First Time in Japan? Learn These 12 Things Before You Land
According to Statista, in 2024, Japan welcomed an impressive 36.87 million visitors, making it a bustling destination. People who plan their first journey to Japan’s mesmerizing nation must organize their trip beyond simple bag packing.
Japan offers visitors an exclusive travel opportunity by harmoniously combining modern inventions and traditional historical practices. Serenity combined with high-tech speed results in a profound merging of old and new, which produces captivating effects on travelers.
Proper guidance is essential to effectively managing the blend of traditional Japan with its contemporary aspects. Your goal is to avoid cultural mistakes while experiencing the complete Japanese lifestyle. Here are 12 essential tips to help you make the most of your journey before you even set foot on Japanese soil.
You Don’t Tip in Japan
Expressing gratitude to your sushi server requires keeping your wallet tucked away. Japanese culture does not follow tipping customs, and this habit seems impolite to most Japanese people.
Service staff members show pride through their work, as excellent service remains a natural part of Japanese cultural norms. Instead of tipping, a genuine “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) is all you need. Oddly refreshing.
Pro Tip: Keep an extra pouch for yen coins. Cash on hand saves time at checkout, as small shops, vending machines, and eateries accept only physical money rather than cards.
Bowing is Everything
Bowing is the main respectful gesture used in Japanese culture in every situation. Men and women perform a bow to express appreciation and greetings, and say sorry or acknowledgment.
The deeper the bow, the greater the respect, states the National Geographic report. First-time attempts at bowing do not need to be flawless because Japanese people acknowledge sincere efforts.
Interesting fact: Japanese students are taught about proper bowing techniques in their school education system, and each situation has a correct bowing angle.
Train Etiquette is Sacred
Japanese trains involve more than arriving at the platform because these systems operate as flawless efficiency machines while promoting specific behaviors among their users.
Silence is golden here. Both phones should remain silent, and loud conversations should be avoided. The only safe time to consume food or beverages while riding the train is when you are a passenger on the Shinkansen bullet train.
Insider Tip: Looking lost? Don’t fret. You can receive platform assistance from most train station staff when you politely inquire about their help.
Public Trash Cans are Rare
Java people face a similar challenge, as the search for public trash containers functions like the quest for foxes in Tokyo’s parks. The takeaway? You need to carry a portable plastic bag for rubbish until you locate a waste bin most commonly found near convenience stores or train stations.
This approach produces minimal waste because it drives residents to manage their recycling carefully when they return home.
Convenience Stores are Life-Savers
The country has many 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson convenience store locations, providing essential support to people. The establishment offers freshly prepared onigiri rice balls, bento boxes, ATM services, and travel necessities.
Need a quick meal? These stores provide better options than traditional fast-food establishments, so you should opt for them instead. You’ll thank me later.
Don’t Miss Out: Try the Japanese egg salad sandwich. Japanese locals and international travelers alike consider it a favorite.
Slippers are Everywhere
Shoes off, slippers on! Japanese people adopt the practice of changing into slippers when they access homes, traditional ryokan inns, and temples. Special toilet slippers are available at some locations, yet you should be mindful of separating them from other individuals’ footwear.
When you notice a step or slippers placed near an entrance, it indicates the need to remove your shoes. Visitors should bring hole-free socks since slippers are common in Japanese interiors. You are bound to display these items frequently..
Japan’s Toilets are High-Tech Wonders
Toilets in Japan have more operating buttons than your entire television control device. Every Japanese toilet has amenities like heated seating, water bidets, and sound effects that create artificial flushing noises. The bathroom tools come fitted with symbols that show the way through these features.
Important Reminder: Always use the available toilet slippers and dispose of waste in the toilet instead of the trash receptacles.
Punctuality is a Big Deal
Domestic Japanese trains function so accurately that automated systems produce apologies when they run behind schedule, even by sixty seconds.
As stated by the Japan National Tourism Organization, public transportation in Japan is strictly punctual. Punctuality is also present throughout all public meetings, events, and appointments, and arriving five minutes before the actual time is a sign of respect and etiquette.
Cultural Fact: When Japanese trains experience delays, they issue “delay certificates” for passengers to show their employers.
Eating in Public is a Gray Area
You should treat eating in public areas as a situation without clear rules. Japanese people avoid public food consumption, so visitors should stick to the vendor or delay eating until they have a proper seating area.
Such behavior reduces disorder and protects other individuals from unwanted interruptions.
Be Like a Local: The most suitable place to eat your convenience store bento is a park bench or a hotel room.
Respect Sacred Spaces
Visiting shrines and temples? Fantastic! To respect current orthodox rules, follow national traditions without exception. The proper entry procedure includes removing footwear, performing a slight bow, and using purification water to clean your hands and mouth before walking inside.
Visitors must avoid taking pictures in certain temples and shrines since these spaces prohibit photography. Consequently, scan for signage and appreciate every moment without picture distractions.
Vending Machines are Everywhere
Vending machines dominate the Japanese market, with an impressive 5 million. The country offers canned coffee and hot ramen broths dispensed from automated machines, providing a unique cultural experience.
Quick Note: Have some Yen coins for use in machines that exclusively work with cash, since many vending facilities do not support card payments.
Embrace the Public Bath Culture
Japanese people frequently take hot spring baths, and you should join the tradition. Deutsche Welle reports that there are 27,000 natural hot springs available in Japan. Visit a public bath or ‘sento’ with separate entrances for men and women, where nudity is required as per tradition.
The facilities at these public baths include hot baths and saunas, which provide an excellent opportunity to relax. Always clean yourself before entering the baths, since it follows proper public bath etiquette.
Tip: You should plan to conceal tattoos and body art before utilizing public baths, since tattoos remain taboo in Japan because of their connection to criminal organizations.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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