Japan has been a top destination in recent years and is a dream come true for many travelers. Its impressive modernity, its fascinating thousand-year-old culture and its natural beauties such as Mount Fuji are among the strong points of this destination. But what people also come to Japan for is a change of scenery! In many aspects, Japanese culture is governed by customs and rules of social life that are clearly different from Western habits. To avoid any awkwardness, Petit Futé has selected 10 things to know about Japan before leaving!
Are you planning to go to Japan? Discover the 15 must-sees!
Tipping can be very offensive
In Japan, it would be very frowned upon to tip the waiter! This custom does not exist and a Japanese person might feel very offended if you want to offer him some coins. Indeed, many consider that they have to give their best at work, so a perfect service must always be kept without having to be rewarded. In most cases, your tip will be returned.
Onsen, a cultural experience
Onsen are very popular with Japanese people who frequently come to immerse themselves in them. These thermal baths whose water comes from the numerous volcanic springs of the archipelago are one of the best places in the country to relax. They are even said to have therapeutic properties. It would be a shame not to enjoy this pleasure during a trip to Japan! Men and women splash around in separate baths, and one bathes rigorously naked, know that!
No smoking in the street
If you are a smoker, think about informing yourself about the rules to respect in Japan. Indeed, it is very badly seen, even forbidden, to smoke in the street. Areas marked with ashtrays are specially reserved for smokers, on the sidewalks or in shopping malls or bars. And of course, do not throw your cigarette butt on the ground! Please note that the sale of cigarettes is forbidden to people under 20 years old.
We avoid kissing in the street
Even if you are dying to, it would be very frowned upon to kiss your partner on the mouth in a public place in Japan. The marks of affection are indeed part of the intimate sphere, and this lack of modesty would be considered as gross. In general, physical contact should be avoided in public: never address a Japanese person by touching his arm, you could really bother him!
To greet, one bows
In Japan, a simple handshake is not enough to greet your fellow man! To say hello, goodbye, apologize, thank you or introduce yourself, you have to bow. This greeting called o-jigi is part of everyday life, so much so that it is taught to children from a very young age. Women put their hands on their knees, while men keep their arms at their sides. Note: the more you bow, the more respect you show.
Do not stick your chopsticks in the rice bowl!
Planting one's chopsticks in the rice bowl could be very practical, however it is a practice to avoid in Japan. Indeed, in the Buddhist funeral rite this gesture reminds the incense planted in the offerings for the dead. It is also very rude to point at someone with your chopsticks during a conversation, or to pass food from chopstick to chopstick.
Don't look for garbage cans on the streets of Tokyo
Don't look for them, simply because there are none! After the deadly attacks in Tokyo in 1995, the city decided to ban them as a security measure. However, there are garbage chutes in front of most mini-markets where the Japanese are used to eating. Otherwise, you always take a small bag with you to contain your garbage and throw it away later.
Taking off shoes in a private place
Whether it is at a host's house, at home, in a school or in a temple, in Japan, you have to take off your shoes before entering. Usually, a small piece of furniture called getabako is placed at the entrance and sandals are temporarily lent. This habit is hygienic and prevents outside dirt from entering the home. It dates back to the 8th century, when asphalt had not yet covered the streets.
Whispering on public transport
In Japan, respect is a must. It is therefore very badly seen to speak loudly in the subway or to phone, which could disturb the other travelers. Indeed, many workers take advantage of the trip to relax and sometimes finish their night. On the other hand, a phone conversation is considered private, sharing it with everyone would be a sign of rudeness. Beware of talkative people!
If you have a cold, wear a mask!
You can find them in every convenience store: the sanitary mask has become an essential hygiene product in Japan! The population being very dense, the mask is used not to transmit its cold to the others. It is also a very practical tool to protect oneself from pollution or pollen allergies for example. There are all kinds of masks, some of them even contain a cosmetic product to make the skin more beautiful!
