The 'random questions about Japan' thread
#1
Original Poster
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The 'random questions about Japan' thread
Thought I'd open up a topic where people could ask all sorts of quick questions without having to open new threads or excavate old ones just for a short query. If this thread picks up then we might consider turning it into some sort of mini-FAQ of the weirdest questions out there...
To kick-off, here are a few short questions of my own:
1. I know Japan is a no-tipping country for the most part, but does this also apply to cabs or do they expect the fare to be rounded up for instance?
2. Do convenience stores like 7-11 sell beer? Any cut-off times for stores that operate 24/7?
3. Is drinking in public legal, as in going for a walk whilst sipping on a cold can of Asahi?
To kick-off, here are a few short questions of my own:
1. I know Japan is a no-tipping country for the most part, but does this also apply to cabs or do they expect the fare to be rounded up for instance?
2. Do convenience stores like 7-11 sell beer? Any cut-off times for stores that operate 24/7?
3. Is drinking in public legal, as in going for a walk whilst sipping on a cold can of Asahi?
#2
Join Date: Mar 2005
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There's no tipping, even in cabs. That being said, they don't mind if you round up the fare.
They sell tons of liquor and there's no cut-off. It's legal to drink pretty much anywhere in public, although you might get a few weird looks walking around drinking in the afternoon (or morning, if one starts that early).
They sell tons of liquor and there's no cut-off. It's legal to drink pretty much anywhere in public, although you might get a few weird looks walking around drinking in the afternoon (or morning, if one starts that early).
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Japanese think it is bad manner to walk and eat/drink at the same time. Some people eat or drink what they just bought right by the convenience stores/vending machines near the trash bins. Another problem is that trash bins are non existent on the streets.
#4
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However, I rarely see broken bottles on the street. In some places in Europe, I saw them every 5 minutes.
#5
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Near Jacksonville FL
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Tokyo - along with other cities - has removed trash cans in part to prevent acts of terrorism:
http://www.theatlanticcities.com/pol...ash-cans/5306/
Robyn
http://www.theatlanticcities.com/pol...ash-cans/5306/
Robyn
#7
In memoriam
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Near Jacksonville FL
Posts: 3,987
Quick question - apart from just walking around at random - what can we do early Sunday morning (it's our first full day in Tokyo - and I assume we'll be up very early). Our hotel is near Tokyo Station. I plan to go to the Harajuku/Omotesando Hills area that day. I suspect there isn't much going on in either area early Sunday morning. Perhaps I'm wrong? Food markets - people watching - whatever is ok. Robyn
BTW aster - good idea for a thread IMO. Robyn
BTW aster - good idea for a thread IMO. Robyn
#8
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There's no tipping, even in cabs. That being said, they don't mind if you round up the fare.
They sell tons of liquor and there's no cut-off. It's legal to drink pretty much anywhere in public, although you might get a few weird looks walking around drinking in the afternoon (or morning, if one starts that early).
They sell tons of liquor and there's no cut-off. It's legal to drink pretty much anywhere in public, although you might get a few weird looks walking around drinking in the afternoon (or morning, if one starts that early).
Also, I've never run into a taxi driver who would understand what it meant to "round up" the fare. Maybe if you can speak Japanese, you can get them to keep the change.
#9
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#10
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#11
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There's a loose group of retired men in my neighbourhood that spend their weekends sitting on benches near a 7-11 drinking all day. They are quite chatty and loud, sometimes the local police sit and talk with them and they don't seem to mind the public drinking. There's also plenty of drinking in parks, so it doesn't seem to be illegal in many public places. On the other hand, walking round and sipping a beer, especially in an onsen, might well get you angry looks.
#12
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#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
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One lisence covers all kinds of alcohol beverages. Typically, convenient stores don't sell larger hard liquor bottles. This is because of space restriction. In some cities like Sapporo or Fukuoka, however, they display more bottles to accommodate the needs of the business persons staying at nearby hotels. I have once seen a bottle of Hakushu whiskey sold in Fukuoka.
#14
Join Date: Aug 2009
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But those are essentially small versions of the actual stores -- and you have to be near a huge department store. If you're in the middle of nowhere and you need your fix, Famima's got your back
Then again, Famima's not going to let you test-taste whatever's in the cup sake. You can, however, sample quite a bit in the basement of, say, Takashimaya.
Then again, Famima's not going to let you test-taste whatever's in the cup sake. You can, however, sample quite a bit in the basement of, say, Takashimaya.
#15
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