The Japanese are known to be reserved, introvert and quiet. So how do you meet locals on your trip?
Japan is more than just a destination for sightseeing and food. It's a rich and diverse culture that welcomes travelers who want to experience it firsthand. But how do you go beyond the tourist traps and make friends with the locals? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are five fun and easy ways to meet and interact with the amazing people of Japan - no awkwardness involved.
1. Let's start with the obvious one - the bars!
One of the best ways to meet locals in Japan while travelling is to explore the nightlife, especially the izakayas. Izakayas are traditional Japanese pubs that serve food and drinks, and they are very popular among the locals. They are also great places to socialize and make new friends, as the atmosphere is usually lively and friendly. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the izakaya culture and meet locals in Japan:
- Be adventurous and try new things. Izakayas are a great opportunity to sample different kinds of Japanese food and drinks, such as sake, shochu, beer, or plum wine. Don't be afraid to ask the person next to you at the bar for suggestions, as they are usually happy to share.
- Be friendly and open-minded. Izakayas are a great place to chat with locals and learn more about their lives, opinions, and interests. You can start a conversation by complimenting or asking about their food or drink choice, asking them about their favorite places to visit in Japan, or sharing your own travel stories. You might find some common ground or learn something new. As always in Japan - be polite and respectful!
- Have fun and enjoy the experience. Izakayas are meant to be fun and relaxing places where you can enjoy good food, drinks, and company. Don't be shy or nervous, just be yourself and have a good time. You might make some new friends or even find a local guide who can show you around the city. You never know what might happen in an izakaya!
2. Crush it in Karaoke with New Friends:
One of the best ways to meet locals in Japan while travelling is to join them in one of their favorite pastimes: karaoke. Karaoke is a huge part of Japanese culture, and many people go to karaoke bars after work or on weekends to unwind, socialise and have fun. You can find karaoke bars everywhere in Japan, and they offer a variety of songs, genres, and languages. Some karaoke bars even have costumes, props, and special effects to spice up your performance.
If you want to experience karaoke with locals, you've got a few options. You can go to a public karaoke bar, where you can sing in front of strangers and maybe make some new friends. You can also go to a private karaoke room, where you can rent a booth for yourself or a group of people. This is more comfortable and intimate, and you can invite locals to join you or ask them to invite you to their room. Either way, you will have a lot of fun and get to know the locals better.
Karaoke is not just a casual activity in Japan, but taken quite serious! The Japanese practice a lot and give feedback to each other. Don't be surprised if they comment on your pitch, tone, or pronunciation. They are not trying to be rude, but to help you improve. They also expect you to do the same for them. So don't be shy and give it your best shot. You might impress them with your talent or make them laugh with your enthusiasm.
Karaoke is a great way to meet locals in Japan while travelling because it is fun, easy, and accessible. You don't need to speak fluent Japanese or know much about their culture to enjoy karaoke. You just need to be willing to sing, listen, and learn. You will find that karaoke is a universal language that can break the ice and create bonds between people from different backgrounds.
3. Hit Up Local Festivals:
Japan's calendar is jam-packed with festivals, and they're not just for the locals – they want you there, too! From cherry blossom celebrations to lively matsuri (traditional festivals), these events are a great way to get closer to the Japanese.
Not sure where to start? Some of our suggestions for a good time at Japanese festivals (depending on when you are visiting) are Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo, the Daito Ohara water festival in Ohara and the Hitaki Sai fire festival in Kyoto - but there are of course many more options!
- Sanja Matsuri is a Shinto festival held annually in Tokyo, Japan. Shinto festivals are a combination of holy rituals and joyful celebration, with the celebration part often including a lot of booze. Sanja Matsuri is considered one of the wildest and largest Shinto festivals in Japan. It's held on the third weekend of every May at Asakusa Shrine and attracts 1.5 to 2 million people every year!
- Daito Ohara is one of the more unusual Japanese festivals, that takes place in February in Ichinoseki, Iwate. In this festival, men who are considered to be at a traditionally unlucky age run naked through the town while people along the route shower them with cold water. The unlucky man who runs at the front carries a banner that says, “prayers for the prevention of fire.” The festival dates back to 1657, when there was a major fire in Edo. It is said that the date of the large fires that devastated the streets of Edo was designated as an unlucky day, and the festival was started to both pray for and raise awareness of fire prevention.
- Hitaki Sai fire festival is spectacular event that happens at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto on November 8th every year. The shrine is famous for its thousands of torii gates that lead to the sacred mountain. In this festival, bundles of prayer sticks with worshippers’ written wishes are set alight on three bonfires as a holy fire is believed to purge away people’s sins and to grant wishes. The heat and flames provide a dramatic backdrop as priests undertake cleansing rituals in front of each fire using water, salt, and sakaki leaves, and sacred kagura dances are performed intermittently by priestesses carrying golden bells until the last prayer stick is tossed in to the fire.
4. Ask around to Japanese where to eat
One of the best ways to meet locals in Japan while travelling is to ask them where to eat. Japanese people are very proud of their cuisine and love to share it with visitors. If you approach them politely and show interest in their culture, they will often invite you to join them at one of their favourite spots. This way, you can enjoy authentic food, learn more about the local customs and make new friends. You might even get some insider tips on what to see and do in the area.
5. Try as many experiences and activities as you can
Japan has a treasure trove of experiences hosted by locals, from tea ceremonies, samurai classes and learning how to make sushi. It's a great way to dive into the Japanese culture from several different angles, and get to ask questions to your hosts. That's why we really recommend trying as much different things as your schedule and budget allow you to. Just think, ''how often will I be in Japan again?!''.
If your budget is a little more limited, no stress! Our favourite option to sightsee with locals (not just in Japan!) is actually free! Meet Guruwalk - a platform that connects travellers with local guides who offer free walking tours in different cities around the world. The ''guru's'' know all about their city, and love to tell you all about it. Looking for the true hidden gems? This is where you get them! In Japan you can sign up for Guruwalks in the bigger cities, and even if you're a solo traveller you're welcome to sign up for one. Some cover a specific neighborhood, temple, or other attraction and some are a bit more broad. It's the perfect way to ask questions, get tips and make friends with your guide and other travellers (if more have signed up for the same tour).
6. Embrace Local Hospitality at a Minshuku:
One of the best ways to meet locals in Japan while travelling is to stay in a minshuku, which is a type of accommodation that resembles a family home. A minshuku is usually run by a local family who will welcome you into their house and treat you like one of their own. You will get to experience the authentic Japanese lifestyle, such as sleeping on futons, eating home-cooked meals, and enjoying a Japanese bath. You will also have the opportunity to chat with your hosts and learn more about their culture, history, and daily life. A minshuku is a great option for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the local community and make some new friends along the way.
Minshuku tend to be small with just a few guest rooms. In-room amenities tend to be basic and typically include a small television, a small table, a heater, a tea set, and towels. Some older minshuku may not have locks on room doors. Dinner and breakfast are often included, and are normally served in a common dining room. You typically won't find a minshuku in a metropolis like Tokyo, but outside the bigger cities there are plenty of them near the areas often visited by travellers, such as hot springs, ski resorts, and in the mountains. Minshukus are also commonly found in smaller countryside cities and towns or by the sea. If you've got the time to explore Honshu (Japan's main island) properly, we suggest to experience a minshuku in the towns around Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, where you can stay the night in a historic and traditional farmhouse.
Bonus tip: be open, and be yourself!
In a country where politeness reigns, authenticity is key. Share your stories, ask about theirs, and don't stress about cultural nuances – they appreciate the effort.
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