Japan is a destination that often sees millions of visitors each year, a good percentage of them from the US. And, unless these tourists did their research ahead of time, there are bound to be laws and customs that catch them off guard. According MSN.com writer Kathy Haan, here are 10 local laws in Japan that confuse US tourists
1. Bringing in cold medicine
-If you're suffering from a cold, bringing in medication such as Sudafed or Vicks could get you into some legal trouble while trying to enter Japan. There are very strict laws against bringing in medications containing pseudophedrine, which is a common ingredient in cold medicine. Bringing those with you, even by accident, could result in confiscation, a lengthy discussion or even detention by the authorities. Prior to travel, check your medicine against the list of prohibited medications on Japan's Ministry of Health website to ensure you get the medications documented
2. Riding a bicycle after drinking
-Japan considers even a bicycle to be a sort of vehicle. They do not see it as a toy. It's given the same legal responsibilities as a car. And, as such, if you are intoxicated and operating a bicycle under the influence, that's the same as driving drunk or buzzed. Doing this in the US might seem harmless, but in Japan, it's considered a very serious DUI offense. The law is clear as crystal: if you are intoxicated, you don't have all of your faculties about you. You cannot operate a bicycle, come to a full stop or control it safely. The penalties are incredibly severe. It includes fines exceeding one million yen and even potential prison time. The logic is clear and easy to understand: while intoxicated, the person operating the bicycle is a danger to the public, no matter the number of wheels they have
3. Incorrectly disposing of trash
-Japan is known as being one of the cleanest countries in the world. This is in part to a strict approach to waste. Citizens know to dispose of waste material properly. That is why you will be hard pressed to find any public trash bins. Waste material is meant to be taken home and disposed of there. Each municipality has its own set schedule for sorting items into burnables, plastics and glass, which are placed in clearly designated bags for pickup. Do not just casually toss your bottle into the wrong bin or leave trash behind you. This could incur a fine for you. The idea of taking your trash with you shows a massive collective responsibility to ensure the country is clean for everyone
4. Not turning in lost money
-In the US, if you find a lost wallet, this might feel like you just won free money. But if you have a conscience and want to do the right thing, then you'll turn that wallet in to the proper authorities to be reunited with its owner. In Japan, however, finding a lost wallet comes with a legal obligation. You must turn in that lost wallet to the nearest koban, or police box. There will almost always be a police officer posted outside or sitting at the desk inside. It's part of the Lost Property Act, which states that any property found on the street must, without question or doubt, be taken to the nearest koban, or police box, for reunion with its owner. Pocketing the wallet is considered theft. This law helps maintain the social trust Japan is so lovingly known for and it results in a high number of returned items. If the money is not claimed within three months, then it becomes yours legally. This system has such a high success rate because honesty is not the exception to the rule, but default. It's expected to be honest and do the right thing
5. Splashing pedestrians with puddles
-It's common for some drivers in the US to carelessly splash a pedestrian walking along the sidewalk with a puddle if they're driving by, because they think it's funny. That type of careless attitude won't go far at all in Japan. This law captures the Japanese concept of omotenashi, or profound consideration of others. Drivers who soak pedestrians by speeding through a puddle can be issued a fine for inconsiderate driving. It's a legal agreement that being behind the wheel comes with many responsibilities, and one of them being to create as little impact on the people around you as possible. It might seem like no big concern but it reflects the deeply ingrained belief that maintaining harmony all around you requires thoughtfulness and consideration from everyone
6. Challenging someone to a duel
-This might sound made up, but it's not. Challenging someone to a duel is not allowed in Japan. This stems from 1889, when Japan was trying to become a modern country and working to remove all traces of the violence from the feudal samurai era. It still remains as a law today. It protects against vigilantism and marks a clear transition from a feudal era society to a modern, more civilized society. Disputes must be solved with words, not swords
7. Taking photographs in certain temples and museums
-There are some places in Japan that do not allow photography. Look for signs stating that photography is not allowed. If you do not see signs, ask someone. It never hurts to ask because it shows that you are being considerate of that area. And if you ask someone, it will earn you respect from the locals because it shows you are making a conscious effort to be considerate. The reason that flash photography is not allowed in certain shrines, temples or museums is because the flash could damage some of the ancient artifacts. Photography is not allowed in some areas because it is to preserve the tranquility of the space as a place to quietly worship and contemplate, free from the distractions of tourists. The ban is nothing personal; it's just to ensure that the spiritual purpose of the building is maintained. Sometimes the best memories are not ones you catch on camera
8. Smoking outside of designated areas
-In the past, you could light up a cigarette wherever and whenever the mood struck you in Japan. No more of that. Major changes in public health have demanded that designated areas for smokers be created. There are now small, clearly marked areas to smoke, instead of doing it on public streets and sidewalks. Smoking while walking is to be avoided at all costs, as it prevents others from breathing in secondhand smoke and prevents accidents. These rules were created to make the air cleaner and streets cleaner and more pleasant for everyone to enjoy
9. Damaging currency
-Treat the money with respect, as you would the currency in your own home country. Defacing or damaging Japanese yen is seen as a sign of deep disrespect for a symbol of the nation. The law reflects the appreciation for the culture and everything they represent
10. The Unspoken Rule about Not Tipping
-While not a formal rule, there is an unspoken rule that states you don't tip in Japan. Excellent service is provided and considered the typical standard for Japan. As such, staff are often paid good wages to reflect that. Trying to leave a tip will result in confusion and a polite refusal. It will imply that you think the worker is underpaid or that their employer is not paying them enough. The best way you can show gratitude is to say "arigato gozaimasu" to that worker. Pronounced "arigato gozaimas" (the su is silent, as with all Japanese words that end in su), it will translate into "Thank you very much" and it will show the worker you appreciate their excellent service
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