If you want to go to Japan, there are a few things that you really must be aware of. It will go a long way toward making your vacation to Japan more pleasurable if you take the time to get acquainted with some of the fundamental cultural customs of the Japanese people. You won’t run into any problems either, so don’t worry about that. The following are some things that, based on Japan’s culture, you should not do.
- Remove your footwear before entering a residence.
Are you used to doing things in your home while still wearing your shoes? If you do that in Japan, you might very well end yourself in some kind of legal problems. Before coming into the home, you are required to remove your footwear and deposit it in the designated area. In addition, as guests enter their rooms, they are given slippers to wear.
- Please refrain from yelling on the train.
In Japan, you’ll see trains rather often. Riding the other hand, passengers on trains do not produce any noise. They are never heard speaking. If you really must communicate with someone, lower the volume of your voice. If you really have to listen to some music, put on your earbuds.
- Don’t use your phone on trains
As was said previously, the Japanese like their trains to be completely silent. On the subway, people talking on their mobile devices to conduct phone calls are an uncommon sight. If you really need to use your phone, send a message instead of making a call or speak in a hushed tone so as not to disrupt the people around you.
- Avoid eating on planes and trains.
When riding the subway or the commuter train, Japanese people do not eat. Consuming alcoholic beverages is permitted so long as the car is not too packed. Nevertheless, passengers on long-distance trains are permitted to consume food and drink. These trains also sell a variety of different foods and drinks.
- Don’t forget to remove toilet slippers
When you come to Japan, you will see that people wear special slippers whenever they go to the bathroom. These slippers are solely for that purpose. These shoes stand out from the crowd since they are decorated with recognizable phrases or images. When you go inside your home or stroll outside on the street, you must always remember to take them off.
- Don’t tip anybody
While in many other cultures it is customary to leave a gratuity for someone who has provided exceptional service, Japan is an exception. They will not take tips under any circumstances, regardless of how pleased you are with the service they provided. In point of fact, someone will come chasing after you in order to give you back the tip!
- When you are having a conversation with someone, you should not neglect them.
Always maintain your composure and pay close attention while conversing with a Japanese individual. If you fail to demonstrate that you have comprehended a point, you run the risk of coming across as unfriendly and unpleasant. When someone is talking to you, you should demonstrate that you are paying attention by responding back.
- Refrain from taking pictures of everything.
In spite of the fact that Japan is a very lovely nation, taking photographs in some areas is strictly forbidden. Before taking any images, you should always make sure to check with someone first. In order to take photographs inside of museums, temples, and shrines, you will need to first get authorization.
- Do not embrace anybody you come in contact with.
The practice of hugging is widespread in western nations. On the other hand, this is not the case in Japan. On the streets of Tokyo, you do not embrace random people you meet across. The vast majority of senior citizens are opposed to the practice. If you want to embrace someone, it’s essential to find out what age range they fall into and whether or not they are okay with physical contact of that kind.
- While you are walking, neither eat nor drink anything.
It is quite unusual to see a Japanese person eating or drinking when they are out and about. Even when there are food vendors on the street, they will always find a space to sit down. You are now aware of how to conduct yourself when walking the streets of Japan so that you do not stand out as a foreigner.
- You should never accept a gift with only one hand.
Always use both hands and bow when receiving anything from a Japanese person, such as a gift or a visiting card. Then you should thank him for his help. When you are given a present, you should wait to open it until the person who gave it to you has departed before doing so.
- Do not dispose of garbage in an unplanned manner.
Another aspect that may be challenging for you to adapt to is the manner in which your waste should be managed. The urban landscapes of Japanese cities are distinctive in comparison to those of other cities throughout the globe in terms of the prevalence of garbage cans. People are strongly urged to carry their rubbish with them until they can locate a suitable disposal location for it.
- Don’t forget to express gratitude and say “thank you.”
The Japanese place a great premium on the use of the verb “thank you.” Acquire the habit of saying it after being attended to at a hotel or retail establishment. Learn the Japanese way of bowing by watching some videos or reading some books. When you are in the presence of elders, you should always show respect by bowing and expressing gratitude.
- Don’t record a person’s name using red ink if you can help it.
It is OK to write “goodbye” in red ink in Japan, however it is considered rude to write a person’s name in red ink. It is considered disobedience in the Japanese culture. Therefore, if you are required to write down the name of your Japanese buddy, you are aware of which color to avoid using.
- Do not be bashful.
It is usual practice for visitors to seek assistance from residents in the area. Once you’ve arrived in Japan, you shouldn’t be bashful or scared to ask for everything you need. They are quite kind, and they are willing to assist you. Even if you forget something someplace by mistake, you should still go back since no one is going to take it away from you.
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