Really simple but pretty direct explanations; though for the casual tourist the concepts of tatemae and honne isn't really going to be useful at all.

Moving this video to lucky760's personal queue. It failed to receive enough votes to get sifted up to the front page within 3 days.

Very true, JAPR. People who have no concept of the depth and breadth of the customs and traditions of ancient Asian cultures will likely never *begin or care to have any true understanding of them.

Sending this video to Beggar's Corner to plea for a little attention - beg requested by original submitter lucky760.

I'm planning a trip to Japan this summer. I'll be spending most of my time in Hokkaido but some time in Tokyo. Since I've been researching I've uncovered a few pages that have good information about Japan. The best website I have found that covers the language and culture is http://www.thejapanesepage.com/ There is an active forum here all all discussions Japanese as well as a list of videos, audio lessons, and text lessons.

Above all, make sure you do your research before visiting Japan, it's not like Cancun. Japan is very different from North American and European countries, and is even quite a change from other Asian nations.

Here is a link with a long list of tips for those planning a visit to the country, it talks a lot about etiquitte and language.

http://www.thejapanesepage.com/node/168

ありがとう　ございます。