Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Their culture is unique and unlike any other. Prior to going there, there are some unspoken rules you need to be aware of. According to MSN.com writer Eul Basa, here are some unspoken rules to be aware of
Respect
-Japan prides itself on humility, proper manners and respect. The top rule here is to be respectful and kind. When you show respect for the local customs, that puts you in the good graces of the locals and shows you take their culture seriously. It will make you look good and show you respect the local laws and customs
Take off your shoes prior to entering a building
-When entering a temple or shrine or visiting a house, hotel or other building, remove your shoes. Slippers to wear inside are provided
Bow to show respect
-In Japan, you bow to show respect. The deeper you bow, the higher amount of respect you show. A small bow of the head indicates a greeting or showing of gratitude
Offer / Receive with two hands
-It might sound strange, but if you offer and receive something with both hands, it's considered respectful. It shows you are being considerate of the person and also showing concern for the person that you're speaking with
No tipping at restaurants
-This is definitely a no no. You do not tip at restaurants. It's not customary and it could even be considered rude. The reason tipping is not customary is because customer service in Japan is of the highest quality and and it's simply an every day thing to be expected
Respect the lines
-In Japan, it's considered good manners to wait your turn in line, whether it be for a taxi, to board a train or elsewhere. It's bad manners to jump ahead of someone. Respecting the lines reduces chaos and ensures that things run smooth as ever
Be quiet on public transport
-The reason that you must be quiet on public transport is because there is an unspoken rule about serenity and harmony. Some people choose to sleep on the train or bus. Speak quietly to someone. Do not shout or make loud noise. These are looked down on as bad manners
No pointing with your fingers
-It's considered impolite to point with your fingers. If you need to gesture to something or someone, use your whole hand
Don't blow your nose in public
-This might not seem like a big deal elsewhere, but in Japan, it's frowned upon to blow your nose in public. It's considered rude. If you do need to blow your nose, excuse yourself and find a nearby bathroom to do so
Wear the designated slippers when visiting the bathroom
-It might sound strange or even gross to wear slippers to the bathroom, but fear not. In Japan, cleanliness is top notch. When visiting the bathroom, you must wear a specific type of slipper. It all comes down to the high level of hygiene and cleanliness
Don't walk and eat
-If you must eat, do so at a table with chairs or seating. Do not walk and eat. This is considered poor manners. This helps also keep the streets clean
Respect personal space
-Most people are respectful of personal space. Some aren't. You must respect a person's personal space in Japan. The culture places high value on personal space
Using chopsticks
-Japan is a nation that uses chopsticks to eat. When using chopsticks, NEVER insert them vertically into food. This seems rude and impolite. Not only that, but it looks like something done at funerals. Also, do not use your chopsticks to hand food to others; they will get their own food
Slurp your noodles loudly
-In most countries, this would be considered impolite or poor manners. In Japan, it's commonplace and even acceptable to slurp your noodles loudly.. This, strangely, shows the owner of the restaurant you are really enjoying their food
Always carry cash with you in addition to cards
-Not all businesses in Japan do cashless payment. Some are still old school enough to do cash only. That's when you want to ensure you have both. To make sure you are able to successfully pay
Sort out trash
-This is a part of the recycling process. You sort out your trash based on what it is. Japan is known for being an incredibly clean country. Here, you sort out your trash because there are so few public bins. Put the correct trash into the correct bin to keep in tune with the strict waste regulation
Etiquette on escalator
-This is something most have never heard of. Japan is a country that prides itself on etiquette for everything. Including escalators. When using one, it's customary to stand on the left side in Tokyo while in Osaka, you stand on the right. This allows those in a hurry to get by
Visiting an onsen (hot spring) or public bath
-When you visit an onsen (hot spring) or public bathhouse, you must clean yourself thoroughly prior to entry. It's in relation to the high level of hygiene and cleanliness in Japan.
-WARNING: If you have tattoos, there's a pretty good chance you may be restricted from entering unless you cover them up. In Japan, tattoos have a strong cultural connection with the Yakuza, or Japanese Mafia. These underworld figures are known for heavy body tattooing, which they often cover up. If you have tattoos, cover them up. Ask the owner of the public bathhouse or onsen what the policy is on tattoos and what you can do to cover them up. This will show that you respect their wishes and also put you in their good graces. Covering your tattoos also reduces the risk of offending the locals who frequent these places, as they may be uncomfortable seeing tattoos because of the cultural connection to the Yakuza
Dress modestly
-Japan is a conservative country. Dressing modestly is what everyone does. Wear conservative clothing when visiting shrines or temples or rural areas. This will show respect for the customs and local culture
No tattoos at the gym
-This goes back to the cultural connection between tattoos and the Yakuza. If you plan on going to a gym and you have tattoos, cover them up. Covering them up is considered a sign of respect
No PDA
-Public displays of affection, such as hugging or kissing, can make others feel uncomfortable and is frowned upon in Japan. Refrain from doing this
Follow the proper rules when visiting shrines / temples
-The thing to keep in mind is that shrines and temples are holy places, just like churches, mosques or synagogues. Dress respectfully. Just as you would dress when attending services at church, a mosque or synagogue, do that there. People come to shrines and temples to pay their respects to lost loved ones. If you plan to partake in the purification and rituals here, follow the proper etiquette, which includes bowing, clapping, offering coins and burning incense
Punctuality is important
-Japan considers tardiness to be of the utmost disrespect. Being on time shows your consideration for other people's time. Guarantee that you get to your destination on time
Etiquette at the dinner table
-First and foremost, speak softly. Loud speaking is considered poor manners. Dinners are meant to enjoy the company of others. Getting loud and rowdy puts a dent in that
Never open a gift in front of the giver
-It might sound strange, but in Japan it's customary to open a gift in private. Never open a gift in front of the giver. If you do this, it might cause anxiety over your reaction to what that person has gifted you. Wait until you are away from that person to open it. Then do something to show your appreciation, such as a little card expressing gratitude or something else
Prior to taking photos, always ask permission
-It might sound strange, but in Japan, it's always good to ask for permission prior to taking photos, especially in sacred places. Asking for permission prior to snapping that picture shows that you respect the privacy of that place
Respect for the elderly is a must
-Japan is a nation that places high value on respecting the elderly. You can show your respect to the elderly by offering them your seat on public transportation. This is deeply ingrained into traditional Japanese values
Don't haggle
-Haggling the price down to something specific might work in some countries, but in Japan it doesn't work. Prices are at set rates at Japanese markets. Bargaining is not common, so don't bother trying to haggle the price down on an item you would like to buy
Don't block the way
-There is a flow and rhythm to the way people move in Japan. Move in the right directions and avoid just standing in one spot. You might block someone who is on their way somewhere
Keep your phone on silent
-It might be tempting to keep your phone on vibrate or have the ringtone turned up to hear it, should you risk missing an important call. But in Japan, it's customary to keep phones on silent, especially on public transportation to maintain a peaceful environment
No comments:
Post a Comment