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Originally Posted by RealJames
Columbine I like those two points, they are both very valid! Would you mind if I added them to the list on the first page?
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By all means, go ahead.
One other I've thought of;
Some Japanese restaurants will automatically give you a small dish of something pretty much right after you sit down. Sometimes this is 'service', in which case it is free (much like an amuse bouche in western countries). If it is service, they will usually say so. HOWEVER, other places will charge for this dish. Depending on the restaurant, it's usually only around the 200 yen mark and it is really not worth arguing about, so throwing a hissy fit over having to pay for something you didn't order is just going to make you look like an idiot. If you ate it, you should definitely pay for it. Just make a mental note and if you don't like the custom, don't go back to that restaurant, or politely -send it back- next time if they set it on your table. I'm not sure if sending it back is de rigour, but most places I've had this happen accepted it without too much problem. Letting it sit untouched on the table is usually not enough to avoid the charge.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TaekOB
One thing though - is the train system as complicated as it seems? This is probably the thing I'm most nervous about. I mean, I'm sure I'll get the hang of it eventually, but I confuse easily so hopefully it won't be too problematic!
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Depends how used you are to using trains. People from somewhere with a metro system generally had no problem. Large stations usually have English signage, so provided you know the name of the place your going, you can get around. Take the name written in Japanese characters though, just in case, so you can get directions and match it to signs if you need to. You can buy a ticket from a person behind a window in the large stations, but many places rely on ticket vending machines. Plenty have English language options so you should be ok. Above the machines will be a large board with all the stations mapped out on it. Find your destination, and there will be two numbers by it. One (usually printed larger) is the adult fare. That's how much you need to pay. Find the fare option on the machine and take your ticket. Put your ticket in the ticket gate and go through, retrieving your ticket on the way. Trains run frequently (excepting some rural areas), so find your platform. The various underground lines are usually colour-coded and arrowed and there may even be a coloured path on the floor to follow.
Many tourists use the trains without knowing any Japanese, so you should manage just fine. Just don't ~panic~ if you get a bit lost, and use common sense. Worst comes to worst, try and ask someone for help.