A Guide to Japanese Photo Booths If you’re walking through a Japanese arcade and see a row of large, colorful photo booths filled with bright lights and oversized screens, you’ve probably found purikura. Purikura (プリクラ) is much more than an ordinary photo booth. You take photos with friends, choose different looks, let the machine enhance … Read more
The Unwritten Rules of Waiting in Line in Japan One of the first things many visitors notice in Japan is how neatly people wait in line. Passengers form orderly rows on train platforms. Customers wait quietly outside popular restaurants. Even when a new store opens or a limited-edition product goes on sale, people often remain … Read more
The Meaning Behind Japan’s No-Shoes Culture One of the first cultural differences many visitors notice in Japan is that people remove their shoes before entering certain places. You may be asked to take off your shoes when visiting: For many travelers, this can feel unfamiliar or even confusing. Why do Japanese people remove their shoes? … Read more
Where Are the Trash Bins in Japan? Why They’re So Hard to Find (And What You Should Do Instead) If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, there’s a good chance you’ll experience this situation. You finish a drink, look around, and suddenly realize… There isn’t a trash bin anywhere. Many visitors are surprised that … Read more