Japan suffered a huge blow to its tourism sector after an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and associated 13-foot tsunami struck off the east coast of Honshu on the 11 March 2011. The resulting nuclear crisis at the nearby Fukushima power plant also served to deter tourists.
Seven months later, numbers are still down. The Japanese tour guides that I had on a couple of our day trips during my visit to Tokyo in October 2011, were so grateful to us for choosing Japan as our holiday destination. I was very pleased that in some small way I was doing my bit to help rebuild their tourism economy.
Japan exceeded my expectations on so many levels. It was cleaner than I thought it would be. It’s so nice to go somewhere cigarette butts aren’t littering every conceivable public surface. The Japanese people were more polite and deferential than I had imagined; as we were leaving the airport on the limo bus to go to the hotel, the two bus attendants bowed to the bus as it pulled up alongside them and then bowed again as we pulled away.
But best of all, I felt safer there than I have ever felt anywhere on my travels. Whilst I realise that it’s always important to stay wary, I never once felt threatened even with my huge camera around my neck and my money belt in plain view.
Japan is very Clean
One of the best things, perhaps even THE best thing about Japan was the cleanliness of everything i.e the roads, the cars, the bus windows and public spaces; even the constructions sites seemed abnormally unchaotic. And it’s no wonder given the harsh penalties for littering in Japan. Signs posted in certain areas proclaim that in beautification enforcement areas you can be fined up to 30,000 yen for littering regardless of nationality or status.
In public spaces, smoking is only permitted in designated areas. In the bus bay at Tokyo airport, you’ll find smoking rooms. Near our hotel in Shiodome, there are roped off areas for smokers. It’s a little like looking at caged animals in the zoo. However, I’m a non-smoker so secretly, I’m pleased that smokers are openly segregated.
For a city that is so clean, you’ll also be surprised at the distinct lack of rubbish bins. One of our tour guides told us that past terrorists plots in the city had involved hiding bombs in rubbish bins. Therefore, many rubbish bins were removed. In addition, it is expected that if you create rubbish then you should take it away with you to dispose of thoughtfully. If you are absolutely desperate for a rubbish bin, look for one in a public toilet.
Japanese People are very Respectful
If you are from a western country where respect for your elders, let alone strangers, is more of a notion from a bygone era instead of one that is actually practised, you’ll find Japan exceedingly old-fashioned – in a good way. Then again, it’s not entirely surprising that tradition is valued here; the imperial house of Japan is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world.
Tradition, reverence, hospitality and respect is apparent everywhere. You’ll notice straight away that the Japanese culture is a bowing society. Our tour guide explained that the degree to which you bow is based on the amount of deference you wish to give to the person you are speaking with e.g. 15 – 20 degrees is usual for an everyday greeting. If you are meeting someone very important, then you may wish to bow lower and if you are often doing the wrong thing, then you might find yourself often in bows of 90 degrees or more if you constantly have to apologise.
Japan is a Safe Country to Visit
Whilst I only visited Tokyo, I think it safe to assume that if one feels absolutely safe in a city the size of Tokyo, then you’ll no doubt feel safe wherever you travel in Japan. This is not to say that you shouldn’t exercise caution if wondering the street at 3am in the morning because I suspect that even in the safest city, there is no need to tempt fate. Japan still has a dealth penalty for murder and treason.
As mentioned earlier, I felt completely safe on the street and on the train with my camera around my neck and my money belt around my waist. It helps that no-one stares or appears to loiter so you never get the opportunity to feel like you are being sized up as a likely mugging candidate.
And in conversation, Japanese people appear very genuine, transparent and keen to assist if it is in their power.
Reasons to Visit Japan
From the bowing of the bus attendants at the airport through to the way that no-one stares at you on the street, Japanese culture is hugely respectful. This is what also makes Japan feel so safe for travellers. Respect for their culture and their environment is why Japan is so clean and tidy.
