Renowned as one of the most courteous and systematic countries in the world, I wouldn’t blame the first-time visitor to Japan for being overwhelmed. And even if you manage to figure out the subways and navigating the rush hour throngs, there is always the fear that one might make some social faux pas and that the locals are just… too polite to tell you.

Because beneath the shiny metal and glass veneer of its skyscrapers and malls, the Japanese are just as deeply traditional in some ways. This mix can be bewildering to navigate for the traveller, so some basic preparation can allay your day-to-day in Japan.

Read my Expedia piece about some of the top things to observe when you visit Japan, and enjoy the country’s incredible offerings in peace.

First published: Expedia, Singapore