Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Silence on Public Transportation
- 2. Shoes Off: A Ritual of Respect in Indoor Spaces
- 3. Chopsticks at Rest: The Correct Position to Conclude a Meal
- 4. Smoking in Public: Adhering to Rules and Designated Areas
- 5. Table Etiquette: A Banquet of Good Manners
- 6. Respecting the Queue System
- 7. Tipping: An Unnecessary Practice
- 8. Avoid Pointing with Your Finger
- 9. Eating and Drinking Anywhere
- 10. Ofuro Bath: Tradition and Cleanliness (Onsen)
- 11. Tattoos in Parks and Beaches
- 12. Payment in Shops and Restaurants
- 13. Serving Drinks to Others
- 14. Blowing Your Nose in Public
- 15. Greetings
- 16. Avoid Speaking Loudly in Public
- 17. Respect Personal Spaces
- 18. Punctuality
- 19. Learn Some Basic Japanese Phrases
- 20. Be Patient and Understanding
- 21. Dress Modestly
- 22. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
- 23. Respect Nature
- 24. Separate Waste Correctly
- 25. Keep Right on Escalators and Sidewalks
- 26. Avoid Calling People by Name
- 27. Respect Shrines and Temples
- 28. Efficient Public Transportation Use
- 29. Familiarize Yourself with Some Types the Toilets
- 30. Avoid Public Displays of Affection
- 31. Have Fun! 😂
Introduction
After living in Japan for 18 years, traveling through more than 20 states and dozens of cities, I can confidently say that the Land of the Rising Sun is a fascinating country with a rich and nuanced culture. However, like anywhere else in the world, there are customs and etiquette rules that, if not observed, can lead to embarrassing situations for tourists.
In this post, I will share some of the most common mistakes made by visitors to Japan, based on my experience and life in this special country. Get ready to uncover the secrets of Japanese culture and avoid embarrassment during your next adventure!
1. Silence on Public Transportation: A Golden Rule for Harmony
When boarding a train or bus in Japan, be prepared for a quiet and serene environment. Conversations at loud volumes, phone calls, and even using headphones with high volume are considered rude and disrespectful. Imagine an entire train car filled with people napping, reading, or simply enjoying the silence. It's a unique experience of peace and harmony!
2. Shoes Off: A Ritual of Respect in Indoor Spaces
In Japan, shoes are considered impure and thus should be removed before entering homes, temples, traditional restaurants, and some other places. This tradition aims to maintain cleanliness and respect for indoor spaces. It's important to observe if there's a designated area for shoes and if not, find a discreet spot to place them.
3. Chopsticks at Rest: The Correct Position to Conclude a Meal
After finishing a meal in Japan, remember to place the chopsticks on top of the chopstick rest, usually a small porcelain or wooden stand. Avoid leaving them vertically stuck into the food, as this gesture is considered ominous and symbolizes death.
4. Smoking in Public: Adhering to Rules and Designated Areas
In Japan, smoking in public is typically restricted to designated areas, such as outdoor smoking areas, smoking rooms in restaurants and bars, and some specific spots in parks and other public areas. It's important to observe signs and indications whether smoking is allowed in a particular location. Moreover, smoking while walking on the streets is considered inappropriate and might even be illegal in certain areas.
5. Table Etiquette: A Banquet of Good Manners
When sitting down to a traditional Japanese meal, observe the following etiquette rules:
- Express gratitude for the food: Before starting to eat, say "いただきます" (Itadakimasu), which means "I receive with gratitude."
- Eat quietly: Avoid chewing loudly or speaking while eating.
- Sip your drink slowly: It's not customary to gulp down beverages in one go.
- Don't waste food: Try to finish everything on your plate.
- Clean your utensils: After finishing the meal, put the chopsticks back on the rest and wipe them with a napkin before putting them away.
6. Respecting the Queue System
In Japan, queues are taken very seriously. When waiting in lines to enter shops, restaurants, or public transportation, stay in line and avoid cutting the queue.
7. Tipping: An Unnecessary Practice
Unlike the United States, tipping is not expected in Japan. In fact, it may even be considered offensive in some cases. If you want to thank someone for good service, you can give a small gift, such as a candy or a postcard.
8. Avoid Pointing with Your Finger
Pointing with your finger is considered rude in Japan. If you need to indicate something, use an open palm or make a gesture with your whole hand.
9. Eating and Drinking Anywhere
Avoid eating and drinking while walking on the street or in public places where there are no designated tables or chairs for that purpose.
10. Ofuro Bath: Tradition and Cleanliness (Onsen)
If you're invited to an ofuro bath (a traditional Japanese bathtub), remember that it's customary to bathe before entering the tub. Wash your body thoroughly with soap and rinse off before getting into the hot water.
11. Tattoos in Parks and Beaches
In some parks and beaches in Japan, tattoos may be frowned upon. If you have tattoos, consider covering them with clothing or using specific stickers to conceal them.
12. Payment in Shops and Restaurants
In Japan, it's common to use a tray to place the money and take the change or card. Avoid handing the money directly to the shopkeeper or cashier.
13. Serving Drinks to Others
When serving drinks in a group, it's customary to serve older guests first. Never fill your own glass; instead, allow someone else to do it for you. When someone offers to refill your glass, lift it with one hand and support the base with the other as a sign of respect.
14. Blowing Your Nose in Public
Blowing your nose in public is considered rude in Japan. If you need to blow your nose, use a tissue and do it discreetly.
15. Greetings
Japanese people typically greet each other with a bow. The depth of the bow indicates the level of respect. A light bow is sufficient for most situations.
16. Avoid Speaking Loudly in Public
Speaking loudly in public is considered rude in Japan. Keep your voice low, especially in public places such as public transportation, restaurants, and shops.
17. Respect Personal Spaces
Japanese people highly value personal space. Avoid getting too close to other people, especially in enclosed environments.
18. Punctuality
Punctuality is very important in Japan. Arrive on time for appointments, meetings, and events.
19. Learn Some Basic Japanese Phrases
Learning some basic Japanese phrases, such as "hello" (konnichiwa), "thank you" (arigatou gozaimasu), and "excuse me" (sumimasen), can greatly help in your interaction with locals.
20. Be Patient and Understanding
Japanese culture can be very different from your own culture. Be patient with people who don't speak English and try to understand local customs.
21. Dress Modestly
Japanese people typically dress modestly. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, especially in religious sites and temples.
22. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
In Japan, it's considered rude to walk and talk on the phone at the same time, or eat and drink while walking. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid making too much noise in public.
23. Respect Nature
Japan is known for its natural beauty. When visiting parks, gardens, and natural areas, be sure not to disturb the local flora and fauna, and always pick up after yourself.
24. Separate Waste Correctly
Japan has a strict system for recycling and waste separation. Make sure to follow local instructions to dispose of your waste properly.
25. Keep Right on Escalators and Sidewalks
In many Japanese cities, it's customary to keep to the right to allow people in a hurry to pass on the left, both on escalators and sidewalks.
26. Avoid Calling People by Name
In Japanese culture, it's more common to use titles like "Mr." (san) or "Mrs." (sama) followed by the person's last name when addressing them, unless you've been invited to use their first name.
27. Respect Shrines and Temples
When visiting religious sites, maintain respect and reverence, avoiding loud or disrespectful behavior.
28. Efficient Public Transportation Use
Japan has a highly efficient public transportation system, but it can be complex for visitors. Be prepared to use maps and transportation apps to navigate trains and buses.
29. Familiarize Yourself with Some Types the Toilets
Some toilets in Japan have complicated electronic controls. Take the time to understand the symbols and buttons before using them.
30. Avoid Public Displays of Affection
Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are not common or well-regarded in public places in Japan. Keep gestures of affection discreet when interacting in public.
31. Have Fun! 😂
Japan is a beautiful and fascinating country with much to offer to visitors. Relax, enjoy the experience, and don't be afraid to make some mistakes.
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