Discovering Japan: 15 Things to Avoid While Traveling

Disposing of trash in Japan can lead to complications or even fines. Tossing candy wrappers on the streets might earn you disapproving stares. Japan boasts eye-catching and easily accessible bins with unique designs scattered throughout the city.

When invited to dine in Japan, refrain from playing with chopsticks as it signifies a lack of respect for the host or those inviting you to eat.

Additionally, avoid using a single chopstick to pick at food or using chopsticks like drumsticks.

In contrast to Vietnam, casually sipping a coffee or munching on a snack while walking is not advisable in Japan. Doing so might earn you disapproving looks or even criticism. Additionally, avoid eating on the subway.

When entering a Japanese company or home, you'll notice a shoe rack at the entrance. This implies that you should leave your shoes outside before stepping into the premises. It's also customary to remove your shoes when entering shrines or temples in Japan. When visiting someone's home, say: 'O-jama shimasu' ('I apologize for the intrusion') and bring a small gift called omiyage for the host. However, avoid gifting items with the numbers 4 and 9, sharp objects, or footwear to your superiors.

While for many, hugging signifies warmth and affection, the Japanese, on the other hand, feel uncomfortable with hugs. It's best to opt for a polite bow or a handshake.

When dining at a restaurant or taking a taxi in Japan, if you attempt to offer a tip, rest assured it will be politely declined. In contrast to the meaning of tipping in some countries as a gesture of satisfaction with the service, in Japan, giving a tip signifies dissatisfaction and implies a wish for improvement in the future.

Queuing has become a cultural beauty in Japan. Whether it's at a store or a subway station, even during peak hours, Japanese people maintain a disciplined approach to queuing.

When someone invites you to dinner, you might consider bringing some money to 'go Dutch' with your companion. However, with the Japanese, if they invite you to dinner, it's best not to insist on paying as it can be perceived as impolite and disrespectful to the host.

Japanese people strictly follow a rule of walking on the left side, even in crowded places. In fact, when using escalators in Japan, individuals stand on the right, leaving the left side free for those in a hurry.

In Japan, it's advised not to sit with crossed legs, although it may be a common gesture in some countries. Instead, sitting in the traditional 'seiza' style (kneeling on the floor) is a customary way of sitting in Japan.

Hot springs in Japan are known as onsen. If you wish to experience bathing in an onsen, it's recommended to cleanse your body before immersing yourself in the hot spring. This ensures you won't dirty the water or make other bathers uncomfortable.

Pointing at someone is quite common in many countries, but in Japan, it's considered rude, even when using chopsticks or your feet.

If someone calls you while you're on the subway, it's best to decline the call. Answering the phone on the train can be seen as impolite and disruptive to other passengers, especially if you speak too loudly.

Similar to burping after a meal in India, the Japanese appreciate the sound of slurping noodles – a sign that you enjoy the dish. In fact, if you don't slurp loudly enough, they might think you don't actually like the noodles. This is partly because soups and noodles in Japan are often served hot, and slurping helps cool down the dish.

In Japan, most people prefer shopping at supermarkets, where haggling is never a practice. Prices are clearly displayed on the products, and you simply choose and pay. That's it. In Japan, the concept of fixed pricing is highly respected. Trying to negotiate or bargain is considered impolite since most stores in Japanese supermarkets clearly indicate prices, and there's no room for negotiation.