Do you want to go on an electronics shopping spree while eating all the sushi you’ve always dreamed of? If so, a trip to Japan is in order. Before you pack your bags, though, make sure you take some time to learn the basic Japanese customs first, so you can fit in and have a more enjoyable trip.
Respect is one of the most important values in Japanese culture, which is instilled in children from a very tender age. One way of showing this is by bowing. There are different types of bows, depending on the person you are talking to and the situation. If you just happen to talk to a Japanese, a short, fifteen-degree angle bow should do. However, make sure to bow longer and deeper when 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.
Removing your shoes upon entering a home or most business establishments is also one of the most popular Japanese customs. After taking them off, place them on the rack provided or beside the others with the toe facing the door. House slippers are usually provided so wear these, but remember to take them off before stepping onto a tatami mat.
Sampling Japanese cuisine is one of the highlights of a trip to Japan and while Japanese food is delicious in itself, it is best enjoyed with chopsticks. Indeed, using chopsticks is one of the things you should learn how to do before your trip. It shouldn’t be that difficult. Just find someone to teach you how then keep on practicing. Once you know how, be polite by not leaving your chopsticks in your rice bowl or clattering them together.
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.
Once you are finished with your meal at a Japanese restaurant, place your payment on the small tray provided and do not leave a tip. The ‘no tipping’ rule also applies to other establishments in Japan since this is widely considered as an insult so just pay the price and use your extra cash to shop for gadgets and other goodies on your trip to Japan.
Even when bathing, there are still Japanese customs to observe. One thing you should know is that the Japanese usually use the same water for bathing, as opposed to most people who drain or replace the water in a tub after their bath. Because of this, onsens or thermal baths and other public baths are popular in Japan. Keep in mind that these baths are used more like pools, though, which means you should wash and rinse before stepping into them.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including many European countries by car. To book a car hire Gibraltar, or learn more about cheap car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com