Hello Kat,
Thanks for stopping by Kyoto Support and posting your question.
Regarding customs; Japanese customs are very different from other parts of the world, especially non-Asians cultures. Of course this is one of the things that makes Japan a very interesting place to visit. However, Japanese are very sophisticated in their understanding of Japan and other cultures. Japanese don’t expect visitors from abroad to behave just like Japanese. Japanese are most happy to see people visiting and appreciating Japan, even if you don’t do everything just like a native.
If you just use common sense, be polite, friendly, modest and so on, you should have no trouble. Just try to pay attention to what others do.
Cleanliness and Shoes in Japanese Culture
Do observe Japanese customs related to cleanliness, especially regarding shoes. In Japanese culture, shoes are dirty. And, in fact, shoes usually really are dirty, if you think about it. Check out a public restroom, especially a men’s public restroom anywhere in the world to confirm this.
There are two kinds of steps in Japan, wooden and stone or concrete. Wood is ‘clean’ and stone is ‘dirty’. That means, take your shoes off BEFORE stepping on anything wood. If a step is stone or concrete, you step on to it then take your shoes off. Actually, many Japanese today don’t know this rule. Just remember that pebbles stuck in your shoe treads will scratch and gouge wood, however they won’t bother stone and concrete.
Exploring and Eating on Your Own
Sorry, I don’t quite understand this point. If you could clarify a bit I will try to reply.
WiFi in Hotel Rooms
Free WiFi is not common here. Most hotels DO NOT yet offer it. Ethernet in hotels is common, though it is often fairly expensive. There is one new hotel that does offer free WiFi I heard, let me check the name, I can’t recall it at the moment.
