Traveling to Japan for the very first time is magical. You’ll see vending machines on every corner, hear the polite chorus of “Irasshaimase!” (welcome!) as you enter shops, and watch in awe as trains arrive exactly when the clock strikes their scheduled time. But Japan isn’t just about neon lights, anime, and sushi—it’s also a society built on respect, consideration, and harmony. For visitors, this means that locals don’t expect you to be perfect, but they do hope you’ll respect their culture enough to try. And trust me—when you make even a small effort, Japanese people notice and often respond with extra kindness. After spending more than a decade traveling…