The author recounts a two-week trip to Japan that included hiking along the Nakasendo Way and exploring Tokyo. Despite being a seasoned travel writer, they faced unexpected culture shock due to unfamiliar train etiquette, dressing norms, and traditional practices, like not wearing slippers on tatami mats. The dramatic shift from rural Japanese towns to the bustling urban environment of Tokyo intensified the challenges faced. The author emphasizes the importance of researching cultural expectations beforehand to enjoy a more fulfilling travel experience.
As an American, there are loads of cultural expectations and fashion norms that I wish I'd researched before I even got on the plane.
Going from hikes through rural towns to the major city made me feel like I'd been blasted into outer space.
I didn't realize I couldn't wear my slippers on tatami mats or how much fish I'd eat for breakfast.
I often felt underdressed in Tokyo, highlighting the important role of fashion norms in Japanese culture.
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