A Guide to Common Japanese Customs
Planning a trip to Japan does not just involve packing your suitcase and booking your flight. It also means learning the basic Japanese customs. After all, Japan is a country with a very rich and interesting culture. Indeed, to enjoy your vacation better, you’ll want to keep these basic customs in mind.
One of the simplest yet most important customs in Japan is to bow when in front of someone or when you are talking to someone. Bows vary depending on the situation and the person in front of you. However, just keep in mind that the more superior the person in front of you is, the deeper and longer the bow should be. Bows also tend to be long and deep when apologizing.
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.
Other ways to show respect at the table include saying ‘itadakimasu’ first before eating. If someone gives you an oshibori or rolled wet towel – a common practice in Japanese restaurants – use this to wipe your hands only then set it aside. Never use it to wash your face and never mistake it for a napkin. Remember to clear your plate, as well. As for eating noodles, slurping is acceptable, and is, in fact, one of the most unique Japanese customs.
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.