Create meetup in Tokyochevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
want to meet at fmd_good Market Deli
want to meet at fmd_good The Spot
explore Tokyo Guides
bar_chart Trends in Tokyo
Lost in Translation?
honestly the biggest thing people miss is the shoe thing. when you go into someone's home or certain traditional places, you step out of your shoes on the lower step and dont step on the raised floor with shoes on. it sounds basic but i've seen tourists freeze up
for phrases, "onegaishimasu" is way more useful than you'd think. you can tack it onto almost anything and it covers please, i'd like, do this favor for me. also "kore wa nan desu ka" if you're pointing at food or something, just use your whole hand not a finger
the train station is shin-koenji on the marunouchi line, about 15 mins from shinjuku. the area itself is quiet residential streets with some old wooden houses and a few small shops. if you see an old lady gardening and smile at her, she'll prob smile back. that's basically the local social contract
you'll be fine. people in these suburbs are used to tourists being a little lost and they're patient about it. just don't talk loudly on the train and you're golden
The quietness in Hyakuninchō is actually the biggest clue. If you're walking down a residential street and someone else is coming the other way, a slight nod and brief eye contact is all you need, no verbal greeting required. That's the local pace.
For basic interactions, "daijoubu desu" is your secret weapon. It can mean "I'm okay" if someone asks if you need help, or "that's fine" if you're offered something. Just be careful with your tone, it can also sound dismissive if you say it too quickly.
If you end up at a small shop or cafe, putting your money in the little tray by the register instead of handing it directly to the person is a subtle thing that shows you're paying attention. Most places have one, even convenience stores. And don't worry about messing it up, the older ladies running those shops have seen everything and they'll just chuckle to themselves.
Hyakuninchō, huh? Sounds lovely. Sparse online info is unfortunately common for smaller Japanese suburbs. Your best bet is to learn a few key phrases beyond basic greetings. "Sumimasen" (excuse me) is your friend, use it liberally if you need help. Bowing slightly when you do is a good habit to get into; it shows respect. Pointing with your index finger is considered rude; try using your whole hand to indicate direction. Also, mastering "Eigo ga hanasemasen" (I don't speak English) might save you some awkward attempts at conversation, and it will often trigger someone to offer help in English or to find someone who does speak it.
Paying close attention to nonverbal cues will help too. Observe how locals interact; mirroring their behavior (without being overly obvious) can show you're trying to fit in. And don't worry too much about making small mistakes, people are generally understanding, especially if you make an effort. Enjoy your trip! It's probably going to be amazing.
Where can I find crispy, pan-fried bacon similar to a certain international style?
if u have a costco membership the kirkland thick cut is the move, 4 packs of 500g for around 2500 yen and it crisps up proper in a cold pan. for smaller runs, precce in azabudai hills & the basement at isetan shinjuku both carry imported US & danish brands in the chilled case, just read the label for "thick cut" or "smoked" and not "loin". also worth knowing japanese bacon is often wet-cured so pat it dry before frying or it steams instead of crisping
kaldi coffee farm is hit or miss but their smoked bacon from denmark shows up pretty regular, the 200g pack runs about 600 yen. what actually works better for me is asking the butcher counter at peacock or life to slice the block bacon thick, like 5mm, they do it for free and it crisps way better than the pre-packed stuff. also fwiw cheap bacon crisps faster, the fatty supermarket kind at 300 yen a pack works fine if u cook it from cold in a dry pan and pour off the fat as it renders.
tbh the gyomu super store brand bacon is surprisingly decent for crisping up, its not thick cut but if you cook it low and slow it gets pretty crunchy. the key is the dry cure vs wet cure thing, wet cure steams. also check hanamasa if you have one nearby, they sell big packs of american style bacon thats actually smoked and firm.
load 2 more replies