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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Switzerland, or learn more about car rental worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com
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