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What do to over winter break?

I am going to Japan this Winter Break for the first time, what should I expect?

  • Hi, I currently live in California.Just recently, my Japanese friend invited me to come to Japan with him for 2 and a half weeks because his family really liked me and wanted me to come visit their country during Winter Break. I am a white male, 17 years old, and I only speak English and Estonian ( I am 100% Estonian), no Japanese at all. This will also be my first time entering an Asian country and I do not know what to expect. Will people treat me nice there? Will I have a lot of trouble communicating with people since I cannot speak Japanese? How will the weather be during Winter? Since I live in California I dont really have a winter wardrobe :l P.S. I will be 18 by the time I go there, are there any cool places I can go to as an 18 year old in Japan? Thanks :D

  • Answer:

    It depends where in Japan you're going. In the major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto), most signs will be in "Romanji" (Japanese for "Roman Alphabet"), so you'll be able to understand the names of places, and many people will have at least some basic English abilities. However, if your friend is in a more rural area, the chances of encountering English will decrease significantly. I lived in Japan for over one year, and nearly everyone I encountered was very polite and helpful when I needed it. Many Japanese are very shy, especially outside of the major cities, and some may be surprised to see a foreigner. If your friend is showing you around though, you should have few problems (but I'd keep a card on you with his address so you can get a taxi if you're ever lost) If you're in Tokyo (or anywhere south/west of it), the winters are cold, but mild and with little snowfall - a light jacket and maybe a hat should be sufficient - you won't need heavy sweaters or anything. As for cool places, it depends on what you like. If you want to see historical sights, of course you can go there. The drinking age in Japan is 19, but it seems to not be heavily enforced and you can buy beer, etc. in almost every convenience store. In Tokyo, popular neighborhoods for 19-25 year olds include: Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara (the electronic & comic town), Ikebukuro, and Shimo-Kitazawa. Have fun!

kleesmen... at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Where in Japan are you going? Unless it's Okinawa, you will be freezing in winter. The Tokyo/Yokohama area has winter weather similar to New York City, so you better bring a really thick jacket/coat. If you are visiting even further North than Tokyo, it will be even colder and you will have heavy snowfall to deal with. If you are in the southern parts of Japan, in or near Okinawa, then it will be mild winter weather. People generally mistakenly think of Japan as a warm-weather climate, like South East Asia, but it isn't. It's a cold, wet climate. Gear up buddy!!

Dan, version 4.0

you can expect to be treated very well. your friend's family will spoil you. not speaking japanese wont be a problem as you'll be with your friend who will be your translator. it's a good idea to learn a few phrases though as your friends parents will be thrilled if you try and thank them in japanese. it's colder than california winter time but depends which part of japan you'll be visiting. osaka is usually not too bad, rarely falls below freezing even overnight and is often dry and sunny during the winter. lots of things to do, you'll have such a busy schedule you'll sleep like a baby on the flight home to california.

young.dave

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