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Japan is a unique and fascinating country, known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. If you're planning a...

Etiquette 101: The Dos and Don'ts of Traveling to Japan

Japan is a unique and fascinating country, known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. If you're planning a trip to Japan, it's important to know the dos and don'ts of Japanese culture to ensure that you have a respectful and enjoyable experience. In this blog post, I'll provide personalized recommendations for dos and don'ts in Japan.



Do: Try Local Cuisine


Japanese cuisine is world-renowned for its freshness, quality, and unique flavors. From sushi and ramen to tempura and okonomiyaki, Japan has a wide variety of delicious dishes to try. When visiting Japan, make sure to try the local cuisine and explore the different food markets and restaurants.


Don't: Wear Shoes Inside


In Japanese culture, it's considered impolite to wear shoes inside the home or many public places, such as temples and traditional Japanese inns (ryokan). Make sure to remove your shoes before entering these places and store them in the designated shoe racks.


Do: Learn Basic Japanese Phrases


While many Japanese people speak English, learning basic Japanese phrases can be helpful and show respect for the local culture. Phrases such as "hello" (konnichiwa), "thank you" (arigatou gozaimasu), and "excuse me" (sumimasen) are commonly used and can make a positive impression on the locals.


Don't: Tip in Restaurants


In Japan, tipping is not a common practice and can even be considered rude. Instead, the price of the meal includes the service charge. When paying for a meal, simply thank the server and pay the amount shown on the bill.


Do: Respect Japanese Customs and Traditions


Japan has a rich history and many unique customs and traditions, such as bowing, gift-giving, and tea ceremonies. When visiting Japan, it's important to respect these customs and traditions and learn about them to better understand and appreciate Japanese culture.


Don't: Be Loud in Public Places


Talking too loudly inside trains, buses, or other forms of public transportation can be seen as rude and disrespectful in Japan. This is because the Japanese value quiet and peaceful environments, especially in public spaces. It's important to keep your voice down and avoid making excessive noise when riding public transportation in Japan. Additionally, it's a good idea to turn your phone on silent mode and avoid talking on the phone while on public transportation, especially in quiet zones. This helps to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.


Do: Practice Good Table Manners


Japanese table manners are a unique and important part of Japanese culture. When dining in Japan, make sure to use chopsticks properly, avoid speaking with food in your mouth, and wait until everyone has been served before starting to eat.


Don't: Use Your Phone in Quiet Spaces


In Japan, quiet spaces such as trains and libraries are meant to be peaceful and relaxing. Using your phone in these spaces can be seen as disrespectful to others. Make sure to keep your phone on silent and avoid talking loudly on the phone in public places.


Do: Always follow the traffic lights and  pedestrian signals


It's important to wait for the traffic light to turn green before crossing the street, even if there are no cars in sight. This is because jaywalking is not only dangerous, but it's also illegal in Japan. It's important to follow traffic rules and signals to ensure everyone's safety and to avoid any potential fines. Additionally, it's worth noting that in Japan, pedestrians are expected to walk on the left side of the sidewalk or pathway. This allows for smoother movement and avoids collisions with oncoming pedestrians.


Don't: Eating while walking


Eating while walking is generally not considered polite in Japan. In crowded areas such as train stations or busy streets, it can be seen as inconsiderate and disrespectful to others. However, it's worth noting that there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when eating at a food festival or while hiking. In these cases, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and dispose of any trash properly.


Where to stay in Osaka? Check Room Rates HERE

Where to go in Osaka? Check Tour Rates HERE. 


Japan is a wonderful country to visit with a rich culture and unique customs. By following the dos and don'ts of Japanese culture, you can have a respectful and enjoyable experience. From trying local cuisine to respecting Japanese customs and traditions, there are many ways to show respect for Japanese culture and have a memorable trip.


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