Constitution Memorial Day

📣 Traveler notes

Japan is a modern, densely populated East Asian island nation that blends ancient traditions with fast-paced urban life, maintaining a cultural emphasis on inner balance and tranquility.

• Golden Week (April 29 – May 5) is a period of four public holidays, leading to high congestion and inflated travel prices.
• Crowds are common during Cherry Blossom viewing (Hanami) in March or April, and during the main holiday period, New Year's (Oshōgatsu) (December 30 – January 3).
• Summer features numerous local festivals (matsuri) and fireworks (hanabi), such as Tanabata on July 7th.
• High standards of cleanliness and minimizing waste are culturally valued.
• When dining out, expect to pay directly at the counter.
• Attention should be requested using 'sumimasen' as staff may not initiate service.
• When dining, use chopsticks for most meals. Observe proper etiquette by placing chopsticks across a rest, avoiding passing food, and never pointing. Use spoons for soups (like ramen) or curry rice, and drink broth directly from the bowl. For service, use 'sumimasen' to gain attention. Remember that payment is done at the counter, and tipping is not customary.