The experience of moving to a new country involves learning a new culture, which can range from surprising to challenging to memorable. This is certainly the case for @lucknawiinjapan, an Indian content creator who gives her followers a peek into her life in Japan on her Instagram page. Her experiences have become stories about learning to live in a new culture and they are quite engaging.From finding out what vegetarians can eat to learning how strict the rules are on parking bicycles, her stories highlight how unusual yet interesting daily life is in Japan.
Food stalls in Japan
What vegetarians can eat in Japan
For many vegetarian travellers, Japan’s famous food culture raises an immediate question: what can we actually eat here?When @lucknawiinjapan first moved to Japan, finding vegetarian food wasn’t always easy, especially outside major cities. During one early three-day trip to Mie Prefecture, the options were extremely limited. Instead of savoring the rich and exotic dishes of Japan, she remembers surviving on coffee, chips, peanuts, chocolates, and bread.The problem is that most of the dishes in Japan have hidden ingredients of animals. For instance, Dashi is a broth made from fish flakes and is a base ingredient for many dishes such as soups, sauces, and noodles. However, as time went on, things became easier for her because she was living in Japan and discovering dishes and restaurants that were compatible with her dietary choices. Vegan sandwiches, plant-based ramen and flavoured yogurts eventually became part of her routine.Major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka have also seen a growing number of vegetarian and vegan eateries in recent years. For those willing to explore a little, plant-based food options are gradually becoming more visible across Japan.
A costly bicycle parking mistake
In one of her posts, she shared a small but memorable incident involving bicycle parking. After leaving her bicycle in the wrong place, she later discovered that there was a fine tag placed by authorities. To retrieve it, she would have to pay a 5,000 yen fine. But luckily, she was let go with just a warning as it was an honest mistake.In many Japanese cities, improperly parked bicycles are quickly collected by municipal authorities and taken to designated storage facilities. Owners must then visit the facility, show identification and pay a fee before they can take their bicycle back.Despite the hassle of the experience, the incident also brought home the reality that visitors notice as soon as they step foot in Japan: the organization of public spaces and the implementation of rules in these spaces are done in such a manner that the rules are obeyed as closely as possible.
Train schedule in Japan
When trains in Japan are late
Japan prides itself on having the most punctual train system in the world, and while delays in the system can happen, the manner in which the delay is addressed was the most surprising thing for her. In Japan, the passenger can ask for and obtain a written apology from the railway for the delay in the train. This document is known as a Chien Shōmeisho, or delay certificate.The certificate acts as official proof that a train arrived late and that passengers were not responsible for being delayed. If a train is delayed, usually by five minutes or more, the railway company may issue this certificate. Commuters can show it to their school, office or workplace as an explanation for arriving late.The document is available to passengers through a number of channels. Station staff usually provide it in print form, and it is also available in print form through ticket machines. Additionally, most railway companies have put it up on their websites.The document usually consists of basic information such as date, train line, and approximate delay time.
Self-payment machines that return exact change
Another thing that caught her attention was Japan’s very efficient payment systems. In Japan, vending machine and payment counter usage is extremely high. These machines are used to pay for everything, ranging from a cold drink to a train ticket or a meal.One of the notable aspects is the accuracy of the machines. The self-payment machines used in Japan are capable of calculating the amount to be paid. In addition, the machines provide the correct change after the payment is made. There is no need to count the money or check if the cashier has given the correct amount of change.
The small experiences that define life
The experiences shared by @lucknawiinjapan through her posts provide an overview of the small cultural differences that define life. The experiences include the challenges faced, as well as the unique approach to life.
