Visiting Japan

My grandad (who sadly passed of COVID-19 in June) was there after the war; he spent several months at the embassy in Tokyo so he would probably have known a fair bit. The nearest I've been to there is Beijing.

I have been there several times on business, but only to big cities.

My impressions were that provided the Japanese people know what "slot" to fit you into and know how to behave accordingly they are happy? They seemed to be fine with me as an "ignorant foreigner" and did treat me with much more respect on transport and in restaurants than I have typically had in western big cities. I am sure that it is more complex that that however.

Travel was not to bad esp in Tokyo as many signs are in english as well, I was told that this was due to hosting international sporting events etc.

I do not have sensory sensitivity so can not comment on that but be prepared for very very busy and crowded places at times in the big cities.

yes, thanks sorry, I just want to go to Japan to see the Zen temples and gardens some day. That was a wonderful experience to have.

I was there as an exchange student. So I was studying and... well also traveling and discovering the country. 
I visited a lot of shrines and festivals and once bumped into a wedding while visiting a shrine. 
Does that answer your questions?

i've only been there once ----- it's simply gorgeous. the japanese seemed super polite to me, as a non japanese speaker. most other foreign places, are much less patient with people who don't speak the language.  i traveled on trains and trams; often, signs are in english.  there are --- idk if they are shrines or temples, but little neighborhood shrines here and there, and they're quaint and beautiful. japanese um...are constantly taking pictures of each other, and will often ask total strangers to take a shot. this is totally normal!   idk how they treat people on the spectrum. you should scarf up as much good food as you can there. it's probably much better japanese food than where you are coming from... um, and the japanese culture is so out there.  they have whiskey highballs in cans... i think in vending machines... oh, tsukiji fish market....tokyo.. i would've loved to see that, but they say you gotta get there super early in the am! japan was quite an experience.

what did u do in Japan ? why where you there ?

did you go to any Zen sites ?

Hello James, 

I lived in Japan for six months.

Like Plastic already mentioned Japanese tend to judge people who are outside the norm. In my experience foreign people are accepted though they might be different, if they are polite! Since Japanese aren't often good at speaking english, they feel uncomfortable doing so. Therefore I recommend learning at least basic japanese. Being able to speak some makes it easier for you and the japanese people like it a lot, even if it's just a bit!  

The streets in big cities are always crowded, but on the countryside it's ok (I lived in Kumamoto, which is smaller and not so crowded). 

Going to buy groceries or other things can be challenging. No matter if it's in a big city or countryside, in and outside the building they have a lot of flashy lights and everything makes sounds and speaks non-stop. So definitely bring something noise canceling with you, if you're sensitive to sounds! The shops are also always really full and a bit messy and colorful. 

The restaurants are also often small and crowded, of course depending, but in my experience it was often very loud and crowded. 

I loved going to the city but it was always super exhausting, a lot of people and noises. 
Sometimes I would walk further away from the shopping districts and search for a quiet side street to recharge a bit, that is possible (in Tokyo that might be more difficult though but possible). 
Maybe it is easier if you're prepared. 

Also if you have questions about vegan options there I can talk about that :D if you need that you can text me! 

I hope I could help you somehow! Sorry if it is a bit messy, I just wrote what came to my mind. 
Feel free to ask me anything, if you have more questions! :) 

There's a guy on YouTube called Luke Morse.  He's an American who has lived in Japan for many years, and while not the usual content of his channel, he does have a few videos on visiting/living in Japan as a foreigner and the general culture there.  

Once upon a time I would have liked go there myself but it's just so far away, too much flying for me.

yea do it

It's a big place - I think you'd need to live there for a few years to be able to write a guide about something so specific-  and to be able to get your facts correct.     

Hi Plastic thank you! I am hoping to go, I understand its a hard country but will do as much research as possible, I am hoping to write a guide for those with Autism as I cannot find such a guide so I need to go to achieve this!

I only know a little of Japan but would love to visit it - but it would be a tough call.     Japanese are notoriously judgmental about visitors to their country and I wouldn't want to inadvertently insult everyone all the time.

If you're going to the cities, it's a bit full-on - friends have said you are never alone - anywhere - it's always crowded - even at night.     If you value peace and quiet, you'll need to do your research.