration of a stay for both games would be suitable.

 

Love hotels won’t serve that need but abound in town should the need arise. An article I wrote over 20 years ago is still relevant.

 

Though you may want to try dating first.

 

Mobile web and phone

 

To get online and make calls, there are various providers of physical and virtual SIM cards. Pre-order and collect on arrival or use a QR code from a supplier such as Sakura mobile. Choose the best to suit your needs (caveat emptor).

 

There is usually free Wi-Fi at convenience stores, cafes, tourist spots (though can be unreliable) and most hotels.

 

Things to do and see in Tokyo

 

The official tourism board for Japan has an extensive page of things to do, places to see and place to eat and drink in Tokyo. You’ll find all the key information here - Tokyo | Kanto | Destinations | Travel Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization (Official Site)

 

Tokyo has a population of over 14 million; the Greater Tokyo Area, including Tokyo and neighbouring prefectures, is the most-populous metropolitan area in the world, with 40.8 million residents. It’s impossible not to find something great to do. And on clear days, run up to the top of the nearest building and you may be lucky enough to glimpse Mount Fuji.

 

Cash

 

While Japan has been a predominantly cash-based society, the recent tourism boom has seen a wider acceptance of credit cards and mobile payments. You may have some difficulty using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan for chip and pin. Cirrus, Maestro, Link and Delta cash cards are not widely accepted. Japanese post offices, 7-Eleven stores and JP Post Bank have cash machines that will accept some foreign cards during business hours. Wise cards can be used for chip and pin.

 

It’s best to test this at the nearest convenience store on arrival at the airport, then you’ll know. If asked, always choose to pay in yen, to get a better exchange rate.

 

Weather

 

The rainy season in Kanto (east Japan, including Tokyo) has ended and summer is in full force.

 

The Japan Meteorological Agency long range forecast for Tokyo for July 29th to August 4th shows highs of 35 to 37C and lows of 26 and 27C. NB: these are mean temperatures, predicted for THE SHADE. The actual temperature felt under the sun can easily rise over 45C.

 

Summer downpours are not usual, which would add some unpleasant humidity.

 

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen an umbrella or raincoat, and expect to sweat a lot; keep rehydrated. Which brings us on to...

 

Alcohol bans

 

Perish the thought. The Japanese enjoy drinking, but very rarely does it lead to public disorder or violence. In general, drinking alcohol in public places is not illegal, but not common. It is not unusual to enjoy beers purchased from a konbini (convenience store), which abound, in its carpark, which in Tokyo don't.

 

Excess drinking in Japan leads to 18,000 hospital admissions per year, with over 3,000 in July and August, so be sure to take some water with it, and avoid drinking games.

 

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare advises against an intake of 60 grams or more of pure alcohol in one drinking session. That's approximately three 500ml cans of 5% alcohol beer, and a little over two 500ml cans of highball or "chuhai" liquor cocktails with 7% alcohol content.

 

Alternatively, hit a beer garden. Beer gardens are great places to ignore all this sensible advice, and offer cheap, all-you-can-drink menus. What’s more, for those who over-indulge, they often provide puke bins. These are to be unofficially renamed bowk buckets for the week. Rumours of club sponsorship cannot be confirmed.

 

Touts

 

In some areas, such as Kabukicho, touts may try and entice you to a club with the offer of free drinks and other perks. This could end in being trigged and robbed, as this account shows.

 

Treat free offers with caution.

 

Public behaviour

 

Most Japanese people are very welcoming and friendly, and in fact pride themselves on omotenashi, a basic concept of hospitality and mindfulness. International tourism has boomed and at the time of writing, there are perhaps more foreign feet on Japanese soil than at any time in history. While Japanese people can be reserved, when interacting with foreigners, they can also seem direct. Expect questions about where you are from, your family, why you came to Japan, and what you think of it. Be sure to say, I love Japan, and all will be well.

 

Loud, boisterous behaviour in public could receive negative attention, but exuberance in certain situations is tolerated, perhaps even expected. Hanshin Tigers fans famously jump in the river in Osaka when the Tigers win big. (They also play in black and white.)

 

Showing affection in public is much less common than in the UK, and very rarely seen.

 

Japanese people are generally very conscious of wa, or harmony. This may sound difficult to grasp, but basically: do unto others, don’t rock the boat, be respectful and mindful.

 

Personal ID

 

You must always carry your passport or Japanese residence card with you. The police can arrest you if you cannot show proof of your visa or residence status. This, however, is very rare. If asked, show your passport politely and you will likely be wished well.

 

The Police

 

Foreigners are targeted by police, but caution, remaining calm and going with the flow is advised.

 

If you are stopped and showing your ID doesn’t encourage the police to leave you alone, it’s possible they may ask if you are in possession of any drugs, knives or other weapons.

 

Even if you say no, they may ask if they can search you or your bag. They can’t legally do this without a warrant, or ask for a urine sample, so be polite but firm and decline.

 

If the worst does happen and you are arrested, follow this advice. You could be held 23 days without charge, so this is best avoided.

 

Smoking in public places   

 

Previously a smokers’ paradise, smoking is now illegal on the streets of Tokyo (hoorah!) and some other cities; penalties include on-the-spot fines. Smoke only in designated areas. There are many enclosed smoking areas around stations and public places.

 

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

 

There is zero tolerance of drug crime, and the penalties are severe. British nationals have been arrested and detained for receiving small quantities through the post, or if they test positive when the police raid clubs or bars. British nationals convicted of drug trafficking have received sentences ranging from 6 to 17 years and fines of 3 to 4 million yen. Prisoners in Japan are assigned labour or factory work as part of their sentences.

 

Tattoos

 

Tattoos have a historical association with organised crime in Japan. While acceptance is increasing, some public facilities do not admit people with tattoos, for example, public swimming pools, hot springs, beaches and some gyms. Other establishments request you cover tattoos while using the facilities. Don’t make a fuss, it’s not personal, but rules must be followed. Just smile and do as asked.

 

Medication

 

As noted here some UK medicines may be illegal under Japan’s strict drugs laws. However, it should also be noted that Japanese people will take OTC and prescription drugs at the drop of a hat. Drug stores are very common, and have excellent, very affordable alternatives to all drugs mentioned at the link. Many pharmacists will speak some English. Pharmacies also stock pre- and post-drinking medicines for the prevention of excessive drunkenness and the ensuing hangover.

 

See also ‘genki’ drinks - packed with caffeine and often nicotine to give the salarymen a boost on the way to work.

 

Language

 

Ohayo gozaimasu - Good morning, use before noon

Konnichiwa - Good day, use after noon

Konbanwa - Good evening, use after 6pm

Sayonara - Goodbye

Bai bai - bye, bye (informal)

Mata - (see you) later/again

Arigatou - Thank you

Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you very much (formal)

Hai - Yes

Iie (pron. ee-eh) - No

 

 

There is a good guide to basic language for the traveller here:

 

https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/japanese-language/

 

 

Notes:

 

Doko desuka - Where is ___? would be better used as:

___ wa doko desu ka? ('wa' is usually written as 'ha', but pronounced 'wa')

 

Ikura desuka - How much is ___? would be better as: 

Kore/_____ wa ikura desu ka - How much is this/___?

 

Pronunciation tool:

https://forvo.com/languages/ja/

 

Japanese in Black and White:

 

Ganbare! Go! Fight! Come on! - Haway!  (Fight as in compete, not throw punches.)

 

Toon ganbare! - Howay the Toon!

 

Milano de Mackem o mita koto arimasuka? - Have you ever seen a Mackem in Milan?

 

Japanese isn't great for swearing. Answer in a firm negative: Nae desho! (Absolutely not!)

 

Kono kagi ha dare no deshou? - Wheeze keys are these keys?

 

To we Kansai (West Japan) residents, especially those in Osaka, Tokyo or Kanto (East Japan) dialect sounds effeminate. Don’t be like that! Be like a Geordie! Speak Osaka Ben!

 

Not this:              This:           Meaning:

Arigato               Ookini       Thank you

So da yo ne.       So yaro.     That’s right.

Desho!                Yaro!          Right!

 

 

If troubled by language or culture, just smile and ask for help. Someone will. Google translate works well enough for most situations.

 

Japan is a wonderful place and should provide a great welcome and memorable time.

 

Emergency services in Japan

 

Ambulance: 119

Fire: 119

Police: 110

 

Finally, Japanese football fans (and teams) are famed for clearing up after themselves, just as the Geordies were praised by Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg from Westminster City Council after cleaning up Trafalgar Square. Let's enjoy ourselves, paint Tokyo black and white; drink, sing and be merry, tidy up after ourselves and get welcomed back, every time.

 

Dimoldenberg said: “I want to say a big thank you to the Toon Army for their spotless performance when it came to cleaning up Trafalgar Square. The tidy Toon Army are welcome to the capital any time.”

 

Let's get Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, to say the same.

 

Nyūkassuru ganbare! Come on, Newcastle! Haway the Lads!