We continue our countdown to Celebration Japan with our weekly series focusing on the different planning aspects of such a big trip.
Today we look at some of the basic principles of etiquette and manners for tourists visiting Japan.
It’s frowned upon to eat on the street
It can be a minefield watching all the YouTube vlogs and articles about what you can and can’t do in Japan, however, this one keeps cropping up the most. The simple reason for all of these things on the list is that its considered simple manners. How many times have we walked down the street to see a load of chips on the floor or chocolate wrappers discarded? Japan has designated areas where you can eat, even at the famous 7Elevens. So to clarify, its frowned upon but not illegal.
Don’t approach a Geisha for a selfie or picture
We touched on these elegant ladies last week but to approach a Geisha on the street and ask her for a selfie would be rude as she is not considered a tourist attraction or a celebrity. They are regarded as highly sophisticated beings who are trained in the fine arts to the highest degree of professionalism and to ask one for a picture would be highly inappropriate.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases
This one is considered polite wherever you may be in the world and is something I’ve always tried to do. As a general rule I’ve always tried to learn, in the native tongue of the foreign land I may be in; “Hello” – “Good Morning” – “How are you?” and “Thank You.” Even if I don’t get it spot on, which is all the time, the locals can see that you’re trying, and it opens the door for a bit of friendly banter too. In Japan, it’s considered very polite to try and know a few basics.
Don’t leave a tip!
This one again has been popping up during my research and it comes up a lot. In America, it’s expected that you leave a tip. In the UK, it can get a little muddled and people have different opinions but in Japan, DO NOT LEAVE A TIP. It’s as simple as that. It’s considered rude. The Japanese pride themselves on providing excellent service and don’t need a few extra coins to be told this. They know they’re doing it. Also, if you receive some change from a transaction – DON’T COUNT IT in front of them. This is also highly rude. The change will be correct.
Keep the volume down on the trains
Many a time I’ve been on the train in the UK and I’ve heard the girl on the other side screaming about her boyfriend troubles or even the lad behind me telling his mates on loud speaker how many cans he’s brought to get mashed up over the weekend. We don’t care and we don’t want to hear it. No problem in Japan, however, as it’s hush hush. No loud music and don’t accept calls on the train. Its considered impolite to those who may have worked a long day in the office and need some rest before or after work. Now, this is music to my ears.
Do wait at the street crossings
Here in the UK we just run blindly run it. Gap in the traffic? Leg it. Not so much in America and certainly not in Japan. It’s considered a crime, so do practice your patience and wait with everyone else.
Keep your litter/trash with you
Japan prides itself on cleanliness. For this reason, its considered proper to keep your litter with you and dispose of it in bins near shops or toilets or even back at your hotel. Now, don’t forget, its not considered wise to eat on the street so technically there shouldn’t be much rubbish to carry with you but it’s best to keep a disposable bag in your backpack just in case. Also, FYI, there aren’t many bins on the streets in Japan.
Do be respectful of places of worship/importance
This goes for anyone in any culture really and in Japan it’s no different. Last year my girlfriend and I went to Poland and took the haunting trip to Auschwitz. We, along with everyone else in our tour group that day, were mortified to see some young people taking selfies near the gas chambers as if it were some waterpark by the beach. It’s common sense and I’m sure as Star Wars we don’t need to know that. In Japan, just be mindful of taking phone calls in a Buddhist Shrine and bring a spare pair of socks as you may be asked to remove your shoes in some areas.
The Japanese Bow
With this one, it’s probably better to follow what the locals do. As a rule of thumb, the deeper and more prolonged the bow, the higher status the person will be. See how the locals bow to you, and it will more than like be a slight nod of the head in a formal fashion and you can do the same. This isn’t a country of handshakes.
Napping in public
See someone asleep on the train or bus in the UK and you’re more than likely to think they need a proper night’s sleep or that they look a mess doing that in a public place. Don’t they have a bed?! Not the case in Japan. Its very common and a sign that the person has done a hard day’s work for fifteen hours and so is catching a brief rest before more work on the evening. If you need a nap yourself on the train, be sure to keep to your own space and don’t let any bags encroach on anyone else. You won’t be disturbed so be sure to set a very, very quiet alarm on the phone. Stick to vibrate if you’re a light sleeper and you’ll be good as new.
Just us next week as we look at Japanese the ultimate Celebration Checklist.