Learn Basic Japanese Customs Before Your Trip to Japan
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.
Bowing is one of the most practiced Japanese customs, as well as one of the most important. Therefore, try to bow when you are introduced to a Japanese. You do not always need to bow from the waist. A short bow angled at about fifteen degrees should suffice, although keep in mind that bows are usually longer and lower when you are apologizing or in front of someone superior.
Greeting one another is also encouraged, so remember to always say good morning (ohayo gozaimasu), good day (konnichiwa), good evening (konbanwa) or good night (oyasuminasai) during your trip to Japan. Don’t forget to say thank you (arigato gozaimasu), as well or say goodbye (sayounara or jyaa ne) before leaving. When addressing someone, always use their last name, and then add the suffix -san or -sama, since only very close friends or family members call each other by their first name.
In case you get invited to a Japanese home, remember to remove your shoes at the entrance and place them in an orderly manner on the rack or beside the others. The same is true with most business establishments and hotels in Japan. If there is a pair of indoor slippers at the entrance, put them on but take them off before stepping onto a tatami mat, the traditional Japanese straw mat.
Do you know how to use chopsticks? If not, you better learn before making your trip to Japan, not just so you can enjoy Japanese food better but so you can avoid being stared at when you are in a Japanese restaurant. Just buy your own set, which shouldn’t be hard to find, learn the right method and keep on practicing. While you’re at it, make sure you keep in mind not to leave your chopsticks sticking out of a rice bowl, as well, since this is considered extremely rude.
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.
On the other hand, tipping is not acceptable and is even considered insulting so just pay the price without leaving any extra. This doesn’t just apply to restaurants, but also to hotels, cabs and most business establishments and services. When paying, put your cash on the tray provided instead of handing it over to the waitress or the cashier.
Japanese customs apply to bathing, too. When bathing, the Japanese usually use the same tub with the same water, bathing in order from the oldest to the youngest. Technically, they do not use the water to bathe, though. Rather, they wash and rinse beside the tub then just soak in it afterwards. The same is true with public baths like onsens or thermal springs. Therefore, if you happen to relax in an onsen during your trip to Japan, make sure you wash and rinse first, then be careful not to dirty the water in any way.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including many European countries by car. To book a car rental Isle of Man, or learn more about car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com
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