Before You Go to Japan: Onsen, Garbage Rules, and Train Etiquette

It was my first day in Tokyo, and I was sweating through my shirt in the summer heat. I boarded the train, and it felt like I had landed on another planet. Everyone was silent—no one was talking on their phones, no one was making noise. I wondered, why is it so quiet? Later, I realized this is just a huge part of daily life in Japan.

If you're thinking of studying in Japan, you need to know more than just classes and part-time jobs. You need to understand some of the rules of daily life. If you don't know them, you'll struggle. But if you do, life will be much smoother.

Onsen: Japan's Traditional Bathhouses

In Japan, large public baths are called onsen (温泉). These hot springs are an integral part of Japanese culture. When I first went to a small onsen in Kusu (九四津), I was so embarrassed! Everyone was bathing naked together. But within minutes, I realized it's so normal that no one looks at anyone else.

What Are the Rules of Onsen?

• Wash your body before entering: You must thoroughly wash and rinse before getting into the pool. The pool is only for soaking.
• Don't dip your towel in the water: Keep your small towel on your head or beside you, never in the water.
• Check your tattoos: If you have tattoos (though many places now allow them), check first—otherwise, they might ask you to leave.

The onsen experience is truly amazing—especially on a cold winter night, with snow falling above you while you soak in hot water. If you go to Japan, you must try it at least once.

Garbage Rules: Here, Throwing Away Trash Is an Art

In Dhaka, we throw garbage anywhere we like. In Japan, that's absolutely not allowed. My biggest headache was sorting trash. Every morning, I had to check what day it was and what type of garbage could be thrown out.

Main Types of Garbage

• Burnable (燃えるゴミ): Kitchen waste, paper, cloth—usually collected twice a week.
• Non-burnable (燃えないゴミ): Glass, metal, plastic items—collected once or twice a month.
• Recyclable (資源ゴミ): Plastic bottles, cans, glass bottles—must be placed in separate bags.
• Large waste (粗大ゴミ): Items like fans, refrigerators—these require a separate fee and must be disposed of on designated days.

Once, I mistakenly threw a plastic bottle in the burnable garbage. My housemate scolded me, saying, 'Look, because of you, the whole bag will be rejected!' It's true—if you violate the rules, the entire bag gets returned, and neighbors get annoyed. So, follow the rules from the beginning.

Train Etiquette: Silence and Order

In Japan, when boarding a train, everyone lines up in an orderly fashion. No one pushes. Once inside, everyone puts their phones on silent. I remember riding the Chuo Line (中央線) in Tokyo during rush hour—it was so crowded I had to hold on to something, but still, nobody was making noise.

Rules to Follow

• No phone calls: Don't talk on the phone while on the train. Texting is fine, but not talking. If you must, go near the doors.
• No feet on seats: Don't put your feet up on the seats, even if you take off your shoes.
• Offer seats to elderly and pregnant women: It's not mandatory, but it's the culture.

At first, the orderly lines seemed strange to me—everyone so disciplined! But after a while, I understood that this discipline is why trains always run on time.

Safety and Technology: What You'll Experience

Studying in Japan means more than just rules—you get a safe country, cutting-edge technology, and a high quality of life. Walking alone at night doesn't feel scary. A friend of mine got lost in Osaka (大阪) at midnight, and the local police escorted him home.

In terms of technology, Japan is amazing. At Shibuya Station (渋谷駅), you'll see robots guiding people, and everything is digital. But there's one aspect of Japanese life—everything moves at a slower, deliberate pace. Everyone works on time, but no one rushes.

Daily Life: Costs and Experiences

Living in Japan is much more expensive than in Dhaka. In Tokyo, monthly living expenses start around 80,000 yen (about 60,000 taka). But there are part-time job opportunities—you can earn 1,000 to 1,200 yen per hour. However, remember to balance work with classes and study.

Japan's nature, food, and culture open up new horizons. Winter festivals in Hokkaido (北海道), cherry blossoms in spring—there's always something new to learn.

Cautions and Reality

Japan isn't a perfect country. There's a culture of long working hours, and social pressure exists. As an international student, you may also face some loneliness. But for Bangladeshi students, there are many opportunities—government and private scholarships, graduate opportunities, and an international environment.

Before making any decision, do thorough research. Check updated information on visa, costs, and schools. I always say, learn Japanese at least 6 months before going to Japan. If you pass JLPT N3, life will be much easier.

And yes, don't forget to keep your towel on your head in onsen, and put your phone on silent on trains!

Japan is a beautiful country, but it's also a country of rules. If you know the rules, life here is truly enjoyable.

When I returned to Dhaka, I often thought about the rules I learned in Japan—I can't always follow them back home, but the experience taught me a lot.

If you're thinking of studying in Japan, don't wait any longer. If you're interested, check our eligibility page, or contact us. We'll help you through the entire process.