Many know Japan as a country with an excellent cuisine and advanced technology. More importantly, though, it is a country with a rich culture and deeply rooted unique traditions. Before you go on a trip to Japan, then, it’s best to learn about Japanese culture, starting with knowing the top Japanese customs.
Bowing is one of the most practiced Japanese customs, as well as one of the most important. Therefore, try to bow when you are introduced to a Japanese. You do not always need to bow from the waist. A short bow angled at about fifteen degrees should suffice, although keep in mind that bows are usually longer and lower when you are apologizing or in front of someone superior.
Another way of showing respect in Japan is by greeting other people, especially when they greet you. Common Japanese greetings include good morning (ohayo gozaimasu), good day (konnichiwa), good evening (konbanwa) or good night (oyasuminasai), as well as thank you (arigato gozaimasu) and goodbye (sayounara or jyaa ne). If you are talking to someone, make sure you address him or her by the last name, along with the suffix -san or -sama.
Another of the most popular Japanese customs is removing your shoes at the entrance of a house, as well as most Japanese business establishments and hotels. This custom is practiced in many countries but is particularly important in Japan. Usually, a rack is provided where you can put your shoes. If there is none, simply place your shoes beside the others in an orderly fashion with the toe facing the door, making them easier to put on before you leave.
If you don’t know how to use chopsticks yet, this is something you must learn before your trip to Japan, not only since some Japanese restaurants do not provide spoons and forks even upon request, but more importantly because it is the best way to enjoy Japanese food. In fact, it is how Japanese food was meant to be enjoyed. Learning how to pick up food and put them in your mouth using chopsticks is not enough, though. You also have to know that you should never stick your chopsticks into your bowl of rice, rub them together unnecessarily or use them to pass food to someone else.
After mastering the use of chopsticks, you can now move on to table manners, which are also important Japanese customs. If you are offered an oshibori or wet towel before eating, use this to wipe your hands only, not your mouth, face or neck, then set it aside. Make sure you say ‘itadakimasu’, as well, which is the Japanese equivalent of ‘Bon appetit’. Make sure you clear your plate and don’t be afraid to slurp while eating your noodles since this is acceptable in Japanese culture.
If you are eating in a Japanese restaurant, place your payment on the small tray provided once you are done. Never hand the payment directly to the waitress or cashier. The same is true in most stores. Also, you’ll be happy to know that tipping is not one of the Japanese customs so you can just pay whatever price is indicated without feeling guilty or worrying about being stared at. On the contrary, people will stare at you when you leave a tip since this is viewed as an insult.
Aside from getting your fill of Japanese cuisine, it’s also a great idea to go to an onsen or a hot spring during your trip to Japan so you can relax and refresh your mind and body. There are Japanese customs to observe when bathing, too. For one, keep in mind that onsens and public baths are technically not for bathing, but for soaking, so wash and rinse before getting into the water. Also, take care not to dirty the water in any way. Although you may still receive stares because you are a foreigner, at least, they will be stares of curiosity or even awe, rather than rude ones.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including many European countries by car. To book a car hire Croatia, or learn more about car hire deals worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com
