Excited yet nervous? Japan creates illustrated guide on "10 ways to make tourists happy"

▲ Iwate Prefecture, Japan, releases illustrated tourist guide (Photo /Iwate’s 10 Tips)

By Rita

Japan is going all out to help "lost sheep tourists"! As the Tokyo Olympics draw nearer, it's clear that many parts of Japan are gearing up. The latest creative initiative comes from Iwate Prefecture, where local authorities have released a fun tourist guide.

According to Lonely Planet, this guide called "10 ways to make tourists happy" sums up what Japan hopes for from tourists—covering hygiene habits and communication, such as how to use Japanese toilets. These illustrations come with English explanations, and even if you don’t understand English, the clear visuals convey the messages the Japanese want to get across:

A pig in a bowl means the dish contains pork

A person breathing fire represents an extremely spicy dish

No drinking alcohol in the pool

Please shower before entering the pool

▲ Iwate Prefecture, Japan, releases illustrated tourist guide: Extremely spicy (Photo / Iwate’s 10 Tips)

▲ Iwate Prefecture, Japan, releases illustrated tourist guide: Dish contains pork (Photo / Iwate’s 10 Tips)

▲ Iwate Prefecture, Japan, releases illustrated tourist guide: Please shower before entering (Photo / Iwate’s 10 Tips)

In addition, lectures are being held to encourage locals to assist tourists, even though the locals may not be very confident in their English.