We don’t need to tell you how amazing Japan is when it comes to technology. While many people travel on vacations to see monuments and museums, Japan is one of those places visited for it’s incredible tech scene. In fact, Japan has an incredible history at the forefront of modern technology, with well known tech brands like Sony, Honda, Canon and Nintendo just a few of the household brands to have come from the country.
Visiting Tokyo is like visiting a techie mecca for many, with Robot Cafes and museums dedicated to engineering marvels.
That said, though, you still need to know where to look – and how to enjoy the best of your stay too. Here is a guide dedicated to just that.
The Best Tech Attractions in Japan
While Japan is one big tech hub in its own, you need to know where to look so that you get the most immersive experience. Tokyo is probably the most important tech centre in Japan, with many of the best known tech attractions found in the capital city.
One of the most recommended tech shopping destinations in Japan is the Akihabara market. This location is famed internationally as one of the biggest, if not the biggest, markets dedicated to tech. Here, you can find anything from tiny stores specializing in manga and anime to 10-floor stores packing toys, collectable cards and such.
Fans of arcade and computer games will find lots of choice in Tokyo. Taito Hey is probably what you’re looking for, with every type of arcade game flashing and bleeping away 7 days a week. In fact, if you’re looking to shoot zombies or show off your digital kung fu skills (or more likely get beat by a Japanese kid), this is THE place to come.
The Panasonic Living Showroom is also a great place to explore, and includes some Nintendo items too.
Oh, and the Robot Cafe is a love it or hate it experience, but it’s almost a must do for any tech lover in Japan.
Understand the culture
Depending on where you are travelling from, you have to know that the acceptable things in your region might not find a place in Japan.
For one, never ever skip your position on a queue – whether you are waiting to get a burger or at the train station. The Japanese are very strict about their orderliness, and breaking their rules is not well received.
Likewise, you leave your footwear at the door when visiting a Japanese home. Other things worthy of note are:
- You should never blow your nose in public
- Eating on the go is a no-no
- Tipping might be taken as an insult.
- When on the phone in public places, try to be as discreet as possible
- Avoid pointing at things, and most definitely never raise your voice in anger
- It’s considered rude to give or receive items with one hand. Yes, your tiny business card should also be given out with both hands.
Protect yourself
Japan is a tech hub, as we have said before, so you should know their tech literacy is somewhat higher than in other parts of the world. That said, there is a bad side to this too – hacking.
When you are in Japan, you want to protect yourself from potential data or security breaches on all of your devices. TIdeally you should be setting strong passwords for your accounts and never accessing important stuff over un-encrypted networks (read: public Wi-Fi networks) is a must.
If you must use the complimentary hotel, airport or event center Wi-Fi, encrypt your internet traffic with a VPN so a hacker doesn’t use that as a backdoor into your accounts.
Conclusion
We say this with all certainty that Japan is one of the best places you could visit to enjoy tech in a new dimension. If you have already been, or planning on it, share your thoughts in the comments below.
