What Not To Do In Japan

What Not To Do In Japan
Pala
Pala 
Updated
| 4 min read

A country like Japan is known for its unique culture. Hence, it is not unusual for travelers to feel slightly daunted by the social norms and rules, which regulate the country’s interpersonal relations and public life. Foreigners who are visiting Japan are hardly expected to be well-acquainted with the country’s etiquette. However, being familiar with a few basics can go a long way to help you feel comfortable with the local Japanese customs, and avoid offending the local sensibilities. A part of the travel enrichment is to learn about being sensitive to ways of other countries and their cultures. Here are some tips on what not to do in Japan when you are traveling to the country.

1. Wearing your shoes into premises


Travelers from foreign countries should be aware that they should take their shoes off prior to entering a temple, shrine or a house in Japan. If you think carefully, it is a hygienic and reasonable request. After all, Japanese do not like to see their clean tatami mats and floors getting dirty with dirt and dust from the streets outside. A majority of Japanese houses have a genkan, which is a recessed vestibule. You can remove your shoes here and put on the guest slippers that are often offered by your Japanese hosts. However, you should remove these slippers too after entering a room with a tatami mat. Socks are preferred here over footwear.

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2. Eating or drinking while walking


People in Japan do not usually drink or eat on the go. You will find many street stalls and stands in Japan selling fast food and people are eating while standing up. Drinks and beverages are purchased from several vending machines positioned in public places. They are also consumed almost instantly. People in Japan toss these bottles or cans in the recycle bins placed near the vending machines after finishing them off. Likewise, drinking or eating while traveling on the public transport is regarded as bad manners in Japan. However, when you travel on long-distance trains, this is regarded as an exception.

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3. Receiving or giving things with only one hand

Japanese tea ceremony 20100502 Japan Matsuri 18
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Okki used under CC BY-SA 3.0

People in Japan always use both their hands when receiving and giving things, including even small items such as business cards. If you want to pay at a café or a shop after purchasing something, you should put your money on a small tray usually placed next to the store’s cash register rather than giving it directly to a cashier.

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4. Pointing fingers at people


If you are planning to travel to Japan soon, you should make sure not to point at things or people. That is because pointing is regarded as rude by the Japanese. People in Japan like to use one of their hands to wave gently at whatever they desire to indicate rather than using their finger(s) to point at a person or a thing. On the other hand, if a Japanese would like to refer to himself/herself, they use their forefingers for touching their nose rather than pointing at themselves. Japanese also consider it bad manners if you use your chopsticks for pointing at something.

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Ayano Totsuka

Ayano Totsuka

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5. Speaking loudly, loud music and smoking in public places

Older woman smoking in public
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ivan Radic used under CC BY 2.0

Residents of Japan have a habit of using their cell phones quite discreetly. They also tend to keep their discussions over the phone as quiet and brief as possible while in public places. So, avoid talking loudly with your friends or on your mobile phones while you are on public transport. Many Japanese people are fond of using their cell phones to read, watch videos, and listen to music or text while traveling. However, they rarely make any telephone calls while traveling. In case you must use your cell phone in a public place, go to a quiet area where there are only a few people around you. Smoking in public places is also frowned upon in the country.

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6. Give tips in restaurants


Tipping is not a part of the Japanese culture unlike in the United States where it is absolutely mandatory. In fact, many Japanese may consider it an insult when you try to leave a tip behind. Restaurants in Japan typically include the service charges in their bills. You will find even cab drivers in Japan refusing to accept a rounded-off fare. Try leaving a few coins on a table and you will soon see a waiter running after you to hand over your forgotten change.

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7. Blow your nose in public

Blow your nose in public
Source: Pxhere

It is not considered as polite when you blow your nose at a public place in Japan. Rather, you should find a private place like a bathroom when it is an absolute necessity for you to attend to your running nose. In fact, it is very common to see the Japanese people wearing a face mask at a public place, particularly in the winter. That is actually an indication of them having caught a cold. These people do not want to infect others or spread germs.

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8. Public display of affection


Avoid getting close to your girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse while you are at a public place. People in Japan feel uncomfortable when there is a public display of your affection. The same is also applicable when you kiss and hug your acquaintances or new Japanese friends in greeting. Japanese culture does not quite approve such a gesture of familiarity from a near-stranger in the country.

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9. Do not be late


The Japanese society attaches a great deal of importance to punctuality. After all, they have grown up in an extremely time-conscious society. At times, many Japanese people find it extremely tough to accept when most people from other nations show a ‘loose’ attitude pertaining to adherence to time and punctuality. Hence, if you are traveling to the country or want to be a part of the Japanese society, you need to understand and appreciate the importance of punctuality in the country.

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10. Violating the chopstick etiquette rule

ENTRANCE OLDEST TEMPLE TOKYO
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Øyvind Holmstad used under CC BY-SA 4.0

People in Japan will be highly impressed when you are comfortable with handling and using your chopsticks. Make sure not to sick those chopsticks of yours straight up in the bowl as it is considered a taboo. Use a chopstick holder in case you must really put them down. Do not use your chopsticks to pass your food to chopsticks of someone else.

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Enjoy a comfortable holiday in Japan

It is true that a majority of Japanese usually excuse foreign visitors making their faux pas. However, you will definitely feel more at ease if you take out some time and study the country’s culture and know what not to do in Japan while visiting the country.

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Pala Sen is an avid follower of travel and health updates, current affairs and entertainment news from all across the world and writing is a passion for her. She had been previously associated...Read more

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