Things I've Learned in Japan (Part 2)

It has been awhile since my first 'Things I've Learned in Japan" post. Here's the promised second part of the series!
 Other than learning Japanese language and culture and the do's and don'ts; I've learned a lot about what I want in life and how i work and more about myself of course. 

1.) To not care about what people think!

It's actually kind of strange that I feel this way because Japan is very much a country that everyone cares about the opinions of others. Nevertheless, I feel as though I've somehow broken through more barriers of being worried about what people are thinking in public about me or always needing assurance from others before making a choice. I have always been a free-thinker and independent ever since I was little, but when I came to Japan I wanted to be on my best behaviour and not offend anyone. Of course that's okay; but it really is hard to please everyone and in the end I know the most important thing is how I feel at the end of the day. This especially goes in place when talking about personality and the type of clothes I want to wear. As you may know, Tokyo is one of the fashion capitals of the world but it still takes courage to wear more extreme styles of fashion everyday and i have to push myself to wear what I want rather than care about what strangers think of me. Now, I am a lot more carefree and independent but i can still put people first and be considerate of others feelings. I've just learned how to balance the two.

2.) My plan for my future.

I finally figured out what I wanted to do in my life; which is great because I am so close to graduating high school! I realized that i would rather work hard and risk being broke to do what i want to do than going to university for something that would bore me and not fulfill my dream. I know how much work it will be but I am ready to sacrifice what i need to do so. If you don't know so already, I plan on returning to Japan and studying fashion and business and eventually becoming a fashion stylist and a creative director for fashion magazines. It's a long shot but I have a huge plan and am ready to work my ass off! 

3.) Family/Friends are important!

Being so far away from my family and friends back home gave me a sense of importance of family. Now I know how to cherish every moment spent back in Canada before returning to Japan in 2 years. It's important to keep contact with everyone who has impacted your life and never to burn bridges in life unless the person is toxic (of course!). 

4.) That I am very much an Aries...

A lot of my behaviour is very similar to the typical fiery leader. I need adventure because I hate routine and get easily bored, I forgive and forget easily, I tend to take control, I work hard for my passion, I'm impulsive and don't think of consequences sometimes, and the list goes on. Despite all the bad points I'm still representing all the fire signs out there ! ♡

5.) Never let an opportunity go to waste!

This whole trip has been an example of that! Whether a opportunity takes you places or not, it's always important to continue to learn and grow with experience and who knows, maybe you will go far places with a small opportunity and chance! I believe it's better to regret doing something than regret never doing something! 


Even though i am returning to Canada in a few days, I have learn so much from the past half year and am thankful to so many people who have supported me throughout my stay ♡

Please wait for my return Japan ♡

ありがとう

Things NOT to do in Japan

                               

I have made many mistakes in Japan whether I realized it or not. Thankfully, most Japanese people understand I was a gaijin or in English, a foreigner.  They understand that I didn't know the Japanese style manners and customs, but why would I want to blindly make mistakes like that? 

It's very courteous to learn and follow rules to be polite in Japan. Even the slightest thing that shows you're trying is appreciate by most.  Here is a list of things of the most common and important manners to keep in mind if you are travelling to Japan in the near future or anytime at all! But, don't worry, many foreigners including myself have made all these mistakes and sometimes it's better to learn from your mistakes.

1. Don't tip at restaurants in Japan!

I think this will be the most important one, as it's considered rude to tip. No one tips in Japan even if they have had amazing service, instead just give thanks for the meal as that will be enough.

2. Try not to walk and eat at the same time!

Japanese don't really eat on the go, so try to sit down or at least stand to the side and munch on your crepe or takoyaki. 

3. Remember your "please", "thank you'" and "sorry's"!

This is really a manner all around the world but more so in Japan. Japan is built on courtesy and manners, it's not common to apologize and thank someone in the same sentence. "Arigatogozaimasu"(Thank you), "Onegaishimasu"(Please) and "Sumimasen" (Sorry/excuse me) can go a long way and really help you in the end. Look up the pronunciations for these words and correct ways to use them as only reading them isn't enough.

4. Use the bathroom slippers.

This is more when you visit someones house, but sometimes public places have them. If you are already wearing slippers, remember to take off your house slippers and leave them outside of the washroom and then put on the bathroom slippers. NEVER wear the bathroom slippers outside of the bathroom!!

5. Don't leave your chopsticks in your rice while eating.

This is what they do at funerals, as it's associated with death. Japanese people will give you the side eye most likely if you do this. That's why they have chopstick rests! Use those!

6. Always take off your shoes when entering a house!

This will be the one thing Japanese people will yell at you for if you do. The entrance is typically a level lower than the rest of the house so you always know where to put your shoes. 

7. Try not to hand money directly to the cashier.

In North America, cashiers get annoyed if you put the money on the counter (I can understand that, having to pick up the change with nails is the worst). So, unless they put their hand out for you, there will be a little tray you can put your money onto.

8. Don't budge in lines!

In Japan, people line up for everything very efficiently and neatly so don't be an ass hole and budge in. Long lines may be annoying but wait your turn. Sometimes going to the washroom in public places in Tokyo takes me from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The bathroom line at the Big Bang concert at Tokyo Dome was 45 minutes...

9. When taking a bath, remember to clean yourself before getting into the tub.

This is very important if you're going to a public bath or onsen. First you wash your body and hair and then you get into the bath water. You wash first because everyone uses the bath water so it's important to make it stay clean. If you have longer hair, remember to keep it up with a tie and don't let it into the water. Also, another thing is that you cannot wear swim suits in the bath water, you have to be completely naked and clean to enter (this isn't as awkward as you think it is).

12. Don't have excess PDA in public.

Holding hands is usually okay and some Japanese people do it, but don't kiss or embrace in public. Especially if you are only friends and different sexes, this can be taboo. 

So, keep these in mind, but remember that if you do make a mistake, apologize and learn from it! Japan can be very formal but for foreigners they are very understanding and helpful for the most part! If you have any questions about Japan i can do my best to answer them on my twitter, comments below or on my email! 

ichigosodagirl@gmail.com

Twitter - @ichigosodagirl

Gunma, Japan

I guess i didn't even mention where I live in Japan, hey? I live in Takasaki, Gunma in the Kanto region. Gunma prefecture is right smack in the middle of the main island of Japan, Honshu Island. It's a lot more country side than the ideal Tokyo area (which is only 1.5 hours away from me, anyways) that I've always dreamed of, but Takasaki is lot more ideal for me actually learning Japanese and learning about the culture. Gunma is really famous for the onsens (hot springs),  various tasty foods, rich Japanese history, and of course Gunma-chan (the prefecture mascot).

A lil map for reference.

 Around Takasaki, the most famous spots are Mount Haruna and Byakue Kannon Statue. I actually didn't even visit them until 2 months after arriving in Gunma; but I did make it! 

Byakue Dai-Kannon

Built in 1936 by one mans fortune, visitors can walk up to the top of the 40 meter statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Along to this statue is a street lined with Japanese souvenir shops.

Haruna Shrine

this 1,400 year old shrine is dedicated to the gods of harvest, world peace, marriage and good business. This a beautiful shrine to visit in the autumn! All the trees were bright red, orange and yellow!  

 

Lush Japan

Seeing as I am a Lush employee here in Canada, there are obvious reasons for me to freak out about Lush Japan. Lush is a bit different in Japan, seeing as they get more various perfumes then we get here in North America, and they have special products we don't get here! I visited the Lush(s) in Kanazawa, Ikebukuro (Sunshine City in Tokyo) and Takaoka! 

Here is some of the things i picked up. Hanami Shower Scrub (with sakura and lavender), Dear John and All Good Things perfume, and Sunflower Soap! Also a Japanese catalogue of course! If you guys want me to do a review on any of them let me know here or on twitter! 

Japan Trip (Part 3 - Tokyo) ♡

 Harajuku  

 I finally went to Liz Liza in Harajuku!! It was honestly so beautiful and the next floor is a Tralala store! I had to of course eat a crepe while i was there so i went to Angels Heart and met some friends from Australia and also some locals! Tokyo Plaza is the next picture followed by when i ran into Tia from P.IDL (an idol group based in Tokyo), she was so nice and cute in person! 

 Studio Ghibli  

You couldn't take photos inside, but you can take photos outside. It was honestly so amazingly beautiful inside! Everywhere you looked was something so unique. I recommend this museum to any Ghibli fan if you have the chance to go to Tokyo!

Ueno Tokyo Zoo  

This was the older Zoo in Tokyo, but I saw a real-life Panda! As well as penguins, moneys, Giraffes, Hippos, and more! So cute!

Asakusa  

    

Akihabara 

 

I also went to Akiba, I didn't do much shopping though. Instead I walked around mostly and went to a maid cafe! You couldn't take photos but I sneaked the photo of the cake cause it was too cute! I also got this package where I got to take a photo with one of the maids! 

 Ikebukuro  

This is where my hotel was so I spent most of my time here. Its near sunshine city mall which is an  half underground mall! They had everything there, even a pokemon centre! I also discovered my new favourite store: Closet Child (It's a second-hand store with all kinds of Lolita and goth/street punk clothes). The gacha mahines are outside of Animate (which is a 7 or 8 story anime store with literally everything you can imagine). On my last day i went to Nekobukuro; a cat cafe! It was the perfect ending to my trip in Japan! 

Alright, so If you follow me on my other social media places, you would know that I am taking half of my last year of high school in Japan! So if you have any requests for posts or questions totally comment here or tweet me! I will blog about my daily life and what it's like to be a Japanese high school student! So stay tuned for that! Thanks cuties! ♡