From other topic, it seems Australian loves to travel to JAPAN
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/561274
Why should we go / not go to Japan?
I know someone who forgot the phone in bus in Japan, contact the hotel for help to search it (as most people have limited English there) and the phone is back the next day.
Please share your experiences here.
Sport too. Japan is baseball mad and the Sumos are treated like rock stars.
Not necessarily; the poll referenced asked where people wanted to go (if/when they could). Some of those respondents would not have previously been to Japan.
If you want to state that Australians love to travel to Japan, you should reference feedback taken after they have travelled. Otherwise it is all just expectation / anticipation.
You must be fun at parties
Almost double the amount of people who want to stay in Australia, want to travel to Japan. That must be for a reason. And there must be some sort of reason behind JAL, ANA, Qantas, Jetstar and previously Virgin Australia normally operating flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns and the Gold Coast to Tokyo, Saporro and Osaka, right? These flights operate daily, except for the Cairns/Gold Coast/Saporro routes. Just pure speculation.
This implies that Aussies have always wanted to travel to Japan in the past years, regardless of COVID. It's not a new trend, sorry man.
@GG57: Maybe you shouldn't be so lazy as to assume OP and others are wrong while not doing your own research :)
It would have been even better if both of you had said "Australians" instead of "Australian", as it might have actually made sense.
Most people who've been to Japan, love Japan. But I think the fact that Australians go to Japan often is also fuelled by Jetstar BOGOF sale that occurs every year lol
I loved Japan, and it had nothing to do with tickets.Though, we did get it pretty cheap. Around $500 return each (me + mrs), back in 2016. Absolutely loved it and definitely my favourite country if I had to choose. I went to Maldives for Honeymoon, and it was also amazing for being treated like a prince (for a huge $$$ ofcourse), so I often struggle to choose one between the two. Maldives was amazing because of seclusion + lack of people + island + beach everywhere + beautiful scenery, and Japan was just amazing overall. You are surrounded by humans, but at the same time you feel excluded from the crowd. People just mind their own business over there and pay no attention to you. People are extra nice and will always be willing to help you if you ever get stuck somewhere or have any questions. They are very humble indeed. Ofcourse, this is just me talking about the people, but sigh-seeing is also great. If you go there, make sure you go to Hakone, a little town around Mt. Fuji. It will change your life.
Yeah I love Japan too, been there twice and will go again. Those sales definitely make people who weren't that interested, to give it a go. And then, tell everyone else their experiences and get them interested too. Plus, cheap deals make people to think less to buy the tickets.
Most people who've been to Japan have been there in the context of a holiday.
I've lived in both Japan and Australia, and prefer to live in Australia.
I don't mind visiting Japan every now and then, but it's just become one of a hundred other places I'd rather visit than live in.
Why's that?
It's a beautiful place, and I would love to visit from time to time, but I don't think I'd trade my life over here to go back to living there again.
@Carmen Sandiego: These are just my observations from having lived there for years. I haven't been to Korea, so I can't really compare, but people have told me their cultures are very similar.
@jatyap: I am Korean, hence the comment :)
I lived there for a whole year and it's jarring. By the middle of that year, I was craving greener and proper road rules…
What’s not to love? They have so much going for them:
I would recommend Japan over and over in a heartbeat!
Why is it a bizarre question?
It could have been better written, but OP seems to be asking for people's experiences. I've read both positive and negative things about countries, so asking for the views of some people that have actually been there is always better.
OP seems to be asking for people's experiences
I read it like OP was baffled why so many Australians traveled to Japan…
God forbid not everyone knows as much as you about Japan!
Wow 20 downvotes. Keep them coming. Like I explained above I read OP's question like they were baffled why so many Australians traveled to Japan. Like with a negative connotation "why would anyone want to travel to Japan?"
But yeah you're hilarious man.
@Andard: I didn't vote your comment, and no one is trying to be funny here, but your comment came off as a bit arrogant.
Always been on my to-do list, now near the top!
Couldn’t have said it better. Also, get this, you can have someone sends your suitcases door to door from one city to another!!
What's not to love? Here's a few:
* Most Japanese are racist (at least casual racism) towards foreigners
* Work culture is absolutely horrible
* Drunks puking on the train at night
* Culture of misogyny
* Suicide rates
Don't get me wrong, Japan is a beautiful place, and has beautiful people, but like everywhere else, it is not perfect if you bother to take the time to look closely.
Yes but how many of those points affect me as a tourist visiting for a holiday? Point 1 and 3 perhaps? Though neither have been an issue in my experience.
Well, this was in response to "What's not to love?"
There was no context given as to whether one was a tourist or living/working there.
As to which ones have the potential to affect you?
Misogyny might affect tourists as well, and a suicide would still be traumatic to witness, regardless of whether you were a tourist or not.
However, if you'd rather to see the country through rose-coloured glasses, by all means, go ahead and do so.
Why the negs? Somebody asked a question and I answered… Perhaps it wasn't the answer you were looking for, but hey, it's honest and it's from somebody who's actually lived there (as opposed to just having visited).
World class public transport infrastructure.
World class vending machine options too.
also world class respect.
Did you forget your phone at the table in a resturant/bus/hotel? Won't be stolen. Do it any first world, your first thought would be "(profanity) its gone then" or maybe a "I'll come back just incase it's still there" but you dont expect it to still be there.
I remember I took my shoes off in Santiago, Chile to try on a pair at a retail store. The worker told me not to turn my back on them so they wouldn’t get stolen.
The people are so nice. They are grateful for everything in their lives. I think Australian's have become rather spoiled and privelaged (generally speaking) and we are more focused on what we don't possess and what is wrong with our lives rather than being grateful for what we have.
I think their two main religions Shinto and Buddhism facilitate the behaviours that Japanese people present.
My parents forgot their brand new iPad at a 7-11 in Japan. They went a whole day before noticing it was gone, at that point they weren't even in the same city anymore (lost in Osaka, they were now in Hiroshima - 1 hour away by bullet train, 4 hours away by car). They fully expected it was gone, but hopped back on a train just to check.
Of course, it was still there safely in the backroom. Really, really honest people.
On another trip, a mate left his wallet on the bullet train and it ended up on the other side of Japan. The staff were able to tell us exactly which city to go to in order to collect the wallet (right down to which service counter it would be with).
I couldn't believe when I saw vending machine for travel insurance at the airport!
Except if you're in Tokyo where trains stop at 1AM
Osaka at like 12am :( So (profanity) weird
it's because they do maintenance each and every night to check for any irregularities on the rail line (among other things).
And restart at 4.
*Why Do Australians Love to Travel to Japan?
Why do Australians love to travel to Japan?*
My favourite place that I have travelled.
Suzuka F1 is a fantastic experience, loved it last year. The country has a lot of history and fantastic places to explore. The unique culture is a draw as well to experience. Fairly convenient location to get to and not too expensive if done right. Pretty safe as well and appeals to many geeky cultures. It's got tons going for it.
Fairly easy to navigate without learning a foreign language.
Efficient use of time - attractions are close together and their public transport runs on time.
Low overall crime rate which generally does not target tourists anyway.
Pleasant and polite locals.
Clean.
No tourist double pricing nonsense and tourist attractions pricing isn't eye watering.
Different landscape and cultural feel to Australia.
Some other subjective things like food and hot springs but generally very acceptable to the average westerner.
With the exception of outback and off-road travel in Australia, Japan does it better. Perhaps coming out of this COVID saga, we can adopt some of these aspects.
I agree with everything you said. I would 100% go back to Japan in a heartbeat.
And that is coming from someone that has been to 16 countries.
The people, the food, the experiences, and the pricing, are all amazing. Only downside is that in 2 of my hotels, the bathrooms were so small I couldn't even take a number 2 without touching a wall or not being able to close the door. LOL.
Same. Well travelled and rate Japan highly.
Also same. Found accommodation to be smaller than standard. I've always looked for larger rooms.
'9. Actual night life without getting shit faced.
Lol. I can assure you, shitfaced remains the same.
Haha true. I almost got groped in Shinjuku by a randy Japanese guy in the street.
Left without purchasing anything. Only noticed it in the one place though
We went to China last year, totally enjoyed it. :) (Got a bit sick of Chinese food by the end of it though…)
Not all Chinese food is the same; plenty of different regions / cultures with different food experiences.
True that but we were on a tour and our guide was doing the best he could to keep everyone happy. :)
Yikes
Remember, Chinese people are not the enemy, the CCP are.
its an efficient country, things we wish we had.
Went to Japan in Feb. One word. Magical.
It was an amazing experience of winter in hokkaido. Even their 'normal' food tasted great. Snow was powdery. No tipping. Clean and safe. Everything was a discovery. Erm the vending machine and 7 11 is crazy awesome. Amazing beef.
Would definitely go back if I can in the future.
I've also always been put off Japan due to the price of beef. I thought it was super expensive?
Only if you're after high grade wagyu or something. Beef bowls at Yoshinoya are pretty cheap.
Itll be the best beef you've tried. It didn't even have to be an expensive name brand honestly. We tried a random place and it was amazing.
Big Macs in Japan cost double IIRC
Not worth it when there is plenty of other good food around.
Put off a country due to the perceived price of a specific meat. Tough customer.
The steaks were just too damn high to risk it.
In my experience it's cheaper in Japan for the same quality of beef.
We spent about $65/pax for a Kobe beef Teppanyaki course and it was better than any steak restaurant I've been to for the same price point. We also found a local restaurant that serve $6 soba beef noodle that also tastes amazing.
Agree with this. High quality Wagyu is expensive in Japan, but still cheaper than the same quality slabs over here.
Awesome food and desserts, polite and honest people (no ripoff knockoff stuff for sale!), safe and clean country to visit, great festivals, landscapes, all things matcha, cutesy novelty cafes/merchandising, everything isn't exorbitantly priced…. need I say more?
Cheapish, good tasting food and no need to tip in restaurants. Although the tourism industry is growing there it doesn't feel like the country is "little" Australia/English speaking country". Nice people, lots to see and do.
Although I am biased as my wife is Japanese, I'm also not Australian so not sure why I'm responding haha!
Because it's not full of bogans like Bali.
On my first and only trip to Japan, I was horrified to see fellow Australians in Bintang singlets and thongs on multiple occassions. Maybe I was just unlucky.
Japan is awesome but their legal system scares the crap out of me. Wrong place wrong time can get you a life sentence in prison.
Can confirm. Some Aussie friends decided to visit when I was living there. I took them to Koyasan and one of them wore a bintang singlet and thongs. He stood out so much, especially as Japanese people tend to dress very nicely. It was really embarrassing.
life sentence in prison
That sounds like a pretty scary statement to make. Is there any cases of this happening to people for just going about their business on a holiday?
Nah, old mate is talking out of his arse; likely referencing Japan's high conviction rate and the infamy they've gained in the media recently for detaining Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault-Nissan for misappropriating funds and falsely declaring income.
You would have to commit a heinous murder at a minimum to get a life sentence in Japan. Don't get caught doing drugs while on holidays and you'll be right when it comes to the law.
Lots of Aussie bogans when we went too. Drunk and rowdy on the flight there. Also had my wallet stolen presumably by an Aussie (only other Aussies on bus) on a bus going to a ski resort.
Still love Japan though and will go back once we can.
I enjoyed to see Japan with my own eyes. It was very educational and dispelled a lots of myths and stereotypes. On my first trip I didn't know what to expect and was thinking everybody would be straight laced company salary men and the roads were packed with japanese sports cars everywhere. During the day you'll mostly see lots of the retired and young kids very stress free and happy. In the 2 weeks I only every saw 1 Nissan GTR sports car. The majority of citizens don't even have enough space for parking a kei car (a compact car).
Every local council/precinct is unique so no two holidays are the same. Want an island / seaside holiday then stay at a port city or ferry onto an island. Want something with character then stay in a town paved with cobblestone streets and art galleries. Want something with history then visit quirky places following the "hidden Christians". Want to be more physically fit then stay in accommodation with free bicycle hire or local councils/train stations with bicycle hire. Want city living then visit a large city with 24 hour convenience stores on every corner, vending machines, neon signage everywhere, high tech car parks that spin and stack your car in an elevator.
All of the above plus time zone is similar.
My spouse is Japanese . I’ve been there twice but for all the efforts I couldn’t grasp the language . I geeked out everyday there though!
I left a pair of sunglasses (ray bans) on the train and went back to the train station at the end of the day and no joke, they had them for me ready for collection. I filled out a form and I was on my way. Couldn't believe it.
The people are nice
IMHO
I went to Japan last year & wow - this is how a country should be (for the most part)
People are very very very respectful and considerate of others (unlike here)
I got lost trying to find the right subway entrance, a random stranger saw this, hopped off her bicycle, lent it against a fence (no lock), and walked with me for 10 MINUTES all the way down to the underground area, helped me buy a ticket and went back on her way - such a lovely person.
This happened a few times at different cities without any prompts from me.
Little to no graffiti or rubbish anywhere!
On a slow public train a father and his two children were sitting opposite me, one of the kids opens a bag of lollies and a few flew down the train. Once the father saw his children were seated correctly he went and collected them to dispose of in the rubbish. (If it was here…)
Food was so fresh and delicious, even at 7/11 where the sushi is amazing still!
They are heavy on recycling. Paper, plastic, glass & burnables.
Little vending machines everywhere - quirky but fun
Some things were super efficient, other things not so much.
Super safe
In a nutshell, one of the best countries to visit in the world.
The respect their soceity has for one another is simply outstanding
Cons
Can be pricey like Australia, especially tourist areas (accomodation)
Some of the quirky things you may not like, just don't partake in it
Smoking is still quite popular in Japan
I got lost trying to find the right subway entrance, a random stranger saw this, hopped off her bicycle, lent it against a fence (no lock), and walked with me for 10 MINUTES all the way down to the underground area, helped me buy a ticket and went back on her way - such a lovely person.
This happened a few times at different cities without any prompts from me.
Yes, same! We asked a lady for directions whilst on the train and she insisted to take us there! Got off on our stop and walked us the whole way there, then got back on the train (presumably).
Mind blowing.
Same thing happened to me - in New York.
Surprisingly happened to my 70 year old parents in Russia too!
@wittyusername: Same here. Got lost in Moscow on the way to catch the Sapsan train to St Petersburg and had an old guy take us there. It was at least a 10min detour for him and we chatted via Google Translate. Fun!
It's almost like Japan does something differently…
I wonder how many Australian tourists to Japan return to Australia and change their own behaviours to be more respectful and considerate of others here?
Not many. It's immediately obvious when you leave the airport, whether it's the Macca's bag in the train carriage, or people cutting in line at the taxi stand. Before long, you realise that it's not Japan, and if you don't actively push to the front of the bar, you'll never be served in this country.
@SydStrand: Coming back to Australia its the efficiency that frustrates me. In the time I got my bags, got a taxi and arrived in my Tokyo accomodation. I was still waiting for my bags at Adelaide airport.
"Once the father saw his children were seated correctly he went and collected them to dispose of in the rubbish."
There have been times I've wished to do this to my children.
jap cigs are the best…
I really feel like everyone's had a version of the "ridiculously polite/nice Japanese citizen assist" and I just had to add mine.
I was a bit lost in Tokyo, having just arrived and deciding to stay at a hotel different from my normal one. I was in a alley trying to get google maps to work, and a drunk Salaryman was having a cigarette and talking on his phone nearby. He approached me and asked if I was ok in halting English, and i think Japan is the only country where I would actually dare to respond "No, I'm lost.". I'm a single, young, female so. Yanno.
But he put out his cigarette, found my hotel on his phone, took my suitcase, and then wheeled it all the way to my hotel for me, and then used google translate to apologise for being drunk.
Japan is easily the best country i've holiday'd in.
Its amazing in every season, affordable and incredibly clean and cozy.
People are generally helpful and courteous.
My only caveat is that I came across restaurants that prohibited foreigners and 'half-breeds' in both Osaka and Tokyo. This was actually on the windows/door itself. Keeping in mind, that there is ALWAYS more restaurants next to it, that don't have markings like that.
Our next trip was supposed to be a ski trip in Jan 2021 to Japan. Obviously not happening now. I love Japan because the flight there is easier, the people are nice, the streets are clean, the food is tasty and there is a lot of activities to do there (cultural sites, geeky stuff and nature).