From casual noodle bars to Japanese-style pubs, to fancy kaiseki multi-course dinners, Japan has a vast array of dining options. What should you expect when you sit down to eat? In our final episode for the season, Japan for Beginners looks at some basic things you might encounter when you’re at the table ready to chow down.

• Mystery sound: 00:05
• Intro: 00:45
• Tip #1: 01:03
• Tip #2: 02:47
• Tip #3: 04:40
• Tip #4: 05:49
• Tip #5: 06:46
• Tip #6: 07:28
• Scavenger Hunt Challenge: 09:46 
•  This week’s sound: 10:08

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• Twitter: @jpforbeginners
• Web: japanforbeginners.libsyn.com

It's hard to find a bad meal in Japan. Convenience stores and shops on the street offer a bevvy of delicious snacks, drinks and full meals. But how is eating and drinking in public perceived in Japan? Just because you can, does it mean you should? Find out more in this week’s episode.

• Intro: 01:26
• Tip #1: 02:34
• Tip #2: 02:57
• Tip #3: 03:24
• Tip #4: 05:10
• Tip #5: 06:08
• Long distance trains: 06:37
• Walking and eating: 06:59
• Alcohol in public: 07:43
• Convenience store eating: 09:58
• Scavenger Hunt Challenge: 10:14

Links

• Episode 3: Rubbish
• Kamakura, Japan, asks tourists not to eat while walking

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• Twitter: @jpforbeginners
• Web: japanforbeginners.libsyn.com

It's another bonus episode! So far, my tips have been to help you not tick off the locals. In this episode, I thought I'd better include one that will help you not get run over by the locals.

“Surely I can use my credit card and handover my cash like anywhere else, right?” You wouldn’t be wrong to assume that, but a cash-based society like Japan has certain rituals and customs that come with the territory. Get a bit more insight into how things work when it comes to money in Japan.

• Bad behaviour alert: 00:43
• Intro: 02:24
• Tip #1: 04:27 
• Tip #2: 07:18
• Tip #3: 08:09
• Tip #4: 10:18
• Scavenger Hunt Challenge: 11:13 
• This week’s sound: 11:48 

Links

• Uruguayan rugby players damage Kumamoto nightclub
• Japan launches cashback reward to offset tax rise
• Consumer Tourist Hotline
• Bonus Tip #2

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• Twitter: @jpforbeginners
• Web: japanforbeginners.libsyn.com

This episode is part two on Movement -- that is, how to get from A to B in Japan without adding to the chaos. Check out this week’s three tips.

• Intro: 00:22
• Tip #1: 00:49
• Tip #2: 01:39
• Tip #3: 04:56
• Scavenger Hunt Challenge: 05:54
• This week’s sound: 06:57

Links

• Escalator manners 

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• Twitter: @jpforbeginners
• Web: japanforbeginners.libsyn.com

It's a bonus episode! Japan is full of different genres of restaurants and bars, including the Japanese pub or izakaya. My friend Saya has an important public service announcement for all izakaya first-timers.

Links

• Amuse bouche 
• Consumer Tourist Hotline
• Updated Show & Share Cards

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• Twitter: @jpforbeginners
• Web: japanforbeginners.libsyn.com

How do you move from A to B without adding to the chaos? There are certainly written rules, but a lot of them are unwritten. Your host, Sam is here to give you some tips on movement.

• Intro: 00:39
• Tip #1: 01:28
• For more info on space, check out episode 2: 03:35
• Tip #2: 05:05
• Scavenger Hunt Challenge: 07:57 
• This week’s sound: 08:39  

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• Twitter: @jpforbeginners
• Web: japanforbeginners.libsyn.com

Should I bring an umbrella to Japan? What are some things to consider when using umbrellas in Japan? Tell me about used umbrella condoms already! Find out more about umbrellas and umbrella etiquette in this week’s episode.

• Intro: 00:34
• The umbrella/kasa Chinese character: 00:45
• Typhoon 01:08 
• Umbrella Fun Fact #1: 01:43
• Umbrella Fun Fact #2: 02:43
• Tip #1: 03:58
• Used Umbrella Condoms: 05:10
• Tip #2: 09:09
• Tip #3: 09:58
• Parasols & Sunbrellas: 11:21 
• Scavenger Hunt Challenge: 12:42 

Links

1. Episode 3: Rubbish
2. Bonus Episode 1
3. Umbrellas and Diversity
4. Japan for Beginners Blog
5. A Tokyo Umbrella Sharing Service

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• Twitter: @jpforbeginners
• Web: japanforbeginners.libsyn.com

I've got a downloadable freebie for you! More details in the episode.

Links

• Show & Share Cards

Japan isn't the only country with a shoes-off-inside culture. In this episode, we look at the where, who and most importantly, the why when it comes to shoes, socks and slippers in Japan. 

• Intro: 00:35
• Tip #1: 01:00
• Tip #2: 03:33 
• Tip #3: 05:06
• Tip #4: 06:28
• Tip #5: 07:52
• Scavenger Hunt Challenge: 09:49
• Bonus Scavenger Hunt Challenge: 11:04 
• Shitennoji Flea Market 12:21

Links

1. Tatami mats
2. Shitennoji Flea Market
3. The Japan for Beginners Blog

Follow me on Twitter @jpforbeginners