What is the scenario outside of Japan?  Japanese tourists may be everywhere, but their interaction with the locals is practically nil.  The Japanese are so skeptical of the world outside Japan that they travel with everything that they are used to in Japan.  For instance, Japanese will always travel in groups, every minor detail is taken care of, and every minute of the trip is planned (and generally followed strictly).  It is rare for the group members to venture outside of the group to try anything that is not pre-selected.  Even when it comes to shopping, tour operators identify shops and establishments for shopping and tourists are served there by Japanese-speaking assistants who can immediately convert all prices into Japanese Yen, arrange for shipping to Japan, and pack the gifts in Japanese style.  (Related article:  Japanese shoppers in Hawaii)

What is the outcome?

We believe that the Japanese miss out on a lot of the fun that comes from taking an adventurous approach during travel to a foreign country.  It is likely that you will get into trouble once in a while, or commit a faux pas, but overall you will have a richer experience and there would be some funny stories to share once you get back.  By taking a more sheltered approach, however, the experience is more predictable, as our writer Carol Tan found out during her trip to Japan.

Almost all providers of services to Japanese tourists know what works with them – predictability, discipline, and excellent service.  In return, they are guaranteed good compensation.  Does this bring Japanese closer to the rest of the world?  Absolutely not!  In fact a constant complaint we hear from non-Japanese, who understand Japanese language, is the tendency among Japanese tourists to refer to the local people as gaijins even in their own countries (without realizing it is the Japanese themselves who are the gaijins outside Japan).  (Related article:  Foreign words usage in Japanese)

What can you hope to find in Japan if you travel there?

Be prepared to run into a lot of trouble with unexpected surprises.  The language will be a source of constant frustration and while most Japanese will try to help you, the language barrier will make it harder.  The food, the prices, the bathrooms, and so many other unique Japanese customs and practices will baffle you but that should all be part of the fun.  

While it is a good idea to read a bit beforehand so as not to get into some serious trouble (for instance, boarding wrong buses/trains, getting lost, or eating stuff that you did not want to), just keep your mind open and enjoy it when you do get surprised.  Japanese are generally more forgiving of the henna gaijins (strange foreigners) and regardless of how well you do, you will still be treated like one.  So why not go have some genuine fun in Japan!  On the other hand, Harald Galda, as he has written in his memoir, feels that if you do not speak the language fluently but can do some preparation, travel in Japan can be a very pleasant experience.