Visiting a country and actually living there? Two very different experiences. Tourists get the highlights—sights, food, and fun—while residents dive headfirst into the quirks, rules, and everyday realities.
Before moving to Japan, I barely knew anything about it. Fast forward, and now I’m navigating bowing etiquette, surviving wild weather, and getting lost (a lot). Welcome to my life in Japan!
Bowing: Once You Start, You Can’t Stop
I knew Japanese people bowed, but I didn’t realize just how much. It’s a whole art form—different angles for different situations. A deep 30-degree bow for bosses, a simple nod for friends. Coming from a handshake-and-hug culture, I was lost at first. Now? Bowing is muscle memory. I even catch myself doing it outside Japan, confusing random strangers.
One of my most awkward moments? I was in an elevator when a guy walked in, leaving behind a woman who I assumed was accompanying him. The woman then started bowing deeply. Thinking she wanted in, I kindly held the door open. She kept bowing. I kept holding. It got weird fast. Finally, the guy inside the elevator panicked and slammed the “close” button. That’s when I learned: in Japan, people bow until the elevator doors close.
Oh, and if you mess up really bad, there’s a dramatic apology bow called dogeza, where you kneel and press your head to the ground. Some people even hire professional apologizers. Yep, it’s that serious.
The Unwritten Social Rules
Japan runs on unspoken rules. Here are a few that threw me off:
- Escalators have designated standing sides. In Kanto region, stand on the left; in Kansai region, stand on the right. No idea why, but breaking this rule makes you public enemy #1.
- Cutting in line? Unthinkable. But weirdly, there’s a politeness contest where people insist you go first. Expect a back-and-forth of “Dozo! (After you!)” before anyone moves.
- People will go out of their way to help you. One time, a woman unintentionally gave me the wrong information when I was trying to figure out the bus to take to my destination. I finally figured out the right bus and when I got to my stop, I found the woman anxiously waiting for me at the bus stop (she had boarded the bus that left earlier). she apologized profusely and offered to walk me to my final destination. How long was she willing to wait? The mystery remains.
Public Transport: Silence and No Eye Contact
Talking on public transport? A crime. Talking on the phone? An unforgivable sin. Even elevators have “please be quiet” signs. Meanwhile, back home, our buses blast club music at full volume.
Then there’s the staring rule: don’t do it. Everyone avoids eye contact, glued to their phones or pretending to sleep. Personal space is sacred—though rush hour trains will crush you against strangers anyway.
The Language Barrier: A Daily Struggle
I knew English wasn’t widely spoken, but I didn’t expect this level of difficulty. Signs? Mostly Japanese. Menus? Japanese. Paperwork? Japanese. Google Translate is my lifeline.
Most locals avoid speaking English because they’re afraid of making mistakes. Ironically, I now avoid speaking Japanese for the same reason. Turns out, embarrassment is universal.
Weather: From Freezing to Scorching in a Day
Coming from Kenya, where the weather is mild year-round, Japan’s four seasons hit hard.
- Winter in Hokkaido? I nearly froze my fingers off despite wearing three layers of gloves. Seeing leafless trees for the first time? Thought they were dead. Watching them bloom in spring? Witchcraft.
- Summer? 37°C (98°F) with humidity so high it feels like being slow-cooked. Women carry parasols, wear arm covers, and some even go full ninja mode to block the sun. I caved and got an umbrella, mini fan, and ice wipes. No regrets.
- Fall? Japan’s dramatic—one day it’s 30°C, the next it’s 20°C. This sudden drop left me questioning reality.
Food: Beyond Sushi and Ramen
Before Japan, my “Japanese food” experience was limited to sushi and ramen—turns out, those are special-occasion foods here! Each region has its own specialties, and the variety is endless.
Shockers:
- Raw fish and raw eggs are normal. My friends back home freaked out, but I’ve grown to love it.
- Japan has some of the best beef in the world. Wagyu is so tender it melts in your mouth. Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) changed my life.
- New favorites: Udon, katsudon, tempura, gyoza, Onigiri, yakisoba, Okonomiyaki, takoyaki, mochi, matcha and natto (yes, the infamous fermented soybeans).
Final Thoughts
Japan has surprised me in every way possible—sometimes in ways that left me speechless, sometimes in ways that made me laugh. The unspoken rules, extreme seasons, and language struggles have all become part of my daily adventure. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
