This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Two things can be true at once — and in Japan they usually are. It’s a land of contradictions and, thanks to this and its reputation ...

‘Japanese people are very prideful, and following the rules is a big thing in Japan.' So says GetYourGuide’s Japan expert - and Tokyo native - Takao Nishina. But what are the rules? Takao reveals all ...

In Japan, I saw how the local culture and etiquette are different from what I'm used to in the US. With self-cleaning toilets and an absence of trash, Japan models an impressive level of cleanliness.