Japan has always been famous for its “unwritten laws”. If you intend to travel to the land of the rising sun, keep these 13 things in mind.
For a long time, Japan has attracted millions of tourists because of its unique culture, friendly people and impressive natural scenery. However, many tourists can’t help but be “fearful” when reading the forbidden, taboo or should not do when coming to this country.
Whether you are a tourist, a student or a business traveler; There are things not to do that you must always remember when coming to Japan.
1. Giving tips
You will wonder why the Japanese don’t want to take tips? If you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant in Japan, don’t be too surprised to see a waiter running to give you change, even if it’s just a few yen. Tipping is not a way to compliment the waiter. The Japanese believe that when a customer gives them a tip, it means that the customer is not satisfied with the service and wants to say “try harder next time”.
2. Entering the house with shoes on
When entering someone’s house, before entering the interior area, you will see a small door step. The Japanese call that area “genkan”. This is a place for guests to take off their shoes and fold them neatly to one side, or on a shoe stand by the wall. In addition, you also have to take off your shoes when entering some places such as temples, pagodas, even restaurants.
3. Eating while walking
Remember that Tokyo is not New York so you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a sandwich while walking down the subway. One of the more “taboo” things is that you should not eat or drink on the train. For Japanese people, you can only eat outside during music and cultural festivals.
4. Litter
Littering on the street will bring trouble and huge fines for you in many countries around the world. Japan is no exception. The city government has installed a lot of trash cans with eye-catching and easy-to-see shapes so that you can throw trash in the right place everywhere in the city.
5. Hug
Perhaps for many people, hugging is a way to show that they are friendly. However, Japanese people feel uncomfortable hugging, especially with informal relationships and with strangers. It’s best to just shake hands or bow politely.
6. Talking on the phone on the train
If someone calls you while you’re on the train, decline the call. Answering the phone on the subway is considered rude as it affects other passengers, especially if you speak too loudly.
7. Insist on paying when invited to dinner
When you are invited to dinner or drinks by someone, you will always be prepared to spend a little money with the other person. However, if you are invited to dinner by a Japanese person, you should not insist on paying as it is considered rude to the person inviting you.
8. Jump right into hot springs without bathing first
If you want to try the feeling of bathing in a public place or a hot spring (onsen) in Japan, it’s not as simple as taking off your clothes and immersing yourself in the water right away. You should bathe and cleanse your body before soaking in the hot springs. That way, it won’t get dirty or make other guests feel uncomfortable.
9. Talking too loudly
You may not notice, but sometimes your volume is louder than you can imagine. Try to keep your conversation at a loud enough volume and don’t argue in public places. Save it until you get home.
10. Panic of people wearing masks
It sounds odd, but many tourists are scared to see Japanese people wearing masks all day. What serious disease are they suffering from? Is it contagious?
In fact, in Japan, people often wear masks to protect themselves from allergies or colds. If someone is sick, they also wear a mask to avoid infecting others. Many people also think that masks are also a beauty accessory for them.
11. Inappropriate codes of conduct
If someone offers or offers you something to eat, don’t forget to say thank you “arigato gozaimasu”. If you’re going out to eat with Japanese friends, don’t forget to say “itadakimatsu” (good appetite) before eating. Remember that food should not be left over and always say “gochisousamadeshita” to show gratitude.
12. Bring credit cards only
Like many other countries, Japan also has many rural areas where you can only buy goods at small local grocery stores. As a result, your credit card will become useless when visiting these areas. Always remember to bring some money to protect yourself if you intend to travel to Japan.
13. Play with chopsticks while eating
You can play with chopsticks at your house if no one is paying attention. Use them for sword fighting, making drumsticks or even poking your nose, it’s all up to you. However, if you do it in Japan, it means that you don’t respect the host or the people who invite you to eat.
In addition, you must not use a chopstick to pluck food, poke through it or use chopsticks to clack.
