Robbi Jumaa Hamida, senior vice president with Nexion Travel Group, is a 31-year industry insider and a devoted traveler. He first visited Japan in 1996 while working for United Airlines to see the Cirque de Soleil production of Alegria. Since then, Robbi has traveled to Japan more than 50 times with no end in sight.

Most travelers’ first contact with Japan is one of its airports. What might be some of the first indications of Japanese culture that a traveler would notice?

Robbi Jumaa Hamida: As you arrive in Japan from North America, you’ll likely find yourself in one of four major cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya or Sapporo. Right out of the gate, you’ll notice order, cleanliness and respect. Those norms are ingrained into Japanese culture. You’ll also notice some of the “cuteness” that many associate with Japan.

You mentioned cuteness, which is a visually fun and historically interesting slice of Japanese culture, also known as Kawaii. Give us your take on how Kawaii fashion, trends and cuteness are on display in everyday life in Japan.

Robbi Jumaa Hamida: Back in the 1970s, the rise of comics and animation characters inspired a variety of products that showcased these cute, pastel designs. One of the most well-known creations during this time was Hello Kitty. Hello Kitty, created in 1974 by Yuko Shimizu, is found everywhere in Japan (and worldwide for that matter). Just to note as Hello Kitty celebrates her 50th birthday this year, she is not actually a cat, but rather a young British girl living in London.

One of the greatest displays of this Kawaii culture is the famous Takeshita Street in the Harajuku district in Tokyo. It’s pedestrian-only and lined with clothing shops, dessert shops selling items like rainbow cotton candy and crepes, and a spectacle of locals and tourists dressed as characters from famous television shows and movies.

Japan has bountiful accommodation options, many of which would feel familiar, recognizable and be within a North American traveler’s comfort zone. However, culture-seeking travelers may want to consider more authentic or traditional lodging. What might those options look like?

RJH: For more adventurous types, Japan is known for two distinct kinds of hotels: a capsule hotel and the ryokan. Capsule hotels are usually found around train stations and have a college dorm-room feel. They appeal to travelers on a tighter budget or who are looking for a quick sleep before heading out on another adventure. And because of their size (imagine sleeping in a cupboard), capsules are not meant for any type of extended stay. For those wanting a more traditional stay outside of the major cities, a ryokan offers that connection to Japanese culture. Ryokans normally usher visitors into a welcome hall where you can connect with other travelers and exchange stories. Many ryokans offer traditional Japanese meals and tea. One of the attractions at a ryokan is the common bathing areas, which are separated by gender. Guests customarily dress in a yukata, a cotton summer robe, and soak in an onsen, which is a pool fed by hot springs.

Japan has bountiful accommodation options, many of which would feel familiar, recognizable and be within a North American traveler’s comfort zone. However, culture-seeking travelers may want to consider more authentic or traditional lodging. What might those options look like?

RJH: For more adventurous types, Japan is known for two distinct kinds of hotels: a capsule hotel and the ryokan. Capsule hotels are usually found around train stations and have a college dorm-room feel. They appeal to travelers on a tighter budget or who are looking for a quick sleep before heading out on another adventure. And because of their size (imagine sleeping in a cupboard), capsules are not meant for any type of extended stay. For those wanting a more traditional stay outside of the major cities, a ryokan offers that connection to Japanese culture. Ryokans normally usher visitors into a welcome hall where you can connect with other travelers and exchange stories. Many ryokans offer traditional Japanese meals and tea. One of the attractions at a ryokan is the common bathing areas, which are separated by gender. Guests customarily dress in a yukata, a cotton summer robe, and soak in an onsen, which is a pool fed by hot springs.

Culinary experiences are an incredible way to witness the intertwining of a country’s food, culture, history and social norms. What culinary traditions have you explored that really give you insight into Japanese culture?

RJH: Food is an essential part of Japanese culture, and there are options for every kind of traveler. While many restaurants offer Western-style seating for meals, most traditional dining options feature low tables and floor cushions. When dining in these traditional locales, you’ll notice the floor of straw, called tatami. You must always remove your shoes before stepping on the tatami. Proper etiquette for sitting on the cushions is men usually sit with legs crossed and women usually sit with legs to one side.

Rice is a staple in Japan and served with most meals; many households eat rice with their meals at least twice a day. And in fact, the Japanese word for cooked rice is the same word as “meal.” You will also find Japanese food is tied to the seasons, meaning certain fruits and vegetables make their way into meals as they become available.

One fascinating feature of many Japanese restaurants is the stunningly realistic food replicas in their windows. These plastic food models grab your attention as you stroll by and give you an idea of what is available to order. The quality of these plastic models is amazing, especially the models of the desserts.

Shrines and temples embody the intersection of architecture, spiritual traditions and cultural practices in Japan. They can also provide a respite from the urban bustle. What should travelers know when they visit these sites?

RS: If the crowds are too much, and you need to find your Zen, check the local maps for a shrine to visit for a moment of quiet. As you arrive at the gates of the shrine, a simple bow before entering is customary. Once you bow, look for the small basin of water to cleanse yourself before entering. Ladle water onto your left hand and then right hand and rinse. Spiritually, the center space of a shrine is reserved for the gods, so never walk through it. Finally, enter the shrine and bow again to pay your respects and take the time to relax before venturing back out into the world.

With sumo being Japan’s official national sport, what would you tell visitors about it and the best places and ways to spectate?

RS: There are several tournaments around the country throughout the year where you can enjoy watching who will get pushed out of the ring. Tournaments often begin at rooster-crowing early hours and extend throughout the day, with lower-ranking wrestlers competing early and higher-status wrestlers in the ring in the afternoons. You can also visit a training center to watch sumo practice. For those visiting Tokyo, you will want to see the Ryogoku area of Japan, which is considered the home of sumo.

Many of us are fans of the scene in the movie Lost in Translation where the main character embarks on one of Japan’s iconic nightlife adventures … karaoke! How can a traveler get in on the fun?

RS: Karaoke is the fad that has never gone away in Japan. As night falls, you might find yourself spontaneously connecting with locals, expats, or other travelers and deciding to test out your vocal cords in a private karaoke booth. Similar to arriving at your hotel, you advise the front desk how large your party is, and you’re directed to a room that accommodates your party size. If you’ve never had a karaoke adventure before, save time (and money) by picking what songs you plan to sing before arriving so they can be queued up. While there are many venues that offer karaoke, Big Echo is a great pick for both tourists and locals, and it has locations throughout Japan.

We always want to be good ambassadors and respectful of the people we meet when we’re traveling. What cultural norms, traditions and expectations should travelers to Japan be aware of?

RS: One does not want to be a “bad tourist” while in Japan and many actions (such as blowing your nose) are frowned upon there. Here are a few tips to help you be a good traveler while in Japan.

• Don’t take photos of people without permission. It’s illegal.
• Never hand cash to a person. There is generally a tray to set money on and to pick up change.
• Use chopsticks correctly. Never stick them into rice vertically and never make a wasabi slurry with your soy sauce.
• Use a quiet voice. Regardless of where you are, keep a low tone.
• Some areas are for Japanese only. Please be respectful.