Essential Rules for Your Journey in Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun is renowned for its friendly yet disciplined people, minimalist lifestyle, and, above all, ancient cultural traditions.

Don't forget these guidelines when traveling in Japan

Respect Public Property

Japanese individuals exhibit high discipline and consciousness. Defacing or damaging public property, especially landmarks and historical sites integral to Japan's development, is considered culturally inappropriate and can result in severe penalties if discovered.

Bowing Etiquette

Embrace the Art of Bowing in Japan

As a traveler in Japan, understanding the intricate rules of bowing is not a prerequisite. Just grasp the basics to convey politeness, and you're good to go.

Gifts and Business Cards

In formal events or business meetings, exchanging business cards is a necessary ritual. Additionally, bring a small souvenir from your home country to present to your counterparts.

Presenting gifts signifies appreciation, especially when staying at someone's home. Choose a small, thoughtful gift that reflects your country. Always use both hands when presenting a gift or exchanging business cards.

Don't Forget to Remove Your Shoes

When visiting someone's home, a temple, a restaurant, or a tourist spot, it's customary to take off your shoes before entering. You'll often find numerous shoe racks placed at the entrance for visitors to store their shoes.

Upon entering, you'll be provided with indoor slippers, especially in places with tatami mat areas in restaurants or homes. Therefore, when traveling in Japan, opt for simple, easy-to-remove shoes, and don't forget to keep your socks clean.

Table Manners

Following the etiquette at Japanese dining tables, express gratitude with words before, during, and after the meal. Before eating, don't forget to say i-ta-da-ki-mas, meaning 'bon appétit.' While eating, let everyone know you enjoy the food by saying oi-shii. Remember to say go-chi-so-sa-ma de-shi-ta at the end of the meal to show your appreciation.

While Japan highly values ceremonies, making sounds while eating soup or noodles is considered normal during meals. It's completely acceptable, so don't be surprised.

No Joking with Chopsticks

Even if you come from a country familiar with using chopsticks in meals, you may still encounter some communication errors at the dining table in Japan. For the Japanese, actions like using chopsticks to scratch an itch, pointing at someone, signaling a server, tapping on the table, or reaching over someone's food are considered unacceptable.

Additionally, avoid crossing your chopsticks, sticking them upright in a rice bowl, or using chopsticks to pass food to someone else because in Japanese culture, these are funeral-related rituals.

If you want to use chopsticks to take food from a shared dish, use the other end of the chopsticks instead of the end you've used for eating.

No need for tip money

Leaving tip money is not obligatory in Japan. If you leave cash on the table, the server may not understand and might chase after you to return it, thinking you forgot it. Money is rarely passed from one person's hand to another. Instead, when paying and receiving change, the seller will place the money on a tray.

Etiquette at Shrines

Temples dedicated to Buddhism and Shinto in Japan often attract numerous tourists. Always remember that the Japanese hold great reverence when it comes to religion, and these are sacred places for prayer in the country's culture. Avoid attempting to enter restricted areas, engage in hushed conversations, and dress appropriately.

Most temples require visitors to perform a cleansing ritual before entering. Use a ladle to scoop water for hand washing, take a small amount for mouth rinsing, and spit it out on the ground. Absolutely refrain from spitting back into the water source.

Mobile Phone Usage

Loud conversations on your mobile phone while using public transportation like trains or buses are considered impolite. If you need to use your phone for texting, turn on silent mode or answer calls with low volume.

Queueing

At train stations, bus stops, or airports, form a neat queue immediately. Avoid pushing, shoving, and pay attention to arrows painted on the ground. When using escalators, stand on the right, leaving the left side free for those in a hurry.

Wear a mask when unwell

Avoid picking your nose, sneezing, or coughing in public. If you're ill, always wear a mask to prevent spreading infection to others.

No eating while walking

In general, eating while walking may not seem like an issue, especially in a bustling country like Japan. However, if you observe closely, you'll notice that the Japanese buy food and put it in their bags to eat later instead of eating while walking. They also drink water immediately after purchasing from vending machines before moving on. Eating and drinking are not allowed on public transportation.

According to Binh Minh/Tuoi Tre

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