Encrypted, enigmatic, strange.
The Japan shown by Sofia Coppola in her film
Lost in Tanslation
helped to forge in the collective imagination the idea of a country as fascinating as it is impenetrable.
Its codes and its culture, so far from our landmarks, as well as the language barrier, make it, for sure, a destination that shakes things up.
However, after the first disconcerted wanderings, Japan allows itself to be tamed.
Firstly because it has a keen sense of practicality as well as a rich culture of hospitality, omotenashi
,
favoring the traveler.
Then because Japan, a star destination in recent years, is redoubling its efforts to be more accessible.
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Is it easy to communicate in English?
The
sampuru
, these fake dishes larger than life displayed in windows, need no description.
AHMAD FAIZAL YAHYA - stock.adobe.com
The Japanese are angry with the language of Shakespeare: according to the ranking of the Swiss institute Education First which gauges the English skills of 113 countries, Japan ranked in 2023... 87th.
It is therefore likely that you will be answered with an embarrassed shake of the head... But you might well come across a passerby who is delighted to polish his English.
And then, the inability to communicate is far from being a barrier to exchanges.
We will try to help you by providing a translation application or by accompanying you to the location of your quest.
In town, you can count on the signage, the vast majority of which is translated, the fruit of Japan's efforts over the past twenty years to open up to international tourism.
On the other hand, hotel staff are increasingly better trained in foreign languages, while restaurants are gradually adopting menus in English.
Otherwise, rely on the images.
Imbued with a very strong visual culture, Japan overuses graphic representations to communicate.
The
sampuru
, these fake dishes larger than life displayed in windows, need no description.
Above all, don't forbid yourself from pushing open the door of a shop: look at the plates to order, scan the menu on your translation application and sit at the counter, the best place to start talking, in English... or not !
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Do we move easily?
On board the Shiki-shima, the train of the four seasons (a report from Figaro Magazine).
LAURENT FABRE
In the hearts of the Japanese, the train occupies a special place.
And for good reason !
It is the ideal means of transport: clean, comfortable and reliable, it connects the four main islands as well as more remote areas and when it explores places inaccessible by road, it introduces us to the beauty of the Japanese landscapes.
In Tokyo, a gigantic rail network crisscrosses the metropolis from 5 a.m. until around midnight.
But the abundance of lines operated by several companies makes it difficult to operate: fares add up in the event of a change of network during a journey and you have to pay for a new ticket.
To avoid the hassle, bring a rechargeable transport card.
Slower and less easy to access, the bus is sometimes unavoidable, like in Kyoto, where it is unfortunately crowded.
To reach the hilly surroundings of the ancient capital or the bamboo grove of Arashiyama, to the west of the city, opt for the electric bike.
Also read: The price of the Japan Rail Pass is exploding?
Our regional alternatives to discover Japan by train
Is Japan as expensive as people say?
To spend a night in a ryokan, you will have to pay at least a hundred euros.
Andriy Blokhin - stock.adobe.com
A country of contrasts, Japan is also one in terms of the budget to devote to travel.
Transport
and
accommodation
constitute the highest areas of expenditure: do you plan to travel often and over long distances?
The JR Pass will prove economical but the regional packages are more advantageous if you focus on only part of the Archipelago.
In terms of accommodation, the range of prices is wide: the functional but cramped
business hotels
constitute a cheap alternative, while you will have to count on around a hundred euros per person (half board included) at least for one night in a
ryokan.
(traditional accommodation).
On the other hand,
Japan can be enjoyed at a low price
.
At lunchtime, we enjoy a
teishoku
menu consisting of a main course, rice, soup and pickled vegetables for less than ten euros;
at lunchtime, good restaurants delight at low prices.
In the evening, the bill is significantly higher, and at the
izakaya
, the essential Japanese tapas bar, you will have to pay the
otoshi
, table fees (around €3 per person) which usually take the form of an appetizer served at the start of a meal.
At break, we nibble on a skewer or a
taiyaki
(filled waffle) for a euro or two;
on the other hand, a good coffee costs the price of a bowl of noodles!
Make sure you have enough cash
before
ordering as credit cards are not accepted everywhere.
Konbini
, these convenience stores open 24/7, most of the time have vending machines
.
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What eating habits should you know?
The famous ramens are one of the dishes that are easy to eat on the go, for a few euros, in Japan.
Hihitetlin - stock.adobe.com
Praised all over the world, Japanese gastronomy is one of the great pleasures of travel.
But when fish and meat are omnipresent, eating when following a vegetarian or, more drastic, vegan diet can become a delicate ordeal.
Japan, however, has a vibrant but little-known plant-based culinary culture: Buddhist cuisine, which flourishes in temple restaurants and nearby, and inspires more and more young chefs.
Also take a look at the menu of curry or ramen restaurants which sometimes offer vegetarian versions (be careful though, the broth is often based on pork or chicken), and even 100% vegan, like the brand's restaurants. AFURI.
Others become accustomed to iconic dishes: at Awomb in Kyoto, sushi becomes a delicious vegetable bite.
Also read: From deadly Fugu to original sake, five exceptional dishes to taste in Japanese Kansai