Japan is a strongly historical country, rich in culture, history and more. They have traditions and customs they have upheld for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Tourists to this country should be aware of any social cues they need to follow to avoid sticking out or offending the locals. According to MSN.com writer Orgesta Tolaj, here are 15 things to avoid doing in Japan.
Here are some thing you must take into consideration
Consideration on the Streets
-Good manners and consideration for others is highly prized in Japan. This includes behavior.
Consideration in restaurants
-In Japan, restaurants will show plastic or wax models of the food they serve. They also provide menus to entice or inform patrons of the cuisine they offer. These can be helpful to those who may not speak Japanese or those who do speak it, but are not up to conversational standards
Consideration for Shrines and Temples
-Shrines and temples are very common in Japan. It's a very religious country, with respect for the dead being top priority. When visiting a shrine or temple, behave properly and respectfully. Show respect by making a short prayer and putting a coin into the offering box. Some temples burn incense. Purchase some incense, light it and wave it out before putting it in the burner. Do a short prayer right after
1. Don't tip
-Leaving tips is not customary. Service workers take pride in their work, and often tips are included in their pay. Saying thank you is sufficient. If you want to offer a tip, use an envelope or designated tray. Also, counting money in front of the seller or service worker is considered impolite
2. Do not eat or drink in public spaces
-This is considered a no-no in Japan. It's considered poor manners. When eating and drinking in Japan, do it in the designated spots, like tables in restaurants. It's all down to cleanliness and being a responsible person for disposing of trash responsibly
3. Don't honk your horn
-Japan is a most humble country. They pride themselves on being patient, with good manners and good humility. Patience and polite manners even extend to traffic. Which is why you will never hear someone honking their horn. This is part of maintaining harmony and serenity in every day life
4. Don't point fingers
-Pointing fingers can be seen as impolite. When asking for directions, make sure not to point fingers. Use your whole hand for verbal communication. Tourists can also get a kick out of vending machines selling all sorts of items, from fresh vegetables to electronics
5. Hide the tattoos
-While tattoos are common elsewhere, Japan is a conservative country where tattoos are not always seen on display. And those in Japan who do have tattoos hide them. Tourists with tattoos may face restrictions on certain places, like pools and spas. But they can also receive admiration from locals when displayed. The reason for the restrictions in some places is strongly due to the cultural connection between tattoos and the Yakuza, better known as the Japanese Mafia. They are known for heavy body tattooing
6. Leave dropped items where they are
-There is a strong emphasis on respecting lost items in Japan. While tourists might have good intentions on preventing someone from stealing a lost item, it's just better to leave them where they are. Instead, slightly alter your good intentions. Instead of picking up the item, simply move it to a more visible area, making it easier for the owner to find. Valuable items can also be taken to the nearest police station
7. Don't talk loudly on public transportation
-Nothing screams tourist more than talking loudly. Most public transportation in Japan is quiet, like a library. Passengers will speak in soft voices. This is in respect to the commuters who may fall asleep. Keep the volume down to ensure maximum comfort for all who ride
8. Don't just carry credit cards. Carry cash too
-Not all businesses in Japan take credit card. Some take cash only. Some do a combination. It's good to carry both cash and a credit card to make sure you are able to pay. Check far in advance to make sure you know if cashless payment is an option
9. No shoes inside
-In Japan, it's customary to remove shoes prior to entering a home or business. There is a special area called genkan, where shoes are removed to keep cleanliness high. Some restaurants and medical facilities also have this designated area. Look for a step-up or a specific flooring area as a signal to remove shoes. Neatly place your shoes to the side facing the door. This is considered a sign of good Japanese manners
10. Don't jaywalk
-For those unfamiliar with this term, jaywalking refers to the action of crossing a street not using a designated crosswalk. In other words, crossing the street anywhere but the crosswalk. In Japan, because the streets are so busy, jaywalking is considered illegal and unsafe. This can result in a visit from the local police. It's important to use the designated crosswalks. Obeying traffic laws helps maintain order and show respect for the law in Japanese society
11. Don't insert chopsticks vertically into rice bowls
-If you know anything about Buddhist funeral rituals, it's usually known that incense is inserted vertically into bowls while burning. It's considered a respectful rite at funerals. Sticking your chopsticks into rice bowls vertically, however, is considered bad manners. Also, when serving rice, avoid piling it like a mountain. This makes it resemble a grave. For chopsticks, simply lay them at the side of your bowl. This would be considered the proper way to handle chopsticks
12. No smoking on the streets
-Smoking is prohibited on the streets of Japan. There are designated areas to light up in urban areas. Drinking in public, however, is allowed. Laws have relaxed in years past concerning public alcohol consumption in parks and public places. It's not uncommon to enjoy a cold drink while watching the cherry blossoms
13. Shower BEFORE entering the onsen
-Prior to your entering the onsen, or "hot spring", you must shower and clean yourself thoroughly. You must use the designated areas to clean yourself. The shower facilities at onsen are state of the art, with high quality soap, shampoo and conditioner. The quality of the products often relates to the quality of the onsen.
-Warning: If you have tattoos, there's a pretty high chance that you may be restricted from entering. In Japan, tattoos have a strong cultural connection to the Yakuza, or Japanese Mafia. These organized crime figures, in particular, are known for all over body tattooing, which they cover up with high-buttoned shirts. Contact the onsen prior to your visit to see what they have in terms of policies for tattoos. They may ask you to simply cover them up with something. This is to avoid offending the locals. And, most likely, if you tell them that you have tattoos and that you wish to respect their wishes by covering them up, that will show you genuinely respect their culture and also put you in their good graces
14. Do not pluck flowers
-Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. They have a stunning array of wildlife, flowers and more. Their parks are something out of a National Geographic book or magazine because they are so beautiful. Instead of plucking flowers in parks, capture their beauty by taking photos. If you do want flowers, most flower shops do offer varieties of options, including Sakura
15. Always be aware of train times
-Trains in Japan do not run into the late night hours, even in the urban areas. Prior to planning a late night out, make sure you have a plan of how to get to your hotel, whether it be cab, train or your own two feet. Check the last train schedule on Google Maps to keep yourself from being stranded. And some cabs will charge exorbitant fees for late night runs
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